Three In A Row..

by Al Yellon on Mar 2, 2008 5:20 PM CST in Chicago Cubs Recaps

... and not the right way; today's 8-6 Cub loss to the Giants was their third loss in a row, in front of a sellout crowd of 12,668 on what looked like another gorgeous, though windy, day in Mesa.

Again, the result of the game is less meaningful than what we found out from individual performances:

Neal Cotts pretty much pitched himself off the team today, I'd think; this will make choosing a second lefty, if Lou wants one, easy (Carmen Pignatiello is just about the only other choice)
Sam Fuld doesn't look nearly as good now as he did last spring. Maybe he's trying too hard
Carlos Marmol looks great. If you were just going off stats and "looks", he'd have the lead for the closer spot. Obviously, that's not the only criterion.
Ted Lilly had a decent, not great, spring debut.
Kosuke Fukudome went 0-for-3. This will happen again, no need to panic. Here's a nice Yahoo column about Fukudome in which he remarks that one of his biggest accomplishments so far is that "now I can drive to the ballpark by myself."
Felix Pie had his best game of the spring, hitting his 2nd HR and drawing a walk.

We're all worried about the broken finger Alfonso Soriano suffered during batting practice today, but until we get some more information, the only thing we can do is take at face value the statement that he'll be out "3-5 days". Seeing that finger taped on TV during the game didn't fill me with confidence, though.

I was out for a while during the game and listening to Pat and Ron, and at one point Santo was talking about driving in runs and said, of he and Billy Williams and Ernie Banks all being in the same lineup together, "We'd ALL drive in 100 runs." Naturally, that got me to looking this up. And exactly how many times did all three of those players drive in 100 runs in the same season? Once. In 1965, in a season when the Cubs went 72-90. During those years, there was one other year -- 1970 -- in which the Cubs had three 100-RBI men (that was a hitters' year; Santo, Williams and Jim Hickman drove in 100 or more).

Interesting what time does to memory. Santo, FWIW, had four 100-RBI seasons in his career (1964, 1965, 1969, 1970); Williams had three (1965, 1970, 1972) and Banks had seven (1955, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1965, 1969).

Onward to tomorrow. Wins don't mean all that much in the spring, as you know -- but I'm guessing Lou's had enough of "looking at stuff" and would like to get a "W".

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Comments

Sam Fuld seems to have the common...

...rookie problem of forgetting what it is that got him this opportunity in the first place. He's trying to oversell himself and play outside of his capabilities, and it shows.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 5:32 PM CST reply actions

Pretty much agree

with this.

Still early yet - but he's been getting the PT from Lou.

Imo, the pitchers that will not be on the team when camp breaks are showing why.

The L's are coming mostly from their arms.

However, early on, we're still seeing the dreaded LOB disease.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 2, 2008 5:38 PM CST up reply actions

Well, the LOB's today

weren't helped at all by the Cubs running themselves out of a couple innings on blunders by Soto and Pie. I really want to see that disease cured in this ST. Tired of baserunning mistakes.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 5:51 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah,

I can see this being the case. I'm not rooting against him, so I hope he gets his butt in gear soon.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 5:52 PM CST up reply actions

Cotts...

IMO pitched himself off the ballclub last season. A year ago when I pointed out that he was not a lock to make the club I was chastised but the fact of the matter is that Cotts has had one good MLB season. The rest have been, well, pretty rotten.

Mike Wuertz has been mentioned as the "second lefty in the pen" candidate. Ya, I know, he's not a lefty, but Lou has said in the past that he'd be fine if Wuertz was used to get some tough lefty outs.

I thought Lilly was pretty wild today, all over the place, but he was interviewed a week or so ago by David Kaplan and Lilly said that his intent this spring was to work on some of his weaknesses. In the past he's worked on things, then when in trouble just gone with his usual out pitches while this spring he wanted to work in some other out pitches. This is why, especially early in the spring, its worthless to try to evaluate pitchers.

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 2, 2008 5:38 PM CST reply actions

I could be wrong

but they look like they are just going through the motions.

by Rick @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 2, 2008 5:42 PM CST reply actions

Takes a while to get up to speed.

Sure they look a bit slow at the beginning of spring training. Not a lack of effort, just guys knocking off the rust is all. I know that's probably not grindy or whatever, but it's just the way it is.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 2, 2008 5:56 PM CST up reply actions

I might be alone on this...

...but for guys that already have jobs sewn up, I want them to simply go out there and do what they need to do to get ready for the season. It's an 162-game season and I'd like our key players to start off well rested and without any injuries to speak of.

Guys like Lee or Soriano getting seriously hurt in a meaningless spring game is likely to be much worse for the team than them not given max effort in what are essentially exhibition games.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 6:02 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

most of the regulars only need the final 2 starts or abou the last 25ABs to be ready. Soto probably needs more time to get a gauge on the pitchers and Pie just needs ABs.

If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.

by tharr on Mar 2, 2008 9:10 PM CST up reply actions

you gotta look at it as

nine one-inning games. :P

I wanna see the starting lineup pretty soon. The regulars. All of 'em. Even if it's just one game.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 2, 2008 5:58 PM CST reply actions

Dome goes 0-3, you say no need to panic

yet Cotts gets shelled and you say he's pretty much pitched himself off the team? Granted, I think Dome has a much better chance of making the squad than Cotts (duh), but isn't it a bit early to be making declarative roster statements, especially for a LOOGY spot?

Just looking for a little consistency here. I'd say there's still plenty of time for Cotts to get his act together. Maybe a raw rookie only gets one chance to make the big leagues, but Cotts has been around a while - I think he deserves the chance to get shelled a few more times before giving him a toe tag.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 2, 2008 6:03 PM CST reply actions

Not that much time for Cotts

He is already on the bubble. I THINK he had another bad inning
earlier but I could be wrong. One bad game for a guy who had
two GREAT games and already has a spot is nothing to worry about. A very bad outing from a guy on the bubble is by know
means his last chance but it is much, much more serious.

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Mar 2, 2008 6:47 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly.

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Mar 2, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions

I looked and as far as I could tell...

...Cotts did throw at least one previous time. I think it was in the first game. One scoreless inning - gave up one hit and one walk. I'd say that qualifies as a good outing as far as spring training goes.

Look, I know Cotts has nowhere the same level of roster-spot securedness that Dome has, but he does have a few years experience in the bigs, so all I was trying to say is he should get a little more time than a "one and done" type of guy.

Also, given that he's a left-handed reliever, that probably merits him an extra look/appearance that maybe a right-handed reliever in the same situation wouldn't get. Not saying that's right or fair, but that does appear to be the norm for most teams. I'd rather Lou go with the best arms (and heads) period - regardless of which arm they throw with. We shall see.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 3, 2008 10:16 AM CST up reply actions

Cotts

Cotts was signed to a guaranteed $800,000 contract. This after earning $1 million while pitching mostly at Triple A in 2007. I'm pretty sure that Hendry and Piniella will evaluate Cotts on more than just a few early spring performances. Obviously the Cubs see something in Cotts to have felt compelled to give him another contract.

by MDBNIU on Mar 2, 2008 8:05 PM CST up reply actions

It was either that or nontender him.

Cotts has not yet reached free agency. So the Cubs felt that it was better to pay him the absolute minimum possible under arbitration than to let him go for nothing.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 8:08 PM CST up reply actions

Okay, I know I'm challenged,

but someone please tell me what LOOGY is short for? I know it's a lefty long-man, but is it an acronym? I've been around baseball all my life, but never heard it.

I blame my Canadian up-bringing.

They're not booing, they're saying FUUUUUUUUUUUKE!

by Hugest Canadian Cubs Fan on Mar 2, 2008 10:11 PM CST up reply actions

Lefty One Out GuY

by JonH on Mar 2, 2008 10:41 PM CST up reply actions

THANKS!

They're not booing, they're saying FUUUUUUUUUUUKE!

by Hugest Canadian Cubs Fan on Mar 3, 2008 7:24 AM CST up reply actions

LOOGY

Now that I know what it is, I can continue to oppose the idea. No reason an MLB pitcher can't learn to get outs, whether facing a righty or a lefty. If Wuertz gets lefties out, bring him in vs. a tough lefty. The whole idea that a team has to pay $1 mln a year to a lefty reliever so he can come in 50 times a year and face one batter is economically nonsensical. Plus, it adds to the endless procession of meaningless pitching changes that slow down the game.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau

by danimal15 on Mar 3, 2008 10:28 AM CST up reply actions

Anyone who watched on TV today

How did Eric Patterson look defensively at 2B?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 2, 2008 6:47 PM CST reply actions

Solid if unspectacular.

I can see where he gets his reputation - he does seem to be a little unsure of himself when he gets to balls, but he definitely has the tools to get to balls and make plays. He's not Todd Walker bad by any stretch. Very good range, and a decent arm. I've got some clips of him saved that I plan on going back and looking over later to get a better idea of just what I saw.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 6:51 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks

My first thought on EPat when I heard about his "defensive deficiency at 2B was Marcus Giles. He was awful defensively when he first came up (he doesn't have great hands), but by working at his technique religiously all that winter with Glenn Hubbard, he improved greatly and is now considered very good defensively.

I was wondering if EPat has worked hard enough (does he have a reputation as a hard worker?) on his technique and footwork. If so, he could be OK at 2B -- though he could never play SS with technique and no hands.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 2, 2008 7:09 PM CST up reply actions

It was a solid

B show for the Oriole scouts, imo.

Flashed his speed while taking 2nd, as well.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 2, 2008 7:24 PM CST up reply actions

His footwork

seemed questionable. I'd guess he hasn't yet adjusted to the speed of the game in his head.

If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.

by tharr on Mar 2, 2008 9:15 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah.

It seems more mental than physical, which is promising up to a point.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 2, 2008 9:41 PM CST up reply actions

Soriano and Santo

At Fantasy Camp, I got the same exact injury Soriano now has and played with it for two days before I even knew what it was. If that's really all his problem is, he'll play within 3-5 days if he wants. However, they're paying him a lot of money to play at his best during the regular season, so even if he sits longer I wouldn't get too worked up. I played because I was paying THEM a lot of money for me to play.

As for Santo, I think that's picking nits a little bit there. It wasn't as if any of them never had any 100 RBI seasons, in fact they all had multiples of them, and if it all runs together for him now, so be it.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Mar 2, 2008 8:27 PM CST reply actions

Small quibble...

Al - you say this was Pie's best game of the spring. I don't think that's quite accurate. He opened the spring by going 2-2 with a double, home run, and a walk against San Francisco.

Not that this was a bad game for him, but definitely his second-best outing of the spring.

by SouthernCub on Mar 2, 2008 9:30 PM CST reply actions

I predict that DeRosa starts in LF Day One

Roberts starts at 2B and DeRosa ends up starting 120 games throughout the season in LF, 2B, SS and 3B.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Mar 2, 2008 10:22 PM CST reply actions

I thought Soriano was only 3-5 days?

by cubswin14 on Mar 2, 2008 10:57 PM CST up reply actions

He is.

I think Ivy Walls is overreacting.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Mar 3, 2008 3:51 AM CST up reply actions

better to lose games now

than to lose them in a month!

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Mar 3, 2008 6:21 AM CST reply actions

All in all

it seems that the 3 games we lost all came down to one poorly pitched inning in each game. Walrond, Wood and Cotts gave up 4, 3 and 5 respectively. There are your losses.

The game we won came down to one, probably two poorly pitched innings by the Giants. FWIW.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Mar 3, 2008 7:43 AM CST reply actions