Marquis Anointed as "Most Hated Cub" of '08

by Ross on Mar 24, 2008 7:58 PM CDT

I know this breaks Al's rule of posting full stories, but I think this one should be OK

Mesa, AZ (AP) - In a brief clubhouse ceremony after the Cubs 9-8 win over the Texas Rangers Monday, starting pitcher Jason Marquis was officially named the "Most Hated Cub" for the start of the 2008 season.

The position was held for most of the 2007 season by now-departed OF Jacque Jones, though he was supplanted towards the end of the season by pitcher Steve Trachsel. Other past luminaries include Jose Macias, Juan Pierre, Cesar Izturis, Freddie Bynum, Enrique Wilson, Corey Patterson and of course, Neifi Perez.

"I am honored to receive this honor," a choked up Marquis said after accepting the gold plated ear plugs that go with the position. "I promise to continue to say foolish and inane things in the media, to regularly implode about the 70 pitch mark, and to insist upon the fact that I deserve a starting spot, even if I don't deserve it."

It is a familiar role for Marquis, who was a two-time "Most Hated Cardinal" while in St. Louis.

A visibly disappointed Les Walrond, the runner up, left the locker room without comment. A club spokesman said the mediocre journeyman was still in the running for "Most Hated I-Cub".

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

LMAO

Funny!

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

by Al on Mar 24, 2008 8:01 PM CDT 0 recs

Ryan Theriot

wuz robbed.

"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 24, 2008 8:26 PM CDT 0 recs

My question ...

where's Cedeno?

"I know getting inducted into the Hall of Fame had to be something, but that flag is going to be hanging there after everybody is gone." ~ Ron Santo

by Cubs Chick on Mar 24, 2008 8:44 PM CDT 0 recs

I was gonna ask the same thing. At least the Cubbies have trade value in Marquis.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 24, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up 0 recs

he overran

the club-house.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 25, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up 0 recs

Nicely done. n/t

by davidalanu on Mar 25, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up 0 recs

I wonder who the all-time...

...most hated Cub is? Kent Mercker? - TL

"Why shouldn't we believe that we're going to win the World Series?" - Ted Lilly, 1/19/2008, Daily Herald interview w/Barry Rozner

by timlacy on Mar 24, 2008 8:50 PM CDT 0 recs

Maybe this...

...deserves its own thread? - TL

"Why shouldn't we believe that we're going to win the World Series?" - Ted Lilly, 1/19/2008, Daily Herald interview w/Barry Rozner

by timlacy on Mar 24, 2008 8:50 PM CDT up 0 recs

In recent history..

probably corey patterson or latroy hawkins.

by JFCubFan on Mar 24, 2008 8:56 PM CDT up 0 recs

Todd Hundley.

n/t

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

by Al on Mar 24, 2008 9:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

oh good greif

I blocked him out totally until now.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 24, 2008 10:16 PM CDT up 0 recs

Ding, ding, ding...

...We have a winner! In the immortal words of Office Space's Michael Bolton---aka David Herman, Hundley was a "no-talent @$$ clown." - TL

"Why shouldn't we believe that we're going to win the World Series?" - Ted Lilly, 1/19/2008, Daily Herald interview w/Barry Rozner

by timlacy on Mar 25, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up 0 recs

According to Stoney...

...the answer is yes.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Mar 24, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up 0 recs

Taco Bell AKA Luis Salazar haha

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 24, 2008 10:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

LOL

friggin hilarious!

All I ask is that they win his 4 good starts in April/May, before he turns into garbage

Ed Lynch is STILL on the Cubs payroll, as our D-Backs scout in Phoenix. Lynch attends all 81 D-Back home games with a notepad in hand. Really paid off for us!

by SackMan on Mar 24, 2008 8:55 PM CDT 0 recs

Neifi...

...oh, how I loathe you.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Mar 24, 2008 9:08 PM CDT 0 recs

And the winner is...

what'dya know! Its LATROY HAWKINS!

I think my favorite uncle was Uncle Caveman. We called him that because he lived in a cave and would eat one of us. We then realized he was a bear.

by deepthoughtsbyjackhandey on Mar 24, 2008 10:14 PM CDT 0 recs

Enrique Wilson?

Really? Was he on the team long enough to be hated?

I'd say LaTroy Hawkins is the most hated. Even worse than Hundley.

by elgato on Mar 24, 2008 10:50 PM CDT 0 recs

Maybe.

It's a close competition, though.

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

by Al on Mar 24, 2008 11:07 PM CDT up 0 recs

Remember when Huntley...

Gave the finger to the crowd after he hit that homer?

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Mar 25, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up 0 recs

Enrique Wilson was not on the team long enough to be hated

but Rey Ordonnez was.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 25, 2008 4:20 AM CDT up 0 recs

It only seemed a lot longer.

Enrique Wilson played 15 games for the Cubs (started four - 2 at 2B, 1 at SS, 1 at 3B).

Rey Ordonez played 23 games for the Cubs (started 17 - all at SS).

Wilson hit .136/.240/.227.

Ordonez hit .164/.190/.262.

They were both putrid.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go wash off my keyboard after typing all of that.

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

by Al on Mar 25, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up 0 recs

Seemed way longer

Must have been the 17 starts vs. Wilson's 4.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 25, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up 0 recs

I had a strong dislike for....

Manny Alexander.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Mar 24, 2008 10:56 PM CDT 0 recs

when i was younger...

it was Al Nipper and Calvin Schiraldi

by Jay Johnstone on Mar 24, 2008 11:15 PM CDT 0 recs

I'll go way back and nominate...

... Tom Veryzer.

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband

by Ross on Mar 24, 2008 11:18 PM CDT 0 recs

latroy

i thought it was funny how we all praised him for comming to chicago for less money than other teams were offering and by then end of the year we couldnt wait till he was gone

by dariot2 on Mar 24, 2008 11:27 PM CDT 0 recs

I like Marquis

Ill go out on a limb in and say Marquis is one of the better number 5s in baseball. Marquis as the 5th starter is not the Cubs problem, the problem is that Dempster is their number 3.

I dont get all the Marquis hate, the guy made a comment in ST about being frustrated, because frankly, his job shouldnt have been in question at all.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 25, 2008 9:31 AM CDT 0 recs

shouldnt have been in question?

he gets left off the playoff roster, posts an era over 5 in the second half for the second consecutive year, and the club just signed jon lieber, why should his job not have been in question?

you are right that the problem is in the #3 slot, but realistically hill is the third best pitcher on the team, and this argument should be about lieber vs. marquis. not because that is fair, but becasue the team seemed dead set on letting dempster get his chance as a starter. now that doesnt make any sense, but i still think this is about lieber vs. marquis, and with lieber's outstanding spring, i think that is where the marquis hate begins.

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Mar 25, 2008 9:44 AM CDT up 0 recs

Really...Marquis was left off our playoff roster?

Really?

I think the arguement should have been Demp vs Marquis, where frankly the numbers in ST dont lie.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 25, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up 0 recs

What about.....

Felix Heredia. That guy is garbage. You knew it wasn't going to be good when he came in.

by black020 on Mar 25, 2008 9:48 AM CDT 0 recs

Juan Pierre

I joined this board after the Juan Pierre era. Why was he so hated? Wasn't he the perfect leadoff hitter (200 hits, 40-50 stolen bases)? As I recall, he also had no errors in center field.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Mar 25, 2008 9:48 AM CDT 0 recs

His hat was too big or his head was too small?

by zevkalman on Mar 25, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up 0 recs

That's a perfect Dusty Baker leadoff hitter.

Speedy guy. Problem is, he was rarely on base. 200 hits? Sure, in almost 700 at-bats. He became the first guy with 200 hits in a season who didn't hit .300! (And he missed hit pretty good, hitting .292.)

His OBA was .330. That's poor for a leadoff hitter. You're right that he didn't have any errors, but so what? He couldn't throw anyone out with that noodle arm. (How he got five assists, I have no idea.)

I didn't hate him, but he didn't really help the team.

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

by Al on Mar 25, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up 0 recs

LSA.

And I would add that, by season's end, he displayed a pretty bad attitude toward the both his team and his team's fans in the press. He seemed to take Jacque Jones' ill treatment more personally than Jacque himself.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up 0 recs

Pierre

was also a big Dusty supported. The way 2006 ended for Dusty probably upset Pierre. Still, I don't think Pierre was ever hated by many Cubs fans. Criticized? Sure. He was a flawed player.

I actually liked Juan Pierre, mainly because of his work ethic. But Hendry gave up way too much to get him and it was the right move to let him go after 2006.

by elgato on Mar 25, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up 0 recs

Pierre

So another bad trade by Hendry.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Mar 25, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up 0 recs

Yes.

And it's not so much that Nolasco, Pinto and Mitre are going to be great -- they're not -- but all of them had MUCH higher perceived trade value in the 2005-06 offseason. The Cubs could have gotten a lot more than Juan Pierre for them.

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

by Al on Mar 25, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up 0 recs

Pierre

Maybe there wasn't any other quality leadoff hitter/center fielder available at that time?

I always liked Kenny Lofton. Almost every team he plays for makes the playoffs. Cubs should have hung unto him.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Mar 25, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up 0 recs

Al -

In talking with Pierre that year - i knew a few weeks into the season it was a bad trade. He HATED the cold weather, plan and simple, he did not want to be here, and to send that many players for him was Hendry's mess up - he should have done a little homework on that situation. Even in June when it was around 75 he was sitting under the heater in the cage with layers of clothes on, while i had a short sleeve shirt on. It just wasnt a good situation.

In regards to dat cubfan daver's statement, you are so far from the truth about his attitude toward the team and fans. He loved the fans and the team just hated the weather.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Mar 25, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up 0 recs

re: Al -

OK, well, I know you have insider knowledge of the situation, so obviously it would be foolish of me to argue. I base that statement on several interviews Pierre gave at the end of the season, in which he made what I construed to be some passive-aggressive negative remarks about the team and fans at Wrigley. (Again, IIRC, much of it was related to how Jacque Jones was treated.)

I can't remember any of the remarks specifically, but I do remember one of the interviews was a pre-game radio discussion on WGN. His general attitude seemed to be screaming, "I'm sick of the Cubs, their fans and Wrigley Field. Get me out of here!", though perhaps that's to be expected after a 66-win season.

Anyhoo, it's nice to hear your perspective. There were definitely times during that year that I admired Pierre's baserunning skills. When all was said and done, however, I remember only a seemingly endless string of meaningless singles and failed attempts to bunt for a hit.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

Gotcha.

If there was attitude, it was probably because he was getting blamed for not producing - this is evident by some remarks in this diary about his por performance.

I will say this that he was not to happy about how the fans were treating joins (mroe the racial remarks) - but like most athletes if it doesnt involve them they dont get involved if you know what i mean.

(FYI - i hope my original post wasnt taken too harshly, after re-reading it it sounds a little harsh - my apologies, i enjoy reading most if not all of your posts - didnt mean to offend.)

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Mar 25, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up 0 recs

No offense taken!

And I've enjoyed your insider perspective on that season. Have you had any luck getting your old job back? Maybe you could throw Dome some cut fastballs.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up 0 recs

Do we really want to hate Marquis?

You do realize that doing so puts on the same level as Cardinals fans, right? In fact, they had a fanpost last week a lot like this one in which Marquis was named.

I don't want to seem like I'm lacking a sense of humor here, but I just think "hate" is a rather strong word. Aside from making that ill-advised spring training comment, which he quickly made right, Marquis really hasn't done much of anything to warrant our wrath, IMO. Take up a rotation spot? Um, that's what he was signed to do.

Last season, he gave the team almost exactly what we all should have expected -- a strong start followed by a gradual decline to mediocrity to outright badness. I reserve more disappointment for Cliff Floyd and, the season before, Juan Pierre than Marquis.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2008 10:20 AM CDT 0 recs

I know what you mean

I don't mind "hate". You know people don't really mean "hate". But, when people used to say things like Jose Macias is "garbage", that would bother me. He sucked, his ability was low and his performance was crap, but he wasn't household waste in ballplayer form.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 25, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up 0 recs

re: I know what you mean

Yeah, I know I'm probably taking all of this too literally. Then again, I would amend your point slightly to say that most Cubs fans don't really mean "hate." I've encountered a few who definitely do.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up 0 recs

So what you're saying is

dat cubfan daver is really either Dusty, LaTroy or Jacque Jones's mom. :-)

I'm sure all of them had a legitimate beef about the level of abuse received, actually.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 25, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up 0 recs

re: So what you're saying is

Hey, dude, I'm not Dusty. And you shouldn't clog up threads with talk like that. You're better off smart hackin' on some other sites. Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta take my computer in for repair. A toothpick has somehow gotten lodged in my hard drive.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up 0 recs

"Smart-hacking"

way to keep the hot new slang of ST 2008 alive, Dude, I mean daver.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 25, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

wouldn't that be

JOHN GOCHNAUR?

Shortstop for the Indians:
in 1902 he batted .185 over 459 at-bats with 48 errors.
In 1903, he hit .185 (438 at-bats) and committed an A.L. record 98 errors for a fielding percentage of .869.

So his two-plus-year major league career featured a .187 batting average, a .258 on-base percentage and a feeble .240 slugging mark in 908 at-bats. In 264 major league games - all at shortstop - Gochnaur committed 146 errors, an average of one official miscue every 1.8 games. For those who think everyone in those particular days committed such error totals, his career fielding percentage of .901 was well short of the league average (.921). And for those who think Gochnaur had great range, he averaged 5.05 chances per nine innings, well below the league average of 5.44.

(http://baseballguru.com/attiyeh/analysismikeattiyeh03.html)

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 25, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't hate Marquis.

I'm just not a fan.

by sue369 on Mar 25, 2008 10:32 AM CDT 0 recs

Do managers count?

If so, I would think that Dusty might get a nod or two.

by davidalanu on Mar 25, 2008 10:43 AM CDT 0 recs

Personally,

I have no problem with Marquis. He took the ball every time he was asked, and if the club scored a few runs, he kept the team in the game. I have no problem with him being a #5.

Ive only seen him in one or two Spring training games this year. Both times he was working hard and playing the right way.

by StuKatt on Mar 25, 2008 10:51 AM CDT 0 recs

I agree with this.

n/t

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

by Al on Mar 25, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hate is subjective

The "Most hated Cub", in my mind, is the guy who gets ripped on the most throughout his tenure with the club. Whether it is deserved or not. Marquis gets the honor based on his performance and stupidity in the early going.

But it is a long year. I think other candidates for the title this year are:

Ronny Cedeno - so much promise, so little action will put him squarely into the sights of the hating public. AAAA players often find themselves here. Two or three overrun bases, some strikeouts in clutch situations and he is right there. Plus, he has the misfortune of going up against the ruggedly handsome vet Mark DeRosa and the cuddly middle infielder with the catchy name, Ryan Theriot.

Ryan Dempster - Yeah, he's funny. Yeah, he's Canadian. Yeah, he runs Camelback Mountain. But he also walks about every fourth guy and only seems to have a vague idea of where his slider is going on a given day. After a four inning, eight walk performance, he is likely to inherit the title.

Scott Eyre - He's fat. He gives up gopher balls. He is in the back end of the bullpen. A long shot, but...

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband

by Ross on Mar 25, 2008 11:17 AM CDT 0 recs

I disagree

That Marquis would get the honor because of his performance, that is simply lacking truth

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 25, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up 0 recs

Sosa....

After all Sammy has done for the Cubs, does anyone "hate" him? I still admire him for giving us so much excitement during his long tenure.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Mar 25, 2008 11:21 AM CDT 0 recs

I still like Sammy.

I got angry at him just like everyone else. I felt betrayed, to some extent, like everyone else. And hindsight is always 20/20, so yes, I know some of that excitement was fake. But I certainly don't hate Sammy. How could I? In fact, I hope the day comes, sooner or later, where the Cubs and Sammy can mend some fences.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Mar 25, 2008 11:29 AM CDT up 0 recs

Maybe I have no sense of humor....

But come on, at least give the guy a chance without throwing around hate speech, to use a political cliche. Look at it this way, at least this year we have Johnny Lieber as a pretty solid insurance policy down in the bullpen. If Marquis has his second-half implosion this year (which will probably earn him a trade out of town), we do have backup.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Mar 25, 2008 11:25 AM CDT 0 recs

C'mon guys give Marquis a break, we need someone to blow leads everyday since Latroy left us.

David Chagoya

by Mr.Cub22 on Mar 25, 2008 11:31 AM CDT 0 recs

the names Freddie and Bynum...

should never be mentioned together without "Boom Boom" in between them

by dahcar on Mar 25, 2008 11:42 AM CDT 0 recs

Don't forget one other thing about Marquis....

it never hurts to have a pitcher in there who can hit. I know that's not the end-all, be-all about how National League pitchers are judged, but it's certainly an advantage. On any given day that he pitches, I'd wager to say our #9 spot in the order is better than the opposition.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Mar 25, 2008 12:51 PM CDT 0 recs