You Doesn't Has To Call Me Johnson
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 7:14 PM CDT
in Recaps
160 comments
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- There have, before the 2008 season, been eleven men surnamed "Johnson" who have played for the Cubs.
In fact, you've probably seen most of them play, as only four -- Abe Johnson, who pitched in one game in 1893, "Footer" Johnson, who had a cuppa coffee in 1958, Ben Johnson, who pitched a few games in 1959 and 1960, and Don Johnson, a six-year Cub in the 1940's who was the starting 2B on the 1945 NL champions, played for the Cubs before 1960. I remember just about all of the rest of them: Lou Johnson, an outfielder who had his better years for the Dodgers; Cliff Johnson, who had his better years for the Astros; Ken Johnson, ditto; Davey Johnson, who had his better years for the Braves; Howard Johnson, who had his better years for the Mets...
You sensing a pattern here? There were two others: Bill Johnson, a onetime hot prospect who pitched in 14 games for the Cubs in 1983 and 1984... and Lance Johnson, who although he also had his better years for other teams, had a decent year as the starting CF for the 1998 Wild Card Cubs (despite missing about two months with an injury).
To this we add Reed Johnson, whose signing must have been in the works for a couple of days, because there he was in uniform, wearing Neifi Perez' (and Will Ohman's) old #13, and patrolling CF, this afternoon in front of another sellout, 11,999 at Scottsdale.
One day, of course, won't tell us much, but he played a good outfield... until he dropped a ball leading off the ninth inning after having moved from CF to RF (and I was stunned to learn he hadn't been charged with an error -- he dropped the ball!). He singled and doubled and reached third on an error, and flew around the bases pretty good running out the latter.
All of this is to say he was a contributor to the Cubs' 7-5 win over the Giants, their third in a row. Yet another Johnson, minor leaguer Leon Johnson, pinch-hit for Rich Hill in the sixth inning and grounded out.
Hill, for his part, threw better than he has all spring. Though his command still wasn't great, he only walked one and struck out six, including three called. Kevin Hart was the one who had a tough day today -- he gave the Giants two hits, a walk, and could have been out of the inning had Henry Blanco been able to locate a dropped third strike and throw Fred Lewis out. Instead, Sean Marshall, who had relieved Hart, gave up a game-tying double to Rich Aurilia, but then Lewis was thrown out trying to put the Giants ahead, and that left the score 4-4 after seven.
Upon which the Cubs took the lead back on reliever Tyler Walker; Kosuke Fukudome walked (his second of the day), stopped at third on a Mike Fontenot double (even from where we were on the RF berm, we could tell that Fukudome had to hold up at first, and with no one out it was wise to hold him at third), and scored the lead run on a Matt Murton sac fly.
Earlier, the Cubs had taken a 2-1 lead on Geovany Soto's third-inning HR. Ken, who sits in LF in the Wrigley bleachers (not ballhawk, but another Ken), came over to tell us that Soto's blast completely cleared the LF berm -- which would have made it about a 420-foot shot.
Derrek Lee also homered, after R. Johnson's triple, and for the first time all year, we saw D-Lee hit for power to left field. I've been waiting to see him pull the ball all spring, and he did today, not a moment too soon.
I wrote about this last year, but the Giants' spring training jerseys are absolutely ridiculous. Black shirts with black numbers with orange outlines are absolutely impossible to read unless you are ten feet away or closer, which, of course, most people in the park aren't. (From what I have heard, even the Giants' broadcasters have complained, to which the response from the Giants' marketing department was, essentially, "Screw you, we're doing it anyway.") Combine that with the fact that we couldn't hear the PA speakers from the RF berm, and it was almost impossible to figure out any Giants lineup changes (they didn't make too many today, which made it easier).
Things seem to be falling into place. Reed Johnson isn't a great player, but his lifetime splits vs. LHP are .308/.371/.462; he runs the bases well and plays good defense, which will not only make him a fine platoon partner for Felix Pie, but will also allow Lou to use him as a pinch-hitter vs. LHP, and a pinch-runner when needed.
The final roster spot will likely be decided between Sean Marshall and Carmen Pignatiello, both of whom pitched today. Neither did that well, though Piggy should have been charged with an unearned run after Johnson dropped the fly ball in the 9th. Also to be determined is the status of Matt Murton, who seems to be odd-man-out after the acquisition of Johnson. He may wind up traded or sent to Iowa. We, as always, await developments.
Finally, the Giants' scoreboard people didn't waste any time photoshopping Johnson into a Cubs uniform. Get a load of the beard:
Photo by Al
0 recs |
160 comments
Email
Print
Comments
"My man Reed's got a beard like a billy goat...oowah oowah"
I'm drunk......and it shows.....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 7:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Got arrested at the Mardi Gras for jumping on a float?
Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson
by JohnM on Mar 26, 2008 4:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you got it
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He looks like the love child of Matt Clement and Satan
by daeviant on Mar 26, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's time...
for someone creative to do a "Chicago Hairclub for Men" montage. Reed is a welcome addition to our collection of wild ass cuts and shaves.
by Damen Jackson on Mar 25, 2008 7:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's almost...
... Matt Clement-like.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Billy Koch-like
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they didn't use Photoshop.
They had access to an actual Reed Johnson in a Cubs uniform. Maybe they just took a picture.
And I am so desperately tempted to start referring to him as The Imperial, on account of his facial hair. (Nickname stolen from Scott Spezio.)
by cwyers on Mar 25, 2008 7:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Spezio Is In A Lot Of Trouble...
...I'd prefer the nickname "RJ".
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
by initram on Mar 25, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure that's Photoshopped.
Look at the uniform shirt -- no pinstripes.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson
Al, I think you might be showing age on the "doesn't have to call me Johnson" comment......that's so old I can't even remember the TV show that was on but I sure remember the running joke. If fact wasn't it "You doesn't have to call me Johnson, Johnson!"
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Mar 25, 2008 7:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That guy was popular back in the late 70's
on a lot of variety type shows... You can call me Ray, you can call me Jay, etc etc. The dudes name was Bill Saluga if you want to look him up. Now I am showing my age I guess.
by LT on Mar 25, 2008 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh.
Never made a secret of my age here. But yes, that was the old running joke I was thinking of.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyhow Al,
I got a chuckle out of it. I remember we used to say that all the time.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Mar 25, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not getting it...
Reed Johnson has a whopping 45 starts in CF, only 11 two years ago and none last year. In the 1 game we've seen him in he made an error (based on your own account). Last year he hits .236 with a .305 OBP and steals a whopping 4 bases (career high is 8).
He is older, a lesser hitter with less power, marginally better base stealer and comparable corner outfield defensive ability. The only thing he has that Murton doesn't is a few starts in CF (and about twice the salary).
Admittedly, I'm pulling for Murton. He is a fun guy to root for. But this doesn't seem like I'm being overly biased by not seeing the logic here.
"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. One it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard
by TXCub on Mar 25, 2008 7:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Murton can't play CF or RF
He is basically blocked by Soriano and would be better off elsewhere. Not a hater, just being realistic for both him and the Cubs.
by LT on Mar 25, 2008 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton has...
...exactly zero starts in RF and has never really been given a chance to make it at that position. I'm not a Pie hater either. But if he hits the way he did last year and Murton is gone, then we basically traded Murton for Johnson. If Pie can't cut it in CF, then wouldn't we rather have Murton take a shot at RF and Dome playing CF?
BTW, I'm not really interested in seeing any Cub succeed with another organization. After they leave, that's fine I guess, but right now seeing Murton leave is just not appealing to me.
"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. One it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard
by TXCub on Mar 25, 2008 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zero starts??
I don't know how to look up starts by position, but I know he started in RF in a game I went to in San Diego last May. I bet there were more. I guess if Murton starts he magically becomes a great hitter and fielder. I agree, I don't really care what he does if he leaves. He really is the odd man out at this point it appears.
by LT on Mar 25, 2008 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aha!
TXCub should've done his homework. Look here, and you'll see that Murton actually played 41 games in RF last season. I'm not sure how many he started there, but that's not even an argument worth making. I don't do defensive metrics, but I sure someone around here can interpret these stats to tell us how goods he was. His FP was 94%, which, it seems to me is kinda "meh" for an outfielder.
"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 25, 2008 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep. I saw him in right at least 5 or 6 games I went to.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I actually
kinda already knew he had, as I was at a game against the Dodgers late last year where he played in RF. Best seats I ever had. Third row off the field, right even with first base. Having a sister who works for stockbrokers pays off.
"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 25, 2008 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had seats last year in the same place but 8 or 9 rows up. I'd never sat in that area before and I loved it.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check his game log.
It will tell you how many games he started. Most of them were in the 2nd half, after Jones was moved to CF.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of his
41 games in RF, by my count, he started 28.
"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 25, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton
has 0 starts in RF and has 282 innings in RF. The league average fielding percentage is .981 and Matt's is .944
by crazymountain on Mar 26, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this a typo?
Murton has more than 0 starts in RF...
by LT on Mar 26, 2008 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
None of the 2007 starts seem to be listed.
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 26, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7597/career;_ylt=AqbmfC6kn3ll7npW.hdh6AyFCLcF
by LT on Mar 26, 2008 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for this.
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 27, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whenever you look at what positions a player has played...
...you also need to look at who was blocking him at those positions. In this case, the reason The Imperial hasn't been starting in CF that much is because Vernon Wells has.
Johnson is a little past his prime, but his defense in center field should be pretty decent - I have him as two runs below average, so pretty good overall. As a platoon outfielder he should hit decently, too.
I like Murton, but when it comes down to it, Johnson fits the need of a caddy for Pie a lot better than he does. This signing makes a lot of sense for the club.
by cwyers on Mar 25, 2008 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If
the Cubs picked up RJ to spicificly replace Pie if Pie doesnt oay off then I cant argue.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the record
LOVE that nickname. "The Imperial" is perfect.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Mar 25, 2008 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm
kinda with ya. The Cubs keep looking for the next best thing when they already have it. I dont see why Murton can't play right field IF Dome is moved to CFIF Pie doesnt pan out. Reed looks like he offers a little more speed. Other than that I dont know why he's a better option.
I just dont know much about RJ to be able to give a legit comp.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson always could
play CF. But he didn't get much of a chance with Vernon Wells playing with the Blue Jays while he was there. Murton can play LF, and is a subpar RF and can't play CF at all. Fukudome didn't want to play CF much thats one reason why he decided to sign with us. Pay no attention to Johnsons numbers last season the guy had surgery middle of last season. Murton is the better player/hitter but Johnson is a better fit for the team.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If
Johnson is a better fit then I'm all for it. Whatever it takes to win.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just one woman's opinion...
That is one ugly beard.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Mar 25, 2008 7:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well I'm a man!
And I think it's ugly, too.
In Bo I trust.
by Schwa on Mar 25, 2008 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton
people keep saying "murton can't play center or RF". Can someone explain to me what this means? I mean, I guess Center is bigger than LF or RF, but didn't Murton platoon in RF all last year and do ok? What's different?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 25, 2008 7:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yea
why cant Murton play right? I've seen him play right field plenty.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a Butcher In Right
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
by initram on Mar 25, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea
but so is RJ from what I saw today.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
RJ Can Play All Positions...
... Murton can really only "effectively" cover RF.
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
by initram on Mar 25, 2008 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
AARRGGGG!
NO NO NO I won't take anything less than Tori Hunter as a replacement for Murton!!!
haha
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First day in Arizona.
You know, the "high sky" and all, whatever that means. Also, I don't think you can really judge Johnson on last year, as he played on 79 games due to a herniated disk in his back, which all parties involved say is fine now and won't be a factor this year at all. I thought he played a really good all-around game today, with the exception of the dropped fly ball, which was definitely an error. Pigniatello should definitely still have a ST ERA of 0.00.
"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 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was absolutely stunned...
... when I saw in the box score that had been scored a triple. Should have been an error all the way, and yes, Piggy's ERA should still be 0.00.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seems
like they never give errors for balls lost in the sun during spring training. I have noticed it a few times this spring.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's correct
The official scoring rules state that a ball lost in the sun or lights must be scored as a hit. Unfair to pitchers, I say. Good OFs don't seem to have nearly the problems with the sun that bad OFs do.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Mar 25, 2008 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a major leaguer....but I'll let him off this once.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From one play?
If you've never been to Arizona, playing right field in the late innings is an adventure. Jermaine Dye misplayed a ball last Saturday, almost the same time of day. That late-afternoon sun in RF is VERY tough to play.
Cut Johnson some slack on that, especially since it was his first game with a new team.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC...
... Dye mis-played two flyballs in the same 10th inning, no?
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
by initram on Mar 25, 2008 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Checked my scorecard.
I only have one error for him, though he might have let Blanco's ball drop in front of him
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its called
never playing in the high skies of Arizona. Remember the Blue Jays camp is in Florida. Johnson is not a butcher in the field, Murton is a LF, subpar RF and can't play CF at all. I like the guy and I hope he becomes a good player someday. But he has no future with the Cubs, and we can't just say put Murton here or there it's not realistic. Once Soriano signed and couldn't cut it as a CF, Murton future with the Cubs went away.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha
high skies? The guy is a major league baseball player!
'High skies'...is that like a 'dry heat'?
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess you don't
watch much spring training games, it happens alot
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just saying it's not an excuse.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it is an excuse.
If you could see how tough that sun is, you'd see how difficult it is to play.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know I know. I'm just giving Johnson a hard time.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton never hits a cutoff man
and looks lost on some fly balls. Don't know if Johnson will be any better defensively since I haven't followed him. But he can't be worse.
by LT on Mar 25, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hope...
..I'm wrong. I guess I put the question to the Sabrecultists. Is Johnson's defensive upgrade enough to offset his offensive downgrade.
"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. One it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard
by TXCub on Mar 25, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont know
but his billy goat beard is no match for Matty Murton's cedar locks.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What ever happed to those pictures of Murton
that someone (SWL?) photoshopped with bozo's head on Murton? Those were good along with all the posts on how Murton saved 3 burning babies in one day once.
by LT on Mar 25, 2008 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
YES YES!!
We need to print off those Murton/Bozo heads, put them on sticks and take them to opening day.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See I just
don't think that is funny. The people who made that were making fun of Murton and tome it wasn't funny.
by sue369 on Mar 26, 2008 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That...
wasn't me. This time.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 26, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton heads
we need Murton heads to show our support! That is if he's still with the team opening day.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But the
picture they showed of him with Ronald McDonald hair was not flattering at all. The people who made that picture don't like Matt. I doubt very much that Matt would appreciate the picture of him like that.
by sue369 on Mar 26, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ohhhhh
I kinda remember it, but didnt pay much attention. I want a normal Murton head to wave in the stands.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No comment.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 26, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH NO!
haha
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not
Murton vs Johnson. The Cubs were looking for someone to play CF, and play against some LH pitchers. Murton can't do that and always was going to play just RF and LF and pinch hit this year. Trying Fukudome in CF and using Murton in RF was kinda the back up plan incase Hendry couldn't find a back up CF. But the Cubs never wanted to do that and Hendry always planned on adding a back up CF. We were very lucky to get Johnson and it was a very good move.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with that. I realize that. I'm just bummed that since Cedeno is out of options that makes Murton odd man out.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We could still possibly do
Ward
Johnson
Blanco
Murton
Cedeno
with Fontenot in Triple A and Cintron on the DL to start the season maybe. I don't think the Cubs should give away Murton, and they need to at least get some prospects in return that have some potential. If they can't get a decent offer for Murton we shouldn't just give away a 26 year old who is a 296/365/820 career hitter.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There
is no need to have Ward Johnson and Murton though right? Ward backs up right and Johnson backs up CF and LF. You'd just be keeping Murton for his bat.
Your list should say "Which one does not belong with the other ones..."
CEDENO!!!
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but we
don't need to play Ward in the OF(since he's much worse then Murton) and since DeRosa can play all the infield postions, we could get by with just one back up infielder. I think Murton is the odd man out though and the Cubs will try to trade him, and I think they have been trying to trade him all offseason. But the Cubs aren't just going to give him away either. I wonder if the Cubs have some offers on the table for Murton for Prospects, but were holding onto him until they get a back up CF just incase. But if the Cubs don't get a good offer for Murton by opening day I could see him staying on the roster. As for Cedeno he could possibly be traded as well. Personally I think Cintron is the best bench player of the three, but it looks like both Cedeno/Fontenot have the upper hand on him.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Ward is backing up anyone
It is Lee. Really Ward's job is as the team's best pinch hitter. I don't buy the "We have 6 outfielders!!!one!1" argument, since Ward is no more an outfielder than DeRosa is.
by berselius on Mar 25, 2008 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Furthermore
I don't really follow all of the dire "That's it for Murton!" posts. He'd still get some ABs off the bench as a PH, and Lou said he wanted to spell his regulars more often than last year. If we have
Blanco
Ward
Johnson
Murton
Cedeno
Cedeno can back up all the IF positions, with a better bat than Cintron. We can always move Derosa around too. Plus, it's not like we had a non-emergency backup SS around for much of last season either.
by berselius on Mar 25, 2008 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its just the horror of keeping Matt on the bech another season. At this point I'd rather see him play full time somewhere else.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you watch the game today?
Murton saved the day with an outfield assist.
Although it was from left.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think...
'Keystone80435' is burned into the lower right corner of my screen. You are a posting machine.
In Bo I trust.
by Schwa on Mar 25, 2008 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
I'm a loud mouth.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we see less of Murton
I will miss his GIANT chews that he has packed at ALL TIMES.
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Mar 25, 2008 8:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Clemson?
Did you go to Clemson?
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
Just a huge fan...It's funny because my dad went to Ga. Tech
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Mar 26, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which
is why I find it funny that Murton, a GT grad is my favorite player since I graduated from Clemson.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trade Murton
and Reed Johnson for Shane Victorino.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 9:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
oh man
I would love that so much. But Victorino doesn't have the flaming red hair. For some reason I can't deal with parting with that hair...
"I'm like the tide baby: I come and go as I please." --Johnny Drama
by cubs2234 on Mar 25, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a huge fan of the 'Fly'n Hawaiian'
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You gotta love...
...the fact that Johnson chokes up on the bat.
Old school, and you can tell he is one who has gotten the max out of his ability and that ain't a bad thing to have on your club.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Mar 25, 2008 9:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed....
...and wouldn't it be cool if Reed dyed his beard blue, and had a Matt Clement/Scott Spezio thing going?
by The Special Goodness on Mar 25, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yuck
Its amazing how Cub fans are willing to take 30% fat hamburger and label it Top Sirloin. Reed Johnson had a terrible year last year. His career has been, at best, major league average. His defensive numbers in CF are rather bad and he doesn't really appear to offer any major upside. If you don't want to play your "big time free agent" acquisition in CF (Fukudome), then keep Fuld on the team and play him when you don't play Pie. He's just about as likely to produce acceptable offensive numbers as Johnson and he's a vastly better defensive player.
The one thing that this will do is cost Murton lots of AB's. And that's likely to be a big net negative for the Cubs.
Another typical Hendry acquisition in the mold of Monroe, Floyd, Marquis, and the other "veteran" busts. Another reason why a smart new owner should walk in and fire Hendry and the entire front office staff as soon as the ink dries on the contract of sale.
Hendry just cost the Cubs several games.
by frustratedfan on Mar 25, 2008 10:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Johnson was injured last year.
Or didn't you know that?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calm down frustratedfan...
I wouldn't go as far to say "Fire Hendry and the entire front office" Sure, people like Monroe didn't quite work out the way we hoped, but consider this. Hendry and Co. helped land big offseason targets like Soriano and Fukudome. Did you dislike him then? Also, if he dosen't work out, we can call up Fuld from the minors or use Murton or Pie again. Johnson is mostly for insurance anyway. Just thoght I'd put in my two cents worth.
by The Special Goodness on Mar 25, 2008 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Monroe
was having a bad year, got DFA and we just took a chance on him rebounding. It wasn't like Hendry went out and said Monroe is gonna be our stud hitter against LH pitching. Reed Johnson had a bad year last year due to injury and is how fully recovered and having a solid spring. So really it's too different things, and their two way different type of hitters.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
I disliked the Soriano and the Fukudome contracts as well.
Soriano's contract was too large and for too many years. Its going to be a horrible overpriced contract that imperils the development of the team within a few years and Fukudome's coming off an injury, old enough to be in the declining period of his career, and is coming from a vastly inferior league. I think that he's going to be a major bust (and his spring training numbers tend to support this).
As for using Murton, since the Johnson move pretty much ensures that he's gone, he won't be around to plug in.
Hendry is a crappy GM.
by frustratedfan on Mar 25, 2008 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why are you even a Cubs fan?
Is there ANYTHING about this team that you like?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
I bet you're lots of fun at parties...
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 25, 2008 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could be Dusty Baker incognito
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure Soriano
isn't going to be worth the money in 2013, but it's a move that helps us win now. Without Soriano last year we don't make the playoffs, and we wouldn't be WS contenders in the NL this year without having a hitter of Soriano caliber in LF. So I guess you rather go with average young hitters or average veterans in LF like we did before last yera? Fukudome you have no clue if he's worth the money or not yet. The Cubs didn't even have the biggest offer on the table for Fukudome by the way. I guess Ichiro spring training numbers in 2000 support him being a big bust too.
If you think Hendry is a crappy GM name me a handful of GM's who made the post season twice in their first five years as GM?
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
correct me if i'm wrong
But isn't hendry the one who convinced someone to take todd hundley away from us?
by gwood on Mar 26, 2008 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He also acquired
Aramis Ramirez for Bobby Hill
"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 26, 2008 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry Acquisitions?
Hmmm....
How about Kevin Hart for "Fast Freddy Bynum" and Jose Ceda for Todd Walker?
Sounds pretty good to me!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Mar 25, 2008 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's plenty other
good moves by Hendry, and he just had a very good offseason. So nobody should complain about him right now.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson Was Injured Last Year
Yes, Johnson was injured last year. That's one of Hendry's MO's. He thinks that any player that was hurt and had a bad year is going to automatically bounce back and "have a good year" the following year. Its the "Pollyanna/Cubs" approach to signing players. No player ever signed by the Cubs is in the decline phase and the "Magic of Wrigley" is going to result in them having a career year --- even if they are well past the age where they can reasonably be expected to have a career year.
The reason that the Cubs can't compete and won't compete is the fan base which "demands" that the Cubs "compete" every year, has no patience to see a team develop, and "buys" the lines constantly thrown at the fan base about how this or that signing is going to put them over the top. And until the Cubs blow up the team and build a team the right way through the development of young players and the judicious signings of free agents that can make a difference and a limited number of FA signings to fill the "last holes", any ability to compete is limited.
That Dempster, Lieber and Marquis are all starters or in line to be starters on a team with the young pitchers in the Cub system is a crime.
by frustratedfan on Mar 26, 2008 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ummm...
No player ever signed by the Cubs is in the decline phase and the "Magic of Wrigley" is going to result in them having a career year
Not even sure that phrase is coherent.
The reason that the Cubs can't compete and won't compete is the fan base which "demands" that the Cubs "compete" every year, has no patience to see a team develop, and "buys" the lines constantly thrown at the fan base
I think you're imbuing something with causal powers that cannot, logically or physically, have an such power. I know in your bottomless well of cynicsm, you have better arguments than this.
"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 26, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No player in a decline pharse?
How does the person who stated that explaine Gary Gaetti?
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gaetti....
... had two good months as a Cub, so they decided to keep him for the next season, when he sucked.
They got lucky.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 26, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No gray area
It's interesting how with some Cubs fans there is very little gray area. You have the undying optimists who think every year is the Cubs year and then those like Mr. Frustrated here who are not happy with anything the Cubs do.
Personally I am pretty happy with how the Cubs have been running things. We have those players that came up through out system that are either already contributing (Zambrano, Hill, Wood, Weurtz, Soto) or working on becoming more integral parts of the team (Theriot, Pie, Hart, Marshall). But when you are in a large market like Chicago, you have the luxury of being able to afford to bring in quality free agents to stock your team (Lee, Soriano, Ramirez, Fukudome, Derosa, Lilly, Howry, Eyre, Ward). It is a different way of operating, but its a way of operating that teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Cubs can afford. The Yankees and Sox have been successful with this method, and the Cubs can be too.
As for the urgency, we all know where it comes from, there is no need to mention it. The Cubs are in a good position to contend for a while.
I'll give you Dempster, but Lieber and Marquis could be more than serviceable as the Cubs fourth and fifth starters respectively. Marquis can eat innings and will have stretches where he can win us ballgames and keep us in others, which is all you really need from a fifth starter.
The fan base, while demanding is still one of the best in MLB. As you can hopefully see from all who post on this site, we know our stuff and are passionate about our Cubs. It is impossible to argue with your level of cynicism, so hopefully watching the Cubs play this season will change some of your opinions
by gwood on Mar 26, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Dempster, Lieber and Marquis are all starters or in line to be starters on a team with the young pitchers in the Cub system is a crime.
Have you not paid any attention to Lieber's numbers this spring? He's pitching EXTREMELY well. Why NOT put him in the lineup? Do you want to win or not?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 26, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rrrrrrrinnngggg! "Hello? Oh, hi Jim. Yeah, frustratedfan is at it again..."
"What's that? Are you serious? Okay, I'll tell him. Oh, and have a good time..."
Well, that was Jim Hendry on the phone and he said he's had it with "frustratedfan" and all the GM-bashing, so he's heading down to Branson for awhile - something about re-connecting with reality...
Anyway, he said he wants you, "frustratedfan", to take over his GM duties for the next few weeks if you're so smart. He said do whatever you want, sign and trade whoever you want , go ahead and build a winner! Just make sure to document it here on BCB so he can check in every now and then for a good laugh.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FrustratedFan do
you EVER see anything with a positive outlook?
by crazymountain on Mar 26, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reed Johnson
Was picked up for $1,000,000 and signed for one year. Basically costs the team nothing. It's not like he'll make or break the team. He's insurance, thats all.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this glass....
Thinking your a half empty kinda guy...
by Lou In Blue on Mar 26, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm thinking
that glass doesn't have any BEER in it...
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 26, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would hope not
unless your drinking one of those a minute for an hour, it's worthless for beer.
by gwood on Mar 26, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All i'm saying is
no reason to bash the front office for a move that cost near zilch
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Five season totals in CF
for Johnson.
CF* 64 115 3 0 1 1.000 .989 1.84 2.35 2.41 2.65 45 440.0
He has started 45 games 440 innings total, hasn't made an error. What stats were you looking at?
by crazymountain on Mar 26, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No wonder your a frustrated fan
you don't know much about the team. First of all playing Fuld when Pie isn't playing is meaningless. Fuld also struggles against LH pitching. Go back and read what Fukudome said when he signed with us. One of the reasons why he signed with us compared to the Padres, White Sox and others. Is because he wanted to stay a RF, and not play CF. So the Cubs were always only going to use him as a last resort in CF. They were never going to play him in CF and Murton in RF over the whole season.
Reed Johnson got hurt in April last year and when he came back his back still wasn't 100 percent, so of course he struggled. Johnson is now 100 percent and back to the player he was. By the way he had a 390 OBP just in 2006.(his last healthy year) This is one of the best possible guys we could get to be a back up in CF. This was a very very good move by Hendry, and it just made us better. So before you bash Hendry and his moves, How about you do a little research first. First thing you should do is look up what Johnson hit against LH pitching last year, even with him playing hurt.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 10:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where is Fukudome on record stating that?
not that i am disagreeing with you i am just wondering where i can read that.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic" Crash Davis - Bull Durham
by hoppy91 on Mar 25, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Search this site...
... he was specifically quoted as saying one of the reasons he signed with the Cubs was that they promised him he could play RF, which the other teams wouldn't do.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"After I declared my free agency, the Cubs were actually one of the only teams that were trying to get me from the beginning to the end of the whole process," Fukudome said through a translator. "I felt they really wanted me and they were also one of the teams that promised me I could play my position — right field."
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 25, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think the johnson signing was a good move
but i just hate to see matt end up being the odd man out. i love his bat and his approach at the plate. i did like the idea of f-dome playing center with murton in right on occasion though i guess that wont happen now. thanks for the clarification guys.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic" Crash Davis - Bull Durham
by hoppy91 on Mar 25, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i ain't.........
scared of no goat!!lol well pie will need a day off now and then and this guy just pounds lefties!!so a good move for sure!!GO CUBS!!
by goatstew on Mar 25, 2008 10:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reed Johnson splits
LH .308 avg/.371 OBP in 701 ABs. 18 HR, 46 BB and 103 K
So he's very good against LH starting pitchers and if for some reason Felix Pie is a bust or gets hurt. Reed Johnson doesn't totally suck against RH pitchers either
RH .267/.328 in 1382 AB with 24 HR, 73 BB and 281 K.
So say Pie gets hurt, or struggles for some reason(but I think he's gonna be good) playing Reed Johnson isn't a black hole in CF either. He would be pretty much what Jacque Jones gave us last year. But hopefully thats not the case and he only plays against LH pitching.
As for Reed Jonhson injury last year he talks about it in tihs Cubs.com article.
He missed more than three months last season after surgery on April 17 to correct a herniated disc in his lower back, and batted .236 in 79 games. His back is fine now.
"It's not a problem," he said. "That's where a lot of the 'surprise' comes from. I feel like I came into Spring Training healthier than ever. I was able to get that explosion back in my leg, which I lacked last year. To get the strength back and explosion back was a key for me in the offseason."
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 10:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
new to this site
can someone tell me why soriano isn't an option in center? there were no issues with the move to left, what's one more move? and he is more athletic than most center fielders out there...
by TommyD on Mar 26, 2008 2:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It didn't work out
They tried it last year. He volunteered to play center at the Cubs Convention, played center all spring training, and for the first few weeks of last season. He wasn't comfortable or good, and at the same time, he was struggling at the plate. Then he got injured, and when he came back, he was put back in left so he could concentrate on hitting. Soriano is not great on going back or coming in on fly balls, both of which are more difficult in center than in left.
Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson
by JohnM on Mar 26, 2008 5:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's probably the only thing that can make me hate this move
So say Pie gets hurt, or struggles for some reason(but I think he's gonna be good) playing Reed Johnson isn't a black hole in CF
I fear that if Pie struggles (and he WILL struggle, wether it be at the beginning of the season or sometime during) that he will be benched so Johnson can start. Ugh. Other than that, this move makes the Cubs better ever so slightly.
VORPy
by VS on Mar 26, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel the same way about Reed Johnson...
...that I did about Jason Kendall. Good character guy, really happy to be playing for the Cubs, and fills in an obvious need for a veteran at his position. Decent OBP, but AVG is somewhat suspect. Of course, the naysayers are all moaning that Johnson's past his prime, as they did with Kendall.
Hopefully Johnson pans out a little bit better than Kendall, who frankly wasn't too bad last year.
"And heeeere cooome the pretzels!"
by NightPutting on Mar 25, 2008 11:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I don't understand how anyone can have a problem with this move, unless they feel Pie should play CF against Lefties as well and then they're just morons anyway and their opinion is quickly swept under the rug. In MLB terms, he's cheap and the Cubs didn't have to give up anything for him.
The Cubs most glaring need, since January really, was a RH CF to hit off Lefties. Johnson not only is "scrappy" and hustles and plays the game the right way, but he put's up good numbers against Lefties as well. This ia a no brainer and Hendry should actually be given credit for this move.
I wonder if he could even hit lead-off against Lefties?
by lemon20pie on Mar 25, 2008 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson
Is much, much, much better than Kendall. The only thing that Kendall brought to the table was walks. I'm shocked he hit any home runs last year, it seemed like he needed to hit a ball three times just to get to the warning track. Here's hoping the Brewers enjoy their double play machine.
by berselius on Mar 25, 2008 11:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention...
... that everyone in the National League will run like crazy on Kendall.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2008 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct me if I'm wrong
but I think I saw Kendall's contract at 13 mil last year? Highest on the team for his part time service. What a waste.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right, but
The Cubs weren't paying very much of it. Pittsburgh picked up a bunch of it when he was traded to Oakland, and I think Oakland picked up even more of it. I'm pulling this number out of thin air, but I think the Cubs' liability was less than a million from what I remember
by berselius on Mar 26, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Kendell move
was very simliar to the Craig Monroe move last year. The Cubs had a hole offensivly, and took a chance on a struggling veteran bouncing back in a playoff race. Kendell played much better with the Cubs, while Monroe continued to play poorly. The Kendell trade ended up being a very good trade by Hendry actually. Because since he was a type B free agent, the Cubs not get a top 40 draft pick for him.
I don't think Reed Johnson is a struggling veteran quite like those guys. Both of those guys were struggling and just playing poorly. Johnson had a reason for struggling last year and now is 100 percent healthy. Plus Johnson is only 31 and not really past his prime.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 25, 2008 11:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
from what I saw on TV...
...that Soto home run would have easily made it out of Wrigley, probably clear Waveland on the fly and one bounce up against the yellow brick building. It was an awesome blast to watch and I hope just the first of many down the line this season, That's where I'll be playing him starting next week, because ballhawk rule #5 states "catchers always pull".
p.s. Piazza is the exception to that rule - man, did he have power to right-center...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2008 12:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What Are...
...ballhawk's other rules?
Do you have a book that details these? You may be onto something...
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
by initram on Mar 26, 2008 7:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh nothing too mind-altering. Just things like...
- Look both ways
- Everyone likes the sound of their own applause
- Cars will usually stop. Taxis and CTA buses won't.
and of course...
- Sosa was the King of meaningless home runs!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's funny how
whenever a Cubs pitcher who was on the roster when Dusty was managing the cubs gets injured, one of the first questions revolves around whether the pitcher felt he was overused or abused while Dusty was managing. How does Dusty keep getting jobs if his most frequently mentioned trait is his inability to manage pitchers?
by gwood on Mar 26, 2008 8:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well,
He is a three-time Manager of the year, has had only 5 losing season in 13 seasons as a manager, and he has a reputation as being a manager that players want to play for. Teams could do a lot worse than Dusty, say Jerry Manuel, Ned Yost, Felipe Alou....
"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 26, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was able to grow out the matt clement facial hair...
but I think this the reed johnson facial hair is a bit beyond my abilities.
---formerly known on BCB, WCG, and BAB simply as mike.
AC 00 00 00 - Believe
by mjk83 on Mar 26, 2008 8:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Howard Johnson wasn't available?
This GM has been making this type of acquisition since he came here..whoever the field manager.
Wood for closer.
by wicubfan on Mar 26, 2008 8:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
small correction
Johnson didn't "drop" the ball, that's why he didnt get an error
by neifi on Mar 26, 2008 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm.
I saw him drop the ball. Was sitting no more than about 50 feet away. Guess you saw something different.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 26, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take your word for it
but on tv it looked like he never touched it.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After this story....
I've come to the conclusion that Johnson is very a common surname!
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
by Jayo525 on Mar 26, 2008 10:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
When I looked this up...
... I thought there would have been way more than 11 of them, since the Cubs have been around since 1876.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 26, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Randy Johnson
Best baseball name ever.
Wood for closer.
by wicubfan on Mar 26, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to disagree with you....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 26, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unbeatable
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 26, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
darn net nanny
I'll have to look at your comment when I get home santo..
Wood for closer.
by wicubfan on Mar 26, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Related FanShots on Bleed Cubbie Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
