Open Thread: Cubs vs. Mariners, Friday 3/28, 9:15 CT
by Al Yellon on Mar 28, 2008 2:25 PM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintBack in Chicago and back to work early tomorrow morning, I won't get to see much of this televised game, maybe the first couple of innings.
Hope the rest of you can fill in the details.
Afternoon notes (some of which have been discussed before):- Matt Murton's headed to Iowa. Or a deal to another team -- Jim Hendry is actually well-respected among players because he does try to find another situation for someone he can't fit into the Cubs. That article also says Kevin Hart's likely made the team:
[Lou] Piniella hasn't said anything to pitcher Kevin Hart, who also appears to have made the final 25. Hart figures he'll get on the bus with the team until he's told to get off.
"That's a good way to look at things," Piniella said.
- TCTSNBN today says that MLB should investigate A-Rod and Magglio Ordonez for steroid use. Why? Because Jose Canseco said so. Great logic there.
- Bruce Miles says Piggy may have turned Lou's head. To which I say, "Good! He's earned the spot."
Tonight, Ted Lilly goes against Seattle's Carlos Silva. The Cubs will be the "home" team tonight and bat last. It's on radio in Chicago (WGN) and Seattle (KOMO), on WGN-TV and on MLB Audio at the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Goodbye Matt Murton...
you're majestic legend will live in our hearts forever!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 28, 2008 2:30 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I wonder if this unicorn bucked him off.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
The second
he is moved, traded or demoted I'm divorcing him.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions
MOW
what's that mean? Add it to the BCB Dictionary!
Stats spelled backwards is statS!
by digitalbenjamin on Mar 28, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I think its there
and i'm ashamed.....
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Godspeed, Murt
Since this is the age of placing blame, I put Murt's mediocrity squarely on the shoulders of Dusty, Sarge and Gene. Remember when he first came up to the Cubs? Patient hitter, waited for his pitch and drove it. Then the sermon of "Be (dude) aggressive (dude) and swing (dude) at everying (dude)" was preached to him a few too many times...and he was obviously struggling just to make contact. Poor guy, I hope he gets traded, gets a chance to play and rediscovers his stroke. He was also my daughter's favorite since he was a redhead too!!
oops
of course, in the above I meant "everything" not "everying"...don't want to be mistaken for a Sox fan!
The problem with Murton
Is not his Offensive production, it's that he's a mediocre Defensive OF and his problem as it relates to the Cubs, is that he can not play CF.
If he does have a weakness offensively, it's that he doesn't have above average power for a Corner outfielder, which most GM's look for an a corner OFer.
Yes
His D is certainly the problem...but if he drove the ball with power like he is certainly capable of I'm not sure we would have even needed Fuku. With his swing reduced to Willie Magee-like ball-slapping, his lack of versatility is costing him even more. But at least he can throw better than Jacque!
have at it fellas
I'm sitting this one out.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed...
Murton, as he currently stands, his an above average hitter. Unfortunately, defensively he's yet to prove he's a capable RF. As a LF, people want more power.
His problems on the Cubs was that he's not as good as Soriano (who is here for 7 more years), he doesn't bat LH, and he can't play CF. The first two are the biggest problems. If he was better than Soriano, he'd be the LF. If he batted LH, he might be the RF and we might have passed on Fukudome.
I think the divide people have on Murton is what they envision moving forward. There are many who think he'll never develop the power to go along with the solid average and OBP. If those people are right, then he's destined to be a 4th OF or platoon LF. Others see his size and his plate discipline and imagine that he can develop enough power to be a better version of Jeff Conine (who had a pretty decent career as an MLB regular). If they're right (or if Murton develops 25+ HR power), then Murton will find a spot as a regular somewhere.
It remains to be seen whether he develops the consistent power to lock up an everyday spot. But whether he does or not has no impact on his future as a Cub. His future as a Cub is pretty much over. We're locked in in LF and RF for the next 4 years, and that's pretty much the extent of his versatility.
This is NOT a big deal--the only one to blame is Murton...
...for not being a better player AND for having options....
This is business and the opening day 25 roster is meaningless unless you start throwing guys away who can help you and they are out of options. Seriously, who cares who made the last 2 roster spots even 4 weeks from now, so long as we have the best 35 guys in total under our control. Because you are going to need 35 guys for a 162 game season, not Matt Murton on the 25 and some other guy who can help cut loose.
Matt Murton's game has flaws. He's mediocre defensively and has little speed. These are big negatives when you also don't have a lot of power and you play corner OF. Murton would serve himself well by learning 1B, 3B, and improving his OF defense. I like Murton but I am realistic, the guy has big limitations, still I'd like him to be on my 35 man roster for the 162 game marathon.
With all that said, there will be real interest in Murton and I expect he'll be traded. He would have been gone already had the Cubs acquired Roberts and moved Derosa to OF sub. So Murton gets the bad news now and I feel bad for him about the timing because the Cubs put 100% of their eggs on getting Roberts and they put everything on hold. Hopefully they'll get something decent for Murton and he'll go to a good team like the Padres where I can watch him play in person.
You should add a little sign...
...that says "To Iowa -->" or something like that.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.
that picture is epic!!!
Matt Murton, riding off into the sunset of Iowa on his magical Unicorn steed. It's true what they say, Gingers are magical
Chuck Norris is a Cubs fan...
That picture
sums up why I missed BCB. Where else in my daily life can I find a great combination of the Cubs and Lisa Frank? Nowhere, my friends. Nowhere.
I Believe!!!!
LISA FRANK!
That is exactly what I thought of, too! Kinda reminds me of those really fantastical looking paintings of dolphins and whales that used to be on notebooks and folders, too.
"These are the saddest of possible words: Tinker to Evers to Chance."
by bluebythebook on Mar 28, 2008 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I have found my next tattoo...
"I got mad hits like I was Rod Carew!"
by lostinthevines on Mar 28, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Is it time to consider Pie for the lead off spot?
Now that the Cubs have the Right Handed hitting CF in Johnson they've sought for the last 3 months and Pie will hit against Righties only for the most part, when will the campaign for Pie to lead off begin?
Realistically...
we shouldn't even consider it until after we see what he's going to do with a full season facing ML pitching. After that, if he's can make adjustments and show real progress...then yeah...that campaign is coming.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 28, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think so...
...he appears to be gaining some confidence, and that is critical in his development as a young hitter. That confidence is fragile right now, so you need to put him in a spot with the least amount of pressure, and that will be 7th or 8th for this year.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Doesn't make any sense for Pie...
his skillset has never been suited for the leadoff spot. He's never taken a lot of walks, so unless his average is high he hasn't been a good OBP guy. Pie has always seemed better suited for a #6 type spot in the order. There, he could use his doubles power to drive in the big boys in a low-pressure environment. Also, the #6 spot would be a good spot to take advantage of his speed.
Eventually, he may develop into a #3-5 hitter. But I don't know that his skillset will ever be ideally suited for the leadoff spot.
Theriot doesn't take a lot of walks right now either
and as it stands, he's the Cubs lead off hitter. Having seen 7 ST games this year, it's obvious to me that he worked on shortening his swing in the off season and if would ever be considered to be a lead off hitter, it would be right now. I say that mainly because he'll only see Righties. I agree that the Cubs future hopes of Pie is to hit lead off, but as of this moment, the Cubs lead off hitter is Theriot and I don't think Pie and his OBP could be drastically worse than Theriot's.
Then you'd have that CF spot leading off and Theriot hitting 8th. I also agree though that it is a little premature to seriously discuss it, but just tossing it out there.
I don't like Theriot leading off either...
But Theriot does actually take walks at a higher rate than Pie. And he is a patient hitter in general.
Ideally, I'd have Fukudome there among current Cubs. If we'd gotten Roberts, he'd be the guy I'd put there. But Theriot (while not ideal) is probably better suited at leadoff than Pie.
Now, if Pie continues his torrid spring into the season and Theriot struggles, then I'd suggest moving Fukudome to leadoff, Theriot to 8th, and Pie to 6th.
Theriot's P/PA
was actually one of the worst on the team last season. It's only Spring Training, but I thought Felix showed pretty good patience at the plate for the most part. Does that mean he should lead off? no it doesn't, not now atleast. But having said that, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Felix leads off at some point this season.
The Phillies claim
Tim Lahey off
waivers from the Cubs.
Interesting
He has to stay on the Phillies 25 man roster the entire season, which seems unlikely.
My question is: If the Phillies put him on waivers again, is he put back into the waiver pool for any team to claim and then is it just a nasty circle of a waiver pool anytime he is released or now that he's been claimed and if put back on waivers, will he be returned to the Twins?
I hope he can swim...
;)
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
LOL
Courtesy of The Cub Reporter
It's on the front of Rotoworld, but the Phillies claimed Tim Lahey today off waivers. They'll have to keep him on their 25-man roster all season to keep his rights beyond 2008 without a trade or cash exchanging hands. If he can't stick, he'll go through waivers again, but more likely end up back in the Minnesota Twins organization (if they want him). The Cubs are still owed a player for the Craig Monroe deal from the Minnesota Twins. It's certainly possible that it still might be Tim Lahey, but they'll have to wait for the Phillies to be done with him first
So it sounds like when and if Lahey is released from the Phillies, he will be returned back to the Twins.
that is nuts!...
I would imagine every team needs several legal analysts to stay on top of all the inner workings of MLB transactions for each players situation.
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
Thanks JB 23
One more quick question, where is this "quote icon" for which you speak of? Me not find.
When you post a comment...
.... look for the " above the box.
Then you can type your text, or copy/paste, highlight it and hit the " button.
It will look like the above box.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
If I Am Not Mistaken...
...isn't PTBNL trades need to be reconciled within 60 days? I thought I read that somewhere...
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
The Deadline
is 6 months.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
That must be getting close, then.
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I would think the starters would see...
some limited action. Probably start and sit after their 2nd AB.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 28, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions
cool
i'd eb a bummer to have bought tickets if it's all minor leaguers.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully
...tonight will be like last year when the Friday night game mostly consisted of starters and major leaguers and the Saturday game was all minor leaguers after the 3rd of 4th inning. I bought tickets for tonight's game and not tomorrow's game assuming this year will be the same.
fanposts
I think Al you might have to consider using some liberty in deciding whether or not a fanpost is worthy enough to be a fanpost. Or if there is a way for the programmers to include the "recommend fanpost" feature like was on the old BCB.
I'm still waiting to see a "what I had for lunch" fanpost.
by lemon20pie on Mar 28, 2008 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
HAHAHAAH
My appologies for my 1st fanpost. it was my 1st day.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Wont happen
I still hold the record on the now extinct Textamerica.com (flickr type site) well over 100,000.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Recommend feature
There is a recommend feature, although almost no one seems to have found it. There is also a recommend feature for individual comments. For example, I just recommended your comment by clicking on "actions" -> "recommend".
by John Q Freejazz on Mar 28, 2008 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I have made a request...
... for a more visible "Recommend" feature. They are considering it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al Yellon on Mar 28, 2008 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Re: Recommend feature
I was thinking of posting a meta-fanpost on the recommend feature, as it has hardly been used since the advent of SBN 2.0. Maybe it would help if it were made a little more visible.
by John Q Freejazz on Mar 28, 2008 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Feel free to make a post like that.
I had intended to mention it earlier but forgot.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I LOOOVE
the "C" and "Z" features!
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Found the recommend feature for fanposts
Really wasn't that hard to find. Guess I just assumed since there's only been one recommended fanpost that there wasn't a recommend option.
c and z features are indeed great
My favorite upgrade though is the "auto refresh" feature. During game threads with the auto refresh, it becomes a chat room, which is cool.
Back to the recommend feature in fanposts
So, if I hit the recommend option at the bottom of the post by creator of fanpost, will it get moved to the "recommended fanposts" area above recent fanposts?
Al has it set at 4 reccomends before it shows up
right now. So that is why we don't see any in that section yet because few knew how to reccomend. I think 4 will be fine once everyone knows about it.
by LT on Mar 28, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Another question
So when you recommend an individual comment, what does that do? What is the purpose of having a recommend feature for individual replies?
I don't know.
Maybe the tech team can answer that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
You can see how many people have recommended a post
but I haven't noticed any sort of filter to where you would only look at these posts?
by LT on Mar 28, 2008 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Ur my hero
10 days 800+ posts, and im not even kidding about u being my hero cause of it.
Hope to meet some of u guys at the games i can go to!
POOR students ftl.
Well thanks then!
So many of my posts count as 2 becuase the second I post it I think of something to add....geesh.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
In that case
they should count as 1/2 (.i.e. half a post)
Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson
yep
i wish there was an edit button for the user that left the comment. That way I could add what I forgot and also correct some of my 3rd grade spelling erros.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
You just need to print out that picture...
and put it on a t-shirt for him to sign.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 28, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I dunno.
I'd be more apt to take his picture. It could replace the one I have up of Prior that I took of him when he was in Des Moines.
You still have a picture...
of Prior over your bed? I thought you'd have replaced him with Ronny by now...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 28, 2008 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
ohh my...that is priceless.
lets hope he doesnt overslide that cliff edge....
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
BWAHAHAHA
Poor ronny...no one there to catch his throw.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
you need to make
a set of "Magic: The Gathering" Cards with the Cubs on it, and we can argue about attributes, etc.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 28, 2008 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I second this
That would be the greatest thing ever.
"These are the saddest of possible words: Tinker to Evers to Chance."
by bluebythebook on Mar 28, 2008 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
My husband's ideas for some of those cards
Lou - Tap: Tap target umpire
Soriano - high power, high toughness, very high cost
Zambrano should be a red card (emotion over reason)
by bluesweatergirl1 on Mar 28, 2008 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
The matt picture is hillarious. I dont care if you're a fan of him or not. You gotta laugh at that pic. I need to print it out...
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone see the field layout at the Coliseum
for the Red Sox and Dodgers game? It's hilarious. It's 200 feet down the LF line and 450 feet down the RF line!!!
It should be about 250 to LF.
That's how it was from 1958-61 when the Dodgers played there. They had a huge screen in LF.
They also had a temporary wall in RF that was shorter than 450 feet. If they don't have that this time, there could be a lot of inside the park HR to RF...
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Here's the layout.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
It looks like we're going to see some pop-up home runs in the next couple days
Old Style is the nectar of life.
According to
This the dimensions will be as mentioned above, with the wall 200 feet down LF but with a 50 foot high meshed fence, like you mentioned.
That should be quite an interesting seen as they're expecting 100,000 people.
Test
"Well, the fence is actually about 50 feet closer to home plate now than it was back then. We compensated by adding about 20 feet in height to the left-field screen. It's different, that's for sure. But that was part of the charm of the team playing there
test
"Well, the fence is actually about 50 feet closer to home plate now than it was back then. We compensated by adding about 20 feet in height to the left-field screen. It's different, that's for sure. But that was part of the charm of the team playing there
That's weird
I hit the quote box above the text box, and in the preview the blue box showed up but not the actual post.
Looks like you pressed the quote button twice
like such
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 28, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
same here
it showed up in the preview. oh well
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
That's the problem with football stadiums.
Looks like the Orange Bowl in Miami, when it was occasionally used for baseball. I remember a Caribbean Series played at the Orange Bowl with dimensions on LF similar to the ones in LA.
Now the Marlins plan to play at the Orange Bowl site, in this new park to be built:
by Fraggin Judge on Mar 28, 2008 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
OMG!
is this game on tv? I gotta see this! HR city!
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
found it....
Its on MLBTV and NESN which is channel 623 on Directv. I'm guessing NESN is North East Sports Network
10:10ET
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not positive, but I think this setup was the genesis for the term "Moon Shot"
Wally Moon was an All-Star third baseman and played for Dodgers from 1959-65. Even though he batted left-handed, he had a nice inside-out swing that made it very easy for him to golf high fly balls the opposite way. Even with the high screen, many of those 'shots' made it over for home runs, hence the term "moon shot".
File this one away for the next time a Cliff Claven-type plops down next to you in the bleachers. It ought to shut him up for an inning or two.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
That's correct.
Moon's HR splits in the three years (1959-61) he had the LA Coliseum as his home park:
1959: 14 at home, 5 on road
1960: 9 at home, 4 on road
1961: 14 at home, 3 on road
Total for the 3 years: 37 at home, 12 on road
Small correction: Moon was an outfielder, not a 3B.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Is there a link to a story on this? I have no idea whats going on with this. They're going to play regular season games with that set?
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions
D'ohpirak released by Cubs
ANother in the long long line of "untouchable" prospects at one point that never panned out. Perfect example how prospects are just that, prospects.
Test
The Cubs do not announce a complete or "official" list of minor league players that they release each spring. This spring, the most recognizable name to be released from minor league camp appears to be Brian Dopirak, the club’s second-round draft pick from Dunedin
Courtesty of www.insidetheivy.com
Tonight
I logged on tonight to find out what time the game is on... notice I went straight here instead of jerking around with those crap sites like ESPN.com and Fox Sports.com. Anywho, much to my delight the game starts at 9, so I can partake in some Cubbie baseball right after hopefully watching Bucky Badger advance to the Elite Eight! Ah..... it's a great night.
by Great Odin's Raven on Mar 28, 2008 6:04 PM CDT reply actions
great screen name...
"I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly..."
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
Jameson, Jameson, Jameson
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Ugh
Man, we looked terrible tonight, but I don't think any team could have hung with Davidson the way they were shooting tonight. I turned the game off when Davidson hit yet another 3, this time on a laser-beam 3 pointer as the shot clock expired. It looked like it was thrown one-handed, further indication of how this game was going. They might as well have waited out the shot clock on every possession and thrown it in from half court, the way things were going.
(just a leeeetle frustrated)
Didn't get to see any of it
In China this week and the CBS feed wasn't working. Guess I'm glad that I could only listen to the radio.
Knew that it could be a tough game; didn't expect a blowout. Pretty disappointing.
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 28, 2008 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Ugh, with a side of Ugh...
Kinda saw it coming, though. Same as last year with UNLV. Very depressing, and what always makes it worse is when the announcers want a team to win as bad as their fans do. Just like Joe Morgan when anyone is playing the Cubs, so was Gus Johnson for Davidson tonight. At one point when the Badgers hit a three, he sounded almost disappointed... oh well. Now it's officially baseball season.
I, like you, shut it off in the second half, choosing instead to bust out MLB 08 The Show on PS3, Cubs vs. Cardinals. I got out to a 4-1 lead behind homers from Soriano and DeRosa, but I gave up a run in the 8th with Marmol and a run in the 9th with Wood before striking out Pujols to end the game and a 4-3 win.
by Great Odin's Raven on Mar 28, 2008 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions
"Me and my big mouth."
I love when a player shows up at spring training and excels. So I'm very happy to acknowledge that Félix Pie proved me wrong. He batted as a major leaguer should this spring. If he keeps it up he'll make Jim Hendry look very good for insisting on keeping him and refusing to trade him last year.
On another subject, I hope the Cubs keep Pignatiello in the roster. He has the "stuff".
Also, I'm sorry for my fellow PuertoRican Alex Cintrón. He had a decent spring and I hope he finds a team to play for this year. The Cubs, unfortunately, didn't have a place for him, due to Ronny Cedeño's apparent late ripening as a major league utility infielder, and Fontenot's great spring.
only a couple more days
just got back from vacation, finally baseball is nearly here!
Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..
I wouldnt dare.
I'm learning the rules slowly but surely.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions
did you hear about this?
Danica's too little to race. I certainly don't mind. She's easy on the eyes. ;-)
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 28, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Ohhhh yes haha
She's been using that to her advantage for a while. I'm a huge fan but I have to disagree with her on this one. All the cars with drivers in should weigh the same...to be fair. She said something like "Well no one punishes Shaq for being 7'4" " Well Shaq is using all body to determine a result, he's not using his body to control an object. Her lighter wieght gives her an unfair advantage in controlling an object.
I hope I dont get yelled at (or should I say Yelloned at) for this. Just needed a break from my Piggy and Murton crusade.
cubsonWGN4ever, Danica and I are good friends. Yea right haha but I do have a few pics with her.....
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions
An unfair advantage?
20 pounds? In a car that weighs what, 2000 pounds?
The link cited mentions the NFL's new rule about hair length. No wonder they call it the "No Fun League".
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Don't forget about
the NBA's dress code....
In all fairness, I think I understand the hair length rule though. It's just too tempting to grab a handfull of dreads and yank someone to the ground.
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 28, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
True, I suppose.
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
But it's legal to grab the hair.
If they want to have it long then they take that chance. They should be able to keep it.
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions
didn't know that
seems stupid for someone to have hair that long anyway if that's really legal
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 28, 2008 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Polamalu had his grabbed once, but
it doesn't happen enough to be a problem. I don't think it's a big enough deal to make a rule about.
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Not sure
why there is/will be a hair rule. I think theres an actual rule about being able to read the name and number (could be college). But seriously. It's 250lb men running down a field trying to slaughter each other. Is hair really a priority? geeezzz
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
yea,
if it's out of the helmet it's "part of the uniform". My favorite player now that Favre has retired is T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Wonder if he'll have to tuck the braided pony tail.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Believe it or not....
yes it does. When you're talking about fighter jet aerodynamics and speeds up to 230 mph, 20lbs can make a difference. You wouldn't think putting cokes in a bat would do much either. (There, I brought it back to baseball.)
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions
would diet "cokes" be an even more unfair advantage? ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Only if you were feeding them to someone whos allergic to aspartame.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions
haha thats awesome
Where's that from? Indy 500? Went last year - I remember maybe 1% of it. : P
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 28, 2008 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
This is at Chicagoland.
And I also remember about 1% of last years Indy 500. I'm camping this year. Thats should be interesting.....
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Me too
Taking the RV and wakeboard boat up there and making a weekend of it
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 28, 2008 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions
It was my wifes idea. She's never been to the 500 and has no damn clue what she's in for. Some of the best pics I take are walking through lot 1C.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Dude - if you're going to take a picture with Danica, I've three words for you...
Wide. Angle. Lens.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I know I know
I was solo on this run so I had to take this pic myself holding the cam up in my right hand.. I'll have the WAL this year.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Tom just said
there's a chance of the warmest Opening Day in 16 years (in the mid 60s).... if it doesn't storm all day
That for sure wont be a 'dry heat'.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Throw down your gloves!
I just want to win the last game of the season.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 28, 2008 9:23 PM CDT reply actions
Aight guys...
Its friday night and I'm not married yet so...
::::presses record:::::
Have fun guys
Lets go CUBS! Finish this spring strong and get into the regular season on a roll. Fukudome, show ichiro who's boss!
OK
I typed a completely different message, about that home run.
Does the site save old comments in a cache somewhere?
same thing happened to me once
I think it's just a glitch that I doubt they'll be able to even find, let alone fix. What was really strange for me is that it just wasn't my previous comment - it was the original version of the previous comment that I subsequently edited (after previewing) and then posted. Weird wacky stuff...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I wish
they had an over/under on this game....
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Keystone....
What part of PA are you from? Assuming keystone means pennsylvania
Bleeding Cubbie Blue since 1985.
I'm
in McHenry Illinois. I use the name Keystone becuase I used to work at Keystone ski resort in CO. The zip there is 80435. Worst mistake of my life leaving that place, what a blast....... But I do spend some time in PA. My grandparents are in Wilmington DE
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
Im at a friends and he is defenitely a weak fan.
I turned it on BAM 2 homers.
"we arent gonna win the division" lol
looks like he was trying to bunt the ball to a friend in the front row
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions
nice play be Lee
I just want to win the last game of the season.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 28, 2008 9:42 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah it was
I was initially hoping he would've just eaten it. Last thing we need right now is Lee pulling a hammie trying to beat Ichiro to 1st base in a meaningless game.
Ichiro
should have slid. I assume he would have had it not been Spring
Carlos Silva
Looks like he and Bob Wickman have the same offseason training program.
I follow that same regiment
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions
yikes.
shut down. I thought DeRosa was going to have a hit there...
2008: The year we put it all together.
Probably old news to everyone but a decent article favoring the Cubs to make the Series. Dont know if "Felix Pie's twisted testicle" was necessary but they seem to have needed to mention it.
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10742428
Poor Matty Murton....
We almost had a Holy COW!!!
I just want to win the last game of the season.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 28, 2008 9:56 PM CDT reply actions
no doubt about it
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Ha! Good point. And I've never seen a manager with Kentucky Waterfall mullet and tattoos covering both forearms.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Is it me
or is Ichiro sporting the high pants look.
I just want to win the last game of the season.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 28, 2008 10:02 PM CDT reply actions
I was too busy noticing how his head is wider than it is long.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah, what was up with that?
When your pitcher can get on... sheesh.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 28, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Save the offense for Monday
I just want to win the last game of the season.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 28, 2008 10:07 PM CDT reply actions
SORIANO!
Actually, he really hit TWO home runs, just one was a little off the line...
2008: The year we put it all together.
yea he did
I'd be exiting the beer garden after that foul shot. He lines that and someone is losing their head.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions
he's being more patient.
let's see if it holds up after the season actually starts.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 28, 2008 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
That'd be nice
I was thinking he got fooled on the pitch and the leagues heaviest bat took an offspeed pitch over the RF wall
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions
is it just me
or does Uncle Ted not look all that comfortable?
2008: The year we put it all together.
THANK GAWD
for that 3rd out. shut that guy up about Bette Midler haha
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea
......it's bringing tears to MY eyes
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Brenley nearly brought a tear to my eye
I was laughing so hard when Some was standing next to the showgirl and Bob said "what a country!"
That was great!
Fukudome tried not to look.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I dont know. he comes so far over the top he always looks uncomfortable
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
If anyone cares
Mamphis up by almost 30 with 12mn to go. Kansas up 17 10min to go
Poor Matty Murton....
That's how you get Felix out
hard and in. has a hard time getting his hands in and getting around on it.
yes he certianly did
he was more interested in the bat he was holding
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions
all blow outs tonight
and my 'horns won. we got Memphis next, should be good
I just want to win the last game of the season.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 28, 2008 10:30 PM CDT reply actions
dont look now
MSU mounting a small comeback. Memphis only up 19 now
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I dont know but I'm
putting him on all my fantasy teams
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions
only 1 HR tonight. 3 HR's in ST
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Yabbut...
Morse is two years younger than Hoffpauir and has hit .302/.365/.399 in 291 major league AB. Might have a chance to actually accomplish something in the major leagues.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Also
Morse came up as a SS (though he's probably outgrown SS, at least as a regular), and he can play anywhere on the IF. Hoffpauir is limited to 1B and COF.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
all these long homers...
..are definitely getting me psyched for Monday!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
yeah but Lily will be pitching on Wednesday, and Marquis soon after.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
This is a total waste of my Friday night
I sure hope this doesn't carry over into next week.
by garyscottrules on Mar 28, 2008 10:35 PM CDT reply actions
A little help guys...
DeRo needs ABs more than anyone. Why did Lou take him out first? Why not take out Pie? It's not like Jason Marquis doesn't know how to hold a bat...
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
hey
give him a break, he took two pitches
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue" - George F. Will
take it easy man
theriot's not that bad
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue" - George F. Will
he only
hits leadoff once a game, the rest he's just another guy in the lineup, it doesnt really matter
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue" - George F. Will
Now thats a point i've never really thought about.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions
It doesn't matter?
Then why don't teams have their pitchers lead off? It does matter.
Your lead off hitter leads the team in ab's per season.
and
it would only be once per game, it still doesnt matter because the other eight innings of the game everyone else will still have to get their hits. the leadoff hitter doesnt control the game.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue" - George F. Will
Len with the worst Elvis impersonation ever
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 10:39 PM CDT reply actions
Finally - the obligatory "thankyouverymuch"...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
HAHAHA
Some drunk from the beer garden stole the little truck and almost ran over DLEE hahaha
Poor Matty Murton....
I'm guessing it was a drunk grounds crew guy
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
yes yes
he drove right to the beer garden haha
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope
I'll try to find out.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea
Its on MLBTV and NESN which is channel 623 on Directv. I'm guessing NESN is North East Sports Network
10:10ET
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Great hustle
by Marquis, but...
it seems to me that many of his bad innings last year came right after he ran the bases. Let's see how he does now.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
think he'll be back on the mound?
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Unfortunately
I recalled this correctly, and Jason hasn't done anything to correct it. Maybe he belongs in the AL after all.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
Yes, you called it for sure. what a mess!
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Glad we have all our Single A pitchers in
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 11:02 PM CDT reply actions
I know
otherwise I'd be worried
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Unless someone wants him for batting practice
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 28, 2008 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions
true
hell, i bet the M's will try to trade for him for that very purpose.
it must be the dry desert air
I'm in Vegas...
and I just spontaneously flew over a fence.
Heh
Gameday says that "Leon" Johnson is in RF for the Cubs now. Is that Reed's real name?
His Full Name Is...
"Reed Cameron Johnson"
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
They must be confused with Leon Johnson
who is a Cubs prospect and who is the fastest player in the Cubs organization. Leon's brother was the one who slid into that catcher a couple weeks ago, breaking his wrist and fueling the fire for the benches clearing.
MLB.com
says Leon Johnson too
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions
oh duh
MillsChC said Gameday . I thought he heard it on tv
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey! My phone just rang!
It's Larry Rothschild - he wants me to pitch the 9th...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
well, I'm done with this.
gnight everybody. Tomorrow is another day. For Cedeno to demonstrate he doesn't really know how to play baseball.
2008: The year we put it all together.
wind..
i was just outside and its pretty windy here. im going to assume it was blowing out and helping the M's.... but the cubs were pretending it was April in Chicago and making contact would cause an "owie"
for anyone still here
Hart with a 1-2-3 ninth.
I was in Frisco, CO recently
Why did you leave Keystone? beautiful around there.... but not cheap.
Nice!
Frisco is a stones throw from Keystone. I was out there doing an internship and decided to stay. I was having a damn good time and my girlfriend, now wife was in Colorado Springs with the US National Volleyball team so it was cool. We were both enrolled at Clemson at the time. Then my parents found out I needed 3 credits to graduate and they told me to get my butt back to Clemson and get that sheet of paper they paid who knows how much for me to get.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions
ugh
well Im making the same mistake. Im moving from the west slope to the midwest.... but I know where I will go on my vacations from now on.
and to make this on topic. game over.
but I think we're the last two here.
Well bring a coat!
Becuase its cold.
And I read your post about Selig and directv. And I am NOT buying MLB Extra innings this year. They jacked the price again. If you look at it $200 for something like 180 games a week is not bad. BUT they keep raising the price. I dodnt remember it being so damn expensive. Same with NFL Subday Ticket. Its $300 now. Forget it.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I stayed with Dish
and I "moved" my service to chicago, so I get CSN... I see all the games other than the ones on WCIU.
I encourage anyone in a similar position to consider the "move", but be aware you only get the big 4 nets on Dish as the other locals are spot beamed. check some of the leading sat TV forums to learn more.
but in 2 months I'll be back where CSN is my regional net legitimately, and then it wont matter.
(opens .. one.... more... beer....)
I got directv in Colorado
becuase the dinky cable they had in employee housing didnt have WGN. I've had diretv ever since.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm, in Chicago and on Dish
and I get WCIU. I got the 'local stations" package.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 29, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
ok back on topic
cause I need to kill another beer before bed.
tonights pitching performances, sans Hart, were disturbing. Indeed I am on the paranoid side. I could easily forsee an dangerous regression of the starting pitching staff to a mediocre status, and being an achilles heel.
Im a pessimist. sorry.
It's a legitimate concern
Something I"ve voiced many times. It'll be hard for Lilly to replicate his season last year and I personally feel or have a gut felling (have felt) that Hill will regress this season and his ERA will be 4.25 at the end of the season.
Then you have the mess that is Marquis and Dempster and this starting staff is less than overhwhelming.
Although I do think that we could be seeing Zambrano with his best season as a Major Leaguer yet. One thing is for sure, they're gonna need it.
I think Lieber
will be in the rotation by June 1. Between Demp and Marquis.. combined with the possible regression of Hill, someone is going to be bad, and get yanked.
Im glad we got John. I hope its enough to keep things going through the break so Jim can add a serious arm at a reasonable price.
(if arm is needed.... I reserve the right to be wrong. often)
Hopefully
Lieber will be in the rotation by late April or May. But it's silly to worry about a possible regression of Hill. The guy is only gonna get better, and has very good stuff just needs to mature a little bit IMO. Everyone is worried about Hill, but Lilly has actually pitched worse this spring. Hill just had that one really bad game(when he walked six in 1.2 IP), but both Hill and Lilly will be fine once the season starts.
I hope you're right about Hill
but as many here know, my concern with Hill started before Spring Training.
Hope I am wrong, because if he pitches the way most Cub fans think he will and that's Bedard like and not the way I think he will - league averagish- than he will be the key to how far the Cubs go this season.
I agree
It took Hendry long enough but he learned his lesson by putting all his eggs in the same basket and counted on a couple pitchers. This rotation is a deep rotation with Lieber but again, nothing overwhelming.
I don't want to look too far down the road, but like every season, I always judge the success of a Cubs season by whether or not they made it to the World Series, and I don't see that happening with this current staff.
That's a bridge way down the road though, and for now I'll just try to enjoy the beginning of the season and the fact that baseball is back.
It seems
like every game I saw this ST, the Cubs were down early and often. But they came back. I made a comment last week how I didnt think the Cubs had done anything to fix the 'giving up games in the 7 8 and 9th innings'. I take that back. It looks like the starters are giving up runs early and the pen is holding things down.
I remember going to a game last year and in the 1st inning before I even got to my seat the Nationals were up 5-0. I hope that doesnt start happening early this year.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 29, 2008 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions
thats a good point
and the pessimist here must admit this team has shown a lot of resilience as spring wore on.
this team surely will be competitive, while I might feel bad omens, I also cannot see this being a 90 loss team. we have an interesting, fun, involved season ahead of us. yeehaw!
Spring ERA's last year
Zambrano--2-1, 2.61 era in 20.2 IP-07
Zambrano-1-0, 2.37 era in 19 IP -08
Lilly-2-1, 3.42 era in 23.2 IP-07
Lilly-0-1, 6.75 era in 20.0 IP 08
Hill-1-1, 5.17 era in 15.2 IP -07
Hill- 0-1, 6.11 era in 17.2 IP -08
Marquis-1-1, 4.84 era in 22.1 IP 07
Marquis-1-1, 4.22 era in 21.1 IP 08
Miller-2-0, 3.98 era in 20.1 IP 07
Lieber-2-0,2.50 era in 18 IP-08
Guzman-0-0, 5.00 era in 18 IP -07
Dempster-2-1, 5.23 era in 20.2 IP-08(still one start left)
So overall the SP is very simliar to last year in spring training, the only big difference is Lilly threw much better last spring, but I know he was working on alot of pitches this spring. But Wade Millers spring should show you that spring training stats mean nothing because he pitched well last spring and couldn't get anybody out once the season started.
I agree cubsfan
this rotation is certainly deeper are it's a more solid rotation than last season where there were a ton of question marks heading in.
Can't wait til Monday!
How much
regession from Lilly? I doubt he will be 3.83 this year, but the guy had a 4.34,4.06 and 4.31 his last three healthy seasons in the AL. I can't see him having a era above 4.10 pitching in the NL Central. By the way Marquis had a 4.43 era last season as a SP, so I wouldn't call him a mess but something who is fine as a bottom of the rotation starter. Overall I don't see how this rotation can be much worse then it was last season. We had a 4.60 era from Marquis overall in the 4th starter spot, and Miller/Guzman/Marshall/Trachsel had a 5.10 era last year. Zambrano should be much better, and I still think Hill is gonna improve not regress, but we will see what happens.
what was Marquis' ERA in the 2nd half last year?
Or the year before that or the year before that. He's consistently bad in the 2nd half. You can't and the Cubs planned on not counting on him in the 2nd half. He's laid the blueprint, not me.
Marquis in the 2nd half, when the playoffs are held, is a mess.
Having said that, I've said on this board many times that I'd rather have Marquis in the rotation than Dempster. When Lieber does step in the rotation, I don't think Dempster or Marquis for that matter, are bad 5th starters. This rotation does have depth, like I said, but nothing overwhelming. Lacking that 1-2 punch that the great teams have.
Marquis really wasn't
that bad in the second half until his last three games. On September 20th last year he had a 4.08 era, and his second half era was only around 4.40 or 4.50. Then he got bombed in his last three games(two starts, and one as a reliever), which inflated his second half numbers. So it would really be Marquis is a poor pitcher in the final few weeks of the season not the second half. But personally I don't want him pitching in the postseason anyways, and thats why I was glad we got Lieber.
I understand wanting the 1-2 punch, that looks great on paper and gives you alot of confidence, but if you look at postseason teams who won recently very few have had that great 1-2 punch. The last two teams who had that great 1-2 punch was the 01 Diamondbacks and 04 Red Sox. Overall most teams have actually won with two number 2 starters and a number 3, or a ace with two number three starters. Right I think we have a ace with two number three starters, until Hill takes it to the next level. But plenty of teams have one with that combo and actually more have won that way in recent years then the teams with the great 1-2 punch in the rotation.
Who I'm concerned with
is Soto actually. In most games I have seen him play this spring he has really struggled when he has gotten off speed pitches. I saw him last week hit pretty well against fastballs, but he has had trouble with off speed pitches and striking out a ton. I really hope he turns it around, but I'm starting to get kinda concerned. I was never expecting alot from Soto I would have been happy if he hit 250 with10-15 HR with a 330-340 OBP. So at least he can do that this season.
Fukudome honestly doesn't look all that great at the plate IMO. But I refuse to believe he's not gonna do well this season, with some many teams wanting him so bad that they were willing to give him 50m. So I'm not gonna get to concerned with him until mid to late April. Derrek Lee also looks like crap this spring, but like Lilly and Hill I think he will be fine once the season starts.
I have been impressed with Pie, and I really like adding Johnson. Reed Johnson reminds me a little of Aaron Rowand and Eric Byrnes without the 20 HR power type seasons. So I think were gonna be in fine in CF this year. Theriot is a bit of a concern as the leadoff spot, but if he hits 260-320 he won't be leading off for very long. Then we put him in the bottom of the order and he will be a 670-700 OPS guy like most teams have in the bottom of the order, so I don't think he will be a problem.
Agreed about Soto
He looked lost at the plate this ST. I mentioned it early on that his swing seemed to be all arms and he hasn't made consistent contact all Spring.Lee I'm not so concerned about because he's proven. Soto on the other hand had a watershed season last year and I really don't know what to expect out of him (further proving hos frivalous PECOTA's truly are- especially with players like Soto).
Dome, I fully expect him to struggle at first and go through that learning experience with mixed results, so I'm not that disappointed with him right now because I fully expected it. I just wish Lou would wae up and put him in the 2 hole. He will need that protection behind him, especially early in the season.
Lee
I don't remember him struggling this bad at the plate ever with the Cubs. I guess maybe he did in April 2004 but I can't remember that far back right now. But I agree he's too good of a hitter, to hit this poor in the regular season. I guess it's just more shocking to see him look so bad at the plate because I'm use seeing him hitting so good. I agree about Fukudome, he's actually doing much better then Iwamura did for the Rays last spring training, and doing very simliar to what Iguchi did for the White Sox back in 05. His bat just often looks slow, and seems like it's hard for him to get to some pitches with his swing the way it is. Then when he does get hits they often are ones that bounce through the infield and barely get through. So hopefully more he gets use to ML pitching, the fast his swing with get. But yeah Soto I'm surprised there hasn't been more concern over him, I still here people in the media talking about how good he's doing or how good he's gonna be. Nobody is really talking about him or worried that he's only hitting 207/292/602 this spring. Going into spring CF was my major concern but with the way Pie has played this spring and getting Johnson I'm not worried about that postion at all. But catcher is now is my major concern, because I'm scared if Soto sucks were gonna have a black hole in the line-up in the catcher spot. Theriot might not be good but at worse ,him hitting 250/260-310/320s in the bottom of the order isn't a black hole either(just not bad). So I'm not too concerned about the SS postion, and hopefully Theriot could be better this season. I think there's a chance he can be, and I would be really happy if he could end up being a 280/340 guy this season. I'm just scared of a repeat of the Koyle Hill/ Rob Bowen offense from the catcher postion we saw for 2 or 3 weeks last season.
Yuck
sorry for all my poor spelling I gotta read that in preview before posting next time.
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