Open Thread: Cubs vs. Athletics, Thursday 3/6, 2:05 CT

by Al on Mar 6, 2008 12:09 PM CST in Game Threads Comment 192 comments

Daryle Ward will return from his sore glute (bruised butt) today -- I presume Lou will probably DH him, since the Cubs are playing in an AL team's home park. Aramis Ramirez is expected to play both tomorrow and Saturday. Alfonso Soriano threw from the outfield yesterday but may not be taking BP anytime soon.

Bruce Miles wrote today about the non-roster players, the Les Walronds of the world, who know they have little chance of cracking a major league roster, but keep going every year mainly because they love the game. Interesting perspective.

Jason Marquis makes his first start since his comments about wanting to "go elsewhere" if he can't start for the Cubs. Carlos Marmol was supposed to pitch the 9th in a save situation yesterday, but bad 8th inning work took that chance away (Lou apparently wasn't happy that he dragged Marmol two hours down I-10 for nothing). I'd expect Marmol to throw today. The A's counter with Gio Gonzalez, who was one of the three players they acquired from the White Sox in the Nick Swisher deal.

Check out this completed eBay auction -- a Carlos Zambrano rookie card went for $102. (Maybe Z bought it himself?)

Lineups via Gameday:

Today's game is available via MLB Audio at the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

is it just me, or has Aram been

expected to play "tomorrow" all spring training?

Free beer tomorrow . . .

I'm the guy in the blue under armour shirt

by joeschmitt on Mar 6, 2008 12:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!

ARamisssss! Tomorrow! That's the own-leeeeeeeeee daaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy Heeeeeeeeeee'llllll PLAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 12:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the link

The non-roster story is one I do every year, and it's become one of my favorites. There are some good stories there. I always ask the older guys what keeps them going, and I always get good responses. It's nice to "humanize" the game a little bit.

by Bruce Miles on Mar 6, 2008 12:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the story Bruce.

This is one thing that I love about ST, the stories of the guys who truly play for the love of the game.

Great stuff, Bruce.
Thanks for adding the link Al.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Mar 6, 2008 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I really enjoyed that story

Thanks, Bruce. I heartily recommend it to everyone.

Soriano must leadoff... to provide adequate protection for Big Z!

by DGU on Mar 6, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A good read, Bruce and a Suggestion

Bruce: You have a terrific start(and plenty of potential material) for an entertaining/interesting book with these kind of stories.

Perhaps expanding to other MLB (MiLB) teams.

Have you given it much thought?

I'd buy it.

In fact, I cannot recall if I have seen anything recently with these kinds of themes.

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

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's a good idea

I'm sure there are a million stories like these that are worth telling. Heck, I could do a book on this spring alone, what with Dempster's prediction, DeRosa's heart problem, the Marquis-Lou flare-up and everything else.

by Bruce Miles on Mar 6, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd buy a copy for sure.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Mar 6, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Great idea...

...it would have a similar slant as Feinstein's book on golf's Q school, and all the players that keep trying to get their card.

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

by MPH73 on Mar 6, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Z

Why would anyone pay so much for a Zambrano rookie card? I still have my 1983 Sandberg rookie card. It was $10 when I bought it in 1989. It's still $10 today.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 6, 2008 12:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Do you have...

... this card?

If so, it appears to be worth more than $10.

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

by Al on Mar 6, 2008 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sandberg rookie

...yeah, but Danimal's Sandberg card has been through the spokes of his tire a couple too many times.

by Fuk-U-Meter on Mar 6, 2008 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ha ha!

I haven't tried that (bike tire).

Actually, mine is the Topps Ryne Sandberg, card #83 in the 1983 Topps set. When I bought it, conditions of cards weren't such a big deal as they are now, and although mine was mostly fine, there is a tiny imperfection in the upper right corner that makes it at best a near-mint, or a PSA 7.5, let's say. If a Sandberg is in mint shape, it may well go for $100 or more. But for run of the mill ones like mine, there might not even be a market these days.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 6, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Topps 83 Sandberg

was always my favorite.

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Mar 6, 2008 10:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Whaaa?

"When you get a little older, it's kind of hard to be a journeyman," said Walrond, who pitched in seven games for the Kansas City Royals in 2003. "You get associated with the players and the staff and the coaches.

"I know guys that are my age, they get to jumping from team to team each year. It's one of those things where if I struggle one year, these (the Cubs) guys have seen me pitch well, and it's always good to have somebody on your side that way."

I'd love to know when the hell that was 'cause I've never seen anything even approaching a decent start come from Les Walrond.

CARRIE-SAN!!!!!

by jasoniniowa on Mar 6, 2008 12:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Right.

He must be talking about his season at Iowa last year, where he was decent. He's never been decent in the major leagues. Ever. 0-3. 7.47 ERA. 1.93 WHIP. Where do those numbers scream "pitch well"?

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

by Al on Mar 6, 2008 12:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re: Whaaa?

Here's three words you never thought you'd see strung together: In Walrond's defense, maybe he's not referring to a start but to this game, played during the wretched 2006 season, in which Walrond was brought on in relief and pitched three innings of scoreless ball, giving up only one hit and striking out five. (Wow, really?) And check out that lineup for the Cubs -- a little perspective for those obsessing about the question marks on the '08 team.

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 1:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was...

... the single best appearance of Walrond's brief ML career. Take that appearance away and his career ERA goes up by almost a run (to 8.46).

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

by Al on Mar 6, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't know if that adds perspective...

That was a 66-win team. We're trying to win the World Series. Sure, we are probably better at six positions, but that should be expected of a playoff contender.

I think we're all aware that things could be worse. But it's not a matter of whether or not things could be worse - it is a matter of whether or not things are good enough.

by SouthernCub on Mar 6, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the info

I just new there had to be SOMETHING.

My other theory was that the Cubs are just putting Les up on the mound so they can laugh at him behind his back, and that would just be cruel.

CARRIE-SAN!!!!!

by jasoniniowa on Mar 6, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Les Walrond

Why are so many people picking on him? Sure, his numbers are terrible, but having him at Iowa isn't the end of the world. It sounds like he likes to teach, so maybe he's good at it and the team is keeping him around to help the youngsters and possibly grooming him to be a minor league coach.

Besides, he's left-handed, so somebody will give him a chance until he's too old to walk to the mound without assistance. And who knows? Warren Spahn didn't really put it all together until he was in his early fifties, so maybe Les is a late bloomer.

by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Mar 6, 2008 1:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's probaby fear.

Fear that the Cubs will need an emergency starter one day, and for some reason Walrond is the only guy in the system who would be available.

by davidalanu on Mar 6, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fear leads to anger...

Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. And us Cubs fans would suffer if we have to see Walrond pitch for the Cubs this year.

Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Mar 6, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So who can volunteer...

to give the auditory-impaired the updates today?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 1:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have to step out

but when I get back half an hour or so, I can do some intermittent PBP, unless someone more reliable steps into the breach in the meantime.

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not a half-bad lineup today....

...I'll predict the Cubs put up some pretty decent offensive numbers.

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 1:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Coach

He could actually be more than a minor league coach. Lots of successful major league managers and coaches were "failed" minor league ball players.

Tommy Lasorda had a Major League career of 26 games with a WHIP of 1.8 and an ERA of 6.48 (with KC and Brooklyn)

Sparky Anderson played one season with the Phillies with a BA of .218

Tommy LaRussa played 132 games over 6 seasons (and played in the minors for 4 years after his last MLB cup of Coffee) with a BA of .199

Bobby Cox played two seasons with the Yankees and had a career BA of .225

Walrond could be a future manager or coach -- at the major league level.

by frustratedfan on Mar 6, 2008 1:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's more likely...

...that his future is as a pitching coach, maybe as a bench coach, if he gets into managing. Managers tend to be more drawn from the position players, rather than the pitchers.

But I'm reminded of what Jim Palmer said of manager Earl Weaver: "The only thing Earl (Weaver) knows about big-league pitching is that he couldn't hit it." What's really rare is to find a manager who was good at playing baseball.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And don't forget

Lee Elia! The immortal Cub manager hit .203 in 95 games for the Cubs and White Sox in the late 1960s.

He definitely swore better than he hit (or managed).

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 6, 2008 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

was that a seven pitch inning by Gonzalez?

by dogcatratcheese on Mar 6, 2008 2:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

looks like it.

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gameday isn't recording pitches.

So every strikeout is three pitches, every walk four pitches, every hit or out on ball in play one pitch. It has nothing to do with what's actually happening on the field.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'm listening to the play by play

and it sounded like seven pitches

by dogcatratcheese on Mar 6, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Platoon in CF is clear

A lefty on the mound to start these preseason games has translated to Felix Pie on the bench. Putting aside my pessimism for Pie it should be clear to everyone that Piniella has little intention of throwing Pie out there against left-handed pitching. If he's not doing it in the spring then he surely won't be doing it during the season. Assuming of course Pie demonstrates he can even hit enough vs. right-handed pitching.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 2:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

maybe lou's just batting him against righties

to keep his BA up, so people don't freak out, and yes, i know it's at .222 right now. If he's got a decent BA at the end of ST, maybe it quiets the people calling for a trade/platoon.

by dogcatratcheese on Mar 6, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lou......

doesn't give a damn if people are "freaking out" over Pie's average. IMO if he thought Pie was going to be an everyday player he certainly would give him an opportunity in meaningless games to show he can handle LH pitching. I am starting to wonder if Lou even trusts him against righties

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I certainly agree that Lou doesn't...

...care what we think, about Pie's batting average or anything else. And it looks pretty obvious that Pie will be in a platoon situation, with Ronny Cedeno or someone we haven't acquired yet.

But I don't see any evidence that Lou doesn't trust Pie against righties. Do you have any?

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No.........

all I am saying is that I think Felix is going to have to show a bit more. I certainly hope he turns out to be good but havent we all seen enough highly talented Cub flops in the past. No matter how good he plays CF I believe he needs to hit .270 to help the club win this year and I haven't seen that he's going to do that

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

did Pie start

the last two games? Part of ST is to shop players to other teams; how often do we see Cedeno in Center?

Very rarely.

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ur right but..............

man................I sure as hell hope the RH part of that platoon isn't Cedeno!

Still thinking Lou wants a full time CF.....and not one on the current roster

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 2:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone else like these KC radio announcers?

They're quite good, and also likeable. Who are they?

by zevkalman on Mar 6, 2008 2:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

no idea who they are, but

they seem pretty even handed and pronounced Fukudome's name correctly, which is more than i can say for Plesac.

by dogcatratcheese on Mar 6, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.

They're not only knowledgeable, but they're personable: "No one misses mores signs than Ronnie Cedeno". They are interviewing Paul Sullivan now and he says that Cedeno has a poor baseball I.Q.

They just picked off Soto from second...drat...

by zevkalman on Mar 6, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Marquis

Sell it, Jason. Sell it! Shake your Money Maker for all those pitching-horny GMs out there!

"I am a Cubs fan, but I needed an American League team...so as a young girl, I became very interested and enamored of the Yankees." Senator Hillary Clinton

by ExNorthsider on Mar 6, 2008 2:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

1-2-3- for Marquis

by dogcatratcheese on Mar 6, 2008 2:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Cedeno strikes out, Soto picked off

Very Cub-like production. It's like it's already July!

"I am a Cubs fan, but I needed an American League team...so as a young girl, I became very interested and enamored of the Yankees." Senator Hillary Clinton

by ExNorthsider on Mar 6, 2008 2:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Soto Picked off of 2nd

Just as the commentators were talking about the Cubs issues with baserunning and baseball IQ

by berselius on Mar 6, 2008 2:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

"He doesn't have a very high baseball IQ

Paul Sullivan, guest on the A's broadcast, on Ronny Cedeno. Sounds like he reads this site.

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 2:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Soto I can accept because he was pushing

the pocket, but Cedeno galls me. I wish he would get traded. The sooner the better.

by teacher tom on Mar 6, 2008 2:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

bias?

I've noticed a tendency on this site to be extra hard on players we dislike (Cedeno, Jones) when they make mistakes and to give a break to guys we like (Soto) when they make mistakes. Let's be even-handed. Soto's baserunning has been not so good this spring. If he doesn't improve, it could end up hurting the team.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 6, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

danimal...

I think we tend to give the younger players a pass. Guys like Cedeno and Jones have been up in the majors a bit. You naturally expect them to know better.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 6, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cedeno is actually younger than Soto...

Yes, he has been in the big leagues for more time. But he was rushed to the bigs at a very young age. He's had about as much time in pro ball as Soto. Cedeno may never figure it out, but he should still (in my opinion) be considered a young player learning.

by SouthernCub on Mar 6, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You just don't get it, do you.

It's far more important that we have calcified and exaggerated opinions of baseball players, than to allow your "facts" and "development" to have any sway in the conversation!

For as much crap as folks like Dusty Baker and Paul Sullivan get around here, quite a few people pretty much recite their opinions verbatim.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't help but notice..

that you've had some trouble respecting alternative views lately. I don't agree, but why would you say something like that to bababenti? That's his opinion, and it needs to be okay here that it can conflict with your own.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 6, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Um.

I thought it was pretty obvious that what I was saying was sarcasm, and that I was actually agreeing with bababenti.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I see...

I guess it was lost on me.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 6, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No debate required..

but I don't agree. I'm fine with the fact Cedeno has a low Baseball I.Q., which I see as a unconscious sort of thing. But after 3 years, and the same thing happening again and again, a pro would have worked this out. Regardless of age.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 6, 2008 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair...

we haven't seen Soto make the same mistakes over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. Yes his baserunning could be better....but let's see it he actually tries to work on it before we crucify him the way we do Cedeno. Ronny just happens to be a really dumb baseball player...taht or he just doesn't care.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tell you what.

You can sit there and wait for the catcher's baserunning to improve; I'll go ahead and just accept that it's going to be mediocre and save myself the trouble.

I don't think it's that big of a deal.

And as for Cedeno striking out - I don't get the big deal. It's a strikeout. Everybody strikes out at sometimes. I don't know that one strikeout tells us anything about a baseball player.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

3-6-1 DP

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 2:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh, looks like Gameday is keeping pace

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Question for the PIE haters/nonbelievers

Besides Corey Patterson what else are you basing your prediction or assumption that he will fail? If you look at Corey Pattersons minor league numbers that are not even good, whereas Pie is tearing everything up.

Pie in the minors
http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=11427

Pie in the Pros
http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/piefe01.shtml

Corey in the minors
http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=11036

Corey in the pros
http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/patteco01.shtml

IMO-----the two (besides their similarities in hitting lefty, playing CF and being fast) we shouldnt be comparing them. I just wish we never heard of Corey

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

by Hammer on Mar 6, 2008 2:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

not a Pie hater...........

As I said.........I hope like hell the guy ends up in the Hall of Fame! Nobody knows how he will turn out.....I would like to see better numbers than .215 avg and .271 obp in 177 abs. I know thats not enough to call the guy a bust but I just want to see more this spring

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Everybody hopes so...

The key is realizing that growing pains like last year can be expected in a player as young as Pie.

He's succeeded at every level at a young age. He had a hiccup when he first got to AAA, but figured it out. Hopefully he figures it out this year and not a few years down the road.

by SouthernCub on Mar 6, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs only have 1 hit in 4 innings so far.

The A's pitcher was pretty good. Fukudome walks again...one on and none out in the Cubs 5th.

by zevkalman on Mar 6, 2008 2:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

woodenlegs

you are missing a couple over and over

i wonder how many times cedeno has been on second and thrown out at third on a groundball to short

by grathanial on Mar 6, 2008 2:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have horrible news everyone

Derek Lee, like Pie, is batting .222 in spring training. Start the bus the seasons over

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

by Hammer on Mar 6, 2008 3:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ha ha!

n/t

by zevkalman on Mar 6, 2008 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow.........

are we really comparing DLee to Pie?

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They both play baseball, don't they?

The only difference between Lee's batting average and Pie's batting average at this point is that one confirms your opinions so you use it to justify what you already thought anyways, and the other contradicts your opinions so you just ignore it. They're both equally meaningful, or in this case meaningless.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ur absolutely right.........

but by the same token....aren't we all projecting Soto to be a top flight catcher based on only 80 mlb abs?

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

HA

damn you and your good comebacks. I hope everything that is Cub is perfect. I am moving a block from Wrigley the day before opening day and I would love more than anything for this to be the year, I dont care if PIE does anything but whoever is in CF I want to be successful----I am so bias.

GO CUBS

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

by Hammer on Mar 6, 2008 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

if this is the year.............

..I don't give a damn whether it's Pie,Fuld,Cedeno,Byrd,Crisp or whoever the f..k but we NEED our CF to produce. I am sooooooooo bias as well.......lol

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 3:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I also

dont care who plays center as long as they produce. AS for pie, I saw nothing to be excited about in him last year....he had way too many flaws in his swing. From what it sounds like in spring training, he hasn't fixed much....i can't wait to see a ST game on tv so I can get a first hand look at his swing.

by cubsmania on Mar 6, 2008 3:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was excited...

... by the excellent range he displayed in the outfield, his obvious enthusiasm for the game (a very non-Corey quality), and the fact that the Cubs winning percentage seemed to tick steadily upward when he was playing (i don't have stats to back that up, but that is certainly my impression).

I agree with everyone here that says GIVE PIE(ACE) A CHANCE

by Orval Overall on Mar 6, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We also have 449 plate appearances...

...in the Pacific Coast League from last season to work with, and a working knowledge of how baseball players develop as they age. His 60 PAs in the majors last season are about the least meaningful thing we know about him.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OH NO

Lee is hitting .200

Im not comparing them, its just impossible to judge anything by 20 at bats in ST, as well as 177 at bats in sporadic playing time in the majors.

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

by Hammer on Mar 6, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fukudome can sure run...and Ward can sure hit...

a nice display of running from first to home on a hit by Ward.

by zevkalman on Mar 6, 2008 3:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fukudome's always had speed...

...it just hasn't translated into a lot of stolen bases. (He hit a LOT of triples, though.) He says he's going to try to steal more for the Cubs, FWIW.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Was he already running on the play

by play it as it lies on Mar 6, 2008 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ward drives in Fukudome! 1-0 cubs!

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 3:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have heard Dome

is running fundamental clinincs starting next Monday.

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

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 3:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Er..

"Clinics"

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

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 3:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He'll be covering typographical errors.

n/t

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

by Al on Mar 6, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

I'll be there - in the first row!

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

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

GAMEDAY refuses to give the Cubs the lead.

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

by Hammer on Mar 6, 2008 3:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The LSU Tigers made a great double play

Theriot robs the A's of a base hit, flips to Fontenot who tosses blind to Lee for the second putout...

by zevkalman on Mar 6, 2008 3:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

good start for teh inning

then Ronny grounds out to the pitcher, and Theriot grounds out to the SS.

Sigh.

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 3:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

let's go Woody!

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 3:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he al

I was looking at athletics nation. Is that SBN 2.0? it definitely has a different feel to it.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Mar 6, 2008 3:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Paul Sullivan hit the nail on the head

"Ronny Cedeno has a low baseball IQ." Never has a phrase been more true. Why we are wasting time giving him playing time in CF is beyond me. There is NO WAY he can be the RH platoon option in CF.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 3:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Did you also hear Sully when he said...

...Something along the lines of 'That hit almost took off Marquis' head, which would have made a lot Cubs fans happy.'

"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 6, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just got back from a long meeting...

...looks like the pitching has been strong -- even from, gulp, Marquis. And I see my prediction that the Cubs would put up good offensive numbers was, uh, wrong.

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 3:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Are these announcers...

actually pimping a Ellis to the Cubs trade? And why?

by Damen Jackson on Mar 6, 2008 3:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I can assume

They no doubt have heard all the Brian Roberts to the Cubs rumors and Mark Ellis shares similarities. Ellis is a good hard-nosed ballplayer. And of course Billy Beane is once again in the middle of his patented rebuilding campaigns.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not that I object to the idea...

I just have never heard baseball commentators pimp a trade idea so strongly before.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 6, 2008 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mark Ellis

I know that Ellis plays a good 2nd base. Can he also play a suitable shortstop? Because if he can then I might have a lot of interest if Billy Beane is shopping him. A triumvirate of Theriot, DeRosa and Ellis in the middle infield sounds real good to me. Versatile as heck too.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No.

Ellis can't really play SS. And he's no Brian Roberts, either. In fact, look at his most comparable hitter on his baseball-reference.com page.

Yep, Mark DeRosa. I think we already have one of those.

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

by Al on Mar 6, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my guess

is that an ellis trade would be if roberts isn't going to happen. Would still give the cubs the versitality of putting ellisat second and derosa at third, or wherever need be if ram, soriano,or fukudome needs a day off.

by cubsmania on Mar 6, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, looky dare..

You, me agree on something. No Brian Roberts. Especially at the sacrifice of the underrated and valuable Mark DeRosa.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure that's an upgrade...

he's only played a handful of games there. And personally, I've only seen him playing 2nd.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 6, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's take a look at this.

Defensively (Projected +/-):

DeRosa - +4
Roberts - +2
Ellis - +13

Offensively (Projected OPS+):
DeRosa- 97
Roberts- 107
Ellis - 107

Shrug.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Seeing as...

how one of our biggest problems last year was getting consistent offensive production out of the lineup...I'd rather sacrifice a little defense for offense this year.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, the projection has...

...Ellis as the best defender of the three, and tied with Roberts as the best hitter. Granted, I used the CAIRO projections, which aren't the most accurate - but they DO let me adjust for team, so all of those numbers are based upon the assumption that they're hitting in the NL and Wrigley.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh oh...

...I think Shingo is in.

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 3:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Strange

We are bursting to the seams with current and projectable quality pitchers and Piniella trots out a Japanese frisbee thrower who has no chance to make the club.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Like this guy?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 3:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Man, you're quick.

n/t

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

by Al on Mar 6, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL...

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yup

I especially dug the "Annie"

by wojo on Mar 6, 2008 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Priceless

Like I said, you are the drum and the cymbal man to a cheesy standup comic.

Best poster on this board, hands down. You must have a computer that rival's the one at NASA to stealthly download anything and everything in a nanosecond.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hilarious

n/t

by bp on Mar 6, 2008 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

re: Strange

It is rather strange, though it's still early in spring training, I suppose. In any case, Shingo worked a 1-2-3 inning, so let's hope that's the sum total of his appearance.

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 3:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he did ok

three up three down.

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Shinjo no rack disaprin...

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice to see

Matt get a double.

by sue369 on Mar 6, 2008 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bases juiced with Cubs, 1 out...

...Fuld battling at the plate. Top 7.

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fuld pops out, 2 out

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fuld

All spring has been playing himself into AAA

"I am a Cubs fan, but I needed an American League team...so as a young girl, I became very interested and enamored of the Yankees." Senator Hillary Clinton

by ExNorthsider on Mar 6, 2008 3:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

fuld

I think will surely start in AAA

by cubsmania on Mar 6, 2008 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Colvin will get that job.

Fuld will rove around the outfield a bit at Iowa, I think.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And barring an injury

will likely stay in AAA.

by rlpete on Mar 6, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Theriot Ks, inning over

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 4:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Damn

by imauis on Mar 6, 2008 4:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

bases loaded, two outs...

theriot goes down swinging. Poop.

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 4:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe...

Marmol will get that save opportunity today.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gary Hughes in the Radio booth

-Still could get Roberts
-Colvin likely to start at Iowa
-Eric Patterson showed up late twice last year, not once
-It's Juan Mateo's time to step up
-Lou wants a win "badly"
-Soriano wants to play tomorrow

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 4:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tyler Colvin is the future in CF

I like that kid and I really like that swing. Just give him some time and we will have our long-term solution in CF. Not suggesting he will be a star but I am predicting he will one day be solid.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Until he struggles ...

... in his first 100 big league plate appearances and someone else is annointed the next big thing.

Before Pie is written off as just the latest Kevin Orie/Corey Patterson, lets give him time to see what he can really do.

"All We Are Saying, Is Give Pie(ace) a Chance" -- John Lennon

by Orval Overall on Mar 6, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

I've said this before...

Think Pedroia on the Red Sox last year. They let him start around .220 for the first two months of the season only to finally have it click and "bam" he was a tough hitter in their lineup last year. But they let him get the consistent ABs neccessary to figure it out.

I'm not saying Pie is a star. But I'd like to see the Cubs hold off on a platoon mate and simply give him a 2-3 month shot at the position. Hell, Lou let Koyie Hill start 25 games last year! I think we can give Pie 60-75 games this year right? I think the rest of our lineup should be able to produce while we let this kid develop!

by bp on Mar 6, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lou let...

JJ start 52 games in the first half last year...and you don't want me to tell you what he did with those ABs.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't disagree

But he was not 23 years old... also, JJ broke out of the slump too!

by bp on Mar 6, 2008 4:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He did break out...

but he got the chance to play enough to do it. Will we shake our collective fists at Lou if he lets Pie play the first half and he hasn't "gotten it"?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 5:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I guess what I would like to see is a little patience on Lou's part. I would definitely stick with him if he was hitting .230 in June. I just don't think other people (or Lou) will... However if this kid gets 200 ABs this first half of the season, I think we could begin to some progress (which we haven't seen yet in the bigs).

by bp on Mar 6, 2008 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know...

...I just don't see Lou giving Pie that much time if he is struggling. I would be one thing if he had some success at the major legue level before, but he hasn't.

The other factor is going to be how well the team is doing. If the Cubs have a good winning percentage and are leading the division, Lou may be more patient. But, if the Cubs are in a battle, or aren't winning their share of games, a struggling Pie (below .240-250), will not be given more than 40 games tops.

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

by MPH73 on Mar 6, 2008 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

Give him some time.... Give hime like 10 to 20 at-bats and you should have his whole career projected.

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Mar 6, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Give him time...

While we're at it, we should probably give Pie time, too. The two guys are basically the same age (seven months apart), and Pie has been a better player than Colvin at every level. Just a thought - although since you've clearly determined that a kid with less than 200 AB at the MLB level at the age of 22 has no chance of improving, I guess neither guy has a chance.

Also, I love that you love Colvin's swing based on a dozen AB in spring training against predominantly minor league pitchers.

by SouthernCub on Mar 7, 2008 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to admit...

I've really enjoyed this broadcast. These guys sound like they're in regular season form.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 6, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They're not bad

A little low key. But compared to other out of town radio/tv guys, they know a lot about the Cubs.

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hill is playing catcher???

for Mateo?

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 4:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gameday is probably mistaking Koyie for Rich.

n/t

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno.

I kind of like this role extension for Rich...

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No way...

think about how long he is to the plate from the stretch...Piazza and Kendall would throw out more runners than Rich. Dimitri Young would steal 3rd on him.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by using pitchers

as utility subs, tho, Lou can sign even MORE bullpen. With enough pitchers, you don't need any position starters...

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No, it's his brother Koyie

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

EPat..

tried to bunt for a hit?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So it would seem.

So he's 1-for-2 trying that strategy so far - did it very nicely in a game earlier this spring.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no Marmol

yet

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 4:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Here we go again

...... 8th inning.

Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Mar 6, 2008 4:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

uh-oh.

Ceda's in trouble. two on, no outs...

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 4:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If Lou's as motivated to win a game...

...as he says he is, why is Ceda pitching the eighth?

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 4:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The same reason...

Cedeno started in CF...senility.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

there goes the game.

2-1 Oakland.

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

WTF

I guess you gotta take a look at everyone, but it'd be awfully nice to hold a lead every once in awhile.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Mar 6, 2008 4:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

What did The Hoff do..

on the bad throw?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He was the cut off man

Not sure where his throw went, but it let the second run in.

Countdown to a Mt. Lou Eruption, T-Minus 5, 4, 3....

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Who airmailed the cutoff man?

"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 6, 2008 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Patterson hit the cut off man,

whichwas Hoff Power. then the Hoff screwed up with his throw.

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh.

I see. Big win for your kid's club in Champions...

"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 6, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

2-nil I think it was.

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 4:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Spurs dropped nil-1 by PSV.

Sigh.

"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 6, 2008 4:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah well

Robbie Keane said today he wants to stay with Tottenham for the rest of his career. Hopefully, that's good news. So, you can support Ireland in international competitions - more fun than England, and less pressure....

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I saw that.

I've always been for Ireland, and Keane is my favorite player. I wasn't for Spurs until he signed there, so today was good for that reason. It's nice to hear that from a player of his caliber.

"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 6, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Relax

Its "only" Spring Training.

Its "meaningless".

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

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 4:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The games don't count in the standings.

I'm not making it up, I swear! We're still tied with the Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, Astros and Pirates for the division.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you NOT

read Piniella's quotes from yesterday??

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

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope.

Don't read newspapers, don't watch TV, don't read Cubs blogs. Have no idea what's going on.

So, in your own words, explain to me why the results of these games matter.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 4:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, you may consider

reaching outside of your insular world and realize the Cubs skipper is more concerned about the "meaningless-ness" than you are.

I'd tend to side with him on these matters.

But you don't read, so I suppose you can stay in the bubble some more.

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

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously,

you missed the sarcasm.

"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 6, 2008 4:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Of course he's more concerned.

He's got to sit there and watch the games, after all.

And it's pretty obvious you agree with him.

You've failed, however, to show anything that proves that these games are meaningful.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Late to the party....

Couple questions I didn't see while scanning the game thread:

How has E-Patt looked on defense today?

Did Colvin face any of the A's regualr staff and, if so, how'd he look?

"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 6, 2008 4:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gotta love the walk...

after the run scoring error. Does our coaching staff (at the minor league lvl) ever work with these guys on focus?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You'd think that

seeing as most guys on the field right now are playing for a job, they'd have enough professionalism not to need coaching to keep their heads in the damn game.

"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 6, 2008 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Strange

I'm as big a Sweet Lou fan as they come. But I got he is making some goofy playing decisions this spring. I'm not sure what he's up to.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 4:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jerry Blevins in for Oakland

the guy the Cubs sent for Jason Kendall, along with Rob Bowen, I believe.

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

by JohnM on Mar 6, 2008 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

A serious question

I read in the Trib that Lou was really pissed and was tired of losing ST games. So I don't understand why Takatsu, Mateo, Ceda, and Ascanio pitched, and why we have Scales playing 2nd, Blanco playing SS, etc.

You either want to win or you want to see how the youngsters (not that Scales or Takatsu are young) play...they are a little bit mutually exclusive...

Note: I really don't care that much that the Cubs aren't winning...but why would Lou be simultaneously angry that the Cubbies aren't winning, and then put those guys into the game....???

by zevkalman on Mar 6, 2008 4:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

As soon as Ceda went in...

...I knew the game was over. Ceda's been nothing but wild recently, and there was little hope of him holding a lead. So Lou can complain all he wants, but it didn't look like he was trying to win this one.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

because

the A's are also putting in scrubs, so our scrubs should be beating theirs.

"All We Are Saying, Is Give Pie(ace) a Chance" -- John Lennon

by Orval Overall on Mar 6, 2008 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd have to say...

but why would Lou be simultaneously angry that the Cubbies aren't winning, and then put those guys into the game....???

I don't think Lou wants to just trot out all the starters and win 5 games in a row. He's probably saying that he wants these young guys to start playing in a manner that wins some games. Everyone knows the ST Win/Loss records don't matter, but sooner or later the performance during the win or loss is going to start mattering to the guy making the decisions of who gets sent back to minor league camp. This is what Lou was trying to get across to the the young guys who keep making the mental and physical mistakes that lose these games.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's a Fair Question

Could the report of Lou's anger have been exagerated? Is Lou simply trying to match A-list players against A-list, B-list against B-list, etc?

I think the early part of ST, such as we're in now, is more of a time to evaluate your talent so that when the first round of cuts come you can make from sound observations. I would think that as ST proceeds the starters get more and more time.

Exceptions always exist such as the high number of starts Fukudome has received. There are many reason for that.

Although winning seems to always be better than losing, I just don't think it matters much at this stage of the season. Now if we start the regular season at our current record (what is it now, 2-6?)I'm worried.

And so it goes.

by Luigi on Mar 6, 2008 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Game over..

second blown lead in as many days. Sigh.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 6, 2008 4:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

NOOOO!!!!

Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Mar 6, 2008 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not to worry...........

takatsu looked gr8!
It's Shingo time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

on a serious note.............

if Lou truly gave a shit about ST games why would Ceda and the other baggage that pitched yesterday be in the games late?
Let's worry about the players who will actually be with the club on Mar 31

by plenz on Mar 6, 2008 5:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the regulars

all seem to be nursing injuries....

by cubsmania on Mar 6, 2008 9:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

poop.

alls I gots to says.

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

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 4:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

agreed

by sue369 on Mar 6, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is my fault...

...I stupidly made a prediction that the bats would be hot today. I couldn't have been more wrong. Oh, well, at least Dome drew a walk, Ward showed he can still hit, and Marquis (FWIW), Howry and Wood pitched well.

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

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 6, 2008 4:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

well then you are my sworn enemy

honestly though, as long as they get everything sorted out by opening day it really doesn't matter all that much. Obviously you want to win every game, but it's probably better just figure out what you have. In the past two games I'd say our starters beat their starters. It's just their scrubs were better than our scrubs. I can live with that.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Mar 6, 2008 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lou has...

...amended his comments from yesterday.

Asked if he was taking over the scheduling of pitchers before Thursday's game against Oakland in Phoenix, Piniella said it was "still too early" in the Cactus League schedule.

"Larry and I talked about it today, we're still in 'getting guys' arms in shape' stage," he said. "It's too early. We don't even get lineup changes or anything else. For all we know, an opposing team could change uniforms and use the same guy twice.

"Not that that happens, believe me. But it's possible."

...

"Yeah," Piniella said. "You play good for seven innings, and all of a sudden you don't play well for an inning and get beat.

"Look, whether it's spring training or wherever, you want to play good solid game and if you lose them, that's fine. But when you get sloppy and you make mistakes ... not good, not good. The wins and losses, I told you we wouldn't care too much early in the spring, but you'd like to win once in while, too, if you're going to tee it up."

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 5:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not happy

Yes, it IS somewhat distressing to see the Cubs lose the way they are losing in these games. Add this to the crop of injuries and pitchers blowing leads and it's hard to put a positive spin on things. These ARE meaningless spring training games, but at some point habits form.

Jose Ceda? You got to like his arm, but he is very raw.

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 5:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So our AA team might stink...

but the win/loss numbers in the first weeks of spring training have no bearing on the MLB team this year. None of the MLB guys are even be playing when the team is giving up these late leads. I don't see how a meaningless result in a meaningless game in which the key players aren't involved will have any effect on the key players this year.

by SouthernCub on Mar 7, 2008 8:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs