Steve's Pitch this week
I've been visiting Steve Stone's blog pretty regularly since he started posting it on his website every few weeks. It's riddled with spelling errors and the formatting could use some work, but (like our own Hammer) I've always been a big fan of his commentating back when he and Harry would broadcast games. In my household growing up, Steve and Harry were always on the TV and I think that combo had a lot to do with me becoming a Cubs fan in the first place.
Until now, most of his material in his blog has been pretty mundane. He's working some Sox radio so usually the posts are split pretty evenly with his thoughts about the two teams and most of it isn't anything you haven't heard here or in the papers or on sports radio.
Well, I almost spit coffee all over my keyboard when I read Steve's latest thoughts about the Cubs' current opponent and their head coach:
The players today in the Chicago Tribune came to the defense of their old friend Dusty as apparently he is responsible for absolutely nothing that has happened in years ’03, ’04, ‘05 and ‘06. When it was suggested he might have had a hand in at least a couple things, the players who were there all jumped to his rescue and our intrepid reporting staff of hard hitting Chicago journalist failed to mention that dusty was personally responsible for what might have been the worst coaching staff assembled in the game of baseball. Least we forget Dusty’s best coach who by the way is still there is the coach he inherited before he got there and that was Larry Rothchild who was generally acclaimed as one of the better pitching coaches in all of baseball. Of course Dusty handpicked pitching coach who turned out to be his bench coach, Dick Pole who by the way is his pitching coach in Cincinnati. The people in Chicago are still trying to find out what Dick did as a bench coach. I have to confess I don’t really know. I do know that he made up the line up every day and that was a lineup that in 4 years of what at that point was the highest spending spree in Chicago Cubs history found the battling Cubs an underwhelming 3 games under 500 in 4 years. Not exactly the kind of return for 350 million dollars. Of course none of us remember the golden year that a Wendell Kim coaching at 3rd base or Gary Matthews who is a wonderful man but, it was his instruction as a hitting coach that led him to now become broadcaster with the Philadelphia Phillies. Least we forget Sonny Jackson who basically sat in the locker room and reported what Chip and I said about the Cubs to the afore mentioned Dusty and when taxed with the idea of teaching Corey Patterson how to bunt, he taught him how to bunt for a hit which is a drag bunt from a lefty up the first base side. When I talked to him about his inability to hit a sacrifice bunt, he said that Sonny didn’t teach him that. Mystifying! But none the less predictable from a coaching staff run by the Dust Buster.
Ouch!
At least now we know who stooged Steve and Chip off to management. I guess he's still as bitter as I am about '04.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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29 comments
Comments
Well thanks for the Kudos in the post
But you do know I dislike Stoney right?
Either way- I used to read his stuff but as you say its tough to read,,,,,,,,,,,,, look Steve a comma!!!!!
That is a real funny read..thanks for the post. I did like him growing up because he taught me a lot about baseball but as I grew up and listened more I really really cannot stand the man.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Apr 17, 2008 10:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was just joshing ya
I see you changed your sig, though. So now it doesn’t work.
"I don't think anybody's paying attention to the Cubs." - Prince Fielder
by jasoniniowa on Apr 17, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha, changed it
because it got a little too much attention. First toned it down then eliminated it.
Thats really hard to read Stoney
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Apr 17, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, who wrote that?
A fourth-grader could have done better.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 17, 2008 10:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Indeed
I want to cut him some slack because, you know, internet. But, c’mon!
Paragraphs are your friend, Steve!
"I don't think anybody's paying attention to the Cubs." - Prince Fielder
by jasoniniowa on Apr 17, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Complete agreement.
I had to stop reading, couldn’t make sense of it. Yikes.
"Hey! If the moon were made of ribs, wouldja eat it? I know I would!"
by cubs0505 on Apr 17, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he didnt even run spellcheck!
Come on Steve…lazy…
afore mentioned
Felix Pie must play everyday!
by JB 23 on Apr 17, 2008 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting stuff...
...but it is one side of a story that has a few other pieces to it.
Stone is about as bitter as a man can be, but what this article would never mention, is just how disliked he was BY MANY in the organization long before Dusty arrived. Frankly, the Stone issue was going to come to a head at some point regardless of who the manager or players were, because it had been building over time.
People can pretend that Stone is some innocent victim, but there is plenty behind the curtain that few are aware of, and the media is afraid to discuss.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Apr 17, 2008 10:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Loud, sustained applause.
I’ve heard the same things you have, I think. I don’t think the media is “afraid” to discuss them, I think they’re simply viewed as history, and people have moved on.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 17, 2008 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know Al...
...it seems to me, the media has gone out of it’s way to turn a blind eye to the other side of this story. It makes it easier to sell papers and draw listeners, when you buy into the “Stone is an innocent victum” type of deal being bullied by Dusty and his players.
I realize the story is long gone (although Stone hangs on to it), but even when it was going down, the media covered the story in a very one dimensional fashion, and I know they were privey to the entire story and all the “behind the scene” facts about how this all developed.
Anyway, that’s my take on it.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Apr 17, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I agree with you...
... at the time, things were probably covered up.
But it seems rather pointless to revisit them now, doesn’t it?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 18, 2008 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't expect the media...
...to revisit them now, but they sure as heck run to Stoney to get his quotes about the whole deal whenever he opens his mouth..
This is a real good example of how the media can give the public a completely one-sided view of a story, by choosing to ignore certain facts.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Apr 18, 2008 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point taken.
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 18, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i cannot believe
Dick Pole made out the lineups…..WOW
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Apr 17, 2008 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Steve Stone Rules. That's all I have to say.
Ok there’s more. He is spot on about the coaching staff. Every one of those guys was a lousy coach and the finger gets pointed straight at Dusty for putting his personal relationships ahead of the team. The best part is that we will get to see all of these failures surface again for the Reds as it appears he’s been given the same leeway there.
As far as the Cubs coming to his defense for the Tribune..what did you expect? These guys’ only job with the media lies in trying not to say the wrong thing, lest they find themselves quoted on Sportscenter. Seriously, any athlete with anything remotely interesting to say gets vilified in the media and subsequently boo’ed on the field so it’s in their best interest to create a public persona that is as boring as possible. “Sure, Dusty’s a great coach. Please don’t ask for any more details, can we go home now?”
by Jerry Mumphrey on Apr 17, 2008 11:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Regarding the player's...
...reactions you are completely correct. We are talking about a close knit fraternity here, and rarely does someone say something bad about another.
With that said (and this is independent of whether Dusty is a good manager today), players to love the guy. I am not saying they love him for reasons that relate to good managing, just that they love the guy.
Now, back to Stone. He is right about a lot of what he says, although, he does have a unique ability for folks to completely forget about the dumb stuff he says. He is best described as a very smart man, who has an exceptionally high opinion of himself and this shows up in unpleasant ways for those who spend time around him. There is a reason he has never got that front office job he seeked for so many years, when you had other slouches in the media getting them – his reputation in the baseball world is one where many want to avoid the guy, because of his personality, regardless of his teflon public image.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Apr 17, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think its funny
that he always talks about how he would never take a job as a GM. Hey Steve….has anyone ever offered you a job? I doubt it.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Apr 17, 2008 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well spoken.
Personally, I like Steve Stone and his insight during a game, particularly about pitching.
The only “Fanpost” (or diary at the time) I ever started let Dusty have it but good, but that had nothing to do with the stuff between him and Stone. It had to do with his legacy as a manager, and his treatment of pitchers.
I still stand by what I posted. I am glad that Kerry Wood is back on track somewhat as a pitcher, and has found a niche he can hopefully still be effective in.
Shame about Prior. I really do blame Baker for that fiasco.
Had Zambrano not been such a stout horse, Dusty would have broken him as well, imho.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
by Tekboy on Apr 17, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
He doesnt rule and some of his facts are confused with his opinion. Gary Matthews may have been listed as the hitting coach, but he wasnt. Gene Clines was.
Steve Stone is a very bitter man, i am guessing it is because the Cubs refuse to offer him a GM job or any other front office job. I like Steve’s voice, but he says a lot of stupid stuff that people forget about. And i think a lot of people jumped on his band wagon because he was willing to openly call out Dusty Baker and his coaching style.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 17, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bitter is an understatement...
...and the guy really needs to find a tad bit of humility.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Apr 17, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea you are right....
And like i said i think most people like him because he was willing to publicly bash Baker, which again – find a tad bit of humility.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 17, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matthews was also a hitting coach during Baker's time
They switched roles
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 18, 2008 6:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
stoney/dusty
Like a lot of us I have to say I learned a great deal from Stoney over the years, but the last few years his ego has just gotten ridiculous.
I was sympathetic to the Dustbag in his tenure here, but now I think many of us agree we’re so much better off without BOTH of these clowns.
Hopefully soon, we Cubs fans can stop paying any attention to either one of them soon.
by LeeElia's15% on Apr 17, 2008 1:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
always multiple levels between those in a feud, that said
Baker’s record speaks for itself. Right now the two best manager’s in the NLCentral have their clubs off to a good start. StL is now 11-4 and Cubs are 9-5.
Watching how the players play the game with Piniella versus Baker there is no contest.
Question: Do you think Baker would have put DeRosa in LF for the next 2 weeks and play the young’in Fontenot?
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Apr 17, 2008 1:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
...to a degree, but i think Lou also shares similar faults/prejudice against younger players as Dusty. I think Lou may have a somewhat better understanding of a player’s abilities and what’s needed in a role, but not much. What i mean is that when faced with Neifi and rey Sanchez v. Fontenot and Theriot, Lou will choose the correct combo. Not to be too hard on Dusty, he did run Cedeno out there day after day after mind numbing day. He also played Patterson until it was clear that Patterson was just a guy in a funny suit carrying a wooden stick for no apparent reason…I love the fact that Lou apparently did not defend Blanco’s bunt attempt after the game…
But I also thought that Stone’s critique of the “coaching” was consistent with how the Cubs approach player development. I thought Hendry revealed the latter in discussions about Patterson. It gave me the impression that the Cubs don’t care about developing players because it’s a mystery. You draft guys, you tell them the same B.S. and if they have talent then they develop. It’s a great approach for not holding your coaches in the organization accountable for much.
by DudeVf11 on Apr 17, 2008 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Regarding Dick Pole...
...I have to admit, if feels funny just typing his name.
Anyway, didn’t I see a quote from Greg Maddux last year, that said Dick Pole was the best pitching coach he ever had?
I don’t know, but Maddux isn’t one to BS much, and if Pole knows that much about pitching, I would imaging he may be someone Dusty trusted in that area, especially since Rothschild was thrust on him by Hendry.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Apr 17, 2008 4:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
His stats as a pitcher are bad
although obviously that doesnt mean he isnt good at his job.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/poledi01.shtml
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Apr 17, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for that post--I love it!
I am still pissed about Dusty and Hendry’s chickensquirt sacking of Stone. I don’t have a problem with Stone’s post given the piece that Sullivan did interviewing the players and their responses. I would expect no less from the ignorant brotherhood of cover your butts that is MLB, but it wasn’t any less nauseating to read. I was disappointed that Sullivan did not include interviews with Wendall Kim and Dusty’s son, then we truly would have the benefit of a well rounded discussion.
Stone’s piece isn’t so much bitterness to me as it is stating the obvious. But even in MLB the obvious cannot be stated if it calls attention to anyone’s sweet gig. Kudos to Stone for bucking the trend on this one.
by DudeVf11 on Apr 17, 2008 9:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs




















