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Oh, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! - Cubs 5, Pirates 6

It looked and felt just like the Brant Brown Game, didn't it?

A lazy fly ball that the left fielder should have caught to end the game instead winds up giving the game to the other side. It didn't happen exactly as it did ten years ago in Milwaukee -- when Brown dropped the fly with the bases loaded and the Cubs ahead by two, all three runs scored and the Brewers won. In this case Alfonso Soriano's drop just tied the game and the Pirates had to wait two more innings before winning 6-5, but the net effect is the same -- a demoralizing, depressing loss of a game that should have been won.

The good news is that the 1998 Cubs came back from that deflating loss and won the wild card spot five days later. This team is far better than that one and has far more time left, and they'll come back.

But for today, as Len said, Carlos Marmol must have been standing on the mound watching the fly ball knowing he'd saved the game, and then it all changed. The psychological impact of something like that cannot be overstated.

Let's start at the beginning, though, shall we? I hereby offer my services to MLB as a replay official. I work cheap -- don't even need them to buy me a big plasma screen so I can see the plays up close, I already have one -- and I'll instant-message the correct result to the ballpark right after I make the right call. For the fifth time in the last week, an umpire blew a call when Luis Rivas' drive in the first inning hit the top of the LF wall in front of Soriano (who took his eye off the ball, the #1 sin for any fielder), then bounced straight up in the air, never actually landing in the stands, before landing on the field. (Rivas later hit an actual, indisputed homer to the LF corner, as if to say, "See, I really CAN hit one.")

Soriano is partly to blame here. If he had played the ball (and probably didn't because he couldn't find it), then Lou might have had a good reason to come out and ask the umpires to have a conference, and who knows, like they did in New York last Sunday, maybe they'd have overturned the call. You could say this was the difference in the game, since the Cubs would have had a 5-3 lead in the 9th instead of 5-4, but as Bob Brenly said repeatedly during the telecase, you don't know what would have happened if, as should have happened, Rivas wound up on second with a ground-rule double. Maybe he'd have scored anyway.

Soriano tried to make up for his lazy play by hitting a two-run homer in the Cubs' four-run third that gave them the lead, but Ted Lilly just wasn't sharp today. You could tell he was laboring, and each inning that he got through without giving up a run was a gift. He left with the game tied at 4 and having thrown 101 pitches.

The bullpen did its job as the Cubs took the lead on an Aramis Ramirez RBI single, just as A-Ram gave the club the lead last night with his double. Marmol did his job too, although I could have done without the walks. Can anyone explain how that run off him counts as earned? Soriano was charged with an error on the dropped fly ball -- if he catches it, the game is over! The run has to be unearned.

Ah, well. Doesn't really matter. It's a run anyway, a loss anyway, and the team just has to regroup coming home tomorrow. Fortunately, the Cubs have played extremely well at home and they had just as tough a road trip (through St. Louis and Cincinnati) earlier this month and came home and had a terrific homestand. I expect nothing less this time -- 5-2 is imperative, 6-1 would be great.

Len & Bob were, justifiably, extremely critical of Soriano after his drop. They said, correctly, that he really isn't a very good left fielder, apart from his plus throwing arm. With his leg in uncertain status, that has to decrease his range. The Cubs have to think about doing one of two things: if Soriano really is hurt -- and it appears to this observer that he still is -- put him on the DL and let him rest till he's well. If not, then they have to consider taking him out of games for defense in the late innings.

In the meantime, I was serious about my offer of being a replay official, though of course I could only do it for road games, since I'm at all the home games. Len & Bob discussed this and said in shooting the breeze about this issue, someone came up with the idea of assigning an extra umpire to every crew, to cover the outfield for just such situations. That'd be a tall order -- you'd have to have someone who could run fast, to cover the entire outfield -- but this, along with all the other suggestions, are worth considering. In this Baseball Prospectus article ($), John Perrotto says Bud and the boys may actually do something... but check out what Lou has to say, too:

Commissioner Bud Selig has admittedly never been a big fan of the concept. "The commissioner calls instant replay umpires getting together and trying to get the call right," said Bob Watson, MLB vice president of standards and on-field operations. "That is instant replay in his estimation." But when Selig was a guest on XM Radio’s The Baseball Beat on Friday, he told host Charley Steiner that he is at least willing to consider replay. "Everybody knows how I think about these issues," Selig said. "I really am a traditionalist because I think it is right to understand the history of this sport, to be very careful anytime you make a change. But I am very seriously reviewing this entire matter, and I’ll take it from there. I can’t say any more now, because I don’t know how it is going to come out."

As the GM vote suggests, most people in the game are already in favor of limited instant replay. "I think it can be a win-win situation if everyone ends up voting for it," Royals manager Trey Hillman said. "I would be in favor of it because some of the calls--fair or foul, or contact calls [in or out of the park]--are tough for umpires to make."

Astros manager Cecil Cooper would like to see replay used in what he calls 'game-changing' situations. "I think we should have like they do in basketball," Cooper said. "All the times at the end of quarters or end of the games they always let the video determine whether the guy got the shot off."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella, though, is a contrarian, and wants no part of instant replay. He admits to getting frustrated when watching NFL games on television and seeing the coaches throw their red flags to challenge an official’s call. "When they start reviewing calls, I know I have five minutes to go to the refrigerator," Piniella said. "It just really slows the game down. All the general managers and either managers or bench coaches were just required to be on an hour-long conference call [Wednesday] with the commissioner’s office about speeding up the pace of the games. Replay would only slow games down. Players make mistakes, coaches make mistakes, managers make mistakes, and so do umpires. We’re all human, and I don’t think you should take the human element out of the game."

Food for thought, anyway. For now, get this game out of your psyche. There are 112 games remaining, and tomorrow is at home.

One final note -- it's time to call an end to the Jim Edmonds Experiment. His lazy fly ball pinch-hitting today looked like a 60-year-old coach hitting fungoes. He's DONE.

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carlos marmol, welcome to kerry wood’s life.

by gocubsgoradio720 on May 25, 2008 4:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That Edmonds fly ball...

Really fooled Nady. I guess he didn’t get the memo that Jim doesn’t have it anymore.

I bleed blue... and red, but that's not my fault. I didn't get to choose that one.

by BabeRuthPose on May 25, 2008 4:21 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

edmonds is done.

with no other available choice other than putting cedeno out there(doubt he can handle it defensively)—-what do we do? pie isnt an option at this point. sorry if you have man crushes on him or your an over valueing cub fan but he’s not a major leaguer.

OT-———joakim noah was arrested for marijauna and alcohol. i said 3 days ago he was a cancerous thug and was quickly rebuffed by a poster who seems to know more than me. apology maybe?? you know who you are!

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 4:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

trolling for apologies are we? (no pun intended)

geez, if you’re that desperate for positive affirmation, go rent a Stuart Smalley video or something…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on May 25, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not really

there are just some who seem to know everything about evreything. no matter what is talked about. thats all

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I will not apologize.

He is not a cancerous thug. It happens to athletes quite often. Hell I’d bet money there are people in here who have marijuana. Does that make them thugs too?

Was it poor choice on his part? Absolutely.

by sue369 on May 25, 2008 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

really?

Why do you dislike Noah so much? Your obvious distaste for him colors your argument that he might be bad for the team (which I also disagree with). Seems to me he plays hard and wants to win, which is more than could be said for Ben Wallace, who was, in my opinion, the real problem with the Bulls last year.

by tal1286 on May 25, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

doing drugs

isnt bad for a team???

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

let's see...

from what I read, he was arrested for violating an open container ordinance, i.e. he was carrying a plastic cup containing an “amber drink”, which I would assume was beer. Then while at the police station, they found some marijuana in his pocket. Now unless Mr. Noah has extremely deep pockets, I’m guessing we’re talking recreational use amount, not quantities for mass distribution.

Illegal? Sure, and he’ll have to pay his fine or do community service or whatever. And obviously not a good role model for all the little bulls and heifers out there. But this is hardly to the depths of being a “cancerous thug”, whatever that may be.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on May 25, 2008 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who gets taken to the police station...

for an open container bust?? I got busted plenty of times for that violation back in school and a year or two afterwards, and every time I was issued a citation on spot, in which I had the option to later pay the fine or appear in court.

by MillsChC on May 25, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My guess

Edmonds will get this homestand ( or I least hope, and then enough, and bring back pie)
Soriano will get killed on this game, and yes I can see why. But as I mentioned in the extra inning post, Lilly can’t give up homeruns to Louis Rivas, even though one was a double, Dome looks tired and hasn’t ripped a ball in a week. Woody hits a batter in the ninth last night and scores, Marmol walks a batter in the ninth and he scores, but it will all fall on Soriano, the punching bag for the Cubs
But I agree Al, time to sit Soriano late in the game with the lead.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on May 25, 2008 4:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm worried about Lou

It’s only a quarter into the season and he looks WORN OUT.

"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 May 25, 2008 4:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Every game is like a playoff game

fans are riding on every pitch and the talk of a WS on the North Side has expectations high. When you have a good team, managers have to manage at a higher level IMO. When you are in every game, you manage every at bat, so to speak. When we were the lovable losers, it took less effort because we weren’t in many games. You could go through the motions at times, not that I am calling out any manager of doing that, but you know what I mean.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on May 25, 2008 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

every game

that’s what i hate about cub games/fans…2 outs 2 strikes 2nd inning…eveyone’s on their feet!!!! Cub fans have to relax!!! it’s a long season…when you cheer constantly, it’s very annoying, like the NBA or the NFL….

by billy26 on May 25, 2008 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cheering is annoying?

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on May 26, 2008 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it certainly creates a lot of pressure

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Soriano,

still doesn’t feel comfortable. DL him. Matter fact - Don’t even ask him how he feels, evaluate him - the either Lou or Hendry decides what is best. I’m so tired of him limping and being so tender on his leg if he’s not 100%. Ugh, and the missed catch …........... I don’t even want to say what’s going on in my mind.

But – tomorrow is another day. We still are a great team. Yes, a GREAT team. Let’s not forget that. We will start winning on the road. We are a #2 starter and a decent CF away from being a championship caliber team.

Let’s win against those Dodgers tomorrow!

by Unique on May 25, 2008 4:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Lou seems like he is willing

to put up with Sori’s crappy outfield play as long as he hits his HR’s. But if he is hurting, he is hurting the team as well.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on May 25, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

soriano

management dont pony up 100+ million for a player to sit on the bench. no matter what we think. i’d really like to see him get a public butt chewing a time or two. sometimes business isnt fair but thats the way it is. piniella may have no choice in the matter.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We've played 8 series' on the road

and have won only one – the first road trip when we swept these same Pirates. Sure, things will level out over the course of the season, but we need to close out the games when we take the lead into the 9th.

We are 10-14 on the road so far, with June being on the road for 17 games. Could get ugly.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on May 25, 2008 4:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

thank you

I was going to post the same, Cubs are 0-6-1 in series since the sweep of the Pirates 7-10 April,
But I am sure that is Soriano’s fault also.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on May 25, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can easily hang these late inning losses on Sori

but we lost these as a team. Marmol walking a man in the 9th today, Wood and his HBP adventure yesterday. I am buoyed by the fact we have been getting clutch runs late. At least we are still fighting back.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on May 25, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

10-13 on the road, not 10-14.

Bad enough. The next road trip, to the west coast, will tell us a lot.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another thing.

It feels like we should of swept this series. And Fukudome’s power is non-existing.

by Unique on May 25, 2008 4:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Soriano's drop killed this game.

But there were two other key drops that didn’t help: Theriot’s drop of Dome’s incredible throw to second that should’ve nailed Laroche, and Blanco’s drop of Reed’s throw home that should’ve nailed Laroche.

Then there was yet another strike ‘em out-throw ‘em out today.

Sloppy baserunning and sloppy defense did the Cubs in; time for Lou to tighten up the screws.

And Jim Edmonds is cashed. Time for that cowboy to ride of into the sunset.

"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 May 25, 2008 4:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Hoffpauir, obviously! :D

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would move Johnson over to left,

and put Edmonds in center. Edmonds might be done … but he’s not as much of a problem as Soriano.

by Unique on May 25, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

To be honest.

Soriano is a dangerous hitter .. but I think the chances are higher that he would screw up the game defensively before he would win it for us offensively.

by Unique on May 25, 2008 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not MUCH higher.

Slightly anyway. Still don’t want him out there when he is favoring that leg and what not.

by Unique on May 25, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

edmonds??

edmonds instead of soriano?? soriano just hit 5 homers in 3 days…member that???

by billy26 on May 25, 2008 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's not one, really,

despite Brenly’s on-air assertion that “you can throw a dart at the Cubs bench and hit someone who’d be a better LF’er.” It alarms me that he speak glowingly of certain defensively inadequate players on one hand and be so bluntly critical of certain others. Perhaps the best thing to do, and this ONLY for late-inning defense, would be to shift Johnson over to LF, put Edmonds (Pie if he comes back when Edmonds is finally released) in CF, and have Dome in RF. I can probably name 10 guys on the Cubs who would be worse defensive LF’ers, though; that might be the dumbest thing I’ve heard BB say.

"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 May 25, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the crux of the matter.

The team’s best defensive outfielder is down in AAA right now. So long as that’s going on, you’re going to have to eat some bad defense in the outfield – Edmonds and Johnson can patrol their own zone just fine, but they can’t cover the ground that Pie can. And that makes our corner men cover more ground, and overexposes them as well.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

Pie should never have been sent down in the first place. Get rid of Edmonds and bring him back.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

al

you just cant come to the realization that felix pie isnt a major leaguer yet can you? letting him continue to fail until every cub fan in america is satisfied he’s a dud should not be an option. truth is until he can fine tune his approach and swing at the plate he will never succeed at this level. right dead in the middle of a huge pennant race isnt a time for that either. dont really know a good comparison to use other than—when your a kid and your parents wont let you in the room with the adults to actively particiapte it makes you mad cause in your mind you have so much to offer but the fact of the matter is you really are not on their level yet.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let's see.

On what basis do we know that Felix Pie isn’t a major leaguer? From sitting on the bench for 75% of the games this year?

It’s not time to put him in the heat of a pennant race? Would you rather have Jim Edmonds? Or would you rather have Alfonso Soriano dropping balls because there’s no suitable defensive replacement on the bench?

Your analogy is irrelevant. Lou Piniella doesn’t like Pie and that’s the reason he’s not here. I usually trust Lou’s judgment, but in this case I think he happens to be wrong.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

c'mon

piniella dont like pie? thats not true and you know it. piniella wants to win ballgames and i believe that wholeheartedly. cant say he dont like rookies cause he’s running soto out there everyday. when pie can actively contribute to this club on a major league level he will be here immediately.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

/obligatory "i'm sure Piniella likes pie" joke

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

uggghhhh

the frustrating Pie debate continues- “he’s not a major league level baseball player”. Name the outfielders in the NL Central who field their position better than Felix Pie. Kosuke Fukodome maybe, Mike Cameron maybe, beyond that I can’t think of any. But outfield defense isn’t helpful in winning baseball games, as we saw this afternoon.

The highest scoring offense in all of baseball can afford to carry .230 in 1/2 to 2/3 of the games in a platoon with Reed Johnson against lefties in exchange for gold-glove level defense throughout the season and be just fine. Not to mention, with extended playing time, that .230 has the potential to improve to 260-270, which is even more acceptable (see Johnson, Reed)

by philadelphiacub on May 25, 2008 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

except

he IS a major leaguer.

Do you think he’d miss that catch today? No. If he can hit .230-.250 and bring his glove, we’re FINE. It’s not like Edmonds or Johnson are better. Certainly not Edmonds.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well I wont argue

edmonds needs to go 1st thing in the morning. i cant stand him, reed(who i like alot) isnt a major league everyday player, and we really have absolutely no one else. but theres is absolutely no basis of truth to the statement pie is a major leaguer. he’s done next to the nothing at the major league level. i’m sorry there our over-valuing cub fans but the truth is the truth. heck at this point he cant even hit triple a pitching and thats embarassing considering the fact there are so many that wanna argue he needs to be in chicago.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he's done next to nothing offensively

because he hasn’t been given a chance to do hardly anything.

Right before he was sent down, he was hitting pretty well. No chance was given to see if that could continue.

And he catches a LOT of balls. He robbed Griffey of a homerun in a stand at Cincy. That’s hardly “nothing”.

If he’s really working on his swing, it’s utterly understandable that he’d struggle with hitting—incorporating changes into your swing must be pretty difficult.

You be embarrassed and I’ll simply be sad that we’re squandering this very good prospect while we need him up here making catches.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

reed

made the catch of the year and is light years ahead of pie at the plate but he’s not an everyday player and we all agree on that. i wanna like pie and do for most part but he’s not ready.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think Reed

is lightyears ahead of Pie at the plate. Before Pie was sent down, he was batting better than Reed in the last few series.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

pie

is also struggling at AAA….its not like he’s showing he can hit right now.

by cubsmania on May 25, 2008 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sigh

once again, if Pie is working on chances to his swing, it’s utterly reasonable that he would struggle at the plate.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so why not

let him work it out in AAA as opposed to struggling in the majors?

by cubsmania on May 25, 2008 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

because we need his glove in centerfield.

because you can’t learn to hit MLB pitching in AAA. Because he deserves to be here.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

problem is

its doing no good.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

how do you know?

he’s making the adjustements to something he’s done naturally for years RIGHT NOW. So the changes should somehow be instant?

That’s terribly unfair.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, it could be that his swing is unfixed,

but it could also just be that he’s hit a bad streak. Even Aramis Ramirez could go 0-15 in AAA. Hitters have bad streaks. Sometimes their timing is off. Sometimes their timing is on but every hard hit ball goes into a glove. That’s why you don’t make evalutations of a player’s abilities on small statistical sample sizes. No one has the right to say after a couple weeks that Pie isn’t hitting AAA pitching unless they are watching every game. Do we have an updated scouting report on Pie, or are we just glancing at box scores and using them to pad arguments we had prepared in advance?

by DGU on May 25, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would presume

people are going off box-scores. I’m not making any assumptions whatsoever - we KNOW he’s working on his swing. -shrug

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're right that he has been working on his swing.

I’d really like a scouting report so we know if he still is working on it, if he’s worked it out but it’s not working for him, if he’s going back and forth between the old swing or the new swing. Anyway, you (drewishdrewid) have been making good arguments through this thread. I only interjected myself because I don’t think cubsluver22’s premise is even accurate – we don’t know that “Pie’s not hitting AAA pitching.” He did hit a HR the other night.

by DGU on May 25, 2008 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

:D

thankee, sai.

I’d like to see a scouting report as well. Doesn’t Josh77 do those? How indepth?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll take as much info as I can get.

And I’ll post a question in one of Josh’s recaps.

by DGU on May 25, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

its unfair

to judge a player that hasnt shown he can hit major league pitching? some people amaze me to no end. send soriano out of town cause he plays bad but get mad because pie’s not in town even though he cant hit.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he has not shown that. He has not been given the chance to show it.

And very few people want to dump Soriano, and those that do are NOT Pie fans.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

pie?

so the sun would have missed Pie’s eyes???...c’mon, it might’ve happened to anybody…..

by billy26 on May 26, 2008 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll take that one more step...

...and say Pie never should have been brought North with the club to start the season. He struggled over the winter and didn’t exactly rip up ST either. He should have been sent to AAA for 6-7 weeks and he may have been up here by now, with his swing somewhat sorted out.

Anyway, I have said on numerous occasions; if it is the last inning and the game is on the line, Soriano is the last person I want the ball hit to and today showed why. He is what he is folks, there should be no surprises.

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

by MPH73 on May 25, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al

“But for today, as Len said, Carlos Marmol must have been standing on the mound watching the fly ball knowing he’d saved the game, and then it all changed. The psychological impact of something like that cannot be overstated.
This is nonsense. Things happen all the time to change the outcome of a game. To attach the term “psychological damage” to it, is just plain silly. When a reliever blows a game do you really think the rest of the team is damaged psychologically. You seem to be over reacting to this.

by cubswin on May 25, 2008 4:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Len and Bob were on Sori's back like I've never heard them before.

They fell over themselves making excuses for Theriot last night and they just crucified Soriano today. Not their finest moment.

"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 May 25, 2008 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

To be fair

Al didn’t say “psychological damage” he said psychological “impact.” There’s a big difference between the two. The team may not be damaged psychologically but you can be sure they were impacted.

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right.

And I’m sorry if you all thought I implied there was an impact on the entire team. I meant it’d have an impact on Marmol himself.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Spoken like a guy who has never been on a field when something like that happens. It punches you in the gut, and some people have a hard time getting over that.

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

by Ross on May 25, 2008 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree 100%

What I also stand by is that if Tony LaRussa had the same situation, do you think he would hesitate replacing Soriano with a more capable defender?

Bob’s great line was, “You could throw a dart in the dugout and get a better outfielder than Soriano”. HAHA!

Through my anger, I found that pathetically funny.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 4:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It was clever,

but hardly funny. I don’t know what Bob’s deal is, but it’s becoming clear to me that he brings a bit of an agenda to the booth.

"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 May 25, 2008 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um.

Bob was telling the truth.

by Unique on May 25, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Okay,

so Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Daryle Ward, Micah Hoffpauir, Mike Fontenot, Ronny Cedeno, Geo Soto, Lou Pinella, Allan Trammel, Matt Sinatro, Sean Gallagher, and Larry Rothschild would all be better LF’ers? Because those were the guys sitting in the dugout when Brenly said that. It was dumb.

"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 May 25, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sinatro has soft hands, at least.

Don’t think he’s got much range at this point.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I also forgot

Ivan Dejesus. Maybe that’s who Bob meant.

"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 May 25, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gotta be Trammel

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno about LF

but he still might have more range at SS than Theriot.

"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 May 25, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe he can go in

at First instead of Blanco next time. :D

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL!

Bet the field mic would pick the creak in his bones!

"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 May 25, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He will most likely

be the next Cubs manager…

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LMAO!!

HAHAHA!

I am picturing him running out there with his helmet!

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Priceless.

"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 May 25, 2008 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know what...

Lou would of gotten a better jump on some of those ball than Soriano. Soriano is hurt and you just don’t know when he is gonna be back to the mode where he was back in 2006. He favors that leg an awful lot, and while I’m being somewhat sarcastic when it comes to Lou being able to get a better jump than Sori, but Bob was 100% on point when talking about Soriano’s abilities.

by Unique on May 25, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dumbest. Comment. Ever.

"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 May 25, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you read further

I said I was being somewhat sarcastic. But I just don’t think Soriano is a good or even an average defender. ESPECIALLY when he is running/defending at 60%.

by Unique on May 25, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're digging the hole deeper.

Hyperbole is no excuse.

I read further. It was still dumb to say Bob was right on.

"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 May 25, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What are you saying?

Are you defending Alfonso’s defense or impugning Brenly for his commentary?

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on May 25, 2008 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Impugning Brenly.

Soriano’s play is inexcusable. It was awful. He’s been awful this year, but Brenly picks and chooses with his criticisms and its unprofessional and crude.

"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 May 25, 2008 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, but when your bench consists of...

...a backup catcher, a backup first baseman, two backup middle infielders, and a platoon center fielder, you can’t pull Soriano every day. You simply can’t.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

All the more reason..

to go with one less pitcher IMO…

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or...

One less Fontenot.

by DGU on May 25, 2008 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LSA! :D

The new 2008 Cubs, now with 0% Fontenot!

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

can we have

Matt Murton and Felix Pie instead?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well

obviously, I’d like them to get the playing time. :D

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But, but, if we got rid of Hoffpauir,

who would be our starting RF against RHP?

by DGU on May 25, 2008 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe we can use that Japanese fella.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So Hoffpaiur

in CF then? Because I know we need more lefty sock for our lineup to become unbroke.

by DGU on May 25, 2008 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

gah

I can’t keep this up, it’s too vomit-inducing…

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't understand where you get this

Soriano was UNDER the ball. He didn’t have to move very far. He lost it in the sun. There was practically no jump to get. He just… lost it.

And then the rest of us lost it too. :P

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But you have to admit that Soriano’s sunglasses looked good flipped up under the brim of his hat. I wonder why he was wearing them….

by txtom on May 25, 2008 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

they were down.

geeze o pete, people don’t you have TIVO?

They were up before the pitch. When the ball was hit, he flipped them down. He “played” the ball (if you can call it that). After he dropped it, he threw it back. Then he flipped the glasses back up.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BB's comments came in the

‘heat of the moment.’ Besides, there’s nothing like extreme exaggeration to make a point.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 25, 2008 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

bingo

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

brenly

yeah let’s get the sportscasters in trouble… bring back Steve Stone and Chip Caray!!!!

by billy26 on May 26, 2008 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just hope pissed off Cub fans

don’t start bringing darts to the game! I remember in Anaheim when Reggie Jackson played there, the fans would throw quarters at him because he got 25 cents for every fan over a certain attendance at the home games. Gotta love his agent!

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on May 25, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Len and Bob

I vaguely remember the booth initially commenting on the sun as being a factor in Soriano’s drop. So they weren’t completely throwing him under the bus.

by Villeslgr on May 25, 2008 5:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Len was saying that; Bob was having none of it.

"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 May 25, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll have another look at this later.

The sun may have been a factor, but it really looked like he just plain dropped it.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if he'd done that

I don’t know. He looked like he was having a real problem finding the ball. It should have been routine, but he was so crouched down… 80% of the time, he makes that catch. I just don’t know.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If, in fact, Lou REALLY

wants to give the Cubs the BEST chance to win, protecting a one-run lead in the 9th inning – he Should sit Soriano and spread out Dome, Johnson and XX as the outfielders.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

exactly

which brings us to the real problem underlying this situation. Had Felix Pie’s 220-230 avg been in the dugout, he goes to center, Johnson to left for defense in the 9th. But instead, the Cubs are digging through the scrapheap to try and improve the best offense in the majors. The defensive contribution of players seems totally overlooked, which is pretty disturbing. I’m not trying to reopen the Pie debate necessarily. It’s pretty clear to me the organizations thoughts on Mr. Pie. But the fact of the matter is he is the organization’s best defensive outfielder. As the deadline approaches, if the Cubs continue to look to improve, whether in CF or pitching, I hope a players defensive contribution will be taken into consideration, because improving your defense improves your pitching.

by philadelphiacub on May 25, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

first

we have to recall XX from AAA-Iowa.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And he's out of options...

As I understand so he’s under the gun. This is quite the quandary.

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on May 25, 2008 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ah...

Thx for learnin’ me.

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on May 25, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

The Cubs could call Pie up right now if they wanted to ditch the Edmonds experiment and start improving the outfield defensively.

But they don’t.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's truly discouraging

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on May 25, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

With the DH in play

Seems we face two bad options

Sorianos poor defense and mercurial offense
OR
Pie’s solid defense and poor yet inexperienced offense

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on May 25, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

XX=Edmonds or

Pie – ANY of the “other” outfielders are stronger defensively than Fonzy.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

He needs to be back in Chicago.

Tomorrow.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What does Deep Goat say about Pie potentially coming up?

Because, my (very fallible) sense is that Pie’s 2008 ship has sailed.

by DGU on May 25, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does DG

say anything about Pie at all?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

al, soriano was not charged with an error on the dropped ball. the cubs error today was charged to blanco for not holding on to the throw from fukudome. i’m certainly not saying that i agree with either of these scoring decisions, but that’s why the run for marmol was earned.

"I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty," -- Lou Pinella

by anormal on May 25, 2008 5:15 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

any ball lost in the sun

isn’t ruled an error, I thought.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah.

That’s why McLouth got double. Good for my fantast team, bad for my favorite team.

"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 May 25, 2008 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Odd.

This play-by-play says:

Bottom 9th: Pittsburgh
- C. Marmol relieved B. Howry
- C. Gomez popped out to shallow left center
- F. Sanchez walked
- B. Bixler ran for F. Sanchez
- L. Rivas struck out swinging
- N. McLouth safe at first on left fielder A. Soriano’s fielding error, B. Bixler scored, N. McLouth to second
- J. Bay intentionally walked
- X. Nady grounded out to third

But you’re right, it doesn’t show an error in the summary. I cannot understand how you could give McLouth a double on that play. It was an error. He dropped the ball.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Len and Bob say:

balls lost in the sun and subsequently not caught aren’t scored as errors, which makes the run earned.

Dunno if I agree with that, but that’s apparently the rule…

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't see that as a "rule"...

... and you need look no further than the comparable game I posted in the recap, the Brant Brown game. Similar play, similar result. Brown was charged with an error. I don’t think this has become a “rule” in the last 10 years.

Soriano dropped a ball he should have caught with ordinary effort. That’s the standard usually applied for errors. It was an error.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was under the impression, from what they said

that it was an actual baseball rule. I don’t know enough about the game, I suppose.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what happens..

When local sportswriters are the official scorers..

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good for my fantast team too

but Theodore’s performance wasn’t.

"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome

by JohnM on May 25, 2008 5:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What cwyers, et. al.

state re recalling XX is a great point, but TODAY, Lou had the option of doing whatever he could to give the team the best chance to win, by having a 9th inning outfield of Johnson, Edmonds, and Dome.

Lou did not execute the move.

Today is hist.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Depends on where you think the ball will be hit to.

You upgrade your LF defense that way, but degrade your CF defense. (Johnson, at this point, is a better defensive outfielder than Edmonds.) It’s not as cut-and-dried as you’re implying.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And, Edmonds

has 1 error and 63 PO’s in CF this year.

He can’t hit worth shit – but again – it is “cut and dried” the records show.

Defensively, Johnson, Edmonds, and Dome is a stronger OF than Sori, Johnson and Dome.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

at this point,

I don’t trust Edmonds to tie his shoes properly. However, you’re probably right—Edmonds is probably better, defensively, than Soriano, with Sori being not confident in his legs.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It doesn't matter

that we think he can’t tie his shoes, as you say.

Johnson is better than Soriano as a defender – has been playing the position (OF) his entire MLB career. As I state, Edmonds has one error and 63 PO’s, and Dome is Dome.

Soriano has the Nationals series, and Brant Brown in this early season, pt. 2, and can’t run!

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Edmonds isn't a very good CF any more...

... despite those numbers.

But I’d still rather have had the OF of Johnson, Edmonds and Dome in the 9th than what the Cubs have. Edmonds’ range isn’t what it was. But as you point out, he catches what he gets to.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if your looking to upgrade outfield D late in games with the current roster,

might as well go Johnson LF, Dome CF, Dero RF, Cedeno 2B. Hell if improving the D is the idea, put Cedeno SS, and Theriot 2B, but thats a whole other discussion, but it also points to the organizations thoughts regarding defense

by philadelphiacub on May 25, 2008 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We're not gonna do jack in the playoffs if we don't get a NO. 2 starter.

Harden is our man, and could be had for a discount. I guarantee we will regret it if we don’t make a run at him. When he’s on, he’s a freakin ACE.

Devin Hester, you are rediculous! -Jeff Joniak

by ARAM FOR MVP on May 25, 2008 5:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

There is no

guarantees on a playoff appearance.

It is a long season.

Don’t count your chickens yet…

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so now

you’re Blue-Mike’s sock-puppet?

The only think Harden is good for is being on the DL.

Ba bum. Piss.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

Jim Hendry needs to make an aggressive pursuit of Rich Harden. He will be available and, if healthy, is what we need to add next to Carlos Zambrano in the rotation if we are to have any hopes of going anywhere come playoff time.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ill take Harden

for a AA middle infielder

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 27, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nah...

its pretty cut and dried. The three I mention above are competent in LF, CF & RF.

The team would have had a better chance with those three than Soriano.

He is below average in his short LF career – arm notwithstanding.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Last night I participated in the game thread it was exhausting.

I am glad that I wasn’t home today and just learned of the outcome now from Al’s fine recap.

Oh well, another tough loss. If D. Lee can be removed ina double switch then Soriano has to start coming out the games for D late. The idea of removing a poor defender late in the game isn’t controversial. It’s unfortunate that we are even writing about it. If Soriano is such a great guy and team guy in the clubhouse then I am shocked that it hasn’t happened yet. Let’s hope that changes after today’s loss.

by DudeVf11 on May 25, 2008 5:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Let's lighten things up a bit...

check out a young studly Lou Piniella!

/commence swooning

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 5:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I thank you for that

~~swooon~~

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol!

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two imperatives

If this team is to be legitimate World Series contender then two things have to happen.

1. MUST obtain a quality starting pitcher. Quite simply, our rotation isn’t good enough. Not if we are serious in 2008.

2. Kerry Wood needs to improve as closer. The blown saves are too many. The hit batsmen are too many. The indigestion when he enters a game with only a one run lead is too great.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 5:31 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wood leads the league in PF (Pepcid Factor)

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

I think Brewers and Cardinals fans have more reason to be agitated about their closers than Cubs fans do.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 25, 2008 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

please don't take that seriously

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who cares

Why does this board always devolve into the argument, “yeah but he’s better than xxxx.”

Who cares if Kerry Wood is better than what they have in St. Louis or Milwaukee. Fact is he is not getting the job done to a sufficient level with the Cubs. Or to the level that is needed on a team with serious playoff aspirations in 2008. That’s all that matters. The amount of blown saves are a big problem.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a bit too early to tell

about that.

Frankly, I don’t think the amount of blown saves is a big problem.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 25, 2008 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

amen.

It’s freakin May. I still pick us to win the division and be very competitive in the post.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

imperatives

I’ll bet Greg Maddux is available in the next few months….pick him up down the stretch….......???!!!

by billy26 on May 26, 2008 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soriano is back to being a weakness

Some of you like to be seduced by his hotter than blazes stretches. But the other 3/4 rd’s of the season he is shockingly ineffective and a liability to the offensive flow of this team. On top of this his play in left field has signifcantly regressed for unknown reasons. It’s gotten to the point where a defensive substitution is needed for late inings.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 5:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Late to the party

dude.

This has been re-hashed in 50 posts…

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

blah...

blah blah blah blah blah.

Way to be, Blue Mike. Way to be.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not a weakness, come on...

A defensive liability in late innings when we are protecting a close lead, sure, but that’s not a weakness.

The guy is very productive offensive player. The team just needs to start putting a D sub in for him when we have a close lead late.

by DudeVf11 on May 25, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's wrong

Soriano has become inexplicably skittish on fly balls to left. His tentativeness and miscues out there are a problem.

Don’t give me this garbage about his offense. He’s is classic “star” player on a second-division. He was able to put up wondrous stats in baseball purgatory like Texas and Washington where there was minimal expectations for winning. Here? He’s been brutal since day one. Screw his hot streaks. They don’t nearly compensate for the majority of time when he hacking his way to strikeouts and throwing cold water on the flow of the Cub offense. I hate the bastard.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I won't give you garbage, but I will point you to his 2007 Stats with the Cubs.

I advocate that Lou pull the guy for D when we are protecting a close lead late—that’s what you do with guys who produce offensively and who are D liabilities.

The guy would have to be the worst fielder in major league history for the D to offset his offense. His O more than makes up for his D, but you don’t want him out there when the game is “on ice” so to speak and you are just protecting the lead. Even then, I’d only be removing him in that last inning.

I think your comments are way off here.

by DudeVf11 on May 25, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No- wrong.

His worst (still very good) seasons statistically were in Texas. Your empty rhetoric “devolves” the discussion here, but you don’t really care do you?

"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher

by The Lip on May 25, 2008 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

devolve

i’m pretty sure that devolve is not a word, but DEVOLVER is my favorite beatle album…

by billy26 on May 26, 2008 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok- lol

Was making fun of MBDNIU’s usage of it earlier.

"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher

by The Lip on May 29, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and now

because, you know, you just did it to yourself.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

one thing i will say

is people always point that soriano will put the team on his back for a couple weeks during the season (which is true)...but at the same time he has lost us a few games already this season. So he seems to offset himself at times.

by cubsmania on May 25, 2008 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As mentioned

Lou is so focus on adding a stick to center, the biggest concern is the rotation.
Dempster and Z are the only reliable starters the Cubs have.
I still can’t get over RIvas hitting 1 and a half homeruns off of Lilly today, I mean come on.
Soriano is not the sole reason why this club should be better. However becasue of the a large contract he gets the grief.
Tomorrow should be interesting on his first AB.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on May 25, 2008 5:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yep

By far the biggest concern of this ballclub is the starting pitching. The absolute imperative is to add a quality starting pitcher to this mix.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soriano is what he is...

...and no player will take themselves out voluntarily in his situation. This is totally a manager issue. There’s nothing “wrong” with Soriano. Lou needs to do his job to give the team the best chance to win. Soriano shouldn’t be getting the blame today—LOU should.

by DudeVf11 on May 25, 2008 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't kid yourself

the LF Bleachers will mostly give him the love as he hobbles out there and will scream like always for him to throw them a ball, before the inning starts.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dodgers

Heading into extra innings themselves vs. the Cards. They are logging some heavy bullpen innings which levels the playing field to start the homestand. Let’s hope the Cards lose in 22 innings.

Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. - George F. Will

by 15% on May 25, 2008 6:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

They are in a tough battle to be sure

here’s hoping both teams tucker themselves out.

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A suggestion

Go outside and enjoy the weather. Grab a book, I did the Sunday crossword puzzle. I was pretty pissed off after yesterdays game and todays and I’m tired of letting the frustration mount as it seems to me that I cared more about the Cubs winning the last few games than the Cubs did. So if they are going to have a prima donna in LF who refuses to be replaced for defensive reasons, if they have a closer who I want to succeed more than anything else but clearly is too erratic to be a closer, if they are going to coast through divisional play and if they are going to play on the road like they are a bunch of minor leaguers, than I’m going to find something more worthy of my time.

I sat outside, enjoyed the weather, exercised my mind and feel a lot better.

Piniella and his team needs to get their act together.

DmL

by dmlichte on May 25, 2008 6:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You have inspired me

I am going to was my car now – that I am trying not to drive, after just having spent $34.00 filling up my Honda.

I will not think about this too much until I am at the game on Tuesday, watching Gallagher pitch against the Dodger’s top pitching prospect.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You won't see Kershaw.

He pitched today.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

$34.00

You must have already had 3/4 tank full:)

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lucky.

Try $79 to fill up.

by sue369 on May 25, 2008 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yikes...

I believe Chicago has the highest gas prices in the country right now..

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How much is

it in Chicago? It’s $3.79 here where I am in Iowa.

by sue369 on May 25, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

$4.05-4.15

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In my neighborhood...

... it’s $4.19-$4.29

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sorry

that’s in Melrose Park, western suburb. :D

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

try $4.30

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow..

$4.05 even in NW Indiana now…

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That sucks.

I have a Prius, bought right after Katrina in 2005. Best purchase I ever made. Getting 47 MPG.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's great.

I have a new car ordered and should be here this week but it won’t get 47 mpg. Hopefully it will get better than what I have now.

by sue369 on May 25, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Smart buy..

The newer Prius can get around 60 MPG in the city…I’m still debating between the Prius and Honda Civic. Can’t go wrong with either one.

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

gas

it takes 53 bux to fill my infinity. i left town in okc yesterday and gas was 3.63 came home last night and it was 3.96.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I drive a Prius as a fleet car for my campus job.

The mileage is good but I’m not very impressed with the build and ride quality. Obviously a lot of weight-saving choices were made. I HATE when it slips out of gear in normal city driving. The little light flashes that i’ve lost traction. That’s wonderful. You’d think they’d take the hours they spent giving the car the ability to tell me it’s slipping and put them toward, you know, making the car not slip in the first place. And in this climate, the Prius performs horribly in the snow. Even at the slowest speeds, the thing just slips and slides all over the place. Imminently frustrating.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

*Eminently

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very well said

this game made me sick to my stomach but it’s occured to me afterwards that there are better ways to spend my time other than becoming obsessed with the ineptitudes of multi-millionaires.
The Cubs are a medicore team and anybody who thinks this they’re suddenly going to catch fire, correct all the flaws and march into post-season either hasn’t been paying attention or is just plain delusional.

by bluekoolaide on May 25, 2008 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow

are the last two games the only ones you’ve watched this year?

"I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty," -- Lou Pinella

by anormal on May 25, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow.

First place, with the most runs scored in the league doesn’t go far these days, I guess…

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow

8 games over .500, leading our division, nice to be so mediocre…

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Worst. Post. Ever.

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on May 25, 2008 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh, I don't know.

Look down at the bottom, by edo4cubs…

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

????

c’mon dml, remember last Memorial Day??? we sucked and then we didn’t!!! this year we don’t suck and we’re gonna get better!!!!!!!!! does that make sense? probably not … cause i’m a CUB fan!!!!!!!!!!

by billy26 on May 26, 2008 12:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Instant Replay

I’ve been sitting on the fence about the instant replay issue—leaning mostly toward OK for HR calls only. But I appreciate what Lou has to say about the issue. What I love most about baseball is the “human element” and spittle splayed disputes are very much a part of the charm. At this stage of the game I’m against it.

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 6:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

+1

My thoughts exactly.

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+2

"I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty," -- Lou Pinella

by anormal on May 25, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cardinals lose

one bright spot in the day

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 6:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

excellent

what about the Astros?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

PHI 15 HOU 6

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok, then.

we stay tied for first, and tomorrow, we start at home.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the best news I've heard all day.

See, other teams can lose too.

I’ll bet the Cubs will be very happy to see that news when their plane lands.

On to a homestand.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soriano's Take on His Play

What was Soriano’s take on the ball?

“It was very tough,” Soriano said. “I tried at the last moment to catch the ball, but it was in the sun. When it came off the bat, I saw it very clear. At the last moment, it was in the sun, and it was tough to catch it because I never saw it.

“It hit me on the glove, but I didn’t see the ball,” Soriano said.

There wasn’t anything he could do differently, Soriano said.

“That surprised me at the last moment with the ball going down,” he said. “I never thought that ball would get lost in the sun.

“Everybody knows if it’s not in the sun, it’s a routine fly ball,” Soriano said. “They know I didn’t do it on purpose. It’s very tough when you can’t see the ball.”

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 6:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

it seems reasonable to me.

It sucks, and I wish he’d caught it, but he looked like he’d lost the ball.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If that

was his only deficiency in LF I’d forgive him. It’s cumulative and I’m spitting tacks. Love him on offense but dammit, he’s Jekyll & Hyde.

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

excuses

This is what bugs me. No accountability. Just come out and say, “I f’ed up” and be done with it.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

honestly

I think he is. He says he had it off the bad, then he says he lost it in the sun. He was surprised at the last moment. What are you gonna do?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he wasn't in position

and what of the homerun that he didn’t go back for?

He’ll win more on offense than he’ll lose on defense, but he doesn’t admit to mistakes in the field.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he's not a great defensive fielder

We all know that. He’s moved back towards the wall more often than not this year. He admits to having a confidence problem. If he’s not hurt, we can’t bench him. I just think he has a matter-of-fact way about talking about errors. He doesn’t say “I’m sorry”. He says “I tried, and I got surprised.”

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't need "I'm sorry"

I’d like “I made a bad play.” He doesn’t admit that.

Not ripping him, just would like him to own up to bad plays.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

again

I think that’s what he’s saying—he had a good read, and then was surprised when he lost the ball in the sun.

There may be a language thing going on as well. To me, he’s essentially said “I should have caught it.”

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure I agree

and it’s sure not what he said about the May 1 game against Milwaukee.

Look, I don’t hate Soriano, but the way you’re going out of your way to defend him, Jason Marquis would like a word with you . . . .

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

gah. had to retype this

I find Soriano to be a generally good ballplayer (balancing offense against defense) who plays through injury, stays quiet, carries the team at times, and does what his manager asks him to do.

I find Marquis to be a complainer (about MONEY, when he’s making MILLIONS) and displays a lack of consistency which is MUCH more critical from a starting pitcher than an outfielder.

We have very good alternatives to Marquis, who are more or less blocked by him. Soriano, however, is a gem. A rough one, but a gem nonetheless, who will, again, carry this team.

He dropped the ball. It was bad. He needs to be better. But he’s not selfish, he’s not terrible, he shouldn’t be DFAd, he shouldn’t be wished injury.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree about Marquis

although yesterday, I think you might even agree you were letting your emotions influence your postings.

Soriano doesn’t need to be DFA’d. He’s going to win a lot of games for the Cubs. But there is a psyche issue there. He’s not a good fielder and should be replaceable late without it bothering him, and I really, really hate the lack of ownership to mistakes.

I never said he was terrible.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

although yesterday, I think you might even agree you were letting your emotions influence your postings.

I won’t deny it. I’d still be happy if the Cubs released Marquis.

He’s not a good fielder and should be replaceable late without it bothering him

Prove to me that this is happening - not taking him out late for defensive reasons - because Soriano insists he stay in. Prove it, because everything I’ve seen points to LOU not wanting to take him out. Soriano has done everything Lou has asked of him.

And again, I think he IS owneing up to his play. He’s just not using the words you want him to.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't prove it

but why does Piniella say “you don’t sub superstars out” and then sub out Lee?

All I can go on is the information that I have and deduction.

Soriano did NOT own up to the play May 1.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you sub out Lee

because you’re making teh double-switch, and you want to put your pitcher as far away from batting as possible, and he’d made the second to last out in the inning before AND the other option was to put Blanco at THIRD.

Lee was switched out for strategy. It’s strategy that didn’t work, but it wasn’t based on anything else. Blanco at first is worrisome. Blanco at third is downright scary.

Now, personally, I would have kept Lieber in, but IIRC, the guy Eyre faced instead of Lieber was 4-6 or 4-5 on Lieber. So Lou made the choice to switch pitchers, but didn’t want to make Eyre bat next.

These crazy-ass 14-15 inning games are very prone to over-managing, and they could have gone either way. If DeRosa hadn’t struck out with the bases loaded last night, we probably win that game. Hell, if DeRosa hadn’t struck out with two on today, we probably win today. And DeRosa’s my favorite player on the team.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

pinch ran for Lee earlier this year

I’m not a psychologist, so I accept that I could be wrong. I like to think I’m fairly observant, but who knows. I still think it’s a psyche issue.

I agree about DeRo . . . and I like DeRo a lot. But he seems to struggle in those spots. More armchair psychoanalysis, but maybe he’s trying too hard. Seems to overswing.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

assuming he actually writes his own blog

and he’s being truthful, he sees himself as the glue of the team. He feels that when no one else can come through, he has to. Which means he presses. And when you press, you strike out.

These guys are all human; they all have their psychological issues. I’m sure that no one wanted Soriano to make that catch than Soriano did.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no argument on any of that

As, if you are honest, you would probably admit that it’s likely no one wanted Marquis to pitch a shutout last night more than Marquis.

Just like Jason’s dumbass quotes in spring training rankled you - and me - so does Soriano’s lack of admission. When DeRosa hit into that DP against AZ in Game 3 last year, he said that he blew it . . . I’ve got a helluva lot more respect for that than “it was the wind” . . . “crowd” . . .”sun” . . . whatever. That’s why I found the 2004 Cubs especially annoying.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know how to explain it any better, I guess.

Marquis NEVER goes on a hot streak. Never can I say “well, there was that ONE GAME” where he won it for us.

Soriano has at least two so far. He’ll have more. We know this.

I used to play outfield (although I never played in college) and I remember one game where I lose the ball in the sun. I was lucky to not be hit on the head with the ball, much less actually try to make a play.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

don't misunderstand me

I think Marquis sucks.

But I do think Soriano should be accountable and I don’t feel like he owns up to his shortcomings.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok.

I don’t know how someone with an eight year contract is held accountable; I wonder if there are performance-based incentives on it.

Do you think Lou should bench him putatively? You don’t seem to think that Sori is playing badly on purpose. So do you punish someone for bad play when they don’t mean to do it?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no, just say

I sucked today. That’s it. Don’t blame it on the wind. The sun. Anything else.

“I sucked today and I’ll do better tomorrow.”

I don’t think that’s much to ask.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I tend to agree with you.

On the other hand, when he goes out and carries the team, he’s not talking himself up, either.

I think he’s very matter-of-fact about things, and that’s the way he operates. I’m ok with it. You’re not, and I’m ok with that too. :D

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you're right about the fact that

he doesn’t talk himself up. he Cadillac’s deep fly balls, but he doesn’t talk himself up.

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

dood.

ok, really. I’m done now. man.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

ZERO accountability out of our p.o.s. $136 million investment in left field.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You need to be accountable for the POS

post you make here from time to time…

by LT on May 25, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soriano......

Can’t be in the field in the ninth inning WITH THE LEAD for any reason…......
PERIOD…..!!!!!!

by James031 on May 25, 2008 6:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

even if it means

leaving the position empty?

Cmon.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

phew

thank god I wasn’t on this board when soriano dropped the ball (no pun intended).

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 6:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, it

wasn’t pleasant in there for most of it.

by sue369 on May 25, 2008 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sure.....

.....sure drewishdrewid…..what a dope you are….... but why waste my time with a jerk like you…?

by James031 on May 25, 2008 6:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Namecalling.

Not acceptable on this site. Stop now.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and this is from

what, exactly? What a dope I am? A jerk?

Very nice. Who are you, and where do you come from?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Weather Tomorrow

How’s it looking out there?

First trip to Wrigley this year tomorrow, sitting in Dugout Box and … a pretty nasty looking forecast.

Please encourage me.

The Artist Formerly Known as Chris

by 08Cubs on May 25, 2008 6:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wish I could.

Forecast for tomorrow:

Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Trust me, they’ll try to get the game in. The Dodgers are only in Chicago for two more days after tomorrow.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's What I Was Afraid Of

I saw that forecast and was hoping maybe I had imagined it.

I’ll come equipped – no umbrella necessary.

The Artist Formerly Known as Chris

by 08Cubs on May 25, 2008 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you're in Dugout box

you can afford some nice rain gear!

Umbrellas, during play, are not good – you’ll get hassled by the ushers.

However, between innings, they’re permissible for the most part…

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Umbrellas are supposed to be allowed...

... as long as you try to keep them out of other people’s way.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How do you do that?

Again, in my experience, if someone complains in the pricey sections, the umbrellas go.

I have never been at a Bears game either where umbrellas lasted long.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought umbrellas weren't allowed at NFL games at all.

Oddly, in in the Wrigley Field A to Z guide on the Cubs website, umbrellas aren’t mentioned at all.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know the guide says that...

its probably at the “discretion” of security.

I brought mine at the Shawn Estes “Cy Young” performance – where it rained the whole game as you may remember. Used it only between innings. I saw several other people being told to put them down during play by security.

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's ridiculous.

Seriously. If they’re going to play through that and there’s no shelter, how can they ask people to sit there and get soaked?

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

bring a poncho?

"I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty," -- Lou Pinella

by anormal on May 25, 2008 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do the Cubs

give attendees plastic ponchos?

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Give"?

Oh, come now.

You can BUY one.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Vendors sell them there

Do you think that Tribune would “give away” anything?! HA!

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey now. They give away the Red Eye.

/crickets

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you've answered your own question.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeesh

I’ll stuff my pockets with cash :-)

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so basically

it’s don’t bring an umbrella, bring your own hefty bag, line your pockets with cash and suffer with the best of them? At least I’ll emerge with bragging rights :)

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bring an umbrella.

You can use them. I see them up all the time.

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

by Al on May 25, 2008 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did Soriano, in post-game

interview mention whether he forgot to hop, prior to catching it? Would that have helped him make the play? Perhaps Jacque Jones rubbed off on him?

Speaking of “Dope” (do not mean you, drewishdrewid), Joakim Noah busted with weed:

http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=1218

No wonder the Bulls inside youngster played “above the rim” sometimes…

by The E-Man on May 25, 2008 6:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

he was crouched

way down towards the ground. No chance for a hop.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL!

Dusty couldn’t be more proud. “Way to be aggressive, dude.”

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Direct TV

Channel 638. Listening to audio because of tehnical diffaculties. Maybe they ran out of tape.

Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. - George F. Will

by 15% on May 25, 2008 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey Edmonds, Julio Franco called

he says your too old to be playing baseball

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 7:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Last night and

today were disappointments for sure. I’m glad they will be home for a few days now. It amazes me when they score multilple runs in one game and then struggle in the next few. I don’t get it.

Think I’ll get my pj’s on and read my book. Thunderstorms and tornados are whizzing by.

Tomorrow is a new day.

by sue369 on May 25, 2008 7:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

stay safe

duck and cover when necessary :-)

"you can throw a dart at that dugout to find a better defender in left field" -- Bob Brenly

by Emelie on May 25, 2008 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Keep a radio on and listen for warnings...

My ma did and got in the basement just in time once before the roof blew off…Can never be too careful..

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thaks you two.

I will stay safe.

by sue369 on May 25, 2008 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alfonso Soriano is garbage, yet we have bozos who defend

Unbelievable. Bob Brenly speaks the truth. Soriano has been an awful signing since day one in a Cub uniform. On top of his blind hacking at the plate he now has become a liablity in left field.

You can bet the ranch Jim Hendry DEEPLY regrets signing Soriano. But Gary Varsho, George Constanza and others will defend the guy to their death because of his propensity for two week hot streaks.

Soriano is a second division ballplayer. I’d gladly give him back to Washington and pay 95% of his remaining salary.

Like a growing number of Cub fans I hate the bastard.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 7:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that's because you're a hater.

Brenley did not say that Soriano was an awful signing. He did not say that Jim Hendry regrets signing him. He did not call him a second division ballplayer.

Yet you imply that he did. I will leave it as an exercise to the reader to determine what this activity is actually called.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep, I'm a hater

And when I am at Wrigley on Wednesday I am going to boo the living piss out of Alfonso Soriano. Carve it in granite if you want George….I hate Soriano. I’m not alone in this department. Not by a very, very long shot.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you're a very sad person, Newman.

and I hope security asks you to leave.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep, I'm sad

Sad that we have to endure a guess hitting hack who has become a big liability in left field.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you wish you could BE

Alfonso Soriano. What you are, is jealous.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

how come you are a hater...

after all you did say Soriano would be our MVP…..

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hmmm

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2008/2/14/143318/399#2234748

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's because

he’s a back door hater.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al, I am very surprised by your Felix Pie comments

Apparently you have hopped on the bandwagon that says Lou Piniella has screwed over Felix Pie. With no regard to his fundamental ability to hit major league pitching. I’d love to understand your rationale.

"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."

by MDBNIU on May 25, 2008 8:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Keep the faith. More good things to come.

Hopefully this comment become true form last nights recap.

My 08 Cubs record 4-0
My 08 W.Sox record 0-2 (I havent seen a sox win in 3 years)
Updated April 26th

by Rudey on May 25, 2008 8:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

My $0.03

I’m sure that Sori feels worse than anyone right now. After all, he’s flying on the same plane as Marmol. And I’m sure his teammates feel his pain. Remember DeRo’s error on the last trip to Pittsburgh? The only difference is that they won the other one in extras. Sori was actually 0 today; +2 on the HR, -1 on Rivas’s HR, and -1 on the drop.

Now, on to the longer term issue of Sori’s defense (or lack thereof) in LF. Lou basically has three choices:
1. Carry a fifth OF (Andres Torres?) as a defensive caddy—just like So Taguchi for Pat Burrell. This would mean either eliminating the PH (Ward/Hoffpauir) or the second MI (Fontenot). He can’t really use his 4th OF for that if he won’t let Edmonds bat against LHP. It would also mean that Sori’s bat might not be there in extras;
2. Permanently switch DeRo and Sori. IMO, this would be worse, because Sori’s 2B defense was dreadful in Texas and 2B is a more important defensive position than LF. It’s also not fair to DeRo, since he was promised 2B;
3. Switch DeRo to LF after Sori’s last AB and insert Cedeno/Fontenot at 2B. This weakens the 2B defense if Fonty is used and puts a tremendous strain on DeRo.

Sori is a Piniella type of player—an athlete with speed and power. (Look at the way Lou devalues DeRo, batting him 8th, because he is more ballplayer and less athlete.) Sori isn’t going anywhere. The trick is to maximize Sori’s strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. I do think that Lou has to face the music about “not pulling superstars”.

I almost wish that Lou would get another 4 game suspension so I could see how Alan Trammell would handle Sori’s defense.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on May 25, 2008 8:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

just send Fonty down

and dump Edmonds. Then you have room to bring back up Pie, which opens things up for Johnson to take over for Sori when necessary, and another player for something else.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OT -- help with slow game threads

I haven’t been posting on the game threads because my computer is just toooo slooowwww. While I’m sure that SBNation is partly to blame, I think that my computer is also part of the problem, even though it’s only 2 years old. (Some of you seem to do fine posting to the game threads.)

Question: what computers and browsers are y’all using? I’m thinking of switching from PC to Mac if it will give me better performance on the Internet.

Any advice would be appreciated.

P.S. My Gameday Audio is still not functioning normally either.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on May 25, 2008 8:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If it's more of a sudden slowness...

Make sure you run a virus scan and spyware sweep first. You may be running too many programs and processes. I’m not that computer savvy, but that seems to speed mine up. I use a Dell Dimension Desk Top with Windows XP and IE7. No probs here…

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you happy with it?

That’s one I’m looking at. Tiger or Leopard?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on May 25, 2008 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Leopard. Absolutely love it. It's really fast, hardly ever freezes, I've had I think 4 kernel panics in total over its life, the screen is big and bright,

the attractive design is a plus. The best computer I’ve ever used or owned. My next computer will probably be of the same model.

I stay out of MAC VS PC debates, but for me, my computer does everything I ask of it and more.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the input.

Now, go warm up your computer so you can hopefully fly your singing flag tomorrow!

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on May 25, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

indeed.

We haven’t lost three in a row yet this year. I can’t imagine they intend to do so tomorrow. :D

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That’s probably something you should know. These aluminum models can get pretty warm to the touch, usually on the bezel above the keyboard. The corresponding part of the case on the bottom can also get warm, but I still am able to work with it on my lap. Apple designs it that way: the aluminum makes it easy for the heat to be transferred to the outer edge and then dissipated into the air. Still…it can get a little toasty if you’re doing heavy photo editing, video editing, or multitasking. Not a huge problem for me though, it’s usually on a desk.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Same problem with me

I’ve done all I can to clean up my PC over the past month, and this site (this refers to all SB sites) loads somewhat better - but it’s still slow, and frustrating. My PC is older - 5 years old (Ye Gads!) and the little squirrel I use to power this clunker is slowing down.

This isn’t a great experience for me with 2.0, sadly. I’ve even had “Fan Posts” lost in the system. They were not auto-saved, as is supposed to happen. That’s one of the reasons I can’t participate as much—the time wasted is frustrating.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 25, 2008 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Got a ticket for tomorrow's game.

Section 434 Row 4, the only problem, you have to sit next to me. If your interested e-mail me at i.m.trejo (at) excite (dot) com.

by Imtrejo on May 25, 2008 8:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that will KILL your BA

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Based on the last two days...

you might need to change your sig…

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

by Ross on May 25, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

whoops

man that one is outdated

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The other thng Brenly said that was right on...

After Soriano hit the homer, Brenley said “With Soriano, you want him to knock in more runs than he lets in.” That didn’t happen today.

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

by Ross on May 25, 2008 9:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Can you count?

He had two RBIs on the day, compared to one botched play in the field. That’s one more run than he let in.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

depends on if you hold

the “homer” in the first inning or not.

I’m not inclined to, but there ya go.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just reran the RZR numbers and Soriano has been roughly one play below average...

...so far this season for the NL, so on pace for about 4-5 plays below average. Hopefully as his leg heals and his speed returns he’ll get better and regain his ‘06-’07 form in the outfield.

But even if he doesn’t, people are making it sound like he’s an absolute butcher out there, on the scale of Adam Dunn or Ryan Braun. (And oh yes, Ryan Braun has been baaaaaad in the outfield so far.)

It’s interesting to see how people react, though – it’s like a Rorschach test. It has almost nothing to do with the actual talent on the field sometimes.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Everyone in the ballpark knows what a bad play looks like.

What’s harder to tell are the good, non-highlight reel plays, that it takes good range and/or instincts to even reach.

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well, the importance of the play,

and the seeming “ease” of it probably has an effect as well, I’m sure. I don’t know how you account for that, numbers-wise.

And, of course, there’s no accounting for Blue Mike. :D

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know he has talent

Look, I know he has talent. He is a good athlete. But he is making boneheaded mistakes that are hurting the team and costing them games. It is a team game, so it can’t all be hung on him, but really, I expect more out of our big ticket FA guy. That means not getting picked off, not dropping routine fly balls, practicing situational hitting, not always swinging for the fences, putting the team first.

If he was hitting .350 with 30 homers, I would be more willing to overlook these problems. But that isn’t happening, is it?

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

by Ross on May 25, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well

he’s projected to hit 46, with 118 RBIs batted in. It’s what, May 25th; that’s maybe a third of the way through the season, right? he’s got 11 home runs. That’s a pace for over 30.

If he hit 30 HRs, and batted over .300, I’d be very happy.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Multiple people in the postgame remarks talked about how the high sun...

...makes it difficult for an outfielder to read fly balls. Do you expect our big-ticket FA guy to be able to track a fly ball on sound alone?

Look, I’d rather be a Cubs fan and have a team willing to shell out an excessive sum for good players than be a Padres fan and watch a fiscally responsible team that’s talking about fire sales in the middle of May.

Maybe Soriano can’t live up to his contract; who cares? What matters is if the total player is providing value to the team. He’s got a plus arm and hits the cover off the ball – sometimes he’s frustrating to watch, sure, but he overcomes that through his play and contributes to real wins that way.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

High sun...

High sun… yes. Difficult to catch the ball? Sure. But I didn’t see the other guys misplaying balls hit to them.

Simple fact is that he should have caught it. Period.

I say it again: I know he has talent. But is making too many mistakes and there are too many excuses. I know full well that he is not going to be traded or sat down, so the only other possible options are that he improves or that he continues to be a liability.

Wonder if he will come out early to work on his defensive technique in the next few days. I am guessing no.

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

by Ross on May 25, 2008 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Post of the night
Wonder if he will come out early to work on his defensive technique in the next few days. I am guessing no.

At the end of the day,this is what matters, the small efforts, the impact it has when the team sees the effort.

I am certain he will take no extra practice because he doesnt have to.

Felix Pie must play everyday!

by JB 23 on May 26, 2008 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no one else had to catch that ball at that time, from that angle.

Wonder if he will come out early to work on his defensive technique in the next few days. I am guessing no.

On what do you guess that? He did extra running drills yesterday.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Absolutely, positively,

dead on. I mention this time and time again. Just because Soriano makes 136 million, most of you people seem to think he’s supposed to play like a combination of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Billy Williams and Ron Santo.

He was signed for what the market said he was worth. I’d also rather have a team that takes this chance than the one in this corner of the country that shops at the dollar store.

Frustrating? Sure. But this is a different type of frustration, because our expectations are high. Some of you ar going to have to get off your ‘one-trick-pony’ bashing of Soriano, because, frankly— you and I know he’s gonna be here for a while.

Some individuals with their constant Soriano bashing, are very, very redundant—to say the least. Will 100 “I don’t like Soriano” posts help? Maybe 200? Or, is the magic number 235?

If that’s all you have in your playbook, you may as well create a template post and use it whenever Soriano irritates you. Give the rest of us a break.
This way we can skip over it and find those who have something to add to the discussion.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 25, 2008 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The sun was difficult...

...but you need to be able to make the 90% of those catches even with the sun. If Soriano was better at going after a batted ball, the sun would not have had such a big impact on him catching it.

The guy does not go after balls with any authority, passion or confidence, and when you add the sun into the mix – good luck.

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

by MPH73 on May 26, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

Soriano was even on the day. He drove in two and let in two. Like you, Drew, I think he should have made a play on the “homer.”

"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome

by gwood on May 26, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

at least he should have jumped for it.

It’s the one time this series that I’ve seen him turn to check the wall, and honestly, I was more upset about THAT then anything else. It’s only that the ball bounced and skimmed him on the way down that he even knew it was there; it would have been an ITPHR anyway had it been even a few feet away from him.

None of the Cubs’ outfielders have much experience with a wall shorter (or not much taller) than they are. Why Sam Fuld is willing to go into the ivy and Soriano isn’t is a mystery to me, but I wish he would work on THAT more than almost anything else. Be streaky, get mediocre reads on the ball, strike out a lot… but FREAKIN GO BACKWARDS WITH AUTHORITY!

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well the Padres beat the Reds 12-9..........

in two games

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 9:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm shocked

that it only took two games for the Dads to score 12.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on May 25, 2008 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the Reds pitching staff is completely exhausted

everyone pitched a good amount of innings except for Cueto. I wouldn’t doubt it if Bailey is called up for an emergency start

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"I wouldn’t doubt it if Bailey is called up for an emergency start"

My fastball has been clocked over 65 at various carnivals. But I’m sure I can fool them with my off speed stuff…..:D

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 25, 2008 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Carlos Quentin is ridiculous

Quentin for Soriano, straight up?

"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 May 25, 2008 9:21 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

lmao

n/t

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but a live girl would be okay?

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on May 25, 2008 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That went over my head

Of course I was being facetious, but I just think Quentin was a great pickup by the Sox, and now I’m jealous.

"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 May 25, 2008 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a quote from Edwin Edwards...

...governor of Louisian during the 70s, 80s and 90s, about the only way he could lose the election. He was plauged by scandals. Someone once quipped, after he lost office for the second time, that the only way he could be elected again was to run against Hitler.

All fun and games until he was in a run-off election with David Duke.

by cwyers on May 25, 2008 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

aww crap

I just had to place him on the bench for ONE game today….

2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?

by Chanman25 on May 25, 2008 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soriano may be a better fit for the AL

He can DH. All the NL “small ball” issues of taking pitches, moving the runner up a base, etc., are less important there.

by zevkalman on May 25, 2008 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am going to beat Big Brown a little bit more here

Pie is the answer to this problem.

1, You don’t need him to be a 300 hitter, with all of the other sticks in the lineup…just stick him 8th and hope that he learns. It could limit the # of pitches that Dero sees in the 7th hole but that is a gamble I am willing to take 2, He has plus range and a plus arm…. he can cover more ground which allows Sosa #2 to cover a smaller area and hopefully be able to go back on balls. 3, on the days that the lefties pitch, put in Johnson. We have played the pirates 12 bizzilion times this year and everytime it is all lefties. You have to figure that we are going to see less lefties know that the pirates are out of the picture for a while.

I am not going to beat up on Sosa #2 on the dropped ball. However, I am going to beat up on him for his lack of hustle. If he is afraid to run, than DL him. He is afraid to go all out on certain plays…some that are catchable and some where I would at least like to see him try.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on May 25, 2008 9:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wait, Big Brown died?

"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 May 25, 2008 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry...that was premature

He does have a hoof problem though…don’t really know what that means..but it sounds like an issue

The other thing that bits me on the Soriano Play….

Left Handed Hitter….decent Opposite field shot….

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on May 25, 2008 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Holiday on the DL

Some good news at least for this week…

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on May 25, 2008 9:31 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

well

I don’t want to cheat, but other than that I want a W. If that happens in part because a player from another team goes on the DL, I’m not going to complain. I don’t wish harm on them for a second, but I’ll take the breaks we get.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we then, you’re about to get some more breaks because 5 of the 8 position players started today by the rockies would not have been there if there weren’t so many guys hurt. last time i checked hawpe, holiday, tulowitski, and barmes were on the dl – and atkins and tavarez have day-to-day injuries.

the cubs should be able to gain a little ground this week…

"I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty," -- Lou Pinella

by anormal on May 25, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow.

that sucks for the Rockies. Ouch.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Murton

What happen to all the Murton fans? Len and Bob mentioned the other day he’s hitting a ton in AAA and hmmmm didn’t he play left field some time ago?

Weighing in on Pie I think those that can remember should reflect on the troubles Shawn Dunston had his entire career with a nose to toes strike zone. If you look at 25 or 30 AB and consistantly see the same reasons for faliure and no strides (not that Pie hasn’t tried) toward correction then you have to have him improve at a lower leval so pressure, glare, expectations are not gonna mess the kids head up.

During my 18 years I came to bat almost 10,000 times. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. You figure a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball. `Mickey Mantle, 1970

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby

by iceman71 on May 25, 2008 9:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If Soriano goes back on the DL

I’d love to have Murton up, to provide his bat. Especially if they send Fonty down. But Murton’s not left handed, and that seems to be a big deal for Lou.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pie problem is the breaking stuff

He is not going to get could quality breaking stuff in the Minors.

He has already proved that he can hit in the Minors. Right now, all he is doing is taking playing time away from another prospect that we should be developing.

Same goes for Murton. Decent Hitter, Average Defender…another roadblock for another prospect.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on May 25, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My guess

If Micah proves he can hit Major League Pitching…and plays an average left field (similar to Murton) than Hendry will begin to actively shop Murton. Probably won’t get much…but ya never know.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on May 25, 2008 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Begin to actively shop Murton?

I think Hendry has been doing that off and on for well over a year.

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

by MPH73 on May 26, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Murton fans still here but Lou is not one of us

Let;s face it when Soriano went down and they called up E-Pat how much more evidence do you need
that Lou does not want a guy who can only hit for average , take walks and catch balls with two out in the
9th. However since a superstar can’t be taken out in the 9th what good can he do.

I think Jim Hendry has let Lou have his way with Murton, Pie, Edmonds, Hill etc. Nothing he can do
re bad in game management but he can set the roster to give Lou fewer options to screw up.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on May 25, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wait

“Lou does not want a guy who can only hit for average , take walks and catch balls with two out in the
9th”

how does that explain Theriot and Fontenot?

actually I agree with you . . .

by Shanghai Badger on May 25, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My only request of Lou

Lou has to start managing to win games. That means putting the best defense in the ballgame in the last one to two innings of the game if we have the lead late.

3 Games Soriano has cost us in Left with his defense late in the Game (Game 1 with the Brewers, Game 1 with the Cardinals, and the Game today)

Living in the heart of redbird country I am stuck watching bird games from time to time. LaRussa always puts his players in a position to win and he is not afraid to switch out a subpar defender for the better defender late in the game.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on May 25, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

omg stop

piniella dont mange to win games?? gimme a break. when you can win a world series you can question that of a WS manager. piniella is one of the best managers to ever mange the game. you dont get there by being bad.

It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!

by cubsluver22 on May 25, 2008 9:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe...I can

nobody has asked me too yet…

Come on…you are up by one run, you have a defense liability in left field (naturally and because he is also not playing 100%), the first three hitters coming up in the 9th are Right Handed…all are going to try to jerk it out of the park…makes sense to me to get him out of the game.

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on May 25, 2008 9:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Some good news at least

is that Wil Ohman/Omar Infante for Ascenio trade is looking pretty Good for the Cubs. Pitched in some tight games this week and looked pretty good

"Aw, how could he (Jorge Orta) lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico." -- Harry Carey

by TheRiot Police on May 25, 2008 10:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Man Im a diehard cubs fan but Soriano IS KILLING US

1. He cant catch anything hit in front of him or behind PERIOD
2. He cant run
3. He cant steal
4. He wont Bunt (no matter what)
5. His Swing at out of strike zone pitches is huge
6. He swings for HR’s and occasionally accidently gets a hit
7. He must bat first no matter what is good for the team
8. He has one strong week this season 2 strong months last season and that makes his contract worth 18 million a year? and all the other bonehead base path plays, strikeouts, lack of catches are excused and defended?
9. Any player making that much MUST BE HELD TO HIGHER STANDARDS and his play is inexcusable.
10. TOUGH… I WANT HIM TRADED… and anybody thats played team sportsCANNOT tell me that having a bonehead that loses games for u does not effect the teams play

by edo4cubs on May 25, 2008 10:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

(suppresses a laugh)

Ok, we’ll get right on that for you.

Bunt? You want Soriano to BUNT?

And he made several catches today. Just not that last one.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

o great he caught the ball when it was hit at him…. i must be off my rocker …hes a great outfielder superb…
how stupid of me he caught the ball today in the out field … and HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD HE HAVE CAUGHT BALLS THAT WERE FEET IN FRONT OF HIM OR BEHIND THIS SEASON and MANY OTHER PLAYERS ON THE TEAM COULD HAVE?

by edo4cubs on May 25, 2008 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you're getting a little overwrought, don't you think?

He has caught balls that were not hit directly at him. The flubbed catch really sucked. The flubbed catches in Milwaukee and St. Louis really sucked. Sometimes, you lose when you should win.

On the other hand, the game-winning home-runs really rocked, right? Good times, good times. He’s already been responsible for at least two wins. Sometimes you win when you should lose.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 25, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ohhhhhhhh myyyyyyyy godddddd

it is absolutely incredible how many so called baseball fans actually watch Alfonso Soriano play baseball and think he is anything other than a worthless piece of dung. He is a bonehead and MBDNIU….ur right on the money as are a very growing number of fans. Look at something other than the bacjkk of the baseball card to rate a player. The guy sucks

by plenz on May 25, 2008 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

aaaaand...

flagged again.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I won't suppress my laugh.

So, this is like, fantasy baseball - right? Trade Soriano? OK, White Sox, we’ll give you Sori. We’ll take Carlos Quentin. Oh, yeah - that’ll work. Hey, Giants - that Tim Lincecum kid. He’s pretty good! But you are a loser! You don’t need a star pitcher! You need hitting - Here’s Soriano!!! Hey, you don’t have that other slugger on your payroll anymore!!!

Oh, Dodgers—that Saito is a damn good closer. But the D-Backs are running away with your division!
We’ll take Saito – you don’t need a closer. And, after all, that Jones guy has really sucked. You need another outfielder! Besides, your best seats are about a thousand bucks, right?? You can pay that salary and still have room to comp Lindsay Lohan a seat or two!

Problem solved! Isn’t this fun? Trading is soooooooo easy—in Bizzarro World, that is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jimmy Hendry, get on the phone—now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 26, 2008 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

bizzarro

we’llo trade Kramer for Feldman(from across the hall)....

by billy26 on May 26, 2008 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

edo4cubs

u r 10000% on the $$

by plenz on May 25, 2008 11:04 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Soriano is a very flawed player. He is not a complete player. Superstars are complete players, and that’s not Soriano.
But why all the Soriano bashing? He has never been any different. The Yankees were very willing to let him go. His defense has been sub par everywhere he’s played. He’s never had strike zone discipline. He was over valued and handed a mega contract. The person that needs the bashing is the one who was foolish enough to hand him the contract. Soriano at least had enough sense to accept it.

by alexinSac on May 25, 2008 11:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You'd think the young'uns here

have never seen a Cubs player blow a game before. The Internets have sure made baseball more fun!!

I’m guessing most of you never saw Dave Kingman play left field. The old-timers will understand. Soriano is 10x the outfielder Old Ding-Dong was. At least a batted ball has never hit Soriano in the head, yet.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 25, 2008 11:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

And, for grins

on Padres Radio sunday, Andy Masur didn’t hold back on ripping our ol’ buddy Corey Patterson. Everything we’ve ever said about that failed outfielder—Masur covered, and more. It almost seems as if was an explosion of Patterson ‘hate’ after all those years when Masur could say nothing such as this, and still keep his job with WGN.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 26, 2008 12:21 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

soriano

the sun might have been in Billy Williams’ eyes… we’ll never know… let’s just worry about the next game and hopefully some games in October…

by billy26 on May 26, 2008 12:58 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree with MBDNIU

Soriano sucks, the guy is a liability. No chance in hell murton or any left fielder in the league drops that ball. Soriano is terrible, here;s hoping he is replaced every 9th inning that we have any type of lead whether it be 1 run or 10

"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.

by CubsBall2202 on May 26, 2008 1:25 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

All bat, no glove...
Len & Bob were, justifiably, extremely critical of Soriano after his drop. They said, correctly, that he really isn’t a very good left fielder, apart from his plus throwing arm.

That’s funny. I posted here a couple months ago that Soriano was not good outfielder and was slammed.

I stand by my statements about Soriano’s weakness as a fielder but also stand by my comments about him as a potent run producer.

What are you going to do with him? You can DH him for a few games against the AL in the AL parks but they probably won’t even do that.

Trade him? Where and for what? Who knows though, there could be an AL team in desperate need for a DH that would be willing to take him.

You put Soriano in LF watch him produce runs with his bat and live with what he does in the LF.

by DrCrawdad on May 26, 2008 1:27 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

A "Troll" Says Goodbye

To everyone’s mutual benefit, I’m out for good. I really can’t understand the prevailing sentiments and attitudes of the majority here, but only a fool would keep staying where he’s not welcome. Goodbye and God Help Us.

by SecondSon on May 26, 2008 1:58 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Don't let the door hitcha

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on May 26, 2008 2:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ta-ra

have fun stormin’ da intarwebz.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soriano, Brown, Mumphrey

The Soriano misplay wasn’t as damaging as the Brant Brown drop in 1998. I can remember Jerry Mumphrey dropping a ball in LF that cost the Cubs a game in LA in the 1980’s. The game was only tied after Soriano’s drop. Marmol recovered, but the Cubs looked lifeless offensively in extra innings. They’ve got to learn to shake things like that off. Given our current roster, Johnson in LF and Edmonds in CF would be advisable for defense. I’d rather have Pie in CF.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on May 26, 2008 7:57 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Good point

About shaking it off. Adversity happens; how you respond is more important.

by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do the smart thing

Play Edmonds every day ….. for a couple of weeks ….. he might have something left..
if not cut him….. but give him a shot…
Soriano needs the DL or something he doesn’t seem Physically or mentally in the game
all the time…. which is sure not getting your moneys worth..
Forget Pie…... “K”orey Jr. He never will hit 250
Now we see that perhaps at his age this is too much for him… No not McCain – Lou
I wish somebody would have listened when I was screaming GIRARDI
Replay why ? Seems to me this could somehow be done electronically …. like the line
calls in Tennis…..... Instant replay would be a nightmare.

by nimblenikelfoos on May 26, 2008 8:50 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

wow

it’s like the anti-fan. Play edmonds every day, put Sori on the DL, dfa Pie, and drop Lou Pinella, the manager who took this team from last in the division to first in a single year.

Talk about bizarro world!

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 9:58 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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