Open Thread: Cubs vs. Dodgers, Monday 5/26, 1:20 CT
by Al Yellon on May 26, 2008 8:40 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
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PrintLos Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs, May 26, 2008 1:20 PM CDT
Take a deep breath, please.
It's a new day and a new week and the beginning of a homestand, and remember, the Cubs are 19-8 at home. Things will be just fine.
Monday notes:- Only 11 games are scheduled today; 8 teams have the day off, as if it's just another Monday. I just don't understand this. Baseball ought to be played on national holidays like this.
- If you're a Geovany Soto or Carlos Marmol fan -- and who among us isn't? -- Barry Rozner says give thanks for Oneri Fleita, because Fleita is responsible for scouting and drafting both of those guys, and also for getting Marmol converted from catching to pitching.
- Phil Rogers wrote something good today. No, really: that article asks whether replay would have helped on the call of Luis Rivas' first "homer" yesterday. He writes:
Johnson saw what we all saw at home. This is why replay would be helpful.Center fielder Reed Johnson might have had the best look at the play.
"It looked like the ball hit the top of the wall, bounced straight up and came down on the field," Johnson said. "I think the umpire told Lou that a fan hit the ball."
- Kerry Wood's staying at closer. For now, anyway.
- It's bright and sunny this morning in Chicago, after some overnight storms (the same ones that blasted through Iowa and Minnesota last night with tornadoes), but rain may return this afternoon:
Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. West southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Let's hope it holds off long enough to get the game in.
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Chad Billingsley is the guy I had hoped Jim Hendry would hold out for when he sent Greg Maddux to LA in 2006. Yeah, I know, that's a pipedream. Still. This year Billingsley has been good but not great; today marks his first career start against the Cubs. He threw four scoreless innings in relief vs. the Cubs in that goofy series last May in LA, just before the Cubs' turnaround, when they twice blew 8th-inning leads. Nuff said about that, I think. Jim Edmonds probably gets the CF start today, but what's the point? He's 0-for-6 (2 walks) lifetime vs. Billingsley.
Ryan Dempster hasn't started against LA since his previous incarnation as a starter in 2003, when he was with the Reds. However, he did give up that devastating three-run HR to Andre Ethier last September 6 at Wrigley Field, his last blown save. No one else currently on the Dodgers' active roster hits him particularly well (Juan Pierre is 3-for-6 and backup catcher Gary Bennett is 3-for-5, but Bennett is hitting a robust .190 this year).
Today's game is on broadcast outlets in both markets -- what a quaint notion. KCAL, WGN and the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Today's overflow comment thread will post at 2:45 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Looking at Billingsley's game log
It looks like he shuts down bad teams (San Diego, Cincinnati, Milwaukee) and average teams (NYM, Florida), but he gets beat up pretty good by good offensive teams (Arizona, Houston, Atlanta). Cubs are better than all those teams in runs, BA, and OBP.
Dempster was a stopper twice in April, getting wins after 2-game losing streaks. Let’s see if he can do it again.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Hope you're right in this analysis.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I'm an optimist and a homer
If I were a Dodgers fan, I would say something like “Dempster has only one win in his last four starts, and gave up four runs in six innings last time out. The Cubs are coming off a deflating roadtrip where they suffered back to back extra inning walk off defeats to the Pirates, a team that almost never beats them. The bullpen is overextended and Loui Piniella needs Dempster to work deep in to the game—but he’s only gone more than six innings three times in 10 starts so far.”
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Milwaukee and Cincinnati
Have a number of decent hitters in their lineups.
Still, from what we’ve seen so far this year, I’d be surprised if the Cubs didn’t bounce back with a good game.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I think the difference with Cinci and Milwaukee
is that while they have good hitters, they also tend to swing away. Billingslely has had trouble with his command and control. But his stuff has always been very good. He’s exactly the kind of pitcher who would trouble the old Cubs who swung away, but could be troubled by the new Cubs who will make him throw a lot of pitches.
And isn't it refreshing
To talk about a pitcher who victimizes free swingers and think that he’ll have trouble against the Cubs!
The new hitting approach is what those in quailty would refer to as a “root cause” of the success so far.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions
"Bad" = below average
Probably should have said “below average” instead of bad. I was looking at NL team stats and saw MIL and CIN in the lower half on some key stats.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Almost first in!
Here’s to a great Memorial Day to Al and everyone at BCB. Let’s get a win today and start off this homestand. I’m off to see the Iowa Cubs with radio in hand and close look at our former center field employee and why he can’t hit his hat any more. Question for all of you. Didn’t Cedeno play outfield most of the winter and when and if Edmonds is released isn’t that a move Lou must at least try? Cedeno has good speed, seems to have instinks for the ball, probably a negative arm but we put up with Pierre in center for a season right? He has to be better prepared than Hoffpaiur to handle the outfield! Where else would we go for immediate outfield help?
Last of all, take a minute today to remember why we have Memorial Day and for those of you lucky enough to go to Wrigley (or any other ball park), remove those hats and stand proud during the anthem! Many people sacrificed a lot for us to be here.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
LSA for your last sentence
As to your question, while I agree with you, Ronny is RH, and Lou’s obsessed with finding a LH hitter.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Agree on both parts...
...maybe Cedeno should start taking BP from the left side just to confuse Lou in to thinking that he’ll satisfy his matchup criteria if he plays him? Lou does appear to be getting more observant these days as evidenced by his quote in the Phil Rogers article today discussing Kerry Wood hitting first batters:
“We have to figure out how we can help him [avoid] it. I’m not a pitcher, but it’s the third time it’s happened and it’s cost us every time.”
Good to hear that you are on top of it Lou, now can you please apply the same eyes to Soriano in LF in the 9th with a one run lead? Let’s do something about that, too.
Cedeno / LH hitters
Does it matter that Cedeno is actually much better vs. RH pitchers than vs. LH pitchers?
by John Q Freejazz on May 26, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
If that's true...
... then try him. How much could it hurt? He’s GOT to be a better choice than Edmonds or Hoffpauir in the OF.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Wow, I didn't realize that split was continuing this year
which is odd because, if I recall correctly, his minor league splits had him with a normal RH split, but since coming to the majors, his split has been reversed.
Probably just a fluke.
Normally the league average platoon splits are a better predictor going forward (for RH, at least) than a player’s own platoon splits.
Now, on his career (550 PAs v. RHP and 280 PAs v. LHP)
Ronny hits .268/.307/.392 v. RHP and .229/.257/.297 v. LHP. I remember reading somewhere just what you said about league average platoon splits being a better predictor. Is there a certain point at which that changes (after a certain # of PAs?)
There's no magic number of PAs where that stops being entirely true, no.
What you’d want to do is use regression to the mean. Essentially, the more plate appearances you have in your sample, the more you trust it as opposed to the league average.
When dealing with splits, it’s important to note that only the smaller number of plate appearances for the split counts; if a player has 50 PAs versus lefties versus 300 PAs versus righties, it’s only as reliable as those 50 PAs versus lefties.
CF Situation
Pie’s poor performance in AAA might add length to the Jimmy Edmonds experience. Murton is not a CF, so he’s not likely to be called up to replace Edmonds. Hoffpauir is not a CF. Johnson is our best CF now. Play Reed. We need Pie to do better at AAA to put some heat under Edmonds’ saddle.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
It sounds to me like
Edmonds will see his playing time drop to Hoffpaiur in RF and Dome in CF. Given the #s Al points out above, it will be interesting to see if Hoffpaiur plays today instead of Edmonds.
could be worse,
we could be in Cincy where our former CF went 0-8 yesterday….
All things great in 2008!!
by By Santo's Grace on May 26, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I hope that's not the case.
That will seriously degrade our OF defense. See the post below about Corey Patterson? I’d rather have him back than have Hoffpauir in RF on a regular basis.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
In one sense...
...if Pie were going Ape S%^T on pitchers AAA then Edmonds might be launched pretty quickly, but otherwise Edmonds is going to get a reasonably short look if he continues to hit this poorly. Sooner rather than later, Lou will realize that a righty v. righty matchup might actually be better than a LHB who should be retired.
In short, Edmond’s own lack of production will doom him quickly.
It was a tough way to end the roadstand ...
but as Al says the Cubs are back at home sweet home. The team needs to start winning on the road if they are going to sustain their success. Soriano has to make that play in the 9th, otherwise, Lou is going to have to consider defensive substitutions for him late in close ballgames.
I will be in attendance today (rain stay away !!) & will be remembering all our troops while rooting for he Cubbies to start this homestand off on the right foot.
GO CUBS !!!
"My body is a temple.... a temple of doom." -source unknown
Soto...
Does anyone think Soto is an improvement over Michael Barrett?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
That's like asking if indoor plumbing is an improvement over outhouses.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
If this were BCB Poll question...
...the only “No” votes would come from Barrett’s mom.
I think Fukudome has helped shed the veil of offensive ignorance on this team, and for that I give him Strategic MVP Award, but in terms of production I would vote for Soto. Soto’s numbers will never be confused with Barrett’s, at least not 2008.
I request...
...a punching of A.J. before a full assessment can be made.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Seems like a lot of "unwanteds"...
around here lately, doesn’t it?
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Soriano
Al may not be worried, but there are a bunch of us who are worried. A lot. That’s two games against a pitiful team that the Cubs lost because Soriano wasn’t paying attention. I live in Texas, and saw him play for the Rangers. Where he didn’t pay attention. A lot.
Soriano, during his stretches, can be the best offensive player in baseball. But he is always a liability in the field (and no, those outfield assists don’t count because all it means are teams are running on him). And, since he got hurt last year, he can’t run, which used to help mitigate his non-stretches. So we have a left fielder on a contending team who has one tool—he hits for power when he is one of his stretches.
Were the Cubs a better team when Soriano was hurt? I’d argue yes—better on defense, better on the bases. And here’s a stat to ponder, from Dugout Central (http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/?p=1364): Soriano has averaged 1.44 RBI per home run in his career, which is fewer than Matt Stairs and Tony Clark, who have about the same number of career home runs.
And Al, cut Phil Rogers some slack. Phil knows what he’s doing, and I know that first hand.
Where is Mick Kelleher when we need him?
by 3744nsheffield on May 26, 2008 10:17 AM CDT reply actions
Your analysis of Soriano is spot-on.
I’d still like to know where the source of your analyis of Phil Rogers comes from, though.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Phil Rogers
I think it’s fair to want better reporting. I’ll cite Rogers’ recent attack on Kerry Wood, which began, “Carlos Marmol will almost certainly be the Cubs’ closer at some point, perhaps even before the 2008 season is over,” and continue as if it were surprising the option of dumping Wood wasn’t even being considered. Why is Wood’s head being called for when there were plenty of other people to blame? Consider – with Wood and Marmol, they are still getting to pitch and help the team, whichever role they are serving in. On the other hand, with Theriot and Cedeno, as one example, the latter sits the bench even as he outhits and outfields the former. And Lou even admitted Theriot’s throw was a problem. But there were no follow-up questions on Theriot’s defense here or here, and I can’t even find Phil Rogers reporting on this at all. Maybe I just missed it.
But the point is that as long as the reporters covering the Cubs have obvious agendas which go after certain players and protect others, it’s fair for fans to react and defend the players they like.
I didn't view Rogers' comments regarding Marmol replacing Wood as an attack on Wood.
It’s stating the obvious (to me) and it wasn’t done in a style that attacked Wood. It’s hard to write about Kerry Wood anymore, his career and struggles are well documented. In short, a great competitor whose biggest weakness as a pitcher is control. I am not about to peg my hopes on the “If Wood…” dreams, we wasted an entire season on that lost cause. Rather, just look at it from a longer term perspective based on what a closer (or a good relief pitcher) should do for a team. They come in to the game with little margin for error (typically) and so control is much more of a premium for this role. Wood might be replaced by whomever is better at getting the ball over the plate and getting guys out, there’s no attack there, Wood’s weakness is control and it may lead to his downfall in this role.
What is an attack?
Kerry has a job and perhaps we can at least agree that Rogers’ article reveals that he wants Marmol to have that job over Kerry. The way I see it, if you write that someone should lose their job, it’s an attack. It may be the right thing to say. The attack may help the overall team. But that doesn’t change it, in my eyes, from being an attack.
As for whether or not Kerry should be in this role, I think Lou has it right here. Kerry’s arm will be helped by having the structure the closer’s job offers. He comes in, he pitches one inning, he’s done (most of the time). Marmol’s arm is fresher. I also think that at this point, Marmol’s so likely to get a strikeout every AB, that it makes more sense to use him in the high leverage situations where the bases are loaded and you need an out. Kerry’s lack of control is more dangerous in those situations than in the 9th with the bases empty.
“Kerry has a job and perhaps we can at least agree that Rogers’ article reveals that he wants Marmol to have that job over Kerry.”
I didn’t get this preference from Rogers at all. That is to say, his pointing out Wood’s shortcomings or that Marmol is better doesn’t reveal anything to me about Roger’s personal preferences/prejudices. An “attack” to me would not be based primarily in fact but more so in prejudice or other non-performance criteria and it would include the writer’s personal preferences.
There’s no high leveraged use of Marmol. Lou is following the role of setup then closer. If it happens that Marmol is used more in high leverage it’s just by coincidence and that Marmol can throw more than one inning for now. Wood has dibs on the last inning.
I’d prefer that Lou utilize the leveraged method for his entire pen. If He did then we wouldn’t have Marmol with a burned out arm by the All-Star break. Given this team’s run differential we shouldn’t be using the same 3 guys over and over and over….
In summary, I agree with you on the leveraged approach 100%, but I don’t think there was an attack on Wood in that article, Wood may be doomed by his own lack of control.
Well, then, we're basically disagreeing on the definition of "attack," which is fine.
I certainly see the rationale for your use of the word.
I think my larger point remains, though. When certain reporters have agendas to shape Cub playing time, they shouldn’t be read as objective arbiters of fact and it’s right to call into question the pieces they write.
Wood and Marmol walked similar percentage of hitters in '07
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
It's amusing to me.
Soriano’s been below average defensively so far this year – he’s on pace to be 3-4 runs below average for the whole season, according to the figures I use. This gets an article devoted to it.
Meanwhile, our starting shortstop has been 3-4 runs below average defensively so far this season. And this cannot be completely escaping the attention of our beatwriters, can it? I mean, I watched Theriot one-hop a throw to second base, and come well short of first on another throw in the same game. Where’s the article calling Theriot a “minus” defensively?
I think that's the answer
The writers protect him because he’s media-friendly.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Theriot's defense
First, the MSM has noticed Theriot: “Yes, Cedeno has more range and a better arm than Theriot. ...” from Paul Sullivan in the Tribune on May 6. But, as Sullivan also noted, Pinella doesn’t seem to mind. For the most part, Theriot doesn’t do anything stupid like drop fly balls or get picked off of second for no particular reason. He may not be a great player, but he is steady. And, over the course of a 162-game season, Pinella prefers steady. Do you blame him?
Where is Mick Kelleher when we need him?
by 3744nsheffield on May 26, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes.
There is something very agravating about looking at Theriot’s fielding numbers consistantly placing him at the very bottom of all NL shortstops, and yet hearing people talk about how reliable and steady he is. Plays you don’t make because you don’t have the range to get to the ball or don’t have the arm to beat the runner at first are just as damaging as a ball you get to that you double-clutch or drop. Just because the dropped ball is more OBVIOUS doesn’t make it more MEANINGFUL.
But Theriot does do stupid things
Like positioning himself on the wrong side of second base on the throw from Dome yesterday. Like not knowing, as a major leaguer, how to properly tag a runner until Trammel worked with him last year. Like consistently running into outs on the bases.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
You should know the reason for this...
Soriano’s deficiencies defensively are obvious and glaring. They manifest themselves in really bad fielding blunders. Theriot’s deficiencies are less obvious. They manifest themselves in not being able to get to balls in the hole, or not having the arm strength to throw a runner out. He doesn’t commit atrocious errors, and because of that people overlook him. That doesn’t make it right, but it’s completely understandable. They report what they see. And to the untrained eye, Soriano LOOKS like a much worse fielder than Theriot. I’d argue that even to the trained eye, Soriano looks worse.
by SouthernCub on May 26, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Ironically, Soriano hasn't been charged with an error so far this season.
This is one of many reasons I don’t use fielding percentage for just about anything.
But you’re right; a fielder’s range seems to be severely underrated compared to things like “hands” and reading a ball off the bat.
One tool?
Umm, he hits for average too. And he has a good arm, regardless of whether people run on him or not. And blaming a guy for how many people are on base when he hits dingers is pretty silly, especially for a guy who hits leadoff.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Hitting leadoff is no excuse
because Sori has no business being a leadoff hitter, and no one wants him to hit leadoff except HIMSELF.
incorrect.
Obviously, Lou wants him to hit leadoff. Or, you know. HE WOULDN’T!
Soriano does not make the lineups. Soriano does not decide who plays and who does not. Soriano does not MANAGE THE BALL CLUB.
Lou Pinella does. Lou wants him at leadoff. Soriano has said MANY TIMES that he does what his manager tells him to do. Therefore, A+B=C, and Soriano bats leadoff.
Christ. I don’t mind it when people don’t like a ball player, but could you PLEASE have the FACTS RIGHT?????
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
That does not change the fact he is hitting leadoff.
You can not cite rbis/hr and then conveniently forget he is hitting leadoff. It insinuates that he is coming up with men on base as much as anyone else but just isnt coming thru. As a leadoff hitter he is clearly not coming up with men on as much as most power hitters. Who’s fault that is is up to debate, but has nothing to do with Soriano’s hitting ability, or how many “tools” he has.
Cite how many rbi/opportunity or some such number if you want to show he isn’t “clutch” or whatever was being insinuated by the rbi/hr stat.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
One tool
Soriano is a .282 lifetime hitter who has hit .300 and .299 in 10 seasons. That’s it for anywhere near .300. That’s one tool. Ichiro hits for average. Manny Ramirez hits for average. Michael Young hits for average (.301 in 9 seasons, including five times better than .300). Which now makes me wonder: Would Michael Young help the Cubs in left field?
It’s too nice a day to argue about whether Soriano can throw or not. We’ll just have to agree to disagree. How about 1 1/2 tools?
Where is Mick Kelleher when we need him?
by 3744nsheffield on May 26, 2008 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions
soriano
i think it’s interesting that in the Phil Rogers article that Al links to above Soriano says:
“I’m not sure what the ball hit,” Soriano said. “I guess the ball hit the wall. I was just trying to catch the ball, so I’m not sure what it hit.”
don’t you have to see the ball to even attempt to catch it? shall we blame this one on the sun too?
"I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty," -- Lou Pinella
He shouldn't have been looking at the wall...
When you try to make a catch, you look to where your glove is. The ball passed his glove and hit the wall. If he knew for a fact what the ball hit, that’d be a worse sign in my opinion.
by SouthernCub on May 26, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree
he doesn’t look good on that play, but he did make an effort. How many balls do that—hit the top of teh wall? Not many.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
It's tough to be optimistic today when this team should be 31-19
instead of 29-21. Even Manny Ramirez, despite his awful defensiveplay in left field probably catches that ball. This weekend has also shown that we will not be winning a world series with Soriano in left field or Kerry Wood closing games.
"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.
ummmm
no, no it doesn’t.
2 loses in May (no matter how bad they hurt) do not make or break our playoff chances.
"I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty," -- Lou Pinella
Except this could be a world series team. Anything less is a dissapointment
And we should be in the playoffs no matter what, the national league is terrible this year
"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 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
And again..
.... two losses in May aren’t going to kill that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
True.
But these past two days have exposed two huge weaknesses of this team which is Soriano’s outfield defense has killed us and Wood still is not consistent enough in the 9th inning
"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 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
pete's sake
if DeRosa gets a hit instead of either of his strikeouts, we win the game. Why don’t you blame the loss on him?
Because it’s a TEAM SPORT. THE TEAM LOST THOSE GAMES.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Jason Marquis would like another word with you
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
you know what?
give it up. Stop pretending that Jason Marquis has any upside to offer the Cubs. He doesn’t. We all said “Jason Marquis will have to be good in the first half, because his record after the split is terrible.” Well, lookit—if this is his good, I don’t want him anywhere NEAR a baseball field in July.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you actually read what I write before replying?
Go back and look how many times in our back and forth I criticized Marquis.
Now, go back and look at how you say it’s a team game, yet your posts on Friday were nothing short of, in your words, obtuse.
You’re being more than a bit sanctimonious here.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
no, I don't think I am.
I see a world of difference between Alfonso Soriano and Jason Marquis.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, you ARE!!!
Someone criticizes Soriano, and you charge to his defense and say blame the team.
Marquis has a serviceable, not great, game, and you whine about how he lost the game for them.
Soriano is an above average major league baseball player. He is a very good hitter. He will win more games for the Cubs than he will lose.
Jason Marquis is a mediocre at best pitcher.
Yet, despite saying all that, you will categorize me as a “hater” because I dare to criticize an aspect of Soriano’s game.
It astounds me that you don’t see the contradictions in your reactions to the two players . . . just because you like someone it doesn’t mean they are absolved of any blame, and just because you don’t like someone, it doesn’t mean that they are incapable of doing something right.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I've never categorized you as a hater.
And I criticize Soriano plenty. But I don’t suggest that he should be injured, or that the team is better off without him. I reject your entire premise.
Soriano has more upside than downside. Marquis does not. They deserve to be treated differently.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
The problem that I have with that premise
Is that it completely throws out objectivity.
I am not objective when it comes to cheering. I want the Cubs to win as many games as possible. I want them to win the World Series, not just once, but as often as possible.
But I try to be objective while watching. You’re right that Soriano did not single-handedly lose Sunday’s game, and it would be ridiculous to suggest so. It just happened to be the most visible plays.
As you noted, if DeRosa gets a hit in a key spot, it’s a different story. (Also, maybe if Theriot isn’t behind second base instead of in front of the bag on a throw from RF). Lilly blamed himself.
I don’t like Marquis. Never did. I think his attitude is selfish and his pitching leaves a lot to be desired. But, I think it’s dangerous to let that influence an assesment of his performance.
Let me try it another way - Have you ever had a co-worker who was the boss’ favorite, and no matter how much he/she screwed up, never got into trouble? How about when someone who wasn’t the favorite did something good - and didn’t get as much recognition as the favorite?
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
When Jason Marquis does something good
I’ll acknowledge it. I’ve yet to see that.
And employees get treated differently all the time. That’s only exaggerated in baseball. It’s the game, and that’s the way it’s played.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Sure, people get treated differently
But, does it bother you to be on the short end of it?
Marquis’ last performance certainly wasn’t fantastic—but he was not single-handedly responsible for them losing the game. You posted several times to the contrary.
From your other posts, it seems like you know what’s going on and are reasonable . . . I just think you’re letting your hatred for Marquis color your perception.
If it is a team game on Sunday, it is a team game on Saturday . . .
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm going to stay optimistic from now until the next road trip
and see what happens then. If you recall, a year ago at this time the Cubs were approaching their low, low point of the season (although it would drag out and get worse for a couple of weeks into June). To me, it still feels like the 2008 low point was April 4th, when they lost the thrid of their first four games. Since then, they have kept up their end of the bargain of being a competitive, even league-leading at times, team. There hasn’t been a losing streak of more than two games in a row, so the crappy bad feelings that winnable losses bring are still fleeting. Let’s go Cubs.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
I appreciate this post immensely....
...because it alludes to the pessimism that is deep down inside me as a Cubs fan. Deep down, I there is part of me that expects this team to make it to the NLCS only to have Wood come in and plunk the first hitter and then have Soriano, still inexpelicably in the game with a one run lead, drop a fly ball that goes for an inside the park homer. The other night it was just Wood giving up a moonshot after a HBP, but now it’s Soriano playing an out into a inside the park HR.
I mean this in both an honest and humorous way. My experience as a Cubs fan tells me that the strangest things may go “wrong” to snatch victory from us, so I am appreciative of this post because it’s something that lurks within me also.
I don't like it
when you articulate my deepest fears.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
it doesn't show that at all.
you cannot take yesterday’s game and make it into some sort of template.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Was Santo in the booth yesterday for the game?
"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.
Thanks
"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 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
funny, mine had significantly more
words beginning with F and ending with K!!!!!!
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Enough about center field
Far and away the biggest “issue” facing this ballclub is starting pitching. Hendry needs to beef up this rotation significantly or this will go down as yet another disappointing season in the end.
Jim Edmonds sucks. Felix Pie is incapable of hitting major league pitching. Yes, this is a problem. But Reed Johnson has done a serviceable job and there are players Hendry can acquire to fill the void of 4th outfielder and guy who helps out in center.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Agreed.
This team needs another frontline starter if they think they can compete with the likes of Arizona and Philadelphia who are the two teams we will probably have to go through in the end
"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 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
"compete with the likes of Arizona"
you mean like the three-game sweep the Cubs had of Arizona a couple weeks ago?
by philadelphiacub on May 26, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
When its all said and done I think we would both agree that
Arizona will have homefield over us in the playoffs, we will have to prove we can beat them at their place too
"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 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I have to throw my hat in the ring
and agree that we DO need one more ace pitcher. It doesn’t matter who we have to go through. At the end of the day, we’re going to be facing an AL team that will likely have some heavy duty pitchers. I’d like to be able to counter with our own intimidation factor. Zambrano, Haren, Dempster, and Lilly in the playoffs with Gallagher and Hill ready to spot-start in the playoffs if needed. That, I can live with. Assuming Haren is healthy.
by cubsonWGN4ever on May 26, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Granted, it IS may
and is very early to be talking about the playoffs but still….it’s a need that I feel needs to be addressed. And its a marathon to ONE ULTIMATE GOAL.
by cubsonWGN4ever on May 26, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Haha. Are you implying that we are going to acquire Haren from Arizona?
"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 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Rich Harden is the most logical target
If Harden didn’t come with risk then he wouldn’t be available. But he will be available. When healthy he is a dominant ace. In fact he is one of the best 5 pitchers in baseball when he is on his game.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Just realized my typo
Meant Rich Harden of the A’s, not Haren of the Diamondbacks.
by cubsonWGN4ever on May 26, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Harden would be a good add
But dealing with Billy Beane is too difficult, who knows what we would have to give up in return
"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 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Jim Edmonds SUCKS???
But what about…. “THE CATCH”????
Oh, et tu, Blue Mike, et tu? Where is thy sting?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Wood and Marmol
It is high time to think about switching the roles of Wood and Marmol. Make Wood the 8th inning set-up man who ocassional closes. Make Marmol the shutdown closer.
Wood hasn’t been a shutdown closer. Far from it. The blown saves and the fundamental inability to close out 1 run ballgames is a big problem for a team gunning for the playoffs.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Who would you rather have come in with the bases loaded?
Wood or Marmol?
Who would you rather have come in with the bases empty?
Marmol
is more important where he is. Even a college ball-player should know that.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope you like losing games in the seventh innings, then...
because that’s what you’d get. You seem to be ignoring that the reason the game gets to the 9th in a save situation is quite often because Marmol bails the team out in the 7th with runners in scoring position. If you take him out of that role, we have a lot fewer save chances. Sure, the save rate would be higher, but there’d be a lot fewer of them.
Wood has his control problems, but the arrangement we have right now is the best we can do. If we had two Marmols, I’d be happy to have one of them close and one of them be the fireman.
by SouthernCub on May 26, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Range vs sure hands
Its a lot like wanting someone with no range but has sure hands over someone with great range and worse hands. One looks better even if they averaged out to the same number of put outs.
No wonder NFL coaches punt too much
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Well...
Bases loaded? Marmol. No ifs, ands or buts. Hence the dilemma I guess. All I know is that Wood is good enough in the closer role. There is never going to be quality confidence when he comes into the game in the 9th.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
So, why not leave Marmol in the role where he is more likely to come in with the bases loaded?
Meanwhile, Wood’s WHIP is at 0.82. That’s 7th among pitchers with more than 10 IP. He’s pitching well (with a few hiccups, yes, but well all the same). Barring an injury, I expect by the end of the season we are going to be very glad to have both Wood and Marmol and it won’t matter who is in what role.
I can't believe the Cards...
...have stuck around this long. I thought their pitching was weak, as would be their outfield. Not to mention injuries. Just a note.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
They are for real
They are not going away anytime soon
"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 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I think they are going away.
Ludwick cant keep this up, he is gonna get more attention from opposing team’s advanced scouts and he’ll come back down to earth. And you guys worry about our closer look at theirs!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think they'll stick
I just don’t see that pitching holding up. Really, I think unless someone else makes a HUGE trade or there is a significant injury, I don’t see any other team winning out.
I'm convinced the Cubs are the best in the NL Central right now.by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Whoops
Didn’t mean to make that a quote
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Everyone will stick around
if we don’t start winning (series) on the road. This has been an awful funk. We keep shooting ourselves in the foot and taking loses that we shouldn’t. If Lou doesn’t take Soriano out in the 8th/9th for defensive purposes, we can expect more of these late inning “problems” in tight games.
For now, I am just hoping for a great home stand and then we have to get this road funk figured out!!
THIS IS OUR CENTURY!!
Well, that's true
But I’m assuming they’ll get that straightened out.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep
And if we don’t significantly beef up this starting rotation then we will be in a dogfight to the utter end. And probably will ensure ourselves an early playoff exit.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Blue Mike has just predicted
a World Series win.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Murton..
What about bringing back Murton to replace Soriano defensively in late inning or crucial situations? He’s batting over .350 in AAA as well. So what if he’s not a left-handed hitter? Lou’s obssession with lefties (pitching and batting) is ridiculous.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Send down Fontenot..
....he’s hardly being used anyway.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Uh uh. That would violate out lefty quota.
Plus, I don’t believe Murton is an improvement defensively to Soriano, and certainly not enough to cover the loss of offense.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Right...
Murton is probably better defensively, but not such an improvement as to warrant the change. A smarter move would be to go with Edmonds or Johnson in CF and the other in LF for the late innings. That actually would be an improvement defensively.
by SouthernCub on May 26, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Matt Murton sucks
There’s a reason he is languishing at Triple A. It’s because he lacks the overall skill set and versatility to be a positive member of a big league roster. Murton is a below average left fielder. My Lord, you don’t call up Murton to be the late inning solution in left field.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Matt Murton
is in AAA because he’s blocked in left and right field. Can you even read a roster?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Tell me then...
Why is Matt Murton in Triple A? Why o’ why is this 26 year old wunderkid not on the Cub roster? Or why hasn’t he been acquired by any of the other 29 other ballclubs around the majors? After all, it’s not as though his pricetag is big.
Live in denial all you want about Murton. Fact is his name is printed in permanent in ink on the Des Moines Cubs roster.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
because he's BLOCKED
you… you… (al says I must not call names. Al says I must not call names).
It’s before the trade deadline. Just like Hendry, EVER OTHER GM is waiting to see what will be available. Who makes trades in freaking MAY???
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
He was blocked last winter too...
Of course that convenient little fact is ignored in your rant. Matt Murton has no value. To go along with no versatility. Hence why he is dazzling Triple A crowds with his amazing singles hitting ability.
“Step right up folks !!! Come and watch Matt Murton slap singles off the best pitchers in Triple A !!! You’ll be amazed and swear you are staring at Pete Rose reincarnate !!!!”
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
How is that relevant?
He was kept as insurance, and he’s being kept until the trade deadline, when the Cubs know what they need.
He's being kept....
To serve as cheap roster filler for the Triple A Des Moines Cubs. Ditto Josh Kroeger.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
utterly
irrelevant. He’s playing in AAA in 2008 because we have a LF player and a RF player. When the trade deadline comes, I bet he’s traded. GMs don’t just make trades willy-nilly.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep -- and they won't trade him
unless the get what they believe is fair value—if they can’t get that, he’s an insurance policy
That’s what a farm system should be.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
He's in AAA because...
we have an all-star LF and just signed a potential all-star RF. I’m surprised that with your vast knowledge of baseball from NIU that you’d realize this. Oh well, I’ve tried to educate you, but you just won’t learn.
The reason Murton hasn’t been acquired by another team is because the Cubs are waiting to see what they need and what is available at the deadline. The Cubs know he can hit, and they know he isn’t just a throwaway player. Thus, they aren’t going to give him away for free.
I’ve never said he was a wunderkind. Murton isn’t an all-star. He’s a league average LF. But, this has been illustrated before. The fact that you choose to remain ignorant of that is not my problem.
by SouthernCub on May 26, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
A league average LF?
Please. He’s a punch and judy singles hitter who plays one position on the field and is below grade at that one position. There are NO TEAMS lined up to acquire him. And there won’t be. Not unless somebody needs a Triple A left fielder.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Yup, league average...
He’s league average for a LF offensively, and league average for a LF defensively. These are supported by the facts. He’s not nearly as good offensively as Soriano, and he’s not as good offensively or defensively as Fukudome. That’s why he’s not here.
I’m interested to know your sources as to when he was shopped and nobody lined up. I mean, I could make stuff up like you do too, but I’m above that.
It’s pointless to discuss this with you. You ignore facts, you make stuff up, and you repeatedly show your cluelessness. You’re a lost cause in terms of baseball acumen.
And yet...
This estimable talent you claim inexplicably languishes on a Triple A roster!!!!
He’s Triple A roster filler. You know it too.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Exhibit A of what I just said...
1. I’ve explained why he’s in AAA, yet you post this inanity.
2. You ignore facts.
3. You show your cluelessness.
I couldn’t have asked you to illustrate it any better. Thanks!
What am I ignoring????
My claim is that Matt Murton is not major league material. You beg to the extreme contrary. Well, the facts would bear out my belief.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
except they don't.
He’s played in the majors before. He still has options, obviously, and he was sent to AAA because he was blocked.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
You wouldn't know a fact
if it kicked you in the ass…
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Wrong
Hey look, the King of the Dipshits is checking in. Good news your majesty. Your flock of loyal dipshits is already here.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
You provide nothing
to the conversation… troll.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
You have poor reading comprehension...
As I said, I’ve explained why he’s in the minors. So continuing to say “he’s in the minors” is inane. Murton has produced in the majors. That is a fact. He has not produced to the same degree that Soriano has, and he’s not as valuable as Fukudome. Those are also facts. Thus, he’s in AAA. He will not remain there, as he’ll eventually be traded to a team that can use a league avereage LF.
In short, he’s a league-average LF. We don’t have a need for a league-average LF. But since you seem to struggle with comprehending that, please continue to say “he’s in AAA!”
Nope
The best Matt Murton can hope for at this stage is a nomadic existence where he bounces around from organization to organization each year. As a Triple A outfielder.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
You must have sad, sad life.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
I'm starting to think
that BlueMike is a sockpuppet for a VAX machine. He’s an Eliza-bot.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Yawn...
you continue to be wrong. I’ve tried to reason with you. You are unreasonable.
it's sad
this is what happens when Newman doesn’t read the facts.
Your gut, prodigious tho it may be, is betraying you, Blue Mike.
And so much for being on the ignore list. It’s not ignoring me when you “reply” without actually replying. That’s more ignorant.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
From Tim Dierkes...
PECOTA gives Murton a .295/.359/.462 projection for ‘08; ZiPS says .289/.360/.465. Here are the league averages from 2007:
AL left fielder: .275/.335/.426
NL left fielder: .278/.358/.478
AL right fielder: .288/.359/.465
NL right fielder: .275/.344/.442
He projects as an average offensive corner outfielder. But I don’t know what qualifies one as a “positive member of a big league roster.”
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
And yet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 26 year old punch and judy singles hitter languishes at Triple A !!!!!!!!!!! Oh the humanity !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
becasue he's blocked
and you know it.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
He'd be blocked by the presence of Jose Macias
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
The last time I saw this many exclaimation points...
...it was in an AOL chat room when I was 13 and the most common phrases were “A/S/L?” and “brb, mom needs to use the phone”.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Any idea why today's game isn't on Extra Innings?
My system doesn’t have WGN. I know WGN has some blackout rights, but I thought they’d just pick up the Dodgers feed.
Because the game is not on cable in both markets.
It’s on over the air TV stations and EI only gets cable feeds.
Send a letter to your cable system. Ask for WGN. Or move to another provider (Direct TV?) if you can. You’re paying. Don’t settle for less.
by Fraggin Judge on May 26, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's get some runs!
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
Lou says:
“My job isn’t to be on top in May. It’s to be on top at the end of the run. I have to do what’s best for the Chicago Cubs long term.”
Soriano is in the lineup, batting first.
2008: The year we put it all together.
lou also said
“Im not worried about sorianos defense
im just worried hes hiding an injury
hes doing his best and that all i can ask for”
WELL LOU IF THATS HIS BEST THAN YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO MANAGE YOUR DEFENSIVE PLAYERS LATE IN THE GAME
LOUD NOISES!!
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Why is everybody
SCREAMING??
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Because were debating the extreme prejudice against....
a punch and judy craptastic hitter with red hair who is languishing at Triple A !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Go away.
you posts are worthless.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Because the trolls are out...
...for every reason possible.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Yep.
Thus my absence from yesterday’s and (soon to be) today’s game threads. I can’t abide the idiocy. Soriano drops one ball and the world is, apparently, coming to an end. Some of these people need to grow beard, buy a sandwich board and head to the train station.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
where's your WS ring?
What’s that? You haven’t got one?
I’ll trust Lou. I’ll disagree with him on some issues - Pie/Edmonds being the biggest - but I’ll trust Lou.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Lineups?
Getting close to game time!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:09 PM CDT reply actions
Per ESPN
Gameday Lineups
YOUR Chicago Cubs
A. Soriano, LF
R. Theriot, SS
D. Lee, 1B
A. Ramirez, 3B
K. Fukudome, RF
G. Soto, C
J. Edmonds, CF
M. DeRosa, 2B
R. Dempster, P
LOS ANGELES
J. Pierre, LF
A. Ethier, RF
R. Martin, C
J. Kent, 2B
M. Sweeney, 1B
M. Kemp, CF
B. DeWitt, 3B
L. Maza, SS
C. Billingsley, P
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
How do yo ubat DeRosa 8 at home?
I thought we wanted to spread out our lefties? How about Jimmy E, 8th
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
how about 10th?
tell him it’s slow-pitch softball
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Once you've comitted to having Edmonds in the lineup at all...
...arguing over where to bat him is like arguing which foot to shoot yourself in.
Left, because I'm a more versitile kickball player with my right.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
That's dumb
You always shoot the right one. Gotta have the left one available to pinch run
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
amazingly
I think DeRosa’s giving him protection in teh lineup.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
DeRosa is very quietly...
...having one hell of a career year so far. I don’t know if it’s sustainable, but he’s simply having an amazing season, and it’s criminally gone unnoticed.
And at home he has been ridiculous!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
..and doing it will playing a different postion nearly everyday and batting
..in a different spot in the order almost daily. Pretty impressive
Felix Pie must play everyday!
amen.
A DeRosa jersey is my next cubs purchase.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm always a bit shocked...
...when teams come in to play us with players I’ve never heard of before. Last I checked, the Dodgers had Furcal and Hu at short. Who is Maza?
no, no, no
Who is on first. I Don’t Give a Darn is at short.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Apparently...
...he’s a 28-year-old minor league veteran with no major league experience prior to this season.
I wonder if he has a wildly overdevotional fanbase.
Your sarcasm has been noted, and is appreciated.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
I think they all do, dont they?
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
On the Micah Hoffpauir Standard of Excellence
He should be starting in this league. The Dodgers are keeping him down.
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Your Hoffpauir hate
is a great source of comedy for me… I’m not saying anything negative. Just saying thx for the laughs.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
I really don't hate Hoffpauir.
He is what he is – a minor-league first baseman that doesn’t have much of a major league future. There’s nothing particularly dislikable about that in and of itself; there are plenty of guys plugging away in the minors year after year, despite knowing that they have almost no shot at The Show.
Hoffpauir got to the majors, and I’m (honestly) happy for him about it.
What I find annoying – and eminently mockable – is when people mistake him for a major-league outfielder. It’s simply not what he is.
Pierre prediction...
...0-4, three ground outs, four lofty throws back to 2B/SS.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
will the throws bounce once or twice before they hit the infield? ;)
...I say twice.
Felix Pie must play everyday!
who wins a long-toss contest
between him and J. Jones?
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Pierre vs. Theriot
Like watching old men gum each other to death.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
That's difficult...
...cuz Jones likes to 18-hop it, whereas Pierre likes to toss the ball in the air and watch it soar up and up, much like a child playing with dandelions in the outfield.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
One bad pitch?
Dempster gave up one bad pitch for a grand slam in Houston? Umm, who loaded them up?
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:26 PM CDT reply actions
That's why I've never liked that expression
It’s not really one bad pitch, even if the score is 1-0. Sometimes, the batter misses a bad pitch. Sometimes, the batter hits a good pitch.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Ruh Roh.
BB to Pierre
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:27 PM CDT reply actions
Stolen base
Juan
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
More worthless outfield:
Angels or Dodgers?
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
What?
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Juan Pierre..
Why does Pierre hold his batting gloves when on the base paths?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
probably to remind himself
to keep his hands up when sliding. A few do that.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't most runners do that?
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
It's very common...
It keeps you from jamming your fingers on slides. I don’t know about most, but certainly there are many.
and Pierre can't advance. Sweet
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:29 PM CDT reply actions
I didn't know Fergie Jenkins was Canadian.
Thanks Pat.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
What a SCOOP!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:31 PM CDT reply actions
I bet Lee could snatch a fly out of the air with chopsticks
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
D-Lee is a defensive
master… That Pick!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
I thought Lee was supposed to have today off...
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Wayyyy too many throws there
But at least they got the out.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:32 PM CDT reply actions
Soto almost threw that away
after Theriot muffed the barehand
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep
Although, in Theriot’s defense (your joke here) that part of it is a do or die play.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I doubt he makes the play anyway...
but barehanding it was the only chance he had.
Pierre is tough to catch...
It was a well-done rundown.
Doesn't matter how fast someone is
Starting and stopping in a short distance evens things out.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Speed still matters...
yes, starting and stopping is hard. So is catching a faster man.
It was a well-done play. There was never a serious threat that Pierre would be safe.
The more throws made
The higher the chance that one gets messed up. That’s the only risk.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, obviously...
but Pierre’s speed and good baserunning skills make that a difficult play. Would it have been nice if it could have happened with one throw? Sure. But that’s REALLY hard to do with Pierre running. Thus, you take what you can get. The team backed each other up and kept Pierre closer to 3B. Well done.
Easy to say when you're not the one chasing Pierre...
And for what it’s worth, it WAS three throws: Soto to Ramirez to Lee to DeRosa.
4-2
was from 2nd base to home. I wouldnt count that as part of the run down
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Not quite...
the 4-2 was not a part of the rundown. The rundown began once Soto got the ball. It was three throws in the rundown.
Respectfully disagree
You’re taught to run directly at a runner caught between bases. Get the runner to commit to one base or the other, then throw.
The first throw counts in my 2-3 comment above.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Fine...
I disagree that it was a poor rundown effort. I think you’‘re underestimating Pierre and being a bit of an armchair QB on this one. But obviously that’s an abstract debate. It’s a pointless discussion anyway. We got the out.
lol thanks pierre
derp, ryan theriot loves the baserunning
Yeah Run Downs!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Wow... great luck in that inning...
liner to RF right at Fukudome, liner up the middle and Pierre runs himself out of the inning.
ha ha... Bob is still bagging
on Alfonso’s defense. I think he is genuinely offended by it.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
seems like he is acting as if it's no big deal
“he hit a homer but all people are talking about is his defense”
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
He also said they should replace him on D in late innings
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
It is what it is
Maybe he’s ticked about Lou’s stubbornness
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions
where at?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
They showed a few
Ballhawks on Waveland. I’ve seen his picture somewhere, and I’m pretty sure he was the main one. Lefty, wearing blue shirt, shorts, green hat.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
Probably him...
from your description…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Gameday Description for Out 3
Jeff Kent singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ryan Theriot, deflected by pitcher Ryan Dempster. Juan Pierre out at home, second baseman Mark DeRosa to catcher Soto to third baseman Ramirez to first baseman Lee to 2nd baseman Mark DeRosa. Three Out.
What this as complicated as it sounded on the field?
well, they didn't stay at their positions... :P
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Fake to first is a balk
so why is that step off with arm cocked not a balk?
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:39 PM CDT reply actions
not a balk
unless you step to first with your other foot on the rubber
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
LEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
With the glove and with the bat!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:40 PM CDT reply actions
A message from D-Lee
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
LOL!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Thank You!
Hee Sop Choi!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Who wouldnt be jazzed to play at Wrigley?
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I love that Theriot Walk-Lee Hr combo
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
Go DLEE!
Does this mean that since the Cubs are winning, Blue Mike goes away?
2008: The year we put it all together.
God of mercy, I hope so.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
I don't see the name "blue mike"
who are you refering to?
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
MDBNIU
is BlueMike, using a different name.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
MDBNIU
He’s been banned on here 4 times and BlueMike is one of his prior names. Mike63 is also another one.
Who was KOW yesterday?
I didn’t see anyone with that handle…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
apparently
that’s “cubstoseriesby100” . . . I think. Not been around here long enough to know that history
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah...
That’s what I thought….same here..
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Who's KOW?
And to what are we referring about Saturday night?
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
see above for who
as far as Saturday—repeated lashing out about how everyone hates Theriot and were happy that the Cubs lost because we could blame him.
Over, and over, and over.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions
You should read
the second overflow gamethread in the fanposts. It’s at theend of the thread. She now posts as
cubtotheseriesby100. She alsways has a heading and repeats that in her posts.
I find that
I find that really annoying!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Yes he is.
Mike63 was his original screen name when I first came on here. It’s been a few bannings since he used that name.
My bad...
got Mike63 confused with Mikey06.
BlueMike
couldn’t remember the password he used for that profile.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions
MDBNIU
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Nice catch.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
yes
he got a good jump on the ball and made it look easy
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
ugh = edmonds
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Billingsley
Reminds me of Howry…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Wow, Edmonds did not even look
set up at the plate and still swung at the first pitch.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
THey're Calling FOUL!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
What they hell was that?!
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
Edmonds showing again
why he wasn’t a “low risk” signing
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
shallow fly to center
but he looked old doing it ;-)
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Lazy F8
on a first pitch fast ball.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
The good 'ole Function 8...
...sarcasm.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
If Edmonds does anything but....
Fly out to shallow center I’m surprised
Holly cow I was just
going to ask that same thing. What a weird logo, and that bug is huge.
Did he just say funky butt-loving?
It's the new branding for the national WGN feed
formerly known as “Superstation WGN”. I remember reading something that WGN was going to rebrand the Superstation
I assume the Chicago-area WGN feed will remain “WGN 9 CW”
The new logo with the eyes…it’s creeping me out already.
I'm in the middle of Indiana
does the Superstation or WGN America usually have Chicago local news and weather. I’m not sure which I have, or if it even matters, but I do still see the news occasionally.
Did he just say funky butt-loving?
WGN America/Superstation still carries the local WGN Noon and 9pm newscasts
The WGN Morning News used to be on the superstation feed but is now just on the local feed. Supposedly the reason is that they air syndicated segments during the news that are only licensed to WGN in the Chicago market.
Also if the Bulls game is only on the local feed at night, the 9pm news won’t appear on the national feed that night.
Dempster's Canadian roots taking over
Kick save and a beauty!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 1:58 PM CDT reply actions
hey Edmonds!
take tips from Billingsley!
2008 Cubs: Why Beat A Team in Regulation, when you can beat them in extras?
Billingsly did
hit it harder than JE has since his arrival
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Hah
Did you see Piniella start to run out of the dugout w/ O’Neil to check on Dempster and then basically say go head Mark, I’ll be there in a minute, or 5.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
hmmm. LA hit it harder this inning
I liked the 2nd better . . .
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:00 PM CDT reply actions
Was that Ballhawk?
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
I think so
Same guy I saw earlier
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
I've never met him...
But he’s meeting Emelie outside the park when they do the golf cover giveaway, and he described himself to her. I’d bet that’s him….
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Crowd gave Alfonso
the business a little after that K.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
they shouldn't
he hit a 400’ foul ball . . . .
and it’s not his fault that Piniella didn’t sub for him in the 9th
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions
yes and no
he is expected to catch pop flys…
now continue the debate from yesterday
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
arrgh
no thanks . . . I agree that he should have caught it, but it is what it is—it’s like expecting Lee or Ramirez to sacrifice bunt.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Or that the foul pole wasn't a few feet to the left
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
Just replayed it
no more than the usual grumblings after a K
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe I was
projecting… My bad.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Getting that guy out
is “Ethier” said than done.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
C. Mayo
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
AT&T Poll Question
Do you want your hot dog
A. with ketchup (aka catsup)
B. without ketchup (aka catsup)
The 100th time has GOT to be a charm...
B
"I'm the glue, baby." -- Mark DeRosa, about his role on the team
by bluebythebook on May 26, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Guess what, I was born and raised here
And I love Ketchup. Shoot Me.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
Sorry.
That did sound a bit harsh. I’m just saying, I hear it all the time about the Hot Dogs sans catsup, and I’ll have none of it. Heck, I even put ketchup on my scrambled eggs, but that’s for another day.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
B
Most places in Chicagoland don’t even offer ketchup…
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
+1
And don’t forget the sport pepper.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Yeah, agreed. B is highly suggested. Moreso if visiting the Weiner Circle
by BarryZuckerCub on May 26, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
"Weiner Circle" doesn't sound like a place I want to go
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
It may not sound like a place that you want to go, but I assure you it is. Clark and Wrightwood.
by BarryZuckerCub on May 26, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Laugh out loud
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Weiner Circle
Hah, good times.
"In all the categories that you pay the most attention to, except the loss column, we're doing very well" - Jim Hendry
B if those are the only choices
Rather have a Maxwell street polish with grilled onions, mustard, and a jalepeno
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
We should really stop all of this nonsense
I’m not grilling til after the game… And I’m getting impatient!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Yeah I am getting hungry!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Preferably
From Jim’s Original at Maxwell and Halsted…..Yummmy!
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
My folks owned a clothing store just down the block.
As a treat, they would bring one of those home for me. With the fries all soaked in the juices…. god Im hungry
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
From Yahoo's gamecast:
Scoring Summary
Bot 1st: Chi Cubs
- D. Lee homered to deep left, R. Theriot scored
As opposed to homering to shallow center?
I thought they used that to describe longer HR's
But it wasn’t. It was wind-blown and landed in the first or second row.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Wasn't it actually deeper than deep left?
Should read:
- D.Lee homered to left, R. Theriot scored.by DaveinHouston on May 26, 2008 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions
No way!
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 2:17 PM CDT reply actions
Geez
Power on power K’s Aram
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Is that for real?
Yeah, that’s creepy
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Its
creep-tastic!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
You'd better watch us
Beacuse we’re watching you!
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Next time, on La Femme Nikita: The Animated Series!
Our dashing heroine GLARES AT THE VIEWER! Don’t miss one exciting second!
I get the branding, it's the creepy logo that bothers me
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
You can't ignore it
just like you can’t ignore an Asian femme assassin glaring at you?
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Fuku
Kosuke’s really had a rough go lately…..I know all the lefties vs. Pitt. over a few series didn’t help, but he is now under .300, and still just the 2 hrs.
he's not happy
when he walks off like that, either.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
did anyone else notice the yard gnome in the visitor bullpen on the replay?
weird
Felix Pie must play everyday!
Travelocity
product placement.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
In other news...
Dempster’s in a bit of jam
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Smuckers!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
sweet k
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 2:30 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah it's the Dodger's Pie!
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
oh he isn't batting .220
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
and he's a left fielder
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
doh.. that's right
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
no, left
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on May 26, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Ugh
classic Pierre RBI
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
It must be the camo undershirt
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
d'oh
They hit the ball hard and don’t score, and get a run off a ball that Pierre hits with a wet newspaper.
That’s baseball . . .
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:33 PM CDT reply actions
Time for some runs
Billingsly is pitching better than Dempster so far, even though it’s 2-1.
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:35 PM CDT reply actions
Jim Edmonds!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
2-19... nuff said
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
Edmonds is hopeless
His bat is REAL slow. I’ll bet the ranch he is gone by next weekend.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
Notice how he absolutely refuses to acknowlege...
...that the sabermagicians were correct on this one back when he was still wrong, wrong, wrong.
whistling in the wind...
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, what I said was this
Jim Edmonds was a minimal risk move to see if the Cubs could catch lightning in a bottle. The move hasn’t panned out. Edmonds is done. He can’t get the bat thru the zone.
So time to call upon contestant number two to serve as Reed Johnson’s playmate in CF.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
oh, please.
What about “The Catch”? What about “Post Season Experience”? What about “Mark my words!”
You did everything but get down on your knees before him.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions
And us "sabermagicians" had already figured out that Edmonds was done.
Have you ever stopped to consider that maybe we were right about this because we actually know things about baseball that you haven’t bothered to consider?
Again
There has been no harm, no foul in taking a flyer on Jim Edmonds. The experiment has failed, so you pull the plug on the experiment and don’t lose any sleep. You somehow want to link Felix Pie to Jim Edmonds and that is wrong. But of course you know that.
"It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary."
you have no idea
what Pie might have done had he been playing.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Edmonds has performed worse than Pie at the plate and in the field.
That’s the harm. That’s the runs, and potentially wins, that Edmonds cost this team. The fact is that some of us were able to figure that out before you. Your complete lack of humility is not surprising, but it is telling.
In all fairness if the argument was more playing time...
consistent playing time, then has Edmonds had a fair shot either?
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
yes.
he played earlier in SD, and he got consistent time last year. The situations are not comparable.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
career year
he really is a great player.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
OT -- ?
Prince Fielder is up with the go-ahead run on 3rd, 1 out in the 8th—and the Nats are pitching to him. I like Hart, but still…
by Shanghai Badger on May 26, 2008 2:43 PM CDT reply actions
75
I believe
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
That was at the start of this inning
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
I hate this commercial
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
almost as much as the horse bowing at the WTC
Perception is 9/10ths of the law. - Steve Young, NFL legend and multiple concussion recipient.
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