Starting Pitching
by plenz on May 5, 2008 7:26 AM CDT
66 comments
There has been many discussions on lineups, who should play where, the closer spot, etc. but this teams sucess or failure will come down to how are starting pitching pans out. while it's likely enough to make the playoffs there's no way it's good enough to advance, which is the ultimate goal here. Mr. Hendry is going to need to fing a starter or 2 before it's all done. I think we've all seen enough of Marquis at this point....history shows he gets worse as the season progresses and he has been awful lately. As for Hill, there's not much reason for optimism there either. In a year where we need him to step up he has regressed........instead of developing a sorely needed 3rd pitch he now has zero command of his only 2 and I think there's a better chance of him staying off the 25 man roster than returning to it.
On the positive side, Z has looked like the legit ace we have been wiating for him to become and Dempster has far exceeded expectations.........we can only hope that continues......but you never know. Lily has been a bit better lately as well.
Question here is.........do we count on Lieber and Gallagher to fill those 2 slots or do we get at least one good starter via trade and who is....or might become available? I really think this is a club that can go very deep into the postseason but not without help in the rotation.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Here's the good news.
There are still Lieber, Gallagher and Marshall available for the rotation. At least try them before making a panic deal.
And, despite the mediocre starting pitching, the Cubs are still 18-13. Get the rotation straightened out and this team will be just fine.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 5, 2008 7:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't want
a panic deal either. I think if a deal happens it has to be for a top of the rotation guy. I still don’t think Lieber, Gallagher, or marshall can be good enough for us to go far in the playoffs….....I guess the next 6 weeks will tell alot….......we’ll have a better idea of who’s available by then. They are in a tough spot with marquis but he needs to go…........walking Adam friggin kennedy in front of Pujols is absolutely inexcusable…...and like I said….......his pitching usually decline as the seasons goes on
by plenz on May 5, 2008 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And any deal...
... isn’t likely to happen before the deadline. If, as you say, you want a top of the rotation guy, what sort of pitcher like that is available now?
Answer: none.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 5, 2008 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
31 games into the season, about 20% no one is trading any core player
Cubs have not dug a hole (YET), meaning they have not lost the division like let’s say Colorado or San Diego. LAD was on the verge until they ran off a win streak.
What are the Cubs weakness(s). Middle relief, starting pitching in two slots. In part both are a symptom of the starting pitching not getting deep into the games 2 or 5 starts. Let us work backward: Z is okay, Lilly appears to have righted his game and Dempster has been a good early season surprise—-be thankful. Now the bottom of the rotation, where Hill is now off to rebuild is once promising MLB career replaced by Lieber and then there is Marquis.
First Lou will probably see how Lieber does in two or three starts here in May, and if old John can get the Cubs into the 6th or 7th inning with the game in play than Lieber might have earned his spot. Then there is Marquis, I think he is closer to being put in the bullpen as the Cubs long reliever/mop up than people think. He is okay but will Gallagher offer more promise and returns.
I suspect sometime around Memorial Day after a few more good outings by Gallagher Lou will make a switch, looking for Gallagher to also provide quality starts. This then will force the team to start making decisions, as they have Fox without options, as well as Wood, Marmol, Howry, and Wuertz, leaving Marshall the odd man out when Eyre returns.
This is when trading Marquis could be done as more injuries pile up with contenders. For the Cubs they will be looking for a top of the order rotation starter…someone like Oswalt (of course if the Astros keep winning that is out, or CC in Cleveland or someone from San Diego or Chicago Pale Hose, or even someone from Detroit or Toronto or Tampa. That won’t happen till late July.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on May 5, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i thought we needed a top of the rotation guy
but after watching gallagher…idk anymore! he looked good, looked determined. he wants to start, unlike hill who looks like a white dude in headlights. i think that a huge part of a young kid’s success is his self confidence – it can make them overachieve dramatically. sean looks like he got “it.” i don’t want him in the rotation yet – but in maybe a month max give him a start and see what happens
ps could totally be wrong, but he looked like ronny has looked – just badass “let me do my f*cking job!” mentality
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on May 5, 2008 8:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Attitude can go a long
way if you have the talent to back it up. Like Yogi said “90% of the game is half mental”.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 5, 2008 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a classic 'yogi-ism'
You ARE freaking out MAN!
by crw89 on May 5, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen...
...I totally agree about Cedeno’s “look” right now, which is why I’d love to see him get some more starts at SS. That’s not to take anything away from Theriot (who is off to a great start as well), but I’m starting to get excited about Cedeno. And as much as I’d hate to see it, I could see Theriot being a piece in a deal to get a #2 starter near the deadline, if Cedeno keeps up his strong play.
Any idea who would be available/what teams would be in rebuilding mode?
by Chadnudj on May 5, 2008 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure a young, rebuilding
team would want to add a player like Theriot to their roster. Usually teams in that position are looking to sockpile young pitching. I would think that at lot of teams already have a Theriot-type or two on their roster and probably are not looking to add the same type of guy. His main attraction would probably be a low salary number.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 5, 2008 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see the Rockies being interestd in Theriot...
... due to the injury to Tulowitzki. The problem is, the Rox don’t really have anything the Cubs would be interested in.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 5, 2008 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aye, there's the rub. Despite all of our
potential trade scenarios, you never really see much trade activity this time of year. Teams tend to want to hold on to any excess talent for fear of an injury. Most every team thinks they at least have a shot at a wild card spot and don’t want to swing and miss with a questionable player. I think the Cubs have enough talent to win but the real question is will Lou get the right players in the right spots to keep the team winning at a consistent clip?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 5, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Win what?
The division? Yes… NLDS? Perhaps… NLCS? Likely no… The World Series? No.
They need two high OBP guys at the top of the order and a #2 level starter. And no, Ted Lilly is not a #2 on a team with WS aspirations.
We’re gonna get a real good feel (hopefully) what the Cubs are going to do (and perhaps gonna need) by this time next week; the Snakes are in town this coming weekend. Buckle up, I have a feeling this is going to be a wild ride.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
if the Cubs score more runs than their opponent in those series they wouldnt need another pitcher.
And no, “a good feel” its three games over the course of a long season. If they Cubs sweep are they WS winners NO, if they get swept are they doomed AGAIN NO.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on May 5, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that this
weekend is not a do or die series. Judging from the comments on this topic, I guess we shouldn’t even show up and just hand the D-Backs three wins. I really think lou needs to figure out an everyday line-up and the right rotation before we entertain trade options. Who do you trade? Who do you keep? It’s tough to answer those questions if you don’t know which player fits best in your lineup.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 5, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't jump to any conclusions
I stated they will find out (hopefully) where they stand against the league’s best.
You find your holes more easily when you play the top notch teams than when you play teams of lesser caliber.
In no way did I state – or imply none the less – this seasons’s success is tied to this series. It should however, give everyone a barometer on how the team stacks up to the best team in the league at this point.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed and well said
That being said, the Cubs IMP, are one of the best teams in the league as well.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on May 5, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
They did, after all, take two in a row from the Mets, convincingly.
That said, the Reds appear to be a really bad team. Good teams sweep teams like this, or at the very least, win two of three.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 5, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And against....
Philly, Milw and StL, they are 0-4 in series wins, going 4-8 in the process. That’s the measuring stick as well as the Mets. So take all of those it’s 6-8….
Going 18-0 (Ok, realistically 16-2 or 15-3) vs the Pirates this year will look good for composite stats but none of that matters when you face a GOOD team in the playoffs.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is a good point about
competition with better teams tells you about yourself. I think the one thing we have found out is that the Cub offense in inconsistent at this point. Which is why I think that a little more stability in the lineup might help alleviate some of the ups and downs. That being said, Lou hasn’t show any indication of doing that anytime soon.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 5, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to think
Lou will be settled in – or very close to settling in – on a lineup by the end of the month. Trade(s) if they happen can only mean they get better.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's hope so
I really believe that the talent is there for a good solid run. This team has a good mix of established vets and young talent coming into form. If the pitching can synch up with the hitting I think this will be a good solid team.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 5, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
did anyone watch the playoffs last year????
The Colorado Rockies had no pitching beyond Jeff Francis and a great bullpen. They started Josh Fogg and a couple of rookies, one of which is in the minors and the other about to be sent back down. So to say that our rotation is not good enough to get to the WS is just plain wrong.
All things great in 2008!!
by By Santo's Grace on May 5, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's last year...
take a look at THIS year, specifically the valley of the sun.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This year's not even half over.
The D’backs may be off to a great start—but their record right now isn’t even as good as last year’s Brewers posted.
Give it another month, at least, before you cede the NL title to Arizona.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 5, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not conceding anything
I simply believe AZ is the best right now and the Cubs are somewhere around the top 3rd. Probability tells me they need a little more. Will it be with what they have? Maybe, but I sure don’t want to see them stand pat (or make minimal changes) come 31-Jul unless they’re kicking the crap out of everyone on a regular basis.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not ceding the title to Arizona
but I do believe Arizona is better than you think Al.
by rlpete on May 5, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe.
Would you have said the same thing about Milwaukee this time last year? (AZ’s record right now isn’t even as good as Milwaukee’s got to be)
We should know more about Arizona after this weekend’s series, just as we knew more about the 2007 Brewers after the series last June.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 5, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I wouldn't have said that about Milwaukee...
The Brewers lacked pitching depth to be considered for real. The D-Backs on the other hand have great pitching depth as well as the top-end talent in the rotation to support their success in the playoffs.
Will they ultimately win the NL? Who knows? But I wouldn’t compare them to the 2007 Brewers. There just aren’t many (if any) similarities between the two teams.
by SouthernCub on May 5, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Brewers did that with smoke and mirrors
in 2007’s 1st half season plus. No depth in any facet of the game. If the Cubs didn’t start horribly, they would have run away with the division.
AZ this year has the making of a strong starting staff and an good pen. Their hitting is solid and they produce a lot of runs. Will that all hold up? I hope not but defence wins titles, offence will get you to the playoffs but defence wins titles; period.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
defense, offense and pitching wins titles
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on May 5, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitching is Defence
it’s the first line of defence. One doesn’t have to take a look any further than 9 miles away in 2005’s playoffs to see what solid pitching will do.
Of course runs have to be scored to win, but much more often than not a team wins by out pitching their competition rather than out hitting them.
Good pitching beats good hitting; period.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. The pitching
has to lead the way. It all starts on the bump and this team has to have more than Big Z and a weak supporting cast to win on a consistent basis.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 5, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Different cases
Arizona was good last year. Their younger players should only get better so I expect they will be good again this year. They also have deep pitching which Milwaukee has never had. They have good pitching, good defense and enough hitting, I see no reason to doubt them.
Last year was Milwaukee’s first year. I did think they would be in contention all season but wondered how their pitching would hold up.
by rlpete on May 5, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Once you get in the playoffs, Jeff Weaver can look like Tom Seaver.
The shakiness of our current situation bothers me, but we do have several options. I really think Lieber can throw well. Let’s try a few in-house options to try and right the ship.
For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.
by Less is Walrond on May 5, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
mediocre
Someone else through me under the bus when I mentioned starting pitching and had the same argument about Colorado making the WS without starting pitching. If your only aspiration is to see the Cubs make the WS then they have a shot this year. Myself, I want to see them WIN the WS and not get swept like the Rockies did. That is what mediocre pitching will get you…a pat on the back and one ”’atta boy”.
by centerdrive on May 5, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
mediocre
Someone else threw me under the bus when I mentioned starting pitching and had the same argument about Colorado making the WS without starting pitching. If your only aspiration is to see the Cubs make the WS then they have a shot this year. Myself, I want to see them WIN the WS and not get swept like the Rockies did. That is what mediocre pitching will get you…a pat on the back and one ”’atta boy”.
by centerdrive on May 5, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not a valid assumption.
Once you get into the playoffs, it’s a crapshoot, as several recent postseasons have proven.
If you have enough to win a division title or NLDS, then you have enough to win a NLCS or WS. The Cubs lost the NLDS last year not because they didn’t have enough, but because all the bats went cold at the same time—meanwhile, the Rockies got hotter than heck and then cooled off right at the worst possible time.
It is MUCH harder to get to the playoffs than it is to win a playoff series, ANY playoff series.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on May 5, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe to you...
its not valid but they lost in the playoffs because situationally they didn’t hit or pitch. I mean come on, the only lead they had in 3 games precisely lasted 1 half inning, then the PITCHING gave it right back. Game 3 started here down 1-0 after 1 pitch. That counts, that matters.
Is it possible the team as constructed can win the WS? Yes… Is it probable? No… because they have to get by AZ, NY or Phi just to get to the series. Then to win, they have to beat Bos?
You all keep looking through those blue tinted glasses. I’ll hope Jimbo makes two moves; one for a high OBP guy for the top of the order, another for a SP the Cubs would love to see penciled in for ANY playoff series.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok...
who?
Now that Ronny is starting to get hot, no one’s going to want to move DeRosa to short; they want Ronny. Brian Roberts is batting worse than DeRosa is.
And what ace starting pitcher are we going to get?
And what are we going to give up to get him?
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 5, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It'll depend on what teams fall out of the races
It’s May 5th, by July 5th things will start to become more clear. Thats why major moves aren’t made right now; too many teams think they have a chance. Plus those likely to sell can sell higher in late July than now.
There may be guys we’d never even consider (right now) that will be available July 22nd. I pick that date because its when (IIRC) Jimbo got Ramirez and Lofton for a song-and-a-dance in 2003.
87 days until the NTW deadline; lots of time to figure things out.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We hope they don't have anyone on the 25-man we're interested in.
They have a left-handed speedy CF that I don’t want, but Lou might.
On the more positive side, they do have some blocked prospects that could be used to shore up trading capital for a wider variety of buyers.by DGU on May 5, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I was trying to say
is that some of their blocked prospects don’t fit our team but could be flipped to another team in another trade.
by DGU on May 5, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel pretty good about our rotation's ability to make it to the ASB with a good record
Lieber, Marshall, Gallagher, I even read that Hart is being stretched out to start (which I’m not sure how much I like). I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Hill come back in 6 weeks-2 months and be #3-4ish in the second half. But that still doesn’t give us a #1.5-2 kind of guy to go with Zambrano. After Hill’s recent struggles, I’m guessing he’s less “untouchable” in the trade sense, so he’s someone else that could be trade bait as a “project”. Available pitchers of course depend on who’s contending, and the price will be high as other contenders (Brewers, Braves, Mets) in the NL would also like to add arms. One name I’ll throw out there that I’d at least want the Cubs to look into is A.J. Burnett. He’s pitched well against the likes of Bos & NY consistently, but has also had some injury stuff. I’d like to hear what others think about that idea, assuming Toronto isn’t contending in a couple months. Kevin Milwood will also be available, but I’m not sure I want him.
by philadelphiacub on May 5, 2008 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No way on Millwood! I watched his stay in Philly and he is all about himself. Would love to see Burnett though and if Toronto is out this could be a possibility.
by thisisitflyfishing on May 5, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No and no...
...to Burnett and Milwood. Injury guys like Burnett should be off the Cubs’ radar after the Wood/Prior chronicles. And Milwood is just old.
@Wille Mays Hayes’ gloves – I agree that trade deals are not normally made at this point in the season. But if Cedeno keeps up his hot play, and if Theriot does too, the Cubs will have a decision to make on those two guys, and trading one (in a package with other prospects) for a #2 pitcher might be a possibility, depending on what is available in late June and July.
by Chadnudj on May 5, 2008 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm no saying don't make a
trade, I was just commenting that teams tend to not make a deal at this time of year unless there is some catostrophic event. You gotta find a willing partner with a player you would lke to have. Believe me, I would love to package some of our excess talent for a stud arm, nut I just don’t see it happening anytime soon.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 5, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plenz, you are right on the money!!
I have been saying the same thing you just posted! This team is good enough to get to the playoffs because there are plenty of weak teams to beat up on. However, beyond that we have a big problem! Look at what the Cubs have done against the good teams: Lost two series to Mil, lost to Philly & lost to St. Louis. We have only won series against Houston, Pittsburgh & Cincy. I dont count 2 game series although beating the Mets 2/2 should count as a good win, the only really good series win. So this begs the question; why cant we beat the good teams? My guess is the rotation and lack of timely hitting in big series. I think the hitting will come but I dont think starting pitching will suddenly show up. Hendry MUST make a deal at the deadline for a stud starter! Who is going to be available, that is the question.
by thisisitflyfishing on May 5, 2008 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A stud starter...
...may be tops on Hendry’s priority list (come mid July), but I think it will depend on how things shake out the next 2 months.
If SS, CF and or the top of the order becomes a big need, he may put that at the top of his wish list. Also, it will depend on the Cubs position at the trade deadline. If the Cubs are in a good position (5-6 games up), Hendry may want to concentrate on what would put the Cubs in the best position to match up in the playoffs, and that would probably mean getting that solid starter to help you in a short series.
I guess there is a chance he could go after both, but I doubt he would have the ammo to pull that off.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on May 5, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two potential long shots
If the Yankee’s somehow blow up then it is very possible that Mussina and Pettite could both be on the blocks. A swap of Hill for one of them would be very doable. I dont however expect the Yanks to be out of it at the trade deadline.
by thisisitflyfishing on May 5, 2008 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Given Hank's recent comments
I think Mussina could be had even while they’re still in it. The question is whether or not Mussina has the stuff to be successful. So far, he’s got a decent ERA this year.
by DGU on May 5, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a chance that a deal or two
acquiring non-SP’s first may set up a deal for a SP.
While the trade market really won’t even start to heat up until a couple weeks after Memorial Day, you can bet Jim and Lou have already started discussing things. I have to believe there is so much going on that we don’t hear about, it would be downright scary if we were ever a fly on the wall during their discussions.
The Cubs have several interchangable parts right now. That may come into play when the trade market hits full speed ahead come July.
by blackhawk24 on May 5, 2008 9:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
too bad
he’d be a fool to opt out of 11M or whatever he makes considering his injury history. If healthy I guess he’s worth a shot.
by plenz on May 5, 2008 11:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
his contract is AWFUL. we’d need a creative reworking of this to make burnett a solid acquisition (plus we might not want to trade DeRo/Demp for him as originally thought)
by Canseco's Roid Party on May 5, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well,
Right now I sure wish the starting rotation was….Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Lieber, Gallagher. The Cubs need to do something they have rarely done in their history, at that is to eat the contract of Jason Marquis if nobody will take him off our hands.
It would seem almost inevitable that Rich Harden to the Cubs trade talk will got hot and heavy at some point. I’m not advocating the oft-injured Harden. Merely saying what I think will become an all-consuming topic of conversation leading up to July 31st.
by MDBNIU on May 5, 2008 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
SHEEP
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on May 5, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should you be at work?
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on May 5, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sean Marshall isn't that good folks
Frankly, I’m sick and tired of some of you saying Sean Marshall should be in the rotation. He shouldn’t be because, simply put, he isn’t a very good major league pitcher. His highest and best use is as a mop up man in the bullpen. That is until the league invariably figures out to hit his weak crap and he should be demoted to Triple A.
Piniella and Rothschild don’t want Marshall in the rotation. For very good reasons.
by MDBNIU on May 5, 2008 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Really? You're sick and tired of something being said over and over again?
by cwyers on May 5, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope, I'm not
Sean Marshall has a bizarre following that parallels the former one for Matt “No Tool” Murton. People like you trip over themselves upon examination of his small sample size of work in 2007. But bottom line is he lacks big league quality pitches and is nothing more than a back of the bullpen type at this level. If he is even that.
by MDBNIU on May 5, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
youre sick and tired?
really? didnt sense that.
baaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on May 5, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the rotation is going to shape up a lot better now.
Z and Demp have been solid every time they have pitched. Lilly is starting to settle down and look like the Lilly from last year. We are much better off with Lieber coming in now instead of Hill and if he can pitch like he has in relief we will have a solid 1-4 in the rotation. Once Lou gets his head on straight and realizes that marquis is complete garbage and gets gallagher/marshall in there all they will need to do is work maybe 5-6 innings and give up less than 5 runs and they will be fine.
by CubsBall2202 on May 5, 2008 4:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
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