Replace Howry with the Shark?
by cubsonWGN4ever on Jul 25, 2008 5:37 PM CDT
33 comments
Even though Jeff Samardzija gave up the tying run today due to a rookie mistake, a wild pitch, he still kept the game manageable in two nice innings of work. Unfortunately the Cubs offense couldn't "Howry Proof" the game.
So we have one young pitcher who throws absolute fireballs - he was hitting 97 - and one aging pitcher who's completely lost his consistency. Something he used to be known for.
This all begs the question, should we DFA Howry and let the Shark stay up when wood returns from the DL in a few days?
If we're going for the world series THIS YEAR, I'm not sure we can afford to let a veteran work out his demons. The bullpen has been shaky as of late and I personally think an infusion of new blood would be a good thing. Especially in the form of the Shark who comes with his own swagger and big game confidence.
Is there someone else in the Bullpen who we'd rather replace?
Thoughts?
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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Greg Norman?
He did okay recently in the British Open and I suppose right now he’s in better command of his game than Howry or Marmol, so why not give it a shot?
by DudeVf11 on Jul 25, 2008 5:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Howry's gotta go
Whether the Shark is the answer or not, it’s time to DFA Bob Howry. His recent performances might make Hendry look into the trade market, but the Shark could be an in-house solution.
by jmroe23 on Jul 25, 2008 5:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We can't DFA Howry YET
Wood is hurt and Marmol is still shaky. Howry was fantastic in May and June he was OK. July minus this past week he has only had 1 other bad outing. I think this week is just exploding in front of us because they have been 3 bad outings.
by ak123 on Jul 25, 2008 5:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Howry this year...
W/RISP 2 Outs: 14.09 ERA
W/RISP: 6.38 ERA
RUNNERS ON: 5.81 ERA
BASES EMPTY: 4.37 ERA
LAST 20 IP: 13 EARNED RUNS
Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a set up (or 2nd set up) guy.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 25, 2008 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You win
Can’t really back my statement up after seeing that
by ak123 on Jul 25, 2008 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL...I wasn't trying to "win"...
I was just as shocked as you after seeing those numbers. I knew Howry was bad this year, but the above relief situations and his results are just mind boggling on how bad he really has been.
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 25, 2008 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you positive about all those numbers
on his profile on mlb.com it didn’t seem as bad as that. Yes his ERA is above 5.00 but it just seemed like he had some brutal outings. This past week has just really gotten our attention.
by ak123 on Jul 25, 2008 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, I'm sure
Nobody cares about your fantasy league team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 25, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bring Back Wuertz
Look, Wuertz isn’t any great shakes as a pitcher, but I feel he can do a better job than Howry. Wuertz has more experience than the Shark. I wish Hendry would make a move to help the pen. None of the in-house options are too wonderful.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Jul 25, 2008 5:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think the bullpen is the problem
The problem the last week or so has been the Cubs’ biggest bats aren’t producing the way they have been. By and large, the pitching has been good.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 25, 2008 5:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree that the bats are a huge problem
but we MUST be able to consistently win the 1-0, 2-1 games and hold a one run lead.
by cubsonWGN4ever on Jul 25, 2008 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Replace Howry with SOMEONE, absolutely.
Too early to say if it’s the Shark or not. One game doesn’t tell us much.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 25, 2008 6:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Who is out there?
Bullpen is just shot right now. Geez just think this was once a strong suit to this team.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jul 25, 2008 6:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It might be a stretch
but Ceda’s still performing.
by morgane on Jul 25, 2008 6:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I prefer keeping Howry on the roster and using him very sparingly
in hopes he does eventually come out of his awfulness. If for no other reason keep him so that we can collect draft picks after this season.
Clever signature line
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 25, 2008 7:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the Sharks
Future is as a starter and I hope they dont try and make him a middle reliever, he can bring it and has improving secondary pitches and is clearly able to handle pressure, given his collegiate record and improved stats as hes climbed the minor league ladder.
I just cant see a rookie playing such a huge 7th/8th inning role for this current team, I got the impression he was going to be sent back down when Wood comes back. My hope would be get can take Marquis spot when the Cubs ultimately come to a resolution with him/or when his contract runs out.
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
by bren on Jul 25, 2008 7:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
I think his future is as a closer. Starting him in middle relief is the right thing to do.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 25, 2008 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Shark is our Joba
He is a guy who is not ready for the rotation, but who could be an asset as a flamethrower out of the pen. A year from now he might be in the fight for the No. 4 or No. 5 starting role, and if he learns to pitch he could become a No. 1 or No. 2. But in the short term, having a guy who can throw 97 out of the pen and go two innings is an amazing bonus.
In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband
by Ross on Jul 25, 2008 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Yankees....
... would be better off with Joba as a lights-out setup man; he’s been good but not dominant as a starter.
The Shark is excellent closer material. Yes, it could take 3-4 years before he can step into that role. But until then, he could become that setup man (and even that might take a year or so).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jul 26, 2008 4:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well if his future is a closer, its not as a Cub
theres no way he’ll be as good as Marmol, and Marmol isnt even close to his peak yet, as the last 6 weeks or so have shown.
Id hate to see them waste his talents in the ninth inning role, if he can throw that hard and even get his secondary pitches to a league avg level, hed be a solid 4 or 5
I just dont see why theyd shell out 10 million only to make him a closer when theyve got Wood, Marmol, and even Cashner (thats the draft picks name, right?)
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
by bren on Jul 25, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ease your pain
they are – OK – IMO
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Jul 25, 2008 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if Howry is done...
...but his margin of error has always been small.
Considering he throws 90% of his pitches the same speed (all fastballs), the past success he has had has been because he has been able to paint the corners. When he loses that command, he becomes very hittable, because you can basically dial up his pitch speed with confidence.
It’s best this happens now before the deadline, so Hendry can address it.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jul 25, 2008 7:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't care about the replacement
Just get rid of Howry!!!!
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 25, 2008 9:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
indeed
"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 Jul 25, 2008 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ill write for BlueMike for this post....
a big giant SIGH…..........and a sarcastic “OK”
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Jul 25, 2008 11:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pitching is King!
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
by Bump Bailey on Jul 26, 2008 12:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
people said...
his control was an issue…he threw 23 of 31(?) pitches for strikes…thats not bad! yes i saw the one go to the backstop, but that was on a pitchout. it was his debut as a big-leaguer. he had butterflies! hes gonna bounce pitches in the dirt if hes a breaking ball pitcher.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark
by preachermancubsfan on Jul 26, 2008 1:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
But he can't strike anyone out
the batters were fouling off pitch after pitch until Howry missed his spot. He isn’t able to put guys away this year.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Jul 26, 2008 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
howry
i swear as soon as howry came in ,i said there goes the game.right as rain.amazing someone who never played the game knows this but pinella does,nt.keep it up bob and soon you,ll be as popular as latroy hawkins.
by NOMAR on Jul 26, 2008 7:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
emotions emotions
It would be fan stupid to DFA Howry, if he was available all the contenders would trade for him.
Howry needs to move down the bullpen order and find his command, just like Eryre last year---REMEMBER.
As for bringing up Wuertz, that might be something to consider….
Bullpen; Marmol, Eyre, Samardz, Wood (returning), Cotts, Howry either Gaudin or Marshall….
Now my thought remains whether Samardz is being auditioned for the stretch meaning that Marquis could be traded moving Marshall to the rotation—-hoping that by mid-to-late August Hill has healed and recovered and bringing him up for some starts.
Meaning Gaudin and Marshall stay and Howry might be traded with Wuertz coming up….
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jul 26, 2008 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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