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Felix Pie...

Me_rooftop_tiny by Ryan at Cubshub on

Obviously there has been debate about the ability/effectiveness of Felix Pie and today he played well... I've always been a big fan of Pie, so it was no surprise that Pie looked like a capable major league outfielder. That being said, I know that this site was fairly split when it came to Pie, so I figured it was time for discussion in its own thread, despite the fact that this has been a topic in various threads this year... and discuss...

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (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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Today

He played like we all hoped he would… I’d like to think he gets a few more starts… Im curious to see what the rest of you think

One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola

by Ryan at Cubshub on Sep 11, 2008 12:32 AM CDT   0 recs

If Pie comes in and becomes a spark in a position that we are now lacking production

THAN SUPER Soto was the spark down the stretch and he could be a turnaround player for his budding career and the club. Edmonds has done well for the most part until the last 15 days.

Just sit back and see if Pie can prove himself—-if he does well great.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Sep 11, 2008 11:06 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

+ a billion

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

by MPH73 on Sep 11, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

discuss what?

 1 game? Laughable. It’s no secret to many on this board about my feelings about Felix and my opinion of what his future in this league will be, but either way, whether he went 5-5 or 05 0-5, it’s silly to even “discuss”.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 11, 2008 12:41 AM CDT   0 recs

Its silly...

to discuss a member of the team? Really?

To be honest, if he’d have gone 0-for-5 he’d have been burried within this message board and with most Cubs fans.

See: Casey McGahee.

Pie looked good and it deserves discussion. At the least, he earned another start.

One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought you ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth.
Joe Garagiola

by Ryan at Cubshub on Sep 11, 2008 12:57 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

and it's MeGehee.

 and yes, it’s silly to discuss a player on 1 game, period.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 11, 2008 2:22 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

then why did you post here?

"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08

by JB 23 on Sep 11, 2008 8:07 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think its silly

To express such hostility when you can hide behind the curtain of your computer monitor. If you focused 10% of your energy on making well thought out and respectful comments, rather than short and sharp remarks, you would probably have good points that are taken seriously.

by StevenABQ on Sep 11, 2008 9:35 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This from the guy who told us that the Diamondbacks were the team to beat this year.

I think back in April you basically conceeded the pennant to them, didn’t you?

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Sep 11, 2008 1:01 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ahh nice touch cryer

if I didn’t forget everything you ever said, I might disparage you as well, but fortunately for me, I have a selective memory when it comes to someone who has never played the game in his life.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 11, 2008 2:17 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Also

You sound as if it’s an impossibility that the DBacks won’t beat the Cubs. Still many, many games to play son, you should know that.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 11, 2008 2:18 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

yawn

another replay of the same tired garbage.

"I guess you had some lean years, and didnt have to beat it hard" - Craig Sager

SORIANO WATCH: AVG: .291 27 HR 69 RBI

by Galvan316 on Sep 11, 2008 2:23 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Didn't you say that the Cubs were out of it in May?

That this was a mediocre team at best?

Yes, I know, the whole selective memory thing will be applied. However, I don’t make as asinine comments as yourself to warrant standing out from shear stupidity.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Sep 11, 2008 4:17 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

cryer?

This team was mediocre in May and unless it wins the World Series, will reamain forever, mediocre.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 11, 2008 5:38 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

So, IF this team wins the division

it will be mediocre? So mediocre teams win divisions? Mediocre teams have the third best win percentage in baseball?

Hmm… I would say that is indicative of GOOD teams.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Sep 11, 2008 6:57 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

that's an awfully wide definintion

of “mediocre”.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 11, 2008 9:33 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Wait, what?

The Cubs went 18-11 in May – that’s a .621 winning percentage. Their runs scored to runs allowed ratio was 148:109. What are you talking about?

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 11, 2008 9:41 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes, but we've played a lot more games than we have left...

…and the Diamondbacks have a losing record.

And I love how you presume that just because you and I disagree on so much that I’ve never played the game in my life.

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Sep 11, 2008 9:30 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Exactly! If you haven't played the game you just can't understand it

That’s why John Kruk obviously knows so much more about baseball than Bill James.

by Wreckard on Sep 11, 2008 12:20 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

hehehe

that sarcasm, that’s funny stuff

by philadelphiacub on Sep 11, 2008 12:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

hogwash.

He came up and in ONE GAME, had an impact. Timely hitting, an excellent eye for two walks, good defense in the outfield. I wish Lou had had him run more on the bases, but maybe that’s for today.

He should DEFINITELY get the start today.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 11, 2008 9:28 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

okay discuss all you want

but no one is going to be convinced either way…i think 50 percent of the people here think felix is a great addition to the expanded roster and will help out in certain situations

25 percent will say he will never do any good and will never give him do credit for anything he does well

the last 25 percent will say he is a rising star and deserves more starts and won’t look beyond his faults

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 11, 2008 1:07 AM CDT   0 recs

I'd still rather have Reed Johnson out there...

Good game last night by Felix, though.

Nobody cares about your fantasy league baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Sep 11, 2008 6:28 AM CDT   0 recs

Pie looked good...

but it was just one game. Really doesn’t matter until we have a larger sample size, but then again, what are the chances of that happening? Wish he would have run on Larue at some point in the evening after Molina went down, but he played well and deserves another couple spot starts.

Still, no reason to get too excited. 1 game.

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Sep 11, 2008 7:21 AM CDT   0 recs

I was one...

…who agreed with Lou’s decision to not play him more early in the season, because he obviously felt he wasn’t ready. I also predicted yesterday, that Pie would be in the starting lineup, because I thought Piniella would be looking to inject some energy and also knowing Pie would be eager to succeed.

You never know when a young player has made that next step to becoming an everday player. I hope Pie makes it difficult for Piniella to not give him more opportunties, because I love the speed he brings to the offense. Time and a few more AB’s will tell more about where Pie is at in regards to making the adjustments from where he was at beflore, but I was thrilled to see him be an impact last night.

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

by MPH73 on Sep 11, 2008 7:35 AM CDT   1 recs

Agreed.

Both themes in this post are correct: he looked good last night. Maybe he can build on that. But it is far too early to make any judgments based on one game.

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

by Al on Sep 11, 2008 7:51 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

each game at a time

that is all anyone asks

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Sep 11, 2008 11:08 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

he certainly looked

like he had a little better idea about how to approach each at bat. ….instead of just grip it and rip it.

by MOCubsfan on Sep 11, 2008 1:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

If he continues to make adjustments

I think he’ll see more playing time. That opposite-field single last night was exactly what the Cubs needed at the time, and have needed during this skid. If his swing gets ‘long’ again, then it will be time to sit him down.

Hopefully he’s learned his lessons while in Iowa, and he will have an impact down the stretch, just as Soto did last year.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Sep 11, 2008 8:26 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

well said

Pretty much what I thought last night. If he continues to show patience and an ability to take what is given, he’ll get chances.

Same could be said of his entire career, but who knows when/if it kicks in for the kid.

As I said in game thread, for all the garbage he gets (some from me), I gotta give the kid credit for doing the right things…especially in a week when so few on the team are patient or looking to go the other way.

by JCD on Sep 11, 2008 8:53 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I hope so...

…and like I said, you just never know when the light bulb will go on for certain players and it would be great if Felix has had that happen.

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

by MPH73 on Sep 11, 2008 9:02 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

If the light went on

that would be great. As much as the Edmonds/Johnson platoon has worked, for the long-term stability of the position, it would be great to see Felix find some success and confidence, starting with yesterday’s game.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Sep 11, 2008 9:14 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes, good call yesterday...

…on Pie being in the starting lineup. I doubted the prediction and it came to pass. It turned out to be the right move.

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 11, 2008 8:46 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah

this discussion is pretty much pointless. Those who hate him, hate him. Those who love him, love him. Those like me think, I sure hope he CAn figure it all out cause he has a lot of talent and it would be a waste not to find a way for him to play at this level. Good play last night IMO. Keep it up Felix.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Sep 11, 2008 7:54 AM CDT   0 recs

+2

We won! So let’s keep Pie in until we lose or he does something/s obviously boneheaded. He’s only 1—I repeat 1—-of 9 other hitters and fielders. – TL

by timlacy on Sep 11, 2008 9:38 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Thought I would do you all a favor

and not create a new fanpost for this comment and/or discussion.

There have been statements about the Brewers here and there but the way I see it, the Cubs and the Brewers are the same exact team. They both have potent offenses that have been fairly weak as of late. they both have bullpens that have their strengths and weaknesses but lately have been asleep. They both pulled out wind last night when they really had to but they both look like teams that are scraping by.

This scares me because even if things stay exactly the same from here on out and the Cubs win the division (and best case scenario knock the Brewers out with a solid performance in MIL in a couple weeks), this team has nothing behind it. Here’s what I mean…

On a night when we all watched a spectacular perfoemance by Lilly, we watched a fairly stagnant offense scrape by on poor defense and errors. Then we watched our trusty closer make this game much closer than it had to be.

Before you say this, I am not “on the ledge” and I am not nay saying. I am simply pointing out that this team does not strike me as one that will advance beyond stage one of the postseason.

PLEASE GOD…LET ME BE WRONG. CROW WOULD NEVER TASTE SO DAMN SWEET!

Just my thoughts.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Sep 11, 2008 8:02 AM CDT   0 recs

Obvious answer....

….if the Cubs play in October the way they have in the last 2 weeks, your fears are right on. If they play in October the way they did for the first 19 weeks, your fears will be completely unwarranted.

So, lets see which team shows up for October.

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

by MPH73 on Sep 11, 2008 8:06 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

They are the same except

On defense. Yes the Cubs have been shaky lately but for the most part this year they have been one of the best I feel. That’s the difference.

And the Bullpen. Yes the Cubs have been shaky lately but the Brewers bull pen has been BAD ALL YEAR. Don’t let 2 weeks fool you.

by niuhuskie224 on Sep 11, 2008 8:18 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cubs don't rely on the homerun either...

These teams are really different in my book. Just because they win and lose games at the same time doesn’t make them similar. One team is almost 30 games over and the other is 20 games over.

"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 Fishbone2 on Sep 11, 2008 8:21 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Which is fortunate, because we don't hit them!

In the spirit of this FanPost, however, I remain excited about Felix Pie, and it was obviously fun to see him lay off some close pitches for walks.

In Pie’s defense, he got rung up on some of those borderline pitches earlier this year.

I think that we need him for the playoff roster, as an OF defense replacement and a pinch runner. He can take Howry’s place.

by D98 on Sep 11, 2008 10:45 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Cubs have a much deeper bench

This is why they have been such a good team. Even when someone is injured, you have a player who could probably start on a lot of other teams.

As for their recently struggles, it seems like once they get a few runs, everybody gets less patient and isn’t willing to battle as much, and that lets the other team back in it.

by dr stabbingworth on Sep 11, 2008 8:11 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Sure but when you put it that way

you expect that it is simple for the players to grasp this idea and act on it. Even after Lou’s tirade, they came out playing solid ball but let up somewhat. As for DLee, I cannot take his lack of production much longer. He is the “anti-clutch” if you ask me.

This is one of the things killing this teams hopes of success IMO. I love the guy’s defense but everyone claimed Theriot’s BA is empty, I say DLee gives him some serious competition in this category.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Sep 11, 2008 8:16 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Theriot's AVG is pretty empty.

Of course, that’s what he’s paid to do. Get on base at or near a .400 clip, and score as many runs as possible with the big bats coming up next.

I agree completely about Lee’s empty batting average – it’s been a very poor season for him. His SLG is way down – and he’s being paid for his power. His stats with RISP and 2 outs are eye-poppingly bad.

A couple of October HR, and all is forgiven. But I’m not expecting it – and I’ll bet that the front office already has plans to make a change at 1B in the near future.

by D98 on Sep 11, 2008 10:48 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think you may be right..

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Sep 11, 2008 12:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh the bench thing is spot on.

It’s almost like a gamble though cause sometimes, if you pick the right bench guy to spot start, you hit the jackpot, other times, you crap out.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Sep 11, 2008 8:16 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This doesn't matter anyway

Because no matter how well Pie plays, unless Edmonds, Dome, Reed or Sori get hurt, he isn’t going to be on the playoff roster.

Speaking of which, is there anyone that should be left off that you think will make it anyway?

by niuhuskie224 on Sep 11, 2008 8:20 AM CDT   0 recs

I disagree

Howry isn’t going. Pie is. IMO.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 11, 2008 9:38 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agree completely.

Marquis will take Howry’s spot in the bullpen. Pie will take Howry’s spot on the playoff roster.

by D98 on Sep 11, 2008 10:49 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Howry is one of Lou's boys.

I will be very surprised if Howry is not on the post-season roster.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Sep 11, 2008 12:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I haven't seen Howry recently

Maybe the light finally went on in Lou’s head. Besides, in a short series, Howry is pretty redundant.

by dr stabbingworth on Sep 11, 2008 1:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You mean....he's in....Lou's.....

doghouse!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 11, 2008 1:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 11, 2008 2:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

it's an internet

doghouse. :P

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Sep 11, 2008 2:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

He meant to post this..

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 11, 2008 2:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

For this you so

deserve to be elected.

by sue369 on Sep 11, 2008 2:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Together...we can make the difference!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 11, 2008 2:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I just joined the Chicks and Beer Party

Sorry, But I still might vote for you.

Theriot, Fonty, and Johnson = The Scrappy Pyramid of Victory

by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Sep 11, 2008 3:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I understand that that party is filled with a bunch of boobs.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 11, 2008 3:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Too early to tell...

…if Pie is ready to be on a playoff roster. The first game was nice and I would love to see him play well enouph to be on the playoff roster (with his speed and defense). But calling this after one game is a little premature.

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

by MPH73 on Sep 11, 2008 10:53 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Pie

I was at the game last night and I could not believe what I saw. Pie walked twice against lefties. He has like a .109 average with a .148 OBP against lefties lifetime going into the game.

by CubFaninStLouis on Sep 11, 2008 8:25 AM CDT   0 recs

Pie was definitely the right call

This team needed a spark and he brought just that. Also, I forgot how speedy he is in the outfield. He was so quick to grab Pujols’ double in the 9th. I’m not so sure he won’t make a playoff roster. I’m not his biggest fan, but this team looks so sluggish, Pie might be just the right remedy.

by mgfabc on Sep 11, 2008 8:53 AM CDT   0 recs

I will trust the Edmonds/Johnson platoon in a playoff situation

more than I ever will with Felix Pie .. He’s on the short leash and after one game, he passes muster.

But it’s only one game. I have always liked Felix and always hoped he’ll come around, but I am all for keeping him snug on the bench during the next month or so for spot starts and pinch running, saving ballgame and Reedo for pinch hitting if he’s chosen to start.

FeliX is that .. an X factor .. no more at this point ..

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Sep 11, 2008 8:55 AM CDT   0 recs

One thing to remember is how Lou handled Geo last year in September.

Geo came up in September and had a chance to play when Jason Kendall was slumping and grabbed onto the starting catcher job. He played so well, he started the first 2 games of the division series. (and hit the only home run for the Cubs.)

Pie was given a chance last night and played well, and most likely earned another start. It’s up to Felix how much playing time he gets the rest of the month. His play will dictate whether or not he is in the lineup and on the playoff roster.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Sep 11, 2008 10:00 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Wrong.

I refuse to believe Braden Looper, Flores, and Villone qualify as MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHING. If there is one thing a certain someone on BCB has taught me, it’s that Pie CANNOT hit MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHING. So, obviously, they must not be MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHING. Or he isn’t really Felix Pie. One of the two.

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Sep 11, 2008 10:01 AM CDT to parent up   1 recs

Yes, and if BCB has taught me anything...

…it’s that anyone not named Rich Harden is NOT a major league pitcher. They are all just pretenders to the throne.

"I see the playoff schedule posted in the paper, and that stuff makes me nervous because you can't take anything for granted. We have a great team. We have a really good team. We're playing well, but we haven't won yet." - Jim Edmonds, 8/31/08

by dat cubfan daver on Sep 11, 2008 10:06 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Indeed.

He may need 100 pitches to get through 5, but he at least he ain’t some 2-PITCH pitcher who belongs in AAAA.

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Sep 11, 2008 10:19 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Rec'd

I’m waiting to see how Lou plays or does not play Pie. Just a few days ago, Al had reason to believe Lou didn’t want Felix at all. He may still not want Felix to play. Felix got a shot against a pitcher who has struggled v. LHB during a stretch when the Cubs hitters were not getting it done. We’ll see if he gets another shot.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Sep 11, 2008 12:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey, thanks!

And if anyone else wants to rec my post, please feel free. I’m not trying to be arrogant or anything here, I’ve just always wanted to see one of my posts