Gameboard, Set, Match: Milton Bradley Signs With Cubs
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 5:30 PM CST
in The Next 100 Years
572 comments
The deal, expected to be in the three-year, $30 million range, will be finalized after the two sides work through language issues and Bradley passes a physical, sources said.
We also don't yet know how that $30m is going to be split up, whether it might be another of Jim Hendry's patented backloaded contracts. For that, we'll have to wait and see.
Since I've been anti-Bradley since the rumors of his possible signing began, I thought it'd be worth a front-page post to discuss what he can -- and shouldn't -- bring to the Cubs. It's clear that the Cubs have never had a player quite like this before. When healthy, his combination of power and speed and plate discipline has been matched by few major league hitters. He led the AL last year in OBA and had a .999 OPS, higher than any 2008 Cub.
Unfortunately, about 2/3 of his 2008 games were played at DH, the results of a healing knee injury that was suffered during an altercation with umpire Mike Winters on September 23, 2007. Bradley went crazy and had to be tackled by his own manager, resulting in the knee injury. To be fair to Bradley, he was apparently baited by umpire Mike Winters, and according to this, that wasn't the first time Winters had pulled a stunt like that.
photo via images.athlonsports.com
You can call that passion, or you can call it stupidity. In reality, it's a little of both. It winds up being stupid when it costs your team games while you can't play. Bradley hit .313/.414/.590 in his 42 games with the Padres -- don't you think they could have used him that final week of 2007? It can be reasonably argued that Bradley's tirade may have cost the Padres a playoff spot, which they lost by one game in a tiebreaker. Maybe Bradley would have helped them win one more game that last week, had he been available, and they wouldn't have had to go to the tiebreaker. You can say all you want that "half a season of Bradley is 'better' than a full season of Abreu or Dunn", and statistically speaking, you'd be right. But Bradley can't win games for his team when he's hurt, and he has played 140 or more games in a season once in his career -- in 2004 with the Dodgers. Perhaps NOT coincidentally, that was LA's only postseason appearance between 1995 and 2008.
Teammates and managers of Bradley's have said that he wants to win so badly that he sometimes goes off the deep end, which is true -- we have seen evidence of it in several different uniforms, and the story is that he had such a bad relationship with Eric Wedge, his manager in Cleveland, that they almost had to trade him.
Passion and desire to win are great. That's something that every professional athlete should have. That said, they have to channel it in ways that go into winning on the field, not running after umpires -- even when you're right -- and not chasing after the opposing team's broadcaster when you think you've heard something you don't like (haven't we had enough of our players calling up our OWN broadcasters when they didn't like what they heard?).
You know that this is the first thing the Chicago media is going to ask him about at the press conference announcing his signing. The way he reacts to the questions will tell us a lot about how he will approach his time in Chicago. He has played in "big markets" before -- but LA's pretty laid-back, Oakland isn't really a big baseball town, and Texas doesn't have the passion for its team the way Cubs fans do.
I'd rather have had Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu. But I'll say this: Jim Hendry has done a fine job since the end of 2006, putting together good teams that are cohesive and win, and Lou Piniella, in spite of pitcher and lineup handling that sometimes makes our heads spin, is a good leader of men. I hope he will be someone who can help channel Milton Bradley's considerable passions into winning baseball. If Lou can do that for Milton -- and if Milton can stay healthy for a full season -- then I'll be happy to say I was wrong, and I think I'll also be celebrating another Cubs division title.
Welcome to Chicago, Gameboard. You're in for a hell of a ride.
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Whoever equates him to Jacque Jones or Neifi Perez will get their leg swept.
by NittanyCub on Jan 5, 2009 5:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He is almost as good as
Jim Hickman
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana
by copes006 on Jan 5, 2009 5:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
YEAH!!! Get him a body bag!!!
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 5, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Great move by Jim Hendry signing Bradley .. Over a 300 career avg .. 22 homeruns last year .. More at Wrigley Field 28 ? 29 ? hrs ??? One signing down . Now two trades to go … Roberts and Peavey ..
by CUBFANINAZ on Jan 5, 2009 5:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
roberts AND peavy?
I’d say there is literally a .0001% chance of that happening. Maybe peavy, and MAYBE roberts but not both, no way.
by KButler on Jan 5, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Neither.
I think Hendry’s done, with the exception of a minor tweak or two.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 5:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Was Hendry forced to this signing Cubs need a LH bat
MB is young
Abreu. 35
Dunn: Too many Ks
trades: Can’t do it b/c of the possibilities of either JP or BR/ (wishful thinking)
or the trades that did happen to cut down payoll Marquis/DeRosa
What else could he have done?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
to cubfreak I agree
Agree with you …
by CUBFANINAZ on Jan 5, 2009 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks CUBFANINAZ
I mean the money is not bad, its just the whole DL thing
what else, who else, is out there to fit for this team
Did it had to be 3 years?
Is there a no trade clause?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 6:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Read today in mlb
Read today on mlb that Hendry himself said he had a couple of moves to go .. Hope the writer of article is right … also in Baltimore Sun news paper said Orioles are probably going to trade Brian Roberts .. and yes , as a fan of the Cubs i am really hoping to trade for Roberts .. great glove , swich hitter , great arm , scores a ton of runs .. steals bases , also heard he is a really good person on and off the field .. line up would be set .
by CUBFANINAZ on Jan 5, 2009 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think
the Cubs can add any more salary at this point. They clearly had to dump DeRosa and Marquis before signing Bradley. I don’t think we could add Roberts’ salary, let alone Peavy as others are suggesting.
by Josh77 on Jan 5, 2009 5:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey uh...
Hey uh…
You wouldn’t happen to have a sister that also frequents this place would ya?
by StevenABQ on Jan 5, 2009 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roberts
Hendry can’t get enough 2nd basemen..you are probably right..he goes after Roberts
The journey is the reward!
by wicubfan on Jan 6, 2009 8:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, Roberts isn't mediocre
Hendry only loves AAAA roster filler 2B
by dr stabbingworth on Jan 6, 2009 9:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Hendry
isn’t done pursuing Peavy for two reasons. One, he rarely stops until he gets the guy he wants (I know there are a few examples, Roberts being one of them), two, I still can’t believe he would trade DeRosa unless that meant he was going to be make another run at Peavy.
I'm finally moving on...
by slocs55 on Jan 5, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh.
Seriously. The Peavy thing is done. The Padres are about to be sold, which means they can keep him. They’ve already publicly stated — BOTH parties — that Hendry’s done with this.
What part of this don’t you see? It’s not posturing, that’d be ridiculous.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 8:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When did Hendry say he was done with it?
He said he’d never close the door on such an opportunity. Maybe that’s code for “done”, but I’m not so sure. What’s Peavy going to do for the Padres in ‘09 or ’10 or even ’11? All he can do for them is sell a few season tickets for ’09 right now in January. After that, he’s expensive and useless to them.
I’m not saying I think the trade will happen. Too many moving parts and what-ifs involved. But I can’t see why even the future new owner of the Padres would be so keen to keep him.
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
by JohnM on Jan 6, 2009 7:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What's he going to do in the next few years for SD?
We can’t answer that until the new owner of the Padres decides what he wants to spend on payroll.
Somehow, I doubt that’ll be less than a guy going through a nasty divorce.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 6, 2009 8:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The payroll may be bigger, that is true
be he is still facing a year coming off a last place finish and entering into a potential 2-year recession; the revenue projections for the franchise can’t be pretty. Plus he needs to find the money to buy the team first.
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
by JohnM on Jan 6, 2009 9:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The latter has apparently already happened.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 6, 2009 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And he may have Peavy in his budget going forward
but I don’t think it’s a slam-dunk that they decide to keep him. The San DIego media is saying as much,
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
by JohnM on Jan 6, 2009 9:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why then are Miles, Sullivan, Levine, Rosenthal, Olney, Stark, and the yahoo people
saying its a possibility? I admit, they say the chance is slim (Rosenthal said 10%), but to continue insisting that its dead while every media outlet says its not just because you think it’s not the best move for the team is stubborn and ignorant. It’s even possible that it’s not the best move for the team if they have to give up 7 ML players or Soto or something irreplaceable- having that opinion is fine. But to keep insisting that its done while all the sources say its possible makes little sense.
by philadelphiacub on Jan 6, 2009 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe your right,
but add the Marquis deal, I don’t think it’s the last we have heard of the Peavy deal. Only time will tell, but I don’t think it’s ridiculous at all to speculate something could still happen. I think it’s more ridiculous to think the deal is over bc the GM’s say it is, GM’s rarley tell the full story to the press.
I'm finally moving on...
by slocs55 on Jan 6, 2009 6:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, except for Kevin Towers, who blabs every time he goes to the men's room.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 6, 2009 7:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If he's done the De Rosa deal will be recorded as one of the worst in the history of the Cubs.
It only makes sense if the players acquired are to be included in a future deal for a top player.
by Fraggin Judge on Jan 7, 2009 12:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
so you're saying there's a chance! Alright!!
"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett
by The Ryno and I Know on Jan 6, 2009 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not someone quite like Roberts...
I don’t think Miles will cut it as an everyday second basemen.
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jan 5, 2009 6:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry but
Bradley is a career .280 hitter not a .300 hitter
I like the idea about more HR but 22 was his career high,
I do hope we can get another arm and/or bat. I just looks like we replaced Bradley for DeRosa
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley replaces Edmonds.
Miles replaces stands in the same position as DeRo.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Jan 5, 2009 7:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lets just say Bradley production replaces Dero...
Well, at least thats the idea…
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If he stays healthy and plays 140+ games...
then this is a good signing. Since that’s incredibly unlikely to happen, to me this is a very poor acquisition.
by kanderber on Jan 5, 2009 5:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Here's a question.
If he plays only 15 regular season games, but plays every post-season game, hitting .325/.425/.550, leading the Cubs into the World Series, will he still be a very poor acquisition?
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 Jan 5, 2009 8:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I won't care what happens at that point.
We’d be in the World Series.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jan 5, 2009 8:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And if my aunt had a you-know-what...
she’d be my uncle. What kind of crazy hypothetical is this?
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 8:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As for my answer...
I’d say that it would then be an unbelievably lucky bad acquisition. There are any number of potential realities that could occur based on this signing. The actual outcome relies on random chance. The results would be nice, but they wouldn’t suggest that the acquisition was a good one. Just a lucky break at the end.
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My point
is that we don’t need Bradley in the regular season. We’ll score runs without him just fine. The vaunted LH bat was “needed” just for the post-season and the Cubs will do everything they can to have him and Harden healthy for the post-season.
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 Jan 5, 2009 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And Bradley is less likely to play in October than any other Cub...
Saying that the Cubs will do everything they can to have him healthy for October is pointless and naive. The Cubs can only do so much to avoid Bradley getting hurt. Simply putting Bradley on the baseball field has resulted in Bradley missing close to half his time in the big leagues. Unless they simply don’t play Bradley all year, he’s at a greater risk of being hurt in October than any other option available.
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 8:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I grant that
Again, the point is that his regular season playing time isn’t an issue Cub fans should be worrying about.
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 Jan 5, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be worried about BOTH the regular season and playoffs...
I think we’re going to need Bradley’s bat to offset the loss of DeRosa and Edmonds and the weakened bullpen.
The regular season playing time may very well be relevant.
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure it is.
You can’t just assume that this team will make the playoffs. Unfortunately it’s not that easy.
by kanderber on Jan 5, 2009 8:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly, there is a reason why the Cubs had the best offense in the NL in 08...
Even without Derosa, this team will have great offense. Keep in mind D-Lee had a bad season (well, that is for D-Lee standards), and Soriano had a freek injury. If Soriano can avoid any freek injury and D-Lee can avoid those horrendous double plays, then expect the cubs offensive production to be close to last year. Even if the Cubs have Bradely for 80 games, I bet the Cubs will have similar numbers to last year.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish I had the same confidence in the Cubs' 2009 offense, but I don't....
The team is depending on D.Lee and Fukudome to rebound from dismal 2nd half seasons and Lee’s was a dismal 3/4 season. That Johnson will also produce at similar levels and that bradley is healthy. If this is the O that we go with then we need better starting pitching and bullpen.
by DudeVf11 on Jan 5, 2009 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
DeRosa, Theriot, Fontenot, and Soto had career years. Jim Edmonds added an excellent punch. I doubt they all repeat those career years, and Edmonds and DeRosa are gone.
I still think they will win the division, but I highly doubt they score crazy runs like last year.
by dr stabbingworth on Jan 6, 2009 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't be that overconfident about our offense, either...
without Bradley, we won’t be nearly the offensive juggernaut we were last year. We won’t have Edmonds and we won’t have DeRosa, and it’s debatable whether we’ll have as productive a season from Theriot and Fontenot. We may very well NEED Bradley’s offense during the season to make the playoffs.
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, their SP will certainly be better than last year
Since the Cubs have a full year of Harden (I have him to pitch about 24 games), with the sharp decline of the Brewers, and the Cardinals yet not to make a major move this year, don’t expct the NL central to be competitive as last year.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly?
You’re assuming that:
1) Dempster pitches close to as well as his career year again;
2) Harden stays healthy for 20+ starts;
3) The #5 spot is adequately filled by Marshall/Samardzija/??; and
4) We don’t have any injury issues with Zambrano.
I wouldn’t say the rotation will certainly be better. It’s very possible that the rotation is better, but I wouldn’t count on it.
The good news is that, as you say, the division should be weaker next year. But we’ll still have to hope that Bradley doesn’t find his way to the DL by October if we are going to have a good shot of making an impact in the postseason.
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I never said that Demps will pitch like last year..
But would you love to have Harden from the start of the seasn rather than just having Lieber/Marshall/Marquis as your potential 4/5 SP? Of course a full year of Harden in the rotation could mean more hell for the NL, but again…its all projections.
Thus, same can be said about the Cubs offense…
Can Fuku rebound from a bad season? Can Lee avoid the DP’s and put up better numbers? Will Soriano be more healthy than last season (in other words, hope of avoiding a freek injury)? Will Fontenot prove to be a reliable hitter etc.
The Cubs offense can possibly put up similar numbers to last year or maybe not.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They can possibly do lots of things...
You used the words “certainly” in terms of the starting pitching being better. That was my beef. It’s definitely a possibility, but to say it’s a certainty is quite an assumption.
This team has a lot of potential – there’s no denying that. But it has added tons of risk as well. For a team that won 97 games last year, I think the expectated win total is now lower. There’s certainly the possibility of doing a lot worse than last year’s win total, and also the possibility of doing a bit better.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 8:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Question #1: How will Bradley handle adversity?
My biggest question is how he will handle adversity. For someone that feels like he has been picked on his whole life (and in many cases he has), he doesn’t seem to have very think skin. He does his best when he is accepted.
How will he do when the RF bleachers turn on him after a slump? (And I think they’ll be quick to turn on him. He won’t have the 150 game grace period that Fukudome got.) I really don’t worry about him in the clubhouse, with his teammates. But I do worry about him keeping his head in the game when his own fans get on him (i’m sure he’s very used to being heckled on the road).
by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Jan 5, 2009 5:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yay.
By the way, given the choices of Abreu, Dunn, Bradley and Ibanez……I’m happiest with Bradley. But I still have reservations (like everyone else).
by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Jan 5, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's a good point, too.
Some of his new teammates, who have been here longer, have to sit down with him and have a talk so that maybe they can head that off.
Dempster would be my first choice to do that.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
mine would be
DLee
"This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There's time to discuss everything between pitches or between innings." -- Bill Veeck
by MOCubsfan on Jan 5, 2009 6:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Mine would be
DR. Phil, Plato and the shrink on the Soprano’s
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jan 5, 2009 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dr. Melfi. The bravest shrink since Dr. Ben Sobel.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 6, 2009 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dr. Katz would be a good option, too.
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 Jan 6, 2009 8:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He can use Big Z's punching bag...
The one with Michael Barrett’s face on it.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Jan 5, 2009 6:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The players that struggle with the fans when the going gets tough are the ones who fight it....
….as opposed to embracing it and going along with it. I have seen countless examples over the years sitting in RF of both approaches, and its simple human/crowd sociology.
That is what Dempster and other veterans need to convey. They might boo you but you gotta go with the flow, throw some balls into the stands, smile and joke with the fans and never rip the fans in the media.
The right and wrong of that can be debated forever, but when your dealing with a crowd mentality, that is reality…
New sig currently under construction
by JB 23 on Jan 5, 2009 7:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
At least we can stop speculating
and start rooting for Bradley. I flip flopped from wanting Bradley to wanting Dunn after seeing his EXTENSIVE injury list and games missed. However, the time for that debate is over. Now we can just simply hope that he stays healthy and hope that he produces outside of an extremely hitter friendly ball park instead of debating whether or not he will.
I will say the yes he can be a cancer and yes he might get hurt. But neither of those things, IN MY OPINION, would destroy this club. Soriano went down for a month and a half and the cubs were fine. (I realize that much of us feel his is overrated now, but still) This team will probably win the division rather easily considering every other team has gotten worse (most significantly) in the division and we just want the post season now. As far as locker room, Z is crazy, things still work out though. If he gets too nuts, lou benches him for a while and we move on with Fuku. We dont NEED him to be a good team and thats why we can take this risk. At least thats how i feel.
(Still should get peavy…hahahahaha)
by KButler on Jan 5, 2009 5:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Cancer?
I havent seen any evidence of that.
Z should out crazy Bradley on his first day. Ya know, establish the looniness pecking order.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Jan 5, 2009 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
alright maybe not in the clubhouse
but to the fans for sure. And apparently announcers, umpires and coaches at times too. But like I said, I want him to do well and in all honesty like the signing.
by KButler on Jan 5, 2009 5:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Z doesn't fight umpires
They all back down when they see him coming!
by dr stabbingworth on Jan 6, 2009 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that's because they see
Ted Lilly standing behind him.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Jan 6, 2009 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Need crystal ball
I agree .. Hope he stays healthy .. and watches his temper .
by CUBFANINAZ on Jan 5, 2009 5:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
After calming down a bit
I will say this……. Maybe..hopefully..he can have the 3 best years of his career. I don’t like the signing one bit but I will be his #1 supporter from this point forward. As always go cubbies!
Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!
by cubsluver22 on Jan 5, 2009 5:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
All I can say is
this signing makes me nervous.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Jan 5, 2009 5:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Better than Abreu
Bradley is a better signing than Abreu, given Abreu’s age and salary demands. I was a Dunn proponent, but I was thinking the other day how Dunn was soundly criticized in late 2006 for disappearing in September, when the Reds had a shot of beating the Cardinals in the Central. I seem to recall that Dunn had like two RBIs in September that year.
I don’t know how Bradley has fared in the postseason, for the record. But maybe Hendry and Lou think Bradley will perform better under pressure.
by elgato on Jan 5, 2009 5:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Postseason stats are up and down, but overall impressive with great ALCS
In 2004 NLDS LAD vs STL, he went 3 for 11 (.273 / .500 / .636) with 1 HR and 1 RBI
In 2006 ALDS OAK vs MIN, he went 1 for 13 (.077 / .077 / .308) with 1 HR and 2 RBI
In 2006 ALCS OAK vs DET, he went 9 for 18 (.500 / .500 / .944) with 2 HR and 5 RBI
Overall postseason 13 for 42 (.310 / .383 / .667) with 4 HR and 8 RBI in 11 games
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on Jan 5, 2009 8:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It is now cast in stone the Cubs OF for the next 3 years
Soriano in LF, Fukudome in Cf and Bradley in RF, unless Hendry can or has to unload any of these contracts.
2009= $37.5M (RJ’s $3M & G’s $800K or $41.3M), 2010= $41M (RJ’s & Gath’s arb) and 2011=$41.5M (+ 4th & 5th )
Also I wonder if Hendry front and back loaded the contract where he offered $12M this year and $13M final year and put a donut in 2010 of $5M to help out his problem in 2010?
Also looking at the recent years Bradley has played the corner OF and not CF so I think Fukudome will be moved in later innings and either RJ or Gathright will be a substitution in late game defensive situations.
Again Cubs are now $135.5M in 2009 without the three expected minor subtractions if this is a straight $10-$10-$10M deal. That is the level the Tigers were at and above the Red Sox last year and again about a 12% increase from last year.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jan 5, 2009 5:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Actually Bradley played CF in 07
But yeah, unless his knee is significantly better than it seems he wont play center now.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Jan 5, 2009 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
except in Detroit and Comiskey this year
He will be DH’ing
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jan 5, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
interesting splits
As a LHB he hit 11 HR’s with 278 AB’s and a .929 OPS but as a RHB he hit 11 HR’s in 136 AB’s and a 1.139 OPS….he mashes lefties…..a HR in almost 12 AB’s almost Ruthian.
Day/Night splits a bit better at night but not much, especially as he likes grass.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jan 5, 2009 5:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Do we have to play any turf games at all this season?
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 5:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No.
There are only three turf parks left: Toronto, Tampa Bay and Minnesota. We don’t play in any of those in 2009.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good thing
I feel like every turf series ends with at least one player having a knee or foot problem.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not anymore
The new style turf is actually very easy on the body. The nightmare days of astroturf are a thing of the past.
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess the Toronto turf is what is sticking out in my mind
I know at least Edmonds got injured because of it this past season.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Must be...
Not sure why they haven’t joined the 21st century yet up there.
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 6:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And at least two of those turf parks (Tampa and Minnesota)...
are no longer the bad kind of turf. They’re probably as good or better on the body than natural grass.
by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I heard the Twins are getting a new ball park
will that be artificial or natural
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As a Minnesotan
I can tell you the condition of the grass: FROZEN. No roof at the Twins new stadium is up there with some of the stupidest things a team has ever done in constructing a new stadium.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jan 5, 2009 6:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
No Roof
C’mon
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Building that new park in Minneapolis without a retractable roof is suicidal. They will be playing in horrendous conditions all of April and most of May.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 8:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I am really starting to think that all cold cities need one
How cold was it at the Winter Classic compared to opening days? I went the year we brough Maddux back when we got shallacked 13-6 by the Pirates i think and that WAS TERRIBLE…
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Jan 5, 2009 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem I have with the retractable roofs
is that teams use them to much. They close the roof if there’s even a chance of rain!
I went to a Cubs/Brewers game at the end of last season and it was a beautiful day outside and they had the roof closed because it might rain.
Baseball is meant to be played outside. I enjoy sitting outside to watch a game when unless it is freezing cold or raining/snowing. Sitting in a stadium with the roof closed on a nice day just seems silly.
I would like to point out that retractable roofs in some cities don’t really make financial sense. The Cubs did not have a single rain out last year and most years don’t have more than one.
I think retractable roofs only make financial sense in cities where extreme weather happens often during the season (like the heat of Arizona or Texas or the rain of Florida).
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jan 5, 2009 10:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Minnesota needs a roof more than Texas or Arizona does.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jan 5, 2009 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Before the Twinkies played in the Metrodome,
they played in an outdoor stadium (without a roof). I don’t remember that and would be interested to hear from fans who attended games during that time.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jan 5, 2009 10:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw my first game
at the old Metropolitan Stadium. Seemed like a nice place to me, but I was only seven.
Minnesota successfully played major league baseball outdoors for 21 seasons, including one World Series and two ALCS. Now the season does go about two or three weeks later these days, but I really don’t think it’s going to be as big an issue as people think. They may have to play more double-headers than 21st century teams like to.
by Josh77 on Jan 5, 2009 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
On that point you are incorrect
For every day it’s intolerably cold in Minnesota it’s over 100 degrees in PHX. They most certainly need a roof down there.
WOXY.com - The Future of Rock and Roll
by Gibbon Jockey on Jan 5, 2009 11:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How many times has MLB cancelled or postponed games due to hot weather? I’d like to think that number is significantly lower than cancellations or postponements due to snow.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jan 5, 2009 11:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It wouldn't be how many times have they cancelled a game
But how many less tickets are sold due to the hot weather? I know that is a main detractor of fan attendance in Miami (and the fans there suck)
by GoCubbies34 on Jan 6, 2009 8:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Miami's rain is the bigger culprit...
Nobody wants to drive way across town to potentially see a game rained out.
But yeah, Miami could use a retractable roof too.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 8:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The new ballpark will have a retractable roof
It is scheduled to open in 2012.
The proposed site is located near the Miami Arena. Currently that land is earmarked for a Juvenile Courthouse.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on Jan 6, 2009 8:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes fan shots of the Braves at home look like Gauntanamo.
by ol Pete on Jan 6, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry said...
that he may have two more other moves. I’m not sure if the moves will minor or major, but I don’t expect the JP talks to resurface until the mid-season.
As for the Roberts trade talk, I don’t expect McFail to be reasonable with the Cubs. If the Whitesox rumor was true (Floyd for Roberts, but the trade being denied), then why would anyone expect that McFail will take Pie/Cedeno/3 prospects from the Dero deal? All those players haven’t even proven to be at least above average ML material, but Floyd from Sox has shown some success in the major leagues.
Basically, the MB signing can go either way…a damn good signing or a bad signing. I like the stat that cwyers pulled up about “1/2 of MB in a season is worth more than a full season of Dunn,” but I would like to see him playing at least playing 120 games. It all depends on how Lou plays MB and I can see MB being given a 1-2 games of per week. Overall, I gives this signing a 3.5/5.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've been a Bradley fan for years
although I have to say that his injury history has made me very leery of this signing. But let’s not forget he was the best hitter in the AL last season—better than A-Rod, better than Joe Mauer and better than his teammate Josh Hamilton, who got all the publicity. Sure, that was a little flukey, but even with a normal progression, he’s a hitter who can help us. And the only reason he DH’d last season is because of that leg injury. If he’s back to 2007 form, he’s a great defensive outfielder.
Still, he’s ours now and I know that almost everyone on this board is going to be pulling for him now. We don’t need to be blind to his faults, but let’s not be blind to his strengths either. Either way, it’s going to be an interesting season.
by Josh77 on Jan 5, 2009 5:52 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
That should be
“normal regression” not progression.
by Josh77 on Jan 5, 2009 5:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 I like LOVE your arguement
normal regression, that’s exactly right!
I just hope he plays more than 125 games bc we’ll need him to
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
not to be too confident, but we really will only need him for about a month or so.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Jan 5, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Oh really? And what if that month happens to be April?
Or May, June, July, August or September? Let’s forget about playing russian roulette with the calendar and just hope he stays reasonably healthy all year.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jan 5, 2009 7:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I completely agree,
he is an often forgotten top player, mostly due to his injury history. His on base percentage is freakish for a switch hitter who has decent power. If the Cubs get 125 games this year from him, it will be a miracle.
Maybe I’m being foolish, the least thing I’m worried about is how he acts. I think this team, and coaching staff will balance hiim out. The only caviet is if he doesn’t start quickly, the boo birds will be all over him, not sure how he will handle that. I just had a LaTroy Hawkins flashback.
I'm finally moving on...
by slocs55 on Jan 5, 2009 7:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rec;d
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 Jan 5, 2009 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you look at 2008 like an extended rehab stint....
It makes you feel a little better. ( At least it makes ME feel better.) Sure it would have been bette if he’d played in the field more in 08, but at least we know he has his stroke back, without a year of grind and wear and tear on his knee. I would expect the knee to be in pretty good shape at this point.
"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson
by Whitebacon on Jan 6, 2009 7:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well said
Milton is a Cub now, and while that doesn’t mean we should all look at him with sunshine and rainbows, we owe it to him to give him a chance.
With some rest (Fukudome can slide over to RF with Johnson in CF), I think he can make it through the entire year and really help this team.
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 Jan 6, 2009 9:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As my friend in Cleveland said about him
“He got game”.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 5, 2009 5:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
or...
He got gameboard!
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jan 5, 2009 9:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I missed the train
“Gameboard” is in reference to what?
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jan 5, 2009 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
His...name...is...Milton...Bradley...
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jan 5, 2009 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not worried about...
…his attitude. In fact, I tend to believe his temperment might indeed be a good thing for a group of veterans who are fairly subdued.
With that said, I believe this is either going to workout really well or it could be a failure. If he ends up on the shelf for prolonged periods of time, this could be Hendry’s unduing as GM. I understand the risk, and with the short window this club has, it is one that is worth a try for the potential upside.
I still think Hendry may take another run at Peavy, but that remains to be seen.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jan 5, 2009 5:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The first time he starts to get mad about something I'll bet DLee will take him aside and talk to him
If he gets mad again they are just going to tell Big Z to kick his ass. Either way we won’t have more than two attitude issues.
And just in case he is able to fight off Big Z, Ted Lilly is waiting.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 5:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember on thing...
…pitchers are rarely leaders to the everyday players on any team. I can’t explain why that is, but they are viewed as a different group amongst a ballclub. Regarding Lee, I’m actually hoping Bradley’s fire rubs off on guys like Lee, Ramirez etc. vs them trying to calm him down.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jan 5, 2009 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He won't mess with Lily.
Lilly could slit a man’s throat just by looking at him if he wanted to. Fortunately for mankind, he hasn’t wanted to. Yet.
by kanderber on Jan 5, 2009 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha true that,
I remember last year when he hit Yunel Escobar and Yunel wanted to go after him. Ted just caught the ball stared at him for a sec and smiled, almost lauged at him. Yunel just kinda went on his way after that.
by nick_reny on Jan 5, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope Not
Maybe his passion for play can infect the team like Fuku’s willingness to work a count.
Also, I sure hope Lou will do the right thing and put him in the 3 hole.
by SETX Cub on Jan 5, 2009 6:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Prediction
Bradley and Z are two birds of a feather and end up best of buddies in the clubhouse. Bradley will rake like he usually does and the naysayers will wonder why in the world they thought this signing was bad. This guy is a professional hitter which is what the Cubs need in the middle of their lineup.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on Jan 5, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Al's statement about passion holds true for both Z and Bradley
You can call that passion, or you can call it stupidity. In reality, it’s a little of both. It winds up being stupid when it costs your team games while you can’t play.
Every time Z breaks a bat over his knee, I think of the chance of stupid injury.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on Jan 5, 2009 8:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
With the Padres likely sold by the time the season begins...
… I think they’ll be keeping Peavy.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 6:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that sucks
make the move now
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How are you going to "make the move now"...
… when new ownership has probably told Towers to keep him?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 6:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good call AL
You could be right with the pads Al with keeping Peavey
by CUBFANINAZ on Jan 5, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure if JP will be happy with that...
he was pissed that the deal with peavey was not done.
Honestly, Cubs fans should just forget about JP and focus on the Cubs weaknesses. SP shouldn’t be much of a concern, but right now I’m concerned about the bullpen and leadoff hitter. Besides Marmol and Jeff Spellcheck, I dont see Greg/Vizcaino/Wuertz being the reliable setupman and I am not sure how well Guzman can pitch out of the pen as a RP.
As for the leadoff hitter, I was hoping Furcal would be signed by the Cubs for a reasonable contract, but that wasn’t going to happen.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They said on CTL
tonight that if Peavy was to be traded it had to be OK’d by the new owner.
by sue369 on Jan 5, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo!
Moorad doesn’t have much left there with star quality. Peavy’s the guy he’ll build around.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 8:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess that eliminates a Peavy/Adrian Gonzalez dream package
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on Jan 5, 2009 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Could be...
…and if the pads owner is looking to sell that quick (in this economy), he will be getting pennys on the dollar for the club.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jan 5, 2009 6:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
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 Jan 5, 2009 8:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Hendry said it himself...
that he may have two more other moves. I’m not sure if the moves will minor or major, but I don’t expect the JP talks to resurface until the mid-season.
As for the Roberts trade talk, I don’t expect McFail to be reasonable with the Cubs. If the Whitesox rumor was true (Floyd for Roberts, but the trade being denied), then why would anyone expect that McFail will take Pie/Cedeno/3 prospects from the Dero deal? All those players haven’t even proven to be at least above average ML material, but Floyd from Sox has shown some success in the major leagues.
Basically, the MB signing can go either way…a damn good signing or a bad signing. I like the stat that cwyers pulled up about “1/2 of MB in a season is worth more than a full season of Dunn,” but I would like to see him playing at least playing 120 games. It all depends on how Lou plays MB and I can see MB being given a 1-2 games of per week. Overall, I gives this signing a 3.5/5.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry's bane?
No, I think this team has the depth to withstand Bradley absences so long as it doesn’t stack on a simultaneous absence of Ramirez/Soriano. Fukudome, if he can’t be a productive player, is a lot more likely to be Hendry’s “undoing” if even that will undo him.
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 Jan 5, 2009 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Because of this I hope they hang on to Pie
I like the idea of Pie and Johnson able to back up soriano/dome/bradley, both in late innning situations and for dl stints
by TC Cubby on Jan 6, 2009 7:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're likely to be disappointed...
the Cubs signed Gathright specifically for the role you just described for Pie. I’ll be very surprised if Pie isn’t traded.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes MPH73, you hit the nail on the head
a guy like Bradley can do wonders for the attitude of our team. One key hit could have got us going last year vs. the Dodgers. I said this way early on Bradley that every good team needs a “rat”, a guy who can get the nasty going when the situation is tough. If Bradley can do that for us, I’m all for it. I think we can all look at his past and wonder. We can also look at the future and wonder. A favorite saying I have is that you can’t do anything about yesterday but you can work today for tomorrow. Bradley might have the injuries behind him. He’s ours now and we can’t change his past, but his future? Could be awesome. Let’s hope.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Jan 5, 2009 8:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You guys and gals all seem to think
that Bradley’s temper and attitude is a negative, but you’re all missing the possibility that one night after a game he could finally end Jay Mariotti’s career once and for all. :-)
by Josh77 on Jan 5, 2009 5:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Didn't you hear?
Mariotti says he’s going to be nice in his new job.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He says that as he acts like a jerk to his former employer
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll give Mariotti this much...
he is smart enough to see the death of the newspaper business fast approaching. Granted, most of his opinions are smarmy and inane so that tends to moderate his acumen somewhat.
I can see his point about being tired of bashing the same five teams over and over. I’m pretty sure they were tired of it, too.
"They say we live and learn. Often what we learn is what damn fools we have been." ~Thomas Sowell
by Goodie1969 on Jan 5, 2009 6:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So that's where Mariotti ended up.
It’s fitting – I’ve always considered AOL the paragon of lame.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 5, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I love the signing;
The deal isn’t too long (i.e. Soriano, Fukudome) — and it’s a fairly decent price for a player of his talent. I think a strong personality like Bradley could be the thing this team needs to get over that hump.
However, I feel like this is the only good deal Hendry has made this offseason.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Jan 5, 2009 6:02 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I like Miles
scrappy, smart, tough player.
by SETX Cub on Jan 5, 2009 6:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't we have
enough “scrappy” players on the roster?
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Jan 5, 2009 6:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No
we spend most of our money on apathetic stars like Lee, Aramiz, and Soriano.
by SETX Cub on Jan 5, 2009 6:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Apathetic?
Thats pathetic.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Jan 5, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry is not done yet
One more big move to follow
by CUBFANINAZ on Jan 5, 2009 6:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We shall see;
I doubt he has any more big moves though.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Jan 5, 2009 6:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I sure hope so
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rec'd
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 Jan 5, 2009 8:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is the best place for Milton.......
If there is a manger who can get the most out him, it is Lou…. for the most part Lou lays down the law, and will sit a player if needed… There our a few exceptions ( Soriana as he is sold hot and cold as a hitter you never know when he is going to break out of a slump…. And D.Lee who doesn’t get enough rest)… Im looking forward to seeing how Lou uses him…. No doubt he can be a big help if he stays healthy and falls in line
LouPrules
by LouPrules on Jan 5, 2009 6:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
DLee doesn't get enough rest partially because he makes it a point to try and play every game
I remember a couple times last season where Lou said he might sit him but then Derrek talked his way back into the lineup.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed,
DLee being a little more fresh might help his power numbers
I'm finally moving on...
by slocs55 on Jan 5, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that is the key to getting more production from Lee.
When Lee got a couple of days off in a row at the end of the season, he seemed refreshed.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jan 5, 2009 10:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lee's wrist
Lee’s wrist will determine whether he returns to form. All I witnessed was an appendage that prevented its owner from powering a ball to the opposite field. Plus his inability to lay off low and outside pitches for strike three doesn’t help.
I am very excited about 2009 but Lee has to step it up.
Check out my Cubs shrine: http://picasaweb.google.com/vegascubfan/CubsRooms#
by VegasCubFan on Jan 6, 2009 12:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The wrist or the back
I thought it was his back that caused him some problems last year.
"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano
by JohnM on Jan 6, 2009 7:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe it was the back of his wrist?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jan 6, 2009 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I think some rest throughout the season would benefit Lee.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jan 6, 2009 9:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Me too.
And I never thought I’d say this, but maybe this is why keeping Hoffpauir on the roster may actually pay some dividends.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 6, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad Peavy was a lower priority
After how poorly our pitchers competed in the playoffs, you would think it would have been a higher priority. The truth is that we only have one true #1 (Harden) and he is only good for a limited number of starts. Z is a second starter, while Demps, well, we’ll see if he can string together two good seasons.
by SETX Cub on Jan 5, 2009 6:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
While Harden is one of my favorite players
He isn’t a number one, IMO. You can’t be a #1 starter if you can’t go out there every 5 days and not have your arm fall off.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Jan 5, 2009 6:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like calling Harden a number 1 because he cannot pitch an entire season
Dempster will regress a bit this season, I think he ends up more as the 4 starter as the year goes on. Big Z is the ace of this staff no matter what people like to say.
In game 2 this year he brought his A game only to see the infield make every error possible. Big Z seems to always step up when we need him I refuse to blame him for the defense imploding.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You are a #1 starter
if you have #1 stuff.
Just ask yourself this — who did you really want starting Game 1 for the Cubs last off-season? Which of the staff did you want to possible make two starts — Dempster? Z? or Harden?
by SETX Cub on Jan 5, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Z
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Jan 5, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would pick Harden
if his arm wouldn’t fall off.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Jan 5, 2009 6:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why would you want Harden to start game 1?
such a large chance that the bullpen would be overworked in game 1 of a playoff. I’ll be honest, the only reason I’m not mad the Cubs picked up Harden’s option is because there is very little risk being 1 year.
I'm finally moving on...
by slocs55 on Jan 5, 2009 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wanted Zambrano starting game 1
Because I know that Harden can’t make it past the 5th most of his starts and when he does it usually means he will have 6 or 7 days before his next start.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Give me Harden
and is 1.71 ERA and +32 IP over Hs (or his .97 WHIP). I agree he doesn’t go long enough, but he is the only consistent dominant pitcher on the staff — Z can be dominant, just not consistently dominant.
by SETX Cub on Jan 5, 2009 6:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Again it is hard to be consistent when you are missing chunks of the season
I would rather have Rich Harden on my team when it comes to comparisons to most pitchers in baseball, but Zambrano is one of the few who I would rather have if I had to pick one.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly, he's more reliable...
in terms of durability. Harden can be the number 1 SP, but till he can prove to be more durable, Z is the number 1 SP.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But he was healthy
In the playoffs, Harden was healthy — why you don’t start your most dominating P in Game 1 — too much old school loyalty.
by SETX Cub on Jan 5, 2009 6:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Harden was not healthy in his playoff start
He didn’t even look close to healthy
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, his fastball only clocked 93 MPH at max
and that is not Harden like stuff.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Harden hasthe potential to be the number 1 SP...
By staying healthy. Right now Z is the number 1 SP.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A #1 starter
can pitch every 5 days. Pitching only every 7-8 days and mostly on cool nights does not constitute a #1 starter.
by sue369 on Jan 5, 2009 7:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
Ace stuff + consistency + durability = True No. 1 starter
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 5, 2009 7:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well then
that indicates Dempster as the #1 Zambrano, Harden and Lilly are far from either durable/consistant.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jan 5, 2009 9:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just by career numbers...
Z is clrearly number 1. Sure Demps had an amazing season (for his standards), but unlike Demps (who is likely to regress), you can expect Z to put up solid numbers and remain durable.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 9:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm saying
if you’re going off dat cubfan daver’s criteria for an ace, z hardly fits the bill. Does he have ace stuff, yes. Is he durably? Not always. Is he consistant? Hell no. Most people would agree Z is a #2 disguised as a #1.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jan 5, 2009 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
does it matter?
so we have three 2.5’s, a 3, and a 5. I understand the value of a “stopper,” but I think Z, Harden, Dempster, or even Lilly can serve that role.
by TC Cubby on Jan 6, 2009 7:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, actually
it does matter in reference to what dat cubfan daver’s defination of an ace is. No one is saying that Z stinks, he’s just not a #1. Also, it certainly does matter because there is a pretty substantial difference between a 1 and a 2. Its the difference from Z to Johan. There is a big difference in my book.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jan 6, 2009 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And in my heart of hearts...
…this is what I consider Big Z: A high No. 2. If Demp surprises us all (again) and maintains his ’08 numbers (which is doubtful) then, yes, maybe you could start arguing for him as a No. 1. But his career has been so up and down, his status as such would still be highly debatable.
When I think of a true No. 1, a guy like Johan Santana comes to mind. He goes out there and puts up large amounts of innings and insane numbers year after year after year. Assuming Lincecum can stay healthy, I could see him turning into a true No. 1 as well. They’re a rare breed and not every team has one.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 6, 2009 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Playoff losses were due to hitting.
We had two guys hit in the playoffs. Lee and DeRosa. TWO!
Meanwhile the only starter to pitch decent was Z, not Harden.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Jan 5, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can we stop talking about the 08 playoffs now?
I feel my ulcer imploding again.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Jan 5, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not my favorite topic
But Im not a fan of rewriting history either
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Jan 5, 2009 6:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Heard Bradley is good
been hearing Bradley is pretty good with the glove in the outfield
by CUBFANINAZ on Jan 5, 2009 6:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and Dempster couldn't throw a strike
Check out my Cubs shrine: http://picasaweb.google.com/vegascubfan/CubsRooms#
by VegasCubFan on Jan 6, 2009 12:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't blame Z for the playoffs
The defense let him down in Game 2.
by elgato on Jan 6, 2009 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I love this signing...
I’ve been watching film of him hit and he can flat out hit.
The best part about it is that we have the bench to give him a day off when he needs it. (Fukudome in RF, Johnson in CF) Hopefully, that will keep him healthy all year.
by Rezze21 on Jan 5, 2009 6:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
There is more flexibility in the Cubs OF...
Pinella can rotate Fuku whenever he plans to bench MB. Also, If Soriano were to get hurt, MB can fill the void in LF with Fuku playing RF.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But...
… what about Gathright? He’s the true backup. If Bradley is hurt, BOTH Fukudome and Johnson have to play, then Gathright is the 4th OF.
I’d rather have Pie.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Jan 5, 2009 6:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
I would rather not start Gartwright at all (even if Bradely or Soriano were to get hurt)…I agree about Pie, but it seems right now that he will be traded since he is out of options. Keep in mind Hendry said that he might have couple of moves remaining and I believe Pie/Cedeno will be involved in one of those deals.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to say
I like a Bradley signing a lot better if Pie is our 4th OF and competing to steal playing time from Dome than with Gathright and Reed back there, but so it is.
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 Jan 5, 2009 9:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
Unfortunately, that ship has sailed.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 8:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he's not gone yet.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Jan 6, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's only a matter of time at this point...
We have six OF not including Hoffpauir. We have major money invested in three of them, and none are going to be moved. Pie is out of options, so he can’t go to the minors. We signed Johnson to be the 4th OF and platoon mate for Fukudome if necessary. And we have just signed a speedster to be the defensive sub and pinch runner. There isn’t a role for Pie on this team anymore.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
we actually signed Reed ...
to platoon in center with Pie in spring training 2008. That was when everybody thought Fukudome would come up big. But I agree with the rest of what you said.
by elgato on Jan 6, 2009 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And we RE-SIGNED Johnson this past offseason...
to be the 4th OF and platoon mate for Fukudome if necessary. We could have let him walk.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes to Pie
But instead of Gathright. That move still baffles me. Pie is younger, cheaper, and better.
by dr stabbingworth on Jan 6, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if the Gathright signing...
was in preparation for a Peavy deal, which would almost certainly have involved Pie. Since that deal fell apart, we’re now sitting with both players.
Keeping Pie for the fifth OF/defensive sub role doesn’t make much sense. It made sense to package Pie for something better elsewhere. But now it appears more likely to just dump him for prospects or a lefty reliever since Peavy is out of the picture.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 10:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to Chicago Milton!
I like this signing. Though his health concerns are obvious, our depth gives him the opportunity for days off without losing TOO much and he’s certainly the impact bat I was hoping for. I wanted Dunn (who cares about K’s when you have all those BB’s and can mash) but I’ll take him – especially if we pay him with Monopoly money.
I think his “tunnel vision” created by his passion to win will be a positive influence in the playoffs as I don’t see his personality as one to get rattled by bogus curses.
This is a playoff signing if you ask me. I think we have that luxury because Milwaukee is on the decline and Astros and Cardinals can’t hang.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Jan 5, 2009 6:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The days off idea is interesting
someone posted Bradley’s lengthy injury history awhile ago. Apart from the knee problem (and maybe something else I’m forgetting), the conclusion seemed to be that he had many minor, nagging injuries, ie, he didn’t like to play hurt.
I wonder if putting him on a schedule that plans for 40 or 50 off days would be wise, or if it would be better just to put him in there every day that you have him.
by TC Cubby on Jan 6, 2009 7:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
sorry,
that should be 30 to 40 off games
by TC Cubby on Jan 6, 2009 7:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure he'll get lots of days off...
with either Gathright or Johnson subbing for him. The Cubs will try their best to keep him off the DL.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 8:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is actually where I would give Lou Piniella a lot of credit.
His in-game moves are sometimes frustrating but, overall, Lou was excellent at managing the playing time of guys like Reed Johnson, Fontenot and Rich Harden to get the most out of them. I think Lou will go into the season with a plan for mitigating Bradley’s health concerns. Also, I want to say that I read somewhere recently that the Cubs’ medical staff was named one of the best in baseball, so we’ve got that goin’ for us.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 6, 2009 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
knee injury
It should also be noted that Bradley worked really hard to come back from his knee injury about twice as fast as doctors had projected. The guy obviously worked extremely hard to get back on the field and was extremely productive even though he wasn’t 100% healthy.
by Acapulco Taco Pie on Jan 6, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs also have an excellent training staff
headed up by Mark O’Neal. They were voted by their peers as the top staff in MLB in 2008.
Hiring Mark O’Neal and his staff is one of the best moves Jim Hendry has made during his tenure as GM.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jan 6, 2009 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, well, practice makes perfect! ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jan 6, 2009 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The fans
Its not so much the media I’m worried about in regards to Bradley, its the fans. Expectations have gone through the roof and Cubs fans seem to be pretty ruthless these days. It has become a pressure cooker on the north side and I think fans need to be conscious that at times, their behavior doesn’t make Chicago all that great a place to play.
I don’t buy the racism crap that was dealt out with players like Jacque Jones and LaTroy Hawkins… every fandom has some racist meatballs. But Cub fans as a whole could afford to turn the pressure down a notch.
by dmlichte on Jan 5, 2009 6:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to the CHi Milton
also I want Pie to make the roster, instead of Hoffpower
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Jan 5, 2009 6:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bradley also has proven that he can hit in the postseason a bit
here
I can’t seem to get the direct link working, but look at the October 11 game and click the 4 RBI link.
I know its just a one game deal, but he shows power from both sides and a little speed. Also we get to listen to announcer Lou Pinella.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Projected Line-Up Anyone?!?
Not sure how this shakes things up. But would be curious to hear your input.
’09 Prediction: Fukudome has a big year and returns to the form of the first couple months with a modest regression and plays a significant role in the offense. Seriously.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Jan 5, 2009 6:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
hmmm....
Soriano LF
Theroit SS/Fonetnot 2B
Lee 1B
MB RF
Aram 3B
Soto C
Fuku/RJ CF
Miles/Fontenot 2B
SP
I can see D-Lee being moved down, but Pinella will not move Soriano (that is unless the cubs get a true leadoff hitter).
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would seriously
think about switching D-Lee and A-Ram
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Jan 5, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats what I said...D-Lee might move down
I was thinking about putting Aram at 3, but Pinella will most likely place D-Lee at the 3 spot. However, I think that will change somewhere around June.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As it is now
line up by Geo4MVP looks about right
I would flip flop Fuku & Soto
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if Fuku can hit better
Then I can see Soto and Fuku being flipped. As of right now Soto will most likely hit 6th.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would
definately hit Bradley before Ramirez. Ramirez is the one guy you can routinely count on to drive in runs in that lineup. Given Milton’s OB% I’d much rather have him in front of Aram.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jan 5, 2009 9:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well, you gotta look at Lou's philosophy of hitting
He clearly wants a balance lineup and he wants a left handed hitter to break up Lee and Aram. Thus, regardless of where D-Lee/Aram hits, expect MB to hit 4.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 9:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats fine
then Aram hits 5.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jan 5, 2009 9:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you think that ARAM is our best hitter
like I do…then Lou needs to be put him in a spot to get the most ABs. Therefore, he needs to be placed in the Third Hole and Lee put in the 5 hole. If you bury ARAM in the 5 hole, he is going to get less ABs and that just does not make sense for your best clutch hitter.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Jan 5, 2009 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This will be the 2009 Opening Day Lineup
Assuming the opposing pitcher is RH. Notice, LH Fukudome will be hitting 2nd, because if Soriano is on first, the opposing 1B will have to hold him on, opening up right side of the infield for Fukudome to slap one through and move Soriano to 3rd. Plus he is very patient and I will assume Soriano legs will be 100% and he will be running next year. I think he has a little chip on his shoulder (esp after all the freak injuries he’s had here in Chicago) and will be looking to put up a 40-40 year ( He won’t but with the effort, he might get 40+hr’s and 30+sb’s
Soriano LF
Fukudome CF
Aramis Ramirez 3B
Milton Bradley RF
Derrek Lee 1B
Geovanny Soto C
Mike Fonenot 2B
Ryan Theriot SS
Carlos Zambrano
Talk about balance, 2 switch hitters, 2 lefties, and 5 righties
If all these guys stay healthy, we could win 100 games.
by MrShowtime on Jan 6, 2009 12:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dome is not going to be batting in the two hole.
Last year he was in the two hole in only 20 games.
And considering his average fell every month of the season, and that he lost a good deal of favor—and playing time—with Lou in September/October, I just don’t see Dome being slotted into that position unless he really comes out firing in spring training.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jan 6, 2009 12:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Dome's Spring Training...
will help determine where he hits in the line-up. If he’s hitting well, I could see him in the 2nd spot.
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jan 6, 2009 9:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You cannot put Fukudome in a position of importance to start the season
His production has to be a bonus instead of something the team needs.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 6, 2009 8:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree.
If that’s the lineup in principle, I would guess Fontenot will bat second.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 6, 2009 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Break it down futher...
Lou needs to put him in a spot to drive in the most runs, because thats what he does best. Which is behind Milton.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jan 6, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
no conventional #2 hitter
Your lineup looks pretty good to me. But, don’t put it past Lou to skip the Theriot/Fonenot spot and move everybody else up.
Soriano
Lee
Bradley
Ramirez
Soto
CF
2B
Theriot
P
The bottom part could change based on who is hot or the opposing pitcher.
by roscoevillage on Jan 6, 2009 12:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roscoe, you don't think
Kosuke Fukudome can’t turn himself into a good #2 hitter.
1. A Good Eye
2. Patient/ takes a lot of pitches
3. Hit’s from the left side
4. Has decent power and above average speed
Sounds like a good #2 hitter if he can straighten his stance up and stop bailing out of the batters box which will limit his K’s. I actually think he’s probably the best #2 hitter on our team. (unless Ryan Theriot can repeat last year’s magical season)
by MrShowtime on Jan 6, 2009 12:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
If Fukudome bounces back to the .380ish OBP and .780-.800 OPS, he’s an ideal #2 hitter.
by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 8:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with your prediction
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jan 5, 2009 9:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So... what are we missing now?
Backup C?
Backup 3B/1B?
A real friggin SS?
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Jan 5, 2009 6:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Missing pieces
Backup C ciuld be Bako.
Backup 1B…I hope its not Huff-power, but someone like Sean Casey.
A real freekin SS…haha, i wish. I would have liked the cubs to sign Furcal to a reasonable deal, but that was never going to happen.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 6:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Casey would be a nice bat to have on the bench
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on Jan 5, 2009 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone know if Blanco
is willing to come back at a low rate? Or is he wanting top back-up catcher $?
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on Jan 5, 2009 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they are looking to go with a left handed back-up catcher.
Koyie Hill and Paul Bakko would fit the profile.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jan 5, 2009 10:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We almost have answers for those
Backup C- Im pretty sure a Paul Bako signing is close
Backup 1B- Hoffpauir should make the team out of ST
Backup 3B- we have one in Cedeno, but I realize he wont make the team so that is still an issue. I have heard Rich Aurillia mentioned by Dave Kaplan
A real friggin SS- dream on
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 6:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh
I really didn’t want this to happen.
I’m very uncertain how Milton is going to handle the pressure of playing at Wrigley, the Chicago media, and the constant attention. He can’t hide behind a crappy team (Texas) or a lackadaisical city (Oakland). I’m uncertain how we are going to do with an outfielder that has played 140+ once in his career. Like Al said, this could really deplete our bench and its versatility. And finally, I’m certain that if the trading of DeRo and the letting go of Wood were precursors to signing GameBoard, then I didn’t want it to happen. We went from having two head-strong leaders to having a case of TNT in the dugout.
As much as I want to cheer for him, I’ll have no qualms in screaming here on BCB when he starts to screw up, lose his cool, or sit on the bench too much. As a Cubs fan, I have to be the eternal optimist, but right now, Milton’s cup is half empty, not half full, in my opinion.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jan 5, 2009 6:52 PM CST reply actions 6 recs
I think
something a lot of people are failing to take into concideration is the environment in which he will play in. He has harldy played for a relevant team. Monreal, Cleveland, Oakland, San Diego and LA. Say what you want about LA, they have been irrelevant for many years. I really think playing for a contending team, that is as relevant to a city and to baseball as the Cubs are can motivate him to keep his head where it needs to be.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jan 5, 2009 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would also like to add,
he’s never played for a manager with the stature of Lou Piniella.
He’s played for:
Eric Wedge (Indians)
Jim Tracy (Dodgers)
Ken Mache (A’s)
Ron Washington (Rangers)
What all of these managers had in common was they were relatively in experienced. I wonder if the experience of Lou and his staff will have an impact of Bradley.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jan 5, 2009 11:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rec'd.
The first thing I thought was, “oh crap – this is gonna get ugly”.
He is going to have to learn to adjust to the small size of that media room at Wrigley – where a couple dozen media folks pack into a room the size of a bathroom and proceed to pounce on a player after a poor performance.
"Just win tonight" - derv
by derv on Jan 5, 2009 10:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cub Fan 'Optimism' . . .
. . .is a funny thing, in my experience.
Optimism, to me, indicates a positive attitude and a feeling like you really have a chance.
‘Cubbie Optimism’ (whether understandably this way or not) is more like a ‘well, I’ll cheer for them this year no matter what, but I’m looking for any reason at all that the wheels will fall off, and I’ll be happy to say ‘I told you so’ when they do.
Kinda sad, really.
"From childhood's hour I have not been as others were - I have not seen as others saw." - Alone, Edgar Allan Poe
by Edgewood on Jan 6, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not really sure if you're insulting me or not...
…but I’ll be an optimist and say no.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Jan 6, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No insult, sir . . .
. . . just an observation. And I meant ‘in my experience’ quite literally – in honesty, I’d have to lump myself in quite often with the type of attitude I was talking about.
Just one of those ‘elephant in the living room’ things, I guess. Things have been this way for so long that I think many fans don’t realize that they aren’t actually optimists in the strictest sense of the word, but rather battle scarred vets bravely heading off once more into the breech.
More nobility and honor, less optimism.
Yeah, I like that. :)
"From childhood's hour I have not been as others were - I have not seen as others saw." - Alone, Edgar Allan Poe
by Edgewood on Jan 6, 2009 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sadly, in many cases, I think you're right.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 6, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It starts with Ron Santo and his "geezes"
“Here we go again!”
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on Jan 6, 2009 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup.
Has it really been that long since we’ve had a gamethread? Oh, how time erases everything.
make*art
by neverAcquiesce on Jan 6, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait to prove that he's wrong.
I keed I keed. It sort of did get like that last year, didn’t it. Sigh
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jan 6, 2009 12:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not worried about his personality
We have several low keyed players in D Lee, Dome, Aramis, Soriano, Theriot. Even though DeRosa talked a lot he was pretty low key. Maybe we can use another stick of TNT to go with Z.
At least when Bradley plays he’s dynamite.
by alexinSac on Jan 5, 2009 7:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
How many think
The contract will include some kind of protection for the Cubs in case he is injured? It has been rumored that the contract will include some options, I just hope to hell these aren´t player options.
3 years seems very very risky for a guy who has never put two healthy seasons in a row.
by Luis on Jan 5, 2009 7:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It should have been 2 yrs with a 1 yr team option
IMO, the idea behind this deal is similar to the idea behind the Harden trade.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs do have some back end protection if Bradley has injury issues
Not sure the specifics but they are there.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Jan 5, 2009 7:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
to top things off
go get Brian Roberts please
by plenz on Jan 5, 2009 7:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Roberts would be nice,
but not at the prices he was being dangled with (rumored) last winter. Fontenot is about to break out big time, so it might be wise to stay out of the Roberts mix for now.
"Hey Hey, Holy Mackerel, No Doubt About It!"
by scottsdalecubs on Jan 5, 2009 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bill James has Fontenot projected to put up numbers close to Derosa...
I can see Fontenot playing above average defense at 2B and putting up numbers close to Derosa.
by Geo4MVP on Jan 5, 2009 7:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It would be interesting to see Fontenot get that chance.
I’ll be rooting for him and the Cajun Connection!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Jan 5, 2009 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not gonna happen.
I think Jim Hendry would rather do Tae Bo with Billy Blanks than deal with MacPhail & Co.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 5, 2009 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And with good reason
They have no need for Roberts for now or the near future, and if he walks out as a free agent and all they get is a first round pick (two years too late) it will not be good roster managing IMO. And the more time passes the less they will get if they do decide to trade him.
by Luis on Jan 5, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and what is wrong with doing Tae Bo with Billy?
New sig currently under construction
by JB 23 on Jan 5, 2009 7:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Picture Jim Hendry shirtless in spandex shorts...
…and you’ll have your answer.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 5, 2009 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
point taken......now that is in my head too.
New sig currently under construction
by JB 23 on Jan 5, 2009 7:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That reminds me
Someone called into ESPN1000 last year and said they saw Piniella at Nordstrom’s trying out shirts…..in the middle of the store.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
by Jayo525 on Jan 6, 2009 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Question for anyone ho might know...
Are the players reporting earlier this year to Arizona due to the Classic? In past years, some pitchers and catchers begin trickling in around the 5th -8th or Feb. Maybe this date now will be late Jan.?
"Hey Hey, Holy Mackerel, No Doubt About It!"
by scottsdalecubs on Jan 5, 2009 7:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs