Marquis Deal Almost Done

It's a bonus if Rich Hill ever gets his head screwed on straight...

…. and pitches the way he did in 2007. I won’t hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

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

by Al on Jan 5, 2009 7:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't that be a lovely turn of events?

That said, I think we’ll see Marshall in the rotation to start the year. Perhaps Samardzija gets the call during the season. Like you, I’m not holding my breath on Hill.

by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 7:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

AL, didn't you hold your breath on Rich Hill in '06 when he took the mound in May?

then took your breath away later in August

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 6, 2009 12:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And then fell apart in 2008...

I’m not saying Hill definitely won’t rebound. I’m just saying it doesn’t look very promising right now.

by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yip.. yip.. yip....

by StevenABQ on Jan 6, 2009 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

just remember...

all the trade value rich hill had…even just a year ago…..

by cubsmania on Jan 6, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Of all the words of tongue and pen...um...

…somebody help me out here.

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 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

...the saddest are, "we're out of gin."

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Jan 6, 2009 6:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you don't think me silly for asking...

But it’s been a season since he’s pitched in the majors, and even longer since he was effective. And that was only for a few months. Why are we talking about Rich Hill?

So, what’s the over/under for Vizcaino being immediately traded/released?

by Damen Jackson on Jan 5, 2009 7:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

This past year, I tried hard to defend the honor of Rich HIll during his absence. But even I’ve given up. I don’t think he’ll ever see a major league clubhouse again. And if he does, it’ll be as a reliever on another team. I don’t think Lou will give Rich another shot.

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 7:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

stranger things have happened with goffy left handers

Just look up Koufax

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 6, 2009 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Vizcaino could very well be flipped.

But it might wait till spring training.

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

by Al on Jan 5, 2009 8:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That would make sense...

He’s expensive, and he’s worse than the options we have in-house. Dumping him for a few million more in savings (even if it’s just a million or so) would make sense to provide as much financial flexibility as possible.

by SouthernCub on Jan 5, 2009 8:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

actually part of a package

If you really look at Hendry’s Modus Operandi he keeps banking insurance for spring training.

He has a veteran backing up a young guy who appears slated for a starting or core role. Aaron Miles is there to back up or insure that Fontenot and Theriot emerge as starters.

You have Johnson there to insure that Fukudome will emerge as the starting CF’er and back up an injured Bradley.

You have Gaudin there to insure that Marshall or Hill can emerge as the 5th starter.

You have Vizcaino there to insure that Guzman and Samardz will emerge as core middle relievers.

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 6, 2009 12:14 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

forgot Gregg to insure that Marmol emerges as closer

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 6, 2009 12:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Vizcaino isn't really insurance though...

he’s really no better than Wuertz. Just more expensive, and quite possibly worse.

by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

possibly

and possibly Luis might have more value to the league or more value to Piniella as a veteran with 98 holds.

Vizcaino, outside of 2003 and 2008, has been a pretty effective pitcher and more effective than Wuertz who peaked in 2005 with 18 of his 36 holds.

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 6, 2009 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He was mediocre/bad in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2008...

Remember – ERA is a terrible metric for relievers. WHIP is much more telling. Vizcaino has had a WHIP of 1.4+ in each of those seasons. He’s basically as good as Michael Wuertz, only more expensive.

by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ouch.

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 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe we can remove SouthernCub from the list

of potential presidents of the Luis Vizcaino Fan Club.

"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 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

:)

Hey, I don’t hate Vizcaino or anything. He’s just doesn’t seem to be any better than Wuertz (who I don’t think is as terrible as some people think he is, either).

The stats seem to suggest it, too. Similar career WHIP (1.34 for Vizcaino, 1.35 for Wuertz), similar K rate (8.3 for Vizcaino, 9.3 for Wuertz), similar HR/9 rate (1.3 for Vizcaino, 0.9 for Wuertz), similar K/BB rate (2.1 for both). Wuertz even has a slightly better OPS against (.689 vs .738).

The big difference I can see is that Vizcaino has sometimes gotten the chance to pitch when his teams have the lead (mostly for bad teams, though not always), while Wuertz has mostly done mopup duty thanks to having guys like Howry, Dempster, Wood, and Marmol in front of him.

by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I been thinking

if were gonna win the big one next year, were gonna have to have some unheard of surprises. maybe it will be a rich hill, maybe guzman steps in and wins us 15 next year. who knows but one things for sure in my mind we have 2 years and were gonna done for quite a few years.

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 8:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Guzman more likely to emerge like Marmol did as a top set up guy

He is brittle

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 6, 2009 12:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Guzman will not be winning 15 games...

…unless he somehow does so as a reliever.

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 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If we are stuck with Luis

there are worse things that could happen. He has been solid before. And has played in Chicago.

Speaking of Hill.. It is amazing we did as amazing as we did last year getting 5? starts out of our supposed third starter going into the year.

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Jan 5, 2009 8:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Also Good luck Jason

You pissed me off with your comments in ST last year, but you did a good job as the 5th starter these past two years. I am shocked this deal worked out for us as well as it did. Thanks Jason.

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Jan 5, 2009 8:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So is the consensus for the 5th spot in the rotation...

Marshall? Assuming of course that we don’t get Peavy? I like Sean quite a bit and think he’s very underrated as well as underappreciated. I do question whether he can hold up for 30+ starts though. I also don’t like the idea of not having a “proven” starter to step in if/when Harden gets hurt.

by kanderber on Jan 5, 2009 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

How many teams have a "proven" starter in their fifth position? The Cubs

have had the luxury of having a solid #5 starter the past two years. Most teams fill the 5 spot with a rookie or a pitcher who should probably be in the bullpen. This club has a few solid options to pick from and really should be fine. Sean Marshall has enough big league experience to be a solid #5. If he remains healthy, he should easily win 10+. The wildcard for this staff will be health. Harden and Z missed quite a few starts last year and if that trend continues, someone will have to fill the role of spot starter. That could make or break this team.

"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 9:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hill is in line to be released

by BLou on Jan 5, 2009 9:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Can we

trade him for a packet of crisps??

by chrisw95 on Jan 5, 2009 9:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Salt and vinegar, if possible

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 6, 2009 3:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

from Jimmy Johns.

and a #11. No tomato.

"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 11:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice.

I usually get the #9, myself. Also no tomato.

(number nine, number nine, number nine, number nine…)

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Jan 6, 2009 6:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Turn me on, dead man...

If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. - Dave Barry

by zm1217 on Jan 6, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No tomato?

Blasphemy!

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

by Al on Jan 6, 2009 7:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If the tomato they had tasted like tomato rather than tomato-flavored water, I would agree.

“Won’t you tell me… where have all the good tomatoes gone…”

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Jan 6, 2009 8:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, you have a point.

Most commercially available tomatoes are like that.

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

by Al on Jan 7, 2009 4:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Throw in a scone and cup o' tea, willya love?

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 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Top 'o the morning to ya gov'na!

"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 9:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Ok, maybe Fish and Chips would be better, he still has some potential.

by chrisw95 on Jan 6, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, yes. Cheerio...tut-tut..and all that.

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 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Regardless

I never thought I would see the day when Pie is worth more than Hill.
Sad, but for his sake I wonder if the Cards could do anything with him.

by chrisw95 on Jan 6, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, if anyone can do it, Dave Duncan can.

That would be a bitter pill to swallow, if Hill made a comeback with the Cards.

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 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It would make me sick

but Hill seems to be a good guy, and Duncan has made even average pitchers much better (Lohse). So while I think Hill’s Cubs career is over, I do wish him the best in finding what he is missing, and possibly becoming a good pitcher in a few years. Just in time to sign with the Yankee’s and we won’t have to worry about him.

by chrisw95 on Jan 6, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Whaddaya say we pop down to the local pub and down a couple o'

pints and scope a few birds? Wink, wink…nudge, nudge!

"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 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Know whad I mean??

Just please leave the lumberjack song at home!!!

by chrisw95 on Jan 6, 2009 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Man

The grief a guy gets for being married to a Kiwi.
But I have made her into a huge baseball fan, so I’m moving her away from Cricket all the time. :-)

by chrisw95 on Jan 6, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Has anyone considered Chad Gaudin?

In 07 he had an 11-13 record with a 4.42 ERA as a starter with Oakland.

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jan 5, 2009 9:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I suspect that he'll get a shot in ST for the 5th spot

He just been not piss off Piniella again.

by rlpete on Jan 5, 2009 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping it is Chad Gaudin

Chad Gaudin is capable of replicating what Jason Marquis was able to give us in 2008. A lot of people want to bash Marquis, but I’m not one of them. Marquis took the ball every 5th day and delivered on what he was brought in here to do. Don’t underestimate the value of Marquis consistently answering the bell and giving this team innings. Especially when Rich Harden, Ted Lilly and Ryan Dempster aren’t exactly known for consistently working deep into ballgames.

I’m hoping Gaudin is the choice for the 5th slot in the rotation. I’m not bullish on Sean Marshall as a starting pitcher.

by BLou on Jan 5, 2009 10:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh

Dempster and Lily both pitched more than 200 innings last year

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

by DTJchris on Jan 5, 2009 11:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

shhhh

don’t disturb the dreamer.

"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 11:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hill

Forget it. Let’s see at least a reasonable performance somewhere from him before he is mentioned again. I suspect that he is a long ways away from pitching in the major leagues again.

by rlpete on Jan 5, 2009 9:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I will still call this offseason a net upgrade...

….if Hendry gets Peavy here in Cubbie Blue.

"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez

"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."

by The Jade Scorpion on Jan 5, 2009 10:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You'll be waiting a long time.

With the ownership change about to happen in SD, Peavy’s likely staying put.

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

by Al on Jan 6, 2009 4:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hill is D O N E.....

….and he’s out of options, to boot.

Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard

by carmen_fanzone on Jan 5, 2009 10:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yep

At some point he will get his outright release.

by BLou on Jan 5, 2009 10:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or...

…maybe he’ll work out in spring training. Stranger things have happend

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

by Ryan at Cubshub on Jan 5, 2009 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's really difficult..

to see Hill getting any time at all in the major league camp, let along making the roster. He’s done less than nothing since returning to the minors to merit time with the big club, and the Cubs have at least three proven options ready to go ahead of him.

The best case is that he’s reasonably effective in the minors for a few months, and gets a call in the summer.

by Damen Jackson on Jan 5, 2009 11:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hill is on the 40-man roster.

Thus, he will get time in ML camp, unless they find he’s injured or unable to perform when ST begins.

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

by Al on Jan 6, 2009 4:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or unless

someone is willing to make a trade for him, with the thought that he may be able to remember how to pitch at the MLB level.
Although this would be very much like the Corey Paterson disease and selling low.

by chrisw95 on Jan 6, 2009 6:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Hill couldn't turn it around...

…hundreds of miles south of Wrigley Field in freakin’ Venezuela, where no one besides the odd scout or two was watching him, he’s not going to turn it around in spring training when Lou is glaring at him from the dugout. I really try not to give up on players – especially Rich, whom I really liked – but I think he’ll either be released or thrown in to a relatively minor trade.

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 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

were you there? He could have been working on things,

He could have been working on his mechanics, new pitch et cetera…..but it appears to me that the Cubs have put him in the absolute luxury spot where the club does not need him unless he suddenly goes into August 2006 form and dominates from the start.

My guess is that he is included in a deal along with one or more arb eligible players to a low payroll team like KC or TEX or Baltimore as a throw in or he is released and picked up and given a contract as a flyer.

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 6, 2009 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, sure, he may have been working on things.

But he’s sure had a long time to work on them, and they don’t seem to be getting any better. I tried to stay on Rich’s side, hoping that his back problems led to a breakdown in mechanics from which he might eventually recover. But too much time has gone by with too little improvement. I think he’s fallen so far off the radar that he’s going to have to land in the parking lot and catch a shuttle to the terminal.

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 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what the....

this is what gets me about the cavalier sweeping expressions of some informed fan[actics]. Do you know what it takes to compete in a sport at this level? You are always working on things, and if you have back problems that makes it tougher.

I am just saying not producing statistics in South America is not a measure of success, you have to be there to see what he was trying to do. If he was trying to perform than that is not good. If he was working on a new delivery, new pitch, new angle, new approach than statistics don’t show.

Hill will not be the first pitcher who flashed brilliance and suddenly lost it for no reason or due to injury. At that rate some 30 years with a new web community another curator will flash his picture and say name that Cub.

But don’t discount what it takes to be a MLB player.

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 6, 2009 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with your statement about working on things, but eventually

some results need to be shown. Rich Hill has struggled mightily in the past year and really has shown very little progress. I’m not ready to close the book on the guy, but you have to admit it looks bleak.

If his problem is due to injury, he should be given a significant amount of time to heal and regain his old form. The problem is his mental state. That seems much more fragile and there are scores of pitchers who have suddenly found themselves in a state where they can’t consistently throw the ball over the plate. I’m not qualified to make the assesment either way, but I have seen enough of this game to recognize a player in the midst of crisis.

I really hope he gets it back, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t.

"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 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with this post...

I’m hopeful that Hill gets whatever it is figured out. I just haven’t seen any evidence to suggest that he has, and thus I’m not expecting it to happen for him in a Cub uniform. That’s not to say that it won’t happen, just that there hasn’t been evidence to suggest that it will.

by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dat's all I'm saying.

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 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Alright Ivy

I’m thinkin’ road trip!

Lets wait until next week and you can drop by The Pit to see the Lobos crush the Falcons.

by StevenABQ on Jan 6, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

First of all...

…my sweeping expressions are anything but cavalier. They are meditated upon, cross-referenced alphabetically and inspected by No. 6. Second of all, thank you for calling me an informed fan[atic]. Seriously, I’ve been called much worse.

I’m not discounting what it takes to be a MLB player. And I realize that most professional atheletes are constantly working at getting better. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Rich Hill has gone from holding a relatively high spot in the starting rotation of the Chicago Cubs (and leading the team in strikeouts in 2007) to throwing inconsequential minor league games in Venezuela – poorly.

As I stated above, I liked Rich Hill. And I respect the fact that he’s hung in there and is trying to make a comeback. But, as an informed fan[atic], I’ve decided to cut emotional ties with him. Whether his problems are mental (as many believe) or physical and mental (as I once believed), I just think he’s fallen too far to make a comeback with the Cubs now – especially as long as Lou Piniella is manager.

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 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Your last sentence speaks volumes about this situation. Other than Fukudome, Lou

has shown little patience for stuggling players. I suspect that Rich Hill would have to show some definite progress for a sustained period of time before Lou would risk the team’s success on him.

"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 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well if Lou won't play him

He could join a Wiffle Ball league — now I know I’m gonna get negative flack for assuming he’ll find the strike zone, but one day I’ll have the last I told you so!

by StevenABQ on Jan 6, 2009 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, if Hill could find the strike zone with a wiffle ball...

…the Cubs should re-sign him immediately. That ain’t easy.

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 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey now

Are you trying to accuse me of discounting what it is to be a MLWB player!?! Because let me tell you man, I stay up long winter evenings pondering the difficulty of the sport…

by StevenABQ on Jan 6, 2009 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I still think Shark should get the shot

and that he will. He has been fairly successful on his way up and shows no signs of being intimidated by major league hitters. I was always under the impression last season that he was a bullpen arm simply because we had a deep rotation already. I think come ST, Lou will like what he sees from Shark and possibly slot him in the 5th spot. Marshall is also capable though. Not a bad problem to have IMO.

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

by Kinky Reggae on Jan 5, 2009 10:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like the Shark

However with that being said, he needs to develop another pitch. I’m not even sure if someone could argue against that point.

I’m not a MLB scout, but if the big league scouts believe he can be a starter in the majors I expect him in DSM in mid-June. Personally I saw him pitch (as a starter) last year in DSM and he was dominate.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jan 6, 2009 12:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Bob Brenly talked about this last season. The Shark needs another pitch if he is to legitimately compete for a starting rotation job. My opinion is he either starts the year out at Triple A as a starter or makes the bullpen in middle relief.

by BLou on Jan 6, 2009 9:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

for the long-term future of the team, I’d prefer to see him in AAA trying to develop that third pitch. If all goes well, he can be the August/September call-up that provides an impact arm in the pen again, while having gotten several more months of seasoning as a starter. Then, hopefully in 2010 he can become either a starter or a back-end of the bullpen guy (depending upon his development as a starter).

by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 9:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or Both...

… He starts out in AAA, and ends in middle relief for the major league club.

My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!

by initram on Jan 6, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think this is the most likely scenario

by SouthernCub on Jan 6, 2009 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

though if location is mastered, two pitches can lead to success. Do I think he is Greg Maddux? Obviously not but I think he has a shot to be great. Yes, a splitter would be nice!

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

by Kinky Reggae on Jan 6, 2009 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lou said on CTL

that Jeff will get a shot at being a starter. He may be working on another pitch now.

by sue369 on Jan 6, 2009 7:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting.

Well, at the very least, we’ll be looking at some interesting drama in spring training. Marshall v. Gaudin v. Samardzija for the fifth spot. That’s cool with me – it’ll add some intrigue.

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 9:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There is nothing wrong with a little competition

Plus I’m sure we will see at least 2 of these guys get a few starts through out the year as 1-4 deal with injuries or need an extra day off.

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Jan 6, 2009 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or, You Have Double Headers...

… or go to Colorado.

My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!

by initram on Jan 6, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Marquis deal...

… has anyone considered this? The Cubs’ home opener is vs. Colorado. He might wind up starting that day for the Rockies.

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

by Al on Jan 6, 2009 4:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

So we can officially post our '09 record...

…starts out as 1-0?!

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jan 6, 2009 9:03 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

No, because we play six games on the road first.

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

by Al on Jan 6, 2009 9:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh duh....nevermind

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jan 6, 2009 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Point taken though!

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

by Kinky Reggae on Jan 6, 2009 11:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sweet

the Cubs could then deliver their 2008 NL Central Championships rings.

Marquis’ line that day: 5+ IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K (faces 4 batters in 6th – all 4 score); 1-for-2 1 2B

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 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Book it!

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 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, that would be crazy.

It’ll be interesting to note the crowd reaction.

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 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would hope it's respectful

Sure, he was overpaid to be a No. 5 starter, but he filled that role pretty well.

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 10:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I don't think he'll get booed...

…but he probably won’t get a standing O either. A smattering of polite applause, methinks. I wish Jason the best. I understand why he was acquired and, now that it’s all said and done, agree that he was, overall, a solid No. 5. I’m glad his spot has opened up for Sean Marshall, though.

On a slightly related note, I heard a replay of Dave Kaplan’s interview with DeRo on ’GN last night, and I agree with Kap that Mark WILL get a standing O when he returns to Wrigley with the Indians. And, obviously, so will Woody if he makes an appearance. A couple more interesting scenes to contemplate.

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 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've already put in for those Cleveland tickets from our season ticket package

Woody will get an ovation the minute he takes the field, I think. DeRosa should get another standing ‘o’ too.

I’d rather have Marshall in that 5th spot, too – I think it’s time to see if he can fulfill some of the potential he’s shown, and I think he’ll be more consistent than Marquis, 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 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs