As the team stands right now and Jim Hendry Street

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jan 7, 2009 6:06 PM CST Comment 49 comments

As the team stands right now what is everyone's biggest worry? Mine is not the closer's position but...

I think Marmol will do a good job and win the position.

I'm most concerned with filling his old role.

Part of me wants someone else to win it and have Marmol remain in his old role.

My second concern is the 5th starter but I think Hendry will make one more move to solidify the rotation.

On Jim Hendry Street I noticed this the other day and was going to take a picture and send it to Al.

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/parkridge/news/1365654,pr-hendry-010709-s1.article

I live about 3 blocks from there. Very interesting.

Wouldn't it be nice if someday he is a great enough GM there is a street in Chicago named after him?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

0 recs | Comment 49 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

the wild card setup man...

Besides Gregg being the candidate, I can see Angel Guzman emerging as the Cubs new 8th inning RP. Keep in mind that Pinella’s initial plan when he bought up Guzman and Marmol was that he wanted to groom Guzman to become the new closer of the team, NOT Marmol. As for the 7th inning RP, it probably will be Gregg, but if Lou decides to use Jeff Spellcheck as a RP, then he would probably become the7th inning man.

(LRP) Gaudin
(MRP) Wuertz
Jeff Spellcheck (7th inning RP)
Guzman (Setupman)
Marmol (closer)

by Geo4MVP on Jan 7, 2009 6:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Marmol will be an All-Star closer for years to come

I think that is a pretty safe bet, I think Guzman could do a great job if he can stay healthy, Im not sure what to expect from Gregg; for his entire career he’s gonna have the Kerry Wood stink on him, so I dont expect him to stick around too long.

So for 09 Im guessing Guzman/Gregg, beyond that I would guess Cashner, assuming he remains a reliever, and Ascanio is always a wild card

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 7, 2009 6:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My biggest worry is making the playoffs and not shitting the bed again.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 7, 2009 6:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Let’s face it, the National League Central is putrid. Cubs should never be arrogant, but it would be a colossal meltdown on the part of this team if they didn’t once again win the NL Central. Even being comparatively weaker versus 2008. The KEY is to do something in the playoffs.

Next moves? My bet is Rich Aurilia and Paul Bako followed by Felix Pie being traded for a pair of jumper cables and a used rosin bag to be named later.

by BLou on Jan 7, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh come on

We could at least get a NEW rosin bag in that deal.

by TheHawk5 on Jan 7, 2009 8:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Used

I think a NEW bag might fit…but it depends on who used the used rosin bag.

by airmidget1 on Jan 7, 2009 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

SWL

Perhaps the membership should market a Depends-like diaper with a Cubs logo on the butt? ($ signs dancing in my eyes)

by leothelip on Jan 7, 2009 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs Postseason...brought to you by Pampers.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 7, 2009 8:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That goes great with Super Colon Blow

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 7, 2009 8:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I want Beimel

I also want a coach or 2 hired that do nothing but teach proper fundamentals of baserunning. I’d almost bet if we could correct 3/4ths of our boneheaded mistakes we could win 3-5 more games easy.

overall we have the talent,the depth, and the manager to go a long way this year but if we dont play better fundamental baseball i.e. baserunning, putting ourselves into proper position on groundballs, better plate discipline at times etc we will end up right where we did last year. Little league fundamentals has got to be a focus in spring training and beyond this year.

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 7, 2009 6:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Beimel would be fine with me.

We have a baserunning coach, or at least a guy who does instruction in spring training — Bob Dernier. The lessons have to be applied, though.

The team plays FAR better fundamental baseball than they did under Dusty Baker, but I agree, there is room for improvement.

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

by Al on Jan 7, 2009 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Heres something I thought about....

I wander if sending in an email with this suggestion: make basic fundamental mistakes public by making the player carry a pink bag of candy around the next day or something. Maybe something to make them think and for everyone to have a little fun with it.

I agree we are far better fundamentally but the Cubs as a whole are getting older and more prone to injuries(which I think will be a big problem this year) any added advantage will help especially if it means not beating ourselves.

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 7, 2009 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All I can think about

Is the face Gameboard would make when asked to carry a pink bag of candy. That would be priceless.

by TheHawk5 on Jan 7, 2009 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My issue with Marmol closing...

is that he pitched more innings than any other reliever on the team last year. He was the guy that Lou could always call upon no matter the situation to get someone out and get us out of a jam. Who is that guy going to be if Marmol is reserved to close? And can that guy pitch 80 something innings?

I think pidgeonholing him as a closer is going to end up with the Cubs using him less, just due to the way major league bullpens are used today.

by JimboJet on Jan 7, 2009 7:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

bringing him in the 8th and keeping him in for the 9th

will most likely happen alot

What to do, with Larry Hughe?

by Rudey on Jan 7, 2009 7:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well let's hope that Marmol's arm is a tad stronger than it was last year

Because his splits when pitching 1 inning versus 1+ innings a year ago weren’t the best.

Some of that extra work, especially in the early part of the year, wore him down by the All-Star break.

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 7, 2009 7:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

I was under the impression was that he started getting wild when he wasn’t getting ENOUGH work.

by JimboJet on Jan 7, 2009 7:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

This was an idea/perception I thought about a lot last season. Many Cubs fans quite understandably criticized Lou’s (ove)ruse of Marmol, but Carlos seems like the kind of pitcher who needs a lot of work to stay sharp. He’s an excitable boy with rather violent mechanics that can get out of control when he’s too wound up.

This could be a major risk of using him in the closer’s role, where he may not see action for several days at a time. On the more optimistic side, perhaps Lou is well aware of this and will make an extra effort to ensure Carlos gets regular work. Still, Marmol’s age and demeanor seem roadblocks to him immediately becoming the lights out closer everyone seems to expect him to be. That’s why having Woody in that role was so perfect – he’s a veteran who’s seen it all.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 8, 2009 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe its just me but...

I dont Lee is the kind of player to be in the 3 spot.

A ugly win is better than a pretty loss-Lou

by NIUcubbie on Jan 7, 2009 8:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I would rather put ramirez in the 3 hole then bat bradley 4th and lee/soto 5th……..

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 7, 2009 8:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like to see another starter.

I’d also like to see Marmol close. This will reduce his innings pitched and keep him fresh. Lou uses him too much in that set up role.

by Rick B on Jan 7, 2009 8:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My main concern is still...

the lack of a genuine lead-off hitter.

To me this was more important than a LH RF, a bull-pen guy or another starter.

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Jan 7, 2009 8:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

1000%

Lou will fall back and use hacking Soriano which is probably enough to win the NL Central but will bite us in the ass in the post
season.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Jan 7, 2009 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, this is definitely ONE of my main concerns as well.

Unfortunately, there really aren’t any perfect solutions to the leadoff dilemma available in-house or via free agency or trade.

I guess my other concerns are:

Three words: The shortstop position.
Marmol’s adaptation to closer.
Milton Bradley’s health.
Big Z and Harden’s health.
Who’s going to back up Aramis at third.
Assuming the Cubs make it there – the postseason (vis-a-vis, another soul-crushing humiliation).

So, as you can see, I’ve got a lot on my mind.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 8, 2009 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I live on the next block over from him

And honk and yell everytime i see him outfront of his house

by fuku-domenation on Jan 7, 2009 8:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Who?

by JimboJet on Jan 7, 2009 8:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Jan 7, 2009 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh sorry

Jim Hendry

by fuku-domenation on Jan 7, 2009 9:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You honk & yell?

Why not stop and talk to him?

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

by Al on Jan 8, 2009 4:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Talking to Hendry

Hendry is very nice if you run into him in Park Ridge but I don’t feel comfortable bothering him about moves and such. I did see him right after the Harden trade and congratulated him but otherwise just say Hi and exchange pleasantries.

I do pass by his house on the way to work.

Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jan 8, 2009 8:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

He deals with the Cubs all day long, once hes home with his family i feel bad bothering him

by fuku-domenation on Jan 8, 2009 5:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another thing

Another thing is if nobody else recognizes him I don’t call attention to him so he can be left to go about his business.

I know a couple of Park Ridge business owners who deal with him including one who didn’t know who he was until someone recognized him when he was in their place.

Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)

by cubstoseriesby100 on Jan 8, 2009 6:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well....my concerns....

1. Set up role
2. MB’s health
3. Middle of the infield replicating last year’s offensive numbers
4. Dome
5. Marshall filling the 5th spot
6. Bench strength

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

by carmen_fanzone on Jan 8, 2009 7:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Sun-Times has that same article...

…on the mysterious Hendry signs that recently materialized in Park Ridge. Key quote methinks:

IDOT representative said crews were ordered to install the signs based on an ‘’executive order from the governor’s office.

Awww yeah! GRod makin’ some noise before they drag his bizarrely coiffed ass out of office.

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 8, 2009 9:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Questions in roles

Marmol will compete with Gregg for closer, loser is 8th inning set up

Guzman must show he can stay healthy for a month. His stuff is as strong as Marmol’s, his health will determine his role.

5th starter is for now a competition of Marshall, Samardz, Hill, and Gaudin. Loser goes to swing, others either find roles in bullpen or go to AAA or find a new team.

Miles role? Roles of Fontenot and Theriot based on Miles role.

Back up catcher, who gets 150 AB’s if Soto stays healthy.

LOOGY, depending on Marshall in the rotation competition, Cotts is not really a LOOGY.

Who loads the Cubs Team bus of its equipment, who takes care of the towels in the locker room, who gets Lou his beer after a game and who resides in the dog house?

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 8, 2009 10:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Seriously, IW...

…do you really think Rich Hill is competing for anything at this point? And I’m not sure I’ll believe Marmol and Gregg are really competing for closer until Lou comes right out and says it. And even then I’ll have my doubts. I think Carlos earned the spot already by enduring Lou’s trial by fire last season.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 8, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

there is always competition

you might have bestowed the closer role and most of them here, but Marmol was not the closer for the Cubs in ’08 or ’07 and Gregg was the closer for the Marlins in ’08

you tell me shouldn’t Marmol demonstrate he is the closer in spring training.

And regarding Hill again it is your assumption, now it probably is a very good guess that his days are numbered——but what if he comes to spring training and has the control and command that he had in August of 07? What do you do then?

say well we presumed you were washed up?

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

by Ivy Walls on Jan 8, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

as for enduring affection in baseball

that is always as short as the last time at bat or on the mound in all truth….isn’t it?

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 8, 2009 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That depends on how literally you want me to take that statement.

It seems like there’s a small contingent of Cubs fans who still have enduring affection for Sammy Sosa, even though his last non-appearance at Wrigley Field will live in infamy – along with his many other shenanigans proven and otherwise. But I know what you mean – a hero can turn into a goat in pretty short order (see Fukudome, Kosuke).

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 8, 2009 12:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well said about Hill...

Evidence seems to suggest that he’s done as a Cub, as he’s battling for a hotly-contested fifth spot and has no options left, and he seemed to lose his edge last season.

Of course, evidence ALSO suggested Hill would be a solid #3 type starter last year, based on his 2006 and 2007 seasons.

I’m certainly not betting the farm on Hill bouncing back, and neither are the Cubs. But I won’t be surprised if he at least gets a shot to compete for the job. And who knows? Maybe things will click. Not likely, but maybe.

by SouthernCub on Jan 8, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I suppose there's an outside chance...

…Lou might hand Gregg the closer’s job if he looks great in spring training and Marmol struggles. I guess it wouldn’t be the first time a grizzled veteran was handed a job over a relative youngster. I’d imagine Carlos would be pissed, though.

Regarding Rich Hill, if he shows up in spring training with his ‘07 command, I guess I’d put him in the bullpen if I could find a spot for him. I just can’t imagine him leap-frogging Sean Marshall, who’s very patiently paid his dues the last couple of seasons. Rich could maybe see time in the swing man role that Sean played last year. Or maybe try him as the LOOGY who Lou will never use? I dunno.

In any case, I haven’t heard or read Hendry mention Rich Hill’s name in a long time. So I just don’t see him in the mix at all. I’d guess he’s likely to be packaged with the other soon-to-be-castoffs (Pie, Cedeno).

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 8, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope

that Marmol DOESN’T get the closer role. He’s too valuable right where he is.

"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 8, 2009 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hahaha

Rich Hill can’t come into a game w runners on. That’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Has he been playing winter ball? Any improvements?

by MrShowtime on Jan 8, 2009 10:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He was playing winter ball in Venezuela.

I haven’t heard any reports lately, but his first couple starts were disastrous – he was still giving up a ton of walks.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 9, 2009 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here are his current stats for Aragua...

9 G, 6 GS, 21 IP, 23 H, 23 BB, 16 K, 6.86 ERA.

He last pitched on Dec 2. I’m guessing he was let go by the team?

by SouthernCub on Jan 9, 2009 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ouch.

Well, there ya have it. Still walking OVER a batter an inning. Lou’s going to take a look at that and his ERA and completely obliterate Rich Hill from his memory. I wonder if he was let go.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 9, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd love to have

a real shortstop.

"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 8, 2009 10:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

All real baseball teams should have one.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 8, 2009 11:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Supposedly a Blago conversation on tape reveals that Hendry gets

the entire city named after him if the Tribune hires Blago’s wife as Chief Editor and head of the real estate section. The paper must also be renamed “Blago is god: Pay to Play News Daily”

by DudeVf11 on Jan 9, 2009 9:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs