Bradley Reports Early
by Great Odin's Raven on Feb 15, 2009 7:58 PM CST
147 comments
Looks like Milton Bradley decided to show up early...
http://www.rrstar.com/sports/x1820647340/Bradley-reports-early-for-Cubs-camp
Say what you will about what Game Board's possible contributions this year, and say what you will about his history. It's still nice to see that he is at least cognizant of his reputation and is trying to make an effort to make the best of his fresh start.
"It's a new beginning," Bradley said. "It's a home, finally." -- here's hoping for a new and improved Milton.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Milton Bradley is going to deliver big
He can flat out rake, gets on base and is a good outfielder. If he can keep his demons in the past then I look for him to become the second most critical player to the Cub lineup next to Aramis Ramirez. I also think he will compete for the National League batting title.
by BLou on Feb 15, 2009 8:03 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Fair enough. Now half empty.
Not really news, he reported < 24 hours early. Whoopie-doo. I’ll believe it when I see it, every day. Not every other day, not 3/5 of the days. I truly believe the guy isn’t as much of a headcase as he’s made out to be, but I do believe DHL’s injury list when I see it. I’ll be the first to stop bitching about it, but only time will tell on this one.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 15, 2009 8:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah thats half empty alright
Damn, you gonna bitch every time he gets a hit too? I guy showed up early — can’t you give him a little cred?
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Feb 15, 2009 8:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This isn't bitching.
I’m just stating the obvious fact that DHL doesn’t play every day, or even near every day. He genuinely sounds like he is happy to have a “home” and be apart of an organization that signed him in hopes of him being one of the leaders on a championship team. I was just presenting the retort to Mike’s swooning over DHL. At least ST has started…we know he’s gonna produce, but my big question mark is for how long and how often.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 15, 2009 8:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ok, I give up
what he @#$% is DHL for?
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
by davidalanu on Feb 15, 2009 8:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Another twist off "GameBoard".
DHL = He mainly played DH last year, and is on the DL quite often. DHL. Not expecting to see DHL overtake the GameBoard moniker, but it is catchy, no? Citation: SWL, 2008 Off-season.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 15, 2009 9:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
dhl makes no sense though
if you want to give him a name, use a game that milton bradley co. has put out, such as “operation”.
DHL would only make sense if his name were something like david henry lewis, and he was good at stealing bases.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Feb 16, 2009 2:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like "Gameboard".
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 4:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Operation
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 16, 2009 8:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
here we go again… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 16, 2009 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I like
Fischer Price
#34: You'll be missed!
by Chanman25 on Feb 16, 2009 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How about Uncle Milty?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 16, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Uncle Wiggily
board game from the early 1900s (first published in 1916)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Wiggily_(game)
"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 Feb 16, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well played
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 16, 2009 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
my great gramma and I use to play that
Thanks for memory :)
by Madison Cub Fan on Feb 16, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
fischer price is a different company
than milton bradley, gotta keep some form of consistency!
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Feb 17, 2009 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
his number is 21
Black Jack?
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 16, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dynamic Names
Maybe we need to update Gameboard’s name through time. For those who doubt his value, he can be called ‘Why?’. Based on his contract, he could be ’Bradley’s Toy Money Complete with Game Of Banking ‘. If/when he goes on the DL, he’ll be making ‘Easy Money’. A hot streak would allow him to ‘Go To The Head Of The Class’. If the Cubs go on a losing streak, they’ll be headed for ‘Trouble’. Hopefully they’ll pull out of the streak before they land at ‘13 Dead End Drive’. And if all goes well and the Cubs finally win the World Series, well that would just be ‘Perfection’.
By the way, I’m neither smart nor anal enogh to know all these games, I just looked them up in Wikipedia.
by CubbieFaninOhio on Feb 16, 2009 12:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he could end every press conference
with that’s “LIFE” folks.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Feb 17, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Feb 16, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going with "The Game."
Straight up. Bad ass.
What do YOU think?
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 16, 2009 1:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like it. My second choice is G-Board.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Feb 16, 2009 5:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh ok point taken
I agree with you, I don’t think we should “swoon” over the guy, but he did show up early and is seems like he really wants to put his best foot forward. For that I thought he deserved a litte credit.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Feb 16, 2009 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rec'd
Although I’d put it differently – the presence of Bradley means Aramis is no longer critical.
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 Feb 15, 2009 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
much more balance
definitely would like to see Bradley bat 3rd with Ramirez behind him.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Feb 16, 2009 12:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless Fontenot wins the starting spot
Because I’d give serious thought to putting him in the 2nd spot or at least platooning him in that position with Theriot.
by northernsails on Feb 16, 2009 2:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently this is a dupe. Different articles, but same topic posted before this one
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/2/15/760224/it-s-a-home-finally-bradl
dp
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 15, 2009 8:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Fanshots get overlooked and are often afterthoughts
I didn’t think this was worthy of a full post, so I posted it as a Fanshot.
I will delete mine even though it was posted 30 minutes ahead of this one.
"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 Feb 15, 2009 8:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No worries flach; I wasn’t trying to play thread police. With so many Posts on the home page you are right, Shots get overlooked.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 15, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I tried moving FanShots higher on the page so they get noticed more.
Anything else you can suggest?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 4:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it is much better, actually.
It just seems like some forget to check it. I like the new style; I think it is more likely to be seen now.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 16, 2009 8:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LGT puts Fanshots on the left and Fanposts on the right.
That way, the Fanshots are almost as high as the Fanposts and usually visible without scrolling down very far. I’m not sure whether you can do that or not.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Feb 16, 2009 5:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.
That’s a good idea. Not sure if I like that more from an athletically standpoint, however. Al has a lot more links on the left—Top 100 Cubs, general baseball links, etc.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 16, 2009 5:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What say the rest of you?
Or maybe I should do a poll?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 6:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well I’m by no means a representative sample. I’m too organized and get grouchy when there are double posts. Now that the actual season has started, I imagine double posts will probably decrease, as the amount of real information will drastically increase.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 16, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well, it would take some getting used to...
…but if I think about it, I use the fanshots section a lot more than what’s currently on the left side at the top. So it makes sense to put the fanshots there since the stuff used most often ought to be the easiest to get at.
My vote would be yes.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 16, 2009 7:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, if I did that...
… what should I move over to the right? The Top 100?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 8:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa! Time out!
I just realized that if you move FanShots over to the left hand nav bar, then the only time you’d see them is from the main page. When you’re in a Story/FanPost/FanShot, the left hand nav bar disappears – only the right hand stuff shows up.
So I’m withdrawing my vote for change. Keep it as it is.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 16, 2009 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I've always wondered why it does that?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 16, 2009 11:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's the way the layout template is supposed to be.
That way, you can, for example, put a longer/larger post on the “Continued after the jump” link and it will have the wider field you see on the inside page.
I could put the FanShots on the left bar on the main page, and leave them on the “only” sidebar on the inside page.
Would that work?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 17, 2009 4:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Posters circumvent the word minimum in Fanposts anyway
with BLAH BLAH BLAH or PEAVY PEAVY PEAVY
Fanshots are not used as intended.
Most posts I’ve seen in Fanshots end up later in Fanposts and then get more comments as a Fanpost.
"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 Feb 17, 2009 7:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, that makes sense.
Going back to your original question then… I wouldn’t move anything from the left to the right on the main page. I would just move FanShots to the top of the left side, pushing everything else down. My right side is way longer than my left side, so this would help balance it out. Of course, I realize this is because I have my FanPosts set at the max (50), but still… I can’t see anything on the left that would make more sense to move over to the right.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 17, 2009 8:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
50 FanPosts?
That’s a lot, and I imagine you wind up with a lot that are probably done with comments. I bet you could reduce that to 30 and not miss anything.
I could try FanShots on the left, but I think I’d balance that by moving, say, the top 100 to the bottom of the right.
Let me mull this.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 17, 2009 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think a poll
with screen shots of one or the other is probably the most democratic way to figure this out, but it’s your blog and I’m fine with either/or!
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 17, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As a frequent Fanshot poster/participant...
…I like this idea.
"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 17, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like from the article that harden threw off a mound
good news
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Feb 15, 2009 8:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that is good news.
I don’t think that “injury” was any different than what we knew about last season, however, is it? I’m more excited about having a full season from Rich than I am about anything else this new season.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 15, 2009 8:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
If Rich makes 25-30 starts there is a chance he ould win the Cy.. he is that good. I mean he is amazing.
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Feb 15, 2009 9:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If Harden makes 25 starts I'll eat my shoe
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Feb 16, 2009 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This would be a good time to remind everyone of my promise.
If Joey Gathright ever leads off a game with a home run, I will eat my scorecard.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 6:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm..
how about instead of that 50 dollar donation to cubs care. i have a feeling you value your score cards and it will never happen I would match the donation.
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Feb 16, 2009 7:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I can always buy another scorecard.
But sure, I’ll do that donation.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 8:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
The AZ Republic reported that Harden threw off flat ground and not off the mound like most of his fellow hurlers. “Basically, we’re just holding him back a little” is how Piniella was quoted.
by azjazzman on Feb 15, 2009 10:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe...
He did both. Maybe the “throwing off a mound” was long-throwing, or else he started and pitched most of the day on flat ground and then eventually went to the mound.
/me shrugs
by northernsails on Feb 16, 2009 2:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good
I’m not a huge fan of him yet but this is a big step toward gaining my respect. He can quickly earn it too, look at Edmonds last year. I hated him even when we signed him yet I loved him by the end of the season. Hopefully that happens with Milton..
#34: You'll be missed!
by Chanman25 on Feb 15, 2009 8:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Good point man.
Did Jimbo sign with anyone?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 15, 2009 8:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I ran into Jim Edmonds...
…at the grocery store in Irvine 2 weeks ago and he said he’s “DONE” unless he plays for the Cubs in ’09.
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Feb 15, 2009 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you say excuse me?
;)
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07
by RynoHoF on Feb 15, 2009 10:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Now, this is interesting.
Does this mean he still thinks the Cubs might contact him? I’d vote for Edmonds over Hoffpauir for that last bench spot. He can play OF (actually play it, rather than just stand there with a glove on his hand, like Hoffpauir), and actually hit off the bench.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 4:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
true, plus he could play 1b if Lee went down
#34: You'll be missed!
by Chanman25 on Feb 16, 2009 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Could he be a possible Reed Johnson like signing in late March if Hoff sucks in Spring Training?
#34: You'll be missed!
by Chanman25 on Feb 16, 2009 8:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, if he's not signed elsewhere.
Edmonds has played 51 games at 1B in his career, most of those (33) when he was still with the Angels. Still, he could probably do it if needed.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 8:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't be opposed to him signing now then, if he truly wants to play with the Cubs..
#34: You'll be missed!
by Chanman25 on Feb 16, 2009 8:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Throwing this out there -
I wonder who could play 3B better – Edmonds or Miles.
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 Feb 16, 2009 9:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably Miles.
But only because Edmonds throws lefthanded. When was the last time you saw a left-handed throwing third baseman?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
I forgot about the LH throw.
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 Feb 16, 2009 9:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, there was this one left-handed throwing third baseman back in the 70's...
He also played a little second-base too – made for some interesting pivots while attempting to turn two.
Didn’t last long there though. He shifted over to first base and also spent some time on the mound before finally settling down to where he was destined to achieve fame and (no) fortune – the outfield.
Who is this Mystery Cub (fan)?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 16, 2009 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Terry Francona
but he never played 3B for the Cubs.
Left-Handed Third Basemen since 1956
"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 Feb 16, 2009 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When did Terry Francona play 2B?
"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 Feb 16, 2009 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, I forgot you said 70s
Terry Francona played in the 80s.
I don’t know of whom you speak.
"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 Feb 16, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Francona's appearance at 3B...
… consisted of four innings on the last day of the 1985 season when he was an Expo.
Check out the rest of that wacky lineup.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 10:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Immaculate Inning did a 3-part blog on left-handed throwing 2B-3B-SS
Immaculate Inning article:
Left-Handed Second Basemen
Baseball-Reference Left-Handed Second Basemen since 1956
Immaculate Inning article:
Left-Handed Third Basemen
Baseball-Reference Left-Handed Third Basemen since 1956
Immaculate Inning article:
Left-Handed Shortstops
Baseball-Reference Left-Handed Shortstops since 1956
"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 Feb 16, 2009 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I especially like the story about pitcher Sam McDowell
playing 2B
"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 Feb 16, 2009 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see that strategy employed more often
Interesting idea – moving a pitcher into the field for one or two hitters, then bringing him back to the mound. There are a lot of pitchers who are athletic enough that they could probably be a passable 1B or corner OF.
BTW, that article misspelled “Graig Nettles”. Easy mistake to make, I guess. (Who names their kid Graig, anyway?)
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
by hip2bsquare on Feb 16, 2009 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
very cool links - thanks!
It’s ironic that I never did play SS, seeing as how that would probably be the easiest non-1B infield spot to play. Granted, my infield time was in Little League so obviously the finer points of position strategy were muted at best. And I can’t remember any team ever successfully turning a standard double play when I played though we always tried – I’m sure it was pretty freakin’ hilarious to watch – remember, this was Little League!
But I did goof around during practice in high school and found it real easy and natural to play SS. Anything to the right, chances are the 3B would cut across and get it. If it was in the hole, I could do a 360 (well, more like a 270) and make a pretty good throw. If it was deep in the hole, I’d probably have a better chance to at least knock it down. Anything to the left was easy enough to make the throw assuming I got to the ball. And the pivot at second was easy – just glide across and throw.
But come game time, it was always back out to the outfield – and I couldn’t have been happier.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 16, 2009 12:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hint - it was the Port Clinton (Ohio) Little League...
Obviously (well, maybe not), I was talking about me and my glory days on the diamond growing up. I played every position except SS and C (thank goodness) in Little League. As playing (and coaching) skill level improved, I discovered that being in the lush green outfield grass was much much cooler than being on that dusty brown dirt infield.
Sorry – I didn’t think anyone would take this seriously. I was just having some fun.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 16, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ahhh....the (fan) was the key
did you ever play catcher?
"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 Feb 16, 2009 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
damn....I need to read the entire post
no SS and no C
"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 Feb 16, 2009 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Coach asked me one time...
I forget how old I was, but I do remember the prospect of putting on all this equipment on a hot summer day, crouching down to catch wildly thrown balls (this was before the days of t-ball), and being within inches of uncoordinated kids awkwardly swinging wooden bats was not a very appealing one to me.
But our team didn’t have a regular catcher and coach was going through everybody. When he got to me, he pointed to the equipment, so I started to strap on the shin guards. Wasn’t until I picked up the catcher’s mitt that it dawned on me this might not work. I held up the catcher’s mitt next to my glove and waddled over to the coach.
He looked down, realized the error of his ways, tapped some other kid and then shoved me towards the infield, after giving me a dirty look. I didn’t care – I was FREE!!!!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 16, 2009 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Squires, 1984
14 games, no errors. He also caught 2 games.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Feb 16, 2009 5:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here are the other left-handed throwing catchers since 1957
"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 Feb 16, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not unless an outfielder gets hurt
Why would we need yet another outfielder on the bench?
by Wreckard on Feb 16, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Its a good idea to tell him to stay in shape and expect a phone call
If an injury or lack of performance opens up a spot in the outfield, I want Edmonds back.
Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.
by nji232 on Feb 16, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
His tone of voice made me think his career is over.
In other words, he didn’t make it sound like he expected a call. I wonder how much $$$ he’d want?
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Feb 16, 2009 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you tell him you were a Cubs fan?
Maybe he was just telling you want you wanted to hear.
I’ve read that the Braves might be looking at him, too.
What do YOU think?
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 16, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I mentioned I was.
I was at his first game as a Cub at Wrigley in May vs SD. I gotta admit, I lied to him and said I cheered for him. It took me a little while to warm up to him as a Cub.
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Feb 16, 2009 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd definitely vote for this, too.
Jim Edmonds is a patient, veteran, major league hitter with pop, whom other team’s would respect. In addition, he has played 1B at the major league level, so he could back up DLee. This would still leave the Cubs vulnerable at third base and SS, but it’s a start.
What do YOU think?
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 16, 2009 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Now if I could just find out where Geo does his grocery shopping
Just think all we could learn :)
by Madison Cub Fan on Feb 15, 2009 11:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's at a store near you . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 16, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
FTR
I am gonna say Milton is gonna be awesome
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Feb 15, 2009 8:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
What is the over/under
on Gameboard’s season ending injury? I am with dtpollit on this. Hope I am wrong but between the tantrums and injuries, it could have been moey better spent.
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana
by copes006 on Feb 15, 2009 8:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not going to happen
hes going to play 140-150
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Feb 15, 2009 8:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
History
says otherwise. I will be happy if he does well, I just don’t expect it.
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana
by copes006 on Feb 15, 2009 8:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm taking the same approach to Bradley...
…as I took to Rich Harden. Until he’s actually out with an injury, I’m not going to worry about it. The man is good at baseball.
What do YOU think?
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 16, 2009 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you know what an over under is?
I don’t think that term means what you think it means.
by Wreckard on Feb 15, 2009 8:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a betting man
Is there a better term?
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana
by copes006 on Feb 15, 2009 8:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry is hoping for 130-135
Bradley said Sunday he hopes to play 181 games, which presumably would consist of a 162-game season and 19 postseason games to a championship.
"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 Feb 15, 2009 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Better Spent?
His contract this season is only $5M, next season is $9M and then 2011 is only if he stay healthy enough to play enough games. it is not a bad signing in all honesty.
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 16, 2009 8:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it is compared to what the perceived other options were.
Dunn and Abreu signed for much less.
Abreu: 1 year/$5 mil
Dunn: 2 years/$20 mil
GameBoard: 3 years/$30 mil
I understand the clause about his health, and this is another classic Jimbo backloaded contract, but on the surface it appears we paid a bit more than market value for pulling the trigger first. Not that I’m saying this is a bad deal, however.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 16, 2009 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley is a much better player than either of those guys.
And the honest fact is that the Cubs are one of the high spending teams in baseball, and set the market. There’s no way Abreu or Dunn signs with the Cubs at those prices, at that point in the off-season.
by Wreckard on Feb 16, 2009 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Bradley
is an OBP machine.
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 16, 2009 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Along the same storyline, Carrie Muskat writes more of the same at
"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 Feb 15, 2009 8:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Man, I was just thinking...look how different our OF has looked over the last four years:
LF/CF/RF
2008:
Soriano/Pie/Dome
2007:
Murton/Soriano/Jones (that’s right, Soriano in center!)
2006:
Murton/Pierre/Jones (shutters)
2005:
Hollandsworth/Patterson/Burnitz (double shutter)
Quite the variety.
I’m assuming 2009 is gonna look something like:
Soriano/Dome/Bradley
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Feb 15, 2009 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The Soriano in CF experiment didn't last long
Derrick Rose-2009 ROTY Tyrus Thomas-2009 MIP...hope I'm at least half right
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Feb 15, 2009 9:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Neither did the Pie experiment
[ducks]
"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 Feb 15, 2009 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 16, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh my!
"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 Feb 16, 2009 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I second-guessed myself after hitting post
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 16, 2009 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Double shutter.
What do YOU think?
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 16, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I get goosebumps thinking about opening day...
I really hope Bradley is awesome. i think he will be. The man did lead the big boys circuit in OPS. I am so happy he is a cub
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Feb 15, 2009 9:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Any other Cubs show up early?
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Feb 15, 2009 9:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Theriot, Reed Johnson, So Taguchi and Jason Dubois...
…were all there early.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Feb 16, 2009 6:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think So Taguchi
wants to spend as much time as possible in a Cubs uniform. We all know it’s not going to last long.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Feb 16, 2009 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
BTW Lou said Bradley will hit fourth or fifth.. Looking at both options here would be my lineup
1. Soriano
2. Fonty
3. Rammy
4. Bradley
5. Lee
6. Soto
7. Dome
8. Riot
1. Soriano
2. Fonty
3. Lee
4. Rammy
5. Bradley
6. Soto
7. Dome
8 Riot
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Feb 15, 2009 9:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I actually like both/either of those.
Depends on how Lee swings the bat, I suppose. But yes, Fontenot is our best option for the two-hole, in my opinion.
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 Feb 15, 2009 10:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I lean towards the second lineup
For whatever reason I just really like seeing Ramirez in the No. 4 spot.
Harry Caray: Marshall is going back to LA to get cocaine for his injured foot.
Steve Stone: Harry, that’s Novocaine.
by Julio Zuleta's Voodoo on Feb 16, 2009 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Miles is going to get some playing time
They signed him for what, 4.9? He’s gonna get a lot of playing time
by NittanyCub on Feb 16, 2009 5:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
All I want
for Gameboard is 135 starts.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Feb 15, 2009 10:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That'd be fine with me.
The biggest worry I have about him is his health. Also remember that 3/4 of his games last year were played as DH, so he hasn’t had major OF time in two years.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 16, 2009 4:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Understand.
That is why if, a huge if, 135 starts would be a miracle IMO. I was an Abreu guy all along. But Milton is here and I hope he is healthy.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Feb 16, 2009 8:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I want a magical unicorn...
..that poops wishes but I have a feeling that’s just as likely. I don’t care about any of Bradley’s “issues” or anything like that but the guy can’t stay healthy. He’s played 140 games in a season once in his career and that was 5 years ago, if anything hope that the Cubs training staff knows something the Rangers’, A’s, Dodgers’ and Padres’ staffs don’t. Bradley can flat out hit if he’s healthy but that’s so rare I wish Hendry had been a little more patient then perhaps the Cubs would have been the team to land Abreu for 5 million.
I think we all should expect to see Soriano-Johnson-Fukudome out there for at least 50 games this year so if anyone has that magical unicorn please wish that if Bradley is going to break down at least he does it before the trading deadline.
by GSG on Feb 16, 2009 7:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Murton rode off on that magical unicorn when he went to fight for the Kingdom of Oakland...
but who knows… maybe the unicorn threw him and will come trotting back to BCB just in time for Opening Day!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 16, 2009 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
100 games of Bradley
is still better than 150 of Dunn or Abreu.
by Wreckard on Feb 16, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
that is why we have
Fukudome, Gath, Reed…..late in the game, expect to see one of them in RF and in blow outs, possibly all three in the OF allowing Sori and MB to stay healthy
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Feb 16, 2009 8:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
IF...
Gameboard is 100% this year, I agree w/Blou…he will be a Monster this year. Probably THEE key bat in the lineup this year.
by Bud Man Cub Fan on Feb 15, 2009 10:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That's a big if however
#34: You'll be missed!
by Chanman25 on Feb 16, 2009 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's sad that we can say that about Milton
AND Rich in the rotation. Think about what he would do if he was healthy all year.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Feb 16, 2009 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley
I have a really good feeling about this and it will turn out better than even our best expectations.
I have an overall very good feeling about the combo we will have in center and right,. I think Fukudome is going to exceed expectations and Johnson will continue to do well too.
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 Feb 16, 2009 8:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Big audacious prediction
Milton Bradley will win the NL Batting Title in 2009.
Rumor of Jim Edmonds coming back? Man, I’d love that. He would look awfully nice coming off the bench.
by BLou on Feb 16, 2009 10:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think he's probably a decent clubhouse guy, too
I like that he spoke with the team after winning the division last year, stressing that it was just one step. Also thought it was cool that he asked Lee if it was ok before he did it.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 16, 2009 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Jimbo had some good quotes...
…toward the end of last season about staying focused.
What do YOU think?
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 16, 2009 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I had the wierd feeling Jim was headed back to the Cubs...
…this AM when I woke up – before I checked BCB. I even looked online to make sure he hadn’t signed with anyone else over the weekend that I might have missed.
"Just win tonight" - derv
by derv on Feb 16, 2009 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Let's hope
He hits. I could care less about his defense. I just want some left-handed power in the lineup.
That's shitastic!
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Feb 16, 2009 7:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
just read something on cubs.com
that hoffpauir is going to make the team and it is his job to lose. This scares me becuase if he makes the team then we dont have anyone to play 3b if go forbid rammy goes down and we still dont have an adequate sSS
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
by fischisgod on Feb 16, 2009 7:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The real problem isn't Hoffpauir
it’s the high expectations they have for Aaron Miles.
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 Feb 16, 2009 9:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure how high those expectations are.
Miles will be a platoon 2B, playing vs LHP, and occasionally play SS or 3B. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Feb 17, 2009 4:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is revealed in all the discussions about the 25th man
and how we need someone to backup SS/3B. But the Cubs don’t seem to see that, which likely means they think Miles can be that. When you consider how much money we paid for Miles and the fact that it might not cost that much more to get one of the remaining Orlandos, it’s disappointing.
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 Feb 17, 2009 7:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Last year, ARam started 147 games at 3B
DeRosa started 10 games and McGehee 4.
Miles and Fontenot (or someone who gets acquired or shines in ST) will have to pick up the games Ramirez does not start.
Heaven forbid if Ramirez is injured, the Cubs would most likely go after a more permanent fixture at 3B.
SIDENOTE: The Cubs only played 161 games last year. As you recall, damage to Minute Maid Park in Houston from Hurricane Ike forced the postponement of 3 games against the Astros. Two of them were made up in Milwaukee, the last would have been played at the end of the season if necessary.
"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 Feb 17, 2009 8:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
and we hope Aramis has that health again this year. However, it is an altogether too realistic scenario in which he isn’t on the DL but also isn’t able to play 6 or even 5 games a week for a stretch. Yes, we could go trade for Melvin Mora or someone similar and maybe waiting is the better strategy. I just think our bench is thin.
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 Feb 17, 2009 8:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's stretching Miles too thin.
As a natural 2B, he probably doesn’t have the arm for 3B or the range for SS, so he’s going to compromise the defense when he’s playing either of those positions. Plus, and I pray this doesn’t happen, what if Miles gets injured? Then there’s no one to back up 3B and SS. Or what if (again, please don’t let this happen) Aramis or Theriot go down? Then Miles will see extended time at one of those positions – again, not a pleasant thought defensively speaking (or offensively, for that matter).
"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09
by dat cubfan daver on Feb 17, 2009 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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