Lou has faith in Hoffpauir, do you?

almost 3 years ago Clutche 34 comments 0 recs |

Comments

Sigh...

“It’s his job to lose,” Cubs manager Lou Piniella said of Hoffpauir. “I plan on giving him some playing time at first to rest Derrek [Lee] and also at both corner outfield spots. The kid swings the bat. I don’t see any problems there.”

…so it goes. I actually don’t have a problem with Hoffpauir backing up DLee, as I understand he’s reasonably sound defensively at first base. And if he must be the LH pinch hitter, well, all right. But, please, Lou, don’t put him in the outfield. You’ve already got RJ, Dome and Gathright, who you can shift around to any of the three spots to back up Soriano and Bradley.

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 16, 2009 5:21 PM CST reply actions

It's entirely possible...

… that Hoffpauir will suck this spring. He impressed Lou last year with the great spring he had.

So what if he sucks this year? Then what does Lou do?

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 16, 2009 5:41 PM CST up reply actions

Call Jim

and ask for a LH veteran.

by rlpete on Feb 16, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions

Jim Edmonds!

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 16, 2009 6:01 PM CST up reply actions

JAKE PEAVY!

#34: You'll be missed!

by Chanman25 on Feb 16, 2009 6:12 PM CST up reply actions

4 days ago...

…and this would bother me. Now that the season has started and we have real discussion points, I say…

..BRIAN ROBERTS CAN BACK UP D.LEE!

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 11:09 PM CST up reply actions

CHRIS HANSON!

#34: You'll be missed!

by Chanman25 on Feb 17, 2009 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

Lefty Grove

"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 8:29 PM CST up reply actions

He will.....

pleasantly surprise you Al

If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.

by Clutche on Feb 16, 2009 9:51 PM CST up reply actions

I hope you're right.

I fear you’re wrong.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 17, 2009 4:05 AM CST up reply actions

I don't see a lot of faith from Lou

From the article….

“It’s usually a spot for a more experienced player,” Piniella said. “[Hoffpauir] did OK last year. The only thing I can say about Hoffpauir in a pinch-hitting role is that you have to be aggressive, but you have to selectively aggressive. He said, ‘You know, I’m a free swinger.’ I said, ‘I know, but it can’t bounce.’”

That doesn’t sound like Lou is convinced and neither am I.

by rlpete on Feb 16, 2009 5:48 PM CST reply actions

i ant jim back

send dome to AAA is anyone as pissed at me that he has a lot to prove to our organization and he is playing in an exhibition touney??

Something is wrong

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

by fischisgod on Feb 16, 2009 8:39 PM CST reply actions

You're way off base.

First, every team understands that some of its players are playing in the WBC. National pride means a lot in Japan, and Fukudome was, in fact, a star in 2006. Maybe playing for Japan and succeeding will help his approach to 2009.

Second, he’ll never go to Triple-A. Ever. (Well, unless he ever needs a rehab assignment.)

Personally, I think Dome will be a pleasant surprise this year.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 16, 2009 8:41 PM CST up reply actions

I say Hoff and you say Dome....

I hope we’re both correct, but I think I’ll have the last laugh on this one.

If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.

by Clutche on Feb 16, 2009 9:53 PM CST up reply actions

I know we arent thinking of the same Kosuke Fukudome of the 2006 WBC...

If we are then there is a serious problem because MY Kosuke Fukudome had a line of .182/.240/,455

That is NOT A Star.. I am as hopeful as the rest that he rebounds but if not ship him to AAA. If he sucks then he is a sunken cost. But he was definitely not a STAR in the WBC. Playing against that weak Asian pitching is the last thing we want. The best pitchers in his region will be on his team. I want him facing Vnezuelans, Americans, dominicans canadiens etc.

Not South Korea, China , and Chinese Taipei. The best pitcher in his region is Byung Hyung Kim. He should be with the Cubs or get prepared to ride the bus.

(I think i read an article in the offseason that he can be sent to AAA) if i am wrong whatever but i am still correct that he sucked in the last WBC and he wont be facing any good pitching there.

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

by fischisgod on Feb 16, 2009 11:27 PM CST up reply actions

Fukudome hit a dramatic key HR for Japan vs. Korea in the semi-finals.

That’s how he was a star in the WBC. Quoting a triple stat line doesn’t always tell the whole story.

He’ll never go to AAA. (Unless it’s on a rehap assignment)

Oh, and that home run? It was off Byung-Hyun Kim.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 17, 2009 4:07 AM CST up reply actions

The point is...

that Fukudome didn’t actually do well in the last WBC, so calling him a star is misleading. He’s a star in that he had one big swing (against a washed up guy like Kim) and people tend to overlook overall performance for “moments.” So your argument that being a “star” in the WBC is misleading.

That said, I agree that he’s not going to AAA. If he doesn’t do better, then he becomes an albatross on the bench, and the Cubs will try to trade him or work out a buyout after the season.

by SouthernCub on Feb 18, 2009 9:21 AM CST up reply actions

How many ABs is that line based on?

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 17, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed.

We may not all agree on the legitimacy/worthiness of the WBC, but it’s a reality. Dome’s choice to represent his country is in no way a slight to the Cubs or his Cubs teammates.

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 17, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

I say Hoff and you say Dome....

I hope we’re both correct, but I think I’ll have the last laugh on this one.

If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.

by Clutche on Feb 16, 2009 9:53 PM CST reply actions

Positive spin

I say both! If Fukudome can rebound and rediscover the magic he had in the first month last year, or even a reasonable facsimile, it’ll be like they added another solid free-agent.

How can people judge hime solely on 1 year…or even a half year? New country, culture, league, away from family, new baby at home (I think). I’d like to see any of us perform under the glare of the spotlight (and glare of antsy Cub fans!) and get it done at a high level. I’m optimistic this will be a better year.

He just needs to keep that front foot from bailing out so quickly…I’m looking at YOU Gerald Perry!!!

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Feb 17, 2009 6:59 AM CST up reply actions

Doubt it.

Were I a betting man, I’d take Dome over Hoff. Micah is, essentially, a one-dimensional player. He hits for power. Period. Dome brings plus defensive and much more varied attack offensively – assuming he rebounds enough to hit with some consistency, of course.

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 17, 2009 10:26 AM CST up reply actions

Hoff in OF

I can stomach him a little more being in LF than RF. With Sori’s injury history, Hoff may be needed in LF. I have serious doubts that Hoff can handle playing RF at Wrigley dealing with the sun and wind. Hoff’s a first baseman. I think he will hit okay at the big league level. I am thinking somewhere in the .265 BA/.430 SLG range. His numbers will drop off from last season’s small sample size.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Feb 17, 2009 10:46 AM CST reply actions

I'm not buying the love for Hoffpauir

1. Hoffpauir lacks the demonstrated ability to come off a major league bench cold and pinch hit. Take his inexperience coupled with a big swing, and forecast for him being a good major league pinch hitter in 2009 is not good.

2. Hoffpauir is wretched in the outfield and not the best of 1st baseman either. The role on the bench he is competing for must go to someone who brings versatility to the mix. The presence of Aaron Miles complicates Hoffpauir’s fate in that Miles has never even helped out at 3rd base or 1st base, and is viewed as defensively challenged otherwise.

by BLou on Feb 17, 2009 10:54 AM CST reply actions

I have ultimate faith that

Hoff will thrive in the PH role provided the opposing pitcher feeds him his needed diet of fast balls.

When the slider away appears, I have complete faith it will cause a strikeout and a trip to Des Moines.

by N Oakley on Feb 17, 2009 2:30 PM CST reply actions

So remember, opposing pitchers, fastballs - NOT sliders.

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 17, 2009 2:55 PM CST up reply actions

I think.....

it’s Soriano you speak of!!!!!!!!!!

If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.

by Clutche on Feb 17, 2009 4:09 PM CST up reply actions

Soriano too.

The Hoff and the breaking ball are not friends. That big swing needs that pesky ball to stay on one plane.

by N Oakley on Feb 17, 2009 4:48 PM CST up reply actions

I have faith in Micah...

And if he doesn’t get the job done right out of the gate, I’m sure Lou will ship him out.

by tom veryzer on Feb 17, 2009 4:55 PM CST reply actions

What's wrong with that?

Don’t crap on Sweet Lou if Micah fails. It’s the same b.s. that folks around here flashed the past couple of years when Matt Murton and Felix Pie didn’t light the world on fire and were subsequently banished. This is the big leagues boys and girls, and the Cubs are trying to win. I very much trust the evaluative skills of Lou Piniella. He’s been right about a whole mess more players and prospects over his 20 plus years as manager than he’s been wrong.

by BLou on Feb 17, 2009 10:31 PM CST up reply actions

Alright maybe I'm confused

Blou, your’re not suggesting miles play first are u? he’s 5’8". the more and more i think about it, the more i think jimbo needs to make a move for Teahen. i know hes got a decent sized salary ($3.5 mil??), but maybe the cubs could get KC to eat some of that salary. Teahen gives security at 3B 1B and both corner spots.

by MDavis on Feb 17, 2009 8:43 PM CST reply actions

I'm fine with

Micah being on our bench at the start of the year. I’m not sure if I have “faith” in him, but I’m fine with him as the option. There simply isn’t much else that fits right now, unless we make a veteran move.

I think Kosuke will improve, but our expectations on him need to be a bit more realistic. When he came over, folks said he was a poor man’s JD Drew or poor man’s Bobby Abreu. Let’s downgrade those expectations a bit. If he can give me say, a .275/.370/.430 line, I’m fine.

As noted in another post, I wouldn’t mind seeing Kosuke hit in the 2 hole.

by toonsterwu on Feb 17, 2009 8:44 PM CST reply actions

Totally agree.

I’m just not seeing a silver bullet for the Cubs’ need for a veteran PH and someone who can back up 3B and 1B (and, ideally, SS). Again, Nomar is still the only name that comes to mind, but he comes with his own set of uncertainties. So, what the hell, give Micah his shot, Lou – and put him at 1B once a week or so to keep DLee fresh and have Derrek’s bat available to pinch hit.

"[It's going to be] a long, long spring. I will get tired of the prickly pear margaritas." - Lou Piniella, 2/16/09

by daver on Feb 18, 2009 9:13 AM CST up reply actions