Paint Job: Cubs 13, White Sox 2
by Al on Mar 21, 2009 5:51 PM CDT
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114 comments
Wrigley Field, Chicago, Saturday, March 21; photo by Al
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They're painting the scoreboard at Wrigley Field this weekend; the National League half, as you can see, is done, with the AL half yet to go. Meanwhile, this afternoon at Camelback Ranch, Cubs hitters splattered the berm with home runs -- three of them, from Alfonso Soriano, Milton "Gameboard" Bradley (his first of the spring), and Jake Fox. Fox also had three hits and five RBI. The man can rake -- if only he could play third base.
Meanwhile, Sean Marshall painted corners well with his breaking ball, allowing five hits and two runs in five innings with three strikeouts. Marshall's only real mistake was a HR ball he served up to Josh Fields in his fifth and final inning of work. I figured he might be ready to go six today, but perhaps that'll be saved for his next outing. He should have at least two more starts before the regular season begins. Meanwhile, Luis Vizcaino threw an efficient inning, striking out two and perhaps increasing his trade value.
The Cubs beat up on several White Sox pitchers, 13-2, including their #1 starter Mark Buehrle and one of their top setup men, Scott Linebrink.
We've already discussed Corey Koskie's retirement from his comeback attempt, but I thought it worth posting that link for this quote within:
He took himself out of Thursday’s game against Seattle in the third inning. He said Saturday that he asked himself after diving for a grounder: "What am I doing out here?"
Kudos to Koskie for giving it a shot, and even more props to him for realizing that it just wasn't realistic after all he's been through. He's still young in outside-of-baseball terms and I wish nothing but the best to him and his family.
That leaves the Cubs without a true backup 3B -- today Mike Fontenot played the position -- and I would suspect Jim Hendry is scouting various teams for possible help. I will again float the Chad Gaudin-for-Maicer Izturis swap that I posted about last Sunday. It makes a great deal of sense for both teams; the Cubs need that versatile backup infielder and the Angels have pitching depth problems. The contracts are almost a match ($2m for Gaudin; $1.6 for Izturis). I hope the Cubs are seriously considering this possibility.
In tomorrow's home game vs. the Mariners -- where yet another attendance record could be set -- the guy who so many of you wanted the Cubs to get last winter, Erik Bedard, will throw for the Mariners against Carlos Zambrano. The game will once again be on CSN Chicago -- this time with Len & Bob.
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That game was hard to watch
with Hawk and the blowhard Stone.
I really don’t miss the stone pony. What a windbag. He throws out BS and acts like he knows what he’s talking about.
I loved it when he said Jeff S. needs an offspeed pitch. What is his splitter then?
Thank god he can bore the Sox fans this year, talk about 2 that deserve each other.
Little wonder NO team ever hired him to do anything.
by cubswin on Mar 21, 2009 6:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Those two in the booth
Goodness, will there ego’s let them get in the booth without hitting the ceiling.
Sound down, that will be a requirement when I watch on the MLB package.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Mar 21, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stoney was informative as ever
And it seemed like he still has a little bias towards the Cubs. Harrelson, however… was as horrible as ever. One of the posters in the game thread got it right when they called him out for saying “Grab some wood” after a Cubs player struck out… when the Cubs were leading 9-1. Come on man, give up the character, it’s not funny anymore. I’ve met him IRL (and actually got his autograph on my game glove when I played 2B back in the day) and he’s nothing like that in person.
by lswaidz on Mar 21, 2009 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you hate Hawk so much, why do you listen to him?
Is the mute button on your TV broke?
"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009
by DrCrawdad on Mar 21, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes kudos to Koskie, now about the subplots
Koyie Hill got 2 more hits, raising his average to a Ted Williams like .396. Samardz and Vizcaino blanked the Chi Sox. On the Cubs depth chart Samardz is listed above Vizcaino as 6th and 7th in the bullpen.
To me the subplot here is not whether Bako can play defense but if Koyie Hill is a a good a defensive catcher as Bako and then there is not an issue, Hill beat him out plain and simple.
You have got to figure that unless something happens the Cubs are going to Houston with 11 pitchers—-at least for the first 3-4 weeks. Seems to me that Cubs will find some deal for Vizcaino and possibly Guzman or Gaudin, but if I were the Cubs it would be Guzman. Gaudin allows the Cubs to swing him in a starter role on an occasion.
Now about Hoffpauir, he has had the most AB’s and is batting his norm, .270 (.304 OBP), under .900 OPS so he is not the starter a few purported . Lee is a concern if his quad is sore or hurt——that is not something to fool with.
Cubs need a 4th IF’er thankfully they probably have the means to acquire one with their excess pitching.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Mar 21, 2009 6:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think
Al’s deal makes too much sense, so after what I saw this offseason, I seriously doubt that it will happen. Unless Izturis is capable of hitting as poorly as his brother did.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
by Tekboy on Mar 21, 2009 6:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Al, I saw that picture and thought they put red LED's in the scoreboard.
My heart literally skipped a beat. Upon closer inspection it’s just the scaffolding… phew.
by lswaidz on Mar 21, 2009 8:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Anybody know about the paint?
For instance, when I was touring Fenway last spring, I learned that the Red Sox own, operate, and are the sole users of their patented green monster color. Is there something similar with the Cubs’ scoreboard?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Mar 21, 2009 8:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not to my knowledge.
How can you patent a color?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 22, 2009 4:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
John Deere green
is an example
by cozmotaylor123 on Mar 22, 2009 7:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK...
… I’ll take your word for it. I don’t know if the Cubs’ scoreboard color is patented.
I do know that when it was first built, it was a reddish-brown color. The green color dates from the 1950’s.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 22, 2009 7:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trademarked?
More likely it is trademarked. I don’t know how official it is, but I’m sure if you tried to bring out some sort machinery that was any sort of green you’d hear from some lawyers.
by bungle on Mar 22, 2009 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
today's NYT
ran a front page story about the Yankees marketing their trade marked grass (not the smoking kind).
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
by Emelie on Mar 22, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also...
…Soriano looks to be heating up at the right time. GameBoard makes it harder and harder for me to rip into him, because when he actually plays (about ever 4th game…) he actually produces. Sigh.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Mar 21, 2009 8:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We had a versatile back-up infielder...
..but Jimbo traded him to Cleveland. He will regret letting DeRosa go.
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 8:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wait...
…we traded DeRosa??
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Mar 21, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
We won’t be lol if ARam goes down
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And we wouldn't be lol'ing if he went down and we had dero
DeRo isn’t exactly known for being able to play “good” 3B.
In fact, I’d trust Fontenot quite a bit more at third.
I’d rather worry about one of our starters getting injured and causing our team offensive problems (the problem we have now) than worry about our starting right fielder being offensively inept and hoping for a lightning strike to cause a miracle in his bat (the problem we had before we dropped Dero’s salary to pick up most of Bradley’s).
Oh, and don’t think that any team is currently saying, it’ll be ok if our best RBI man, OPS guy & clutch hitter goes down. Do you think that Yankees fans were saying “it’s ok that ARod is injured?”
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
then why would the indians
have him listed as a starting third baseman?
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who else do they have to play there?
I’m not saying he’s a terrible 3b, but his defensive stats have been average at all positions. From the stats I’ve seen, Fontenot plays a better 2b than DeRo ever did.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i like fontenot
at 2nd. i really really do.
my problem with the lack of derosa is in direct relation to my problems with soriano, and lou’s love of the double switch.
soriano seems to hurt himself as a cub. dero has been with him here, to take over in the outfield, font/scrappy mcgee in at 2nd.
aramis last season missed a few games for family reasons i believe. dero slid over, font in at 2nd.
lou likes his switches, and he could move dero all over the field.
yes, he was average. but he would play anywhere, when he was told. my kind of player that i truly enjoy watching play. i don’t like this specialization that happens. understand it, but don’t like it. (don’t get me started on the dh)
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, and I loved DeRo
But I would like to know why everyone forgets about Aaron Miles.
He’s gonna be on our roster, and he hit well last year. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think Miles has been a solid defensive player who can play multiple positions as well.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also apologize if it seems like I'm a little abrasive on this subject
I’m just getting tired of DeRosa statements. Especially since most of Hendry’s moves have been ultimately positive.
Everyone hated Lilly, Harden & Soriano. Ultimately, they’ve succeeded in some MLB-level way.
I have a feeling it’s just gonna keep bugging me, and it’s not gonna stop, so I’m gonna need to grow up and let it go.
Sorry about the confrontation.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no confrontation seen by me
i’m just saying that he can play 3rd.
miles is not even an average 3rd base. if he was, hendry wouldn’t be looking for an extra infielder.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool, I don't know his RZR
But I was pretty sure he was better than Dero. I definitely could be wrong.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We don't have enough info to know whether Miles sucks at 3b
I suspect that he’s not very good, but 3b and 2b a very similar in the defensive spectrum, and Miles plays 2b credibly.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on Mar 22, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I respectfully disagree...
2B is the easiest position on the field IMHO. All you have to do is knock the ball down and keep it in front of you. The hot corner is just that. Little time to react, and you need to be a better fielder w/a better arm.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
by DMCub on Mar 22, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A few reasons
First of all – 1b and LF are by far the easiest positions to field
Third basemen cover less ground – they need quick reaction times on the balls hit near them, which are hit harder, but for the most part the SS takes care of many of the ground balls hit to the left side. Also, balls that travel to a 3b quickly mean that the batter has less time to run to first, so arm strength is not quite as big of a deal.
Second basemen, on the other hand, have a lot more ground to cover, since they basically cover most of the right side of the infield, and speed is more important. Additionally, they need to worry about turning double plays, which is something that third basemen do not have to deal with.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on Mar 22, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does lol'ing mean laughing out louding????
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes Indeed
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Love DeRo all you want...
I still love the guy, he’s a very versatile player. However, if you honestly trust LBR more at third base than DeRo- while I think you are deluded. Fontenot barely has the arm to play SS, let alone third base. DeRosa has an OFs arm, (he was a college quarterback for goodness sake). DeRosa is known for playing good third base, not great third base mind you, but certainly better than Little Babe Ruth.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 22, 2009 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fine, don't trust Fontenot, who we haven't seen at 3rd.
But yet again, we also got aaron miles.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 22, 2009 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who doesn't play 3rd base
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 22, 2009 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not that I don't trust LBR.
It is the simple fact that LBR barely has the arm to play short, let alone third base. Miles, while he can play third if need be, is not a third baseman, and does not have a third baseman’s arm either. Additionally, Miles will not likely be called upon in his role with the Cubs to play third. Miles will share a considerable amount of time with both LBR & Theriot at SS and second base; and perhaps even in a pinch some corner outfield.
This is why the trade that Al suggested of Gaudin for M. Izturis is still being considered, and I believe, has a very likely chance to be completed by the end of spring training. With Koskie retiring for good, (smart move), the Cubs do not have a suitable third base back-up, either on the major league roster, or in the immediate minor league system.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 22, 2009 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And what I'm saying
Is look at Derosa’s fielding percentage and his RZR at 3rd. He’s below MLB average. Which I don’t consider good.
You’re saying that you’re looking for a replacement for him at 3rd. I’m saying that I personally believe that either of them could do just as well (which is below average) at 3rd.
By the way, Theriot barely has the arm to play short, and he’s an average to slightly above average rated defender. Fielding isn’t all arm.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 22, 2009 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Listen...
What you want in a back-up third baseman are two things: the smarts to understand what he needs to do at the position, and an above average arm. That’s it. I don’t give a rat’s ass what DeRo’s fielding percentage or RZR, (whatever the hell that is- help me Cwyers), is. Furthermore, I won’t debate with you anymore whether or not LBR can back up third any better or worse than DeRosa did. It’s accurate to say that LBR does not, (and I cannot stress this enough), have the arm to play third for any period of time effectively. Whereas DeRo has the arm to play third. It’s a fact.
Neither am I saying that we need a replacement for the back-up third base position b/c we traded DeRosa. What I said was that with Koskie finally retiring, the Cubs do not have a suitable back-up for third, either on the major league roster, or in the immediate minor league system. Otherwise, Hendry wouldn’t bother with exploring trades for someone who can effectively back up the position. Someone who has the arm to play the position.
You say that fielding isn’t all arm, fair enough. However, a prerequisite for playing third, or SS for that matter, is having an above average strength arm. I know Theriot throws like a girl, but I also understand that Theriot is a very smart player; hence his above average rating as a defender at his position. How many weak armed successful SSs or third baseman do you remember? I only remember Eckstein and our current SS. Enough said.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 22, 2009 1:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Understandable.
What I’m saying is when we already have a weak armed player on our team who has made it work, you refuse to accept that we could have another.
And besides, I’d personally rather keep our pieces until we can deal for a great starting pitcher, preferably an ace.
(RZR is a look at all of the balls that enter a players “zone” and what percentage of them they turn into outs. While it isn’t perfect, it’s one of the only near-complete looks at defensive abilities. Another one looks RZR plus the percentage of balls NOT in a players zone that they turn into outs. Fontenot had one of the best out of zone ratings in baseball, part of the reason I think he wouldn’t be the devil at 3rd.)
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 22, 2009 1:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I don't want to argue with ya...
I don’t refuse to accept that we could have another. I just want you to understand that LBR really doesn’t have the arm to effectively back up third. If either he or Miles did, then Hendry would look for another piece to round out the team, possibly an experienced PHer.
Additionally, I don’t think LBR or Miles would be the devil at third. I just want you to understand that neither of them really have the arm to effectively back up the position. Not having a suitable back up third baseman is a big deal. You can’t just throw anybody over there, and expect them to be able to fill in effectively for any length of time; if they don’t understand the position, or have the arm to play it. Let’s hope that Hendry is able to pull off the Gaudin for Izruris deal. Not only would it provide the Cubs with a suitable back-up at third, but also SS, second, and free up Miles to spell Lee at first when need be. Additionally Izturis still has wheels, something the 2009 Cubs will need in order to be effective in the playoffs.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 22, 2009 1:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool, I understand your points
And I love Jimmy Eat World
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 22, 2009 1:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a description of my opinionated nature...
I like the band as well, (obviously), and I’m waiting for a cease and desist letter to arrive any day now… LOL.
Thanks for the RZR info below friend.
Jimmyeatworld
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 22, 2009 1:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the way, for some really good RZR info, take a look here
It’s where I nerded up on the info for it.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 22, 2009 1:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um... according to baseball-reference, Miles has never played a game at 1B.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 22, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your point?
Or will hear this all season long?
by rlpete on Mar 22, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know we're beating a dead horse here
But most of DeRosa’s perceived value due to his varsatility came from the fact that Fontenot was a really good backup. If Cedeno or Miles or some other below-average second baseman wasn’t backing him up, all you’re really doing is picking which position you want your crappy backup to play at. Since Fontenot is a good 2b, it didn’t hurt the Cubs very much when DeRosa was moved around the diamond.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on Mar 22, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
whoops
that’s “versatility”
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on Mar 22, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Venezuela is getting knocked around
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 8:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
By "us" do you mean "Korea"?
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on Mar 22, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow...
The broadcasters in the WBC are currently saying that the WBC would be better if they played less MLB games in WBC years.
Yeah, that would work great… until every MLB team forbids their players from playing because of the revenue they’d lose from playing less games. Great idea morons, it’s a good thing this isn’t a sports network making these statements.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 10:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
just about
every other sports league in the world does that during olympic/world cup years.
it’s not unheard of to sacrifice some money for the benefit of the sport.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being heard of
doesn’t make it smart business for a big business like baseball. Its probably no big deal in… i can’t think of a single olympic sport i care about once the olympics are over.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 21, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But, since the MLB is one of, if not THE, largest money-making sports organization in the world, it’s a bad proposal that will backfire more than it’ll help. Telling a track and field group in Germany that your group of meets is gonna be two weeks shorter is quite a bit different than telling billionaires that you’re gonna make millions upon millions less because USA players don’t feel like warming up a few weeks earlier than normal.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you argued against yourself
they are one of the largest money making sports.
so it won’t hurt much.
i’m sick of hearing how playing other countries isn’t worth it. completely sick of it. and i’ve been celebrating the Ireland win in the 2009 six nations tournament, first grand slam in 61 years. so i’m drunk, and going to ignore you.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Think about it in numbers
They are one of the largest money making sports.
So two weeks off costs more money than losing 2 weeks of swim meets.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes. it can cost more
and swimmers train their whole lives to compete for their country, the meets are scheduled around the olympics, not put on hold.
but the english premiere league (and countless other FIFA sanctioned leagues) sacrifices their players every fourth year for the world cup. (the mls is a strange league that doesn’t go by the schedule of the rest of the world)
i’m just saying concessions can be made for something like this, and when you make a lot of money in a business such as baseball, risks can be taken. that’s the advantage of having a business that brings in a lot of money.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In a utopia, it would be great
And it would succeed, cause all of the owners would be thinking of the greater good.
But, it’s a business, not a utopia. It would never happen. The swim meets would love to have their swimmers succeed in the olympics so they can get more people to fill their 1/4 full stands. Do you think the Steinbrenners want to lose 14 games worth of revenue so that the Marlins can sell a few more tickets (since the Yankees will sell most of their tickets anyways and doesn’t need the extra exposure).
Also, don’t forget about the affects on the record books. Do we have to have two seperate books now? Albert Pujols gets one short of the Home Run Record in a WBC-shortened year, so he isn’t the home run champ even though all logic says he would have been?
It would cause issues that MLB will never accept.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can be
Yes concessions can be made, but why? I don’t understand the idea that just because its an international competition I should care how my country does. I don’t root against the USA in anyway, but when it comes to baseball I care about the Cubs. And only the Cubs. Whether those Cubs are from the DR or Japan or Valparaiso, IN.
Now maybe that makes me a typical selfish American, but I don’t care. I just don’t understand it.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 21, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I’m just as selfish an American. Cubs and nothing else!
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's also hard to enjoy international competition when we see it so little.
I love the Cubs Brewers and Cubs Cardinals rivalries because I get to see it so much. It increases my Cubbie fandom to a large degree when I can put “good guys” and “bad guys” on two teams I see regularly. Not like the WBC where it looks like, “some of my good guys”, “the other good guys” and “the Netherlands”
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they are trying
to get you to see more international competition. that’s one of the reasons they’re having this tournament.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he means it only comes around every 4 years
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I personally believe they're having this tournament
as a retaliation to not having baseball in the olympics anymore.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They still have baseball in the Olympics, don't they?.
Just no MLB players participate because of the MLB season, right?
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this was the last year for baseball in the olympics
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW
How’d I miss that one?
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
beer?
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
among other things. lol
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and mlb players
couldn’t participate due to mlb restrictions, not the season. i see no reason why certain players can’t leave the team for a week and then come back.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because if all the best players left...
…I’d think MLB competition would suffer.
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
because they're under contract
not to?
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 21, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Say the Cubs don’t make the playoffs by one game.
During the Olympics, they lose 12 of their starters, while they play the nationals, marlins and pirates who lose on average 2 players. Therefore, because of a competition the Cubs don’t make any money on (and are officially paying their players to go play), they don’t field their best team and lose games. Do you think the fans care who wins the Olympics if it costs the team the World Series? And yet again… money money money.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you sure it's the last year for baseball?
I know it’s the last year for women’s softball but I think men’s baseball is still going to be around.
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 22, 2009 3:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm almost positive it's not in the olympics anymore.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IMHO a sport should be in the Olympics if
- the ancient Greeks played it in the ancient Olympics, or
- winning the Olympics is the pinnacle of achievement in the event (so, swimming, running, etc.) Same for winter events like figure skating, bobsledding, etc.
Baseball, basketball and soccer? No.
by ChipSet on Mar 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you're in favor of doing it like they did in ancient Greece...
… then all the athletes should be naked.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 22, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sounds good to me
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
by Emelie on Mar 22, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i guess i can't
get behind that line of thinking
case in point. my favorite rugby team is the Munster team, from Ireland. This last year, they played a match against the New Zealand All-Blacks, one of the most intimidating and brutal teams in the world.
i believe 6 of munsters starters were with the Irish national team during the match, so the munster squad had a good few members of their b team (or secondaries) in.
munster lost the match by 2 points. do i wish that the international players were playing with munster during that match, of course, but there is an understanding that they play with two teams, and country comes first. i follow that line of thought.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
I’d buy “country comes first” more if they went off to war like a lot of ball players did in WWII. Thats more country to me.
I just feel like if you wanted to wear your countries uniform that badly, why didn’t you serve it or support those who do serve it? :shrug:.
Apparently, thats just me.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 21, 2009 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't buy
the military analogy, but i see where you are coming from, and that’s okay.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just watching the presser from
the USA walk-off all the guys were all glowy about beautiful it was to wear the USA on their chest and the flag on their arms. It just kind of nauseated me.
But I’m glad you see what i meant even if I didn’t explain myself well.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 21, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct, but look at your favorite rugby team.
They’re internationally based.
All of my favorite sports rivalries are nationally based.
So, it’s hard for me to involve sacrificing our national seasons for international events, just like it’s hard for you to not sacrifice for international events.
Problem is, the MLB is a USA (and a lil’ bit of Canada) thing, so it’s gonna be immensely difficult to get any backing behind an international event. It actually amazes me that they got the owners to do this much.
If the MLB was played world wide, every team would drop everything they were doing to do the tournament. But as it is now, they’re doing all they stand to do. As we can see, it isn’t much.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair point
but can you see where i’m coming from?
i’d like to see a more open line of thought, rather than a more close minded one coming from the people who run the mlb. the wbc is a good first step to getting more international acknowledgment to it.
and think of it this way.
the people who stand out in this tournament, if someone oversees watches them play an outstanding game, then maybe he’ll want to start watching baseball, and becomes a fan and starts spending money on mlb gear. everyone wins at that point, and that’s the whole point of it.
it’s a good idea, it has it’s faults, and i hope that they keep it going in the future.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have any issue with the
tournament continuing or the game growing.
But if it does continue I’d like to not be told that I’m selfish and horrible for not really caring.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 21, 2009 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if I told you that you were selfish and horrible
for completely unrelated reasons?
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'd probably be accurate
and you definitely wouldn’t be the first person to tell me that. Last in a long line actually.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 21, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we agree on most of the same points
It’s just I think you expect the WBC to become far more and change it’s format a lot.
I’m assuming it may grow, but it’s not gonna change much at all.
I will concede that I rooted for USA heavily during the Puerto Rico match. But if the Cubs were playing the USA, I’d root for the Cubs.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
in soccer/rugby
that would be called a friendly match, and it wouldn’t count in the standings.
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol, I know
I’m just saying in a screwy world where the USA played the Chicago Cubs for the World Series.
I say Go Cubs
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 21, 2009 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you've mislabeled yourself
Look at what you wrote – “…but when it comes to baseball I care about the Cubs. And only the Cubs. Whether those Cubs are from the DR or Japan or Valparaiso, IN.”
If that’s a true representation of your feelings, then I think a more accurate label would be that you are a selfish Cubs fan. Country of origin doesn’t seem to matter here, so being American’s got nothing to do with it. It’s Cubs and only Cubs.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 22, 2009 12:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the comment was stating that she,
like many americans, are selfish about her team’s needs.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 22, 2009 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's NO way MLB will ever shorten the season...
…to accomodate the WBC. Have you seen how empty half these U.S. stadiums have been throughout the WBC? There is way too much money to be lost by owners when you consider lost TV ad dollars, gate receipts, concessions, parking, etc. It’ll never happen.
WBC is a great idea, just not very practical
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
by just about every other sport
do you mean NHL
basketball is in the Summer Games, football is not played
maybe if Baseball was part of the Winter Games and they had domes in the Olympic city, it would work better
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 21, 2009 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i said in the world
There's nothing wrong with this team that more pitching, more fielding and more hitting couldn't help......"--Bill Buckner
by laidbackliam on Mar 22, 2009 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TV or Radio announcers?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Mar 21, 2009 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tv
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can listen to the radio announcers online for free, they're better.
by cowsarecool220 on Mar 21, 2009 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's kind of like a horrific car accident
I have to keep watching it, even though I know it’s gonna be terrible.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like pringles, "once you pop, you can't stop"
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Mar 21, 2009 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joe Morgan thinks Alan Alda is the President of South Korea
by Employee22 on Mar 21, 2009 10:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The disbanding of FJM.com was one of the worst sports stories of 2008. :(
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Mar 21, 2009 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another victim of the bad economy?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Mar 21, 2009 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since this WBC semi-final is so full of drama (not),
did you hear that the Cardinals are going to bat the pitcher 9th most of the time since they don’t have a player they consider a 2nd lead-off hitter?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Mar 21, 2009 11:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's pretty interesting.
Tony LaRussa is like a mad genius.
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? - Jim Bouton
by Beaushek on Mar 21, 2009 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TLR did that most of last year, too.
So did Ned Yost. Well, it’s not for everyone.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 22, 2009 4:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bye Bye Venezuela...
…Say HI to Hugo for me!
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
by calicubfan on Mar 21, 2009 11:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Off to bed
I’ll be computerless for the next few days. Hopefully back soon!! night everyone.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 21, 2009 11:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Since Fox wont' likely break camp with the Cubs
He could do worse than spending some time in Iowa playing third base.
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 Mar 22, 2009 9:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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