First Look: Cubs vs. Rockies at Mesa, Tuesday 3/24, 3:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Mar 24, 2009 1:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintThe Cubs get their first spring look at their NL West rivals, the Colorado Rockies, this afternoon in Mesa (and will get another one on Saturday).
In my NL West preview earlier this morning, I picked the Rockies to possibly be a surprise team this year. Despite losing Jeff Francis to injury (forgot about that, and he had a pretty bad year last year), their core offensive players (save the traded Matt Holliday) return, and will be out to prove their 2007 NL pennant wasn't a fluke.
Bruce Miles reports that Jake Fox and Sam Fuld were cut this morning (sorry, Jessica) and more cuts will be made later today. Today's lineup from Bruce:
Soriano, LF Theriot, SS Lee, 1B Bradley, RF Ramirez, 3B Johnson, CF Soto, C Miles, 2B Gaudin, P
Kosuke Fukudome will be returning to camp soon, and will have a lot to prove to fans and teammates who saw his free-fall in the second half of last year. One place he won't be going is the minors:
"I remember my first year, I stunk," said [So] Taguchi, now in Cubs camp, who came to the United States in 2002 on a three-year, $3 million deal with St. Louis. "I got in lots of trouble. I couldn't hit, so my first spring training, I was sent to the minor leagues."
Although there was some talk late last season, that's not a realistic option with Fukudome, a former MVP and batting champion in Japan who gets credit for veteran status, which means right of refusal on a minor-league assignment.
Carol Slezak says Derrek Lee is "fading", which may or may not be true:
It's obvious now that 2005 was Lee's career year. In hindsight, his 46 home runs and 107 RBI seem unreal. He hasn't come close to those numbers since. Nor has he come close to his '05 batting average of .335 or slugging percentage of .662. That was Lee at his best, and we figured it would continue. He turned 30 that September, and many of us thought he was just reaching his prime.
Um, Carol? I think all of us knew 2005 was Lee's career year in, say, 2005. There's no reason to think he can't do what he did in 2004, when he hit 32 homers and drove in 98 runs. He must stay healthy and avoid the neck problems which took him from a horrid start last year to a mediocre second half.
Funny bit in Paul Sullivan's notes column:
Sitting in the clubhouse after being removed from Monday's game, Reed Johnson's ears perked up when he heard the A's radio announcer say he was at the plate. After Johnson's replacement got a hit, the announcer said Mike Fontenot, who had also been taken out of the game, scored on the play.
"Nice job," Johnson said to Fontenot.
"Put it on my spring stats," Fontenot replied
Makes you appreciate Pat & Ron even more.
Thanks to Mike Spellman of the Daily Herald for (shameless promotion coming!) this kind review of "Cubs By The Numbers" -- now available, you can order it via the link on the right sidebar.
Today, Chad Gaudin faces the Rockies' Franklin Morales. There is no radio or TV coverage today -- that's the final time this spring, all the rest of the games will have some kind of live broadcast. Here's the rest of today's games on the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Actually, it makes me appreciate Reed & Fontenot even more
I love spontaneous tongue-in-cheek humor and to see it come out of millionaire ballplayers (or hundred-thousandaires in the case of LBR) is very refreshing.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
And, in defense of the A's announcers
It’s spring training. Changes get missed.
Hell, Hughes jokes about it all the time during the spring. He misses them, to. And, while I think the world of Ron Santo the baseball player and human being, I’d wager the A’s announcers both knew how “Fontenot” got on base.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Al
Are these passed out to the press daily?
http://presspass.mlb.com/pp_viewer.asp?d=43718
http://presspass.mlb.com/pp_teamselect.asp
"Cubs Win!!"
Game notes are usually available to the press on a daily basis.
Usually copies are in the press box.
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
And updated throughout/after the game...
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Mar 24, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Those, however, are available to anyone.
As they will be all season.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
It IS a LOL moment though.
Imagine sitting next two Reed and Mike during the exchange. Makes me smile.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (Now #12,966 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list- UP from 13,031...WHOO HOO!)
Guessing you meant to reply to me
So I’ll reply and agree.
Also will add, Go Sparty. Keep the Big1T1en in it.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Boiler up!
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Meh.
;-)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Hehe
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I know someone who grew up in West Laf.
So I am def cheering for Boilermakers. But also for Michigan St.
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 24, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Looking forward to that whole Midwest Regional
I’m lucky enough to be working all 3 games. Glad Indianapolis is getting 4 teams that travel well.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Slezak is on the money about Lee
There is no question that Derrek Lee is on the decline. In fact, the decline has become alarming. Lots of similarities between Paul Konerko on the Southside. Both Lee and Konerko aren’t that old chronologically speaking, but both are a shadow of their former selves in terms of run production ability. And both have ugly remaining contracts. Fact is Hendry couldn’t peddle Lee if he wanted to right now.
Lee's NTC has much more to do with your last sentence than Lee's on field performance.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Do what?
My google is broken. Someone give me dummy terms on what that is exactly?
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
10 years MLB service, 5 with same team
Gains no-trade approval
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Thank you Bruce.
BLou doesn’t let the facts interfere with sharing a strong opinion
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Slezak writing that Lee is in decline
makes me more optimistic about him rebounding in 2009 than I was before she did it.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions
You and Carol may be
right. If he had a neck injury, that is not age related decline, its injury related production or lack thereof.
We’ll know after 60 games.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
my concern
is once you have an injury to the spine (back or neck) it NEVER goes away, it just “hibernates” or “hurts less” and it could be a problem for years to come.
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
Exactly
I wonder if his wrist is 100% as well. Hand injuries seem to linger for a long time.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Always the voice of optimism aren't you ?
Tell me how is that sure thing with the great Harden working out. I seem to recall everyone who was concerned about his health was
just a bunch of silly nervous nellies and that he would be our savior.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 24, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions
A healthy Rich Harden is the best pitcher on the Cub staff
Therefore, I’m more than willing to deal with his sometimes fraility. Isn’t it time for you to rant once again about big fat drunken Lou Piniella and his ruinous impact on the organization?
Way to stay on topic
No wonder you’re so well respected.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
He's not as respected as me!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
He inspired one of the greatest discussions of all time.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions
that thread was hilarious
i’d forgotten how much fun that was.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Reminder....
Stoneography
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
NSFW! NSFW!
Or anywhere else!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Dude
I’m already half blind. Are you trying to finish the job?
DO NOT WANT!
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
That thread
took forever to load there were so many pictures. I too had forgotten how funny that was.
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
lol
I remember that thread too – remind me again though….
Is BLou = MDBNIU? I know he’s been kicked off and returned many times…
JW
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 24, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
He is reminicent
of a BM
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
Jeez I panicked
For a second I thought you meant me since the top post in that thread is mine but nothing to do with the eventual
subject. Yes one of the great “discussions” on BCB.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 24, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Jessica, I've met you in person
I know you’re not a “he”
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Mar 24, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
A healthy Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Nomar...
Oh never mind.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 24, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Jeez couldn't they have waited a couple of days to cut Fuld
Ok he was not making the team short of injury but hey I wanted to see him. Wish they could cut Bako
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
You could still go watch the minor league workouts
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
so Al give me a lift ?
I don’t drive. I rely on the kindness of strangers ( and friends)
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 24, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Same here
Makes thing interesting sometimes, huh?
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Lee in the No. 3 hole
I’m OK with Lee, but hitting him third makes little sense anymore. Would any poster argue that Lee is a better option than Ramirez for the third spot in the lineup?
Also, let’s not get into an argument about whether lineup spots matter. For the sake of discussion, let’s assume that it does.
You're best "pure" hitter is who should hit # 3
In my book that is Milton Bradley. Derrek Lee still batting # 3 is ridiculous.
You might be right about Milton
But I’d prefer to watch him play a little before I say I agree. Regardless, Ramirez is a better hitter than Lee, and he has hit third before.
I like Rami in cleanup
He’s seems to have taken to it and on the whole roster in the big spots (close and late, he’s the guy I’d want up).
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Aramis would be fine in the three-hole...
…but, understandably enough, Lou sees him as an RBI guy. One must also bear in mind the Handedness Factor. If DLee is dropped in the lineup, he essentially has nowhere to go but the seventh spot. After all, why put a declining hitter in the middle of the lineup? Let’s assume we’re talking about the “standard” lineup vs. RHP:
1. Soriano RHH
2. Dome LHH
3. DLee Aramis RHH
4. Bradley LHH
5. Aramis Soto RHH
6. Fontentot LHH
7. Soto DLee RHH
8. Theriot RHH
9. Pitcher
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
4. Bradley LHH
SH
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
vs. RHP he's a LHH
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Why?
2005 aside, Derrek Lee has never been a huge power guy. His batting prestige has been largely based on a high average and OBP and a whole lotta doubles. That sounds like a No. 3 hitter to me. So if he’s going to hit like that, why not just leave him in the third spot so Aramis and The Game can drive in runs? And if he’s not going to hit like that, I ask again: Why put him in the middle of the lineup?
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
What?
Lee, pre-2005, hit mostly sixth for the Cubs. In 2004, Alou and Sosa shared the role (both power hitters). Before that, Sosa (the only man to hit 60 HRs in three separate seasons) hit third most of the time. True, many of those teams didn’t have much around him, but they had Grace until 2000.
A No. 3 hitter, IMO is your best hitter. Lee isn’t that anymore. In fact, there might be four guys on the Cubs roster who are better hitters.
He batted mostly 6th that one year his won the WS...
just sayin’
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Rrrrright.
You negated your own point by noting that the Cubs didn’t really much to work with during the Sosa years. So I still don’t get why you – or anyone else – would want to put a declining hitter in the fifth spot. Either he stays at the top of the order, which is basically the three-spot because he can’t bat second as long as Soriano is leading off, or he goes to the bottom (i.e., seventh).
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
They had Grace
Who is essentially what Lee is now, with a little less power. And Grace didn’t hit third, at least, not very often.
In 2002, the Cubs had Sosa, McGriff and Alou. Guess who hit third?
Alright, well, my impression is...
…you put your best overall hitter in the No. 3 spot. So I really can’t speak for those lineups. If DLee needs some time in a lower spot in the order to get his head together, I still think the seventh spot is the ideal place. Batting him fifth doesn’t really ease the pressure.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
I finally got bored enough to start clicking the SBN Spring Training links on the right
And ended up reading this fairly interesting thread about lineup creation: http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/3/17/795946/optimizing-your-lineup-by
Check it out. I’d like to see someone’s take on the Cubs lineup using these rules. My guess is that Sori isn’t leading off anymore. ;)
Interesting article.
And based on it, maybe all of our hemming and hawing about DLee in the third spot is much ado about nothing. Quoth the article:
Surprisingly, because he comes to bat so often with two outs and no runners on base, the #3 hitter isn’t nearly as important as we think. This is a spot to fill after more important spots are taken care of.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Lineup creation is largely much ado about nothing
Colin would know off the top of his head, but writing up what would be considered to be a terrible lineup with the same batters will really only cost you a handful of runs a season.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
Agree
that it’s a lot less important than we may think it is, but a few runs here and there could be all the difference in making the playoffs, or winning a series.
That said, clearly the most important thing is the get the right players in the lineup in the first place. Given that the payroll and roster is pretty much set, all we’re left to do is nitpick on those lineup positions!
If you think Lee needs to hit third ...
because it’s the top of the order with the Soriano weirdness, I can sort of see your point. You’re saying Lee is s tablesetter.
Yeah, that plays into it, too.
I’ve always thought of DLee as a natural No. 2 hitter but, again, as long as Soriano bats leadoff, a lefty essentially has to bat second.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
That looks strangely familiar....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Now I know...
where I’ve seen that lineup before.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah, yes.
And I’ll stick by what I said then – that is still a lot of pressure to put on Geo and it would still be a huge “lack of confidence” vote on Lou’s part to drop DLee to the seventh hole on Opening Day.
My position remains the same: Give DLee the chance to prove himself. I’m not sure how long exactly – at least a month? Six weeks? Then if he’s still putting everything on the ground to the shortstop, by all means, drop him.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
FWIW ...
I agree with you regarding Soto. That’s why I’d hit Geo seventh, Aramis third and Lee fifth.
Well, if Lee is dropped in the lineup...
…someone is going to have to step up. And I think that, given the construction of the lineup, that someone is Geo.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
We're not going to agree on this
I say flip-flop Lee and Ramirez. It think that’s a very easy solution.
I'm sure that lineup'll
happen at some point. Lou likes to play musical lineups.
If Dome can get his stuff together I’d really like this lineup.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Huh?
He must stay healthy and avoid the neck problems which took him from a horrid start last year to a mediocre second half.
“Horrid”? Or was that supposed to be “torrid”?
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I think he was going for torrid
first half. But who can really tell?
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Gordo tweets!
And it looks my long-shot prediction that LHP Jason Waddell will make the bullpen out of spring training has been shot down in flames. Wittenmyer reports that Waddell, along with Ascanio and Scales, have been cut.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Ascanio?
Really? I doubt he’ll stay out there long. He’s nasty when he’s healthy.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he'll probably be the closer in Iowa.
But one of the minor league experts around here should probably confirm that.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
I thought cut meant... gone
baseball confuses me sometimes.
2 weeks until opening day? i’ve had enough off season. I’m ready for baseball on the radio everyday again and warm weather.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Mar 24, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
This helps General Patton's case to make the team.
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
Flip...
….Lee and Ramirez in that order, and I like it for opening day.
Any reason why Lou thinks Lee should hit 3rd (and thus get more at-bats over the course of the season) instead of ARam? I think Lee hitting behind Bradley would be better for both of them, and ARam hitting ahead of Bradley would be best for both of them…..
Lineup...
I think we will see Lou Piniella do plenty of “re-adjusting.” And relatively soon if Kosuke and Lee continue to not be up to the challenge. God save the queen if Aramis Ramirez ever gets hurt for an extended time.
Good to see Thunder Matt
hitting cleanup for the Rockies today.
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
Evidently.
Matt Murton flies out to right fielder Milton Bradley.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Don't look now, but Derrek Lee is hitting again
RBI single knocks in Theriot, 1-0 Cubs.
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
Theriot was on base and didn't get caught stealing?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
astonishing
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
Are you all settled in now Emelie?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Even more odd
he hit something called a double. On a fly ball.
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
Is that one of those weird hits that flies through the air?
New-fangled base-ball. I just don’t like it.
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I believe they call it a "live" ball.
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
Balderdash!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Indeed.
This may lead to a new era of offense. I find it to be quite ducky.
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
These are strange days we're living in.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Dismissed as coincidence.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
It was just a fluke. We all know his skills are diminishing and
he ain’t worth a shit.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 24, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
He should be dropped in the order
To 10th
"I owe [Dunston] a lot. Nobody would know how good I was at digging balls out of the dirt if it wasn't for him..." -Mark Grace
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
No, but it looks like Soriano...
…tried to stretch a single into a double and got gunned down by the ubiquitous Mr. Smith:
Alfonso Soriano singles on a fly ball to left fielder Seth Smith. Alfonso Soriano out at 2nd, left fielder Seth Smith to second baseman Clint Barmes.
Ah, well…at least Alfonso and Milton are trying to use their legs a bit.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
But if Theriot did this
a lot of you would be all over him. All Theriot does is hit and gets on base and yet all I hear from a lot of you is that he stinks. I just don’t get it.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Mar 24, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Soriano doesn't do that all the time.
Theriot does. TOOTBLAN machine.
"Thank god I threw out my belt & shoelaces."-Bernies Mustache Wax on Evil BCB, 7/31/08
Soriano hits home runs.
And we dig the long ball.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
What are you? A chick?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 24, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Soup
LOL
"No enemy is more dangerous, than the enemy that has nothing to lose." Mark Grace
by GateCity, VA Cubs Fan on Mar 24, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Apparently Gaudin
is paying a lot of attention to the runners at first. Three stolen bases already?!
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
It probably creates a lot of drag
and slows his move to first and speed to home.
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
i said this the other day
are we both ill or great minded?
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
I like to think
that great minds think alike.
Great minds are similarly ill doesn’t have the same ring to it.
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
Good one Sue! You're on your game today.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 24, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the runners get a head start...
…because his goatee moves before he does.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Just popped in, is it possible to get a game recap?
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
Simply put . . .
Gaudin – good first inning, bad second inning
Cubs bats – good first inning, bad second inning.
Result – 2-2 at the end of 2
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
Deuces Wild!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions
in fairness, Gaudin would have only given up one run in the 2nd
but an error extended the inning
(let’s keep his trade value up)
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Can we trade Gaudin and keep the goatee???
The Cubs have always need a cute little furry mascot… we could call him “Billy Goat-ee” and he could shoot plush billy goats between innings…
a wonderful idea for the Suggestion Box
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
I would
still like to see Gaudin make the team, he’s a far better pitcher than he’s shown since joining the cubs.
And you believe this because...?
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
his past stats
he did pretty well for the A’s, I dont see any reason to think his era will stay where its at.
Uh, well, his career ERA is 4.45...
…and his ERA last season was 4.40, so I hope it doesn’t stay where it’s at. But, yeah, he was having a very good year with the As before he was traded.
He was all over the place before that, though. He pitched almost 200 innings in ’07 and his numbers are pretty dreadful. (A 1.53 WHIP, for instance.) He had a good year in terms of ERA in ’06 (3.09), but a frightening BB:K ratio (42:36 in 64 IP).
Honestly, I don’t know what to think of Chad Gaudin. I certainly won’t be weeping in my Wheaties if he’s traded.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
I would still like Hoffpauir to not make the team, he's a far worse hitter than he's shown since joining the cubs.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
you are a worse hitter
than hoff has shown sincew joining the cubs?
j/k
An odd top of the third.
Pitcher Change: Neal Cotts replaces Chad Gaudin, batting 9th.
Seth Smith grounds out to first baseman Derrek Lee.
Matt Murton pops out to second baseman Aaron Miles.
Pitcher Change: Kevin Gregg replaces Neal Cotts, batting 9th.
Chris Iannetta flies out to right fielder Milton Bradley.
Why didn’t Lou let Cotts finish the inning?
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
I was wondering the same thing
I hate that my first thought when I see this is an injury
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
Lou
was maybe yanking Cotts to keep his confidence up. He seems to do that every once in awhile.
God I love baseball. -Roy Hobbs
That settles it, I'm asking my wife to help keep my confidence up later.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
not the image I needed...
Lou yanking Cotts
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
this solves the line up questions
the night before a game announce who will be starting. the first player to show up bats first, the second bats second, and so on.
sure this would mean every fifth day Z would sleep in the locker room so he cna lead off, but at least it wont be Soriano, and Iam sure DLee will not always be the third to show up, so that would fix itself also, right?
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
Two words....
Ted Lilly.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Three more . . .
in left field
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
one more word
sarcasm
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
Good to see
we are all on the same page
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
Yes! I love Milton Bradley!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Shut up...and leave him alone.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Listen to Santos
you do not want to wake the monster
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
Milton is about to hurl his ball sack at someone.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
He appears
to have plenty of balls to spare.
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
TWSS
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
Was it a 2R HR or a solo shot?
Details please?
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Mar 24, 2009 4:28 PM CDT reply actions
Did he make it all the way around the bases safely?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I love it when Johnson scores!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
That's a question for Lou...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou, Why did Gregg only pitch to one batter?
"Cubs Win!!"
by northofwrigley on Mar 24, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Because
I want him to get ready for the type of workload he will have come the regular season. Didn’t you know that, much to the chagrin of many around here, I have already inserted Marmol as the 2009 closer?
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
rumor has it (according to muehlman, above)
he wanted to yank Cotts
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
did Cotts want to be yanked?
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
Gregg
is a Roogy?
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
How many out in the inning?
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Mar 24, 2009 4:30 PM CDT reply actions
thanks!
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Mar 24, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Holy cow, I forgot about this
I was doing a search to try and provide for our common goal, and this article came up.
Enjoy!
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
Wow, a veritable treasure trove of EA pics...
…though most of these we’ve seen.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
True, however the entire article is funny
and sort of what we go through during spring training games.
Fiancee “Honey, we have to go out with our friends, come on!”
Me “NOOOO MICAH HOFFPAUIR IS BATTING, I MUST LOOK AT BCB!!!”
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
Only Micah knows for sure.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
TWEAS
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
Wow, "iridescent gazelle with a healthy bosom", I like that image.
SWL! Get me an image immediately!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 24, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
This is the only response I can come up with to this picture
"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray
My libido thanks you very much. I knew I could count
on you.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 24, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
what's the score?
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
I'm going on record with the thought that the Cubs are going to
have another good offensive year. With the addition of Gameboard and more ABs from LBR, the Cubs will score a ton of runs. The only thing that will stop this team is a significant injury. I firmly believe that DLee will hit well in the 3 hole and discussions of his “diminishing skills” will be moot.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 24, 2009 4:34 PM CDT reply actions
FWIW (nothing)
the Cubs lead all of Spring Training (AZ & FLA) in runs scored.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Yesterday didn't hurt
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
I'm going to hold you to this.
If the Cubs falter offensively this season in any way, shape or form, I will re-post this comment for all to see and encourage widespread mockery of your assertion. That is all.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
You have to wait at least a couple of years though
Otherwise it seems sort of stalker-ish
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
If they falter, I will claim ingnorance and tell everyone to pound sand. Besides, I'm drunk
and I have no idea of what I am saying.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 24, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
You're a good drunk typer.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, you're still better than NOMAR...
…and, from what I hear, he never touches the stuff.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
whats teh score?
my friend said aaron miles was throwing a no hitter through 6
Ramlee Zamfukusoridero
Yeah, Ted Lilly's in the outfield
And Kosuke hasn’t struck out yet
Just kidding, we all know those things are impossible
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
but really.. whats teh score
i got mlb blocked here at school for some reason
Ramlee Zamfukusoridero
by hiphopgamer26 on Mar 24, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
weer pwning them 4-3 brah.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Bravo!
One of your more inspired comments to date.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
That gets a bravo? Really?
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Yes
it does. Taken in context, it’s brilliant.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
but you didnt rec it
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
::chortle::
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
This directed me to a log-in screen.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
woops sorry here
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1926/mlb09theshow27stitch2.jpg
Ramlee Zamfukusoridero
by hiphopgamer26 on Mar 24, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Whoa, cool.
If only the streets were that clean in real life.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Um....there's NOBODY on the streets...
I think you’ve confused ballhawk with Al. LOL!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
nah
i meant ballhawk, but i was kidding :P
Ramlee Zamfukusoridero
by hiphopgamer26 on Mar 24, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Jµ§7 µ§€ ¥0µr ç0mpµ7€r h@çk¡n9 §k¡££§
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm beginning to like this Randy Wells fellow.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Just got a tweet from Al.
The Shark is warming up.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Cubs bottom 5th
Johnson walks
Soto walks
Taguchi single, johnson scores
German FO
Soriano Double, soto and taguchi score
Theriot GO
Lee FO
Hell to the yeah.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Soriano has two more walks.
the man is showing some plate discipline.
I guess he wants to confuse these teams and not show his regular season plate discipline (grin)
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
I rule.
That is all.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
what do you rule?
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
what inning are we in?
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
thanks again
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
Micah Hoffpauir replaces left fielder Alfonso Soriano, batting 1st, playing first base.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, yeah!!!
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
black is too ironic for EA
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
Yeah, it doesn't really suit her personality.
And that microphone scares me.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
Rockies top 6th
Iannetta single
Ortmeier walks
Barmes FO
Colonel single Iannetta scores
Stewart FO
Spilbourghs single Ortmeier scores
Quintanilla FO
Oh, man...the Shark continues to struggle.
He gives up two singles, a walk and a run.
7-5 Cubs, middle 6
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
dang, a dream deferred.
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
I would
still like to see Samardzija make the team, he’s a far better pitcher than he’s shown since joining the cubs.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
if the bullpen is strong enough w/out him,
I’d prefer to see the Shark sharpen his pitches in Iowa for two months and then come up in June if either a starter goes down or add him to the relief core.
I just worry that he won’t develop his pitches sitting in that cold bullpen and throwing 1-2 innings 2-3 times/week. That kind of pitching will turn him into a two pitch guy. When you see batters only once, you only need two pitches.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
preferred of the two options
shark sticks for opening day
patton sticks for opening day
i sure hope hendry finds someone that wants vizcaino
but who?
I do not think too many teams are lining uip for him. Should have just kept Marquis instead IMO
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
Johnson scores again!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Bellhorn struck out as the last out.
an oldie but goodie.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Stanton should retire
And Samardzija got rocked too. Jeff should start finding a good apartment in Des Moines, his skills weren’t there this spring.
Patton and Gregg
are having a nice spring each, does Patton steal a spot in the pen?
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
they have a humidor
he would need a cryogenic chamber?
or like when you were a kid
the ball on a rope attached to home plate
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
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