My Worries Have Shifted from backup 3B to OF
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 11:09 AM CDT
112 comments
The whole spring I've been thinking that the Cubs have an obvious hole on their bench at 3B, something that's been discussed a lot and something I felt a little better about with Koskie in camp. Now that his career sadly has come to an end, it's back to either thinking about Miles or Fontenot at 3B, or picking up one of these guys that's likely to be moved like Keppinger, Jeff Baker, or who knows, someone 'spensive like Hank Blalock?
But then I start thinking that if Fontenot can handle 3B, then it's really not so bad for him to spell Aramis here and there, and that maybe the scariest potential situations are actually in the outfield.
1) Soriano -- He has to stay healthy. Our most experienced LF on the team is currently our platoon centerfielder.
2) Fukudome -- If he does falter, then we're going to probably have Reed Johnson as the main centerfielder.
3) Reed Johnson -- Solid guy, but no power. If something happens to Soriano or Bradley, he's likely playing every day. I don't dislike the idea of him playing every day, but coupled with missing the bop of Soriano or Bradley....not as much.
4) Milton Bradley -- A very important piece, can rake, and probably will be a decent rightfielder. But he's a very likely candidate to get hurt. This is actually one position where I feel very good about a replacement, because Fukudome was outstanding in RF.
5) Joey Gathright -- Super backup OF, really helps this team on defense, especially in later innings. Can't really hit, wouldn't want him as a starter for any extended stretch of time.
6) Micah Hoffpauir -- Sort of the inverse of Gathright. Having his bat in the lineup is probably just fine most of the time. Not a very good outfielder, and will likely look worse the more he's out there.
So here's my thinking: I am perfectly fine with our best case outfield of Soriano-Reed/Fukudome-Bradley. But if and when injuries start to happen, it gets kind of scary offensively. If we have Soriano or Bradley gone for an extended amount of time, that probably means both Reed and Fukudome are starting most of the time. The defense will actually be better in that case, but we are missing a lot of sock. I don't think Gathright sees too many starts in this scenario, because his defense isn't much better than theirs, if at all, and he has no power at all. Hoffpauir might be good for a spot start or two.
I guess what I am saying is that our outfield already doesn't have all that much pop, and once you get into the backups, the only one who has power is Hoffpauir. I'd feel a lot better if we had someone who could do about what Edmonds did last year. (Not Edmonds, because I doubt he could repeat last year.) This is when I start thinking about guys like Randy Winn, who have proven they can hit and won't hurt you in the field.
And I hesitate to even mention this again, but if we had Teahen, we'd have a replacement for Gathright who could also spell Aramis.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Um, how about SS
Aaron Miles is about as terrible a SS as Hoffpauir is an OF. But at least Hoffpauir can hit.
Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog
by berselius on Mar 24, 2009 11:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm betting
Theriot barely misses any games.
I’m more concerned about Bradley, who seems like a lock to miss his fair share of games, and Soriano, whose suddenly had leg problems the last few years and whose style of play particularly in the outfield lends itself to incurring them. If we are missing either of them for a month or 6 weeks, I have my doubts about the small ball Cubs.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a risky bet.
Assuming Gathright sticks, I’m more comfortable with a, say, RJ-Gathright-Dome outfield than seeing Aaron Miles at shortstop or Mike Fontenot at third base. Granted, there’s little power in that outfield, but at least it’s strong defensively.
As stated below, I’m willing to sacrifice Gathright to work a SS/3B backup onto the 25-man roster.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theriot missing 'barely any games'
will result in defense just as poor.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Mar 24, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I there see you what did
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 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they must, let the trumpets blare once again for Juan Uribe.
Yeah, I said it. According to the posters on this thread at the McCovey Chronicles, Juan’s roster spot on the Giants is looking pretty doubtful.
I know, I know…Uribe is hackilicious with the bat, but his defensive numbers at shortstop are outstanding (16.8/3.6 UZR/UZR 150 in 6540 innings). I’m more than a little disappointed by his UZR/UZR 150 rating at third base (-2.7/-4.7 in 641.2 innings), but he saved the White Sox last season at that position when Crede went down. So I think he’d be an adequate back up for Aramis.
What say you all to bidding adieu to Joey Gathright, keeping Hoffpauir as the 1B backup/LH PH and, if possible, adding Uribe as the 3B/SS backup? That would give the Cubs depth at every infield position. Meanwhile, RJ and Dome could move around the outfield as necessary. RJ playing left (when Soriano is out) and center and Dome playing center and right (when The Game is out).
I’m not married to this idea. In fact, let me be clear: I’d prefer Maicer Izturis. He has better UZR/UZR 150 numbers and more experience at third base. (Who knew?) He also looks very good at shortstop. But I’ve heard/read widespread doubt that the Angels would give him up. (Or at least give him up for a Chad Gaudin alone.)
(Note: I was just about to post this as a Fanpost when JodyDavis’ Fanpost came up, so I figured I’d avoid the inevitable repetition and post it here. As you can tell, I’m not particularly worried about the outfield.)
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 11:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Uribe
is sort of a gilded Jose Hernandez. I have mixed feelings about this. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to have a guy who can play SS better than Theriot, especially if he can play third as well.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I'm kind of ambivalent about Uribe as well.
He’s not a great hitter. But at least he can play the IF positions. You’re talking about a guy who might start 20-25 games.
I agree re: Maicer Izturis.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 24, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm 100% for Uribe because of his slick glove and versatility
He would be great addition to the Cubs. He’d be here for his glove and ability to play 3rd, SS and 2nd base at a high quality level. Whether he hits isn’t really important.
by BLou on Mar 24, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactamundo.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Cubs can play different styles of baseball given their personnel
Yes, the Cubs lineup as it stands right now will score a lot of runs if the team remains healthy. However, should injuries occur, the Cubs have the ability to grind out wins via hitting-and-running, stealing bases, etc., with some of their bench personnel.
With Johnson and Gathright on the bench, the Cubs can run more, hopefully opening up holes in opposing defenses. If either one of them has to move into the starting lineup in a more permanent role, yes, the offense would suffer, but I think Lou has more options with how he wants to play the game.
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 24, 2009 11:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd be excited by Gathright's speed if he could show
ability to get himself on base and not have to be a PR.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Mar 24, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True.
If Gathright has to start for an extended period of time, it won’t be good. However, for that to happen, Johnson and Hoffpauir would probably both be starting already (in a situation where a combination of Soriano/Fukudome/Bradley where all out of the lineup).
Gathright has looked decent this spring, but who knows if it will carry over.
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 24, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bad news via Twitter, Trey.
Per Gordo, the Cubs have cut Jake Fox (and Sam Fuld) from camp. Hoffpauir’s all but a lock for the 25-man, IMHO.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough.
It’s not like Hoffpauir hit .170 this spring. Let Fox go to Iowa and play third – him being able to play 1B, 3B, LF and RF (none at a Gold Glove-level, but still able to play multiple positions) would probably be the best thing for the Cubs and for Fox’s future.
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 24, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, if Fox can show anything defensively...
…he could turn out to be a great in-house solution to the 3B depth problem.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think going to Iowa
where he can play everyday and potentially work at third is probably the best thing for the organization right now.
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 24, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jake Fox is a defensive liability anywhere he plays
Therefore his “versatility” is greatly reduced.
by BLou on Mar 24, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's no more liable than Hoffpauir
And I would argue he’s a better corner OF than Hoffpauir.
But I think heading to Iowa and focusing on his defense would help him greatly.
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 24, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Heck, make him the starting 3B at Iowa. If he can get better there, he could be a useful major league player.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 24, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's exactly what I'm thinking.
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 25, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is a dirty lie.
Jake Fox shouldnt even bring a glove with him to work. Unfiar to the Hoff
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
by fischisgod on Mar 25, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Legitimate power threats
To me, Soriano is the only slugger we have in the outfield (and he bats leadoff). Bradley is a tremendous hitter, but he’s probably not going to hit a lot of home runs. Hoffpauir has power, but whether or not he can make contact enough to is a huge question. He’s like our Russell Branyan, but without the ability to play 3rd.
Johnson and Fukudome, if they play a whole season, might hit 10-15 dingers. Gathright might hit one this summer when the wind is blowing out at Wrigley.
Our infield isn’t that powerful either, especially if D Lee continues his trend towards being a 20-25 homer guy.
This isn’t a doom and gloom worry, but taking away Edmonds homers and decent defense and replacing it with Gathright and Hoffpauir is not terribly comforting. This team could hit a shitload of doubles, and I love doubles. It just feels like with a few things going wrong, this team could have trouble scoring runs.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see any 50+ HR batters, but I see power
threats from multiple sources. In this new skinnier player era, 30 HR’s looks like solid production.
Just jotting notes on each position, barring injuries, and Bradley playing 120 games plus, I believe we’ll see over 200 HR’s this year. Healthy production from Soriano, Bradley, Lee, Ramirez & Soto should get the team at or above 150. Hoffpauir, Fontenot & Fukudome will add more. Z will hit 1, etc.
I’m much more concerned with strikeouts, double plays and middle relief than power.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Mar 24, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aside from a highlight reel catch or two...
…Edmonds probably didn’t give the Cubs even “decent” defense last year. In 840 innings split between the Padres and Cubs, his UZR/UZR 150 rating was -14.7/-24.5. That’s scary awful. He’s not the Jim Edmonds he used to be. That’s why I briefly floated the idea of the Cubs signing him as the LH PH. His bat was remarkably resurgent but, suffice to say, he’s lost a step (or five) in centerfield.
Gathright obviously wouldn’t do much of anything at the plate, but he would likely save many runs in centerfield. And, barring multiple catastrophic injuries to the four outfielders on the roster right now, Hoffpauir shouldn’t be out there at all.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I don't think we'd want Edmonds again
But what he provided last year was important. I wish we had someone who could hit 20 homers and hold down a corner spot defensively. We’re actually really strong in center, we have 3 centerfielders.
And I don’t think I’d have made this post at all if Fukudome had hit all year like he did in the first half. A .300 hitter with doubles power and the ability to spray the ball to different fields would be a fine substitute for a 20 homer guy.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think, barring injury
that Milton Bradley holds down a corner OF spot and hits close to 20 homers.
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 24, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just thinkin' the same thing.
Bill James and CHONE are projecting him to hit 21. The other three projection systems on Fangraphs have him at 18 or 19 home runs.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, hell
I’m even more optimistic about Bradley, if he can stay healthy. I’d think 25 homers isn’t a ridiculous number if he plays 140-150 games.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Bradley does that
and Fukudome reverts to something close to his April form, then I think the offense is better than last year’s, which is scary.
The thing I think Milton brings to the clubhouse is that day-in, day-out intensity that will keep everyone on their toes and not taking days off, hopefully.
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 24, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the thing
Our upside is tremendous. And even though I am definitely an optimist, I have trouble imagining both a Fukudome revival and a healthy year from Bradley.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton Bradley becomes the 2nd most important Cub bat next to Aramis Ramirez
Personally, I think Bradley is going to be a monster and compete for the NL batting title. I could care less about his power. Get on base, drive in runs, play aggressive, have a mean streak, and play good defense in right.
by BLou on Mar 24, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's where contact and speed come into play
There definitely will be days where runs are tougher to come by, especially with the wind blowing in. On those days, I’d look for Lou to have his guys stealing more bases and working to manufacture runs, and I think the Cubs have built the team to win some of those games, too.
Now, obviously, with some injuries in key places, the Cubs will struggle to score runs, but I think this team isn’t necessarily built to mash as it is built to grind down starters and relievers and capitalize on subsequent opportunities.
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 24, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's my issue with these kinds of posts.
Every team has this issue. If the superstar for any team gets hurt, or if the injury bug starts going around, or if their wife had a kid, etc. etc. the team does NOT always have a perfect contingency plan for if and when this happens. The Cubs are honestly set off much better than a lot of baseball teams in regards to the outfield because of Johnson, Gathright, and Hoffpauir, all of which could be starters on worse teams. And okay, so they don’t have power, save Hoffpauir. How many backup OFs do?
And I’m concerned with this statement: “I guess what I am saying is that our outfield already doesn’t have all that much pop”. Milton Bradley had a .563 SLG% (22 HR) last year, and Alfonso Soriano had a .532 SLG% (33 HR) last year. Those are both really good, and the Cubs might have one of the best corner outfielder tandems in baseball when you’re talking about pure power. So please, make sure you know what you’re talking about before you make claims such as “our outfield already doesn’t have all that much pop”.
"Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them, well, I have others." - Groucho Marx
by Keith on Mar 24, 2009 12:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How about this
I feel like the team has less power than last year, all around. Part of this is Edmonds absence. Part of this is DeRosa’s absence. Even adding Bradley, it seems like this team will hit less home runs, even healthy. I mention injuries not because I think it’s a new concept for teams to lose good players sometimes, but because Bradley has had constant issues and Soriano is starting to look like someone who will. Adding in that we have no idea what Fukudome we’ll see this year, this seems like an area of concern. I’m not talking about a perfect contingency plan, and I never said we were worse off than a lot of teams in baseball. But we are expecting to win now, and this outfield situation feels like a house of cards to me. Our only backup outfielder with pop (Hoff) isn’t even really an outfielder, so we immediately sacrifice defense any time we throw him out there.
And can we stop with the snarky “make sure you know what you are talking about before you make claims” crap? This is why I can barely stand Internet boards sometimes, because people talk to you in ways they’d never do if they were just talking to you normally.
I know Soriano is one of the best power hitters in the game, and Bradley is an outstanding hitter. I am guilty of combining my worries about their ability to stay healthy into that assessment. If they both play practically a full season, yes they are one of the best corner tandems in baseball.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about this.
I’ll stop with the “snarky crap” when you bother to do fifteen seconds of research to back up your statements. And I assure you that my first response to ANYONE who said that the Cubs OF didn’t have much pop would be a quizzical look and an “Are you serious? Really?”
"Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them, well, I have others." - Groucho Marx
by Keith on Mar 24, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could
just state that you disagree and make your point. I can handle opinions that are different than mine, or the occasional “you’re nuts!”, because I might very well deserve it, but no one likes the suggestion that they are just posting without thinking about things first.
And I already told you that I was guilty of letting my worries about Sori and Bradley’s health bleed into my statement about how much “pop” we have in the OF. So saying that it was a mistake to say it thay way still implies to you that I didn’t bother to do any research? Fine, I think I understand the kind of personality here.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As one of best quotes in
Stripes " Lighten up Francis"
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Mar 24, 2009 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree.
Backups are called “backups” for a reason. What I look for in any such player is strong defense, first and foremost. It’s simply unrealistic to think that a backup is going to replace a starting player’s offense.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problems in case of injury can
be easily solved. Who was one guy that just was not there last year when it came to the offense? DLee! If he can actually stay out of the DPs every time and put in some pop we may be ok if an injury happens.
by bizzle4 on Mar 24, 2009 12:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Summation
All this speculation and worry can be summarized in one word: DeRosa. He was able to cover up a lot of shortcomings last year. We’ll miss that this year, but keep in mind, the Cubs, like everyone, have budget limitations. Like Steven Wright used to say: You can’t have everything and even if you did, where would you keep it?
by CubbieFaninOhio on Mar 24, 2009 12:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He also said:
Everything is within walking distance…if you’ve got the time.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have complete faith in Hendry...
That if any of those situations occur that you mentioned, and we are in desperate need of an OF bat, he will get out there and get one. Whether that be making a trade or pulling of an Edmonds-esque type move.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Mar 24, 2009 12:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is what I am suggesting
That we’re probably going to need to bring in a piece to take Hoff’s place. I imagine Gathright will be with the club all year, because we’re bound to have at least one injured outfielder. But he’d be the odd man out if some better outfielder became available, I hope.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is...
…having Gathright and Hoffpauir on the roster leaves no room for a bona fide 3B or SS backup. Because Hoffpauir can backup DLee adequately and has earned his keep offensively during spring training, I don’t have a huge problem with Lou giving him a spot on the bench.
From where I sit, however, something needs to be done on the left side of the infield – and that’s where Juan Uribe would come in handy, again assuming a Gaudin for Izturis deal is not in the offing. And, of course, if there’s another name or angle I’m missing, I’m all ears.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I would tend to agree
Barring a trade or free agent signing, I think we’re looking at Fontenot/Miles backing up Ramirez, with Miles serving as Theriot’s backup.
On days Ramirez sits, Fontenot slides to third with Miles at second. Or Miles just goes to third. It’s definitely not ideal, especially since Miles has had some shoulder soreness this spring. However, it does contain enough “scrap” that it just might work.
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 24, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I guess they could scrap it out.
Miles’ defensive numbers at SS are scary bad, and I have a hard time picturing Fontenot at third base (though apparently he’s looked OK in spring training). But I guess it’s safe to assume Hendry is aware of these shortcomings on the depth chart.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
By all means
I don’t think Miles should be playing short on a daily basis, given his defensive numbers there. However, I don’t think he’ll cost the Cubs the division by spelling Theriot every once in a while (that said, I would still prefer the Cubs pick up a Uribe or Izturis-type).
If Fontenot is able to hit as well as his numbers indicate, then I wouldn’t have a problem with him backing up Ramirez over there.
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 24, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My only question is...
why the hell did we sign Miles in the first place….and that is a serious question. I guess I didn’t realize how horrible he was @ SS (worse than DeRosa). I guess I have a hard time understanding that we couldn’t afford 3M more to keep our catalyst, instead trading him in for 3 pitchers who are apparently not very good and Miles, who should be nothing other than a backup 3B.
by jbertram on Mar 25, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know.
The more the team plays and the more some holes are exposed, I am struggling to figure out exactly where Miles fits in, especially on a 2-year contract.
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 25, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am more worried about the defensive make up
than offense. We led the NL and were second in MLB in scoring last season (IIRC). We did not loose too much offense to FA and trades (DeRo will be missed more in the field than at the plate IMO, nad maybe we lose Marquis and Woods ability to hit a little, but that is not a huge loss). We are not as versatile as we were one year ago today. I have a feeling one or two moves are coming between now and break of camp (no rumors, no whispers, just a gut feeling).
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 24, 2009 12:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think
that a lot of Cub fans are worry-warts.
The Cubs are going to have problems this season. We won’t know what they are until they happen. We will need to fix them then.
Despite that, they’re still the overwhelming favorites to win the NL Central.
by Josh77 on Mar 24, 2009 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Every team has question marks. Injuries can stop anyone and that’s where you have to be lucky. I’ve heard some pretty crazy statements in this blog. The best one being "The infield has no power.’ You’ve got to be kidding. The Cubs had the number one offense in the league last year. We lost DeRo and gained Gameboard. To me, that’s about a wash. The starting pitching on this team is top notch. The middle relief is shaky, but what team can brag about their third reliever?
Everyone just calm down and let the season begin. Let’s stop crying about DLee’s “diminishing skills” and the contract situation. I have trust that Lou knows how to win with this team. You guys sound like a bunch old worrying farts.
"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 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright, alright...I'll try to chill out.
I still think relying on a pair of second basemen to back up third base and shortstop is a legit concern, but I shall heed your call for serenity now.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hoochie momma
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 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
having a second baseman
START at shortstop, however, is ABSOLUTELY a legit concern.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Mar 26, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every team has question marks
Of course. But how many are legitimate contenders, and what’s the difference between the teams that go all the way and the ones that don’t even make the playoffs? Sometimes not very much. I didn’t mean my post as a doom and gloom, sky-is-falling worryfest. I just don’t feel that confident about a few things, and when I thought about it (for fourteen seconds), I began to wonder about our outfield depth.
by JodyDavis on Mar 24, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Besides, it's nearly two weeks to opening day
And we’re bored . . . carry on.
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 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 24, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Legit contenders have question marks, just as the other teams in the league do. Teams that
win it all have the good fortune of not sustaining injuries to their key players. If the Cubs don’t have an injury to a key player, their starting nine can compete with any team in the league. Of course you want to have capable backups at every position, but very few teams can sustain an injury to a key contributor and not miss a beat.
"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 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
The Phillies best player is coming off surgery. Their best pitcher is hurt in spring training. Their former MVP first baseman is as big as a house and twice as wide. Their third baseman is a whole lot of suck. Their catching situation is a mess.
The Mets have got no starting pitching after Johan Santana. They signed a big free agent closer whose arm has been about to fall off for three years. They’ve got Dan Murphy in left field, Luis Castillo at second base and Ryan Church, who can’t stay healthy, in right. Brian Schneider isn’t exactly a pennant winning catcher.
Don’t even get me started on the problems with the Dodgers, Brewers, Reds or Diamondbacks.
My point is that the worst decisions in baseball are made by people worrying about things that don’t need to be fixed and not fixing things that do. We do not know, from Spring Training, what needs to be fixed yet. A lot of bad decisions are made during Spring Training, when ST games are absolutely meaningless and don’t tell us anything about how a player is going to play over the course of a season.
We have problems. But overreacting to them will only make the problems worse.
by Josh77 on Mar 24, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well put. As Cubs fans, we want an all-star at every position and
another all-star backing him up just in case something happens. Let’s be realistic about it. You play with the cards you are dealt. If they aren’t good enough, you lose, but you don’t fold until you get a chance to look at them.
"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 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
digg, root, rec, +1
We complain because we have no shoes until we meet a man with no feet.
"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland
by flachimesa on Mar 24, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
can I have
his shoes, then? He doesn’t need them.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Mar 26, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A reasonable post, but the Mets aren't that bad
Santana, Maine, Pelfrey and Perez aren’t as good as Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly and Harden, but I wouldn’t say they have no SP.
The Phillies 1B’man can’t hit LHP, either. Never could.
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 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are these the same Mets that have blown leads in September, two years in a row?
"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 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, they're not
Just like these aren’t the same Cubs that are 0-for-October. I hope.
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 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Not Bad" Problems to Have
To think we are quarreling over backup positions shows that we have a good team on paper, anyway. Remember all those seasons when the Cubs were lucky to have more than two decent starting pitchers. The Cubs need to stay healthy, and they’ll be fine in the regular season.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Mar 24, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Erm
Dan Murphy is a hell of a hitter so I wouldn’t put the Mets’ LF in the question mark column.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Mar 25, 2009 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cardinals
concern me. Healthy Carptner, and they are always in the mix.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Mar 24, 2009 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, the good news is...
…I saw Phil Rogers interviewed on MLB Network last night. He gave a “scouting report” on Carpenter, saying that the Cards ace looks like his old self and is showing lights-out stuff. Thus, employing the “Everything Phil Rogers Says Is Absolutely Wrong” theory, we have nothing to fear from Chris Carpenter.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big Z
I’m sure that Zambrano will take some flyballs in the OF or groundballs at 3rd if it gives him a chance to hit more…
by airmidget1 on Mar 24, 2009 1:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
they spoke about that on WSCR today
and if he had as many ABs as Dlee, Z would be projected to hit 23 HRs and K ONLY 163 times………
"I like coconuts, you can break them open and they smell like ladies lying in the sun" Widespread Panic
by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 24, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like pretty good stats for a power hitter. If Ryan Howard only struck out 163 times,
he would be the runaway MVP every year!
"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 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IT could be worse in the OF
Felix Pie could still be here…………..with his .184 spring average. Is he going to start in Balt?
by plenz on Mar 24, 2009 2:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pie is staring at a fourth consecutive season start at Triple A
I think it is about official. Felix Pie is actually worse than Corey Patterson.
by BLou on Mar 24, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
according to this article from the Baltimore Sun, it looks like he’ll be part of a platoon in left field for the Orioles.
Of course, that doesn’t guarantee his success.
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 24, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd also point out that...
…according to that article, Felix is hitting .259, not .184 as plenz asserts above.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Granted, that article is from March 18
And it would appear Felix has struggled this past week, as his average is now at .184, according to Baltimore’s stats page.
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 24, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, OK. My bad.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And there is this
From The Spence Report (and you thought Muskat Ramblings was a poor blog name):
And if Jones bats second, much of the rest of the order appears to be set. Melvin Mora will likely bat fifth, in between Huff and designated hitter Luke Scott. The bottom three slots will be filled by Gregg Zaun, Felix Pie and Cesar Izturis — likely in that order.
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 24, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well there, see.
He’s batting above Cesar Izturis, isn’t he? That’s gotta count for something.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pie is expected to get the majority of starts in left field once the season begins.
“I’m not trying to give him anything, but it’s his spot to lose,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “That’s how I look at it. It’s up to him. I have a lot of patience. I think the thing that is maybe different here than in a lot of other places, we’re still in the business of developing players.”
DAMMIT.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on Mar 26, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Orioles have the 'luxury'
of finishing last. Therefore, if that’s a team’s fate — go ahead and develop a player at the major league level. There’s nothing left to lose. Your season is already over.
If I’m not mistaken, all of here are hoping the Cubs remain an elite team, and this year — go deep into the post season. Pie, sadly — looks like another flopped (or, over-hyped) Cub farmhand.
If it wasn’t for Geovany Soto….and Theriot……this farm system, save for pitching — would be a disaster.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Mar 27, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you have a link for this?
Because everything I’ve heard is that he’s been going to be given every opportunity to play regularly.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 24, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I checked the O's stats
today, Pie is at .220 and Corey is at .132. Can you hit .132 in the Spring?
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Mar 24, 2009 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Geez I stand corrected
Pie has a OBP of .220, goodness. I also read in the Balt. Sun that Pie will get the chance in left, and that Montanez is out of a position. Montanez played well for the O’s last year, granted I believe was in 130 or AB’s, Hell I would take him back.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Mar 24, 2009 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love our Of vs. lefties.
Bradley is a monster Soriano i love and Reed is good. If Dome isnt hitting by may gotta send him to AAA. I realy hate that contract. I find it obnoxious that people were so pro kosuke around here and are so anti Bradley. (in terms of he signing)
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
by fischisgod on Mar 25, 2009 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
we have one of the deepest outfields, even with the big loss of mark derosa. if fukudome and others stop performing, we have great guys down on the farm who could easily fill spots….hoffpauir who is a beast offensively, but then there’s sam fuld who is one of the most underrated cubs prospect. fuld is splendid all around. he can hit for avg, pretty decent power wise, has speed, and a great outfielder. to be honest with you, depending on the success of fukudome and reed johnson, i can really see fuld fitting in nicely as a starter in 2 or 3 years down the road.
by cufban2522 on Mar 25, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jessica, meet cufban2522.
cufban2522, Jessica.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that supposed to be Cubfan2522 ???
or is Cufban2522 the intended user name?
"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland
by flachimesa on Mar 26, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome aboard...
…but you really should have proofread your user name before you signed up.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 25, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha why do you say that? this is a username that I’ve been using forever
by cufban2522 on Mar 25, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It says "Cufban".
Are you sure you wanted it that way?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 25, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should have read further down
I see this has already been discussed
"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'" - Jim Leyland
by flachimesa on Mar 26, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is obviously referring to
the infamous ban on cufs enacted on February 5, 1922. It was later revoked by the Supreme Court in a 7-2 decision, but in today’s climate of eroding freedoms, we should be vigilant against further encroachment on our right to cufs. :-P
"I've got an idea...an idea so smart my head would explode if I even began to know what I was talking about." ~Peter Griffin
by Goodie1969 on Mar 25, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
STOP THE MADNESS!!!
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 26, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's paying homage to the original name of the one-time potential owner of the Cubs (and current Mavs owner)
Clearly his reputation as an agitator preceded him, even as a child. His first day of school when the teacher asked him his name, he said “Mark Cufban” and the teacher said “Cufban? Get the F out of here!”
So he did…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*and by fukudome performing, i mean if he actually performs haha
by cufban2522 on Mar 25, 2009 3:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
which role will he be performing?
an outfielder
or an expensive import badly impersonating an outfielder
by tim815 on Mar 25, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kosuke's skills as outfielder were never in question.
It was his approach at the plate that got him into trouble.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 26, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes and no
I’m not sold on Kosuke being a quality centerfielder everyday until I see the results. He certainly was a solid right fielder, but asking a player in his early 30’s to make the full time transition to centerfield is no sure thing to work. And lets face it, the reason Kosuke is moving to center is because the uncertainty about his ability to hit directly led to the Cubs feeling the need to add another left-handed bat in the form of Milton Bradley.
by BLou on Mar 26, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he does strike me as more of a natural right fielder.
The more I think about it, the more difficult Dome’s situation appears. He’s going to be under enormous pressure to produce at the plate, with very little wiggle room. If he gets off to a cold start, the fan base – and, quite possibly, Lou Piniella – could turn on him very quickly. Meanwhile, he’s going to have to cover more ground defensively in center field. I hope he rises to the occasion, but this story could have a gruesome ending.
"That little kid at second base - he is after a job, isn't he?" ~ Lou Piniella, 3/9/09
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 26, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haven't studied the enemy rotations in detail yet...
…but I’m almost thinking the more lefties we face earlier in the season, the better. Gives Dome more time to acclimate himself to center field.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 26, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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