Reds Play Small Ball, Cubs Play Smaller Ball And Lose 3-0
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 7:59 AM CDT
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200 comments
This, I was thinking during the periods when the 45-degree temperatures weren't freezing my brain, was what baseball might have been like in the deadball era. (There were more people shivering at the park last night; of the 38,738 announced, there appeared to be about 30,000 in the park.)
The Reds scored a run in the third inning in which the ball hit that scored the run itself was the only one among the first four batters of the inning in which the ball left the infield. The Reds' Alex Gonzalez (and in case you were wondering, despite playing for Dusty, this isn't the former Cub -- it's the "other" Alex Gonzalez) bunted, and Ted Lilly couldn't handle the ball, then threw wildly, with Gonzalez winding up on second base. Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto also bunted, and couldn't have rolled the ball down the 1B line better. No one could make a play and both runners were safe; Willy Taveras' fly ball scored Gonzalez.
The game might as well have ended right there. The Cubs couldn't solve Cueto and two Reds relievers and lost 3-0, their first blanking of 2009 and the first time they have been shut out since Randy Wolf, then of the Astros, made them look silly at Wrigley last September 3.
The Cubs had a couple of early-inning chances, getting a runner to second with one out in both the first and fourth innings, but nothing further. Would the game have ended differently if Angel Guzman and Kevin Gregg had not each given up a single run, making that single-run deficit seem almost insurmountable? Maybe, but again, sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other guy. Cueto was outstanding last night, striking out three and walking nobody -- in fact, there were no walks at all in the game, and without a way of quickly checking, I cannot remember the last time I saw a game without a single base on balls. Dusty must have been thrilled.
There are really only two more subjects to cover here; the game preview will be up in a couple of hours. First is the poor day had by Milton Bradley, who struck out three times and appeared to not be running hard after a fly ball in the early innings. Perhaps he should have sat out another day in the cold weather -- he's clearly not running well, still bothered by the injury from over a week ago in Milwaukee. Maybe it would have been better to DL him, in retrospect. The lack of playing time, rather than the lack of hitting, is what bothers me -- this is what many of us worried about when Bradley was signed, the fact that he's spent more time so far not playing than playing. However, let's reserve judgment until he can actually be in the lineup on a consistent basis.
The other note is that Jeff Samardzija is going to be recalled today and be in the bullpen. The Shark was an effective middle reliever last year and the Cubs really need that. According to that Bruce Miles article, Luis Vizcaino is the one who's likely going to be dropped. Vizcaino actually hasn't thrown that badly and rather than simply be released, maybe the Cubs will DFA him (thus, pleasing those of you who like to yell out "DFA! DFA!" when someone plays badly), which is actually a procedural move giving the team 10 days to trade him, release him or (unlikely, given his veteran status) send him down. If they just release him, they eat (approximately) $3.5 million, including a $500,000 buyout of his deal for 2010. It seems likely that someone would pick him up, either by trade or after the Cubs let him go, which would pick up the minimum salary portion of this year's deal and the buyout.
The Cubs can still win this series. Onward to this afternoon.
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First in
am I old fashioned to think 3.5 million is just too much to throw down the drain? Can’t we get a sack of bats, some balls and diamond dry at least? He did not pitch badly the other night. I wish I had three and a half million to toss aside!
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Apr 23, 2009 8:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I think we all do.
That’s why I hope they DFA him — maybe they can trade him somewhere and at least get someone to take part of the deal.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al, didn't the team
also have to eat some of Marquis’ contract?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think by taking...
… Vizcaino’s deal, they offset part of what the Rockies have to pay Marquis.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC on this
it’s gonna essentially cost the Cubs about $8M for this guy. They paid about $4M of Marquis’ $9.875M due this season.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 23, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't care for Marquis performance on the salary he was receiving, but
if your numbers are accurate, I’d rather have Marquis for the annual cost of 9.875 rather than eat $8M for bupkus.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who is going to trade for him?
"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 Apr 23, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we take on the whole salary - someone might.
The Padres seem rather thin.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure
but what’s the point of that? Just outright release him, if we have to pay him anyway.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, they may just release him.
Hendry will know the market and whether it’s worth trying to get something better than any of us do. If he releases him, then the returns wouldn’t have been worth the trouble. If they DFA him, then either they think they can trade him or they think the interest in him would be so small that they can get him through to AAA. I’m willing to trust Jim on this, whatever they end up doing.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I'm not sure if you can look at it like that...
Really — and this is not to say that I agree with the strategy — the issue was the money saved by trading Marquis. That Vizcaino salary is a sunk cost on Jason, so anything that you got from Luis performance-wise was just a plus.
Truth told though, I might be more inclined to cut ties to Guzman. I’d think you’d have a better shot of getting something interesting back.
by Damen Jackson on Apr 23, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have preferred
to cut ties with Vizcaino from the get to and instead keep Gaudin. As bad as he was I still think he held better value, even if he too was eventually DFA’d.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 23, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have too...
But if this comes to pass, it’s a very interesting turn of events, and probably one that confirms that Piniella is firmly in control. I mean, the Cubs eating potentially eating 5 million plus this early in the season, just to make a couple of guys go away? It’s very un-Cub.
by Damen Jackson on Apr 23, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
What is the rush on getting Bradley back in the lineup .....
…on a 45 degree night in April when your 8-4?
New sig currently under construction
by JB 23 on Apr 23, 2009 8:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, exactly.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone is really...
going to have to try hard to explain to me why he didn’t take his suspension for those first two night games, and kill a couple of birds with one stone.
Questionable managerial decisions, indeed.
by Damen Jackson on Apr 23, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
because he was right
because an appeal is almost automatic
because the ump was wrong
because he loses money for the suspension and he should be allowed to appeal that
because he was right and the ump was wrong.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, not the "only" explaination I have heard now.
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on Apr 23, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because he was right?
Well, that and a dollar will get me a cup of coffee.
I agree with all of it, but if you’re going to miss those games anyway due to health reasons…
by Damen Jackson on Apr 23, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you still appeal the decision
the players association wants you to. And you want to get paid. And, you know, the umps WERE WRONG.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
part of the problem is the appeal process takes weeks...
…which is absurd. I suspect they gave him two games knowing he would appeal and reduce to one.
Fixing the process would make situations like this easier on the players and the teams.
New sig currently under construction
by JB 23 on Apr 23, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pressure from the MLBPU
is the best/only explaination I have heard.
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on Apr 23, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point,
but it’s probably a principle thing. Milton feels he did nothing wrong and doesn’t want to be unfairly punished for it.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 23, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We've been arguing this for days now.
On the one side, people think Bradley should shut up and take the suspension.
On the other, we have:
1. MLBPA is believed to lik all suspensions appealed in support of other players and establish precedent.
2. Milton probably wanted his opinion heard and Hendry/Lou want a happy Bradly and will let him.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it no more than a PR rush?
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Despite others who are questioning our players, batting order, rotations...
…I have seen some VERY questionable managerial decisions by the management team so far this year.
"Just win tonight" - derv
by derv on Apr 23, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That ball that fell in play could have been caught by a healthy
RF. Bradley is a pretty fast guy, but had a slow first step and loped rather than ran. He’s still hurting and should not be in the field until he can run better.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frustrated on 2 points...
Hendry should have just kept Marquis. I doubt no one will trade for Vizcaino. SO… Hendry is going to be on the hook for part of Vizcaino’s salary and is already paying part if Marquis salary (if I recall correctly)… Not a whole lot of cost savings there. Which was his reason for trading Marquis to “slash salary”.
My second point is the booing. It is getting WAY out of hand. Sure Gregg gave up a homer. BUT THE CUBS DIDN’T SCORE EVEN 1! and he gets booed… After the job he did vs the Cards on Saturday lets cut him some slack. Seems like the players and coaches are tired of it too. Not a good way to draw in Free Agents if your fan base treats em like crap.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 8:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They still saved appx 5.5 million
Marquis is set to make 9, 875,000 this season. We agreed to pick up 875,000 of his salary and take on Luis’s salary of 3,500,000.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Apr 23, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which will go down to 2 million?
If the release him?
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No...
… they can save (approximately) $850,000 if someone else picks him up and pays the rest of the minimum salary for this year, and assumes the buyout.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the clarification...
Still kind of bugs me they got nothing for Marquis.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ahhhh, my answer.
Generally, I’m pleased with the contstruction of the team. However, I really dislike how Hendry has cobbled together a bullpen and the ability of the guys so far. While adding Shark to the mix may improve things, it takes away from starting depth which I thought is what he was to add.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
If one of the starters goes down… or needs to miss a start or two. Then what?
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shark starts, but hasn't been stretched out to start...
…and then they recall Waddel. I agree, this move kind of messes up the long term plan.
Seems almost desperate, and the bullpen hasn’t been THAT horrible. And the bullpen’s not going to matter anyway when we start hitting the ball like we’re capable.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I sort of agree.
While the bullpen hasn’t been that horrible, it’s because Lou isn’t using the whole ’pen. His lack of use of Patton and Viz shows his lack of confidence and Cotts as the only lefty is still a huge mystery.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, bringing in Marmol on Tuesday was a prime example...
Up 7-2.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said the EXACT same thing when the trade happened.
It was basically a salary dump, getting rid of a pretty reliable starter and exposing our bullpen. I believe my exact quote was something like “you hate Marquis now, but you’ll appreciate what he did when he’s gone.”
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No...
It stays at appx 5 to 5.5 million savings…
What we would have paid Marquis (9,875,000) – What we picked Up of Marquis Salary (875,000) – what we pay Luis’s this year whether he is on the team or not (3,500,000) – what Luis’s buyout is for next year (500,000) = 5mil.
The number will only go up if someone picks him up or we trade him.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Apr 23, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that
the booing has gotten way out of hand. It’s ridiculous.
by sue369 on Apr 23, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another thought on pitching
Patton has barely seen the field. Vizcaino rarely. How do we really know what we have when we never use players. I know we had spring training to find out but it’s April, we need to use more than Heilman, Marmol and Gregg every day (leave Cotts out of this for now). If we are hurting for left handed relief pitching doesn’t it make sense to move Marshall in the pen and Spellcheck in to start? Maybe Hendry says one thing and Lou decides another in a week. It only makes sense which is why it’s confusing.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Apr 23, 2009 8:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
I thought Patton deserved an inning last night, especially maybe the 9th after the Cubs went down 2-0.
This is another reason the 12-man pitching staff is ridiculous in April with all the off-days.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We are in the beginning of a stretch of 20 or 21 consecutive games...
I believe…
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
by SackMan on Apr 23, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
20 straight.
That’s the maximum. But they could have gotten along without the 12th pitcher before now.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Patton or Vizcaino should have been in on TUESDAY
Instead of Marmol. A five run lead with two runners on and Lou goes to Marmol in his " I don’t trust any of the rest of you " move
which he loves so much. We disagreed about this at the game Al but if he is not going to trust pitchers he should not be managing them.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Obvious that
Lou doesn’t trust some of these guys. They are kind of stuck with Patton. Either keep him on the roster or he goes back to the Rockies as a rule 5 player. He showed Lou enough to break with the team. Use him!
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Patton has take over the Jon Lieber spot on the staff....
Right-hander David Patton, a Rule 5 draft pick, will stay with the club and work in long relief, according to manager Lou Piniella.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty bad, but dead on comparison as Lou didn't use Lieber either.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, at least one thing was on fire around Wrigley Field last night...
…unfortunately it wasn’t the Cubs’ bats.
This was the scene in the Gold Lot (Waveland & Seminary) last night about a half-hour before the game started.
Nothing serious, no injuries – just one severely burned out engine and most likely one very bummed out Cubs fan.
With the Gold Lot being just across the street from Engine Co. 78 firehouse, it was pretty funny to watch the fire truck come out and make an almost immediate u-turn and then stop. Might be the shortest trip on record.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 23, 2009 8:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We were wondering about that.
Saw the smoke, but couldn’t see the car. Couldn’t they have just pulled the hose out of the firehouse and saved the truck?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was hoping to see an old-fashioned bucket brigade
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 23, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tailgating and he left a hot Weber under the car or what?
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
by MikeOxbyg on Apr 23, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watched that
I watched that from the bleachers. They had one similar in distance last summer — came out of the firehouse and went into Beyond the Ivy.
"I'm a Cubs fan. I'm very, very patient." -- from a Shoe cartoon.
by No Southern Belle on Apr 23, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't understand the Samardzija move at all
If Vizcaino is moved then this must have been decided in Spring Training a long time ago. Vizcaino hasn’t done anything to prove that he can’t pitch.
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Vizcaino is the only reliever who has not given up a run so far, and his .545 WHIP is the lowest on the team. What has he done to deserve this?
"The finish line is just the start of the next race."
by Sobenergy on Apr 23, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently...
He showed up to opening day in Houston late and has been in the doghouse ever since.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well geez, why wasn't he just fined $500 like other classy organizations do and move on? Sheesh...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 23, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems like
Lou’s doghouse is pretty deep… Exhibit A: Stevie Eyre, Exhibit B: Michael Barrett, Exhibit C: I know I’m missing someone!
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eric Patterson, Jon Leiber, Matt Murton, Felix Pie....etc etc
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glad my wife's doghouse isnt that deep, geesh!
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
by MikeOxbyg on Apr 23, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kidding.
Not just deep, but permanent with no way out.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did you read that?
And if that’s why he’s getting dumped (if he is), then Lou Piniella is a G-D idiot. Hendry needs to step in and tell Lou that the Cubs aren’t prepared to flush 3 million dollars down the drain because a pitcher (who has pitched great) showed up late one day. Ridiculous.
by kanderber on Apr 23, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was in Wittenmyer's article this morning.
And Vizcaino, despite throwing OK so far this year, has been pretty bad the last two years. If they do DFA him, at least it’s possible that they might be able to trade him, thus the other team would pick up some or all of the contract and maybe we’d get a prospect in return. I think I’d rather have that than Vizcaino.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He wasn't that bad last year for a middle relief guy
Homeruns were the problem last year but that was the first season that he had that issue. I’d wait to see if that was a fluke or trend.
IP: 46
H: 48
BB: 19
SO: 49
HR: 10!
As I said, not great but not that bad. Nice K ratio. I’d wait and see a bit more before dumping him especially since he has started well this season.
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Per Gordon Wittenmyer:
Vizcaino, the Cubs’ highest-paid reliever ($3.5 million, plus a $500,000 buyout on a 2010 option), hasn’t walked a batter or allowed a run in four appearances, but he doesn’t have the upside, track record or confidence from the organization that other bullpen members do. He also got off on the wrong foot by showing up late on Opening Day in Houston.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just flat out ridiculous...
One guy can’t find the darn plate… and he gets to keep his job. The other guy has been pitching wonderfully, and he’s gonna get released.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
by SackMan on Apr 23, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not necessarily.
If they DFA him, he could be traded. It’s possible they’ve already received some inquiries, given his decent performance so far.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al, I wonder if there were other issues
that we don’t know about that led to the Cubs to DFA Viz. It was reported he was late on opening day and I wonder if there were any other disciplinary issues with him.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 23, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is just one more data point in a long, long list of data points
that Lou does not base his management decisions on who is playing best at the time. That’s fine with me; I don’t think a manager should “play the (apparently) hot hand.” But somehow Lou has that reputation despite all evidence to the contrary.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Evidence #1: Bob Howry in 08
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh
I’ll take a late Vizcaino over a crappy Cotts any day.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 23, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If there was another lefty option, I believe it would be Cotts.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DFA...
Neal Cotts. Vizcaino is pretty useless… but he’s not the firestarter Neal Cotts is… Cotts has absolutely no value to this team. Cotts couldn’t even get out of garbage time on Tuesday, forcing the Cubs to turn to Carlos Marmol in a run-away game. Marmol and Gregg are going to disintegrate from the right arm up trying to clean up Cotts’ messes. Putting Samardzija in the pen makes Cotts even more useless, as he can actually get left-handed batters out… better than right-handed batters, actually… although I expect that to regress at least a little bit. My concern with Samardzija is he became more hittable and walked too many batters in the last month of 2009, but he’s still better than Vizcaino, Cotts or Guzman, and would pitch better in the pen than Marshall.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 8:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Please tell me how you know Samardzija is better than Vizcaino
Vizcaino has had some decent seasons and even last year’s wasn’t bad for Colorado. From little I’ve seen, I think he would be fine in the 6th and 7th inning which is where it looks like he would be used.
I will agree that Cotts is looking pretty ugly so far this year (and last year too).
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
last year?
You mean when he posted a five and a quarter ERA and had only one month where it was under four? And don’t say it had anything to do with Colorado because his road ERA was twice his home ERA.
His bright points were a ridiculously outlying BAA against RHBs and a very good K rate… but he also walked quite a lot and gave up the deep ball like a chiropractor was paying him to make sure his outfielder’s necks snapped.
He’s had one season with an ERA under 3 and a BAA under .200 and that was quite a while ago.
I’m not saying Vizcaino wouldn’t be productive for the Cubs from here on… but I want Samardzija on the team for the performance he gave last year in getting out LHBs. Anything that makes Neal Cotts more redundant is fine by me… However, I still have zero faith Piniella will use Samardzija to get lefties out, so that’s the only reason I can see to keep Samardzija out of this bullpen instead of Vizcaino, since removing Cotts or Patton aren’t options.
Samardzija would benefit from more time in AAA, but with the race in the NL Central maybe tightening up more than we would think, the Cubs can’t afford to give up more games to the Astros and Brewers, etc., because of their bullpen.
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by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We've played 13 games...
the Cubs can’t afford to give up more games to the Astros and Brewers, etc., because of their bullpen.
Not exactly in the pennant stretch here…..
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That doesn't mean they shouldn't use the best players available.
The games count just as much now as they do later in the season. No reason to dig yourself out of a hole because Neal Cotts can’t get major league batters out.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 23, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If that's the case....
Then the whole notion of “stretching” Shark out in AAA should have been abandoned after ST.
If a starting pitcher goes down now, Shark isn’t going to be as capable to be that 5th starter as he would have. It reeks of desperation. And I guess I don’t see it. Like I said before, if the bats heat up, middle relief isn’t going to be a big concern. I’m more disappointed with the inability to get in RISP than I am about the relief corps.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shark
They should have abandoned stretching him out when they failed to improve the bullpen this offseason. The Cubs are desperate… because they only have three good arms in their bullpen right now… and hopefully four by bringing up Samardzija… and that’s still not enough. It’s not enough to get to October, and not enough to win in October.
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by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In reality though
the four arms would only need to get us close to the trade deadline. Hendry will be able find bullpen arms at the trade deadline.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 23, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
Other than SS and starting pitching, I don’t see much opportunity to upgrade. And I don’t really see us getting either of those.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 23, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And further...
… the Cubs have won 4 of 6 from the Astros and Brewers so far.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok...
I’m really tired of this overrating the Cubs record right now… it’s an epidemic. If the Cubs didn’t come up with a miracle win against the Brewers horrid bullpen, the team would be 3-3 against those teams and everyone would be calling for heads to roll no matter how few games have been played this season. If the Cubs didn’t pull out TWO miracle wins against the Cardinals, they’d be FIVE games back of them right now… FIVE! I hate the way this team has been winning just as much as I hate the way they’ve been losing… and they’re doing it against really bad teams. I’m not results oriented… I don’t like the way the team is playing right now, and until I see differently, I could give two damns about what their record is.
The Cubs need to fix their bullpen and they need to fix their lineup and get Theriot out of the damn 7 and 8 spot… I love how Lou won’t give him a day off until he’s out of his hot streak, but he won’t use him to actually help the Cubs score runs when all of their horses aren’t up to speed (Derrek Lee – who has hit better recently in his defense) or healthy (Bradley and Soto).
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by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but that's just the point
the Cubs DID win those games. Who cares how they did it? We had tons of come-from behind win games last year. Good teams win. Why does it matter how or when in the game they get the winning run?
"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 Apr 23, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theriot
the only other spot in the order that Theriot logically fits is 2nd (or leadoff, but I won’t go there). Dome is filling the second spot in the order admirably right now.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 23, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dome
Dome could also fill the third spot in the order quite admirably, which would also increase the effectiveness of the players behind him… but i guess this is pointless because of the Cubs sparkling 8-6 record. Let’s all rejoice because their 2 games over .500 and haven’t faced a team worth a damn yet… and i’m including the one-trick pony St. Louis Cardinals. If their bullpen was any good they’d be 12-3 right now and the Cubs would be… oh, i’ll just stop and bury my head in the sand like the rest of you.
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by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
jeepers
here, take a vallium.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Drew, you forgot . . .
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 23, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well played!
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
The Cubs are 8-5, three games over five hundred. And we have done that with a so-so bullpen, Bradley injured and not hitting to par, Fontenot in a slump, and Geo yet to find his stroke. So I would say that gives us reason to believe once this team is in kicking on all cylanders we will be a team to reckon with.
by 23Ryno on Apr 23, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget
DLee’s struggles that he is starting to come out of
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 23, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please explain
You are not results oriented so it is more important that the Cubs look good than win? If you want to take away the Cubs wins where they didn’t look good, can you give the Cubs the win in the game where Weeks beat the throw from Theriot at SS? That was a pretty weak way for the Brewers to win.
You have completely lost me.
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
selective memory
you’re forgetting how the Cubs lost the lead in the first place… they went through 7 pitchers in that game, two of which didn’t get ANYBODY OUT! and the fact that the team scored only 1 run off of Braden Looper while they had 9 base runners against him. It wasn’t the throw from Theriot that cost them the game, he had already hit a double to tie it and advanced on a wild pitch.
Let’s recap… bad bullpen, bad offense, bad fielding and bad baserunning (I forgot to mention Fontenot getting thrown out)… so what exactly am I supposed to give the Cubs credit for there? I’m not taking away Cubs wins, I’ll take them any way I can… but i’m not going to jump for joy because they luck into a couple victories in April against some bad teams. Their record is better than they’ve played. If they want to have a record better than their competition, they’re going to have to play better or their competition is going to have to play worse. It’s that simple and I have no idea why that’s such a problem for everyone to understand.
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by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think anyone thinks
that the Cubs are playing to their potential.
But it’s freakin’ APRIL. If they were doing this in August, sure. Yes, there are things to fix. But there’s TIME, and if we can still win series, then I’m not going to worry too much.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the disconnect is this...
… you are saying “we didn’t win pretty, so in spite of our record, I’m not happy”.
… and those against you say “we won the games, and at the end of the season its W’s and L’s that count.”
EVERYBODY, in both groups, hopes the cubs get better. You just seem more willing to chalk the wins up to luck, while others seem to be willing to take the win for what it was (more runs on the board at the end of the game).
Glass half empty / glass half full situation.
by AndrewJStone on Apr 23, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, that's not it
You’re missing my point completely. I wouldn’t care if the cubs went 81-81… or just got unlucky 30 times and went 70-92, but i knew they were good enough, just everything went wrong. But that’s not what I’m seeing now. It’s not what I was seeing before the season started either. If they’re 110-45 but i don’t see them having a chance and hell at winning a WS I would stand up and say so… so damn right I’m going to say so when they’re only 8-5. I thought they were good enough to take it all from the first moment of last year until the end… I was wrong. I don’t see that in this team now… and I hope either I’m wrong, or they make the changes to make it right.
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by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not missing your point...
… i’m trying to put you point in to perspective vs everybody else’s.
You don’t care about the record as long as they are “good” (in your opinion). If they get unlucky, so be it.
Others don’t care how well they are playing, in terms of mechanics and moral and all that, as long as they are putting wins on the board. Many of these people may subscribe to the “you make your own luck” theory, or prefer to not allow luck in to it at all. So be it.
I’m not saying you are wrong, or they are right. I’m saying “i don’t care about the wins if they aren’t pretty” is a glass half empty outlook, vs the “well, we got another W on the board and hopefully we can keep it up and keep improving” glass is half full way of seeing it.
by AndrewJStone on Apr 23, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This must be your first baseball season
It is 162 games. No one is saying the Cubs are playing well but it is still April. A change has been made, other changes will be coming in May, June, July, August and probably September.
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention
The seeing-eye dinks the Astros got to win that game against them, too.
When I talk about asinine posts at this time of season, the OP’s is Exhibit A.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we took
both of those series. I was pretty happy with it. Who knew it was a disaster? :D
"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 Apr 23, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt... a month from now,
no one is going to remember how they won these games. A win is a win… shoulda, coulda, woulda happens every day in every baseball game.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But there now is a new stat
The pretty win.
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would take a WIN... any way you can get it.
Especially this early in the year.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Samardzija also struggled in Sept/Oct
with an ERA over 5.00. What if major league hitters adjusted and he isn’t ready for the majors yet? I see no reason to jump and release Vizcaino now. There will be injuries and Samardzija will get his chance. What happens if Vizcaino is released and then Samardzija struggles or someone gets hurt, Kevin Hart? Please, no.
Seems to me that dumping Vizacano (if that is what they do) is a little premature.
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sympathetic to what you're saying. Here's the problem -
it’s more important that we don’t wear out Heilman and Marmol than that we recoup our investment in Vizcaino. We need options in the ’pen that Lou trusts, or we will have ineffective relievers down the stretch and in October. The difference between Vizcaino and Hart at the back end of the ’pen is not nearly as great as the difference between a healthy Marmol and a gassed Marmol.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
yes
very well put.
I’m not the one making this decision. I would rather have Samardzija in AAA and they had signed Joe Beimel or Reyes or looking to acquire a lefty who can effectively get LHBs out, but Hendry, Piniella, et al., chose Samardzija. And since they’re clinging to David Patton and Neal Cotts, I’m not going to lose sleep over having to DFA our fourth-best right-handed reliever, coming off back-to-back bad seasons, who Piniella will only use in garbage time anyway.
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by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beimel's on the DL.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks, Al
…but i can read the dl reports just like you can… It’s about the process, not the results. If he was on our DL, I couldn’t look at Jim Hendry and say he didn’t pick up a lefty… I’d just say he did his job and luck bit us in the ass again. Instead, Lou has to deal with Neal Cotts. I watched Lou for 10 years here in Seattle… and every time he puts Cotts in, all he is doing is giving Jim Hendry the finger for not getting him a better option. This bullpen isn’t good… but it’s nowhere near the attrocius bullpens that cost the Mariners the prime years of AROD, Junior, Edgar and Randy with only getting two playoff appearances. He will continue to put Neal Cotts out there until Hendry gets him a better option, and the Cubs WILL lose games because of it, just like they already have.
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by jameslcrockett on Apr 23, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe you should just wait...
… until we actually suck (you know, losing more than we win) to start lamenting how badly we suck.
Just an idea.
by AndrewJStone on Apr 23, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the point with Beimel
is that there was a reason teams weren’t biting on him, a reason the Dodgers just let him go. The health reports could easily have been bad, warning teams like the Cubs off.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're suggesting
that Lou is deliberately screwing up games by putting Cotts in, just to make Jim look bad?
That’s messed up.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 23, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou will pressure Jim
not to make him look bad, but to get the move he wants. Remember the Michael Barrett speech?
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Al... what time do the Cubs usually take BP?
I’d like to head to the park early today… I’ve never gotten there really early before.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
by SackMan on Apr 23, 2009 8:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
For the most part...
…if you get there as soon as gates open (2 hours before the game start) the opposing team will have already started their BP.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
by SackMan on Apr 23, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs take BP first, generally.
They usually start about 1/2 hour before the gates open.
However, today, being a day game following a night game — it’s possible they might not hit at all.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus, They didn't hit real well last night...
I bet Lou mixes it up and they don’t. He does that sometimes too.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that's why I said "for the most part."
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right about the Cubs taking BP first. Whoops.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No worries.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They didn't hit at all last night either:(
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
by SackMan on Apr 23, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not necessarily.
I remembered it that way too, but this past Saturday the Cubs were still taking BP a good 30 minutes after the gates opened, if not longer.
by kanderber on Apr 23, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See above.
The Cubs hit first. Generally, home teams take their BP first.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I realize that.
The guy I replied to seemed to suggest that the opposing team will have already begun taking BP and that the Cubs will have completed.
by kanderber on Apr 23, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm assuming Gamboard sits today...
…after a night game, a tender groin, and Hoff able to face a righthander?
And Len and Bob said the winds supposed to blowing out today?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Can't assume anything
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 23, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But, in this case, I assumed correctly
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we
gotta get Gameboard as many at-bats as possible so that he can break out of this funk. That is provided he is not still bothered by his groin.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Apr 23, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree but his jogging to balls in the field has me
agreeing with carmen_.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Today's weather...
…looks like a beautiful day.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/mlb/gameforecast/60613?eventid=293396&epc=be
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only 56 degrees?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's weird. I wonder if that's current temp?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it's the forecast game time temp.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd play him
it’s going to be warm and sunny. He has to play SOMETIME.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tender groin...
… reminds me of turf toe in football. One of those things you can’t EVER assume is better than the day before. So much as sneezing wrong can set it back a week.
by AndrewJStone on Apr 23, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Groupon anyone?
I have no vested interest in this company but I thought I should mention a really cool Cubs related deal going on right now, which will likely sell out fast.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 23, 2009 9:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
sorry
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 23, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.
They must be having trouble selling to groups this year.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
economy
blah blah recession argh headdesk
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely
A few weeks ago, they had a smiliar deal except even cheaper, between $55-65. Unfortunately I was too late, they sold out lightning fast.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 23, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.
Thanks for the info. That’s a really good idea.
I’d also advise interested buyers to keep an eye on Stub Hub. A bunch of co-workers and I got tickets to Wrigley Done Right (right field foul pole) for $62 on Memorial Day.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What ever happened to the other Alex Gonzalez?
The one who booted the grounder that shall not be mentioned?
by tedinSoCal on Apr 23, 2009 10:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He last played....
… in the majors for the 2006 Phillies, and in the Reds organization (now THAT would have been confusing!) in 2007. Out of baseball now.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC he was dealt from the Cubs in the Nomar deal.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's trying to get into broadcasting.
I can’t remember if I saw him on ESPN of MLB Network.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 23, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
by the way, your avatar is not appreciated
troll?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not appreciated?
His avatar may represent Lou’s footprint on the Cubs? (Or choke hold.)
by DudeVf11 on Apr 23, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or because it speaks the truth...
(I hate to admit that)
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or it's just annoying.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 23, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's annoying that we've gotten that reputation, yes.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Apr 23, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When they stop choking in the playoffs.....
I will gladly take it down.
by tedinSoCal on Apr 23, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Milton B.
To me the “issue” and it’s not really an issue it’s more an observation, is that he hasn’t hit AT ALL when he’s played. He’s going to miss a lot of games, that’s to be expected, but it’s more that at the start of the season since he has not hit we are yet to see him contribute and et to see his offensive talent. It does seem like he’s not even on the team to me. It’s an easier transition when a guy gets off to a hot start, but in his case he’s not even out of the gate yet.
He’ll turn it around and produce, hopefully before the boos start cascading. But agree with Al’s comment about putting him on the DL.
by DudeVf11 on Apr 23, 2009 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Before the boos start cascading??
I believe they already have! Did you hear the fans after MB’s last AB last night. Ridiculous! The booing fans are really starting to upset me.
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on Apr 23, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I didn't see or hear the game. I was wondering whether he was getting booed.
I live in SoCal and don’t pay for TV so I just get MLB.com free highlights.
Hopefully MB doesn’t react unprofessionally to the boos. y biggest concern with his signing is not the injuries but the lack of self control and unprofessional approach to the game. A lot of players have issues with the latter these days but it’s not often you see your own Manager taking you out to protect others. Chicago is a much tougher media market to play in for him and my concern is his response when the fans and media get on him.
As for the boos, too early for sure, but they are still part of the game.
by DudeVf11 on Apr 23, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He got booed pretty bad after he struck out in the 8th (?)
I realize it is part of the game but these fans have to realize that booing a guy like MB can do NO good at all. He is not gonna say to himself “oh no I am getting booed at Wrigley, I should really concentrate and work hard to improve my game” it will be more like “I’m getting booed by my own fans? They don’t like me? They must be racists. F&*% Them!” At any rate, it is added pressure that, with the media attention of Chicago, he doesn’t need. Get behind this guy, he could end up being our MVP!
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on Apr 23, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Part of the game maybe...
… when somebody is worth booing. But the current season has turned a bit absurd. Booing former players who were fine while here and traded away, booing current players who’ve done little to deserve it.
Booing for booing’s sake is the very opposite of cheering your team on. Fans know Bradly’s history, and know his potential value to our team if he plays well. Why risk crushing his moral early on, while our record is good and he is injured? Let him work in to it!
by AndrewJStone on Apr 23, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly!
They booed Jerry Hairston Jr.!!!??? Why?
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on Apr 23, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't mind booing
when it’s warranted. But the booing over every little thing is getting out of hand at Wrigley.
It reminds me of the “sky-is-falling” posts around here. Have these people never watched a baseball game before?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with your post and muehlman in that I would not boo the guy...
…and it would be preferable if other fans did not. But the reality, just like the reality of his high injury risk, is that MB comes with some heavy baggage and fans are aware of that. People are going to bait, taunt, and ride a guy who has that baggage—that should be a given just like him getting injured.
MB has to respond professionally because there is no way that you can convince certain element of fans not to boo, even bringing it up in the media will only make it worse. If he wants to grow up and help the team and be a pro then here’s a great chance.
by DudeVf11 on Apr 24, 2009 1:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I happen to think
a big factor is the weather….he seemed to be doing much better towards the end of ST in sunny and warm AZ.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 23, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he needs
at bats. The ability to keep up with a 94 mph fastball is one that goes away very rapidly when you don’t get regular at bats. This is why I hope he plays today.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Houf
Was swinging a bad bat i could see having the need to bring Bradley in, but Houf has looked pretty good so i dont see the rush.
Booing – it is annoying. Should we boo Soto for his lousy start?
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 23, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guarantee Soto gets booed if he goes 0-5 today
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on Apr 23, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats really too bad.
1. i hope he doesnt go 0-5
2. i hope if he does goes 0-5 it is just ignored.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 23, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The booing has
gone beyond ridiculous.
by sue369 on Apr 23, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Twittermeyer says
Vizcaino DFAd to make room for the Shark.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 10:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Now watch
him end in STL, MILW, or CINN and he’ll mow us down every time just like Weathers does.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Apr 23, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Typical Cubs fan's reply
Ay-yi-yi.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only way out of Lou's doghouse
The backdoor.
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
appears to be more of a trap door
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 23, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He could make a joke out of it, though.
“Hey, Cotts, what do you and every batter you face have in common? You both take walks.”
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 23, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
by tony412 on Apr 23, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The veal...
you should try it.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 23, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone calm down about Bradley.
You can all relax, i started him today in my fantasy league for the first time this season. he will do fine. (i am hoping he starts though or else i will look like a fool)
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 23, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Read my sig...
..and, oh, he’s sitting today.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In other baseball news...
The NY Post reports:
Alex Rodriguez ran the bases yesterday for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic surgery. According to the Associated Press, Rodriguez ran 10 times between first and second base at the minor league complex in Tampa yesterday
Look for this to be the lead story on SportsCenter tonight…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 23, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sad part is
I know you’re not joking.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 23, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Miles
Grudzielanek is still out there just waiting for a call. Screw the stupid lefty infatuation! It doesn’t matter what side of the plate a guy hits from if he SUCKS!!!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Apr 23, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So let's see
In the past week, people have proposed:
- Dump Vizcaino (already done)
- Dump Cotts
- Dump Patton
- Dump Guzman
- Dump Gathright
- Dump Miles
- Play Hoffpauir more over Lee
- Move Lee to 6 or 7 in the order
- Get a new SS
- Install Samardzija as closer
- Install Samardzija in the rotation
And people wonder why their posts suggesting a new or rehashed change gets jumped on?
by rlpete on Apr 23, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait till Soriano has his first slump of the year...
That whole lead off thing will come up again.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Apr 23, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably
Samardzija will always get most love because he’s from ND and Valpo and is the next great white hope.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Apr 23, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And...
He’s making a lot of money from his Rookie contract.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Apr 23, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
another Twitter
Bradley is NOT in today’s lineup.
"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 Apr 23, 2009 11:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Lineup: sori, riot, fuku, lee, rami, hoffp, soto, font, z.
via Wittenmyer on twitter
by dewby on Apr 23, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
also said...
Lou says when Bradley returns, he’ll bat him 6th, ‘where he might be a little more comfortable.’
by dewby on Apr 23, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
New thread, y'all
Jump over here.
"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
by Clutch16 on Apr 23, 2009 11:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Roster move
When I heard that the Shark was getting recalled and that Cotts was safe, I thought that Gathright might be the one to go. After all, he’s hardly played, even with Bradley hurt. Why not DFA him. There’s a good chance he’d clear waivers and we could keep him in AAA until he’s needed in September. Meanwhile, Lou can have 13 pitchers for a week or two while he sorts out who really belongs. Is Patton pitching well enough to stay on the roster? Can Cotts find the strike zone? Is Vizcaino useful? Is Shark going to be the guy? As much as I think Vizcaino sucks, I think it’s premature to dump him this soon in the season.
I know this leaves the Cubs with a short bench, but frankly, Big Z is probably as good a pinch hitting option as Gathright. In a couple of weeks, Lou can reassess the bullpen, cut the weakest link and bring up an extra infielder like Blanco, Rivas or Scales.
by tom veryzer on Apr 23, 2009 11:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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