The Bad Old Cubs Rear Their Head In Ugly 7-1 Loss To Reds
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 5:13 PM CDT
in Recaps
194 comments
By now, if you are a regular reader of this site, you know that I am by nature an optimist; I try to find the good in things and don't rip unless things seem eminently rippable.
Today, I really don't have many positive things to say about the worst-looking loss the Cubs have had since last year's NLDS, 7-1 to the Reds in front of a crowd of... well, hang on a second, let me look this up because they never did announce the attendance at the park as they usually do in the middle of the 8th inning (embarrassed, were they? or maybe we are for going?) ... 40,039, and it looked like most seats were filled on an afternoon where the sun never did come out as strongly as promised, and the near-70 degree promised temperature never got out of the mid-50s.
Other than Carlos Zambrano, who threw seven credible innings and if not for an error by Micah Hoffpauir, would have allowed only three runs (while striking out seven and making efficient use of his 109 pitches), Alfonso Soriano, who had two hits and, at least temporarily, saved a run by getting the umpires to hold up play for "ball in ivy" (how do you do that when there are no leaves on the branches?) and Kosuke Fukudome, who had four more good plate appearances, hit the ball hard three times (one hit) and walked, the Cubs pretty much phoned this one in.
The bottom line on Hoffpauir is: he's not an outfielder. Let's repeat that, so that Lou can hear: he's not an outfielder. This is what you get when you try to squeeze someone into a role for which he is not suited. Hoffpauir failed to catch a ball hit by Chris Dickerson in the third -- now, I'm going to be fair on that one. It was hit into the well in a spot that's tough for a lot of outfielders to play. However! A regular outfielder would probably have tried to hold up, let the ball come back to him, and perhaps hold Dickerson to a double, or maybe even a single if he got the right bounce. Instead, Hoffpauir tried to make a circus catch and got burned. That led to the Reds' first run.
The other play, on what should have been a clean single to right, he simply overran -- looked like he took his eye off the ball, or didn't get his glove down quickly enough, or both. That led to at least one run directly, and if that's a single played properly, perhaps the runner on second, Brandon Phillips, holds at third -- remember, it was a 2-1 game at the time.
This team just doesn't seem to be constructed very well. With Milton Bradley sitting until he's "completely healthy", the Cubs have few outfield choices. Could Lou have started Joey Gathright today in CF and moved Fukudome to RF? Sure, but that hurts the offense. I really didn't understand why, after Hoffpauir's at-bat in the 7th, why Lou didn't double-switch Reed Johnson into the game when Neal Cotts came in to pitch. And further, read Lou's quotes from the above linked article:
"I don't play people unless they're totally healthy," Piniella said. "That's been my M.O. throughout my managerial career. With Milton, when he's ready to play, I'll put him out there.
"I told him, basically, I'll take him out of the fourth hole when he comes back and put him in the sixth hole, where he might be a little more comfortable, and we'll go from there," Piniella said. "When I get him out there, I expect him to run hard and play hard the way he always has."
Doesn't sound like Lou's real happy with Bradley. I know Lou would like to hit Milton cleanup, between Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, to split up the two righthanded hitters. Who's going to hit fourth when Bradley comes back?
Give a little credit to Aaron Harang, who looked like the pre-2008 Harang this afternoon. The Cubs did hit several balls in the direction of right-center field that would have been in the bleachers on any day where the wind wasn't blowing across from the southeast.
Anyway, enough. I don't even want to get into the bad performances of Neal Cotts (who may, from what I heard today, be replaced by Jason Waddell sooner rather than later) and Jeff Samardzija (whose motion, my friend Dave said, looks completely different, with a changed arm slot that may make him more susceptible to injury). The Cubs are 8-6 and, believe it or not, playing at that percentage all season would result in a 93-win year. But they are going to have to play better than this, especially going to play the Cardinals in their own ballpark (where they are 8-2 so far in 2009).
Tonight, if you are interested in meeting Jim McArdle, author of "Living The Dream", he is hosting another party for his book at Toons Bar, 3857 N. Southport in Chicago. See you there if you go.
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I hate losing to the Reds.
Call me petty, but I feel like every victory for Dusty is a tacit endorsement of his folksy, old-fashioned gut ‘n’ grit style of baseball management.
by redward on Apr 23, 2009 5:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You are petty. Let it go. This constant obsession of proving Dusty is
a bad manager is tiresome. Who cares if he is managing the other team? The Cubs looked like crap and that is the story. The Dusty thing is so yesterday. Let it die.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 23, 2009 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
+2004
Yeah, it’s long past time to move on regarding Dusty.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 23, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I don't mean as a former Cubs manager.
I mean as a manager, period. Same as Joe Morgan getting airtime to spew nonsense. I just don’t like seeing stubborn, close-minded people succeed.
by redward on Apr 23, 2009 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The reds winning a game is not a validation of Dusty's managing style. You are giving way
too much credit to his influence over his team. I think the Morgan comparison is a bit of a stretch. Most of the Dusty venom seems to flow from the fact that the team didn’t go all of the way under his watch. I suspect that if he had taken that team to the WS, there would be a lot less wrath tossed in his direction. I think his managing style is a bit of a sidebar. Either way, I think the obsession with him failing i silly. Why would you want him to fail? Would him failing raise the status of the Cubs? I think not. You need to let it go dude.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 23, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you've got it
With the almost but not quite bit - maybe for some it’s like watching an ex have a better life after moving on?
She’s gone, redward! Let it go!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 23, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not exactly the performance you want to see heading into St Louis...
….but baseball’s a funny game.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Man, I'd love to meet Jim McCardle
Just finished reading “Living the Dream” last weekend. Very engaging book, and it answered one long-standing question I’ve had. If nothing else, I’d like to shake his hand and thank him for that piece of trivia alone.
Alas, I’m still 800 miles away and will be further away than that for the weekend – flying out to San Francisco tomorrow for a much-needed long weekend.
As for the Cubs – They have to get the defensive miscues down to a bare minimum. I was embarrassed watching the game with my friend today. I’ve been slowly converting him into a baseball fan, and seeing those plays made me ashamed I was making the effort.
Enough of that – Go Cubs! Make the Redbirds wish we’d never heard of ’em!
"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 5:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And maybe if I do meet him, I'll remember his last name is spelled McArdle
D’oh!
"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 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
0-3 So far this year...
LAst year, as I’ve posted numerous times during ’08, I was 18-3 in games attended.
I agree with you Al, on everything:
“The bottom line on Hoffpauir is: he’s not an outfielder. Let’s repeat that, so that Lou can hear: he’s not an outfielder.”
However, if you have noticed how listless the team is, runs not scored in large bunches, team BA of probably .220, shit bullpen, Fontenot not an everyday player, Soto has one hit, etc. – this is a real eye-opener of an April. Some of the blame here (if the trend continues) is squarely on Jim Hendry: Bradley. Miles. Bye Bye to De Rosa. Gregg.
We will have to see how much of this continues, and if the team can finally start hitting. If they cannot, it will be a long, disappointing season. And Theriot – STOP WITH THE SB ATTEMPTS DUDE! YOU ARE TOO SLOW!!!
by The E-Man on Apr 23, 2009 5:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 23, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
creepy
what is that?
Guy at bar: "Do you just like that hat or do you like Chicago?"
Me: "I'm in Love, Obsessed and Addicted to the Chicago Cubs!"
by KC in OK on Apr 23, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
looks like a cry baby (to me)
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Apr 23, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The E man said the T word
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 23, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His first step stinks
And so do the rest of them. He really needs to knock it off. However, his wasn’t the only TOOTBLAN today – Soriano looked pretty foolish getting picked off second on a sub-par move by Harang.
"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 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How does a team that stinks so much
be 8-6 and have a 3-1-1 record in series?
There are a few problems to work out, but it certainly isn’t as dire as some would make it.
Everybody chill.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My gripe is with base-running blunders
Not the team at large. Theriot’s CS vs. SB numbers last year and continuing into this year tell me he’s better off not attempting to steal so often. In general, I’m a fan of aggressiveness on the basepaths, but at some point, you gotta look at results and see that your current approach isn’t working.
As for the team itself, I’m nowhere near the ledge, yet. These are not the droids you’re looking for. /handwave
"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 24, 2009 6:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is the droid you're looking for.
"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 24, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bad News Bradley
Man… we all want Bradley to do well, but, we shouldn’t be surprised by any of this. If Bradley does well, then he is a benefit to the team. But, why should we expect everything will go well with Bradley? His history shows that we should expect him to be hurt… Personally, I expected this and am not surprised in the least. I thought he would last longer than this.. but it’s obvious Lou isn’t too happy with him. If that’s true, it probably not about the same exact things we are aggravated at. He talks with him, listens to him… and obviously something is rubbing him wrong about the guy.
Anyway… None of this should be a surprise. The signing of Bradley reminds me of some of the signings the Cubs did back in the 90’s. ex: Danny Jackson… he was somebody who COULD benefit the Cubs…. the same with Bradley, he COULD benefit the Cubs if he stayed healthy and kept his nose clean.
Why couldn’t we sign someone who WILL benefit the Cubs?
Ugh.
by TheHawkRules on Apr 23, 2009 5:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone they sign could benefit them
Nothing is guaranteed. They knew his history, and felt that he would be a good addition. Hopefully he still will be.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 23, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He still has almost 147 games left to help the team.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 23, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
since when were you on the Bradley bandwagon?
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 23, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a politician, remember?
SWL knows how to appeal to both sides of any issue… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 23, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ill be honest
I think SWL just jumps on whatever he thinks will be the funniest/most inciting.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
by wax eagle on Apr 23, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not trying to be funny....
I’ve said before that I’m not enamored with the Bradley signing and think his risks outweigh his potential rewards. But we didn’t sign Adam Dunn, so we play with the players we have. We have Bradley, for better or worse, so I say let’s hope he can recover quickly and start contributing to the team.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 23, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
I think some people around incorrectly view dislike of a player as desire for him to perform bad.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 23, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
while some it seems actually cheer for the player to fail
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why
Why is being sensible and not overreacting being a bandwagon jumper?
What’s being silly is judging whether or not he will contribute this season right now.
I really don’t believe anyone predicting it would be bad are rooting for him. They just wantt o be right.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 23, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he's healthy
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
by Clutche on Apr 23, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uhhhh, wait a minute...
…are you suggesting Lou talks directly to MB? Think again, dude. Lou only talks to his managers. He believes in the “chain of command”.
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 23, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou had a
ten minute meeting with MB this morning and told him he was sitting until he was 100% healthy and that he would be moved down in the lineup once he returns.
by sue369 on Apr 23, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
which means someone else had that meeting
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 23, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, BLou had it here
Didn’t you guys read the sidebar?
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what are you talking about?
"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 24, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The last two games have been ugly
However, it’s two games. It probably won’t be the only ugly 2 (or 3 or whatever) game stretch we have this year. Ozzie was quoted in the Trib today “…but if people are already panicked – wow, they’re going to have a tough summer.”
I think he’s got it right. We need to breathe a little.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 23, 2009 5:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just got back from meetings and was away from the screen and TV all day.
My guess is that the ledge jumping and wrist slashing seems to be at RED ALERT stage. Many of the slumping Cubs will get their acts together (MB, Fontenot, Soto) and the fun times will return. As Al said, “as bad as it has been, they are still 8-6 so far.”
I’m gonna go home and let the dogs lick my face. We all can use some unconditional love after losing a series to Never-trusty Dusty.
Onward to a beat down of the Red Birds!!
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Apr 23, 2009 5:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
*deep breath*
Well i completely missed todays game due to working night shift and really needing to sleep today; it really sucks waking up to hear the Cubs played so bad. I could sit here and tell you everything that is driving me crazy about this team so far but then I think…it’s early! I know if we don’t fix certain things about this team we wont get any better but running for the cliffs and jumping or throwing people over won’t help. A certain thing I love about true Cubs fans is that we have stuck with this team through the toughest years and I will be forever loyal to this team.
We are 4-4 at home this season so far…could have been better, could have been worse. Our bullpen is ruining quality starts by our starters. The Skark was called up sooner than I would have hoped this season. These are all things that happen and I continue to have faith that Hendry and Lou will do their best to fix the broken parts of this team.
Now lets get to St. Louis and beat up on those darn redbirds!!!
Guy at bar: "Do you just like that hat or do you like Chicago?"
Me: "I'm in Love, Obsessed and Addicted to the Chicago Cubs!"
by KC in OK on Apr 23, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where 'bouts in OK are you KC?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 23, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tulsa
Guy at bar: "Do you just like that hat or do you like Chicago?"
Me: "I'm in Love, Obsessed and Addicted to the Chicago Cubs!"
by KC in OK on Apr 23, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take me back to tulsa...
I’m too young to marry…
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Apr 23, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
She's livin' on Tulsa time.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 23, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Set your watch back
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Apr 23, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou said in his
post game press conference that Hoff is going back to his bench role and Dome will be in RF and Reed in center. Sounds great to me.
by sue369 on Apr 23, 2009 5:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yup, I'd take it, if Bradley is out for any extended period of time, call up Edmonds
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on Apr 23, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reed said before
the season started he wants to play everyday. Give him the chance to prove himself.
by sue369 on Apr 23, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Sue
I for the life of me don’t understand why Reed Johnson doesn’t play more. I will take Reed Johnson 10 times out of 10 over Hoffpauir.
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't understand
why he hasn’t been playing either.
by sue369 on Apr 23, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the first good news I've heard in the last two days
Johnson in center and Dome is right is the only was to go right now.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 23, 2009 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still want to know why
Bradley hasn’t been DL’ed, if he cannnot play. This just seems like baseball ‘common sense.’
This way there’s a nother productive player available.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 23, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And that's great news.
Hoff works better off the bench and Reed can hit well enough for the eighth spot and adds tremendous defense.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 23, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
On his ML career, Hoffpauir has hit .294/.333/.353 as a pinch-hitter, which has got to be pretty close to Aaron Miles’ career #s.
I think we might consider replacing Joey Gathright with an unsigned free agent, because Lou doesn’t seem to like him and we need that roster spot.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank GODS.
"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 24, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those unfortunate enough to follow my twitter got to witness my mental breakdown
Full out ledge jumping, though I believe I caught myself at the last second and have pulled by way back to the ledge.
Reed Mantle in CF and Dome in RF until Milton is back please.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 23, 2009 6:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Z went crazy in the players' parking lot after the game...
heh, heh, just kidding.
Actually this is the “after” picture of the car fire from yesterday. Bashed in grille, busted windows, and I gotta imagine a lot of damage under the crumpled hood. Maybe the Cubs could donate some of those State Farm insurance runs that they obviously didn’t use today to scouting dept. Patty so she can get her car fixed.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 23, 2009 6:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ken, that is the same make, model, and color of Dusty's old truck he had around the 2003 timeframe.
No joke! I have a picture of me standing in front of it. He has it in AZ at ST with IL plates.
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Apr 23, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
AFTER LAST NIGHTS GAME.......
I got caught up on alot of work today…..I needed a day away from the Cubs I know that sounds strange I have no ledges to go near …..Al is right Hoff should never go near the outfield. Lets hope they can regroup and pound the Red Birds this weekend ….
by cubs north on Apr 23, 2009 6:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh please.
Just about every MLB team has at least one outfielder that brings a cast iron frying pan to his position. Picking on Hoff is CRAP!
by Employee22 on Apr 23, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's picking on Hoff
Putting him out there and expecting him to perform is picking on Hoff. I don’t blame Micah, I blame Piniella.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 23, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we're not teasing him for being fat.
He’s clearly incapable of playing the position, and it’s costing us. How many runs did he make up for costing us those two yesterday?
Oh, right. None.
"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 24, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Today's team, and this year so far
reminds me of the 2005/2006 team (besides the patience). Ugh. I wanna be able to take that back but this team doesn’t seem to gel like it’s supposed to. I hope they prove me completely wrong .. but we’ll see.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Apr 23, 2009 6:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Certainly not like last years start
where we were 9-5 after 14 games and on our way to sweeping the next two early season series with the Pirates & Mets.
Very disappointing not to meet that measure.
by JFCubFan on Apr 23, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, so this year theyr'e 8-6
and that’s a disaster. Almost entirely against teams in the division. But 9-5 is on your way to the promised land.
Some of you really need to think before you post.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and Unique
This reminds me of the 2005-06 teams not at all. Not in any way, shape or form.
You know, the more I hear cr@p like this, the more I think the reputation of Cubs fans might be well-earned.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now this is just goofy
This team is the same as the 05-06 team? That’s goofy at best.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 23, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please,
can I have my own opinion. Quit catching feelings. If I’m wrong.. which I hope I am — then make me look like a fool.
And I’m not comparing the talent of the teams of 2005 and 2006 to this one. I’m saying the way the team is constructed reminds me of those years.
And to Not Bruce Froemming… don’t throw me under the bus with all the ledge jumping Cub fans… understand what I mean before you makes thoses comments my way.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Apr 24, 2009 2:43 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
*make those comments my way
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on Apr 24, 2009 2:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a distinction
without a difference.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 24, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This Micah Hoffpauir thing, and Milton Bradley thing and bullpen thing has gotten out of hand
Re: Micah Hoffpauir
I have to STRONGLY agree with Al Yellon on this one…Micah Hoffpauir has NO BUSINESS ever, ever, ever, ever playing in the outfield. Not even if it means you have used up the bench and the other option is to send a pitcher to play right field. Sweet Lou has his head up his keester on this guy.
Re: Milton Bradley
This thing has become a full blown soap opera. This whole sordid unfolding affair has been handled poorly by everybody involved, to include player, manager and GM. It is time for Lou to shove his shoe up Bradley’s keester. We have lived with a 24 man roster and a short bench for two weeks thanks to the non-decision to put Bradley on the DL. We have also seen self-interest trump what is good by the ballclub in terms of appealing his suspension. And finally we have seen Bradley dog it in the outfield and on the basepads, for whatever reason we have no idea because the moody s.o.b. refuses to talk to the media and it intent on being a matyr. Enough Milton. Get your crap together NOW. And Lou and Hendry, get your heads out of your keester as well. Either Bradley goes on the DL or something has to give.
Re: Bullpen
My viewpoint on David Patton not being major league ready is well documented. But now on top of that we have Neal Friggin Cotts as the only lefty in the pen having a $140 million payroll to operate under? For the love of God lets cut to the chase and DFA Cotts, move Marshall to the pen where he is best suited and can be quite valuable and throw the Shark in the rotation. The Shark was drafted to be a starting pitcher, not a middle reliever.
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 6:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That fanpost on MB wasn't enough?
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 23, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's what I want...
1. Soriano – LF
2. Theriot – SS
3. Fukudome – RF
4. Ramirez – 3rd
5. Lee – 1st
6. Johnson – CF
7. Soto – Cat
8. Fontenot / Miles – 2nd
Screw the lefty-righty thing. When / if Milton Bradley is over his groin pull and selfish child routine, then put him in the # 6 hole where the lefty-righty thing is somewhat restored.
Bullpen? DFA Cotts and shove Marshall back into the pen where he can be invaluable.
Rotation? Throw the 5th starter job to Samardizija and let him learn in the job. We can afford his growing pains for awhile. He was paid all that money out of Notre Dame to be a starting pitcher, not the next Chad Gaudin operating out of middle relief.
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and when you are hired to be Manager
you can have it. there is no point worrying about it anymore. its a moot point, we all know that, now accept it.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"screw the lefty-righty thing"
But that is what Lou wanted , that is why Hendry got MB and dumped DeRo. Are you saying the great god Lou is wrong ?
A little late for that now. Shark as a starter ? He can’t even pitch ONE effective inning yet ?
"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 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really wish this irrational DeRosa love would go away
For once, the Cubs didn’t buy into fool’s gold. I liked DeRosa, but the only thing I didn’t like about the trade was that I didn’t think Hendry got enough for him.
Although it’ll be a while before we can tell if the trade was good or bad.
If DeRosa were here and hitting .212 (or whatever it is for the Indians), the same people who are pining for him would be ripping him a new one on this board.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They got next to nothing for him
You really think Aaron Miles is an upgrade ? That the Cubs would not be a LOT better off with DeRosa. Now I agree
if they had gotten something significant and useful for him it would not be so bad but it is easily the worst off season move especially when you consider that they saved a whopping 2.5 million in payroll this year which apparently was desperately needed to get MB. The “lefty” obsession re hitters drove the bad off season moves but somehow Lou forgot to ask about
leftys in the bullpen but then again he can’t use them properly when he has 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 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say Miles was an upgrade
But eventually, I think the Fontenot/Miles/Bradley combination will be better than DeRosa/Edmonds.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 24, 2009 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know about any irrational DeRosa love, but here's what his absence has meant so far...
1) When ARam needs a day off, we have an infield of DLee, Miles, Theriot and Fontenot.
2) With MB not playing, we have Hoffpauir’s glove in the outfield.
Lou loves him some lefties, so Hendry went out and got him some lefties – and DeRosa was the cost involved. Personally, I think we’re a lot less flexible without DeRosa. But Lou’s the manager, not me. so I’m perfectly content to keep my torch and pitchfork in the closet until September.
Doesn’t mean I don’t take the pitchfork out and every now and then and sharpen it though… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 23, 2009 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Understood
But it’s also not like Hendry was breaking up the ‘27 Yankees. Like I said above, I think this move will pay off eventually. DeRosa didn’t get the Cubs any playoff victories, did he?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 24, 2009 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where is it well
documented that Patton is not major league ready?
by sue369 on Apr 23, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he is
And I also think we have allocated a spot in the bullpen to a project that a contending team has no luxury of doing. Especially when the rest of our bullpen situation is shaky to say the least.
If not for being a Rule V pickup with long-term intrigue then David Patton is sitting at Double A ball right now.
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then why didn't
you say you don’t think he is instead of saying it’s well documented? Those kind of comments are why people jump all over you.
by sue369 on Apr 23, 2009 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well documented by him alone...
…there’s the rub.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 23, 2009 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh...
He said “My viewpoint on David Patton not being major league ready is well documented…”
How is that not exactly what you’re asking him to say?
by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 23, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reading is a skill...
that, unfortunately, tends to go out the window for certain people any time they see a post from Blou.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 23, 2009 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read that
wrong and for that I apologize BM.
by sue369 on Apr 24, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We saw your earlier post
It’s ‘well documented.’
Jeff Spellcheck did a great job mopping up, didn’t he?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Apr 23, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
reminds me of that scene from A Few Good Men
no, not any of Col. Jessep’s (Jack Nicholson) speeches – those are reserved for more special occasions.
I was thinking more of the courtroom scene where Jo Galloway (Demi Moore) raises an objection. Afterwards Lt. Weinberg (Kevin Pollak) is replaying the scene aloud and mimics Galloway…
Lt. Weinberg: “I strenuously object?” Is that how it works? Hm? “Objection.” “Overruled.” “Oh, no, no, no. No, I STRENUOUSLY object.” “Oh. Well, if you strenuously object then I should take some time to reconsider.”
I’m sure we all sleep better tonight knowing that you STRONGLY agree with Al. It’s good to know that you’re on the wall, BM, because we want you on that wall – we need you on that wall…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 23, 2009 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer him on the ledge...
Let’s all give this some time and more sample size. Didn’t George Brett start 1-34? You guys would have DFA’d his butt after the first 15 games. There are countless examples of slows starts and slumps over 15+ games.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Apr 23, 2009 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The good news with Bradley is that he has a long-term contract!
So the future rewards for Cubs fans are going to be BIG!
by DudeVf11 on Apr 23, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ironic the bad play in the lat two games come
after a Cat charges onto the field, a impersonation of Bartman with Soriano, and Dusty is in town?
ok I kid……
seems I should be happy I was at work unable to see this game
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 6:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Can someone please help me understand why the best run producer on the team
…batted 5th today?
Wouldnt you move A Ram to 4th so that he has best chance of driving in your two best on base guys?
New sig currently under construction
by JB 23 on Apr 23, 2009 7:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Derrek Lee has become a troubling blind spot of Lou Piniella
Simple as that. Derrek Lee is in big time career regression mode and needs to be moved down the lineup to maximize his value to this team. But that decision refuses to be made.
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee
Lee had a good homestand overall. Sure he is in decline overall, no one can deny that but I don’t see who is that much better than him to hit 3rd at this point.
Overall I had some chores and stopped watching this game when it was 1-0 in the 6th. The Cubs offense wasn’t encouraging and worse than that I doubted the bullpen would hold them to 1. I was sadly right on both counts.
I don’t think Samardzija is the answer in the pen at all. He had a hot 6 weeks last year and then was pretty average. He’s prone to wildness also, just the kind of thing that gets on Lou’s nerves.
There have been stretches each of the last 2 years early in the season where the Cubs have looked pretty bad only to regroup. Let’s hope this is another one of those times.
by jeff_pico on Apr 23, 2009 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
easier to jsut repeat myself again
and when you are hired to be Manager you can have it. there is no point worrying about it anymore. its a moot point, we all know that, now accept it.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yikes
A couple losses to the Reds and the claws really come out.
I think maybe just being AROUND Dusty makes the Cubs stop hitting.
Let’s all just chill out. I made some guacamole. There’s more than enough to go around.
Seriously, somebody’s gonna have to come over and eat it cuz’ the stuff never lasts long.
by bdoubleu on Apr 23, 2009 7:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Claws will come out all season long after two ugly post-seasons in a row...
Patience and understanding among Cub fans is out the window. Cub fans are going to be distinctly more crabby and irritated when things don’t perform according to plan.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, we know that you are distinctly more crabby today.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 23, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
should have ended your post after this
I admit when I am wrong 1. Kosuke deserves credit. He looks distinctly better in the batter box and is hitting the ball with line drive authority. I’ll hold off on full retraction of my critique until I see several months of production, but certainly the positives are there to say I was wrong.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this was meant for BLou below...not sure how I got it up here
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's funny how things like that happen when he gets on a rant.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 23, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugly post-seasons aside,
You can’t change the fact that it’s only 14 games into the season, and things aren’t as bad as you think.
The Cubs won 97 games last year and went 0-3 in the postseason. According to your logic, what was the point of being so good then if it led to nothing in October?
The Pirates have four shutouts so far this season. Does that mean they’re going to win the World Series? I doubt it.
If the Cubs were 14-0 right now, that would not guarantee anything about October, or the rest of the season, for that matter.
Maybe you should relax a little — go get laid or something. I’m not going to let bedwetters like you ruin my summer.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Cubs were 14-0 right now
I bet BLou would still find things to complain about.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some fans
If they won the world series some fans would complain because they won it in 5 games instead of a sweep.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 23, 2009 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Bruce, do you ever
do anything other than complain about other posters? Good grief. Take your own advice and relax.
by qccub on Apr 23, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In fact, I do
Just got done discussing baseball — not bitching and moaning about nothing.
Reading non-stop recreational complaining isn’t very entertaining, IMHO.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 24, 2009 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahem
SOME Cubs fans. Some of us recognize that this is a weird and agonizing and beautiful game, and understand that the ride IS the destination.
"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 24, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I admit when I am wrong
1. Kosuke deserves credit. He looks distinctly better in the batter box and is hitting the ball with line drive authority. I’ll hold off on full retraction of my critique until I see several months of production, but certainly the positives are there to say I was wrong.
2. I have defended and applauded Lou Piniella and virtually every turn. But….I hereby admit that Lou is pissing me off. From his handling of the Milton Bradley affair, to his unwillingness to adjust the batting role of Derrek Lee, to his bizarre affection for the bat and wondrous outfield glovework of Micah Hoffpauir, to his faith in Neal Cotts. Sweet Lou has not started the 2009 season well at all. And yes, I am starting to be concerned his heart and energy might not be up to the task. Lou needs a turnaround. And Lou also needs to flash some life pumping through his veins in that dugout. Go out and throw a base if that’s what it will take.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 7:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Blou, the thing is that
its only the 14th game of the season. If Lou can’t fuck around with the lineup in the first 20 games, when can he?
by xene on Apr 23, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
should have ended your post after this
I admit when I am wrong 1. Kosuke deserves credit. He looks distinctly better in the batter box and is hitting the ball with line drive authority. I’ll hold off on full retraction of my critique until I see several months of production, but certainly the positives are there to say I was wrong
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know things are weird when I'm going to defend Lou to you.
A. I’m not sure Lou is the one who handled Bradley in the way that’s irritating you. I wouldn’t be surprised if Milton and Hendry both said, “Let’s not suffer the PR nightmare of having him go on the DL in the first week of the season.” We don’t know where the decision was made, so I don’t see any conclusions to be drawn.
B. Lou’s doing the same thing with Hoffpauir that he’s tried to do with Theriot and Soriano; he likes the bats he likes and he tries to squeeze them in the lineup. Sori in CF didn’t work to his satisfaction and Theriot at SS did; he dumped Hoffpauir in RF faster than he dumped Sori in CF. That’s what I like about Lou – he’s willing to try unorthodox things and drop them quickly if they aren’t working.
C. Lou has no faith in Cotts; he’s running him out there to give him chances and pulling him quickly.
D. Giving Derrek Lee 1-3 months at the 3 spot is the right thing to do. There’s plenty of time to rearrange the lineup if Lee really is in decline, but that’s not certain yet and it’s worth showing faith in Lee until it is certain. Lee’s had stretches as bad as this in his career before and bounced back. Jim Edmonds had a lot worse and longer stretch than Lee’s on before bouncing back last year.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought
he was unhappy with Bradley? His disapproval was clear?
Nice that it took you a matter of days to criticize Dome, but you’ll hold off on retracting that for “several months”. Way to be measured about it.
"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 24, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It truly is too early
to get panicked. It would be nice to see some “swagger” re-appear.
This series the team was flat – but baseball is a funny sport – and the team has the TALENT to win 10 in a row.
I would like to see the teams BEST hitter hitting #3. It is A-Ram – not DLEE, however. At some point, this needs to take place for the betterment of the team.
by The E-Man on Apr 23, 2009 8:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cubs flat...
Even Boston sometimes gets caught with their pants down when they have a series with a lowly team sandwiched in between a home & home with the Stankees. Can’t the Cubs have the same problem of let down & looking forward to the next series with the big rival?
It happens.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Apr 23, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure the Reds are that lowly anymore
They’ve got some nice, young position players and ditto with the pitching. I still think they’re a year or two away from making a serious threat, but they certainly aren’t what they were a few years ago.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but my point is that the Cubs had a letdown--they are not a Brewers or RedBirds-type rival
I won’t argue about the improving talent. Dusty will fix that!
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Apr 23, 2009 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's about the only thing
that can mess up the Reds’ future — Dusty. But I think Walt Jocketty might step in before that happens.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep...Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are teams on the uprise
Both clubs have a good corp of young pitching to build around and some nice emerging position players. And just wait until McCutcheon gets called up in Pittsburgh. I like that kid a great deal. Could be the next Curtis Granderson.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cinci's a lot farther along than Pittsburgh
McCutchen does look good, but there’s just not enough around McCutchen and Alvarez unless a few other guys, like Andy LaRoche perhaps, get it going.
Cinci however is really pulling together and as frustrating as this series was, it had a lot to do with the fact that their pitchers were on. A healthy and solid Harang plus a matured Cueto is bad enough, but sooner or later, they’re going to bring up Homer Bailey, who was very good in spring, too. I’m thinking Cinci has passed Milwaukee.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't know if Cincy has passed Milwaukee yet
But they do remind me a little of Milwaukee a few years ago.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 24, 2009 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DLee was hitting 4th. Are you implying that the Cubs lost
the last 2 games and were outscored 10-1 because DLee was batting in front of A-Ram? Dome was batting 3rd today. How many RBI opportunities did either of them have today? When you obsess on one point you imply that that is the reason for the Cubs failure in the last two games. Is that your point?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 23, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not my point, but
my point is the best hitter bats 3rd. Baseball 101. Period. It ain’t DLEE anymore. Nice player. Great defender. Nice man. He is not the best hitter and I don’t want to see him in the #3 slot with regularity.
by The E-Man on Apr 23, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With all due respect to Baseball 101, he batted 4th. Period. My point is that the team has played
poorly the last couple of games and DLee’s spoy in the batting order has nothing to do with it, yet that was the one thing you mentioned in your post.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 23, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean - with this line
come on!
273/.310/.207
.310 Slugging?! Batting 3rd?
by The E-Man on Apr 23, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. He batted "4th"
He struck out with a RISP. Did you see that?
It is not just DLEE, but he needs to be dropped in the order, in my opinion, in favor of players who are having better AB’s now.
by The E-Man on Apr 23, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw the the game. I'm not advocating that he should remain in the #3 spot to the
detriment of the team. My point is that the obsession with moving him down in the order has gotten tiresome. They got outscored 10-1 in the last two games and the thing you mention is moving DLee down in the batting order. I think that there are a few more pressing needs that ought to be addressed.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 23, 2009 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone posted an interesting...
sabermetric analysis of batting orders last week (or so). The short of it is that 1)batting order really only results in 1 win/loss differential over the course of the year.
But the other interesting point is that contrary to popular belief, the #3 spot is one of the least important spots in the lineup among the top 7. It seems counter-intuitive I know, but that’s what the numbers say.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Apr 23, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This series the team was flat – but baseball is a funny sport – and the team has the TALENT to win 10 in a row.
Didn’t the pirates sweep the marlins? :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 24, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now Al is on the ledge
Al is on the ledge. Oh oh.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 23, 2009 9:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No, I'm not.
What on Earth gave you that idea?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just sort of read it that way Al. Glad to hear I misread it. Because if you’re on the ledge then I’m worried.
You would be the absolutely last person to get on any ledge. So if you were on the ledge then I’d start panicking.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 23, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its silly discussing this
as Lee will either turn it around, which I hope he does, or he will continue to not do much, and eventually Lou will move him down in the order. At least I would think so.
by The E-Man on Apr 23, 2009 9:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The place in the lineup occupied by Derrek Lee is not the problem with this team.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was my point. This team has a few issues that need addressing, but that
always seems to be the thing that comes up first.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 23, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al
Al come on. Not only is it the problem with the Cubs, but the reason the Blackhawkslost the 2 games in Calgary, the reason last time I checked the Bulls are being killed by the Celtics and the reason I can’t find my glasses.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 23, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you should put your glasses on
bet you could find your glasses better then since you would see better
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 23, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying he shouldn’t be moved in the lineup what I’m saying and Al seems to agree is that blaming this on why the team is 8-6 instead of 14-0 is goofy.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 24, 2009 6:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no defense for Derrek Lee maintaining #3 role in the lineup
In fact, it’s ridiculous that he is still batting in the most important spot in the lineup. I like Derrek Lee and he is still a valued member of the Cubs, but to say his placement in the batting order hasn’t been a glaring issue for awhile now is to be deaf, dumb and blind to the issue like Lou Piniella.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee batting 3rd
I addressed it above a little bit, but the reality is that at this point in the season, we have no exact idea what we have in the players we have. Dome may deflate; Soto may never get going. Or the opposite may occur for both. The only thing you accomplish by pulling Lee from the 3-spot is tell him that you believe he won’t break out of this stretch. The impact he has on our run-scoring for the next 3 months, between whether he’s batting 3rd or 5th is miniscule.
Lee may be in decline, but a bunch of you are jumping the gun in a sickening way proclaiming it to be Gospel truth. Plenty of other 33 year olds, in worse physical shape than Lee, have bounced back. The odds are still better that he also bounces back than that he falls flat.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley
I know people like jumping up and down after 14 games and there are people that clearly hate him herre which is ridiculous but the jury is still out on if he will contribute this season.
It is completely stupid to judge the signing yet. Completely stupid. 14 games into a 3 year contract,
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 23, 2009 9:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The problems are there, and they are multiple
Two things that aren’t getting enough ink on this board?
1. St. Louis is a damned good ballclub and aren’t going away anytime soon. You can say what you want about their pitching staff, but all I know is that LaRussa and Duncan have once again started to work some magic. Cardinals have an offense that could turn out downright lethal once Troy Glaus comes back and Colby Rasmus starts to gain confidence.
2. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are two young teams on the definite rise.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 9:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Pirates are going to come back to Earth.
So are the Reds, once they get back to the launching pad that is GABP (they have played 10 games on the road, only 5 at home).
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree partially, Al
I think the Pirates will land with a bit of a thud at some point. But it appears there might be some hope for those young pitchers they’ve been touting for a few years now.
The Reds have the same thing, plus some good position players. I suspect more games at GABP will take a toll on their pitching. But they’re a year or two away from being a contender, I think.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say Pittsburgh or Cincinnati are juggernauts
But make no mistake both teams are on the definite rise. Pittsburgh is finally starting to unlock the potential of the young pitching they have had, plus have some very nice positional prospects coming up through their system. McCutcheon is a kid to keep an eye on the 2nd half. He could be a special player in this league. Reminds me a lot of Granderson in Detroit.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Pirates have pitched well for two weeks.
Talk to me in June when they’re floundering again.
McCutchen might turn into Granderson — in two or three years.
The Reds will hit, no doubt about it. But that pitching staff won’t survive GABP.
"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 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
Snell, Maholm and Duke each have a lot of talent in that Pittsburgh rotation. The problem up until late has been those three putting it together and pitching to their potential.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I'm not convinced that 13 games worth of good pitching proves they have done that.
Yet.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 23, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct
Just like I’m not ready to throw in the towel after 13 games when the Cubs are two games above .500. (Not saying you are, Al, but it sure seems like a lot of others might be.)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Pittsburgh is far from being a good baseball team. Ditto Cincinnati. But I do believe that both clubs have things looking up and are distinctly better ballclubs in 2009 than they were in 2008. Which is all in the way of saying that the NL Central is not going to be a cakewalk by any stretch. Certainly not like it was last year.
St. Louis? I thought they would be pretty good, but I’m starting to believe I underestimated things. And I openly wonder if they might not go out and acquire a big pitcher by the trade deadline given that they have been serious penny-pinchers the last two seasons and surely most have some payroll wiggle room even in a lousy economy.
Heck, they could even become a serious player for Jake Peavy.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, then, why don't
we just pull the plug on the season right now? I mean, less than 10 percent of the season is in the books, and with that 10-5 record, the Cardinals are just going to roll. Meanwhile, the Cubs’ 8-6 record is a disaster.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did I say that?
No. What I did infer however is that St. Louis is a formidable opponent and a definite obstacle to us making the playoffs. The presumption that the Cubs would simply have the NL Central handed to them at the end of September is and was ridiculous.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 23, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
someone catch that quote
That will be a fun sig if the Cubs do manage to run away with the division :)
by jeff_pico on Apr 23, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never presumed a thing
Anything can happen during a season. But I’m not making any judgments based on 13 games.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 23, 2009 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glaus isn't coming back.
But they may be able to trade an OF for a 3B.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on Apr 23, 2009 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was there today
and can confirm that it was a horrible game. Made the drive up with two of my sons for the first time since 2006. The best part of the day was the Chicago style hot dogs and italian beefs we ate before the game. Very lackluster performance and they just never really gave us much to cheer about. I was surprised, because I thought after getting shut out last night, they would come back with a vengeance today. Carlos threw pretty well and deserved better. I thing that Soriano gets picked off more than anyone in the major leagues; he is a really frustrating player for me. He did have two hits, but then gets picked off. He will strike out three times then hit a go ahead homer. Oh well, overall he has helped us so far.
I think that we are pretty fortunate to be sitting at 8-6 right now when you look at the statsof some of our starters. I’m pretty confident that they will get better, although I don’t know what to think of Bradley right now. He seems to be confirming every doubt many people had about him when he was signed. Still a long way to go though, and I will completely forget about our disappointing trip if they sweep the Cardianals this weekend.
by qccub on Apr 23, 2009 11:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am going to say a couple things
1. New rule dont release a reliever with a 0.00 ERA when another person cant tthrow strikes.
2. Why didnt we IBB Votto today when Encarnacio (who is terrible was on deck)
3. Derek Lee is done, I could reference about five jayson stark columns but his bat his slow. I never thought i would say that kosuke would be more valuable than derek. His defense aint is what it was either.
4. DFA Gathright Bring up fox.
5. I am sick of this team. There are two positional players i like (rammy soriano) and two people on the pitching staff i trust (Harden Marmol)
6. BTW i am glad we let D-Ro and Wood go….
7. We cant hit and we cant pitch….
This has been the worst 8-6 start ever. I am prayng we dont get swept this weekend…
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
by fischisgod on Apr 24, 2009 12:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This post is Exhibit A
into how ridiculous a lot of Cubs fans sound. The only points I can agree with are 2 and 6 (although I wasn’t glad to see those guys go, but I’m not losing sleep over it, either).
Perspective is a wonderful thing.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 24, 2009 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hate the team?
Easy solution take the rest of the season off :)
by jeff_pico on Apr 24, 2009 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"two positional players i like"
Please tell me what is wrong with Soto and Johnson
by TC Cubby on Apr 24, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, because Dome has been terrible, too
/sarcasm
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 24, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't trust Lilly?
You’ve done it now. Say your prayers fisch. By the time Theodore R. Lilly gets done just looking at you, you’re gonna be on your knees wishing you had changed your username to tedisgod.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 24, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
yikes.
"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 24, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good freaking grief...
I’m going to save a lot of these Chicken Little posts about the season thus far. Then when the Cubs are gelling, hitting the crap out of the ball, the bullpen and rotation are throwing bullets; I’m going to bring them out again.
Our boys in blue are 8-6. That’s pretty darn good. They have won or split four of the first five series they have played this year. Bradley has been hurt, Hoff has been shoved into a spot that isn’t ideal for him, Soto has been hurt, and hasn’t gotten into a groove at the plate.
All of the above things will change; for the better. Honestly, don’t you see that this team is going to get better when fully healthy? They will have a line-up similar to murderer’s row. We are not even FIFTEEN games into the season! If you want to freak, wait until they get thirty games in, then let’s talk.
I’m willing to bet that things will be much better then, and some of you will regret your hand wringing.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 24, 2009 12:19 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Nice post, Jimmy
I’ll go 25-30 mroe games before I get worried about anything.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 24, 2009 1:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point exactly. It’s 14 games too early to judge a team for a season and individual players for that matter unless they suffer major injuries.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 24, 2009 6:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know about you
But I was panicking when they were 0-1.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
by danimal15 on Apr 24, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another forum
Another forum had fun in September last season calling up a thread started when they were 0-2.
Jay is our Quarterback. I REPEAT JAY IS OUR QUARTERBACK. Did I mention we have a Quarterback who happens to be named Jay?.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 24, 2009 6:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would the Cubs brass be embarassed about the 40k
plus at the ball park yesterday? The fans pretty much thought it sucked, which it did. The team’s brass would have liked to see a win, of course. But when its reported most of MLB is showing a bit of a drop in attendance, the fact the Cubs drew just over 40k (97% capacity) against a team, that let’s just say doesn’t jump out at anyone when viewing the schedule, in the middle of the week, early in the season when weather hasn’t been that good, I say is pretty damned good.
I took it upon myself to check out a dozen total games between yesterday and Wednesday. Here’s the teams, attendance to the nearest thousand and percent of capacity.
Mil @ Phi, 36k, 84%
KC @ Cle, 13k, 30%
TB @ Sea, 18k, 37%
Tor @ TX, 15k, 31%
LAD @ Hou, 26k, 64%
Det @ LAA, 39k, 85%
NYM @ StL, 39k, 88%
CHW @ Bal, 12k, 24%
Cin @ CHC, 40k, 97%
MN @ Bos, 38k, 104%
Oak @ NYY, 43k 75%
Col @ AZ, 19k, 39%
So the Phils, Cards and Angels drew pretty well, that’s expected. The BoSox, well what can I say. If Fenway sat 75k, they’d still fill it past capacity.
The Cubs were a paltry 97%. Stop the presses! Cubs attendance is falling! Actually it’s not. I checked similar games in 2007 and 2008. Both years the percent of capacity was right around 97%.
It’s already been mentioned on ESPN – though I did not hear the entire conversation – that MLB attendance looks lower this year than recently, for the same number of games into the season. It’ll be interesting to see how this begins to shake out as we head towards Memorial Day, when a quarter+ of the season has completed.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 24, 2009 6:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
One reason it's lower is...
… that both NY parks have lower capacities than they did last year — Citi Field seats about 15,000 less than Shea, and even though it’s been (mostly) full, the Mets drew record crowds last year.
The Yankee debacle has been well-documented. Even their “sold-out” Opening Day played to about 4,000 less than the park’s listed capacity.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I put % capacity
I didn’t look up any Citi Field number and the Yankees game – granted its only one – was at 75%.
I’d never compare raw numbers of fannies in the seats for the vary reason you cite. It’ll be very interesting to hear the stories come out from other teams in a say a month to 6 weeks.
I mention this for the sole reason some teams may want to scrap their plans sooner if they begin to fall out of contention. If, and its a big if, the Cubs get the payroll flexibility, perhaps the trade scenarios would really begin to peak in June rather mid-July.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 24, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not necessarily.
Teams that want to dump payroll would probably want to wait until as late as possible, so as to get teams that are more desperate and will send better prospects.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not when they're "hemmoriging cash"
Ripped that off an HP commercial a few years ago.
It’ll be interesting to see how things are come the beginning of June.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 28, 2009 7:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at the schedule, there were 25 games between Wednesday and yesterday.
Any method or reason at to why you picked these 12?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Apr 24, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just grabbed 12 games, no rhyme or reason
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 28, 2009 7:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crane straining, again?
But Crane Kenney provided some anyway last January when the team chairman told an audience at the Cubs Convention that firing Baker and hiring Lou Piniella was the best thing to happen to the organization.
“If you think about the team that won in ’07, does that team win with our former manager?” Kenney told the crowd. “Not a chance.”
I heard a segment on The Score and the host said that Crane Kenney approached Dusty and denied making the unflattering comments about Dusty.
"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009
by DrCrawdad on Apr 24, 2009 9:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Crane Kenney is a douche
The sooner Tom Ricketts dumps his ass the better.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
by BLou on Apr 24, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
State your reasons.
Kenney has actually done a very good job since he was made CEO. The team has made a lot more money, become more accessible to fans through season ticket holder meetings, and made the playoffs two years in a row.
Want to rephrase your comment?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 24, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cereal misinformer?
“The team has made a lot more money…” Why does that matter to a fan? That sounds like an Andy McPhail defense.
“…Made the playoffs two years in a row.” And what has Crane Kenney had to do with that? And come on, let’s be honest, in 2007 the Cubs were not that good of a team. They won a mere 85 games in the worst division in baseball.
I wouldn’t call Crane Kenney what “BLou” did. However, Crane Kenney is now perhaps a repeat liar. Lied about the Priest incident. Lied about his comments on Dusty.
"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009
by DrCrawdad on Apr 25, 2009 6:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm inclinded to agree with DrCrawdad. What's this world coming to? :-)
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
by zevkalman on Apr 25, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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