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Is it time to say We told you so about Milton Bradley

Tiny by 3744nsheffield on Comment 269 comments

Star-divide

The Cubs have played 17 games and Bradley has played in 10. That puts him on a pace to play 95. Management planned for him to play 130. To do that, Bradley would have to play in 120 of the next 145. He has played in 120 or more games only twice in his career.

Forget his lousy start. Forget his umpire woes. Forget the fact that he hasn't played enough so no one can see how bad his defense is. Bradley doesn't play enough to make the signing worthwhile.

What's worse is that this team was built around him playing those 130 games. When he doesn't, many of its flaws -- no bench, no defensive versatility, Pinella's fear of too many right-handed bats -- are exposed.

Rip this if you will, but numbers are numbers. Unless Bradley starts playing regularly, and that means six days a week, this team has serious problems that will affect how many games it wins.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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At least your admitting you root for him to fail because you can’t wait to say I told you so.

You’re missing the whole point of it being 17 games.

And people wonder why some players hate the fans.

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 27, 2009 8:51 AM CDT reply actions   2 recs

+1000

I love it when the “I told you so” attitude trumps a “fan’s” concern for the team’s overall success.

by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

on the record it is not a good sign, but reality is that baseball is a long season

My thinking is that Bradley is not as necessary a player in the regular season as much as he is in the off season——provided the Cubs get there——and 17 games into the season they are only 2 games down in the loss column where they have lost games to their #3-#4-#5-#6 hitters.

If the Cubs can get Bradley to play 110-120 games and start 82-95 that will be alright. Fukudome and RJohnson are doing fine in the OF and in fact better than expected.

Bradley brings to the game in the post season what the Cubs didn’t have the last two years.

What you need to worry is that DLEE and Ramirez also don’t fall to the 110-120 game level as well.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Apr 27, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm torn on the outfield issue.

Either Hendry relied on Bradley to be healthy this year and went with the luxury of useless speed (Gathright) and a defensive liabiltiy (Hoffpauir) to provide outfield depth.

or

Hendry and Lou completely botched analyzing the skills of Gathright (bat) and Hoffpauir (field).

The one thing I am consistent on is that Hendry does not earn high marks from me for outfield and bullpen depth.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1321032013213213514165132132132132135132

by the 3744nsheffield thought process, we should write off ARam and Marmol as well, since they are injured early in the season. How about we write off everyone then, and that way we can look at any positives as a bonus only?

AUGH! some people should have to take an IQ test before posting.

This reminds me of my bro yesterday trying to convince me that Manny Ramirez is the best RH hitter this generation, and how Pujols is over rated. He also wanted to convince me that we would be fine with Manny in RF. Kids……………..luckily my bro does not post here, or we would have to explain to him how to read stats.

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 27, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I agree with the poster...

17 games is plenty of time to analyze how much the signing of Bradley was bad. He won’t reach the goal amount of games the Cubs wanted him to play in.

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 27, 2009 8:57 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Early season "paces" aren't all that meaningful

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 27, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

especially if you're counting the early

time while he’s injured. I still believe he will play 110-120 games. 20 of those will be while injured, but the remainder he will produce.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want him ready to go in September and October

Look, I see the flaws as well as anyone, but this team will get healthy and together and I think the Cardinals are still a mirage.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Apr 27, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

then where are your posts about how bad Marmol/Aram are

since they are also hurt and missing time?

Its been less than a month, relax already!!!!!

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 27, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is because Milton is ALWAYS hurt

ARam and Marmol aren’t hurt nearly as often as Bradley…you can’t compare. You guys always rip posters on here because it’s early in the season. Bump that crap, Milton’s out already, which is what always happens to him throughout his career.

Write Bradley off as a bad signing.

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 27, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

By your command.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I refuse to write MB off three weeks into a season based on his history

of producing when healthy. He will be more of an asset than people who are wearing blinders want to believe.

I respectfully disagree with you

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 27, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

except when he is not hurt

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Apr 27, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you being sarcastic?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes and No

I’m always cautious of signing players post-career years and with injury (but more so) character histories….I was against both Bradley and Gregg (I watched plenty of Gregg last year down here in FL and he was Howry with a plus FB and slightly plus slider).

That stated, its still only been 17 games. I’ll reserve judgement on Bradley and the rest of the team until post All Star Break. But man o man, I cannot wait for my first “YAHTZEE” when MB goes yard…

OT: IMHO, this team has not seemed to have that sense of emergency in response to the injuries and hitting slumps so far, but has acted with definite confidence. I like how they’re playing despite the challenges they’ve faced, bc they know there’s a ton of games left to be played.

Onward and upward!

"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett

by The Ryno and I Know on Apr 27, 2009 9:01 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You forgot Jake Peavy

and his 5.74 ERA. I mean he is TOAST. Also Branden Webb is another worthless injured Cy Young Winner along with Cliff Lee and his
post 5. ERA and Cole Hammels and his ERA of nearly TEN. Jeez what a bunch of washed up losers.

"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 27, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

By the way

This is the time to win your one-year roto fantasy leagues; trade Aaron Hill for Branon Phillips and never look back.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Na I still need to dump David Wright

It is not that he is underperforming ( which his but not terrible) but that the autodraft got me a STINKING MET because I had trouble signing on at the start.

"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 27, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We aren't talking about Berkman, Hardy, Tulowitzki, Phillips and DeRosa, nor are we talking about

stats. We’re talking about injuries, and they always happen to Bradley. You guys are comparing apples and oranges. Jesus!

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 27, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We're talking about fans overreacting to their guys underperforming in small slumps at the beginning of the season.

Theriot’s been hitting worse than Lee over the past 11 games, but no one thinks he’s done.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

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 27, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that a boy DGU bring in baseball logic in the discussion

and people might just scream——but………….

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Apr 27, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The problem is those players are playing

Milton is not because he is hurt once again. This signing sucked, and I don’t care if it is April 27th. Just think Milton will be hurt at least 3 more times this season, so we have that to look forward to.
 Who is to say he will be healthy in Sept and Oct., and who is punching our playoff card right now?

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Apr 27, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just think Milton will be hurt at least 3 more times this season

Please present your evidence for this.

Who is to say he will be healthy in Sept and Oct., and who is punching our playoff card right now?

Who is to say he won’t be?

"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 27, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I am not mistaken

Nine years in the Bigs, 2 years he played over 100 games, I like his chances of getting hurt, DL, or suspened at least a total of 3 times. Just taking the odds

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Apr 27, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok.

well, odds =/= evidence. We’ll just have to see what happens.

"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 27, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or maybe this is the only time this season he will be hurt.

Him being hurt now doesn’t add anything new to the discussion about MB that we didn’t already know. If you didn’t like it before, then this is “proof” positive, but honestly – we knew he’d be injured sometime this season. The fact that it came in the first two weeks is unfortunate, but it tells us nothing of what will happen the rest of the season.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 28, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I try to ignore most blasphemy on here

as I am not a particularly religious person, but using the name of Jesus Christ in vain is really offensive to a lot of people. If we are going to remind people not to use the term “retarded” or call something we dislike “gay,” then I see no difference here. You might want to put a cap on that. Or are you an equal opportunity offender who frequently yells “Mohammed” when you’re pissed?

"I'll never forget how I felt last October." ~Kosuke Fukudome

by Goodie1969 on Apr 27, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and awaaaaayyyy we go!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I thought about letting it alone.

But then I saw there were already 230 comments in this thread and I figured, what’s another 200? :-)

"I'll never forget how I felt last October." ~Kosuke Fukudome

by Goodie1969 on Apr 27, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it ok...

For me to tell you, " i told you so," when gets healthy and starts to rake! I know its frustrating right now, but give it time. This team is going to take alot longer then last years team to gel and play better ball….atleast I hope lol

by BadDecisions on Apr 27, 2009 9:05 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The issue is...

… that with the knowledge that Bradley wouldn’t likely play 150+ games — and Jim Hendry even acknowledged that, saying he hoped for 130 — Hendry didn’t put together a bench that could sufficiently back up when Bradley was out.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 9:13 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree with that to a degree

but I wouldn’t put the whole blame on Jim Hendry. Joey Gathright played for Lou before. If Lou wasn’t going to use Gathright at all, how did that message not get to Jim? In fact, how was Jim convinced to rush to get Gathright, telegraphing further that Pie had no role on the 2009 Cubs, thus deflating his trade value. It’s possible the communication breakdown here is all Hendry’s fault, but I doubt it.

Going into this season, I figured that the Cubs either believed RJ had earned more playing time and were comfortable with him as Bradley’s regular backup or they believed in Gathright – somehow neither turned out to be true and those are the things a Manager and GM have to be on the same page about.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gathright appears to be on the next DFA departure gate

another pick off and series of no impact AB’s and the Cubs could use a better role player.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Apr 27, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

For the cost, that Felix Pie guy would have been much better than

Joey “useless speed” Gathright.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sigh.

"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 27, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is true, but it's water under the bridge at this point.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought this was an I told you so

fan post. :P

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heilman

How decrepit would he bullpen be if the team hadn’t basically traded Pie and Cedeno for Heilman?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Apr 27, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really decrepit?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gathright is an excellent defensive centerfielder.

If Lou would use him in that capacity, his value to the team might become a little clearer. And getting picked off once – or even twice – isn’t exactly the fairest way to judge who guy with so few opportunities to play.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The problem with that is...

…. we already have two pretty good defensive CF.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, if you buy into UZR...

…Reed Johnson is not as good as your eyes may tell you. In fact, again – according to UZR, he’s pretty bad. He certainly doesn’t come close to Gathright. And Dome’s sample size in centerfield is still too small to make an effective judgement. What is clear is that Kosuke is an excellent defensive right fielder.

I’m not saying play Gathright every day, but giving him starts in “pitcher’s parks” could really pay dividends – especially if Dome can play right and Aramis is back in the lineup (to counteract the offense you lose). And, obviously, he should be materializing in centerfield to defend late-inning leads.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with daver

RJ and Dome are not CF’s I would count on. If Dome was dependable in Lou’s eyes, he’d be playing there regularly.

I’ll say it again – Melky Cabrera would be a good 4th OF for us.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 28, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

While two pickoffs shouldn't be how a player is judged,

the rock bottom of Gathright’s value is as a pinch runner.

The guy has to make hay in the chances he gets. 11 games, 6 at bats, 1BB, 3ks 1 steal and 1CS combined with 2 pick offs doesn’t get you many more chances.

Yes, small sample size, but if your value is as a PR and you can’t stay on base, the sample size will not grow.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yup, the bench last year had to be the best in the league

Fontenot, Cedeno, Blanco, Ward, Johnson. Can’t beat that..

Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!

by Chanman25 on Apr 27, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

this

I don’t necessarily disagree with. However, it’s impossible to forecast how many games Bradley will play in.

We do need a deeper bench. Once again, this points to the greater loss of Mark DeRosa — he could play nearly anywhere.

"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 27, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good point

That’s why I hated to see DeRosa go as well; while not spectacular, he was solid and provided a lot of flexibility for Lou. But, players come and go and they need to figure out a way to make things work with what they have this year. I still think the Cubs are the team to beat in the Central.

by qccub on Apr 27, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DeRosa's value in that he could play anywhere

is because he had an extremely capable backup at 2b in Fontenot. If Aaron Miles was taking over 2b every day last year when DeRosa had to play rf, you’d have seen him there a lot less.

For your information, the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint.

by Less is Walrond on Apr 27, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's likely to be true.

but it’s also because he could play lots of positions. Fonty, for example, probably couldn’t play right-field.

"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 27, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wich he could play CF

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Apr 27, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The point is...

that having a starter who’s very versatile isn’t useful unless you have a capable backup at his primary position. The “DeRosa shift”, offensively, for the last year’s Cubs meant that any time Ramirez got a day off he was for offensive purposes replaced by Fontenot. By last year’s numbers, at least, you didn’t lose all that much by doing that against a right-handed starter. And he could move to RF and actually help the offense because Fontenot was hitting better than Kosuke.

by aldimond on Apr 28, 2009 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good point AL

I honestly think he is building this team for the playoffs. But the thing is, we have to make the playoffs first. Its like we have a good playoff team possibly, but we don’t have a good regular season team. If that sorta makes sense. I’m not real good explaining what I mean lol

by BadDecisions on Apr 27, 2009 9:17 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I see what you're saying

but I don’t think you can have a good playoff team that’s not good enough to make the playoffs in the NL Central. These backup problems are fixable and maybe the Cubs wanted to give Micah that OF shot. That’s the other possibility here, that Jim thought Micah could do what Theriot did defensively and be good enough for Lou. If that’s the case, what we’re seeing is the effects of Lou changing his mind very quickly, something I expect Hendry will move to fix soon enough, just as he did last year with Edmonds, when Lou put his foot down on Pie.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that Jim thought Micah could do what Theriot did defensively and be good enough for Lou.

Why would he think that?

"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 27, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hope springs eternal

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

"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 27, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

because that is how you beat your mistakes

If Hoffpauir could play RF acceptably than the Cubs have a strong a spot suddenly.

One thing I now think the kid can actually hit in the big’s. I think Cubs should sit DLee and get him well, (quad and neck) but they need a to bring up or bring on two more players.

Ironically So Taguchi is also hurt till May 6th

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Apr 27, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That may be the reason no roster move was made.

Taguchi would have been a much better bench option than Gathright.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait, DLee's quad is hurt, too?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It has been almost a month

since the Bears acquired Jay Cutler and he has YET to throw a TD pass. Talk about a bad move, crimany!

by jerry morales rules on Apr 27, 2009 9:23 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm going to be using this a lot today, I can tell.

"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 27, 2009 9:26 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Somebody get SWL to put some hats on those Cubs!

And have him throw Milton in there too, while he’s at it. :P

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 17

by znohitter on Apr 27, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

a cubs hat on Smokey

would be nifty.

"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 27, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

also

Unless Bradley starts playing regularly, and that means six days a week, this team has serious problems that will affect how many games it wins.

Obvious comment is obvious.

"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 27, 2009 9:26 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Me wishes

we had some Edmonds right now.

by jbertram on Apr 27, 2009 9:34 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

How about those Mark Teahen rumors from the off-season -

As a left-hander, he’s batting .344/.432/.516, playing 2B, 3B, and RF. I’d take him over Edmonds.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sure you would.

But do you think the Royals would deal him now? Probably not.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No they wouldn't

And another guy that wouldn’t be traded that would look good in a CUb uni would be Ben Zobrist. However, I do wonder what it would take to get a Chad Tracy. AZ has Mark Reynolds ant third and Conor Jackson at 1B.

by jerry morales rules on Apr 27, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are Tracy's legs up to playing the OF anymore?

Because if they are, I like him more than Teahen.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know

but I dont’ thinkhe’s been out there in a long time. I wouldn’t count on it. I’m more interested in his corner infield ability. Gathwright seems redundant with Johnson on the team.

by jerry morales rules on Apr 27, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes but...

he hits LH, remember that was why we didn’t win the WS last year.

by jbertram on May 1, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not now

Maybe when Gordon gets back.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No they wouldn't. I'll refrain from

linking to any comment I made liking this idea in the offseason.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of course they won't trade him.

Alex Gordon is on the DL and might be there for a while. Teahen has taken over at 3rd. Teahen is showing better plate discipline (K rate was 22% last year, and is 15% this year so far), but when you strikeout 137 times in 572 ABs, you’re not going to hit .344 for the year. I don’t even want him as a bench player if he’s gonna K that much.

by NOLACubs on Apr 27, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do you know what I really hate?

When you go to DQ to get an M&M blizzard and they are too cheap to buy the M&M pieces and instead just put whole M&Ms in there.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Apr 27, 2009 10:05 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I hate that!

you can’t get them up the straw.

"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 27, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Huh?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSRS

(that’s what she REALLY said)

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 17

by znohitter on Apr 27, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know what I hate?

Inane comments like this showing displeasure at a post. If you don’t like the post, just ignore it.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   2 recs

Maybe I've exhausted my run with this

But I find this disdain to be much more preferable to the outright hatred, disgust and venom I feel when I find someone who has thrown in the towel already or, even worse, finds it more fun to say “I told you so” instead of flying a “W” flag.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Apr 27, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess.

It gets old when I see it in every post.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You could go with it

I’m sure the BCB world would love to know your favorite Pop-Tart flavor.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Apr 27, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I ate Pop-Tarts I might tell.

Or not.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

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 27, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1,000,000

"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008

by BeerCub on Apr 27, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

dude..

Your harsh on everyones shit man. I found your post asking about advice as pretty stupid. but i kept that shit to myself. That and the stupid pie comments are lame. If you don’t like a post just don’t respond to it. Your not the Blog Police.

by BadDecisions on Apr 27, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you did reply to worf.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Neither are you

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Apr 27, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

if you're going to put the concept out there

you have to be prepared to take the heat for it being a bad concept.

"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 27, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As noted...

…. you are not the blog police either. And your language is not acceptable. Clean it up.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok...

I’m pretty sure you said before in one of ur older posts that an occasional word or two is acceptable…fine whatever….. Look, I find it really funny how Worf on an older but recent post comment on how we should not yell/degrade/rip players. But its perfectly exceptable to make those stupid pie/ice cream comments to make fun of other bloggers….just sayin

by BadDecisions on Apr 27, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with the poster 100%

I still can’t believe that the Cubs were naive enough to think Bradley would play 130 games, considering he only played 30 some games in the OF last year. At this point in his career he is an AL player, and I truly didn’t like this signing from the beginning.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Apr 27, 2009 10:11 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I am channeling Steve Stone

Stone always warns about asking guys to do something they’ve never done before, or expecting more than what they’ve averaged in the past. Well, the Cubs asked Bradley to stay healthy. He has a proven track record of getting injured, and being on the DL. Criminy, he tore a knee ligament arguing with an umpire!. I don’t care that the ump baited him, he just can’t stay healthy. And, Hendry failed to have enough bench strength. We were told DeRo had to go in order to shave off salary, partly to get Bradley. Wouldn’t it be nice to have DeRo backing up in RF or 3B right now?

by Nibbles on Apr 27, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

+1

The DeRo trade will baffle me for years to come.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Apr 27, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mark DeRosa bats

right-handed. Be unbaffled.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So does Rammy. So do DLee and Soriano

DeRo was just as important to the team last year as those guys, and would be this year as well. So I’m still baffled. Or are you saying those 3 should be traded as well?

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Apr 27, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm saying DeRosa was the easiest of the 3 to trade.

The others all have NTCs and fat contracts.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of the 4

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unfortunately you are exactly right...

If possible, I would trade Lee for DeRo right now straight up.

by jbertram on May 1, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DeRos

was the only righty position player who COULD be traded, I think. There’s a lot of NTCs in the Cubs lineup.

I miss Mark DeRosa too. What bothers me more about the trade than losing him, however, was that we really didn’t get anything back. We don’t know how the minor-leaguers we got will shake out, and they didn’t do anything to help the team NOW.

"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 27, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

We “sold high”, but really got nothing in return.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Apr 27, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, but...

I thought Cubbie baseball was selling low for nothing in return.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's the Piniella

era.

"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 27, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ohh, right... It's for his Book?

“Being Mysterious, How to only use 20 men on your 25 man roster”

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

uh-oh.

The Bucky Dent Zombie Piniella has tied up in his office is gonna getcha.

"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 27, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What we got

was supposed to go San Diego for a certain pitcher, but that deal fell through. Hendry put the cart before the horse and that’s I believe he traded DeRosa.

by shastamasta on Apr 27, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really don't think missing DeRosa is so much the problem

as that at least one of our bench players are too inadequate, and probably two are:
1) Miles/Hoffpauir can’t play 3B and that’s going to be a big issue if Fontenot proves unable to play 3B long-term.
2) Gathright isn’t trusted to hit.

Replace Hoffpauir with Dallas McPherson (who did everything Hoffpauir did at AAA, with the advantage of being younger, a former hyped prospect, and able to play 3B) and the problems are half solved. Or replace Gathright with any LH hitter that Lou trusts and the problem is solved. If we had signed Eric Hinske, for example, instead of Gathright, we’d have a LH hitter who can play all 4 corners well enough in a part-time role and we’d still be able to keep Hoffpauir.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In Hoffpauir's defense

He has looked competent at the plate, which is something McPherson has struggled with at the Major League-level.

In general, though, I agree with what you’re saying. While Gathright brings speed to the equation (and who knows, maybe he’ll wind up playing a Dave Roberts-esque role), someone like Hinske would have proven more valuable throughout the season. Maybe if the Pirates fall out of it, he’ll be available on the cheap.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think we'll have much trouble fixing this bench eventually.

It’s just baffling that Jim and Lou did not seem to communicate well on the players that were brought in and their utility. I’d love to read a book in 10 years on their working relationship, although I doubt that book will ever be written.

As for Micah – I agree that he’s looked a lot better at the plate this year and as someone who’s been critical of him in the past, I have been very pleasantly surprised to see him working the count so well.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a tweak or two on the bench

And let’s be honest, when it’s the 24th and 25th guys on the roster we’re wringing our hands over, that’s a good problem to have.

I think eventually, Lou and Jim will figure out just how to maximize the bench further, because it’s hamstrung right now.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I totally agree.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just perusing some names

I wonder if the Cubs haven’t talked to Frank Catalanotto. While he hasn’t played 3B in a few years, he could play both corner OF spots, along with 1B (and he’s played pretty much every position during his career).

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wondered about him

but also Fernando Tatis who may be available with the Mets getting Sheffield late. Tatis is RH, but has fairly even splits on his career.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Both would be worth looking into, I think.

And more of these types of guys will be available as the year goes on, too.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hoff has looked good at the plate.

He’s also shown that he’s not a good every day solution.

The outfield dilemma is as follows:

Gathright has difficulty getting himself on base and is being thrown out when on. Good defensive outfielder, but offensive blackhole. Was to add depth to the outfield, but can’t hit well enough to see the field.

Hoffpauir is looking good at the plate and was counted on to be the 5th outfielder for depth, but can’t field.

Johnson is a great fielder, but his bat is only great in a platoon role. He needs a lefty to complete him.

Excluding Bradley, the Cubs only have 2.5 trustworthy outfielders. Whether or not you like the signing of Bradley, Hendry needed to have 3 other quality outfielders to backstop the injury potential of Soriano and Bradley. Too much faith was put in Hoffpauir and Gathright to fill this need.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

I’d like to see a 4-corners guy brought in sooner rather than later, replacing Gathright, and then eventually we can look to complete the bench with a different speed guy, preferrably a slick middle infielder that can spell Theriot as a late-inning defensive replacement.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hoffpauir competent +

hitting around .365

If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.

by Clutche on Apr 27, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we keep telling you

no one really questions his bat, although I wonder what will happen when pitchers adjust to 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 27, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll admit, I thought Fox should be up in Hoffpauir's place

But Hoffpauir earned a spot in Spring Training and has hit for the most part (his 3-pitch strikeout with 0 out and the bases loaded still makes me shake my head) and deserves a spot.

If he could just play OF a little better…

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hoffpauir didn't hit better in spring than Fox (if I recall)

but he seems to be changing his approach which is what is making him competent only recently.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The numbers were a wash in ST (Fox got sent to minor league camp)

but I have noticed Hoffpauir being less hack-prone of late, and it seems to be making a difference.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hoffpauir had a bang up spring!

Led the Cactus league in RBIs. Here is a good, recent article from Rototimes that takes an in depth look at Hoff.

by NOLACubs on Apr 27, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!

I’ve been wanting to read something like this.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fox did, too.

But sadly, no write up. Thanks for the Hoff piece, though.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't mean to pick a fight, but can you cite where you found that.

Here is where I found my information. I didn’t see Fox anywhere.

by NOLACubs on Apr 27, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Try the Cubs' sortable spring training stats

here. They don’t have the league leaders, but you can compare Hoffpauir’s numbers to Fox’s.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!

Now I see what you mean. Fox’s stats are very comparable given the amount of ABs they each had. They have about the same K/AB and same K:BB ratio. Fox got a lot more hits, though.

I can’t really tell you why, however. I’m sure it’s in the splits somewhere, maybe BABIP.

by NOLACubs on Apr 27, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No problem.

Kevin Kennedy is gushing over Hoffpauir right now on XM, fwiw.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DGU should have posted that

Mark DeRosa bats right handed and his agent was one of the few that couldn’t secure a NTC from Hendry.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DeRosa also had a career year.

We sold high on him and got some prospects. Our minor league system is pretty thin. I agree that it is not the ideal situation, but we got a lot for him, especially since how cheaply we signed him for. We wouldn’t have been able to sign him as an FA after this season given all the backloaded contracts, and given he would likely have commanded more salary.

by NOLACubs on Apr 27, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is what people are missing

As much as I don’t like to agree with Stone, his theory is correct. Asking Bradley to do something he’s not done on a consistent basis is tantamount to asking for trouble. And trouble is what we’ve got.

"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008

by BeerCub on Apr 27, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cubs didn't "ask" Bradley to stay healthy.

They simply gambled on the fact that he would a reasonable amount of time. It’s not like Milton opted to be injured.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This post really needs a poll.

1. Bradley will play over 100 games and produce.
2. Bradley will play over 100 games and be no better than Dome in 2008
3. Bradley will play under 100 games and produce when playing.
4. Bradley will play under 100 games, suck, and make 3744sheffield happy
5. I don’t care provide the team makes the playoffs and Bradley contributes then

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:17 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

this post really needs

a rewind button.

"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 27, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This post needs an enema.

Bradley is going to miss a fair number of games this year. Anyone who didn’t know this before the season started should probably take a few days to reflect and come to grips with the facts. Anyone who did know this but has only recently moved to the ledge should probably grab a sandwich, as it’s going to be a long season. Anyone who is obsessed with trying to extrapolate full-season numbers from three weeks of games should probably go practice triangulating heights of things using shadows and trig instead (much more practical). And anyone who would keep a daily count of how many games Bradley has missed should probably find a hobby.

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 17

by znohitter on Apr 27, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Never fails

Everytime I think about coming to this site to see what’s been going on, I get reminded of why I stopped coming here. I didn’t think it was possible for someone to be this stupid, but BCB proves me wrong.

by McRipper on Apr 27, 2009 10:42 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Thank you for adding your quality post.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Advice?

Don’t come back. There! Problem solved…

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Apr 27, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hahaha

Thanks Dr. Phil.

by McRipper on Apr 28, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm surprised Adam Dunn's name isn't uttered more often in regret

The guy leads league in walks, hitting HR, yes still striking out. Yes, he’s a terrible, terrible defensive OF but he definitely alters an entire lineup by his ability to get on base.

by BeltwayCubsFan on Apr 27, 2009 10:51 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I shudder to think

of Adam Dunn in right or center field.

There was discussion about him, back before he signed with the Nats.

"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 27, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

is that

before or after he swings and misses? :P

"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 27, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

after.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I bet

the jerseys are spelled right.

"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 27, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You should hand this off to the Nat's SBN site...

…so they he can use it during gamethreads.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is putting the carriage before the cart

the season is young, relax and let things figure themselves out. it is not the first time a player got hurt early, and that does not always equate to a lost cause.

this is also the exact reason why year 3 is an option based on playing time this season. Smart move by Hendry.

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 27, 2009 11:17 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This is putting the carriage before the horse

fast posting while at work

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 27, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm

400 comments and no replies to the one that has actual, hard facts. Very telling.

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by WayneCampbell08 on Apr 28, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

'Tis my lot in life.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bradley

If he hits in October and we win in October………………………………will anyone give a damn whether he plays in 120 games? 80 games? 30 games?

by plenz on Apr 27, 2009 12:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

just guessing those who already cashed in their

“I told you so’s” will not be pleased.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

6 fanposts an hour

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Apr 27, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

by six newbies

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 27, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Step 1: getting to October...

step 2: making sure Bradley is healthy in October.

Those are not givens. And the fewer games Bradley is able to play in the regular season (due to injury) increase the likelihood that we don’t achieve step 1 or step 2.

I think if we win in October, everyone will be happy regardless of how we got there. Beyond that, this is a pointless hypothetical to ask in my opinion, for the reasons listed above.

by SouthernCub on Apr 27, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

as pointless

as wondering if it’s too soon to give up on the guy?

by plenz on Apr 27, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bradley detractors shouldnt be criticized..

B/C its completely warranted. The man has never played a full season in any capacity, let alone as an Outfielder.

This was risky signing from the get go, and so far the Anti-Bradley camps worries are coming to fruition.

Potentially 30M and the man might not even play 100 games, when Abreu couldve been had for a fraction of that, and so far Bradley doesnt look like the second coming of Clemente out in the field either.

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Apr 27, 2009 1:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

or

maybe he WILL play 100 games. You really think it’s appropriate to bray “WE TOLD YOU SO” on April 27th?

"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 27, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's not appropriate to say "I told you so" in any long-term situation on April 27th...

You could say “I told you so” if you thought Samardzija would be called up by May, for example.

But you can’t say “I told you so” for Fukudome’s hot start, and you can’t say “I told you so” for Bradley’s early injuries.

What you CAN say in fairness is that it hasn’t looked good for Bradley so far, and there should be concern regarding him moving forward.

by SouthernCub on Apr 27, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions   2 recs

Rec'd

Can I say that Bradley’s defense looked good in the one game I saw him on TV?

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, but its not appropriate to assume he'll even play in 100 games

Which was my beef with this signing all along. Granted, Jimbo did a nice job with the fine print by making the entire 30M far from guaranteed.

But the fact remains he’s a DH and he’s never stayed healthy doing that, so I dont care how good he is in 100 games b/c he cant stay on the field that long.

So, to me, these early developments arent surprising and are all of our worst dreams come true

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Apr 27, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dont care how good he is in 100 games b/c he cant stay on the field that long.

>shrug. You don’t know this.

"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 27, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

10 year career. 3 times played 100 or more games.

Odds are pretty good he won’t play 100 this year, based on past performance.

I hope I’m wrong.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope you're wrong too.

Players have career years. Hopefully, this is his.

"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 27, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully, yes...

But I wouldn’t be basing my arguments on hope, either.

That said, I agree with you that it’s too early to make conclusions on Bradley. It’s a long season.

by SouthernCub on Apr 27, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's all I'm saying.

"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 27, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm thinking most career years start better than this.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He had his career year last year

Bradley will get about 300 AB’s this year

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Apr 27, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we shall see.

"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 27, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And one of those years...

was almost exclusively as a DH, reducing his injury risk substantially. I think he has only played in the field for 100+ games once.

by SouthernCub on Apr 27, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seems

Bradley is capable of injuring himself doing anything. It’s too early to give up on him but he could be in for a really tough tenure here if this keeps up…………he’s shown in his career that he doesn’t respond very well to critcism

by plenz on Apr 27, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly

yet another reason us “detractors” questioned the signing in the first place.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Apr 27, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right now, I think it's perfectly approrpiate to hope he'll play 100 games at least

I’m not assuming anything. I just hope you’re not assuming any of us are surprised that he’s hurt. We’re just choosing not to whine or panic about it.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I ask again: How was Bradley subpar defensively?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the whole "as long as our team is built for October" thought process is crazy

I’m sorry, but does anyone here really think we were swept the past two seasons (especially last year) because of a lack of LHP? Soriano, Ramirez..aren’t paid to hit hit Left Handed Pitchers, they are paid to hit Pitchers. Period. They didn’t…and we lost. This idea that the Devil Rays or Phillies were perfectly constructed is just pure silliness. If it helps fans to believe we have a better chance in October because our lineup is more balanced more power to you. We will either execute in October or we won’t.

by BeltwayCubsFan on Apr 27, 2009 1:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Well said...

I think the bigger problem was not the lack of left-handedness (remember – we had Fukudome, Edmonds, and Fontenot last year so it wasn’t a roster void of LH hitters). The team simply either (a) had three bad games or (b) just folded under pressure.

by SouthernCub on Apr 27, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was a little of both.

It had NOTHING to do with the lack of LH hitters. They completely overreacted.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And now they have a bunch of LH hitters.

Let’s say we wind up in the postseason against a team with an overabundance of LHP.

Outsmarted themselves again.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Except Bradley and Miles

both hit LHP better than RHP – so we’ll be ok.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 27, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, we can still go very RH if we want...

If Bradley, Ramirez, and Lee are healthy, it’s not out of the question that we could play all RH bats against a LHP if we wanted (with Miles over Fontenot and Johnson over Fukudome).

by SouthernCub on Apr 27, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Addendum...

of course, that doesn’t resolve the other problems from the last two playoff series…

by SouthernCub on Apr 27, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right.

The problems had nothing to do with the handedness of our hitters.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Frustration is understandable.....

but let’s give him a chance to get back out and play. If he hits and helps spark the offense and hitting of others in the lineup, he will be a worthwhile pickup.

Was he a risky player to sign? Yes. Hendry took a chance. But let’s give it a chance to play out

by letsplay2two on Apr 27, 2009 1:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fair enough

And youre right, but this was a high risk signing b/c of his injury history, and it wasnt a smart move to make him the lynch pin of our offseason strategies, b/c we’re seeing what happens when you rely too much on any player, let alone one as fragile as Milton.

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Apr 27, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's a thought

In the offseason between 01 and 02 we signed an injury prone OF in Moises Alou.

He sucked in 02 but was a big factor in 03 and was good in 04.

If Bradley is so so this year but great in 10 and 11 (especially a good postseason or two) is it still a bad signing?

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 27, 2009 1:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

to be great in 11

he has to either resign or hit his clause (of ABs in 2009) to kick in the option season.

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 27, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know

You know when we can judge what kind of season he has?

At the end of 162 games. (Unless he has a season ending injury)

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 27, 2009 1:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes, because he can't stay healthy. Alou was getting older and deeper into his career

when we signed him. Bradley is still fairly young and is always injured. Even when he’s played, he hasn’t done anything for us

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 27, 2009 1:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bradley

Despite what all the die hards say, you are right. He is not a good fit for this team. He is an AL Dh. at best.

by Papa zoo zoo on Apr 27, 2009 2:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

well hey

now you have a comment to go with your post.

"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 27, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If his comment is any indication...

…I think I better get my brillant “No message board” image ready for his Fanpost.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

for once

I decided that discretion was the better part of valor, and didn’t.

"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 27, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I held back, too.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not an NL Dh?

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 27, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He plays good defense when healthy

And even though he misses time, he still ends up being a pretty valuable player. Hendry made a lot of stupid moves this off season, but signing Bradley wasn’t one of them.

St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008

by vivaelpujols on Apr 27, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cubs have gone over 100 years without winning a WS....

but we all seem to want them to every year in spite of past failures. Let’s try and root for one of our own players to succeed with at least half that same optimism, shall we?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2009 3:01 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

This logical approach you're using is something I hope

is contagious.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sadly, of all logic's characteristics...

communicability isn’t normally one of them.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Need to change the genetic code and introduce

swine logic.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

according to the logic of some

it seems a safe bet to say Bradley will finish the season with less than 10 hits. I will happily take the over.

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 27, 2009 3:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I will give him

50 hits

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Apr 27, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but will he get 50 more ABs

I mean, after all, he will be on the DL the rest of his life

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 27, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So

who all will be in the game threads tonight?

by sue369 on Apr 27, 2009 3:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I should be...

I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...

by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 27, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

me too

can we talk Hawks and Cubs since there is no Bulls tonight?

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 27, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i should make it for a while

though the 9:40 eastern first pitch doesn’t help matters.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

this is the final week of rehersals for the play i'm in....

so you won’t have SWL to kick around anymore tonight.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Shakespeare, I presume?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait, SWL is secretly Shakespeare?

I’m confused now. I thought Francis Bacon was Shakespeare.

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 17

by znohitter on Apr 27, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought Shakespeare was a woman.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought women liked bacon?

Oh, wait, that’s flowers. Lemme do something with this vase full of pork real quick….

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 17

by znohitter on Apr 27, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

two women

one pork-chop?

"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 27, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

youtube is blocked at work

and I should be glad of it, sir!

"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 27, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Awwww...

It was a clip of Mr. Pork Chop on RAGBRAI. Good times.

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 17

by znohitter on Apr 27, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

are you calling Francis Bacon a woman?

and Sir Walter Raleigh would like to have a word about play writing as well.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I curse Sir Walter Raleigh!

He was such a stupid git….

(You’d say I’m putting you on, but it’s no joke, it’s doing me harm….)

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 17

by znohitter on Apr 27, 2009 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just have another cigarette

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Apr 27, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's three weeks!

I’m going insane!

You know, I’d give Jim Hendry everything I got for a little piece of mind.

How long should we give sig lines at the bottom of the comments?
Bradley watch -- out 7 games of 17

by znohitter on Apr 27, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I

might be in for a while, but the game just runs too late for me to stay up.

"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 27, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Apr 27, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the nice thing about being out west...

I finally get to stay awake for a whole Cubs games out west…

I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...

by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 27, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I may try to hop on midgame.

Depends on how tired I am.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 27, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

6 am surgery

I have to be at the hospital to have surgery tomorrow (minor) at 6 am so I wont be around.

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 27, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hope all goes smooth

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 27, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks

Thanks it’s just on ankle spurs which means I;m going to be hopping literally at the Maddux/Jenkins ceremony on Sunday.

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 28, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ibanez

sure had a nice game tonight…

100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.

by airweino on Apr 27, 2009 11:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

and who knows if he would have been a Cub if MB wasnt?

All those who keep saying “we could have signed so and so instad of MB” not one of us knows for sure that player would have signed anyway

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 28, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We don't, but...

… Lou and Jim were hell-bent to sign a LH-hitting right fielder. If Bradley had signed somewhere else, they’d have gone after one of the other similar free agents — Abreu, Ibanez or Dunn.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 28, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Abreu, Ibanez and Dunn would have been much better signings.

What’s funny to me is some of the posters here on BCB always dog the players who have left the team (Jacque, Barrett, Ward, to name a few) but when they’re on the team and slumping, everyone is like, “Oh it’s ok, its early in the season,” or “It’s only July, lets see how they are in September.” That makes me laugh because you just can’t admit that when your precious Lou or Hendry wants to sign a specific type of player and it turns out to be a bad signing (Bradley) you always give him the benefit of the doubt. Bump that crap, Bradley is signed for $30 million dollars! $30 million! That’s more than all of us on here combined make. Stop defending Bradley. He hasn’t proved anything. He’s a damn whiner and he’ll never be the player people on here hope he’ll be.

I’m as big a Cubs fan as anyone on here, but I’m also a realist. Get your heads out of your asses. Why would Bradley be any different now that he’s on the Cubs than any of the other 8 years he’s played? BAD SIGNING!!

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 28, 2009 12:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

if Bradley doesn't produce

by the end of the year, then “Bad signing” is appropriate.

On April 28th, it’s not. How can you judge this man’s season by less than a month of baseball?

"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 28, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not a rookie...

…I’m basing this on his entire career. I’ll let you look that up. He is consistent…with injuries.

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 28, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know his history.

however, you cannot write the signing off with less than a month of baseball played.

Unless you’re going to admit to expecting him to fail in the first place.

"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 28, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't agree, but duly noted.

And might I add that I like the phrase, “Bump that crap.” I may have to co-opt that and use it as my own personal “pound sand” or “get stuffed.”

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

C&H fan

Every player slumps. Some players slump at the beginning of the season. Some slump later. The only reason people freak out over players who slump at the beginning is that their current season stats look atrocious. We’ve played 15 games. Here’s Aramis Ramirez’ stats from June 4 to June 19, 2008: .189/.283/.264.

So, should we be up at arms against Hendry and Lou for Aramis last year? Should we stop defending Aramis? Should we pull out the all caps button to make loud exclamation against Aramis?

You don’t get to call yourself a “realist” if you think 15 games can define a 162-game season. It’s the opposite of realism to assume that the first tenth of something defines the entirety.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 28, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What you need to understand, DGU, is that Bradley isn't a rookie

his injuries have plagued him throughout his career. They are still affecting him. He can’t play 100 games a season. Comparing Aramis’ stats is kind of moot because he plays. Bradley doesn’t. I’ve said from jump that I didn’t like the Bradley signing. I sincerely hope he does play and turns it around, however, considering how much Bradley has been hurt HIS WHOLE CAREER, I don’t see it happening.

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 28, 2009 2:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You're making two different arguments now.

Argument 1 above was that we can’t say “it’s too early in the season to tell what he will do,” which is the panic-argument we’ve been hearing about DLee being in decline, Fontenot over-exposed, Soto in a sophomore slump, and Bradley being injured all season. That argument is not realistic, it’s panic-driven.

Argument 2 here is that Bradley’s career stats are relevant. That argument I whole-heartily agree with. He’s a fragile player, just as Kerry Wood had become and many others. Being fragile is part of the package, part I didn’t have a problem with compared to the other pacakges available. I’d rather have fragile Bradley than defensive butcher Abreu.

99 games of Bradley are still more valuable to the Cubs than 160 of Abreu; that hasn’t changed just because some of his lost games came this early in the season.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 28, 2009 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Point taken DGU

but really, would you rather have 99 games of Bradley than 160 of Abreu?

I do agree that Bradley is better in the OF than Abreu, but I also don’t think Abreu is horrible out there, and he can still hit pretty well.

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 28, 2009 3:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I really would.

I think Bradley in RF will give us good defense in the games he’s healthy. I think an OF of Soriano-Dome-Abreu would be atrocious this year and historically bad at the end of Abreu’s contract.

And this is key – if Abreu had been our main focus for the off-season, he’d be here on an Ibanez deal, not the 1 year 5 mill deal he got. He got that bad deal because the market deflated after we signed someone. The market was not going to deflate until after we got out.

I also think Abreu is truly in decline and highly suspect for 2010 and 2011.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on Apr 28, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

Defense matters. And Milton Bradley is good at defense…wait for it…when healthy.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 28, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Today, Bradley went 2-4

with a walk and at least one run scored.

So, yes. It’s time to say “I told you so” about Milton Bradley.

"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 29, 2009 12:02 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

+1

Anyone that would declare a signing of a player a failure after 24 at-bats is an idiot.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 29, 2009 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dude, bump that crap.

What part of “a player’s batting average really doesn’t matter in April – if ever” don’t you understand?

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 29, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

Just asking…it matters to me, just like W’s in April matter as much as they do in September.

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Apr 29, 2009 11:22 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

.107

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 29, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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