Cubs, Zambrano Try On Hitting Shoes, Find They Fit Just Fine In 11-3 Blowout Of Diamondbacks
by Al Yellon on Apr 29, 2009 7:31 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintCarlos Zambrano's smile, seen at left, is well-deserved. He threw seven strong innings and singled, doubled and hit his first homer of the season and the Cubs evened up their series with Arizona with an 11-3 blowout at Chase Field late last night. Meanwhile, the Reds, Pirates and Cardinals -- all of whom started last night ahead of the Cubs in the NL Central -- all lost Tuesday, so the Cubs picked up a game on each of them. And, St. Louis bats, as hot recently as Cub bats were last night, have now produced only seven runs in their last three games, going back to the Cubs' win over them on Sunday.
The Cubs could have had more than the three homers (Alfonso Soriano and Mike Fontenot, both for the second night in a row, in addition to Z). Several fly balls, including Soriano's to lead off the game, were warning-track outs; Soriano's was to the deepest part of the big ballpark in Phoenix.
I have a bone to pick with the mainstream media, who often -- and they did it again last night -- use the phrase "a triple short of the cycle" when describing a player who singled, doubled and homered in a game. Triples are hard to hit, never mind triples by pitchers. In the National League in 2008, there were 23,071 hits. 478 of them were triples -- that's 2.02% of all NL hits last year. Know how many triples were hit by pitchers in the NL last year? Six. One of them was hit by Z; he does have three career triples. Still, the phrase "a triple short of the cycle" implies that triples are easy to come by. They're not. Neither are cycles: while it may seem like everyone in baseball was having one earlier this year (there were three in one week earlier this month), there have been only 286 of them in major league history. That's slightly more than the number of no-hitters thrown in baseball history: 256. Also, there were 148 occurrences of "a triple short of the cycle" in the NL in 2008 -- in other words, 148 times a hitter had at least a single, double and home run in a game (to be fair, no pitchers did so in 2008, and Z is the first to do so in 2009), not so rare for a single season; on average, that means almost one per day. Thanks are due to baseball-reference.com's fantastic Play Index, which makes looking up data like this easy.
Rant over. I don't think Milton Bradley's return to the lineup caused the hitting explosion, but he joined it, with a pair of singles, and he appeared to be running the bases fine. Let's hope this is the end of the nagging injuries for Gameboard and he can stay in the lineup and produce the way we know he can. Koyie Hill, starting a game for the first time in two weeks, had three singles. Kosuke Fukudome had only one hit, but also walked three times -- his 16 walks rank fifth in the NL and his .482 OBA is third, behind Adam Dunn and Manny Ramirez.
Meanwhile, Z also threw a fine game, allowing only one run until the seventh when his pitch count got a little high (111, 70 for strikes) and three singles and a groundout produced the two final Diamondback runs. By then the Cubs had an 11-1 lead; last night I again had to turn the TV off in the fifth inning so I could get up at 3:30 am for work, but this time it was with the confidence that the Cubs seemed to have the game well in hand, leading 9-1 at the time. There was only one point at which Z could have gotten into trouble; the first inning, when he allowed a leadoff double to Felipe Lopez and a one-out walk; but he got out of the inning with a sharply-hit double play ball and was never really challenged after that. Angel Guzman finished up with a couple of confidence-building scoreless innings.
Nicely done, Cubs, and a game like this shows us what this team is capable of. Keep up the good work. This recap is fairly short because of today's afternoon game -- the day game preview will be posted at 12:30 pm CDT.
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Hate to say it...
But i think Soto could use a few more days off, keep riding Koyie Hill’s hot streak!
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
I hate to agree
Koyie is playing very well right now, while Soto is doing the exact opposite. What is more, teams are taking serious advantage of Soto’s bum shoulder (although some of the stolen base barrage from two night ago is on Lilly).
I am curious, Koyie was not really this good before he sliced his fingers off . . . I wonder if all of the work he had to do to get back to being able to play didn’t really help him. It either that or the doctors re-attached his fingers in a way that made him play better.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Hill...
… hit .275/.350/.492 with 17 HR in 113 games at Iowa last year. If he could come anywhere close to that average and OBA as a backup (obviously, he isn’t going to hit 17 HR), we’d all be happy.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Soto won't break out..............
………..sitting on the bench, but I think it might be reasonable to get Hill into action at least twice a week until such time Soto is firing on all cylinders.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
I'd start Soto today...
… against the LHP Davis.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Read this quote last night in an article in the Tribune
He has been struggling," manager Lou Piniella said of the obvious. “Sometimes, rather than fight it, you get him out of there for a few days and get the cobwebs out. I don’t think it has anything to do with the sophomore slump. Sometimes a young player [needs to] relax and [needs] a little time to get himself together.”
Although I could easily be the president of the Soto fan club, maybe this isn’t a bad idea
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 29, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Soto?
Anyone wondering if this shoulder issue of his is more than being let on?
I re-named Cotts a couple of weeks back, now when he comes into the game the wife goes "Hey honey, isn't that your White Towel/Flag being thrown into the game?"
Agreed...
but continuing to march him out there is only going to make him develop bad habits.
If Koyie Hill was not playing as well as he is i would agree to put him out there. But seeing that Koyie Hill is hot, give Soto a few days off to relax and clear his head.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
Soto needs help from Gerald Perry right now
I don’t think it is the shoulder issue more than it is major league pitchers adjusting to Soto. He’s in a very deep funk right now. I’d be inclined to play Koyie Hill for a few days and hope that Soto can regain something via intensive side work with Perry (and Lou Piniella too).
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
I was thinking that
last night watching the Koyie hit so well. Let Soto have a few days off, and I think Len or Bob mentioned that same thing. Koyie is the hot hand, let it ride but still give Soto the playing time he needs to get hot again. He is still very much a Sophmore.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
Agreed. Koyie is playing well
and shoulder injuries linger. A little more rest will not hinder his growth.
Prior comments are accurate that Soto can’t break out of his funk on the bench, but if there is any injury lingering, he can’t break out of it in the lineup either.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Also
I don’t think anyone would advocate sitting Soto for more than another day or two. Just give him a couple of days off and ride the hot hand. Soto can work more pre-game with Gerald Perry in the cages instead of focusing on the scouting reports for the other team’s hitters.
Also I think the other thing that really needs to happen is that Soto should be getting more days off. There is no excuse for Hill to sit and not start for a week straight this early in the season especially when he was hitting and Soto really wasn’t. Just agree to let hill play Sundays or something.
This is where I really like a designated catcher scenario. Let one guy catch games for a particular pitcher. This allows you to rest your starting catcher once every 5 days and allows your starter to focus on working well with fewer pitchers and your backup to get into a really well defined roll.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
I agree
we all knew that Soto had his shoulder problem too, so maybe playing him so many straight games after coming back from that injury was a little much.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
My biggest fear in all of this....
Is the loss of Hank White. He was basically a player/coach and i think him and Soto worked well together.
Hopefully that is not the case.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
Understood, but you have a
guy who is a big part of the 2009 plan and want to get him back and on track as fast as possible.
Koyie, so far, looks like he could handle 20% of the load, if not more. However, this scenario counters the idea that it didn’t matter who was the backup catcher.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
I definitely agree about Soto
we need him back to his 08 form as quickly as possible. On the other hand, Koyie is hitting really well right now and throwing out more baserunners than Soto, so if Soto needs a few days to rest his shoulder and get some extra hitting in, now isn’t a bad time to give him those few days.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Two things at play here
1. He still has lingering shoulder issues. If this is the case sit him until he is absolutely healthy while getting him ABs where necessary to keep him sharp at the plate.
2. He is just slumping. the answer here is to sit him another day, get him working out in the cages and with Gerald Perry and give him some late inning at-bats vs. bad relievers to get his timing back. Then get him back into the regular lineup.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
It is a pretty simple fix...
and usually when players are in slumps they try to pull everything. Right now Soto is coming over everything and trying to pull it. A few sessions of hitting the ball to right field Soto will be back on track. He just needs to start trusting his swing.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
He also seems............
………..to be getting beat on the inside part of the plate.
On most inside pitches he’s thrusting his arms in the air as if the pitch is going to hit him. Instead the ump is calling it a strike. I think his strike zone, especially on the inner half, needs to be readjusted.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Really?
Is hitting a triple short of cycle a lie? They are just telling the truth, and not making it sound like it’s easy to come by.
They are informing the fans that “hey, this guy needs to hit a triple in order to hit for the cycle. Just for your information, fan’s who don’t know what a cycle is. It means you need a single, double, triple, and HR in one game.”
by GoCubbies34 on Apr 29, 2009 7:38 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
It's not a lie.
It’s misleading. I do think it implies getting that triple is easy. The more you say it, the less meaning it has.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What should they say?
If he hits a triple, he will have hit for the cycle? They have to get the information across somehow.
Also, I didn’t realize that there were only 256 no-hitters in MLB history, for how long the game has been going on I just assumed there were more. Makes me realize how special Z’s game was last year.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
No, they could just say...
… “He singled, doubled and homered”. That tells you exactly what the player did in the game, right?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes
but a casual fan might overlook an announcer saying that. I see your point, but it doesn’t bother me either way.
Let’s just hope the Cubs keep the runs coming today…
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
About four or five days ago.
Thanks for noticing!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
But saying a triple short of the cycle is more concise, in my opinion.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Unfortunatly...
… human nature than goes to “wow, he’s JUST a triple short of the cycle” and then puts added emphasis and importance on getting that triple. Because is is so rare to get a triple, as compared to singles, doubles, and home runs, it IS sort of misleading, as if it’d be no big deal to pick up that triple. This is even MORE the case for a guy who moves slowly around the bases…
If a player had a homer, a triple , and a double, saying he’s JUST a single short of hitting for the cycle is fair… there is a good chance he’ll get that single with a couple more chances at the plate.
I can speak of this from personal experience… my girlfriend sat next to me during last nights game and when it was mentioned, she sort of perked up. Without knowing the stats Al laid down, i sort of had to explain to her that it wasn’t going to happen. Nitpicky, sure. But It puts inflated importance and possibly a false sense of likelihood on something that isn’t probable.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
True
but you just highlighted the exact reason why it gets mentioned. Its a buzz word people recognize and instantly become more interested in the game, regardless of whether its probably or not.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
I mean, if simply driving up interest by talking about next to impossible occurrences is their game...
… they could also speculate about the possibility of a unicorn appearing in left field during the 7th inning stretch, as its about as likely to happen.
It’d surely interest those unfamiliar with the likelihood of unicorn sightings.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I totally agree
However, I think that most folks are more aware of the impossibilities of a unicorn appearing than of a pitcher hitting a triple late in a ballgame.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
Not to stomp on SWL's toes here, but...
… i believe… ITS GONNA HAPPEN.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Are the Rockies coming back to Wrigley this year?
I’m too lazy to check. In any case, if they are – and they recall Matt Murton – this could very well happen.
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.
I don't believe so
2 in Chicago, 4 in Colorado
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Then we'll have to hope for...
…a Rocky Mountain Unicorn.
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.
I hate myself for knowing this, but yes...
… it is the same artist, Lisa Frank… my girlfriend and her sister were unicorns for Halloween, and i can confidently say that in much the way my Cubs knowledge eventually rubs off on them, their unicorn obsession eventually affected me. There were prototypes and costume ideas all over my kitchen table for weeks in advance. I’m not proud of it.
: : : Doing my best to avoid a shame spiral over here : : :
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
(And if you don't know what Schwa is speaking of...
… click here. Somebody hacked / embedded some very strange unicorn based Easter egg code in to the ESPN.com homepage)
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
-50 BCB points for using a shot of the scoreboard with DeRosa's name and stats on it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 29, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Ouch!
In my haste to keep those around me from seeing my photoshoping what would clearly be determined to be a non-essential work unicorn, i didn’t even look twice at the scoreboard!
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
That clearly means only one thing:
you need to spend the rest of the day thinking up a reason why unicorn-related photoshopping is essential to your productivity.
Aaaaaaaand…GO!
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 29, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
thanks
that made my day, as cheesy as that pic is
by reedjohnson on Apr 29, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I completely agree.
If the player has the triple, then cycle conversation is warranted.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Sorry Al,
I didn’t find anything wrong with them saying “a triple short of the cycle”. Granted, it would be nice for them to point out the near impossibility of a pitcher pulling that off let alone anyone pulling it off, but still, it creates more excitement and gets us hoping that just maybe Z could have hit for the cycle. I do notice that Bob tends to emphasize and point out the potential for someone (even on the opposing team) to hit for the cycle these last couple of years. Just sayin’.
I respectfully disagree, Al
I know how hard it is to get a triple, but thought to myself as I was driving home last night after the game, “I can’t believe Z was a triple short of a cycle!” I take it as a fact—he was missing a triple—rather than an implication about the ease of getting one.
He was and forever will be a triple short of the cycle...
… because he is not a man built get a triple. Like i said earlier, with the extremely rare exception the only way Z sees third base on his own hit is as he trots past on his way to home plate after knocking it out of the park.
Simply you being here makes you more informed (hypothetically i guess) than the average WGN viewer. My girlfriend and grandmother won’t grasp the near impossibility of the cycle. I’m not saying it shouldn’t be spoken of, just that the WAY its spoken of is often misleading.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Z, and most hitters by the way
need a wee bit of luck to get a triple. You need to hit it deep enough, but not hard enough that it gets there quickly. You need a lucky karem (sp?) or two to avoid the defense, or get it trapped in a Wrigley-like well.
As for the phrase “triple short of the cycle,” I take it as commending the player for getting three hits in a ballgame which, in and of itself, is a tremendous acheivement. And, I would assume, most “…short of the cycle” games are missing the triple, so it’s an easy phrase to use. I don’t see it as saying “only a triple short of the cycle.”
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 29, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Geo is not built...
For an inside the park HR, but I believe he hit one in Houston last year.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Apr 29, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Z has 3 career triples....for what it's worth
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks carmen!
I made a passing attempt at figuring it out, and gave up. Any idea what parks?
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Here you go:
6/2/08 at Padres
He also had 2 triples in 2005, but I don’t have time to continue researching for the dates/places. (Stats on the stats page for Zambrano on MLB.com)
@ St Louis and @Wrigley vs. Florida
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 30, 2009 6:50 AM CDT up reply actions
no-hitters and hitting for the cycle all time totals
up until a few years back one of cooler baseball stat was that the total number of no-hitters was pretty much equal to the total number of times someone had hit for the cycle (both going back to 1900 and/or modern era only I think) – however over the last five years or so the number of players hitting for the cycle has outpaced the number of no-hitters being thrown so the totals aren’t as close
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 29, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
One of the reasons for that, I think...
… is the declining number of CG’s. Pitchers don’t expect to go the distance, so maybe it doesn’t matter so much to them, not allowing any hits, since they know they’re generally going to be removed anyway.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Generally speaking that's true...
But if a pitcher has a no-no going, isn’t the manager likely to leave him in? If nothing else, to preserve the bullpen.
by dedfishflote on Apr 29, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Usually.
Does anyone know the number of no-no’s that have gone, say, at least 7 innings in the last couple of years? I know there have been a couple this year already.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Seems like they come in spurts.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 29, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
What bugged me....
….was that Len mentioned that Z was “1/2 way to the cycle” after his double. Len is such a stats freak.
In saying that, Len and Bob were fun to listen to last night. Their comments about people during the crowd shots were hilarious.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions
I like what the booth has developed into.
When BB gets another job, I hope they get Grace to come in, either him or Joe Cart.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
You can't be serious.
Grace is horrible. No, that’s an insult to horrible announcers.
If Brenly leaves, I’d like to see Todd Hollandsworth take over.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I like Hollandsworth,
but I don’t think Todd is that much better than Grace. Grace, Todd, or Plesac and I would be happy. All 3 of them would have a good dynamic with Len.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
Have you ever actually listened to Grace?
If you have, you are the only one here who likes him. He’s awful.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+1
You are correct sir, Grace sucks. His voice grates and his constant giggles get old very fast. Please, no Gracie.
"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 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions
A few Saturday broadcasts,
there has to be others who like him? People help me out here, and if no one responds it is a tie.
Plus, any athlete that has played the game and wants to be on TV, is on TV. Dave Winfield, he is bad, Fernando Vina, bad, Kendell Gill, bad. When comparing Grace to other sports, he seems fine to me.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
I think Grace is too giddy for my taste.
I am with Al on this one. What I have seen of Todd Hollandsworth so far this year, I would say he is in the Grace-mold too.
I tend to like guys like Stone and BB who can give you real critical insights as color sidekicks. I just don’t think Mark or Todd would do enough of it.
I’ll break the tie: Grace—fail.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Like being awful calling games has anything to do with liking a broadcaster....
If that were the case Harry wouldn’t have lasted so many years. However for the record, I will always hate that the Cubs let Dusty Baker drag the Clubhouse and Team down so low as to let Stoney walk. He was the absolute best we’ve had in the booth in my lifetime.
I re-named Cotts a couple of weeks back, now when he comes into the game the wife goes "Hey honey, isn't that your White Towel/Flag being thrown into the game?"
What?
Come on, that is just nuts. Steve Stone is a joke, he is a guy who thinks he knows everything and also thinks he should be and will be the greatest GM ever, but yet no one will hire him. Hmmmm wounder why.
And putting blame on Baker for Stone leaving is not putting blame in the right spot. Listen to BB talk during games, he calls out Lou every now and then, but he does it in a professional way, not like Stone did.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
You're right
Stoney actually broke things down into reason by stats, history and pure baseball knowledge. So it did tick some off. How dare let everyone listening know what could happen and then Lord forbid it does happen…
I re-named Cotts a couple of weeks back, now when he comes into the game the wife goes "Hey honey, isn't that your White Towel/Flag being thrown into the game?"
+
BB is next to horrid. Yes he knows what he’s talking about. He has interviewed for as many gigs as he can every off season since he’s been hired. That right there speaks volumes to the devoted fan base.
I re-named Cotts a couple of weeks back, now when he comes into the game the wife goes "Hey honey, isn't that your White Towel/Flag being thrown into the game?"
I like BB and Stone,
BB can become repetitive, especially about catchers, but there is only so much you can saw with 150 broadcasts a year. Stone obviously knows as much as anyone, but he can be arrogant, plus his new Sox complex is getting old fast.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
Contradicting yourself?
You have to be joking right?
So you are telling me a know-it-all washed up pitcher who lets his ego get in the way, is better than a Manager who actually managed a team to a World Series victory?
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
I like
BB’s self-deprecating humor. Stone started to really get on my nerves after he left. I really liked him while he was here, but after he left, my opinion of him dropped to a level that, now I don’t want him back at all. His ego is enormous
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
I will take that as a vote for Grace.
I agree. If I like the guy, he has some ties to the team, and he knows the game, I can overlook the presentation a bit.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
Grace qualifies under points one and two.
Based on what I’ve heard, he doesn’t really know the game. Or if he does, he has no clue as to how to communicate his knowledge.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'd rather have Eric Karros
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
+25
dangit, you beat me to that .. THAT is whom I’d like to see .. I think they’d do well, but I’d miss Bob
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
Yeah, I don't think Bob's going anywhere...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I suspect he'll remain a broadcaster.
This will allow him the flexibility to still see his son play in the minors occasionally. If he were to return to managing, he would never get to see him play in person. I suspect this is very important to him as he missed a lot of things when he was a player, coach, manager when his kids were growing up.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Karros is outstanding.
He has insights into the game and knows the Cubs. He would be a worthy successor to Ron Santo when he retires.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I agree.
Grace sounds like they pulled some guy from a bar next to the stadium and handed him a mic.
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.
Perhaps so.
Maybe they were just lucky he turned out to be an ex-major league ballplayer.
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.
Grace is awful
He adds nothing to the broadcast and has no idea how to speak in complete sentences. He just blurts out random thoughts.
Mark Grace is VERY, VERY bad
He is quite possibly the worst color commentator working in professional sports.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
Yes he is. He's annoying.
"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 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Well... Gracie is probably the worst
color guy getting national play. Some of the smaller markets have radio guys that should never be heard.
I agree Grace is bad, but not the worst color guy in pro sports. At worst he equals a Baldinger and that’s pretty bad.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Agree with Grace being
horrible – Can I nominate Eric Karros as another option?
by doofus cubs guy on Apr 29, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I like Grace the ballplayer
I cringe everytime he opens his mouth on air .. he just ain’t got it
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
by cubnational on Apr 29, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Ok
It seems the people have spoken.
I would take Hollandworth, Karros, Plesac, and be happy. I hope BB stays around for a while, but I don’t think he will stop interviewing for jobs. Eventually he will land somewhere, they almost always do, ie Cincinnati.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
The longer BB works in TV...
… and the older he gets, and the longer he is away from managing, IMO, that makes it much more likely that he keeps the easy $ and stays in TV.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Totally Agree....
I mean, your hired to be fired as a manager. With TV, you’re still involved in the game and pretty much have the job for life as long as you don’t do something dumb.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 30, 2009 6:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Their running commentary
on Lilly and his (gigantic!!) moth was pretty funny as well.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
that thing looked more like a young hawk, not a moth.
it was funny (when you are winning)
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Does anyone have a picture of that?
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 29, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions
I DVR'd the game last night...
… it should still be saved and i could snap a pic this evening. Gotta be some use for a picture of that beast… he was there the night we finally turned the bats around, got our guys back from injury, and Z looked great!
: : : Crosses fingers / knocks on wood : : :
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
That thing reminded me of "Silence of the Lambs."
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.
I can't believe
Perry didn’t feel that thing on his head. It was so big he is lucky he didn’t suffer any bulging discs
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Really Al?
I think they are just having fun when they say that. In fact when Len Kasper said it he chuckled as though it wasn’t even possible. I think they were just having fun Al.
I believe most people when they hear that, at least when it is a fairly large and not so speedy, pitcher such as Z, take it with a grain of salt.
Just my opinion though.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Apr 29, 2009 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions
They sure spent a lot of time discussing it...
“Z is batting 6th next inning, but he needs to get out of this inning to have a chance at the triple”.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions
It's their job to find topics within the game
viewers may not stick around for the next inning to see if the cubs increase their lead from 8 to nine. However, they might stick around to see if Z could hit a triple to reach the cycle, no matter how remote the possibility.
Exactly, in a blow-out game, they have to find something to
keep the viewers entertaioned and interested in watching ’til the end.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Still all in good fun IMO
I am sure, that being baseball personalities/ex players/ex managers/commentators, they have some clue of the possibility of Z hitting a triple. However, that being said, why is it so impossible that Z might hit a triple?
Is it so wrong for the commentators for this team to get excited about something that could possibly happen? It just seems so benign to me.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Apr 29, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Great game last night...
Glad to see Zambrano get out of what could have been a rough first inning and then throw a great game. Glad to see Bradley come back with a good game. Glad to see Fontenot get a big knock. Hopefully we see Ramirez back today. Glad to see Soriano keep on mashing (he’s having quite the start to the season).
Hopefully we can keep it going with a win today to win the series. It’s time to get back on that trend again.
I think we'll see
Rami this weekend. Gordo tweeted yesterday that the workout before the game didn’t go as well as hoped for Ramirez and that he is likely a couple more days.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
I got the impression from Lou's pre-game comments
that it was more likely Ramiriez would go on the DL. They are going to re-evalute him tomorrow when they return to Chicago.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
The Tribune
speculated it would be Scales, which makes more sense since he’s played more at third.
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
They could call Fox up
but they’d be in the same boat they’re in right now with Fontenot over there, since Fox hasn’t played third at Iowa all season.
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
As much as Soriano's....
Streaks bug the crap out of me, i must say i like that he kinda called the team out about the hunger to win. Nice to see.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
Agreed. Would prefer a
more consistent player around his average, but those hot streaks are amazing.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Well, after Sunday, we know he has a hard head, literally.
Good to see the spunk out of Soriano so far this season. Something seems different about him this season, something about his demeanor.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
"Texas hit"
Just watched highlight reel on NHK and it looks like one-sided slugfest…
Dome had one hit and it was “Texas leaguer’s blooper” as my old dictionary says… Do you folks still call such basehit as so? In Japanese baseball we call it as “Texas-hit” very regularly. I know it’s a sort of “Japanese baseball English”.
Just a bloop...
Dome also walked several times…great night again for him!
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Apr 29, 2009 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Texas leaguer
works too. Most folks will still know what you are talking about.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
Especially us old farts.
"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 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions
there are some bucks who recognize
the Texas leaguer and Baltimore chop – it’s not getting completely lost in this generation.
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
ahhh... but what about a "Moon Shot"?
and some serious BCB points at stake if you know its orgins.
If you don’t know, clicking on this link loses the points, but gains some cool baseball knowledge.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
That's a pretty cool origin
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Not on any reputable broadcast. :)
in twitterese, #whitesox, #crawdad
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
also called the dying quail over third/second/first
that’s old school there ..
Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!
I recall flare also applying.
Am I remembering correctly?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Texas Leaguer hit
Google Books strikes again. This is the definition and origin of the “Texas hit”
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Does anybody else get sick of Len's incessant rambling on the air
More and more, Len Kaspar rambles on the innane. He goes on and on about the most irrelevant and odd side discussions to the point where my ears are ready to bleed. The WGN / Comcast producers need to have a discussion with Len on tightening up his delivery and to limit all the tangent discussion. It’s even gotten to the point where it has impacted the listenability of Bob Brenly because Len ropes him in these numerous discussion threads on the innane.
Focus Len. Stick to the game call and the ocassional observation or bit of humor.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
+1
Yes he does tend to run on more than is necesssary, especially when the action slows to a crawl. It’s no a major deal, but it can get annoying.
"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 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess Len just doesn't have the depth of baseball knowledge that you have BLou.
If he did, he would have no trouble staying focused for 3+ hours for over 170+ games a year (including pre-season). Forgive him for not keeping his laser beam focus for every minute of every game. Just like the posters on these game threads, he must get a tad bored at times.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Target audience
i don’t think that many “serious” BCB posters are in the target audience that the broadcasters try to reach. We’ll watch the Cubs no matter who is broadcasting. The entertaining side issues, or irrelevant rambles, as you call them, are not meant for you. They are meant for my wife, who will be in the room when the game is on, and will pay attention when something humerous comes up.
I'm not asking Len Kaspar to be deadly serious and on the mark all the time
I like humor in the booth and I like banter in the booth. But Len Kaspar’s incessant rambling on the innane ALL THE TIME is neither humorless or in the spirit of banter. He has gotten to the point where he reminds me of that old Anal Retentive Chef character played by Phil Hartman on Saturday Night Live. He just goes on and on and on about the most meaningless of subject matter.
For those not bright enough to grasp the fundamental underpinning of a message board, please take note that "EVERYTHING I state is an OPINION."
Out of curiousity
what are some examples from last nights game? I watch, and maybe didn’t pay close attention to Len at all times, but I don’t remember any “ramblings on the inane.”
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Examples: The whole game, apparently....
Because he was rambling “ALL THE TIME!” Over-exaggerate much, BLou?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I am just curious what BLou considers inane
his opinions tend to differ from many of those on this site.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Inane: anything that doesn't interest him...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
My only complaint....
…is sometimes he digs into that Baseball Encyclopedia a bit too much.
But overall, I like both him and Bob. They make a good team. And after hearing Dave Otto, I have a better appreciation for Bob.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Drying paint sounds more interesting than Dave Otto.
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Who in turn is much better than Joe Morgan
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
Joe Carter!
Classic line of Joe’s, when a guy took a called third strike: “He was like a deer with headlights.”
"Hey! If the moon were made of ribs, wouldja eat it? I know I would!"
No, BLou doesn't smile
Smiling is for the weak and fool-hearty.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
"Triple short of the cycle"
What a weird thing to get upset about. What’s wrong with that? It’s true. It’s not like they’re saying “All he needs is a triple, shouldn’t be a problem.”
The announcers are speaking literally when using the phrase “triple short of the cycle”. Nothing wrong with that.
I must admit Al, that really doesn't bother me much either. What happened, did you use one of the DLee pillows
to sleep on last night?
"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 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Sad thing
I saw the highlights on ESPN this morning, saw that Z had hit a homer, and said to myself. Wow he was a triple short of the cycle last night. I guess Ive just gotten brainwashed by the mainstream media.
At the same time though Z is a pitcher and as Al pointed out that kind of thing does’nt happen much for a pitcher.
I appreciate the difficulty of hitting a triple, but for me there is still significance in being a triple short, because I understand that three hits, two for extra bases and at least 1 RBI (Z had 2) means that you were productive.
I do have a problem with the Yahoo recap headline “Zambrano nearly hits for the cycle.” This is much different. If Z had had 4 hits with two of them being a double and nearly stretchable to a triple that would be different. But he didn’t. He had a great night, why make it sound less than impressive with “nearly hit for the cycle” instead of 3-4 with 2 RBI, a double and a homer.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
"Nearly"
Would mean he was thrown out at 3rd trying for a triple. IMO.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
I think
that’s exactly what I’m getting at. I have much less of a problem with “a triple short” than I do with “nearly.”
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
Right.
They could have made more of a big deal of him having three hits and a home run, which is a big accomplishment for a pitcher.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Mike & Mike were impressed
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
It doesn't bother me all that much either.
Writers are always looking for hooks on which to hang their stories – and Z offered that one up.
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.
gotta agree here
He was a triple short of the cycle and thats the truth. Anyone who knows anything about baseball knows that the triple is the hardest part of the cycle to reach. Brenley and Kasper further added the fact that no pitcher ever hit for the cycle. I think people know that a cycle is not an easy thing to reach.
Right.
Now those points are worth making. Just stating a player is “a triple short of the cycle” is a lazy shortcut used by sportswriters who don’t bother to do this kind of research.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Why does it bother you so much Al?
For the most part, Len and Bob are good commentators and they seemed to say this in good fun.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Apr 29, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
I just said I liked what Len & Bob said.
They made the point in a fun and interesting way. The AP writer didn’t.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I didn't realize either...
I thought Len and Bob did it fine, didn’t hear what the AP writer said.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Apr 29, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Lazy shortcut??
Good grief, you’re being really stubborn about this one Al.
A sportswriters job is to condense recaps, make them short and readable.
OK, maybe.
It still just doesn’t hit me the right way. As noted above, if a player needs a single or double, maybe it’s more worth mentioning.
I’ll let it go now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I think its an easy way of saying...
“This player has a Single, a Double, and a Home Run.”
I don’t think announcers are downplaying anything, just an easy explanation of what the player has done so far in the game. Having hit a Single, Double, and HR in a game is a very good feat in and of itself, I think that’s what announcers are getting at when they say, “A triple short of the cycle.”
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
HoffDPauir?
I would just like to point out:
Derrek Lee has 75 plate appearances this year and not a single DP.
Micah Hoffpauir has already hit into a DP with just 36 PAs under his belt.
Should those on a campaign against “DPLee” be consistent and call Micah “HoffDPauir” or just “GDPauir”?
Derrek Lee is good.
That was a pretty clutch bases-loaded hit last night.
And just missed the Granny….
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, I'm just teasing...
Micah’s approach last night continued the take-pitches strategy which I am liking to see.
Derrek Lee is good.
Hoff
looks really comfortable at the plate right now. He just jumped on the meatball Rousch (sp?) threw him a little quickly and pulled it foul. I was very glad to see him hang in there and get a base hit. Too often you see hitters get overly aggressive after hitting a ball that far foul.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Yeah, last year is was just throwing him anything offspeed...
…and he was done. But he has improved his “eye”.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions
is = it
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 29, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed on Koyie, being the NL,
Hoff lost his spot in the OF rotation and will have to take his cuts when available.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Ryan Theriot's slump
At the beginning of this season, I was marvelling at Ryan Theriot’s different approach. He was hitting all over the field and hitting more fly balls. If Theriot could become a more complete hitter, I thought that would be a good sign for his potential longevity and usefulness to the Cubs. The problem is that after a hot start, he has now fallen into a deep slump. Over the past 14 games, he’s hitting .241/.290/.293.
Of course, it’s small sample sizes, but in looking for differences from his first successful season hitting last year, we can see the following things:
Theriot’s walk rate is down so far from 11.2% to 9.8% while his K rate is up from 10% to 12.2%.
His GB% is down 6% and his FB% is up 8%.
Here’s what should concern us – that GB/FB rate is now looking a lot like Theriot’s 2007 when his hitting was not good. Is it possible that to be a successful hitter, Theriot has to stick to just guiding the ball through the right side? Will he be able to get back to being the hitter he was last year or was that just a career year?
Derrek Lee is good.
I'm not sure he just has to guide it on the right,
but he appears to be getting too much lift on the ball.
He needs to drive the ball, either through the gaps or just out of reach of the infielders. These flyouts to the warning track don’t work. In a bad movie analogy, he’s Willie Mays Hayesing the thing.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
He has slumped when Lou moved him around...
He may have slumped regardless but I think he is much better suited for the 8th spot. A sparkplug that can turnover the bottom of the order. I think he sees a lot more fastballs in the 8th he does at the 2 hole.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
but then
with Kosuke settling in nicely in the 3-hole who do you put in the 2 spot? do you put Fonte there and have 2 lefties bunched? or perhaps move the catcher into that spot I dont know the answer, but i do agree that Theriot is a good #8 hitter, but I really want to see him morph into the 2-hole guy because he seems to be the best guy for that role right now.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
I agree with you. With the injuries he has to be there...
Lou is kind of handcuffed right now. I realize what he is trying to do… Kind of like when he put Soriano in the 3. He needed better hitters there with Ram and Milt out.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
I have been saying this for a couple years now...
DLee is a #2 hitter. I am not just saying that because he slumped or whatever, but he makes nice contact and does everything a #2 needs to do (other than the DPs last year).
I think it makes sense to put him 2, Fuku 3, Ramirez 4, and Bradley 5. I think that is the best rounded out top of the order.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
That
actually makes sense to me. Also, i firmly believe that the lineup doesn’t matter if everyone is hitting like they were last night.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
If you think about it...
A #2 hitter needs to be able to show patience, consistenly make contact, be able to go to the opposite field with balls. Have some power, not a huge amount of power. The simple things, and when i say that i am not trying to take anything away from DLee, and in all actuality the #2 spot is the most important because it could mean our number 3 hitter is hitting with 2 on no one out, or no one on 2 out. It changes the beginning of the game greatly.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
Isn't your #2 guy basically another #1?
I mean, one of those 2 game leadoff positions are simply trying to get on base for #3 and #4 hitters for RBI oportunities, right?
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I like the idea of batting Soto 2nd to see if you can jumpstart his bat.
He doesn’t run, of course, but I don’t think that’s a big deal.
Derrek Lee is good.
Theriot seemed like the best guy for that role
but at question now is what kind of hitter is he? He may not be a sparkplug at all if he reverts to his 2007 hitting.
Derrek Lee is good.
I think he's just pressing a little.
Maybe trying to do more than he can with a lot of the guys out right now.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
That's definitely a possibility.
But the reversion to 2007’s GB/FB bears watching.
Derrek Lee is good.
Do you think Dome will stick in the 3rd spot?
He looks comfy there and that’s where he hit in Japan.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
This would allow Lou
to bat Aramis clean-up, Milton 5th and D-Lee 6th.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
I hate seeing our best hitters batting so low
I’d rather see Aramis and Bradley getting more at-bats.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 29, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Milton Bradley
He was only a double, triple, and homer away from the cycle last night. Glad to see he’s coming around.
by daeviant on Apr 29, 2009 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Sarcasm noted, however
I’m just glad to see him on the field and hitting.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Agreed
This is probably the best time for him to finally come around.
There is nothing better
than getting back from an injury and getting the bat going right away. This should silence most of the critics I think.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
From what I've been reading, I doubt it.
They will just cry that his next injury/explosion is around the corner and this is a mirage.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Sad
That they can’t give the guy a shot. He has been great when healthy. (The horrid BA is a mirage covering a pretty amazing OBP). And I really have not seen much to believe that the guy is not trying to get his life on the right track.
BTW he was one of the best characters last year during the home run derby when Josh Hamilton was hitting. He seemed to be an important part of the Ranger’s team chemistry last season and I see no reason to believe that once he gets to know the guys on the Cubs that he can’t be that same spark plug.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
The Bradley debate will be ongoing...
He’s a tough case, because so much of what his detractors talk about are things that accumulate over the full season (i.e., missed games due to injuries). I think most rational fans would agree that he’s a really good hitter when he’s healthy.
Every time he sneezes
The critics are going to talk about how he didn’t cover his mouth.
I would like to add the game recaps and discussion seem very, very
different after a strong win.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Well, obviously...
it’s a lot easier to feel good after the team has won big than it is after a loss. That’s just human nature.
Al--I'm having a hard time finding the Koyie Hill article you posted about his rehab.
Is there an easier way to find it or could you help me out? I wanted to show my dad your post about Koyie’s recovery and rehab. It was maybe back in spring training, IIRC.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Wow.
I can’t remember when that was. Try searching the site for stories about Koyie. You can use the search function to power-search posts just by me.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I forgot I could search under direct users. That made it easier.
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/3/19/804145/our-minor-leaguers-can-bea
There is a picture of Koyie’s hand as well as a link to a cubs.com profile article. Thanks.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Why The Cycle Is Stupid
The “cycle” is, in my opinion, one of the dumber feats in baseball. It’s a feat, no doubt. But, by its very nature, it’s dumb. What if Zambrano had come to bat in the 8th and hit another homer? Could he have stopped at third base because he wanted to hit for the cycle? He could have just stood at third with his arms folded, shaking his head, saying, “No. I’m not scoring. I want the cycle.”
What if Zambrano had been a double short of the cycle? Had he hit the base of the wall, causing Conor Jackson to give chase back toward the infield, might he have stopped at second just to ensure he recorded the cycle? Would Piniella have been pissed if a triple was obtainable? If so, what phrase do we have to commemorate the occasion of hitting a single, two triples, and a homer? It’s not a cycle. It’s better. But nobody ever remembers it.
If a player can deliberately underachieve in order to “hit for the cycle,” should we say that he “hit for the cycle”? And who decided to call it “hitting for the cycle”? FOR the cycle? Why not IN a cycle? Why a cycle? Why not “hitting for the sequence” or “covering all the bases”?
Z.Z. Zoot
I don't know if something that's happened less than 300 times
in over 100 years of baseball is “stupid”.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
The hope is no...
2 seasons ago ( I believe) DLee was a triple short and knocked one similarly off the wall and likely could have made third but held up at second (I believe) so as to preserve the run. I think that Lou expects that of all of his players.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Apr 29, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Why it's not
In one game, it requires:
- A minimum of 4 safeties.
- Power to hit a HR.
- Speed to hit the triple, maybe even the double and HR.
That is a lot to expect. And since it’s done rarely (quick, when was the last time a Cub did it?), it’s worth noting.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
Mark Grace? 1993?
That is my guess – we might have had one sooner but that is the last one i remember.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
It was my guess
…and stated above because of its rarity.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
by blackhawk24 on Apr 29, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Grace's cycle on May 9, 1993 was the Cubs' last one.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+1 on the stupidity of the cycle...
… as it often speaks as much about a players speed as his hitting. A double for Z may be a triple for a speedier player, and its likely the ONLY way Z sees third base on his own hit is as he trots by after a home run… the fact is, the man isn’t built to reach 3rd on anything in the park.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Chase Field is probably one of the parks he actually could get a triple in
With those alleys, if Zambrano put the ball there, got some help from a fielder, and hustled, he probably could wind up with a triple.
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Great point... that place is mammoth...
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Apr 29, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
There and Houston seem like places he could attempt a triple
and San Diego, I suppose
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
That happened last year.
Can’t for the life of me remember who, but the guy needed a double but stretched it into a triple cos his team needed runs. The announcers and ESPN guys were stepping over each other to say how much respect they had for putting the team ahead of getting yourself in the record books.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 29, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
It's also good to see Soriano
still hitting after getting nailed in the helmet.
I'm convinced the hops before catching fly balls...
…replenishes his mana and hit points. HP/MP BOOST!
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Sadly, I did too...
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
You are trying to score from 3rd on a short fly ball to left field
Roll 1d20 for your saving throw
1-19: Soriano guns you down at the plate on a perfect strike
20: The catcher misplays Soriano’s throw and you make it in safe
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 29, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
What if they play their Cloak of Invisibility?
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 29, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Or
have +10 cleats of quickness
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
Then Lou simply plays
“Dirt Clot of Unfortuante Timing” and the runner trips.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 29, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
We are getting what we paid for this season
He very well could be making a MVP run this season.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
Pat said something last night about him being more selective
That can’t hurt
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 29, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
The two day hiatus from leadoff aside
He really has done a better job looking at pitches. Very nice to see.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
Last season Aramis got more selective; this season Soriano appears to be
If both of those players maintain that role, Gerald Perry needs a raise.
Derrek Lee is good.
Soriano is seeing the ball
really well right now. Len said the same thing, he isn’t swinging at the low outside breaking pitches like he does when he is in a bit of a funk. Right now, Soriano is forcing the pitchers to throw him strikes and that only means good things.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Fukudome...
Still very early, but if he keeps this up, anyone think he’ll be making his 2nd straight All-Star appearance?
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Apr 29, 2009 10:17 AM CDT reply actions
Cubs fans can vote anyone in
I still want all 8 starters to be Cubs this year. I do think Dome will get voted in because of all the Cubs fans in the world.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
Seems like the voters on the other side of the pacific are Chicago
style voters at heart. They go with the early and often mantra.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Looks like Dome will get today off
Not a bad idea considering we are facing a lefty. Who can complain about more Reed anyway?
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
from RotoWorld
Kosuke Fukudome will be given an off day Wednesday.
Fukudome has played in each of the Cubs’ first 19 games this season. He’s off to a solid start, batting .358/.482/.627 with four home runs and 15 RBI.
Source: Cubs.mlb.com
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
I dont think
that anyone can complain about more Reed (like more cowbell)…Just don’t bat him cleanup…
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
can he
strike them out? or just make awesome catches at the all…
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
*wall
dangit…its pretty bad when your making fun of a typo and then make one yourself…
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
Here goes Al again
stealing the low hanging fruit. (No Pie jokes here, please)
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Hey, I love Geo as much as anybody,
but I gotta say that I have not seen enough of Koyie yet. Let’s let him continue tearing it up until the tearing up ceases, what are we missing as of right now? Soto isn’t getting it done. Give Soto some extra time to practice/heal whatever.
Didn't really give that much thought, just don't want to see Hill on the bench right now.
Rather see him out their helping the Cubs score runs. Whatever that takes I guess.
Geez, I hope not.
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.
I have trouble seeing why we would choose to play Koyie over Soto instead of over Aaron Miles
except when Soto needs days of, or in case you believe Fontenot’s 3B defense is that much better than Koyie’s.
Derrek Lee is good.
Wait, so are you saying...
…you would put Koyie at 3B to keep Fontenot at 2B? Honestly, I haven’t given this that much thought. I just assumed it would be better to have a second baseman at third than a catcher.
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.
I think I'd keep Koyie on the bench.
It’s great to see him hitting, but I honestly don’t buy into him out-hitting Soto or Fontenot on the season. Maybe I’d buy into him out-hitting Aaron Miles, but probably not enough to be worth the defensive hit.
Derrek Lee is good.
I think there's probably a reason Koyie hasn't played 3rd
since high school and I’d rather not find out why. (I’m guessing it would be pretty brutal to watch.)
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
And Carlos Beltran is gonna win the batting title with a .395 average.
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Interesting example
Beltran is another huge talent who goes into prolonged slumps.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Huh?
“Still, the phrase “a triple short of the cycle” implies that triples are easy to come by.
--
Um, I that’s a quantitative statement, not qualitative.
If the number of donuts in your kitchen was one donut short of a dozen, that fact has no implication whatsoever that donuts are are or hard to make.
There’s plenty to pick on about the MSM and the way they present their news. This isn’t even a nit. It’s wrong.
This is exactly what we needed.
The catalyst, folks, the spark to fuel the fire.
I am, of course, referencing Theodore Lilly’s capture of Mothra and unleashing him all over Gerald Perry. God, Len and Bob were like schoolchildren they were giggling so much.
What a game to watch, the first I’ve been able to see since Saturday. Everything, literally everything, fell into place and I hope and pray this is a trend that continues. This is the Chicago Cubs fulfilling what on paper says they should be.
Win today, win the series, go .500 on this road trip. So say we all.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 29, 2009 11:42 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
So say we all!
If they can score a .500 road trip, much angst shall be relieved.
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.
Well not to be mr. dark cloud, but...
until we consistently beat good pitching I’m not going to get to excited. You can win 75 to 80 games in the NL just off of bad pitching if your team is worth a crap. However going back to the last couple years, the Cubs rarely do well against the Danny Haren and likes of his caliber. They also struggle with soft lefties (we’ll see tonight). Just saying. We hit Todd Wellemeyer hard (as we should) We hit Petit hard (as we should). Now let us win a few against some strong arms and I’ll feel better.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Apr 29, 2009 12:17 PM CDT reply actions
Yes, opening day
And Lohse, who is a pretty good pitcher, at least when he has a Cardinal uniform on.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
I'm not saying we NEVER beat good pitching
I’m saying we constently struggle and make few adjustements against good pitching. And before you say, well everyone struggles against top flight pitching, I would just point at the difference between say the Cubs and Red Sox. When is the last time you saw the Red Sox be flat out overwhelmed by anyone. The Cubs just struggle to compete against the leagues best at times.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Apr 29, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Scott Kazmir shut down the Sox earlier this month.
1 run over 6 innings.
The Cubs, when their lineup is healthy, have the ability to wear down starters by taking pitches and being patient, even when a starter is “on.” Then they get into the bullpen/lesser pitchers and beat those. This trait is what I think helps separate the Cubs from other teams.
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 Bill Potter on Apr 29, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Kazmir has the Red Sox number
I’m not sure of the exact stats, but if I believe he always shuts them down.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
I would like to point out that the reason
pitchers are considered good is because they beat good offenses consistently, not the other way around.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 29, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I think we're missing the bigger picture here...
…which is that, had Z hit for the cycle, he would have have been the first pitcher to do so EVER. The only reference I could find online to a pitcher hitting for the cycle was on WikiAnswers.com, and I don’t think it really counts: Jimmy Ryan, center fielder for the CUBS, hit for the cycle on July 28, 1888, and pitched in a 21 to 17 win over the Detroit Wolverines.
Can anyone back me up or refute my research?
When Z-hit his homerun last night
the d-back commentator said he would be the first pitcher to ever hit for the cycle.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
last night on the broadcast they stated the same facts
no straight up pitcher has ever done it. I was sad to see big Z not get the chance (even though I understood why) I think?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Apr 29, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Len said the exact same thing last night.
I think the same guy also had twenty leadoff homeruns which tied in with Soriano.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on Apr 29, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Al-
Why the big rant at the media for the comment “a triple short of a cycle”? I missed that part of the broadcast. He was in fact a triple short of a cycle. Were they acting like he was chump if he didn’t pick up a three bagger?
No...
… I just don’t care for the phrase, makes it sound like it’s easy to get a triple, when in fact, that’s probably the most difficult of the four hits to get.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Agreed.
In fact I was watching the game with a friend of mine who is not a Cubs fan and isn’t familiar with our roster. I was pointing out what a great hitter Z is. And the very words from my mouth were ‘he has almost hit for the cycle tonight but a triple is the hardest to get’.
He added that when he played ball in high school it seemed like the pitcher was always the best all around athlete.
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