How long should Cubs give Fukudome in the 2 hole?
by lemon20pie on Apr 7, 2009 4:24 AM CDT
282 comments
Alright, while I personally don't think Fuku will ever have much of a significant career in the Majors, I am willing to give him some time to produce as the type of player the Cubs imagined him to be. I've stated here before why I don't think Fuku will ever live up to most Cubs expectations at the plate and that is his god awful terrible diving swing, which doesn't allow him to stay back on anything off speed and away and when he does hit the pitch, it's nothing but a weak flyball to LF (Sutcliffe said basically word for word the same thing, on last nights game - so, to whoever said they wouldn't listen to me because I don't have a "trained eye", do you think Sutcliffe has a trained eye?).
Anyway, having said that, I think that maybe if he is still struggling after this week, he needs to be moved down in the order at the very least and maybe even hit 8th. I would put Fontenot in the 2 hole, who I have much more confidence in and I imagine Lou would too, who could shake things up and would be a good hit and run guy as well.
Not at all saying this after one game and is in no way a knee jerk reaction, but even the staunchest Fuku fan must admit his struggles in the 2nd half last year and it's due to pitchers making the adjustment to him and so far what Ive seen from him in the WBC, ST and today, I don't see any signs of him making an adjustment as his swing looks exactly the same as last year.
Who would you put in the 2 hole if Fuku continues his struggles at the plate?
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Somethings gotta give
Eventually somethings gotta give and its not going to be pretty. Is it possible for him to have gotten worse than last year? Maybe its hard for him now to hit at all with his improved ‘core training’. Its definitely a debacle. Honestly I don’t think we are going to have to worry about where he hits at all, more like whether he stays on the roster at all.
by jeff_pico on Apr 7, 2009 6:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why do you think that he was so bad last year?
His offensive production was about league average, and he played excellent defense.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 2:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Average for *what* league?
Not Major League Baseball.
For the season, he wound up with a 90 OPS+, which means that he was ten percent worse than the average player.
In the second half, he posted a 70 OPS+, which may have been the worst starting offensive player in the league. For the last 2 months, his OPS+ was below 50, which is practically unprecedented. You expect pitchers to hit like that, not $12M corner outfielders.
Moreover, his defense was adequate. Above average to a certain extent. Not “excellent”. He had 5 errors and only 6 assists as a right fielder. He had a plus UZR, but his range factor and fielding % were both substantially below average.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 8, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes average for Major League Baseball
First of all, OPS underrates Fukudome, because it treats a point of slugging as valuable as a point of OBP, when in reality OPB is more important to scoring runs. Fukudomes wOBA (which weighs slugging and on base percentage accordingly) was .328 which is only a hair below average.
Furthermore, his defense WAS great. UZR is an all encompassing stat. It takes into account how many runs a guy saved because of range, errors and arm relitive to average. Fukudome was 13 runs above average over 150 games, which makes him the second best right fielder in baseball (defensively).
Also, when you talk about fielding percentage, you should really think about what you are saying. Fukudome mad 5 errors, if he had only made 3, than he would have a very good fielding percentage. Do you really think that those couple of extra errors (all in all would have saved about 1 run) make that big of a difference?
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
UZR is also a subjective stat.
At some point, someone has to make a judgment call about whether a batted ball is a “fly” or a “line drive”, whether it was hit “hard” or “medium” or “soft”, and a description of the trajectory of the ball. Even the determination of which sub-zone a chance occurs in is less than objective.
It’s a very good stat, and tells far, far more than simple fielding % or range factor (which I describe as “olde tymey” somewhere in this thread.)
That being said, there is a substantial amount of subjectivity involved, and room for error.
Moreover, it absolutely does not take arm into account, which, for a right-fielder, is an important part of the game, and one where Fukudome has proven to be exceedingly average.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 8, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fangraphs uses ARM rating in their UZR formulas
Fukudome is -0.1, so he is pretty much average in terms of throwing out and holding runners. When you say arm “which, for a right-fielder, is an important part of the game” that is actually a facade. Arm is important, however it isn’t nearly as important as range. You can see that by the spread of talent in arm v. range.
ARM last year, varied from Brian Giles’ -9.4 runs to Hunter Pence’s +8.6, while RngR had a much bigger spread in between Brad Hawpes -33.3 runs and Carl Crawford’s +21.2.
That means that there is a limited amount of runs a player can saved or give up with his arm, vs. a much higher amount a person can save or give up with his glove.
And yes, you are right about UZR having a lot of room for error, however it is the best stat that we have. Usually, over enough innings, the error bars on UZR start to fade away as the subjectivity of batted balls tends to even out. At over 1,100 innings in right, Kosuke is starting to approach that point when we can confidently say that he is an excellent defender.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe you need to give him 30 games to see exactly what you have
and whether to cut his playing time and look to revamp the lineup. Whether Bradley can cover center or Johnson becomes more of the everyday player will require Lou experimenting.
As for hitting in the #2 spot, I’m thinking more around 10 games. Fact is, I believe Fontenot is better suited for #2 because he can drive the ball.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 7:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Another option
is to bring Edmonds back and use the same platoon combo as last year since it was so effective and bench F-Dome. I’m an optimist and I hope he does well so it doesn’t get to that, but in reality Edmonds would come relatively cheap and he and Reed put up solid combined numbers.
Life is a crazy game of poker
by Steve Sax on Apr 7, 2009 7:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Ed has gas in the tank, maybe, but
I thought I was reading he only wanted to play for a decent contract in the $5M range. I assumed he wasn’t an option because of the cost.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the moment Edmonds is taking in zero dollars.
I’d bet that as the season goes on he’d ask for less.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 7, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps.
Right now, I’m hoping the doings of Jim Edmonds don’t matter to the Cubs at all during this season.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's worth thinking about.
He was really, really good in his role last year. Maybe he can only hit opposite-sided pitching at this point, but dang, I’d like to see him fail a little bit before completely throwing in the towel and pulling the trigger for a year of Fukudome in center.
If the price is right, and the Cubs are getting zero production out of CF, why not bring out the Reed/Jed platoon for a reunion tour? Reed/Jed was one of the best CF in the league last year!
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
by cubsluver22 on Apr 7, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure how long he will last @ all with the CUBS...
If he doesn’t perform and perform in the first 2 months, then I think they legitimately look to trade him and bring in another big name - we have the money right now and he would still be good trade bait.
I’m still willing to give him a chance, but after last years 2nd half and clearly it’s just opening day…he looks like he’s headed down the same path.
I hope for his sake he’s not…because I remember the electicity @ wrigley early last year and he DID come up with clutch hits….not to mention he’s pretty strong on defense…
Another area I dont agree - he’s a solid defenseman, but NOT centerfield….keep him in right….but I know that’s where Bradley is, but….I’m just not sure he’s a centerfielder either…
Go gettem Fuku!
by CLTCubby on Apr 7, 2009 8:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Only way to trade Kosuke is for Hendry to eat around $35,900,000 of his remaining $36,000,000 contract
by BLou on Apr 7, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not quite accurate.
I’m willing to bet that we could find a suitor for the $400K minimum for 2010 and 2011, and $399K for the remainder of this year.
But then the new team would have to have Kosuke on their roster….
OK, you’re pretty much accurate.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say you give him a solid month...
If he struggles, I think you switch him and Theriot. If he STILL struggles, then it’s time to start thinking about AAA to save his career.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Apr 7, 2009 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree, but if he is struggling do you keep him hitting at #2?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree............
but don’t move him around in the line-up. Leave in the #2 hole where he belongs and see what he can do.
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
by Clutche on Apr 7, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I see it in stages.
Leave him at #2 for 10-15 games, if he is in free fall, give him another 10-20 games in the 7 or 8th spot. After that he’s either proven himself an everyday player or anything goes.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's 32! How much of his career is left to save!?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice title
How long should Cubs give (it) to Fuku in the 2-hole you ask?
I’d say the fans will start giving it to him in the 2 hole pretty soon if he doesn’t start at least showing strong AB and drawing some walks. That’s the only way he’ll get some grace from the fans if he doesn’t at LEAST get some hard hit outs.
Again, nice post. Giggles…
"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett
by The Ryno and I Know on Apr 7, 2009 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good Lord Ryno
It’s only 8:30 in the morning! Shouldn’t that kind of material be saved for a little later in the day?! No, actually. It’s funny no matter the hour.
Fukudome does noooot look good offensively. At this point, though, he has to be given enough time to conclusively, indisputably fly or fall. If he still looks this God awful after three to four weeks then, as Slakkr says below, it’s probably time for that plan B. What that is, specifically, I don’t know.
"I sail now?" - Bob Wiley
by OmahaCub on Apr 7, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
By hitting 2nd
Dome will see more fastballs than at the end of the order. I believe Lou is putting him in a spot where he is most likely to succeed. If he fails in the 2 hole, he fails, and the Cubs have enact plan B.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on Apr 7, 2009 8:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Post game live last night
on Comcast they were saying the same thing about the 2 hold. More fastballs here than anywhere. Hollingsworth said the 8 hole is harder because of the variety of situations that can be presented to the #8 hitter batting ahead of the pitcher. I think there is a short leash, but for this much money they will give him the benefit of the doubt for a while.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Apr 7, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Fukudome is in a position where I don’t think his bat is terribly detrimental to the lineup. The 2 spot is good for him. If you can’t hit fastballs you don’t belong in the league. Also, if he strikes out, DLee is behind him to do some damage.
At the same time, Lou won’t give him a long leash. That’s probably common knowledge. But it surprised me when Gathright was subbed in for Fukudome last night because Gathright is a defensive sub and that’s pretty much the only thing that Fukudome has going for him right now
"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher
by Musicdude10 on Apr 7, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Fukudome was being sent a message.
He didn’t play a great CF last night (or really, throughout the spring), and Lou is obviously not nuts about his offense.
As for Dome batting #2…. well…. I understand the rationale for it. Really I do. And if he could go back to being Mr. OBP, then it would be awesome. And frankly, batting him second gives him the best chance he’s going to get to be a successful, line-drive type of hitter, which is probably his best-case scenario at this point. So go with it for now.
But do you really trust Dome to make contact in any situation, ever? Batting him second completely takes the hit-and-run out of the equation. Moreover, it increases the odds of him getting one more at-bat than the more productive hitters who follow him.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question
Can Dome forfeit the remainder of his contract and return to his home country without any penalty to us??
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
by cubsluver22 on Apr 7, 2009 8:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe but why would he?
I mean, would you return 40 million dollars if you didn’t have to?
by bluekoolaide on Apr 7, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no I wouldn't
and dont expect him too but just didnt understand how that worked. I guess he wouldnt be allowed to ever play in the mlb again??
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
by cubsluver22 on Apr 7, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, no, that's not right either.
If Fukudome wanted to walk away from his contract, he wouldn’t get paid. So he won’t do that.
If the Cubs want to release him, they still have to pay him his $12M annually. Like how the Tigers are still paying Sheffield. Or how the A’s were paying Kendall for us in 2007.
If the Cubs release him, he’s free to go whereever. The new team would probably pay him the league minimum, which counts as a set-off against the Cubs’ obligation.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know all that
Basically what I was throwing out there was the prospect that Dome says I don’t wanna ride the bench and I have failed, I wanna take my family and go back home where my baseball skills are better suited. I don’t think in a million years anyone including him would forego that much money, just playing a little what if.
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
by cubsluver22 on Apr 7, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My suspicion is...
… that if he does fail this year and wants to go back to Japan, he and the Cubs will negotiate a buyout of the last two years. They won’t owe him $24 million.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 7, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Question: Can someone give me $36 million for no particular reason? Thanks.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
I suspect the player’s union would want to say something about that.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 7, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sandberg did it.
He walked away from his deal and retired, and the Cubs didn’t owe him anything on his contract.
Union can’t stop a player from retiring from MLB.
That being said, Fukudome isn’t going to walk away from $36M.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kosuke sucks
His hitting approach hasn’t changed one iota from last season and on top of that he is a defensive liability in center. Cut to the chase and hand the centerfield job to Johnson and Gathright. The offense and the defense will be much more productive and reliable. Kosuke and his $12 million per can rot on the bench.
by BLou on Apr 7, 2009 9:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You make my day........
with all your pleasantries………….but to bench him after one game would be foolish
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
by Clutche on Apr 7, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why...
he so well liked on this blog! haha
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
by cubsluver22 on Apr 7, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can see your mind is made up on this issue.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. Just this issue and nothing else.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the only opinion I have ever seen Blue Mike issue as fact...
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
by Archie on Apr 7, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well there was
the one earlier where he insisted that Miles would be starting at 2nd on opening day.
by sue369 on Apr 7, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Figures you would be the one to carry a grudge.
Me personally, I’ve never witnessed anything like that.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's for sure.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 7, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
by cubsluver22 on Apr 7, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know it's a new season when the
“high school” mentality starts to come out and a certain clique can’t wait to attack BLou.
Grow up.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 7, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
seems
that you’re still not actually reading what he’s saying and what we’re 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 7, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lmao
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
by cubsluver22 on Apr 7, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd give him
Negative 2 games there. If he can produce in the 8 spot, then I’d think about moving him back up.
by Woodstock on Apr 7, 2009 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is going to go down as the worst move Hendry made as GM
It still blows my mind to think that he could scout this guy for two years and never pick up on what a flawed hitting approach he had.
At the same time I read that Pinella immediately had alarm bells going off after seeing him hit only briefly in ST last year.
We all pretty much know what’s going to happen; he’ll be dropped from the 2 hole within a week or two…they’ll start to platoon him…and gradually his playing time will decrease.
At that point it’s just a matter of time before they eat a chunk of salary and dump him on somebody else or bite the bullet and buy out his contract completely.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 7, 2009 9:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They owe him $36 million
He’ll be working on his swing next spring training, and the spring training after that. He is a Cub; nobody is going to take him and dumping him serves no purpose.
by dr stabbingworth on Apr 7, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately
I think that you are correct, sir.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
by Archie on Apr 7, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would free up a roster spot.
Assuming that what we’re seeing is all that we’re going to get with Dome, would you rather have:
Dome for $12M annually
or
Edmonds for ~$3M + eating Dome’s $12M salary?
I understand the “once bitten” attitude we all have after re-signing Gaetti in ‘99. But Edmonds was phenomenal last year in his platoon role. Even if he had fallen off, he’d be pretty good.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're already platooning him.
And, honestly, Dome’s “deeply flawed” hitting style doesn’t look all that different from either of the Matsui’s. That’s how Japanese hitters learn to swing the bat. Can we give the guy more than four frakkin’ ABs?
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The difference is that they're much more disciplined hitters
And it’s not four ab’s-he had over 500 last year and, as we all know, he regressed as the season wore on which is, of course, a sure sign that the pitchers around the league caught on to his flaws.
But the main thing or me is when I hear a guy like Sutcliffe talk about Dome’s flaws. Ultimately we’re all just fans who probably don’t know half as much as we sometimes think we do. But when a former CY winner points this stuff out it carries A LOT of weight.
Hey, I would LOVE to be wrong about this. I’d love to see the lightbulb go on in Dome’s head and get it all figured out and I’ll be the first one to eat crow if he does. But, let’s be honest, the chances don’t look good.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 7, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, they're certainly going to.
No one is going to admit they made a $48M mistake one game into Year 2 of a 4-year deal.
That being said, it looks for all the world like this was a $48M mistake.
So, at what point would you pull the plug? It’s an arbitrary decision, no matter when you do it. You have to leave the $$ considerations out of it — that money’s been spent. Would you clench your teeth and ride this thing out to the bitter end, hoping that maybe Year 4 is when he’ll turn things around and start hitting like a $12M outfielder?
At the end of the day, we’re looking at a 32-year-old with no history of success in MLB, riding a months-long slump in which he was the worst-hitting everyday player in the league.
There comes a point when a team that fancies itself a championship contender has to do what needs to be done. We’re not at that point, yet, but we aren’t far away from it, either.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Worst case, we can view
him as a good stopgap until some season has passed and some financially strapped teams fall away from the pack and attendance slows.
There may be some very good players available by mid June.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou will be
the one to decide when enough is enough. I’m glad I don’t have to make those decisions. Who knows Dome may start lighting it up. I know it looks doubtful right now but I like to think positive.
by sue369 on Apr 7, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
D98 yer on a crusade
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
by Emelie on Apr 7, 2009 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clearly.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two simple questions, two simple answers.
1. One month (at least).
2. Mike Fontenot.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 9:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm lovin on the Hamster.
Watching the game with my son, I boldly declared that he is becoming my favorite Cub.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was REALLY happy to see him have a good Opening Day.
His swing is lookin’ great – especially that opposite field double.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
by Archie on Apr 7, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets not forget
Who had a awesome opening day just a year ago
by shastamasta on Apr 7, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, right, sure.
Let’s spread the Dome hysteria to Fontenot.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fontenot in the 6th seems more beneficial to me
Not just b/c hes on my fantasy team, but he’s shown he’s got the pop (or he’s beginning to show) to hit behind Lee/Ramirez/Bradley.
Would you really want Ramirez or Soto on base with Fukudome our only hope for driving them in?
If Lou wasnt so obsessed with alternating Lefties and Righties, I’d put Theriot back up there.
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 7, 2009 9:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If the Cubs keep winning, Lou will give him every opportunity to
succeed. If the ofense struggles, Lou will move him down. The consensus here is that he should be on a slow boat back to Japan, but if he can regain some of the mojo he had last year, this offense will be unstoppable. There is no rush. In this division, the Cubs have the luxury of taking the time to let this thing unfold slowly. I think Lou will let him play himself out of the lineup rather than suddenly yank him after a few games.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 7, 2009 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you that, as long as the Cubs win, Lou will take his time with him
But, on the other hand, I think it’s VERY dangerous for us to go into this season expecting the division title to be a cakewalk.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 7, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not going to be a cakewalk, but you have to admit that the competition is bit flawed. The Cubs clearly have
the best team in this division. When your biggest concern is middle relief, chances are you have a pretty decent team. Of course they still have to play the ganes, but I like the Cubs chances to prevail in this division.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 7, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do too
But i also liked their chances in ’85 and ’04, etc.
When it comes to the Cubs I’ve learned to NEVER take anything for granted.
Middle relief IS a question mark. I have no confidence in Harden’s “durability”. I think Dempster is coming off of a career year and could easily revert back to the .500 pitcher he’s been in the past.
Also, injuries happen.
And I’ve also learned to NEVER underestimate a Tony LaRussa team.
Of course these are all sort of worst case scenarios but i still don’t want to jinx them by being too optimistic.
It’s funny, but the only thing in life that I’m even remotely superstitious about is the Cubs.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 7, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your superstitions are well founded.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 7, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would be seen as a recovery from Dome at this point?
If he hit – 260/340/400 for the rest of the year, and eliminated the shoddy CF defense, would we be happy? (Note – i’m not saying that he’d be worth the money for that line, i’m just wondering what exactly we need to justify keeping him in the lineup?)
I don’t believe he’ll ever hit for power, but I still have a lot of faith in his ability to draw a walk. He fell into some awful habits last season, and started chasing a lot of pitches that he would normally leave alone. I think once he gets comfortable with himself at the plate again, that he can still be a solid (OBP oriented) hitter. Certainly not a superstar, but not exactly a liability either.
I like him in the 2 hole when he’s got his head screwed on properly. He’ll take a lot of pitches which will let the Fonz swipe a few more bags, and any walks he does draw will help the RBIs of the big hitters behind him.
by MadHatterBlues on Apr 7, 2009 10:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd be a little disappointed in that OBP.
Bump it up to .350, .360 and I’d absolutely be satisified. But, otherwise, I agree. Fukudome, like seemingly all Japanese players, is very sound fundamentally – the (theoretically) perfect guy for the two-hole.
If he can just iron out some of the glitches in centerfield – show some authority, make some good grabs, maybe gun down a runner or two – he should be able to maintain his playing time as long as he can show Lou something, anything offensively.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watching the replay of his 2008 Opening Day HR...
… there was a huge difference in his swing on that play, and what we are seeing now.
I think he needs to sit down and watch some more video of himself from the first two months of last year, when he was going well.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 7, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that home run in spring training looked pretty authoritative, didn't it?
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was hit off one of the HoHoKams.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 7, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A thing of beauty it was.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Apr 7, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, actually it was hit off Royals closer Joakim Soria.
Y’know, the guy 3.47 K/BB and .861 WHIP last season?
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, but
I assumed that was why the team sent the video coordinator to Japan to work
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He prefers to be called Dome.
Dough-MAY.
I think Fuku is derogatory.
Dan
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
by dtpollitt on Apr 7, 2009 10:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree, but I gave up fighting this battle a long time ago.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree Dan
and I have asked several times in here for people to respect his wishes but obviously they don’t care.
by sue369 on Apr 7, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why is it derogatory?
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
by Clutche on Apr 7, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FU............
is derogatory
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
by Clutche on Apr 7, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You honestly don't see it?
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 7, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think his play is derogatory.
But yea. The name kinda is too…
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 7, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He looks awful
but it’s one game! Give him 100 AB’s or so and see where he’s at. Lou seems soooooooooooo intent on having that LRLRLR in his order……personally……….I think Reed Johnson would do fine in the 2 hole regardless of which side he hits from. Are his career numbers against rhp that bad???
by plenz on Apr 7, 2009 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
His career OPS vs. RHP is well over 100 points lower.
I’d agree that he’d likely make a fine No. 2 vs. LHP.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everybody, just relax...
You can talk all you want about Dome being bad defensively in CF, but he hasn’t seen enough time out there to even draw that conclusion. There are some simple facts that we all must remember. One: Dome has only played one regular season game this year, just like all the other Cubs. Two: The options we have for CF, (Joey/RJ), are not everyday players, and benching Dome and platooning Joey/RJ would weaken the bench, and expose the outfield. Three: Because of the first two facts mentioned above, the Cubs NEED Dome in center, even if he hits like crap. He should be left in the two spot, where he can use his plate discipline to draw walks, and see more fastballs to gear up his bat.
To all you Chicken Littles… the sky is not falling, and for you to continue to insist that it is, makes me ill.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 7, 2009 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Don't throw up on me......................
I agree…………………. he needs at least a month to prove his ability to contribute
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
by Clutche on Apr 7, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on the one month
If by May 1 or so things aren’t working, there will be plenty of options for Trader Jim.
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 7, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No great options, though.
Moving Fukudome will require a pretty substantial cash outlay — i.e., about 90% of the amount remaining on his deal. Of course, they won’t need that up front – they can just keep writing him checks as they do now.
Keeping him, under those circumstances, isn’t a great option, either, because you’d need to open a roster spot to add his replacement. If Fukudome is designated as the “5th OF/25th man”, the odd man out would presumably be Gathright.
The obvious replacement is Edmonds, and frankly, the sooner they make the call, the quicker he can get himself back up to speed.
If Edmonds is truly done, then Jim can start looking around the league.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, the options aren't great
But I think the Cubs could still use him as a 4th/5th outfielder if needed, spelling Bradley in RF on some days and letting Johnson handle CF on a regular basis.
The Cubs could still find 1-2 starts for Fukudome a week, giving their starting outfield (presumably Soriano/Johnson/Bradley) a rest, while allowing Fukudome to work on his swing mechanics.
If the Cubs don’t want to go that route, then I would agree on looking into Edmonds. Other players may become available as the year progresses, too, and teams run out of money/fall out of contention.
Though for now, I would continue to advocate giving Fukudome around 100 at bats to show he can still hit and get on base.
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 7, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely.
And I think that’s what’s most likely to happen.
I assume that Fukudome will be somewhat better this year than he was in the 2nd half last year.
He’d better be, because an argument can be made that he was the worst hitter in all of MLB during the second half last year, and making $12M to boot.
If, on the other hand, he doesn’t improve, then the Cubs are just going to have to eat his deal. He isn’t even worth that 4th/5th OF spot if he’s a .195 hitting corner OF.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You say Dome should stay in center if he hits like crap
But Gathright and RJ are better defensively in center. So he can’t hit and cant field but you want to keep him out there.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 7, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong.
Dome is an excellent defensive outfielder, who both knows the routes to take to get to the ball, and has the arm to play the position. RJ is a great OF as well, but is he better defensively than Dome? I don’t think so. Gathright is simply not a better OF than Dome, he lacks the arm, and takes dubious routes to the ball- why do you think he has been for the most part a career back-up? Dome needs to stay out there for the simple reason that the Cubs DO NOT have any better options.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 7, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both are better defensively in CENTER than Dome
Dome has no clue how to play center, he plays very deep which already got him burnt once. Dome is a fine defender in right, but it isn’t translating in center right now.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
can we give him
more than one game?
"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 8, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I respectfully disagree with you.
If Dome had no clue, he would never have played there last year, and Lou wouldn’t put him in CF this year. If Dome is an excellent RF, playing in Wrigely, then he can play CF; RF at Wrigley is arguably the toughest OF spot to play in all MLB. Dome has played the OF for the majority of his career. Dome has the wheels. Dome understands routes, and has a much better arm than either RJ or Joey.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't understand how being a good RF automatically means you can be a good CF
Last season Lou put Dome in center early in the season and it backfired so he said he was just going to keep him in right. I have no argument that in right field Dome is a great fielder, but to think that because of that he can move over to center and still be good is flawed logic IMO.
From watching him play there in the WBC (where he couldn’t even play) and now here in ST and the regular season the evidence suggests that he isn’t anything better than an average defender in center. He has had trouble reading balls, he plays too deep, and he was making an error a day out there the last week of spring.
I know people here are desperate to see him succeed (and I would really like him to be good too) but his performance last season at the plate lost him his job in right where his defense was a plus for the team. Now he is in center where he is noticeably less able and needs a lot of work before he is the “best center fielder on the team”.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defensive spectrum
I don’t understand how being a good RF automatically means you can be a good CF
Historically, players who move from right field to center field will be about 10 runs worse. However, because Fuku was so good in right, he should still be able to be a slightly above average defender in center.
The fact that he struggled there, was probably because he has very little experience. However, he definitely possesses the range to play center. With more experience, he should do fine.
An average defender in center, combined with Fukudome’s average bat with the potential to be better than that, makes for a pretty valuable player.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All that adds up to a very average player
Which I have no problem with if he is consistently average.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
An average player
is a lot more valuable than most people think.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playing a superior RF in Wrigley...
(Once again arguably the toughest OF spot in all MLB), directly translates into being able to play CF at a high level. I shouldn’t have to explain that to you. It’s common knowledge. It is not flawed logic, in fact it is sound logic. Ask anyone else here who’s opinion you respect, and they will likely tell you the same.
Now, to take the ball that dropped in front of him the first game at Houston, and translate that into “he plays too deep”, is flawed logic. He had trouble reading balls in ST, however, that has a lot more to do with the ST sun, and the fact that it is spring training, than reading balls, or the routes that he took to them.
His performance at the plate last year did not lose him his job in RF this year, the team wanted to get more left handed, and the best available player was Bradley, who won’t play LF with Fonzie there, and no longer has the wheels to play CF. Out of the three options in CF, (Dome, RJ, Joey), Dome is the best suited to play that position this season. Playing RJ or Joey, even in a platoon, weakens the bench considerably, and exposes the entire outfield.
Dome isn’t going anywhere, not to another team, not back to Japan, and certainly not to the bench. Get used to it, stop you’re whining, and start rooting for him, he needs our support.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Fukudome had been what we thought he would be
Then Bradley wouldn’t be here because the whole left handed thing wouldn’t have been an issue. So yes Fukudome did lose his job.
Your argument about the bench being weak if RJ or Joey starts doesn’t make sense to me. Does that mean Dome being on the bench weakens it? Because if RJ starts then Dome is on the bench.
I refuse to support a crappy baseball player just because he is on the team I root for. I don’t give a crap that he hit some magical homer last season and took advantage of pitchers not knowing him for a month and a half. You can blindly support whoever you want, because I will do the same thing with some players. Until he actually starts to hit and catch the ball (I don’t give a crap about made up excuses) I’m going to criticize this guy.
Fukudome isn’t some irreplaceable player we can’t find. I’ll bet we can find plenty of players that can replace him.
I still find it amazing, and I’m not pointing at you when I say this, that Fukudome gets defended towards the death while Soriano is still getting killed by some people because of a contract or streaky hitting.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Fukudome isn't a crappy player
he is average, with the potential to be a lot better. I seriously doubt that Gathright could be anywhere near average, although RJ might be.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are so far off base...
I’m tempted to let others here, who have an understanding of the game, reply for me. However, I have a few things to say myself.
First off; even with Dome not being offensively what we thought he would be in the 2nd half last year, the Cubs still would have gone out and got Bradley. Lou wanted to get MORE left handed, and we all know Dome is left handed. So, NO, Dome did not lose his job in RF.
How does it weaken the bench? RJ is not an everyday guy, he hasn’t the back, not does he hit RH well, If RJ plays everyday, it will expose him, and in turn the entire OF. Joey is not an everyday guy either, and is our main speed threat off the bench. Play Joey everyday, and who is going to pinch run, who is going to come in and replace Fonzie should he get hurt? For that matter, what if Bradley gets hurt? It is simple, RJ and Joey are our reserve outfielders. Playing them everyday weakens the bench, exposes them, and the entire OF & bench. By the same token, Dome is ideally suited to play everyday.
Your reasoning that I support Dome blindly, is erroneous on it’s face. I don’t support him b/c he hit some “magical HR”, what the heck is a magical HR anyway? Additionally, you surmise that he took advantage of pitchers not knowing him. Uh, sorry to tell you, but it doesn’t work that way. I don’t blindly support players, i support my team. THE FACT REMAINS THAT WE NEED DOME IN CF, B/C WE HAVE NO OTHER SUITABLE OPTIONS. Why do you think Lou is playing him there, plans to continue to do so, and leave him the #2 spot?
Made up excuses? You really need to start trying to understand the game, instead of spouting off at the mouth b/c you don’t like Dome anymore. I’ll bet you were kissing his butt when he was going great guns last year…
Lastly; like Dome, don’t like Dome, I really don’t care. However, do not confuse your dislike and non support of him with the FACTS. Try closing your mouth, and opening your eyes and ears…
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The FACTS are that he is a very average player
No way would Milton Bradley be here right now If Fukudome played how he was supposed to. The whole left handed thing was supposed to be solved when Fukudome arrived, instead if wasn’t solved at all. If Fukudome was such an important player as is claimed then he never would have been moved into center. He couldn’t get the job done in right field, he just couldn’t. His bat was so pathetic that Lou abandoned him in September. If he had hit then the Cubs probably would have taken a chance on Edmonds for another season splitting time with Johnson.
We don’t NEED Fukudome anywhere because this team will win the division even with him crapping all over the place like he did last year. We will still win the division with Reed Johnson playing everyday. You want FACTS, Johnson’s career batting average against RH Pitchers is higher than Fukudome’s .268/.251. Johnson can also hit lefty’s better .313/.278, so tell how is Fukudome better suited to play everyday? How? Johnson is a better hitter over his career and has shown that he can play center without much problem. The numbers says Reed Johnson is better, my eyes and ears say the same thing.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gimme a break.
The sample sizes are completely different.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At what sample size will all the Fukudome lovers just give it up?
I know the excuses will stop at some point
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, that's just it.
I don’t even consider myself a Fukudome “lover” at this point (at least not without drinks and dinner first). But the man has four (4) major league ABs so far this season. Four. And I get a little irritated with all of these so-called Cubs fans circling him like vultures waiting for him to fail so they can pick apart his bones with “I told you so’s.”
My position is this: Be patient, be reasonable. Give the guy at least a month. If he truly struggles at the plate and shows nothing in that time, Lou will likely pull him from the lineup and the end of Kosuke Fukudome as a Chicago Cub may well be at hand. Then you can tell all of us how right you were all along. Giving up on the guy not three games into the season strikes me as somewhat ridiculous.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The who's the CF?
You think Reed and Gathright are a good platoon or do the Cubs make a trade?
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 8, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they make a trade.
To be honest, I’m not sure who’s available. But, yeah, in the meantime, it would be Gathright and RJ in centerfield (unless perhaps RJ impresses Lou enough to win the job outright). I think that’s why Gathright was acquired and practically guaranteed a roster spot in the first place – as insurance against either an unplayable Dome or an injured Milton Bradley.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't talk to me anymore about Dome.
You don’t know what you are talking about, and I don’t want to have to tell you to “get stuffed.”
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We will still win the division with Reed Johnson playing everyday.
I simply don’t see how you come to that conclusion. Reed Johnson was played very well by Lou last year, much like Fontenot, and I think we’re going to see LBR’s numbers come down, now that he’s playing almost every day.
"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 8, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We would still win the division
It might help us more since he is a better hitter.
Seriously stashing Fukudome in the eight hole and sending him out to center on his platoon days would work fine for me. That way his bat doesn’t affect the good players and anything his offense does is a bonus. Its hitting him second and letting him take ABs away from somebody better that bothers me.
Johnson would do well enough over the course of the season to cover center and the Cubs would still win the division.
Just bat Fukudome eighth on his days and I don’t care since he will either hit enough to stay in the lineup or continue on how he has the last 4 months and one day of baseball and then he will lose another job. Right now my Fukudome issue is his batting second because the rest will take care of itself very quickly.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you keep saying things without anything to back them 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 8, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you want me to back up?
Johnson being a better hitter is covered above.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it is
because you’re not taking into account how Johnson was played. You’re projecting production for him that I don’t think you have evidence for.
Look. The Cubs have a HUGE investment in Dome. They’re not just going to let him walk away. They didn’t release Marquis last year when we all wanted that to happen, and he was owed a LOT less money.
I don’t think it’s an excuse to say “Dome has struggled, but he’s been through a lot, and we need to give him more time to get things figured out.”
"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 8, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
drew...
Do you have the time or mental energy to explain to this guy just how ignorant he sounds? I have neither. Additionally, I’m doing my best not to be derogatory on the board this year, but this guy is pushing my buttons…
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is ignorant about saying one guy is better than another
Because he has better stats?
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you need
to understand how the stats relate to each-other before simply saying “look at what I’m comparing.”
Micah Hoffpauir has great batting stats, but no one (who is serious, anyway) suggests he should be a starter for the Cubs.
"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 8, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, but again lets say that Lee struggles
HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION BELOW
He hits like crap for two months, Lou says lets give Hoffpauir a day to start, Hoffpauir does well, he gets another day, then another. After a week he is still hitting and the next thing you know Hoffpauir takes over at first and the significant investment of Lee has been replaced by Hoffpaiur. Again that is a HYPOTHETICAL NOT REAL NOR DO I THINK WILL HAPPEN situation.
The same thing is happening for real right now with Fukudome I think. Lou is putting him out there because he is the starter, but if he continues to struggle Lou is going to put Johnson out there more and more often if Johnson is the one hitting. That is what I’m trying to say is/will/might/could/might not happen. Fukudome is on a shorter leash than other starters because he couldn’t hit last season, Lou has been quoted about Johnson being out there wanting to start everyday so the seed is planted.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, fine.
IF Fukudome struggles, and IF Johnson does better against all pitchers, not just ones he’s suited to hit, then Johnson deserves the nod.
But that’s not what you’re saying. You’re saying “Pull Dome now, put Johnson in.” Johnson hasn’t proved he can do the job, and more importantly, Dome hasn’t proved he CAN’T do the job. It’s day THREE of the season, for pete’s sake. It’s not like Johnson did all that well yesterday — called out on two close plays at first, for one thing.
What you’re doing is taking non-similar sources from last year and attempting to apply them to the present. If the above hypothetical happens with Johnson and Dome, then fine. But present your argument THAT way, not “Dome sucks, put in Reed.”
If you want to do that, www.firefukudome.com is probably available.
"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 8, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well played drew...
Thanks. Now, can we talk about the wild card? LOL.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer
deuces.
"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 8, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ROTFLMAO!
I’m out for now, see ya’ll tonight in the thread(s). That means you too, nji, I ain’t mad at ya none…
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No hard feelings here either
Difference of opinion is why I like this place so much. If we all agreed all the time it would be no fun.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then thats how I will present this from now on
Tho for the record, the statement Dome sucks, put in Reed is my opinion on the situation. I’ll be more than happy to eat crow if I’m wrong.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
Dome went 4-5 tonight, with a homerun, a stolen base and a walk.
It’s not a done deal, by any stretch of the imagination, but he certainly should have opened your eyes tonight.
"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 8, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had to come in here now
He was really good tonight, but I caution everyone that this same thing happened last season and we got sucked in.
Great game for Dome tonight and I sure hope he builds on it. With Geo healthy and Dome hitting we have no offensive weakness.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
except that last season, no one was calling for him to be traded after his first game.
"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 9, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you knew then that he would be as bad as he was
I’ll bet you would have wanted a redo on his contract then.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 9, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
I wouldn’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 9, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dont't talk to me anymore about Dome.
I didn’t respond to your continued assertions, I expect the same courtesy. Let’s disagree. Can you not handle that?
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"I'm not going to argue with you. No, I'm not."
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 8, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Finally, some levity is brought to the situation...
Thanks Badg!
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 8, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm here to help!
Usually….
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 8, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou may very well end up dropping Kosuke in the order eventually.
I assume he still needs a larger sample size than four ABs to do so, however.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He isn't a better hitter than Dome
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 10, 2009 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The evidence suggests?
What evidence? Nine games in Arizona, where many players struggle defensively? Two regular season games in which he hasn’t even played a full nine innings? He had no trouble reading the ball on that deep drive by Jason Michaels last night. And he made a strong throw to second base to hold Berkman at first.
Now, Bob Brenly did mention that Kosuke was playing too deep last night. But his positioning turned out rather well given how far Michael’s drive went. And if his positioning is a problem, the Cubs have a coaching staff that should be repositioning him.
Time will tell whether Kosuke can fully adjust to centerfield, but that’s the one thing so many Cubs fans seem unwilling to give him.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What plate discipline? And what walks?
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 7, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, you've really given up on the guy, eh?
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not given up on the guy
but I think it’s unrealistic to expect the same guy we saw for the first 2 months last season, unfortunately.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 7, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you have to ask that question...
Then you really need to pay more attention. I’m not here to explain the obvious.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 7, 2009 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is what I don't understand
Why isn’t the question how much time in the batting order period should they give Dome? The resason being this: the guy clearly needs to work something out with his swing. I agree whole heartedly that is where his fault lies. My real problem though, is if he continues to struggle, without making adjustments and/or showing signs of success, when does Reed get the full time gig? Yes money will be wasted but guess what, money is already wasted if he doesn’t pan out, let’s not compromise the possible success in ’09 for that reason.
I think he needs to be dropped immediately to the 8 hole, let Fonty take over and move runners over, knock runners in, get on base, andswipe a few while he’s at it.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Apr 7, 2009 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
At least a month
probably six weeks, and you don’t move him in the lineup at all.
"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 7, 2009 11:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed..........
moving him would just create an excuse if he doesn’t excel
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
by Clutche on Apr 7, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How long did Lee get last year?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2009 12:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
In the two hole?
Not certain which way to go with this response as the question had to do with hitting and the 2 hole.
1. Lee never hit from the 2 hole last year, or
2. Until you kicked him out.
On a more serious note, Lee hit .291 over the season and his last 60+ days stunk. Dome was .230 something. If he hits .260 with a decent OBP, he survives. Now that his production is judged as a CF rather than RF, the perspective is changed.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee started hot last year
batting .364 in April/March…
And even when he dipped in May, hitting .234, he was still playing stellar defense, unlike Kosuke.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Apr 7, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome's defense in RF...
Was stellar all year last year, even when he struggled at the plate.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Apr 7, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was pretty good.
Let’s not go nuts here. He had 5 errors and 6 assists. His “olde tymey” stats (fp% and range factor) were pedestrian, even below average. His UZR was good (9.7), but there were better fielders.
Still, only 6 assists from a right fielder whose glove is the only reason he sees playing time…. I guess that, for some reason, I have some particularly awful throws from Kosuke burned into my subconscious. Didn’t he have a 10-hopper to the plate during the playoffs?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He came into the league with a reputation as a strong defensive right fielder.
The low number of assist may simply reflect other teams’ unwillingness to run on him.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those stats are now available at baseball-reference.
I didn’t know this until now – it’s pretty cool.
Dome “killed” three runners in 2008. That’s actually worse than I’d anticipated. For the season, faced with 128 total opportunities to run on Dome, 67 of those runners held (52%), and 3 were thrown out. (2.3%). The other 45-ish percent advanced.
For instance, 33 times, Dome fielded a single with a runner on 2nd. The runners scored 22 times, was held at 3rd 9 times, and was thrown out by Dome twice.
He fielded 12 fly balls with a runner on 3rd. The runner tagged and scored 7 times, held up 5 times, and was never thrown out.
He fielded 17 fly balls with a runner on 2nd. The runner tagged and advanced 5 times, held up 12 times, and was never thrown out.
One good stat for Dome – after fielding 15 doubles with a runner on first, the runner scored only 4 times, and held up at third 11 times. Of course, Dome didn’t make any plays on any of the runners.
Those stats don’t strike me as being particularly out of the ordinary, with the exception of only 4/15 runners scoring from first on a double. But with the percentage (and total amount) of guys running on Dome, I was surprised by the lack of assists.
Soriano, for instance, had a 7.5% kill percentage, and a 62% hold percentage. I realize that he’s a LF, so it’s not apples to apples.
But Bobby Abreu, for instance, had a 3.5% kill percentage last year and a 49.5% hold percentage, with 84 held runners and 6 kills. And Abreu is freaking horrible – I think he had the worst UZR in MLB among RF last year.
So I guess what I’m saying is, to the extent Dome was an above-average RF last year, he wasn’t that much above average. No one seemed to fear his arm particularly much, and as it turned out, they had good reasons not to.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 8, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No arm isn't nearly as important as range
And Fuku had a shit ton of range. And he was WAY above average.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His UZR/150 was 13.0
That ranks him 2nd among all right fielders last year. That also means that he saved nearly as many runs with his glove as D-Lee added with his bat.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 2:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you.
And for anyone out there who bought Al’s Maple Street Press Cubs Annual, Colin Wyers wrote an excellent piece about how Dome’s defensive contributions last season did much to offset his offensive struggles. Now, granted, Kosuke’s lack of playing time in centerfield leaves his effectiveness at this position somewhat questionable, but I think he absolutely lived up to his reputation as a very good defensive right fielder.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely. this should be indisputable. cripes.
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
by Emelie on Apr 8, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why should it be indisputable?
We’re talking about fielding stats. They’re far from perfect, even though they’ve improved in recent years.
So far, we know that he has one season of plus UZR in RF, and an average arm.
Moreover, even if Fukudome had been as good in RF last year as, say, Randy Winn, it would have been insufficient to offset a 50 OPS+ for the last 2 months.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 8, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
good thing the entire season counts also
And Fukudome was good in the first half
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I take it you haven't read Colin's article?
I’m not saying it’s gospel, but he makes a pretty strong case.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hate him. i have hated him for awhile.
he will never hit and he plays turrible defense in center.. Paging hollywood.
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
by fischisgod on Apr 7, 2009 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
hate's an awfully strong word
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
by Emelie on Apr 7, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know but i really hate the player that is ksuke fukudome
His new name is 36 and nothing else.
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
by fischisgod on Apr 7, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why 36?
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing because
that’s how many millions they still owe the guy for his services these next 3 years.
"Why do you always point to the sky when Zambrano starts?" My girlfriend.
"You just wouldn't get it...it's a Cubs thing..." Me.
by cubs2k8isnxtyear on Apr 7, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ohhhhh, right.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Dome
doesn’t figure it out by mid May, one out might be to trade him for another team’s bad contract. For example, I know that Sarge Jr. is sitting on the Angel’s bench, with a monster contract.
I’m not necessarily endorsing this particular deal, but suggesting that it might be an out- in a no win situation.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on Apr 7, 2009 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
By my calculation...
Matthews inked a 5 year $50 million deal in 2007, with 3 years and $30 million now left. Kosuke signed a 4 year $48 million deal, with 3 years and $36 million left. So the money is close, but not close enough I suspect. Matthews is a better ballplayer than Kosuke. One, Matthews does have a demonstrated ability to hit (at least something) while Kosuke has ceased hitting completely. Two, Matthews is a gold glove caliber centerfielder while Kosuke is struggling with the same position.
Our only hope is that Kosuke is so ashamed he sulks back to Japan and allows the Cubs to tear up his contract. But I don’t know of anybody on this earth who is going to voluntary walk away from $36 million. This whole thing is a colossal failure of scouting on the part of Jim Hendry.
by BLou on Apr 7, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this deal is possible.
Fukudome is a bit more expensive than Matthews over the next 3 years, but perhaps the Angels, as a west coast team, would see some value in the marketing potential Dome brings.
Also, Matthews is 2 years older, has 2 straight years of pretty awful performance logged already, and has been linked to HGH issues. Dome only has the one half of an awful year. The Angels may be more eager than the Cubs to make the change.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dome has "struggled" in centerfield?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you know
all that… struggling… stuff.
"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 7, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's only played a few games out there
In 12 games last year, he had a -2.3 UZR. Still, only 12 games.
I’m just mad at him for pulling up and completely blowing that bloop Texas leaguer from Matsui last night. Edmonds has that 10 times out of 10.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right, that's only 67 innings.
From what I understand, you need close to 1,000 innings to get an accurate read with UZR.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
67 innings for a fielder is like the equivalent of 20 at bats for a hitter. Would you make judgments of how good a hitter was after 20 at bats?
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 2:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not only Hendry...
There were other teams after him, the White Sox most notably. If he turns out to be a failure over here, it seems that a lot of people were wrong.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Apr 7, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand this argument...
But, empirically, it is apparent that the Cubs are the MOST after him, right? After all, they signed him.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought I read previously that
another team offered more money. Did I make that up?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
padres and sox offered more
why god?
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
by fischisgod on Apr 7, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No...
I heard this too.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Apr 7, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We needed a...
Left-handed RF with some power and OBP at that time. When Hendry wants to fill a need, he tends to go after the solution aggressively. We went after him the most because he seemed, at the time, to be a perfect fit.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Apr 7, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kosuke is a much, much better player than Matthews
Mathews isn’t a gold glove caliber fielder anymore. In fact, he is downright terrible. He can’t hit a lick either, at least Fukudome gets on base. Fukudome is a solid player with some pretty good upside, Matthews is awful.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 2:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i am all for this idea. at least sarge can play defense yes?
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
by fischisgod on Apr 7, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 3:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pardon?
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And so one game is in the past
The ledge jumpers sure came out fast
God I love this time of year!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 7, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't know what you've done
For I’ve only just begun
God I love this time of year!
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
uh oh. here we go again.
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
by Emelie on Apr 7, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Emelie had to wait so long for her cable
That it made her a tad unstable
God I love this time of year!
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Finally, left the cable guy
Emelie had other installers fish to fry!
God I love this time of year…
"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 7, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And in two months, with all day sun
It’ll be light out, when she has that fun
God I love this time of year!
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 7, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another forum
I’m pretty much 100 perrcent BCB but I used to be a regular on another forum. For fun last September we pulled up threads from when the Cubs were 0-2.
Jay is our Quarterback. Also please note my email has changed on my profile anyone who sometimes sends me emails.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 7, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
gawd
"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 7, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to know what Kosuke did this winter because I'm seeing the same damned approach to hitting from last year
by BLou on Apr 7, 2009 1:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's give him more than one regular season game before
we declare him done.
I didn’t care for what I saw last night, but no matter your opinion on how this will turn out, we need to give him the chance to pull out of it.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Apr 7, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
Unless everyone would be calling him fixed and an MVP candidate if he went 4-4 they can’t be going goofy over 1 game.
Jay is our Quarterback. Also please note my email has changed on my profile anyone who sometimes sends me emails.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 7, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I haven't heard what adjustments he was making
or how he was approaching them. I think that would be good to know.
It’s possible that what he was working on will take some additional game work to start paying dividends. Or we’ll see that what ever it was truly isn’t working.
by chitownhawkeye on Apr 7, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh...again...
…Dome’s not going to come out and announce to the world what specific changes he’s making at the plate. That would be stupid. I do know one of the primary things he was doing during the off-season was to improve his “core” strength, which, I presume, would enable him to stay on the ball a little better and not spin out so much.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If that's what he did...
… I haven’t seen any change so far.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 8, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It looks to me like he's spinning out much less dramatically.
But I’d really need a side-by-side video to know for sure.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought
he looked slightly more controlled.
Nothing huge, but I can see a little difference.
"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 8, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Micah Hoffpauir
needs a chance . trade lee for Peavy and prospects
by joesantana on Apr 7, 2009 2:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL, we'll take it under advisement.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we take it under
a six margarita lunch? Cause it appears that’s what joe there had…
"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 7, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're new here.
You managed to post about three hot button issues in one sentence. Congratulations!
Let’s take them one by one:
1) Micah Hoffpauir is not an outfielder.
2) D-Lee has a full no-trade clause and will not waive it.
3) I’m not convinced that Jake Peavy is 100% healthy.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 7, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
4)
Why the hell would the Padres want Lee?
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 2:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
there are many things that can be ridiculed about your last two posts, but mainly I just want to add that the Padres have a very good first baseman in Adrian Gonzalez.
"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
by DTJchris on Apr 7, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fuku
makes me wish we had some Pie..
The journey is the reward!
by wicubfan on Apr 7, 2009 2:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, sure. Go ahead. Throw gasoline on the fire.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha
couldn’t resist..I will never understand that trade..they are a lot smarter than me ..
The journey is the reward!
by wicubfan on Apr 7, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's why YOU will never manage the Cubs!
by joesantana on Apr 7, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait a minute ..
you have be smart to manage the Cubs?? :)
The journey is the reward!
by wicubfan on Apr 7, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey!
just trying to get a reponse.wooohooooooo!!
by joesantana on Apr 7, 2009 2:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
here ya go
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 7, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats why i can never manage the Cubs.
by joesantana on Apr 7, 2009 2:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, that's more the general manager's job.
But I know what you mean.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 7, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh
is THAT why?
"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 7, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well.........that and probably a couple other things!
by joesantana on Apr 7, 2009 2:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My quick answer
Around 100-125 AB’s. With Reed likely to get some PT in CF, this may be closer to 1.5 months. Tell him to stop worrying about driving the ball and focus on taking pitches and slapping it around a bit.
If he struggles, at that point, I move to 6 (with Soto at 7). Not 7 or 8 … because I don’t like the idea of Fukudome hitting with either Theriot/P backing him, or just the P. With Soto, he may get some fastballs at 6. Give him say, another 100-125 AB’s, which should lead us into summer.
If he continues to struggle, well, that’s when he becomes purely a bench guy.
by toonsterwu on Apr 7, 2009 2:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and the move to 2
would be Fontenot. Don’t like Theriot at 2 that much.
by toonsterwu on Apr 7, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
toonster..wrong forum but a couple (okay a lot) of questions for you.
Nick Adenhart? thoughts?
Shairon Martis? thoughts?
David Purcey/Scott Richmond? thoughts?
Cahill/Anderson? thoughts…and who do you think is going to be a better pitcher in 2009?
When do you think Matt Wieters and David Price are going to get called up this year…May/June?
Matt LaPorta/Jeff Clement/Andrew McCutchen..will any make noticeable contributions this year or possibly earn the starting jobs with their clubs? I know Garko’s blocking LaPorta and the Pirates probably want another year of arbitration for AM.
Clay Buchholz/Tommy Hanson…when do you see them being inserted into their big league rotations? This year right?
Finally, Dexter Fowler…what’s his ceiling for Colorado and when does he took over for Spilborghs/Smith?
I know this a lot of stuff to answer, all dealing with teams not named the Cubs, but you have demonstrated very good knowledge of all the teams’ farm systems and depth charts.
Thanks for your help.
"Why do you always point to the sky when Zambrano starts?" My girlfriend.
"You just wouldn't get it...it's a Cubs thing..." Me.
by cubs2k8isnxtyear on Apr 7, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll bet Aramis would love to have Fukudome hitting behind him
That would be the end of Aramis seeing fastballs
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 7, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Fonty in the 2 hole
But there’s one problem I have with it. Theriot will probably then be batting 7th. If that happens, and he bats 300 again, nobody is there to drive him in. So Lou, I know you’ll never do this, but put the pitcher 8th and Theriot 9th.
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 7, 2009 3:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 7, 2009 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
iF
If he had gone 4-4 yesterday would you be calling for him to play everyday?
So calling for him to be removed based on one game is no more ridiculous.
Jay is our Quarterback. Also please note my email has changed on my profile anyone who sometimes sends me emails.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 7, 2009 4:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Of course not.
He was a 31 YEAR OLD ROOKIE!!!
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He went 4 for 4 today :)
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
by SackMan on Apr 8, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
4 for 5 actually
with a BB and a HR.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
by Archie on Apr 9, 2009 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
he does the honorable thing and voids the contract and says goodbye.
"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"
by wild bill on Apr 7, 2009 5:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Or at least...
Accepts a buyout if it becomes apparent that it’s over for him in MLB.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Apr 7, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that if he doesn't turn it around this year...
… that is a likely outcome.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Apr 7, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope to god he does
Don’t get me wrong, I love Reed, but I just don’t see him being an everyday CF. He could platoon with Gathright, or they could make a trade. But I’d much rather have Dome producing than any of those, unless they get like Gardy Sizemore, which won’t happen.
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 7, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As dissapointing as Fukudome was last year...
he may end up easily earning his contract. Due to great defense (13.0 UZR/150 in right) and a pretty decent .359 OPB, he was roughly a league average player last year. That kind of production is worth around 9 million on the free agent market. Most projection systems think that he will improve a lot offensively, with the most optomstic being CHONE.
It projects Fuku to have a .274/..368/.429 slash line. Over 600 plate appearances, that would make him worth around 13 runs above average offensively. If Fukudome plays mostly center this year, his defense may take a hit. If you call him an average defender in center and then add in the positional adjustment, he would be worth around 2 runs above average defensively.
So overall, he projects to be around 15 runs better than average. Add in a replacement level adjustment, and he becomes a 3.5 WAR player this year over 600 at bats. That kind of production is very similar to what Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzolez and Justin Morneau provided last year, and it would be worth roughly 16 million on the free agent market!!!
So you really shouldn’t be so down on Kosuke. He may never live up to the hype, and may never hit for a really high average, but he will probably be a very productive player over the next couple of seasons assuming Lou plays him.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 2:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Again, thank you!
Now let’s all sit back and savor the irony that a Cardinals fan is among the few here who can take a reasonable, objective approach to this unfortunate situation.
"Let it begin! Let it begin!" ~ Rhino
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 8, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's no way he's going to provide $48M worth of production.
So far, he’s about $8M behind. We can revisit this after the season.
But suffice it to say, I severely doubt that Fukudome is going to be worth 13 runs above average offensively.
Even if he manages those rate stats, which I absolutely do not believe he will, there’s no way he could do so over 600 AB. His success, to the extent it occurs, will have been due to the team reducing his AB against same-sided pitching.
I ask our Cardinal fan friend - If you were the STL GM, would you care to take on the remainder of Mr. Fukudome’s contract in St. Louis?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 8, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No because we already have a shit ton of very productive outfielders
However Fukudome, to any GM who subscribes to Sabermetric principles, is a very good player.
Also, how do you think that Fukudome didn’t earn his contract last year? Players are valued by how many wins a player contributes to his club. Those wins are derived from offensive runs gained and defensive runs saved. Offensive runs gained are measured in a context neutral environment by Linear Weights, which calculate the average run value of a single event (walks, HRs, strikeouts). You can read more about that here. So the sum of all of Fukudome’s offensive events, scaled to OBP made him about 2 runs below average offensively.
Defense is measured by UZR which takes into account how many runs are saved/loss based on range, arm and errors, and while it has some error bars as you mentioned, over enough innings it allows to get a pretty good read over how good/bad a player was defensively. Overall, Fukudome’s UZR was 7.4. After taking a positional adjustment into account (it is a lot easier to play RF than CF or SS), Fukudome was worth about 1.5 runs defensively.
So adding offense and defense, Fukudome was just below average. Taking playing time into account, Fukudome provided exactly 18 runs or 1.8 wins above a replacement level player. As I said that production was worth a little over 8 million on the free agent market because teams pay an average of 4.5 million per WAR.
Fukudome only made 6 million last year, so he was easily worth it. With any kind of improvement offensively, he could easily be a 2.5-3 WAR player over the next couple of seasons. That would make him worth his contract.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome made $10 million last year.
And it escalates from there. He’ll make $11.5M this year, $13M in 2010 at age 33, and $13.5M in 2011 at age 34.
Even based upon your calculations – which, I presume, have not taken the across-the-board-spending cuts in MLB into account, the Cubs are $4M in the hole on the Kosuke deal, and he’s not earning his contract.
I’m not betting that his production is going to dramatically increase as he enters his mid-30’s. His yearly pay, on the other hand, will.
In order to “earn his contract”, even within the framework you’re proposing, Fukudome would have to put up three straight seasons of $14M worth of production. After an age 32 season in which he put up $6M in production.
He simply doesn’t have it in him.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 8, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're wrong here on so many levels
1) Fukudome put up 8 million dollar worth of value last year
2) The 4.5 dollar per win figure is what teams are spending this offseason, so I have already taken into account across-the-board spending
3) CotsBaseballContracts says that he made 6 million last year, so I don’t know where you are getting 10 million from
4) Based on his CHONE projection as I showed, Fukudome should earn around 16 million next year. Then he may start to decline, but not so rapidly as to tank the surplus value that he will earn over the first to seasons of his contract.
5) You say that his production won’t increase because of his age, I say it will because last year was an adjustment period for him. He was facing all new pitchers, a different strike zone and different ball parks. I would bet that he improves a lot offensively this year.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 8, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot the signing bonus, pal.
4 years, $48M.
$10 – $11.5 – $13 – $13.5
As I said two posts ago, we can revisit this after the season.
However, I can state with 100% certainty that, assuming 100% foresight, no one was going to give Kosuke Fukudome more than $8,000,000 for his 2008 performance.
There’s a reason why no one would take Dome off our hands without unloading their own mistake contracts.
If Dome’s agent was marketing him as an everyday rightfielder, 100% guaranteed to post a .257 / .359 / .379 line , with 10 HR, 58 RBI, and 104 K in 500 AB — and demanding a deal worth $8M annually, he would have been laughed out of the room.
“But he’ll finish 3rd in RF ultimate zone rating behind Randy Winn and Nick Markakis!” the agent would plead.
“UZR is a nice way to describe a players’ fielding performance in a given year, but it’s subjective and of limited use as a predictive tool!” the GMs would respond. “UZR stats bounce all over the place from year to year for the majority of players! Take Winn, for instance, with his 17.4 last year — he was a 2.4 the year prior, and was actually in negative territory in half of his seasons prior to that!”
As for the CHONE stats, I will humbly point out that CHONE kinda stepped on its crank last year in attempting to predict Fukudome’s 2008 production, offering up a .283 / .373 / .465 line.
CHONE wasn’t alone in missing on Fukudome – PECOTA had him at .289 / .401 / .504!
Still, it appears obvious that Mr. Fukudome’s Japan league exploits – especially w/r/t power – didn’t translate to MLB in accordance with CHONE’s algorithms. Now that we have an additional season of inputs, CHONE (and PECOTA) is obviously still factoring in his Japan seasons through 2006, and predicting a 60-point increase in Dome’s power production. At age 32.
I’d be very happy if that happened, but I will believe that when I see it.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 8, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
4-5 tonight, with a HR, walk and stolen base.
"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 8, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and four runs scored...
Pretty impressive line, and he played good CF to boot.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 9, 2009 2:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it would be a shame
to give up on a good player for the next three seasons because he had one really bad second half. That’s called crying over spilt milk.
I don’t need statistical measures to know that Fukudome is a pretty good defender. Of course, most people that are down on him seem to only have a problem with his bat.
The detracters will point to that bad second half and say that’s as good as he can be in the MLB. They don’t choose to look at his first half numbers, because ‘pitchers hadn’t figured him out yet’. The fact that the MLB season is longer than in Japan and travel is more grueling holds little if any weight with them. Culture shock and the fact that it was his first season in a place where he needed an interpreter are similarly non-factors to them. The only other available data, his Japanese numbers, are also out-of-bounds because it’s not as good competition as there is in MLB. The argument comes down to the bad second half, all other indicia or factors be damned.
There’s another side though.
The projection systems do not take nearly so limited a view, thus their ‘optimistic’ projections for Fukudome to bounce back a bit this season. A lot of people tend to agree.
It seems like you’re either in one camp or the other. I still think we’re about to see a much better season from Fukudome (and one in which he is at least as valuable as his contract), as long as he’s given the chance, and the naysayers will have to eat their words. If not, I’ll eat mine.
by Cubinator on Apr 9, 2009 1:43 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well said Cubinator!
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 9, 2009 2:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope he does post a much better season.
That being said, I don’t think he’s worth an average salary of $12M/year.
Without question, his detractors are only down on him b/c of his bat. His fielding has always been good.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 9, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn't you call him average
earlier? :D
A lot of people didn’t think Marquis was worth his salary; we ended up not paying a big chunk of that. LOTS of people complain about Soriano. Hendry has become a master of offloading back-loaded contracts.
I don’t think Dome is going to be a franchise player. We’ll get his three/four years, and probably trade him off.
"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 9, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well if he wants him he can have him
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 8, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought of a positive about his struggles
That complete and total scumbag piece of garbage with those tshirts is not making as much money if any at all anymore off of them and the idiots who bought them aren’t happy.
Jay is our Quarterback. Also please note my email has changed on my profile anyone who sometimes sends me emails.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 8, 2009 6:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, exactly
oops, spoke to soon
"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
by DTJchris on Apr 8, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Judging from his performance thus far tonight, I think it’s about time we move Fukudome into the #3 hole.
by HereComesASpecialBoy on Apr 8, 2009 8:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
quite.
"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 8, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a positive question
Far more for me to be positive but if he plays well how long does he have to do well for fans to start getting confident in him?
Jay is our Quarterback. Also please note my email has changed on my profile anyone who sometimes sends me emails.
by cubstoseriesby100 on Apr 9, 2009 1:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I get the feeling
that the people who are down on him will be looking for reasons to view him as a failure, at least until he is mostly consistent throughout a season.
Of course, the people like me will be looking for reasons to have faith in him, at least until he is really bad over the course of an entire season.
by Cubinator on Apr 9, 2009 1:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
eggsactly, Cubinator
I’m with you on the half full side. If anything will get Dome’s confidence back it’ll be his performance in last night’s game. Dome-nator!
Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king -- Bob Dylan
by Emelie on Apr 9, 2009 6:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with this kind of thinking is that
it becomes about the people having the argument rather than the argument itself.
This shouldn’t be about “we were right about him and they were wrong” but what works out best for the Cubs (that’s why we’re all supposedly here after all).
For the record, I’ve been one of the doubters about Dome being an effective everyday player. A couple of good games aren’t going to get me to immediately reverse myself-he had a good start last year too, remember?
But, at the same time, I would be positively ECSTATIC to be proven wrong about him. No matter what happens though, no matter who’s right, I think it would be great if we could ALL refrain from lording it over on the ones on the other side of the argument.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 9, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well said
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 9, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...I think you might want to give him a LITTLE bit longer
He earned it last night.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
by Archie on Apr 9, 2009 7:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I would say he should be evaluated on pitch by pitch basis...
…and at least at home game Lou should have the ability to display, from the dugout, a scoreboard graphic of “Lou’s Doghouse” after every swing and miss my Dome. Instead of wasting time with displaying a revised batting order on the screen after every pitch, he should display Airplane Ticket Price to Japan. If he has decent AB then Lou springs for the Cathay Pacific All Asia Pass—it’s the only way to travel.
by DudeVf11 on Apr 9, 2009 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, yes. I heartily agree.
What’s more, Dome should be made to sit by a stack of his packed luggage in the dugout. And any ballpark with scoreboard monitors should display a Google map of Dome’s route back to Japan while he is at bat. Finally, he should be forced to wear a JAL patch on his uniform, which shall be removed only at such time as his value as a baseball player is commensurate with his salary.
I submit these ideas free of prejudice and for the forthright review of all members. Good day to you all.
You can call me "20K."
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 9, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Micah Hoffpauir
could wear that JAL patch better.
"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 9, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think Micah has a future in the Nippon Professional Baseball?
You can call me "20K."
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 9, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually
it would be perfect for him. For instance, he would be taller than nearly everyone.
"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 9, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see him doing some...
“vroom, vroom, partystarter”-type commercials over there, too.
You can call me "20K."
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 9, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was he worth his contact
in the first half of 2008? Yes, without question. Was he worth it in the 2nd half? No, without question. Will he be worth it this year? Maybe.
I wish everyone would lay off the guy. He looked terrific last night, and I’d like to ask how many wouldn’t like to see THAT Dome in the lineup…?
by leothelip on Apr 9, 2009 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So basically this Fukudome thing is going to be a daily battle over what he did the previous night
Last night didn’t make Fukudome better than he was that morning at baseball, he still hasn’t proved anything. The platoon situation will remain the same and Fukudome will have nights like this and nights like opening day. I would prefer that we don’t play shove it in the face after every game.
I enjoyed Fukudome’s play last night and I hope he can be good this year but he is still no better than Reed Johnson as a baseball player. They will and should continue to split time to provide us with a solid platoon.
www.talkingchicagobaseball.blogspot.com
by nji232 on Apr 9, 2009 12:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It shouldn't be.
That’s why I keep saying give him at least a month.
You can call me "20K."
by dat cubfan daver on Apr 9, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I enjoyed Fukudome’s play last night and I hope he can be good this year but he is still no better than Reed Johnson as a baseball player.
I continue to disagree. However, Dome has only begun his comeback, and he needs to maintain that level to really push it through.
"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 9, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is kind of funny,
having read nothing here all week, and only coming today, after Dome has killed the ball the past few games.
Happy Opening Day!
by DGU on Apr 12, 2009 8:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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