Maybe San Diego Will Wake Up The Cubs Bats; Offense Again Asleep In 3-1 Loss To Cardinals
by Al on May 22, 2009 8:21 AM CDT
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276 comments
The Cubs really, really, really, really miss Aramis Ramirez.
It's kind of an insidious slide. It wasn't noticed too much during the five-game winning streak a week ago -- but on the other hand, might they have won the game against the Astros last Sunday with Aramis in the lineup and at third base?
There's no doubt that having Ramirez' bat in the lineup would have helped the Cubs score more than two runs in the three games in St. Louis. And last night, his presence at third base likely would have prevented the throwing error that Ryan Freel made in the third inning on what looked like a routine play, helping lead to another Cardinals run. Who knows what might have happened after that?
Instead, it was another dispiriting loss, 3-1 to the Cardinals, and let's hope the Cubs are getting some rest this morning, as their flight to San Diego didn't arrive until about 3 am Central time.
All of this is happening during a time when the starting pitching is doing quite well. Sean Marshall was lifted after five innings last night when he probably could have gone longer -- he had thrown only 78 pitches -- but in an effort to generate some offense, Lou must have felt he had to bat for him. It worked, sort of -- Bobby Scales drew a pinch-walk and scored the only Cubs run of the night on a Kosuke Fukudome single after advancing to second on a groundout.
Yawn, right? The Cubs managed only four singles, a double and the walk by Scales off Adam Wainwright and Ryan Franklin. Lou says he's going to contemplate some lineup changes:
Piniella put [Mike] Fontenot back at second base Thursday in hopes that his hitting would improve by returning to his old position.
"You ask a guy to move over to a different position, and all of a sudden he starts to put a lot of thought into that, and it might detract from [his] hitting," he said.
It didn't help, as Fontenot went 0-for-3 before leaving the game in a double-switch and Freel's error at third base gave St. Louis a run. That article says that Lou would only try Alfonso Soriano at 2B and Micah Hoffpauir in LF as "a measure of last resort", and I don't think we have gotten to that point yet. Give some credit to the pitching staff in this series; they gave the Cardinals only eight runs (seven earned) in three games, and when you do that, that positions you in an excellent chance to win.
But the team has to score some runs to do it. They miss A-Ram, but the reality is, they'll have to go likely almost two more months without him at least, so they'll have to find other ways to score runs. Milton Bradley appears to be pressing; he didn't have good at-bats last night and went a weak 0-for-4.
Tracers, which also have a relevant point to this year's Cubs team: I happened to be out for a while last night and was listening to the game on the radio during the Judd Sirott inning. In between butchering calls on several deep fly balls in that inning, Sirott related a story he said Alan Trammell told him about slumping in the first half and slowly improving -- I think Sirott was trying to relate it to Mike Fontenot's slump, but with Sirott, you never quite know what his point is. Anyway, Trammell told Sirott he was hitting .203 at the All-Star break and said to himself that he wanted to hit .210 at a certain point, then .220, etc. On the last day of the season, Trammell said, if he had gotten a hit in his last at-bat he would have hit .260 and instead struck out, finishing at .258. Trammell told Sirott that experience helped him learn the mental side of hitting and how to approach it, and that helped him to have the career he had after that.
Trammell's memory is right on, within two BA points. In 1982, he was hitting .205 at the ASB, and wound up hitting .258 after striking out in his last at-bat.
This anecdote caused Ron Santo to chime in with a story of his own. He claimed he was hitting .220 in "Don Sutton's rookie year", when one day they were playing the Dodgers and "Sutton knocked me on my butt" and, according to Santo, that "woke him up" and he wound up hitting .300.
Santo got the story exactly right, except for the year. He's describing his 1967 season, which was Sutton's second year in the major leagues. The Cubs faced Sutton at Wrigley Field in the second game of a doubleheader on May 21, and Santo was hitting .202 going into that game. There's no HBP listed, though Santo didn't claim he was hit, just knocked down. He went 3-for-4 in that game, doubling off Sutton and later homering and wound up hitting exactly .300 in 1967.
Ron may not get a lot of things right, but he nailed that one. Now it's up to some of this year's Cubs to "wake up" and hit the way they are capable of. A series in San Diego starting tonight is the perfect place to start.
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I miss the je ne sais quoi of the 2008 Cubs
by Emelie on May 22, 2009 8:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You miss the Mark DeRosa of the 2008 Cubs.
So do the rest of us.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As much as I hate the word, there was a
swagger to the 2008 team. Hard to believe a team that added MB has less swagger than the year before.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Team chemistry is a difficult thing to create.
Often, it just happens. Just because Bradley has been an outspoken, aggressive player, doesn’t mean he adds “swagger”.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus
IMO, the fire that Bradley adds is probably not present right now because of the slump that Bradley is mired in. I would imagine he would be more outspoken if he were playing better himself.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not disagreeing at all, just pondering the changes.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This team has a swagger...
the swagger of a drunk man about to collapse on the sidewalk.
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on May 22, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Team is not supposed to mirror me.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chemisty will happen
when winning happens.
The team looked fun when they won 5 in a row. Its no surprise they look different when they’re sucking.
by Allie on May 22, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How disappointing.
We made a great little run… pulled within 1/2 game of 1st… then went completely silent. Getting swept in St. Louis. Ugh. Scoring two damn runs the whole series! Double Ugh. Wasting the best starting pitching we’ve gotten all year! Triple Ugh.
Went from 1/2 game out… to 4 games out in 5 days.
"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 May 22, 2009 8:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I really admire you, Al.
It’s hard to keep one’s chin up about the way the Cubs are playing these days, but you still manage to do so. Thanks for the lift.
by NWIowaCubFan on May 22, 2009 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks.
I am an optimist by nature. As bad as they looked during the St. Louis series, they are still three games over .500.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I cheer up
when I hear info like that. It really feels like we are about five games under .500 right now.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blargh.
Time to put this series behind us and go whup the Dads. I hear they have this one pitcher who’s not bad they keep trying to trade. Hope we light him up.
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 8:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That was a GREAT play by Freel.
Didn’t realize he had in it him.
Lee again looked bad last night. Start Hoffpauir.
by kanderber on May 22, 2009 8:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The SECOND play was a great play.
The first one, not so much.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee did go 2-4
Getting 2 of the 5 hits by the cubs, and he didn’t strike out.
"The finish line is just the start of the next race."
by Sobenergy on May 22, 2009 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he had two hits but...
The first one was a roller up the middle and the second one was a little floater over the second baseman’s head. I don’t remember his 4th at bat, but I know one of his outs was a tapper to the pitcher. My point is, while I’m obviously pleased that he got on base, it’s not like he actually hit the ball hard in doing so. Hoffpauir smoked his hit into right field in his most recent at bat. Lee’s hits are balls that get through.
by kanderber on May 22, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The second was a pretty good at bat.
He made a pretty good swing in a pitch inside and was jammed so much the ball was pretty close to the trademark.
BB even commented that it took real strength to get jammed like that and eek out a hit. If he nutted that pitch with that swing it would have been hit hard.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
but at least it shows that he may be breaking out of his slump. He is starting to hit the ball up the middle and go to right field, which shows that he is not trying to pull everything as he was early on.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It still looks like a screaming line drive in the box score...
Really, are we now going to distinguish “good” and “bad” hits? We should be grateful we’re getting any.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm always happy to see a Cubs hit...
But when talking about future performance, pointing out that a guy got a “lucky” hit rather than smashing the ball into the outfield is certainly fair for discussion.
by kanderber on May 22, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brenly didn't think it was a lucky hit.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay?
He’s entitled to his opinion. When a guy floats a ball over the second baseman, I don’t really think that’s a sign that he’s starting to hit well. Sorry, but I’d like to see some consistent line drive hits before I get all excited that Lee’s turning the corner.
by kanderber on May 22, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those hits are sometimes slump busters
It is a lot more frustrating to hit a screamer right at somebody for an out when you are in a slump. A hit is a hit. Its all mental at this point for our slumping Cubs.
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on May 22, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree.
I don’t think it’s all mental, especially for Lee. For Lee I think it’s a combination of declining skills, age, and the injury. I really think it’s a matter of him just not being as good as we expect him to be.
by kanderber on May 22, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok maybe not ALL mental
my point is 90% of this game is half mental.
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
by muehlman on May 22, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yogi Berra?
How did you get into muehlman’s signon?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plllluuuuuuuueeeeezzzzzhhh.....
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
by kcjones on May 22, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly...
… we can’t bench EVERYONE for Hoff. Lee is showing signs of life, at least as much as everyone else on the team. Hoff should be playing, sure… but we could plug him in elsewhere and not pull lee just as he may be coming out of his slump.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on May 22, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say we just let Hoffpauir bat all nine times
I’m sure we could arrange for that to happen.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hoff x 9...
… sounds intriguing.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on May 22, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Four-and-a-hoffpauir?
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But we should bench SOMEONE for Hoff.
Lee, Bradley… I don’t care how they do it, but someone has to move over and let Hoff hit.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 22, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Hoff can play the position, I'm all for it.
However, the offensive vacuum is at C, 3B and 2B and somewhat RF, can he fill those spots?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's played RF.
We all remember the bad error, but he’s made plays out there, too. And under the circumstances, there really isn’t any choice.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 22, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I rememember a few bad plays, but the RF problem is
less Hoffpauir’s defense, but sitting Bradley. MB is supposed to be the big acquisition to improve the postseason. Can’t imagine he will do anything in the postseason if he’s benched and pissy.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
So, since the Mets are in need of a 1B since Delgado is out for two months, the Cubs should trade Lee while he is “hot”. He would fit in with them and the Mets can afford him. That would allow us to play MB everyday (when he isn’t hurt) and platoon Hoff and Fox at 1B.
by tripdenten on May 22, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except for Lee's full no-trade clause...
… which he would exercise. He doesn’t want to leave.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly - that's not going to happen.
It’s too bad. The tens of millions of dollars that this team has tied up in mediocrity is just amazing.
In retrospect, how can Jim Hendry keep his job after this disastrous offseason?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 22, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tend to agree w/ you....
But let’s wait and start judging nearer the Atumnal Equinox
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
by kcjones on May 22, 2009 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point Al
But you don’t think he’d waive it to go to another contender?
by tripdenten on May 22, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I don't.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if Micah Hoffpauir asked him nicely?
Micah can do anything!
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 22, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe if Micah AND Ted Lilly asked him?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lilly doesnt ask
he just lets you know that your time is up
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on May 22, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I apologize in advance to the Bradley supporters, but
he’ll be pissy regardless of the situation. He can’t be “happy” right now with his poor production. He won’t be “happy” if he’s benched. Maybe the Padres or the Dodgers want to trade with us…
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't even call me an MB supporter,
just don’t want him to be a distraction and see what production the team can get.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can't tank the season for fear of admitting mistakes.
Milton Bradley has been absolutely horrible. His defense is bad, and his offense would be bad for a pitcher.
Normally, this would be bad enough. But when you factor in that Fontenot is hitting .195, and Soto is hitting .210-ish, and Miles is doing exactly what was expected, and Lee is hitting a completely powerless .230-ish (and that’s a substantial improvement!), then something has to give.
That something, unfortunately, is the guy who Hendry gave $30M to this offseason. He has looked good never. Maybe a week off would do him some good.
Or more to the point, maybe 1-2 days off every week, for both Lee AND Bradley, would do both of them some good.
One thing is for certain – a team scoring runs so sporadically cannot afford to leave their best hitter on the bench a day longer.
I’m still ticked off that Lou let Fontenot hit for himself in the 8th inning on Sunday. That was just stupid. And then he led off the 9th by PH’ing with Miles! How can a team down 3 runs in the 8th, with baserunners all over the place, NOT use its best hitter?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 22, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His UZR is negative.
He has 1 assist and a 1.6 range factor.
More to the point, he’s barely moving around out there. He’s also had issues communicating with the other fielders (I remember a play with Fukudome, which, granted, is Dome’s call as the CF), and I also recall a pretty bad “triple” off his glove in an early Kevin Gregg failure.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 22, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His 2009 UZR in right field is not negative.
It’s 0.2. His UZR/150 is barely negative – it’s -0.2. But that’s a projection per 150 games. IN ANY CASE, he hasn’t played enough innings in 2009 to generate a meaningful UZR rating.
Let’s look at his career UZR/UZR 150 numbers in right field: 15.0/14.1 in 1472.1 innings. Um, that’s really good.
Saying he’s “barely moving around out there” is a subjective assessment that I don’t necessarily agree with. (Obviously, his groin injury has probably slowed him somewhat.) And citing a couple odd plays isn’t really a fair assessment either.
It’s really hard to say just how Bradley has been defensively thus far, so I don’t think it’s fair to label him “bad.”
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 22, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not exactly
We are talking about Derrek Lee’s soft singles here. Last time I checked he bats clean-up. Clean-up hitters drive the ball with authority and hit for power. Lee hits for about as much power as Ryan Theriot. If Lee stays in the line-up bat him lower, his lack of power is staggering. At least Hoffpauir can hit one out of the park or hit a ball hard to the gap. Hoff is more suited to bat clean-up than Lee, Lee is becoming more of a 7 or 8 type hitter.
by tripdenten on May 22, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone looked bad last night.
I think it had something to do with Adam Wainwright.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 22, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh sure
And I suppose the night before had something to do with Chris Carpenter
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
by El Borto on May 22, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good pitching does tend to beat good hitting...
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 22, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guess it double trumps
weak hitting.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then why did STL score and we didn't?
Dempster and Lilly are 2 of our 3 studs. Our “good pitching” got hit enough to get some runs.
If you would have said 3 days ago that we would hold STL to 8 runs in the series, you would most likely think we sweep or take 2 of 3 at minimum.
They only scored 2, 3 and 3 and still didn’t have to tip their cap to us.
Teams go through this and I don’t think this will be the last we’ve seen of this. Last year, we rolled pretty well offensively except around the ASB. Even with Lee’s ineffectiveness last year, we scored a lot of runs late in games to snatch victories or cushion or leads. Not this year.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on May 22, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does this mean ARam is our undeniable leader?
I was thinking this thought last night. It appears that his plate leadership may be the key to our offense, more than any other player. We’ll see how this turns out but it’s looking that way.
Nice to see DLee continuing to hit with a 2-4 night, that bodes well for the future.
As painful as it was to watch last night (and the night before and the night before), kudos to Al for being able to write a recap. I was so bored… inning after inning with little action. this has to change. The Pads have suddenly become hot too, that’s all we need, and facing Peavy tonight hits may be few and far between.
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 May 22, 2009 8:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ARam and Soriano are of equal importance IMO
Last year we lost Alfonso and went into a bit of a funk, this year we lose Aramis and go into a funk.
Next time can Aaron Miles get hurt?
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He needs to play
more if he is to get hurt.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he can fall out of the hot tub
or sneeze
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or have a meeting with Gaudin's best friend
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joey Gathright can jump over that.
If it’s in Baltimore.
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A-Ram is...
…. I think, the only Cub hitter who other teams actually fear when he comes to bat, the guy who can put a ball out of the ballpark on any given at-bat.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Soriano could be that guy as well
When he’s hot, there’s not one better, but when he’s cold, well, its downright ugly. But generally I would think pitchers are scared to make a mistake to Soriano.
"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 May 22, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano is great in that he can destroy every mistake pitch.
You don’t see him hitting the other guy’s best stuff hard like Aramis does.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 22, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But I think that pitchers are so worried about throwing a perfect pitch
that they can over think/throw which leads to mistakes. I agree that A-Ram is definitely more feared at all times, but when Sori is hot, I think he is just as feared, perhaps even more so than A-Ram. But when he’s cold, pitchers know they can throw pitches outside by 5 inches and he’s strike out every time.
"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 May 22, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this assessment
and why until they start to hit, I suspect that their walk totals will be down.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton had two hard hit line drives his last two at bats
Just hit them right at people
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 8:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He had one good AB
when he went down and got that slider and drove it. That was a good piece of hitting, but not enough of that so far.
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 May 22, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats call scouting and executing.....
Something the Cubs don’t do well
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
by kcjones on May 22, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's up to Soriano and Bradley to carry this offense
Lee doesn’t have it in him, Soto has approached the helpless state and Kosuke is more a hopefully good complementary player. I’m not sure what to make of Bradley’s struggles anymore. Very disappointing and I sure would hate to be him at Wrigley unless he kicks in the ass in San Diego. Soriano needs to get off his latest famine kick and get hot.
Freel? Guess I’m starting to understand how he wore out his welcome in Cincinnati and Baltimore. I thoiught he was a better ballplayer than this.
Another name to kick around besides Jack Wilson?? Adrian Beltre. Last year of his deal in Seattle that he has failed to deliver on. Seattle is rebuilding and I would think they might not mind getting rid of Beltre. We’ve got to do SOMETHING with this offense, otherwise we will be out of this thing by the All Star Break. I’m not kidding on that point either.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 22, 2009 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jack Wilson would be good for D
I don’t like his offense much. I was talking to a fried about maybe getting Orlando Cabrera from the A’s. That could be a good deal if we didn’t have to trade much.
There just isn’t a lot of hitting on the market
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll have to go look at Wilson's numbers,
I don’t remember him as a defensive whiz.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm...
Fielding % isn’t a great measurement, but .977 for career and .957 over 23 games in 2009? Meh.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has had some sick years in terms of UZR
Though he isn’t much above average right now.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
John Dewan has him rated as the #3 overall feilding SS in the majors.
Although… I’m not quite sure what the reality of that is.
"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 May 22, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wilson's too expensive...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm assuming the Cubs wouldn't take all the $$$
or make Pit take Miles back or something.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure why Pitts would do that...
…and I think he has a limited NTC to boot.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wilson is a plus defensive shortstop and frees up Theriot to play across the infield
Semi-salvaging thereby the maneuverability afforded Lou Piniella with Mark DeRosa last season. When / if Ramirez comes back, then Theriot can split his time exclusively between SS and 2nd base, with Wilson playing 3-4 days a week.
I like Jack Wilson. Not much of a hitter, but he brings his A game to the ballpark and has a certain spark. Importantly, he is a reasonable “get” for the Cubs to consider who would shore up the defense and enable Theriot to be uniquely valuable.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 22, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he also brings a 5.5 million dollar salary.....
….and a 6 team NTC. Not sure if the Cubs are even on that list. Don’t see it happening.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wilson's actually making $7.4 mil according to ESPN.
"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 May 22, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...but we would only be paying the rest of the season...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, yes, yes... now I see how you came up with the #
"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 May 22, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jack Wilson and Orlando Cabrera...
… ugh on both of them.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But both have to be better than Freel/Fontenot/Miles
Neither is an offensive wizz, but they both play really good defense and present more of a threat on offense than the three mentioned above.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comparison
Cabrera is hitting .242/.287/.304… that’s right, a .304 SLG
Wilson is hitting .267/.304/.372
Granted, Miles and Fontenot are worse than that. But taking on a Wilson or Cabrera contract for that kind of production? No thanks. Plus, Cabrera has been in a steep decline for the last four years and had a real bad attitude problem with the White Sox last year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
While those numbers suck
If I were to really want Cabrera I would point out that Oakland isn’t exactly a hitters paradise. Either way getting one of those players would be a desperation move that I would prefer doesn’t happen.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Cabrera hit like .280 last year.
And he’s a plus glove. But, it doesn’t provide value at $4 mil.
"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 May 22, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cabrera did hit .281 last year.
With a .371 SLG. That’s Neifi-esque. I’d rather have Theriot.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a horrible plan, but
with the contract and the current 3B need, I prefer the idea of a guy who seemd respected in the clubhouse in 2008 and can play 3B while Aramis is out and could fill in at RF if Bradley gets injured or keeps struggling after Aramis returns.
Also that would mean we get DeRosa’s wife back in town.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reasonable options
Jack Wilson and Orlando Cabrera may be “reasonable” options that the Cubs can pursue. I think we all understand that we’re not going out and pulling off a blockbuster for something like a Michael Young, etc. There are practical handcuffs that Hendry will operate with. One, he already has a very large and bloated payroll. Two, the Cubs simply don’t have a lot of trade ammunition in the minors to get a big name.
Jhnny Peralta may be another name to consider. He is about to be chalked up as a bust in Cleveland.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 22, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Peralta wouldn't be a bad acquisition.
If we’re going to deal with Cleveland, I’d rather get DeRosa back.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I wrote in another thread yesterday:
Wilson’s making $7.4 mil this year. And he doesn’t hit the ball worth a damn. The acquisition doesn’t make for good value, and neither does Guzman. Unfortunately.. those are the top options on the trade market right now.
Orlando Cabrera might be a player who gets moved… but he’s 34 years old and hitting .244. Edgar Renteria is also an option, but he seems to be in rapid decline. Jhonny Peralta could be an option if the Indians keep tanking, and want to move salary. He’s signed through 2010, with an option for 2011. But, I think the Indians could afford to keep him at $3.65 mil this year.
Link: What about Brandon Wood?
"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 May 22, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Ty Wigginton would fit
that description…I believe.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wigginton would be a great short-term fix for 3rd base....
And, he spent last year in our division with Houston.
Plus, I would imagine that even when Aramis comes back, he’ll get rested during day games after night games… so Wigginton would get more starts there.
"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 May 22, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Across the infield?"
Theriot’s not going to play anywhere but 2B other than SS, and Lou has really avoided playing Theriot anywhere other than SS even when we had a SS on roster last year.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 22, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the most probable trading options at SS
A. Jack Wilson – PIT
B. Cristian Guzman – WAS (31 years old, $8 mil)
C. Orlando Cabrera – OAK (34 years old, $4 mil)
D. Edgar Renteria – SF (33 years old, $8 mil)
E. Jhonny Peralta – CLE (26 years old, $3.65 mil)
"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 May 22, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should add Yuniesky Betancourt to the list...
But he stinks. Might be the worst fielding SS in the majors. Seattle’s tried to trade him twice this week in talks with the Pirates (for Wilson), and the Padres.
"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 May 22, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait... why are we looking at options at SS?
by kanderber on May 22, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Peralta is available
and can play third, I believe. Short term solution at 3rd, better SS and allows Theriot back to 2B where he’s expected to be better.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure why the Angels' options aren't on here
since they’re a team with multiple SSs.
Anyway, there’s no one on your list I want; maybe Peralta is an exception.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 22, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not giving up yet...
A weekend with the Pads could be just what the Doctor ordered…at least that’s the story I’m going with.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
by MikeOxbyg on May 22, 2009 8:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And we head to San Diego....
…where the Pads are somehow on a 6 game winning streak. We need to take this first game.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 8:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
While in California can we have Geovany introduced to Valeri Bertinelli and the Nutrisystem plan?
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 22, 2009 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
As long as she's still on the skinny end of the
roller coaster.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he isn't interested
I’ll volunteer. I had a crush on her when we both were much younger.
by rlpete on May 22, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too. The irony is for a while both Valerie and I could
say 25 years and 100 Lbs ago.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why go to California?
I hear Ron’s got the in.
by dr stabbingworth on May 22, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Derrek Lee
Class guy, very good player but how long can we carry a slap-hitting first baseman? This team has no power up to this point. Soriano for sure, but he’s so streaky. I’m really concerned that this team is THAT reliant on Ramirez. I mean he’s a good player, but it’s not like losing Pujols or A-Rod
by Mapmaker on May 22, 2009 8:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Need to go with a straight platoon at 1st base
Derrek Lee can’t be in this lineup anymore on a regular basis. It’s been painfully apparent for several weeks. Micah Hoffpauir is the only guy consistently driving the baseball on this team and, despite my original misgivings for his value, has to be in that lineup at 1st base. He just has to be. There is no other option because we are on a very slippery slope as a team right now.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 22, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DLee is 9 for his last 19 AB's...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You haven't been paying attention to his at bats
Derrek Lee is useless in the run production department. Absolutely useless. He can’t get around on a fastball and can’t drive the ball anywhere. He’s trying to slap hit his way to respectability. Well, we don’t have the luxury of our friggin # 3 hitter trying to transmogrify himself into a slap hitter in consequence of his alarming erosion of skills otherwise. Let him play Tony Gwynn on his Nintendo set. Meanwhile get Micah Hoffpauir in the lineup.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 22, 2009 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say beggars can't be choosers at this point...
…who in that lineup has had productive at bats in the Card’s series?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hoffpauir did...
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 22, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He shouldn't be hitting cleanup
Either bat him second or sixth if he is going to be a singles hitter
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would put him at 2.
definitely agree with you on that. But i thought since 2007 he should be batting two.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 22, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He just isn't a run producer anymore
If you want to argue he still has value to this team, it comes from hitting lower in the order and trying to get on base to start rallies. He isn’t going to be a run producer
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What better options
do we have for the third spot in our batting order?
The only other option is Soriano and we already know what he can do outside of the leadoff spot. We might as well leave Lee batting fourth until Rami gets back, and then move Lee to 6th.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome will do fine for now
I just hope he doesn’t go into his tailspin. If he can hit then he’s fine hitting third
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Fuku...
hitting 3. That is where he learned to hit, put him there.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 22, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry I meant
4th spot in the order, my mistake
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no option...
but i must that this was my biggest frustration with the offseason. We did not address the need we have for hitting.
Yea yea, MB, but really other than is OBP, he is Mark DeRosa without the flexible positions.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 22, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DLee's SLG in May is over .600
It’s funny. There are two guys who managed hits off of the amazing Adam Wainwright last night and they are the guys you blame for the offense.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 22, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
DLee appears headed toward making May a big rebound month.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 22, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope so
and I reserve the right to wonder if it is a hot streak or not
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on May 22, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is one of the issues worrying me when the team
left spring training. Hoffpauir’s being inflexible and being limited to first base is now a huge problem.
Over the last 10-20 games played Lee and Hoffpauir are statistically identical and the only two bats making consistant contact with the ball.
The team is getting no production from 3B, 2B, C, & RF and has two bats needed in the lineup that are limited to 1B.
I disagree your reasoning that the platoon is needed because Lee can’t play, but that Hoffpauir needs to start 2-3 games per week at first to keep his bat alive and keep Lee fresh and may need a game a week in RF just to keep him active.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The good news
We have some things going in this bullpen. Angel Guzman is turning into quite the pitcher, and he looked awesome again last night. Ascaino had some issues on Sunday, but he looked good yesterday attacking the zone with good stuff.
Add those two to Marmol and you have a nice foundation for the bullpen in the 6,7,and 8th. Just have to hope Gregg can hold it in the ninth
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 9:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So who goes back to Triple-A when Z is activated?
Ascanio did look better, but he seems odd-man-out.
The only other choice would be Wells… but he has also pitched well.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say Wells
Ascanio is better suited for the bullpen. He has better strikeout stuff than Wells, IMO. Outside of his 2 HBP, he has not walked anyone either.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heavens to mergatroid
If people can’t realize by now that it is past due time to pull the plug on the David Patton experiment, then I just don’t know what to say. We have never had the luxury of carrying Patton on this roster. Get rid of him. If a deal can’t be engineered with Colorado, then suck it up and send him back for nothing.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 22, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Strangely enough...
… I find myself agreeing with you. Though I like Patton’s arm, Lou has now not used him in 12 days. There’s really no point to keeping a guy under those conditions.
I’d like to think the Cubs could make a deal to keep him and send him to Iowa.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing strange about agreeing with a reasonable
opinion.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's the
reasonable opinion part that is strange
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naw, Blou has a lot of good
opinions, it’s how he chooses to share them that causes friction.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It sure is a nice problem to have
I would still think Ascaino probably goes down, though maybe Marshall got removed early in anticipation of him becoming the LOOGY (yuck) and Wells being the fifth starter. That would mean Cotts would go.
OR we could just cut Patton
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The other thing to consider
is who out of the three do you want to be the Emergency Starter in the event of another injury …Shark, Ascanio, or Wells. Atkins at this point does not seem like much of an option. I prefer Wells and thus would like to see him remain stretched out at Triple A.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say Patton...
I think they will finally cut the string. Can’t hide a AA pitcher on your roster all season.
Wells, I believe will stay… Lou has said as much.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on May 22, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there's NO POWER in this lineup
that’s our biggest problem, IMO. The only guy who can hit it out of the yard is our leadoff hitter! That’s a problem, a big problem. Lee may be 9 for his last 19, but as previously mentioned, he’s a slap hitter at a premium power position on a team desperate for power. Off the top of my head, let’s see- our other starters other than soriano have 5 HR (Fuku), 4 HR (Bradley), 4 HR (Lee), 1 HR (Soto) and 4 HR (LBR). When Ryan Theriot is tied for 2nd on the team in HRs, you will have trouble scoring runs. We have to get Fox and Hoffpauir into the lineup, fielding be damned.
I know hindsight is 20/20, but oh how I wish we would have signed Dunn to play RF. What’s Bradley’s career high in HRs, 22? A guy like Dunn is exactly what this team needs right now.
by reedjohnson on May 22, 2009 9:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It is not as much the homeruns
as it is the lack of Extra base hits in general. They are 16th in Doubles. It is hard to have big innings when you have to string together 3 hits to plate just one run. It gets further amplified when you stop walking too..
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed and also
14th out of 16 in scoring with RISP!!!
In 29 games, they score 3.3 runs/game
They are LUCKY to even be over .500
So – either it gets worse, or someone picks it up – and soon.
by The E-Man on May 22, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that too
I’d hate to see our team slugging % relative to other teams right now
by reedjohnson on May 22, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Adam Dunn would have provided power.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."
--Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 22, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hindsight is 20-20
The Cubs management probably didn’t think they needed Dunn considering the lineup was full of power hitters like Soriano, Lee, Bradley, Ramirez and Soto. Who knew that Lee, Bradley and Soto would be ineffective into late May, and that Ramirez would miss two months.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
by danimal15 on May 22, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Milton Bradley appears to be pressing..."
I am SO TIRED of this crap!
I do not want to hear this excuse anymore. They have been “pressing” since 1945!!!!
There is no f-ing superstar on this team. The idiotic GM wanted to be “more lefthanded” and traded the best insurance policy in baseball!
This is not a playoff-bound team in 2009, I am sorry to bust your optimism.
I hope I am wrong – but unless things change dramatically, we will be too far out of it by mid-July when A-Ram will start getting his timing back.
by The E-Man on May 22, 2009 9:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Whats up with all these...
‘This team will not make the playoffs/ and or this team is a 3rd/4th place team’
however, ’ i hope i am WRONG….’ (if not, i’ll be the guy telling you ’ i told you so’ at the end of the season)
by xene on May 22, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Possibly because of the 19.8% number
next to the “Current Cubs odds of making the playoffs” in the left column here.
by JFCubFan on May 22, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm lazy, yet curious
What are the odds of the Brewers and the Cardinals?
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Click on the link and you will magically find out!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And you know those odds
fluctuate every day.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 22, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, I'm out of my element, discussing minor league development, but
Vitters is tearing it up in Peoria. With the 3B woes in Chicago, how long until he’s promoted to AA?
I realize the perfect scenario has him play the full season in A and advance to AA next year or finish in AA this year, but won’t his high average and power have people think about speeding up his advancement this year?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
None of you have any opinion?
I find that hard to believe.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably better to ask this on one of Josh's threads.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 22, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It may come to that
I know patterson is never a good example, but there was a lot of talk about how he was sped to the majors and that may have wrecked him. I wouldn’t want to do the same to Vitters.
But we do need him.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't gone that far, yet.
Merely suggesting a slightly faster promotion to AA to see how that works. If he tears up AA, then there may be a conversation to be had.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
I jumped a bit there.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think...
… we’ll be fine. So cheer up everyone. We’re gonna win tonight, Big Z is gonna look great, and things will be ‘back on track’.
TAKE THAT! :)
Wait a minute... who am I here?
by malicedoom on May 22, 2009 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Petco and the lowly Pads are the
time to experiment with lineups and batting order.
Right now the team needs both Lee and Hoffpauir’s bat in the batting order, damned if I have a good suggestion on the best way to accomplish.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a mental picture
of a Farrely (sp) Brothers Movie….
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See if we can become an AL team for 6-7 weeks.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 22, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those lowly Pads have won 6 straight....
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lowly =/= pushover
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lowly == payroll?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was just thinking even the worst teams win games, so
lowly does not equal pushover.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+10
Pass the kool-aid!
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lineup Suggestion
1. Theriot
2. Dome
3. Sori
4. Hoff
5. Bradley
6. Fox- 3B
7. LBR- 2B
8. Soto/ Hill
This is a line up I would stick w/ through Rami’s injury- If Fox can’t handle 3B, then a trade needs to be made. Soto has been catching well; bat him 8th for a sustained period of time, and platoon more often w/ Hill. The Freel experiment looks pretty worthless- his bat is even slower than Lee and Soto. Starting pitching has been excellent, and middle relief looking better. I don’t know what to do w/ Lee, but his AB’s w/ men on have been just pathetic.
Ok- take your shots.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on May 22, 2009 9:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Might as well have Hoffpauir or Lee play third.
Fox is supposed to be Jack Cust without the defensive ability.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not sure what people expected from Freel
It is not like his career numbers suggested that we were getting anything more than a utility guy. He has not played a ton so I am not surprised he is sucking at the dish or in the field. The problem is that he and Aaron Miles are the same guy with the exception that Freel is probably a little more versatile in the field.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Freel has looked horrible at the plate...
just horrible.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is partly
because he has not played. I don’t think he was all that great to begin with but if he does not play I don’t know we can expect to upgrade him from horrible to bad.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seems with Lou's latest theory on Fontenot....
…..Freel’s going to split 3rd w/ Scales, so let’s hope he starts showing something.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think more than anything
We have to hope that Soto, Lee, and Bradley and to a lesser extent LBR pick it up so that we can hide whoever is playing third in the lineup. The Freels, Scales, and LBRs of the world are being exposed because the bigger bats aren’t doing anything either.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And unfortanately
Hope is not a strategy….
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's a good point...
And Fonzie, it seems, is in a “guess hack hitting” phase. He needs to snap out of that quick.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Slightly above Horrific"
Jake Fox cannot play 3rd.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clearly this truth has not seeped completely into the public consciousness.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 22, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would you suggest a lineup now without DLee when he is the
only player on the team that is getting hits? I agree with getting Hoff’s bat in now, but did you watch the game last night? Did I miss something or didn’t DLee get 2 hits? You can move him down because he not producing power, but at least he is getting hits. When was the last time Sori and LBR were even on base? If you don’t get on, you can’t score. At least he got on base.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 22, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But, according to some, they weren't "good" hits....
shrug
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have bad hits than good strikeouts.
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee
Where else do you play Hoff, who has hit consistently, with power? As I said, I don’t know where you play Lee. He is becoming the Cubs version of JT Snow.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on May 22, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LF or RF. Play him tonight and sit Sori. Play him tomorrow and
sit Milton. Put him at first on Sunday and sit DLee. These guys could obviously use a night off judging from the way they are swinging the bats.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really
Fox is that bad at third?
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on May 22, 2009 9:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I think so
Apparently the guy can barely play first.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so what
play him there anyway. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
by reedjohnson on May 22, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we could get Ron to suit up...
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he wasn't, he'd have been called up by now.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 22, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How good would Raul Ibanez look...
in a Cubs uni? I was more infavor of the Cubs signing him instead of MB.
Not saying, just saying.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 22, 2009 9:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If ifs and buts were candied nuts...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At some point this year... Bradley will probably have an absolutley smokin hot month
And people will be changin their tunes
"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 May 22, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not saying Bradley will not do what you are saying...
But we knew EXACTLY what we were getting with Bradley, injury prone guy, with some tude. And people are upset with that? Not sure why?
I just thought the Ibanez was a more consistent player, he wasnt as flashy, but he was consistent. Miltion Bradley hit well on a TEAM that hit well.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 22, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ibanez will be 37 this June
And the Phillies signed him to a three-year, $31.5MM deal. You don’t think they’re gonna regret that?
The Cubs gave Bradley three years at $30 mil. And he’s 31. Much better deal in comparison.
"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 May 22, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ibanez plays left field too...
we already have one of those.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on May 22, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you take that logic....
Then why did the defending Champs pass on Miltion?
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 22, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton only wanted to play here
The Cubs only wanted Milton.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We'll see how those deals turn out.
Year 1 is probably going to be heavily tilted toward Ibanez.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 22, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MB has me confused.
His past issues were anger related and minor injuries (major with the knee).
However, when in the lineup he was anywhere from good to awesome. I haven’t seen anything but the minor injuries and the infrequent big hit.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Milton Bradley... didn't have good at-bats last night and went a weak 0-for-4."
That’s odd. I recall thinking last night that Bradley was hitting the ball right on the nose. He drove Rasmus to the CF wall and hit bullets right at LF and RF. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him spraying doubles all over spacious Petco this weekend.
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
by davidalanu on May 22, 2009 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He made
good contact on a couple of his at-bats, I only saw the last one and he hit that one as hard as you could hit a ball.
Just checked and MB’s BABIP is .193. Somethings gotta give, right?
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was going to look at that today
I knew it had to be low, especially after last night. I mean that HAS to come up at some point, nobody could be that unlucky.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope you're right.
I still don’t think he had good AB last night.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was my recollection too.
He’s just been hitting the ball straight at fielders.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 22, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the biggest offseason loss was losing Corey Provus...
Sirott is bad but he was very bad in his inning of work last night. I had no idea what was going on and obviously neither did he.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on May 22, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
haven't heard him last two nights
but Tuesday night, I was so confused by listening to him, I turned it off and went to game day for the rest of the innings.
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on May 22, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last night,
he couldn’t tell if the ball went out of the park, was caught or bounced off the wall 3 consecutive batters. “There’s a drive, it’s…. eh… up aga… oh it’s caught!”, “Hit deep to left center… Rasmus going back… uh.. it’s outta… no up against the wall…” Brutal.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on May 22, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Pat’s just going to have to start holding it.
by dr stabbingworth on May 22, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that was the point where I was debating throwing my radio through my computer monitor.
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crazy thought alert!!
What about moving DLee to 3rd base? Does he have the arm to make the throw?
He is a plus defender at first, so he could probably hold his own at third. This way we can keep him in the line-up while getting Hoff into the lineup as well.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 10:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought about suggesting that, but figured
his back issues won’t improve at third.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's probably true
but Lou seems to be thinking about taking some pretty extreme measures (i.e. Soriano back to 2nd). Just trying to think outside the box for a little. I don’t know whether this would harm the defensive more or less than Sori to 2nd and Hoff to left. With DLee at third, only one guy is out of position.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't dislike the idea
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has zero major league experience at that position.
I mean, he’s literally played nowhere but first base in his major league career. 13,003.2 innings. It’s an interesting idea, but I can’t imagine this ever really happening.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 22, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't imagine it actually happening either
but it’s another way to get both Lee and Hoff in the lineup at the same time.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
would Lee be the tallest 3B in baseball?
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on May 22, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So... Al...
After reading Santo’s Don Sutton story, do we need to knock all of our hitters on their butts in BP to wake them up?
"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 May 22, 2009 10:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Couldn't hurt.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question
Why was yesterday’s game not a day game? I thought there was rule that on getaway day that there had to be a day game if the travelling team had to cross multiple time zones to get to their next series.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 10:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You have to jump TWO time zones
They only jumped one (Mountain).
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When did San Diego move?
It is the West Coast.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They played in CDT and travelled to PDT
thusly jumping only MDT.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I pulled this out of the CBA...
It seems it is not related to timezone but is related to Flight Time….
“Other getaway games shall not be scheduled or rescheduled to start later than 5 P.M. if either Club is required to travel for a day game, scheduled the next day, between cities in which the in-flight time is more than 1½ hours.”
Notice the distinction of In Flight Time versus time inside the aircraft
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you very much!
Rec’d.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Arrgh
I missed the day game piece in that…so it does not apply here.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh i get what you meant
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently in St Louis
they are above the rules.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 22, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was wondering the same thing.
The Cardinals play Thursday afternoon games all the time. And it’s not like they’d have any trouble selling out for a Cubs day game.
by kanderber on May 22, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One alarming thing:
I picked this up from Sullivan’s crapbag this morning:
Zambrano watch: Carlos Zambrano flew to San Diego on Thursday afternoon to get some rest before his start on Friday. But after telling the media Zambrano was at the ballpark, Piniella was perturbed that pitching coach Larry Rothschild did not inform him Zambrano had left.
“The amazing thing around here is the manager is the last guy to find out about things,” he said.
Piniella wasn’t upset that Zambrano had left but added: “I wish somebody would tell me these things. I think I am responsible for them. … It makes you look a little stupid when you don’t know where your personnel are.”
That is an obvious sign of lack of communication within the organization. Both management and media are looking at it as a non-issue. But I believe it’s core to some of this team’s problems.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 10:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd expect these things happen all the time.
It’s telling how pissy everyone is that Lou’s complaining about minor stuff like this to the press.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 22, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Surprised no one mentioned Sori at 2nd
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 May 22, 2009 10:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It was discussed last night during the game as an remote option
(sorry, hit return key before I was finished). Len said Lou even brought it up. Exploring all options….
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 May 22, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe getting
Z’s bat back in the lineup tonight with jump-start things.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sadly (because he's coming off an injury and only plays every five days) I think he'll give the team a spark
Hopefully his clubhouse presence can also spark something. At least Fonty will have someone to play with.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He should hit cleanup...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 22, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's thinking
outside the box. Z can hit 4th and Lee can hit 9th.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on May 22, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as
he doesn’t try to bunt for a hit.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
by danimal15 on May 22, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey everyone
If they are still slumping in the upcoming home stand, who wants to come with me and throw rocks at the player’s cars?
by xene on May 22, 2009 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
For sure, BLou
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh comon chilango!
i was surprised by your rive plate reference in the other thread. What you say we start the first cubs ‘barra brava’ ever?
by xene on May 22, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ché! Cuenta con ello!
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got some really good background in hooliganism.
But why wait til they get back to throw rocks at their cars? That’s soooo Dutch/German hooligans. We can start by going to the airport to throw rocks at the actual players when they come back! That’s how they do it in Almagro.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on May 22, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll bring a sack
You need to supply your own doorknobs.
by dr stabbingworth on May 22, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why Freel? Why?
The guys had more balls to the head than Liberace, not surprised he made a goofy throw
"It was a wise Man that invented Beer" (Plato)
by LarryCubFan on May 22, 2009 11:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you see the other "goofy" play he made?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 22, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After last years playoffs
I decided not to be as emotionally wrapped up in the Cubs during the regular season. Sure I’ll still go to games and cheer my ass off, but I’m not going to let a few bad games by a struggling team piss me off as much as it did in years past. It doesn’t matter what they do during the regular season if they can’t win in the post season. Yea they are hurting without Aram, heck so is my fantasy team. But as long as they can keep their heads above water until he returns they will be in good shape. Limit the losing streaks and win series they will be fine. Hendry will make a move and Ramirez will return the sun will rise in the east and all will be right with the world. Let’s beat the snot out of the friars tonight. How dare they celebrate the 1984 season at the Cubs expense.
Someday we'll go all the way.
by Cubbinstrongsince86 on May 22, 2009 11:12 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
This.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 22, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That.
Oh, wait, we’ve already done this bit this week. Never mind.
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't help but think the team-sale-that-will-never-happen
has Lou & Jim’s hands tied from being able to make any transactions. It’s painfully obvious our bench sucks (or, more acutely, our starters suck), and we need to do something—but we haven’t. Trade season is heating up and I wish I knew exactly how much lateral movement our GM and coach had in moving players and monies.
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money."
--Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 22, 2009 11:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If I saw Jim Hendry on the street right now I would punch him in the face.
Sigh. Then I would hug him and tell him I’m sorry.
by Mapmaker on May 22, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am just not sure what is out there
that would make that much of difference. You don’t want to go all in for a 3rd base bat that won’t get much playing time if/when ARAM comes back unless maybe you can get Dero back. Even if they had money, I am not sure they even have prospects to make a trade that is going to make that much of a difference.
Also, they are entrenched (contract wise) at every position with the exceptence of SS, 2nd Base, and Catcher. Nobody is going to trade us anything at those positions that is going to make that much of a difference offensively. I also don’t see how we could send any of those contracts and get value in return.
If they make any trade at all between now and when ARAM comes back, it should be for the bullpen. They just need to realize that right now they are not going to score as many runs as they did in the past with this lineup and thus it is more important to try to improve pitching/defense and try to weather the storm until ARAM comes back .
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is why Brandon Wood is such a perfect idea.
He can play 3B now without missing a beat. If he works out, when Aramis gets back, he can play SS in a middle-IF rotation with Theriot and Fontenot.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 22, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
but the Angels have been reluctant to depart with their prized assets and I suspect that the cost would be relatively high. Also, if the cost is high, this could be a huge risk on this season and the future to try to fix a temporary offensive hole (assumes Soto, Lee, Bradley turn the corner) with a relatively unknown quantiy (MLB experience wise).
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 22, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DeRosa
I know this is a sore topic, but does anyone think we could get him back at a relatively light price? Or is it moot?
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
by KedzieKid on May 22, 2009 1:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
moooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 22, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 22, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, snap!
Al just SWL’d SWL!
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I must be in a slump too.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 22, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blame Judd.
Judd Sirott is responsible for EVERYONE'S injury. And all the current slumps.
Bradley watch -- out 10 games of 39
by znohitter on May 22, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+21
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on May 22, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not your fault...
… Al’s been pitching well.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"