Cubs Outscore Entire Road Trip, Lose To Pirates Anyway, 10-8
by Al on May 26, 2009 8:03 AM CDT
in Recaps
369 comments
All the on-field personnel last night, including the umpires, wore red caps with the team logos in stars-and-stripes. This was done to honor those who have served and are serving our country on Memorial Day.
It had the effect of making all teams look like the Nationals, and the Cubs decided to honor that by playing like the team from Washington that has the majors' worst record at 13-31 despite ranking third in the NL with 223 runs scored.
The Cubs scored more runs last night (eight) than they had in last six games combined (five). They drew seven walks and had ten hits; Milton Bradley homered and doubled and Ryan Theriot had doubles in his first three at-bats. However, the pitching staff was a notch short of horrific, allowing the Pirates 18 hits and 5 walks. The 10-8 Cubs loss to the Pirates, which ended with the tying run actually on the bases, could have been worse; the Bucs left 13 men on base.
It got so bad that Lou actually allowed David Patton in the game (although Lou had Angel Guzman warming up at the same time Patton was in the bottom of the 7th and had the Cubs managed to tie the game or take the lead in that inning, Guzman probably would have come in). Patton, after an understandably shaky start (who wouldn't, after sitting for 16 days?), threw two scoreless innings and kept the Cubs in the game. But the management of this roster would have had the Cubs at a serious disadvantage had the game gone to extra innings; Derrek Lee had been sent home with his flu continuing (after having originally been in the starting lineup, he was scratched again), Carlos Marmol is in New York where his wife is about to give birth (he won't be back till tomorrow), and Bobby Scales (who was also originally supposed to start but caught the bug that D-Lee has) and Carlos Zambrano had been used as pinch-hitters. Z, for his part, had a pretty good at-bat before striking out. Koyie Hill was on deck to bat for Patton when the game ended; in extra innings, the Cubs would have had only Guzman and Kevin Gregg in the bullpen and Hill, Kosuke Fukudome and Mike Fontenot on the bench, yet another testament to how poorly this roster has been constructed.
It's real easy to yell, "DFA! DFA!" after a loss like this. But that's not the answer, of course, and the old saying "a team is never as good as it looks on a long winning streak and never as bad as it looks on a long losing streak" applies here. The team showed signs of life offensively last night -- Geovany Soto, in particular, had good at-bats and two hits, and I want to give credit to Alfonso Soriano, who often hacks at the first pitch he sees in a game. Instead, he had a 12-pitch at-bat and walked, one of two walks; Pirates starter Paul Maholm threw 34 pitches in the first inning. That should have had them on the ropes, but Ryan Dempster suddenly lost the strike zone in the third when he hit a batter and issued three walks. That resulted in two Pittsburgh runs; it could have been more, except for a nifty 1-2-3 inning-ending double play.
Now that Patton has actually thrown in a game -- and well -- maybe the Cubs have another option with him. You can trade a Rule 5 guy to another team (not necessarily the one he came from), as long as the receiving team keeps him on their 25-man roster the rest of the year. Perhaps the Cubs can find a team (Washington? Cleveland? Oakland?) that would be willing to do that, in exchange for a prospect they can actually keep. With illness cutting down Cubs left and right, they could use Jake Fox on the bench. They could have used him last night, in fact, to bat for Aaron Miles in the last of the 9th after Pirates closer Matt Capps had to leave the game when a ball hit by Soto caromed off him and the Bucs were forced to use lefty Sean Burnett to finish up.
By that time it had started to rain again, softly, putting a wet coda on a long night of failure (the first three innings took an hour and 20 minutes and the 3:36 game time was the second-longest of the season). It might as well have rained all night, and at this point I'm kind of hoping it rains all day and night today, too. I figure that every game rained out now is a game Aramis Ramirez can play in during the second half of the season.
The Z-list celebrity Mr. T "sang" Take Me Out To The Ball Game -- screechingly badly -- during the 7th-inning stretch. Can we put this "tradition" to rest now? The presence of Mr. T, though, gives rise to this idea: Lou seemed pretty exasperated in his postgame press conference -- Mr. T, or at least his TV-character persona, would be interesting in the dugout (if he could keep from getting ejected from every game he managed).
Finally, a bit of history was made last night by the Pirates' Freddy Sanchez when he singled in the 9th; that gave him six hits in a 9-inning game, the 66th time in baseball history that feat has been accomplished since 1900 (it was done several dozen more times in the pre-1900 National League). Among the players who have done this are Soriano (with Texas in 2004); the only Cub to do it is Sammy Sosa on July 2, 1993 at Colorado. (Don Kessinger did it in a 10-inning game on June 17, 1971.)
Me, I'd rather have had a win. Maybe tonight, weather permitting.
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Good for Bradley....
But you know what he made it difficult for me to cheer for his home run yesterday after i read this:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4204044
Shut up and play the darn game.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 26, 2009 8:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just saw the fanpost about this...
my bad.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 26, 2009 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is anyone surprised? I'm not dissing Bradley, I like him. But given his history, is anyone shocked?
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
by zevkalman on May 26, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've come to realize
that the best thing for Bradley to do is to not talk to the media at all.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and people still gave him crap
when he went on his media blackout thing.
by Allie on May 26, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same with Latroy
Sometimes you just can’t win. Especially when it’s against the Chicago sports writers.
by dr stabbingworth on May 26, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Telling the beat writers you could do their job is not the right approach.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some times I think Lou gets his too concerned with match-ups.
Why in holy hell would he have Zambrano come up to pinch hit with Kosuke Fukudome sitting on the bench? I know Zambrano is a good hitter FOR A PITCHER, but he is no where near the hitter Dome is. This really irked me last night.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 26, 2009 8:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where was Fukudome or Fontenot to hit for Miles?
That is the better question.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't see his at-bat
But I’ll take Al’s word for it that it was a good one.
Regardless, the fascination with Zambrano as a hitter has to end. He isn’t nearly as good as everyone thinks. Yes, if he gets ahold of one, he can drive it, but of all the Cubs pitchers, I’d trust Harden in a key situation at the plate the most. (Alas, he was serving his phantom DL time)
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was honestly not that great of an AB
On the infrequent AB where Zambrano gets a mistake pitch to hit or gets ahead in the count he gets a good swing, but more often than not he’s down 0-2 or 1-2 and he swings at everything from that point on and you just have to hope the pitcher makes a mistake and grooves one.
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 26, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't think it was a very good at-bat.
He swung at a lot of pitches that were on the edge of the zone, according to Gameday (bottom of 7th), and struck out on a flat-out ball. He was golfing, not swinging a baseball bat.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 26, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually,
I wasn’t going to say anything, but since others brought it up, it was really bad. I stopped for a few minutes to look at the photos from it last night, and I was actually shocked at the hacks. It’s like he went up there thinking “homer or bust”.
by Damen Jackson on May 26, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
So, in other words..
what this clown always does.
Whatever. I just hope his tomfoolery with the bat doesn’t affect his pitching.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Enough with the clown remarks. It's obvious you
don’t like the guy. You have said so in several posts. Your constant negative remarks about Zambrano have become tiring. He was up there trying to get a hit just like anyone else. Hitting is not his number one job and no one expects him to get a hit everytime he’s at bat. The bench was short and a pinch hitter was needed. Enough already.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 26, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First
Fontenot and Dome were available.
Second, if he was sent up there as a pinch-hitter, then hitting IS his number one job in that situation
Pitchers are making him look like an idiot up there because he won’t shorten up. He will try for a homer regardless of the situation and that is NOT the sign of a team player.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, a home definitely would have helped the team at that time.
As your past comments have indicated, you dislike Zambrano and I wonder if you feelings toward him have turned personal, based on the nastiness of those comments.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Over the years
But I have watched him break bats over his knee, throw at players, fail to drink proper fluids, glare at teammates over errors and generally carry on like a putz.
He has no baseball common sense whatsoever and I cannot stand that in a player.
The SECOND his arm goes, he is done. He will not be like a lot of pitchers, who can get by on guts and guile and experience.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How the hell do you know what's going to happen? Are some kind
of sage or something? He didn’t ask to be put into the game, that was Lou’s decision. Not everyone reacts to situations the same way. Sure, he is a hothead, but he is also very intense. He wants to succeed. Shorten up his swing? He doesn’t have a short swing. His primary job is not that of a hitter, so he probably doesn’t have a lot of time to practice different swings. What he is is athleically gifted. As I have said before, you obviously don’t like the guy. If you want to objectively criticize his performance, fine. But enough of the insults. you are making yourself look silly.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 26, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm making a prediction
That we will feel about Zambrano when he leaves the same way we felt about Sosa.
I’m just ahead of the curve.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The fact that you would compare Big Z to Sosa just proves how
little objectivity you have about this.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 26, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see little difference
Lots of talent. Little common sense. Selfish. Has histronics at mound or plate. Far overrated compared to peers.
Very similar players. Maybe Zambrano can be rescued, but only if he starts listening.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 27, 2009 6:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My only response is that I think that you are wrong. Sosa was extremely self-centered
and craved the be the center of attention. He would seek the adulation of the fans and made statements like “This is my house!”. Zambrano has done nothing close to that. I will admit that he is not the most intelligent of athletes, but I see no malice in his behavior.
Carlos would never do anything like cork a bat or use PEDs to advance his own personal cause. He has always been a team player and has never puplicly stated any personal agendas. He badly wants the team to suceed and enjoys the challenge of being a successful pitcher as well as a hitter. While you may not agree with his approach at the plate, which seems to be you main gripe against him, you cannot deny his competitive nature. There are plenty of hitters that swing for the fences when a base hit will suffice, but I don’t see them getting the venom you have directed at Big Z. I can only conclude that you have some type of prejudice against him. Consequently, no amount of convincing will make you change your opinion. As a fellow Cub fan, I feel sorry for you that you would make the type statements that you have against Zambrano.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 27, 2009 8:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
with a short bench
that was without Scales and Lee Lou HAD to be careful who he used to PH because if it was tied up, he likely would have needed Dome, Font or Hill off the bench in the 10th.
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 26, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes I wonder why you're a fan of an NL team
where all the pitchers are required to do the tomfoolery with the bat.
by Allie on May 26, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a fan?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on May 26, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, because that's what I said ---
Zambrano has no baseball common sense whatsoever. He swings at anything he can reach and only has a home-run swing.
There are plenty of pitchers — some have even played for the Cubs — that were better with the bat than Zambrano ever THOUGHT about being. I’d take any one of them up there in that situation.
Marquis became one of the best-hitting pitchers in the game because he was smart.
Zambrano hitting is like Canseco pitching. It’s cute and fun and kinda silly and all fun and games until you realize he is just a buffoon.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dempster
really put us in a hole last night. Walking in those back to back runs was the difference in the game. This is so reminding my of ‘06 ….I’m getting that sick feeling in my stomach we may not rebound, what else can go wrong?
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 26, 2009 8:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am not sure the issue is...
with our ability to rebound, but the amount of teams we have to jump. Do we expect the Cards and Brewers to both fall off? Doubtful. We have to close the gap sooner than later, because when the season starts to run out and we go on a 8 game slide, it is unlikely for us to recover.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on May 26, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dempster is back to being Dumpster
He’ll never see a seasonal ERA under 4.75 again. I’m sympathetic to this guy’s apparent family situation, but for crying out loud you need to stand up and deliver when you’re team needs it most and you are being paid $52 million. We aren’t paying Dumpster to do his best Jeff Suppan impersonation.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm willing to give the Dumpster the benefit of the doubt
Last night based on the fact that he was good his three previous starts, but I agree that we aren’t going to get our moneys worth out of him.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I knew this was going to happen
Now we have it all out of our system. Time to start winning.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 8:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes...
We have hit the slump tri-fecta….Lose a Pitcher’s Dual (See Tuesday-Saturday), Get Blown Out (See Sunday), and than lose a wild one. Right now, the only thing missing from this slump is a blown save in the 9th. Hopefully that does not happen cause there might be mutiny of epic proportions.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 26, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zambrano pinch-hitting
Over Fukudome was inexcusable. How in the hell do you let a pitcher PH in that situation rather than, arguably, your best hitter? Just a stupid, stupid, stupid decision by Lou. Hell, if not Fukudome go with Fontenot or Hill over Zambrano. That might have been the dumbest move I’ve seen all year.
by kanderber on May 26, 2009 8:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What was the deal when Ascaino hit for himself.....
…..with a man on 2nd and then didn’t go back out to the mound to pitch? Oh that’s right, Lou hasn’t figured out that 1. Cotts is horrible and 2. Cotts is even more horrible against Lefties.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on May 26, 2009 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It looked to me
like Lou was calling for a pinch hitter who wasn’t in the dugout?? Perhaps Dome or Fontenot were in the clubhouse? That sequence was certainly screwed.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on May 26, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very weird situation as well.
The only thing I could come up with was that Lou didn’t want to burn a pinch hitter that early in the game since the bench was so thin (Lee wasn’t even at the park and Scales was out sick too, though I think did make an appearance later in the game anyways).
by kanderber on May 26, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wondered that myself last night...
… but figured i must have been missing something key as i was on a rooftop across the street.
Glad to know i wasn’t the only one perplexed by this.
"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 26, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should've heard me and my dad screaming from our seats at that point.
WTF?
This roster was mismanaged… and this game was mismanaged.
You’d lost 7 games in a row before this… you should’ve pulled out all the stops possible to win this game. Pathetic.
"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 26, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Len and Bob
said that Lou had wanted to bring Z in then but that he was having some problem in the dugout.
"Do you want a bunch of duds walking around with their shoulders slumped and having no emotions, no feelings?" Bradley said. "I don’t think the fans want that. I think they want a guy who’s going to get into the game and feel a little bit. I’ve always said, ‘I don’t really play baseball, I feel it.’ "
by Villeslgr on May 26, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fixing the
Gatorade machine?
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought I heard Len and Bob said Z couldn't find his shoes or helmet or something.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
by zevkalman on May 26, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then why take out Ascaino???
If he’s going to hit for himself, with short bench and short bullpen, why not send him back out there for another inning since he already hit foro himself? That’s what I couldn’t understand.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on May 26, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Before Lou wanted to
bring Z in he was goofing around with the Gatorade machine like he was trying to fix it.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That happened a week or two ago
Always something with that guy.
I think the umps did give him time last time though
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This
is what i heard. Although he was fixing the gatorade machine and playing around with the camera crew.
"Do you want a bunch of duds walking around with their shoulders slumped and having no emotions, no feelings?" Bradley said. "I don’t think the fans want that. I think they want a guy who’s going to get into the game and feel a little bit. I’ve always said, ‘I don’t really play baseball, I feel it.’ "
by Villeslgr on May 27, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bad Bad Bad
Baseball played by the Cubs last night. Dempster’s performance and antics were sad, while Lilly was embarrassing. How many games are the Cubs going to play w/ a 23-24 man roster? Aaron Miles is painful to watch, clean shaven, bearded, or goatteed. To have Theriot, Fontenot, Miles, and Freel on the same roster is not acceptable. While the Cubs are better than their play this last week, Im not sure how much better. Our bench and bullpen have been exposed as a glaring weakness- one recognized by BCB posters in March.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on May 26, 2009 8:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cubs have played with a short roster for 2 months
It’s absolutely insane.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Addition
Adding to the woes of the pitching staff last night was a pretty brutal night on defense. Aaron Miles inexcusable failure to catch a soft popup, Ryan Theriot’s inability to make a play that good SS’s make up the middle and a play that Milton Bradley got to and probably should have caught…all added to last night’s misery. Of the three, Bradley’s play was the most difficult but quite frankly all three plays were difference makers and lead to runs scored by the Pirates.
As I’ve said, the only argument in support of the Cubs turning this around right now is regression to the mean. The fact of the matter is, the Cubs are just as likely to start hitting now while their pitching and defense flounder. You can’t simply rely on mean regression to make up the distance in the standings at this point.
While there are many fingers to point for where this team is, one of its solutions absolutely has to be releasing Miles outright. He does nothing well, does most things well below average and quite frankly has the worst AB’s of any Cub I’ve seen since Todd Pratt. Neither Tony Thomas nor Darwin Barney are ready to be regular 2B at the big league level but at this point, you may as well bring one of them up and let them fail since the alternative is to continue to trot MIles out there knowing that failure will ensue.
Is that a giant solution? Of course not but it certainly couldn’t hurt. Maybe it even sends a message to the other veterans that if they don’t fix this, Phase 2 is right around the corner.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on May 26, 2009 8:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't help but be reminded of Nefi when I look at Miles
by Mapmaker on May 26, 2009 8:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Neifi could play defense...Miles is a butcher
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dusty, is that you?
See my sig…
I want my Macias!
by wombat on May 26, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The 3rd highest payroll in baseball and the infield options are Theriot, Fontenot, Miles, Scales and Freel
Count me as fan of Theriot. But it speaks VOLUMES that a team with a $135 million payroll is left gasping for air in the infield with these 5 names. UNBELIEVABLE. And the buck stops with Jim Hendry on this one.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Gotta agree.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
by zevkalman on May 26, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you look over the entire roster and it's a bit surprising
we don’t have a real ace, we have one consistently big bat in the outfield, and our bullpen is a mess. We’ve spent an awful lot of money on a very thin roster
by WanderingWanderer on May 26, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to say it...
I hate to say it, because I am truly his BIGGEST fan, but Micah Hoffpauir is clearly in decline. He’s done so much for this team, but it’s time for the Cubs to wake up and see what helps us WIN NOW!
In addition to the 6 LOB last night, in the last week, HoffDPauir is hitting .111/.158/.111 with 8 Ks and 2 GDPs in 19 PAs. In the last month, he’s hitting .246/.319/.431. That’s almost worse than Derrek Lee who’s been hitting .012/.129/-.320 since January 1, 2006.
I watched the game back last night in slo-motion, and I’m telling you, Hoffpauir’s bat speed has declined, especially from when I watch the game in regular speed.
There’s no way that this could just be a temporary slump. He’s old- I mean he’s always been old since he was an old prospect, so this really should come as no surprise that he’s only getting older.
There’s only one answer here. Turn Hoffpauir into a pitcher. He can’t be worse than Cotts.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was just typing a question on whether the Hoffpauir bandwagon was still picking up speed and now I know.
With this addition, I assume it’s at an all time high.
My one question/observation is whether the last week of Hoffpauir is a slump or him being more exposed playing everyday with Lee out and Lou not being able to pick his spots for Micah. .206 over his last 10 games is pretty poor, but his last at bat last night had me really wondering as I didn’t remember seeing Micah usually face hard breaking balls from LHP in late innings unless the game was effectively determined.
Further, as a Micah supporter and true believer, should Hendry see if he could possibly move Soriano? The contract is huge and the return won’t be much because of the contract, but is there benefit to freeing up an everyday spot for Hoffpauir and clearing contract space to provide Hendry flexibiltiy to acquire depth at third base, the bullpen and possibly shortstop? Yes, I know there is a NTC, but that doesn’t make it impossible.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whu-huh?
You speculate that it’s possible that Micah is a player whose spots have to be picked for him and then advocate trading Soriano for him?
No, there is no benefit to freeing up an everyday spot for Hoff.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks contradictory doesn't it?
As good as Soriano can be, First Base and Left Field can usually be filled somehow and someway by serviceable players. If Hendry is hamstrung from adjusting the 2009 roster by payroll, moving Soriano’s contract could generate flexibility and possibly improve the balance of the current roster while allowing Hendry to buy when the smaller teams sell before the deadline.
As for Micah, I wonder if he’s a combination of streaky and has selected spots by Lou. If he’s for real, he’s blocked (and this month, being outperformed) at first and can only play LF as the partial alternative.
The roster problem is that DLee and Hoffpauir are too limited as players defensively and neither is suited for a bench role in the NL where more flexibility is needed to allow for injuries and the double switch.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please tell me you mean
Fox and Hoff are too limited.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's too early to say whether Micah is over-exposed or just in a slump.
Moving Soriano, if we sell off, isn’t a bad idea at all – but not for Hoffpauir, or Fox, for that matter.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who cares?
Hoffpauir is slumping over the last 10 games, hitting .206, so what? Derrek Lee has basically hit .206 since April of last year. Hoff is slumping just like the rest of the team and opposing pitchers are have figured out how to pitch to him. He needs to make adjustments like all hitters do, he will hit again.
by tripdenten on May 26, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Prior to last night
how many other guys on the team were hitting? Hoff hasn’t been the only player sucking at the plate as of late.
by qccub on May 26, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No..
but he’s the only one who has inspired his own cult
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He doesn't have his own cult.
Erin Andrews does. Hoff is just First Prime and our connection to the goddess. Geesh. I thought that was pretty clear by now.
by CubsWin!Oregon on May 26, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's why this losing streak reminds many of us
of the 2006 season. After D-Lee broke his wrist, everyone seemed to forget how to hit and they went on that long losing steak and even longer losing season.
It seems so unlikely that virtually all of your offensive players will have bad years but I guess it is possible.
I find it humorous that Fukuodome has been the most consistent offensive player when many fans wanted to send him back to Japan just a few short weeks ago. How quickly things change!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to point this out, but much like last year
Fukudome started red hot, and is beginning to slip. .338 in April, 60 points lower in May.
He’s 2 for his last 16
by WanderingWanderer on May 26, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
2009 is 2004
That’s my conclusion. It’s a confluence of developments that are conspiring to flush this season down the toilet before the mid-summer mark. So many career years in 2008, the mounting injuries, the mind-boggling roster deletions by Hendry, the horrendous payroll allocation on a team with a big fat payroll, etc.
I think a growing number of Cub fans are ready to jump ship on the season. And they are not over-reacting to an 8 game losing streak but rather having that losing streak be the slap in the face to awaken them to the realities of this team.
Chances are strong that it is going to get real, real ugly at Wrigley this summer.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 8:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
One issue...
2004 wasn’t over by mid-summer. It ended the last week of the season.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But...
2004 was really a torture test throughout the season. And we entered the season all full of ourselves with the presumption that the NL Central and that the mission was to get ready for game 1 of the playoffs.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the problem the Cubs face.
It’s risky to wait long on calling the season a loss because the biggest, perhaps only realistic, trade chip we have to sell is Rich Harden and if you wait too long to sell him, he may go on the DL for real and lose all value.
It’s also risky to sell early because the Cubs are underplaying what you’d expect of these players from career #s and the Cards and Brewers are overplaying what you’d expect. Plus, the Cubs have to ask themselves if they can realistically reload and expect the 2010 team to be better than this 2009 team. The FA market isn’t strong this year, the Cubs aren’t expecting a lot of minor league help comign up and the players are getting older. WS windows don’t tend to be long.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the other hand...
If you call it a season, you can send D. Lee to get rest and rehab on his neck and showcase the Stone Hands Twins — Hoff and Fox — for a trade.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cardinals should be getting stronger
Carpenter is back. They have an exceptional prospect in Colby Rasmus and another one about to arrive at 3rd base too. I don’t see the shininess of the Cubs going forward. Who is going to fill the gaping hole at 1st base and 2nd base (and you could maybe argue shortstop) without Hendry once again overpaying in free agency? And who says Ricketts is even going to allow that?
This Cub team was built to win yesterday and today, NOT TOMORROW. Hence the depression a lot of Cub fans are starting to be hit over the head with.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First base????
I know you hate his guts and livers, but Lee hasn’t been the problem lately, and even if he was, there are two guys — Hoff and Fox — who can fill the spot.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The blindness some have to what Derrek Lee has been doing
has been one of the bright comic spots in an otherwise miserable past 10 days as a Cub fan.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay I give.
Other than the illness, how has Lee been the probem and who has been the bright spot.
Lee has hurt the team by having the flu and not playing. Hoffpauir has hurt the team at the plate, but has made it on the field.
Neither has anything to crow about.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee has hurt the team by being sick?
You post as if he wanted to be sick. It’s been TWO DAYS. Give the guy a break; he has actually been productive this month.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only way Lee has even possibly hurt the team
is by infecting Scales and God knows who else by TRYING to come to work. Maybe that’s why they sent him home.
You’re sick, you’re sick.
Look, I can understand concerns about Lee’s injury history and his age, but I think we can rule out him being a malingerer.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Infecting Scales and God knows who else"??
What is this, a zombie movie??
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 26, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's how they are hitting...
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dead Air
Starring Judd Sirott.
Get Derrek Lee some pills.
by dr stabbingworth on May 26, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yikes, I thought that was what I was saying.
I thought the only knock on Lee over the last 10 days is the flu, not something in his control.
I believe Hoffpauir has stunk to holy hell over the last 10 days. Barely over .200 over his last 10 games played, 29 at bats and 9 K’s, no doubles and one homerun.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The next time
you get the flu make sure you get your ass out of bed and get to work.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not what I was saying at all.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for clarifying.
You did say:
Lee has hurt the team by having the flu and not playing.
That didn’t sound quite right.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was trying to point out to DGU Lee has hurt the team, but only by having the Flu,
while the Anti-Lee is currently the whiff-o-matic.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The difference is...
… that the “anti-Lee” is hurting the team with actual performance.
You can’t blame someone for getting sick.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not, just trying to see
where the bench DLee crowd remains. I’m pretty certain Lee, Flu and all, would have had a better 9th inning at bat last night than Hoffpauir.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand now
but that is not how your orginal post came across.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It comes down to.....
Hoff shouldn’t be batting against lefties. At all.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 26, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's what we're figuring out.
He had done okay in the minors versus lefties and in limited chances hadn’t stunk in the majors, however, his last few have been awful.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless the lefty is
Neil Cotts. Left-handed batters love him.
by rlpete on May 26, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We totally need to trade Cotts to the Cardinals to help pad Hoff's stats.
And so that they’ll lose more games in general, too – that would be a nice side-benefit to the more important goal of padding Hoff’s stats.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It may be a little early to come to this conclusion.
While he hasn’t hit lefties much at this point, it’s possible that he could. I believe he was successful facing lefties in the minors, so there may still the possibility that he will come around to hitting lefties in the majors.
I’m not saying he will, just that there hasn’t been a large enough at bats to come to the conclusion that he can’t in the future.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee isn't the problem anymore
He was for a while, but he has been real good. I have a feeling Lee slumps and Hoffpauir hot streaks (as well as the other way around) will happen all season long.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lee's production has been down this year
due to injury (and now illness) and being in and out of the line-up as a result. It seems like everytime he gets going, something happens to cause him to be taken out of the line-up for a few days or even longer. That has disrupted his timing and it seems as if he has to start over each time to regain it.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It looks like I set off a whole thread by being unclear.
What I was trying to say is that I find it very funny, since Derrek Lee has been the best and only dependable hitter over the past month, how some people continue to post things about how bad he looks at the plate and how he needs to be traded to four different teams at once so he’d be literally drawn and quartered to sate our feelings of vengeance. (Ok, I’m exaggerating slightly – trying to be clear this time.)
In other words, while talking about Cubs stuff has tended towards depressing lately, I still get a laugh at the anti-Lee folks clininging to month-old stats.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
DLee’s put together a nice May so far. I just hope he can get over this flu bug and close it out in style.
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 26, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Going after a star SS is the best plan IMO
Move Theriot to second base where his defense would be better
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And which "star SS" is this?
And who are you going to give up to get him?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh I have no plan beyond that
I’ll pray each night that the Marlins want to trade Hanley
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hanley is not a good defensive shortstop.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I doubt he is available, he seems to make
up for it in other ways.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I wouldn't be too upset with him on the team
I know its impossible though. He can’t be much worse than our current SS is at defense.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
In 2007, he was atrocious. In 2008, he was average. So far, in 2009, he’s been fairly good.
Scroll down in this link.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you refering to UZR?
Bearing in mind the 1,000 innings rule, Hanley has been below league average every full season thus far. (Although it’s true he was just a touch below league average last year.)
His career numbers still look awful, though. I think I read once that the Marlins have considered moving him to third.
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 26, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hanley's general rep is bad and the Marlins have considered moving him.
But he’s stepped up his game and made improvements. It remains to be seen if he’s going to just end up being below average, or if he’s actually trending positively.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
There’s no conceivable way right now for the Cubs to deal for a star SS.
The options are:
Jack Wilson
Cristian Guzman
Edgar Renteria
Yuniesky Betancourt
Orlando Cabrera
Jhonny Peralta
That’s a pretty sad list. Theriot actually trumps all of them right now.
"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 26, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking more down the line as a future plan
See what happens this offseason. Who knows what kind of contract disputes will happen between now and November.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're trying to win a World Series right now.
"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 26, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm no longer convinced that we have that as an option
Not without a whole hell of a lot changing.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's still early.
The Cardinals won a World Series a few years back with their worst squad in the decade. They dropped something like 9 or 10 in a row in September, and still managed to get 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 26, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seven in a row.
I’ll have more to say about this in tonight’s pregame post.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was also similar to what the White Sox went through in 2005.
The White Sox played so well and won so many close games early in the year but the Indians came on so strong in the second half of the season and simply didn’t lose. All that changed when Grady Sizemore lost a routine fly ball in the sun and the Royals came back to beat the Tribe in the last week to 10 days of the season. I’m not sure that they won a game after that.
In 2006, the Astro’s made a late charge and went on a winning streak that conincided with the Cardinals losing streak. I think the streaks started when the Astro’s swept the Cardinals in a late September series. In the Cardinals case, they had a lot of injuries throughout the season and finally had their team on the field during the playoffs.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That has happened once
In the history of baseball. I wouldn’t count on the Cubs of all teams getting that stroke of luck.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Once?
No, it’s happened several times. 1964 Phillies. 1995 Angels. 2007 Mets. All teams that were cruising to postseason spots with less than two weeks left in the season… and never got there.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
However...
Let’s remember that the Cards won the division that year with a 83 and 78 record. If you assume that the Brewers/Cardinals are going to be respectable the rest of the year, I find it hard that an 83 and 78 record is going to get it done this year.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 26, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying the Cubs could win this division with 83 wins.
However, in 1973 the Cubs led the NL East by 8 games at the halfway mark with a 48-33 record.
On pace for 96 wins, right?
The winner of the NL East in 1973 was the Mets — with 82 wins. The Cubs won 77. It happens.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would suggest making a "Godfather" offer to a team
But we can’t do that because all our stars have no-trade clauses.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am a Theriot fan
I think his defense is underrated and he was a very valuable hitter. I think his new approach isn’t a net plus. But putting that aside, I’d probably take Jack Wilson over him. He’s available as well.
by ol Pete on May 26, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You may be right, but if the
question right now is who can play third until Ramirez returns. I looked and don’t see where Wilson has played third, so I don’t know if he can.
If the question is Wilson or DeRosa, I see a short term solution of DeRosa at Third, Theriot at SS, Fontenot at 2b, as a stronger option than Fontenot at Third, Wilson at SS, and Theriot at 2B. Additionally, DeRosa would solve the depth problem in the outfield as well.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I don't see a depth problem in the outfield.
If you include Hoffpauir and Freel, the team has SIX outfielders right now. I don’t think Lou would take Theriot’s bat out of the lineup, but if the Cubs could pickup Wilson as a defensive replacement, that would be great.
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 26, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If either is acquired, I was assuming Freel would depart and
while Hoffpauir can be put in RF, he’s not a great defensive option.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can't afford Wilson's salary....
not going to happen.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 26, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cardinals -
You’re right that they have two good prospects arriving, but that doesn’t necessarily help them this year. I love Colby Rasmus, but guess who he has a nearly identical line as? Huh? Sometimes prospects take time, I guess.
Carpenter is back. For how long, though?
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al...
FYI, Soto hit Capps in the Elbow area not in the leg.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on May 26, 2009 8:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
OK...
… hard to see from where we were.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, it was hard to see on TV.
The live angle was from behind and the opposite angle showed his glove and right forearm all together.
He then came out grasping his wrist and hand. It did look like the elbow on super slo mo.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was watching on tv...
and I couldn’t tell but it sounded like some people were cheering when he got hurt. It was hard to tell though. Did you notice anything at the game like that?
If it did happen, that’s pretty despicable. I’m hoping I just misheard though…
by CubsWin!Oregon on May 26, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't hear any such cheering.
If there was cheering then, it was because Soto was safe at first and the Cubs had a baserunner.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes it takes the crowd a minute
to realize someone got hurt on a play. They are following the baserunner and may not have noticed that the pitcher was hit by the ball until the play is over.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The cheering continued
after the trainer had come out to Capps… You’d think if they were just cheering about Geo getting on, they’d quiet down once they realized someone was hurt, right?
by Allie on May 26, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
That’s what I noticed too. I could hear cheering while Capps was at the baseline with the trainer…which is why it bothered me.
by CubsWin!Oregon on May 26, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe I'm about to type this but...
…in the crowd’s defense, they may have been cheering Capps’ effort on the field – the way crowds often cheer when a player gets up and walks off after getting hurt.
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 26, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On TV it looked like Capps immediatly went to the 1st base side of the field
and that is where the trainers examined him before taking him off the field.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
and it seemed the clapping started when Capps was walking off, and it was the respect for an injured player clap
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 26, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was ugly.
Capps wobbled off the mound, he had trouble standing up after that.
Any official word on how bad it is for him yet?
by kanderber on May 26, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
x-rays were negative
but the mark from the seams of the baseball was still visible after the x-rays. Its also the elbow that he had problems with earlier in the season, so even if it is a contusion, he probably will be out for a while.
by ol Pete on May 26, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if they will do additional tests.
As I recall, the x-rays were initially negative when Prior got hit on the elbow but additional tests showed a fracture.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is positive.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on May 26, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I'm the reason
I was in Chicago for 9 days. During that time my first game was in Milwaukee when they won. Then I was at 4 consecutive games after that where they won.
What happens. I go home to NY and they don’t win.
I should move back to Illinois. They’d have 30 wins by now if that were so!
by ak123 on May 26, 2009 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You need to get back to Chicago ASAP.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should I go to more games?
With my lifetime 5-0 record, it would be tempting to think that they could win when I was in attendance.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 26, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well,
I have the time off to go to San Diego and Los Angeles in August, and San Francisco in September. Anyone else thinking of going to those games?
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 26, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I live in So Cal
And don’t want to attend those games, especially in SD. Not worth it.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 26, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I live in the LA area
and will be attending a couple of the Dodgers games as I usually do.
by JFCubFan on May 26, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm batting a thousand too
Cubs have never lost a game I attended…
It’s a bit of a commute for me, but if BCBers want to take up a collection to get me to games, I’m willing to do it!
(oh yeah, maybe should mention that I’ve only been to one Cubs game.. at Wrigley.. back in ’97.. but a perfect record is a perfect record, right??)
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on May 26, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
1-0 is a perfect record, 1.000 winning percentage.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 26, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you said 5-0 above
do you need to update your signature line?
or was the first of those 5 wins before April 2004?
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on May 26, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
The first win was in 1989. I started going to Cubs games more regularly once I got into college. When I started as a freshman, it was too late for the 2003 season, but I’ve tried to make it to one game every year since 2004. The year I missed was 2005 (I was hoping to get Cubs-Red Sox tickets, as I’m from an area with a lot of Red Sox fans).
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 26, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did make it to Chicago later that year,
But I couldn’t get tickets to Wrigley Field. I was recovering from running a marathon at the time of the Cubs-Red Sox series, and my legs were still very sore.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 26, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've seen more losses this season...
… than i did all of last season. Ugh.
"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 26, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got any TV jobs for me?
If I can do editing there full time I’d take a plane back ASAP!
(fyi, I’m on a 12 game regular season winning streak dating back to 2007!)
by ak123 on May 26, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, TV jobs are being cut, not added.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm aware
And its unfortunate. I know a lot of people who were going to keep me in the loop when spots open up and sadly enough 75% of them don’t have jobs anymore.
We had cuts up here too…if Cubs ever do create a TV network with the new ownership thats a lot of new jobs opening up which is a plus for the city!
by ak123 on May 26, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's true, although...
… some of the people they hire will come from existing CSN/WGN people.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's true
But realistically they’re creating a network so they’re going to have to bring in some other experienced producer or juts stockpile on cheap interns and PA’s.
by ak123 on May 26, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was the crowd chanting "DFA! DFA"
When Cotts was on the mound? If so, i’ve never been more proud of my Cubfan brethren. I think this would be a splendid idea.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
by lemon20pie on May 26, 2009 9:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I hope they were
Get his ass off the team
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a chorus of boos... and rightfully so.
"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 26, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard the crowd chanting something
But I couldn’t make it out. I think the radio guys manage to block out some crowd noise when the booing and chanting goes on.
by dr stabbingworth on May 26, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dementia -- Thy Sweet Name is Lou
Before turing my attention to our beloved manager, let’s get several things clear — very loud and clear.
The bus for Cotts, Heilman, Miles, and Freel is ready — full tank of gas — headed to nowhere - or better yet anywhere. Let’s just hope that their replacements can arouse just a bit of hope for Cubs fans.- Been here too long. Should have been shown the door long ago.
Cotts -
Heilman - The Mets didn’t want him and Cub fans want him less.
Miles - Has looked lost at the plagte all season. The Cubs need to take away his keys to the clubhouse.
Freel - What in the world was he thinking with that lame attempt to force Sanchez in the 7th? The ump missed the call but Freel screwed up. Throw it to first !! Realize who is running !!
On top of that, he can’t even get a loud foul when batting.
Also — please send Patton back to the Rockies or work a deal. The Cubs simply cannot afford to keep him on the roster. If they do not use him, what’s the harm if you lose him? There are enough liver arms in the system with the same potential.
Finally — our beloved Lou. We all saw it last night in the 6th. Man on first — Freel bunts. Brenly assumed — and rightly so — that Lou had him bunt because Miles (you’re kidding — right?) and a possible pinch hitter would follow. After another poor AB for Miles, there’s a holdup. What happens? Lou let’s Ascanio bat for himself. Questions abound — Brenly wonders if Z doesn’t have the right shoes on, doesn’t have his bat, or gosh knows what else. What was Lou doing — talking with George Steinbrenner on his cell? Of course, Ascanio makes an out. Then to put the cherry on the sundae, Lou takes out Ascanio and puts in our game saver Cotts. The rest is history.
What happened to Guzman? He’s been doing a pretty good job lately. Why didn’t Lou use him — right after Dempster? No? Well why not after Ascanio? No? Well why not after Cotts? No? Why not after Heilman? No? Oh — that’s right — Lou had Patton — it was his turn.
So Guzman sits and two of the previously mentioned “relief” ptichers failed miserably.
Then in the 7th with 2 on and 2 out, in a 2 run game, Lou pulls another one. He puts in Z to pinch hit. Was this the best option? What about Fukudome? Of course, Z fans and Lou saved Fukudome — for what?
So Lou — take the keys, get behind the wheel of that bus — you should have some company. You may ask — where am I headed? Well Lou, as far as I am concerned, as long as it’s out of town, I really don’t care.
by ceegeewow on May 26, 2009 9:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Lou is sort of losing his mind
I’m not convinced he gives a crap right now.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was maddening... absolutely maddening.
"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 26, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Lou was saving Dome for Capps....
..and when Capps got injured and they brought in the lefty, he couldn’t bat Dome against a lefty.
Because that’s Lou. All about percentages.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 26, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome is 1000000 times more likely to get a hit off a lefty
than Aaron Miles is.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, career-wise, they're pretty close to even...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 26, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And which one would you rather bat?
When there are other options, Miles should never bat in that situation.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not my decision, it's Lou's
I’m just trying to explain what might be going through Lou’s mind.
Dome has 5 AB’s against lefties this year. It’s a trend I don’t think is going to change.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 26, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I'm saying is that if I'm Lou
I do everything possible to not have Miles be the last batter. Especially if I have options off the bench. Its one thing if only pitchers and Koyie Hill are left. I understand not using Fontenot who can’t hit lefties, but if Fukudome has similar numbers then he has to be the choice. He will have a better at bat and is more likely to get the extra base hit that we needed there.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
But it goes back to his obsession with the L/R thing. He’d rather have a righty batting, even if it’s Aaron Freakin Miles, than play against the percentages (ie bat Fukudome).
Maddening.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 26, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey if we want to play the percentages
Let Mr. Burns manage the team.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I must admit...
…Lou seemed remarkably jovial and philosophical in his postgame comments. He still seems to think all/most/some of the Cubs hitters will hit to their career averages and, thus, rescue the team. Even if that happens, I’m just too traumatized right now to see this group going on a 7-0, 8-0, 9-0 tear that fills in the hole they just dug are digging for themselves. I pray I’m wrong. I mean, the Padres have won 10 freaking games in a row. The Padres. I just can’t take it…
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 26, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Padres can do it, the Cubs can do it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, as I said during the playoffs last year, I'm open to a miracle.
Right now, I’m clinging to the hope that they can somehow win the next two games against the Bucs and then split the four-game series with the Dodgers. That would leave them with a 4-3 homestand, which, in light of recent events, would be absolutely acceptable.
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 26, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
4-3...
ah, back to .500!
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take it.
But I’ll take just about anything right 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 26, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN Radio (nationally)
was speculating Lou ‘was in trouble.’ I could not hear the entire segment.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 26, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pure speculation.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you.....
get the feeling Lou may have checked out? Is it possible that the pressure has got to him?
When they cut to him during the games he looks lost.
I hope I am wrong.
by timeforachange2009 on May 26, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do
but I don’t think he’s lost it to the point where he has lost his baseball mind, but rather his positive influence over the clubhouse (or lack thereof). Obviously, this is pure personal speculation on the situation. I originally wanted Girardi as manager because he is/was an up and coming coach in the league. I’m tired of seeing “retreads” coming in and attempting to relive their glory with the most futile baseball organization in professional sports.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu
by propheteer on May 26, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Girardi was my first choice.
But he hasn’t done very well as a manager, has he?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can only go as far as your pitching takes you.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 26, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he wasnt bad in Florida
NYY is another story
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 26, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Nats
Have won more recently than the Cubs.
Can you guys please do something to help them turn it around before I get out there for the Dodgers series?
by 08Cubs on May 26, 2009 9:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Washington Generals
have won more than the Cubs lately…
by salparadise23 on May 26, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In typical Cubs fashion
We’ll sweep the Dodgers after the Pirates sweep us lol.
by ak123 on May 26, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting Post-Gazette blog entry about last night's game
http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pbc/archive/2009/05/26/morning-links-52609.aspx
It is an outsider’s honest look at how we Cub fans deal with a team on the skids. As he said, most of this stuff would never happen in Pittsburgh.
by Qixotl on May 26, 2009 9:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not a bad read
While the party image kind of bugs me, I guess its cool that we have found a way to deal with the losing and still have fun. The way this season is going, its good to know that we can still have fun.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd disagree with the assessment that the "party atmosphere" was in full force...
…the crowd was in a pretty surly mood last night, compared to a normal Wrigley crowd. Lots of booing, lots of obscene language directed at Neil Cotts. It probably still seemed like a jovial atmosphere compared to a Pittsburgh crowd, as the park was more than 1/3 full. At least Kovacevic, who’s one of the best beat writers in baseball, was even-handed enough to still portray Cub fans as being knowledgable.
I took a friend to her first MLB game last night, figuring that seats in the front row of the upper deck would help sell her on Wrigley Field. I should’ve known better. The last two times that I’ve taken a newbie to Wrigley Field were the final game of the 2006 season (which was like attending an angry funeral) and the surreal game against the Braves on 6/1/2007 (which featured lots of booing, capped off by the Barrett-Zambrano fight). Considering the trend, I’m surprised the Cubs didn’t lose by 10 runs last night, although it was still a frustrating game.
"I'd rather play baseball than eat." - Andy Pafko
by LaddieRenfroe on May 26, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The fact that even with all the crap going on
I think a lot of parks with a team losing 8 in a row and crapping all over themselves the previous inning wouldn’t be singing with Mr. T. I think its cool that even with all the crap we still get happy and sing for 3 minutes. That wouldn’t happen anywhere else.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outside of his infrequent hitting and
hit or miss defense, is Freel adding anything positive.
We all read the rumors he was a clubhouse problem and watching him make the poor decision on the force and then yell at the ump on the close play followed by that enormous bat flip has me wondering.
Anyone heard anything about his attitude and whether he’s getting along with the rest?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good questions.
I had heard Freel wasn’t a good clubhouse guy in Cincinnati.
The “poor decision” on the forceout wasn’t Freel’s, it was Theriot for throwing that way. There were two out, just take the out at first.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't mind him quickly going away
This team is significantly less likable this season, I think Freel only makes them less likable.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Freel fielded the ball on that play...
…so the mental mistake was his, not Theriot’s.
Freel also made another bonehead play on the bases an inning later, failing to pick up the ball once it was in play on a hit and run. He slid into second when the ball was rolling into left field and thus didn’t advance to third. Zambrano struck out right after that, so it didn’t cost them anything, but still…
"I'd rather play baseball than eat." - Andy Pafko
by LaddieRenfroe on May 26, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I remembered as well.
I don’t remember a Theriot throw (except for the one that pulled Hoff of the bag).
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either way...
… it was stupid.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The forceout was Freel, Theriot had the stupid baserunning mistake in the 1st
what was he thinking? Seems the whole team including the manager is playing dumb.
by rlpete on May 26, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After making much ado about Freel's experience at third base...
…I’m kinda leaning toward having Scales there now. Bobby made some pretty smooth plays during the road trip, and I just like his speed in the lineup. Maybe these are just my emotions talking, though, as I’m trying to cling to any kind of positivity right 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 26, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mr. T may
not have had the best singing voice but he was very entertaining in the booth with Len & Bob. Those two seemed to enjoy his banter quite a bit.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If were installed as the everyday seventh inning guest
That would be okay with me. He doesn’t have to sing. Santo sings and Mr. T talks.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mr T was the perfect celeberity guest
Len & Bob pointed out that he signed autographs, posed for pictures with fans and just plained talked to anyone who would listen from the time he arrived to when he left (and maybe he didn’t even stop then). I’d gladly invited Mr. T back to Wrigley because of his enthusiasm and enjoyment toward the fans.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mr. T
I like him, but time to end this tradition.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
by danimal15 on May 26, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree
Just adds to the whole “Wrigley’s for a party not a game” nonsense.
Why not let Santo sing everyday?
by Allie on May 26, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Er, he wouldn't agree to that
by dr stabbingworth on May 26, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I bet he would.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really? He always makes such a fuss about it
by dr stabbingworth on May 26, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he gets a little annoyed
when they just pencil him in. I suspect he’d rather they ask him each time. (Or maybe they ask him and he forgets.)
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I was very little...
my dad took me to see Mr. T. at a grocery store (I think it was) out in the western suburbs of Chicago. I still have the signed photo, though I was so little that I don’t remember much and think I was probably scared of him.
Which is my way of saying that I endorse his presence at Wrigley. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on May 26, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a similar experience
I could have met Mr. T at the mall. The entire day I kept saying, “I’ll go a little later. I’ll go a little later.” And then when I got there, they told me he’d just left. And when I asked the mall guy if he would ever come back again, he said he didn’t know.
by dr stabbingworth on May 26, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Capps: No Fracture
Pirates closer Matt Capps has no fractures or other structural damage in his right elbow after it was struck by a line drive late in the 10-8 victory against the Chicago Cubs last night at Wrigley Field.
Two hours after the game, according to a team source early this morning, X-rays taken at nearby Midwestern Memorial Hospital cleared Capps, though he was experiencing extreme stiffness and soreness. There was no clear prognosis on how much time he might miss, and that is because, in a cruel slice of misfortune, the ball struck almost precisely on the same bone in the back of the elbow that had been deeply bruised and cost him six games earlier this month.
It did so with enough force, according to the source, that the ball’s seam marks still were evident well after the X-rays.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 26, 2009 10:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He's very lucky.
He was clearly stunned after the hit. I hate to see anyone get hurt.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The fact that the ball hit an already-bruised bone...
…explains why he was in such pain. He’s a good pitcher, and that’s never a pleasant thing to see.
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 26, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What can be extracted from fact that Cubs have fewest doubles and triples in NL
Their HR numbers actually rank middle of pack so it isn’t a lack of power situation. Anomaly that will correct itself over the season? Something deeper?
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 26, 2009 10:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It is a power issue of sorts
Lack of triples don’t bother me as the Cubs aren’t a speed team but doubles in concerning. It is a sign that the Cubs aren’t hitting the ball with authority consistently. Part of the issue is the number of slap hitters.
by rlpete on May 26, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We just need to get past the juggernaut portion of our schedule
San Diego and Pittsburgh are among the best teams in baseball. We get past these games and we’ll be just fine. The offense will return to its former greatness and the bullpen will revert back to being awesome.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 10:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This just into the Comcast Sportsdesk....
Ryan Freel sucks.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 10:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
also reports that sales of Tom Petty's "Freel Fallin"
are plummeting due to typo on CD
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 26, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really can't believe that the Cubs have
this mess of a roster. This team is built no better than the days of Dusty with the likes of Tom Goodwin and Jose Macias.
by rlpete on May 26, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry and Lou got stupid
They became so obsessed with getting lefty hitting that actual ability to play baseball wasn’t taken into account.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the convenient answer everybody likes to bring up that I don't buy into
It’s on Jim Hendry’s head for getting rid of Mark DeRosa and trying to pull a series of domino moves in order to get Jake Peavy. Trouble is those domino moves by themself were ruinous to the Cubs in the absence of Peavy being the final puzzle piece.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure I buy into the Peavy chase either
Under what scenario did Hendry think that Joey Gathright was the answer to any question? It was just a very puzzling offseason.
by rlpete on May 26, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you're very generous
You can say that Hendry took some chances.
None of them have worked out.
Gathright busted. Miles busted. Gregg has been inconsistent and Heilman a disaster. Bradley has been stop and go, stop and go.
Couple that with the drop-offs — Fontenot, Soto and at times — Soriano and Lee.
AND add to that the disaster of losing Ramirez and you have a major issue.
This team was not built to handle the inevitable drop-offs and slumps, let alone a blow like Ramirez’ injury. Everyone needed to be healthy and consistent for it to work.
That hardly ever happens in baseball.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No team is built for their best player to be hurt for a significant part of the season
and for the rest of their players to stop hitting.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about a pregnancy leave like Manny's?
I haven’t followed them that closely, but the Dodgers seem to keep winning.
by ol Pete on May 26, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was responding to Wort's assertion
that, “This team was not built to handle the inevitable drop-offs and slumps, let alone a blow like Ramirez’ injury.”
My argument is, what team is? If your players are hurt or don’t perform at least to their career averages, the team will be in trouble.
The Dodgers may have lost the cheat known as Manny Ramirez for 50 games but the rest of the team has continued to perform. The Cubs have not done so.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wort.....lol
Didn’t know if that was intentional or not but it’s funny.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, just my sorry tying skills.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I agree there will be a drop-off
But it shouldn’t have been this precipitous.
The Dodgers are withstanding Manny because they are better constructed. LaRussa’s Cardinals have dealt with injuries in the past.
My beef is that this team wasn’t constructed to handle 5-10 day injuries, let alone three-month ones.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou's decisions last night
Has Lou been asked by anyone to explain some of his decisions last night? Does anyone know where we can watch a post game interview?
by BringBackRyno on May 26, 2009 10:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You can see the postgame...
…here.
As mentioned above, I’m a little frustrated by Lou’s happy-go-lucky philosophizing. What happened to “you have to go out there and kick somebody’s ass”? Maybe Lou should take a couple days off and let Ted Lilly take the reins.
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 26, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly
I don’t think Lou cares. I think something flipped in late April with the pitchers not throwing strikes and started to think this could be a problem. Now that the offense is gone, I think Lou just doesn’t give a crap. If the hitters come around, they come around, and if they don’t who cares because we can’t get guys out with the bullpen anyway.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WHEN LOU IS LONG GONE AND
Back in Tampa we the faithful will still be here wondering what the hell went so wrong ….
by cubs north on May 26, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either that or...
…he’s giving those sports psychology books he talked about in spring training an honest try and, when his patience runs out, he’s going to flip over the table in the media room.
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 26, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well patient Lou isn't winning baseball games
I want angry Lou, the Lou that won two NL Central titles
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno.
It doesn’t bother me that much. Obviously I don’t want him laughing away at every loss, but at the same time I think that so many Cub fans operate with a sort of “day-trader” mentality (becoming unhinged at the relative drop of the hat) that a good way to fight that is to appear the optimist, never-fail type.
If you’ll forgive the comparison, it’s kind of like Eisenhower’s leadership style in WWII. Always seeming unflappable. Particularly as everyone runs around in fear of Armaggedon here in Cub land, I like knowing there’s a steady hand who keeps perspective and knows that seasons are not defined by a rough patch in May.
by CubsWin!Oregon on May 26, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that's what he's shooting for...
…though I’d say an eight-game losing streak is more than enough reason to lose one’s cool.
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 26, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which decisions are you referring to?
The decision for Ryan Dempster to not be able to throw strikes? The one for Cotts and Heilman to suck eggs? Or for Aaron Miles to drop a very catchable pop-up? Who else can we throw out there in the 6th and 7th inning that is lights-out? We have an terrible bullpen, one that, barring the callup of minor league players who may or may not be lightning in a bottle will not get much better. His pitchers gave up 10 runs; Lou gave up zero.
Offensively, your post has more applicability.
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 26, 2009 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget Lou's decisions to have
Freel play the ball and try to tag third instead of throwing to first and Theriot’s off throw to first that pulled Hoffpauir off the bag.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm asking about the offensive decisions. Lose the attitude.
by BringBackRyno on May 26, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought some of those last night were because
Lou was hamstrung with Lee and Scales out. Lefties with hard breaking balls are what seem to cause Dome to make that awful spin out swing, etc.
I’m wondering about Lou lately, but will probably give him a pass with a depleted lineup last night.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair Enough
I’m sure Lou had his reasons. Just curious to hear what they were. His answer would probably be along the lines of what you’ve said
by BringBackRyno on May 26, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The reply feature
is very helpful when replying to a certain post. You should try it.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Short-handed
How many games this year are we gonna play with a short bench? Very frustrating
Is Lou too focused on his cush Yankess consultant job he has waiting for him in Tampa? Can he get his ass in gear please. Either you want to be here or you don’t.
by TheRamZamDLEE on May 26, 2009 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's put this in context and try to take an objective look...
As frustrating as it is to lose again (and to Pittsburgh, no less, the only city in the league that can afford to stash Rule V pitchers), was this loss really that terrible?
Dempster lost it early on, which happens with starting pitchers sometimes. Before last night, he—and all of our starters for that matter—have been solid, giving quality starts nearly every outing.
When your starter leaves in the 4th, your chances of winning the ballgame are already going to be pretty low, especially since we know our bullpen is unreliable for more than two innings (I’m being generous there).
But guess what? We actually scored non-binary numbers last night! Any other game, with 8 runs on the board, we probably would have won by a healthy margin. We just happened to get Demp on an off-night.
Honestly, if this means our offense has found its swing again, this could be the best loss we’ve had all season.
That’s what I’m telling myself, at least.
by redward on May 26, 2009 11:09 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Moral victories
don’t excite me. A loss is a loss. Actually, I’ve become numb to the losses. They usually piss me off, but not anymore. I came home from watching my son’s high school team sweep their season opening double header and was in a great mood. Checked the Cubs score and just had to laugh because it has actually become a sort of dysfunctional comedy for me. I’m sure they will snap out of it eventually, but how far back will they be when that happens?
by qccub on May 26, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm trying hard to think this way...
…but, after eight consecutive losses, I can’t quite convince myself. I’ll keep trying, though.
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 26, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll agree with this
the bats got going again. We can’t blame this loss on the offense.
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont see how anyone hates the guest conductors for the stretch
because once and while you get someone like mr t. That shit was hilarious last night. He provided me with some much needed entertainment.
by Glacier on May 26, 2009 11:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It really was funny.
His constant “ughs” during that one at bat sounded like he was trying to squeeze one out when it just wouldn’t come out. You know the feeling.
by kanderber on May 26, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Far to well.... far too well.
Wait… did i say that aloud?
"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 26, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pirates = Lions
We lost to the Detriot Lions of MLB
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on May 26, 2009 11:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yabbut,
last night was different. The offense worked and pitching and defense broke down. It’s still a loss, but different.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
And that was an anomalous outing for one of our starting pitchers (at least for the year so far). That’s what gives me hope.
by redward on May 26, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what will give me hope?
A winning streak.
by qccub on May 26, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about just 1 win?
You have to walk before you can run.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, that would be nice.
I’ll take a winning homestand and go from there, though. Of course, I guess that means they need at least a two-game winning streak against the Bucs. Always sucks to lose that first game of a series.
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 26, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What makes this look terrible is it
coming on the heels of the other games
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
If we’d been playing .600 ball around this, it would have just been a tough loss precipitated by a weak start from Demp. As opposed to the nail in the coffin everyone seems to be saying it is.
by redward on May 26, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two ways to look at it.
1. Nail in the coffin.
2. Low point of the season.
Honestly, I hope this last week is the low point, but this team seems to be lacking a certain zeal to it – one that teams in the last two years had.
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 May 26, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Having Hope
Well here’s to the low point of season. We need a rally now, just like that Chevy commerical!
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on May 26, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if the key to the Cubs season (and America's automobile resurgence)
is as simple as everyone donning rally caps, count me in. I’ll go with either the inside-out cap or the shark fin.
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 May 26, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The shark fin should never be an option
We’ve got a perfectly good inside-out cap just sitting on the bench. Inside-out has been in professional baseball for years and has performed admirably. I think it’s time for all of us to realize that shark fin’s best years are gone and never coming back.
Inside-out deserves it far more. Shark fin should just be DFA’d!
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on May 26, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shark Fin
In your opinion the Shark Fin has “jumped the shark” then?
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on May 26, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jumped the shark *and* the couch
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on May 26, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ehhh...now that's a bit too rich.
The Lions never won a game; the Pirates have won 21 and are only three games under .500. They’ve been getting much better pitching and playing much better defense so far this year.
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 26, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the Pirates have a nice farm system
McCutcheon is on the way and so too is two hot-shot 3rd base prospects not to mention more pitching.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pirates farm is getting better
McCutcheon won’t be in Indianapolis beyond June 1, from what I hear. Neal Walker is still struggling with his hitting at Triple-A and Pedro Alvarez is definitely a better prospect than him.
Still, Neal Huntington seems to know what he’s doing with the farm. The Pirates will steadily improve in the next few years.
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 May 26, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And in the two years after the next few years
Those hot prospects will be Yankees, Red Sox or Mets.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 26, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some of them will, no doubt
But I think the Nutting Family is more willing to spend than Kevin McClatchey ever was. Now, their payroll will never compete with the Cubs (unless the Cubs purge), but it’ll go up enough to keep some talent around. I see the Buccos signing kids to long-term contracts that eat up arbitration-eligible years for a lesser dollar amount for a while to save some money.
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 May 26, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, the Nationals are the Detroit Lions.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I stand corrected
;o)
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on May 26, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No.....
too new of a franchise.
by timeforachange2009 on May 26, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They used to be the Expos
they’re not really that :new:
by Allie on May 26, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
New ownership......
I believe.
by timeforachange2009 on May 26, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So when we're finally sold
we’ll no longer be the “cubs” but a new franchise?
by Allie on May 26, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course not.
It’s clearly the same franchise.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright
than am I completely misreading timeforachange?
by Allie on May 26, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, you're not.
He’s wrong. The Expos and Nationals are the same franchise.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've got the Solution
Titans = Nationals/Expos/(New Yankees Minor League Team) [Moved Franchised changed names]
Oakland LA OaklandRaiders = [Was good long time ago, not so much now]
Saints = Pirates [Bad team that gives fan base hope once a decade]
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on May 26, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow I need type checking
Raiders = Blue Jays
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on May 26, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is not.....
what I meant.
I know they are the same “franchise”
What I was trying to say was that with the ownership change and move to DC the “tradition” was lost.
I believe the original post was in reference to an article in today’s Trib comparing the old Blackhawks ownership to that of the Lions.
by timeforachange2009 on May 26, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really it was in thr Trib?
No kidding! I was just spit-balling that. I think the Pirates are just that bad of a team
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on May 26, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Original Article....
was in a Detroit paper.
by timeforachange2009 on May 26, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now, it's been suggested by some, that the team needs to build a new stadium.
that to change their luck, the team needs to build a new stadium.
That’s way to impractical for me.
But changing their name, that sounds intriguing. While the marketing dept. may frown, let’s do it just for fun.
How about “The Northsiders”
Sounds like an ice cream truck. Marketing could create a whole campaign to promote the team and get an ice cream company to sponsor it.
Any suggestions?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Curious.....
What is the issue with his child?
by timeforachange2009 on May 26, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smart move would be to sell off this roster this summer
Seriously. The window for winning won’t last after this season. I am actually starting to dream of a scenario where Ricketts becomes owner, fires Hendry and demands a purge. Sell-off the movable parts to the highest bidder and begin a full-scale rebuilding program.
You can laugh all you want but that is what makes the most logical sense.
Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...
by BLou on May 26, 2009 11:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's that laughable a notion.
In fact, I think that would be an interesting FanPost: If you were to hold a firesale and rebuild, what would you do? You’d have to consider the all the NTCs, which would tie your hands for the next year or two.
by redward on May 26, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not all of the NTCs would tie your hands.
Full NTCs – Z, Ramirez, Lee, Samardzija
NTC Protection (I believe these are partial) – Dome, Lilly
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe Full NTC
rights are also in the contracts of Soriano and Bradley
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right on Sori; don't know how I left him out since I was thinking his name.
Bradley, however, has no NTC protection listed at Cot’s. Cot’s could be wrong.
Of these guys, I think I’d rank them this way in terms of how difficult it will be to deal with a potential waiving of the NTC – Dome, Lilly, Soriano, big gap, Z, big gap, Lee, Samardzija, Ramirez. A lot of guesswork there.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know that anybody beside Dome would really wave it
Even Dome would be hard to convince. I would say Soriano, Lee, and Z would all say no without thinking about it.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a lot of speculation on our part either way.
I think Soriano could be convinced.
Ramirez, I think, is irrelevant. The Cubs don’t want to trade him and shouldn’t want to trade him.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aram
He’d obviously be the most valuable piece to move. I think him and Lee would waive their’s if going to a contender like Boston.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu
by propheteer on May 26, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramirez would be very valuable to trade.
But the only way you make that trade is if you think the Cubs can’t contend until Vitters is ready. I don’t think Jim will think that way, even if some fans might.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's the piece I want.
If/when Vitters is ready, Ramirez could move to first. By then, both Lee and Hoffpauir will be old.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on May 26, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since there are very few teams taking on salary,
moving ANY of those contracts right now seems difficult, whether or not a player has a no-trade clause.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Regardless of whether they should purge
The Cubs don’t have many players setup for a mid-season dump. Ideally they should be in the last year of the contract and playing well. I’m not sure the Cubs have anyone.
by rlpete on May 26, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not laughable
but it’s exaggerated and probably still a little premature.
The window for winning doesn’t have to close next season.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Problem is.....
I do not think many teams will be willing to take on big contracts.
I had hoped that Hendry would take on some big name players……..
by timeforachange2009 on May 26, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The sale that will never end,
has finally caught up with the Cubs this year.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sanchez and Demp
Finally, a bit of history was made last night by the Pirates’ Freddy Sanchez when he singled in the 9th; that gave him six hits in a 9-inning game, the 66th time in baseball history that feat has been accomplished since 1900 (it was done several dozen more times in the pre-1900 National League).
This guy has made his living off the Cubs.
It was sure a fine time for Demp to lose his composure and control. How about giving back your weekly paycheck for the horrid display last night?!
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu
by propheteer on May 26, 2009 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Dempster ain't the problem with this team
We had quality starts for basically two turns through the rotation for much of the streak, most of them wasted as the offense petered out. We can’t expect our SP to throw a gem every time out. Our SP is the VERY LEAST of the problems with this team and it is more than capable of keeping a team with a halfway-decent offense in most games.
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 26, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do think its fair to ask better out of Dempster
$13 million a year demands excellence every time out.
It is okay to be critical of your team. It doesn't make you a dumb fan or a bad fan.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they are robots yes.
These are human beings with everyday stuggles in life. Demp is dealing with a lot with his baby daughter right now.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
While it is true that athletes — or, in fact, all people — should try not to let personal problems interfere with their work, it’s not always easy. I completely understand if Dempster has other things on his mind.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
While I feel awful for Dempster and his family
If he really is letting those problems get to him and that is what is making him walk people, then he should be put on the DL until his familiy stuff is fixed.
I think its a case of him reverting back to the average walk-a-thon pitcher he was before it was his contract year.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What......
is the issue with Dempster’s child?
by timeforachange2009 on May 26, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe it has something to do with the baby
not being able to swallow.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His daughter was
born not being able to swallow and has/ had been in ICU since she was born. A few weeks ago things got worse for her. I’m not sure how things stand now but Demp has been pitching and the going to be with his family and then back to the Cubs. I’m hoping things have gotten better but haven’t seen anything to note that.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As a father of two
I don’t think I’d be able to concentrate on my job at all if I were in that situation.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
by danimal15 on May 26, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly.
The travel back and forth has to really wear on him, in addition to the worry about the situation itself. No wonder he can’t focus on pitching.
In cases like this, maybe he should go on the bereavement list for a while.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder why
he hasn’t done that? His heart has to be with his family.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who replaces him?
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know.
Bring up Shark for a short stint?
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let Harden come off the DL
Keep Marshall and Wells in the rotation and let them get some more starts. Demp goes on the bereavement list. Maybe Wells or Marshall show some flash and become trade chips.
Greg Maddux could put a baseball through a Life Saver if you asked him. ~ Joe Morgan
by Sioux City Cubs Fan on May 26, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he might be using baseball
as an escape from the situation, to keep himself from losing it. My step father was lioke that while my mother was in an ICU before she passed. He didnt miss a day of work, and it was strictly to keep his mind from going bonkers
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 26, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on May 26, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That seems rather harsh.
Until last night, Demp is the only Cub starter that had gone at least 6 innings in each of his starts this season.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sanchez didn't get six hits off Dempster.
The loss was a team effort.
by redward on May 26, 2009 12:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Two separate thoughts
I wasn’t putting them together to make a point about Demp’s bad outing, but rather how Sanchez kills the Cubs in general.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu
by propheteer on May 26, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dempster
I agree he’s not the problem. It’s not fair to expect perfect starts each time just because a guy is being paid a lot. So far this year, most of his starts have kept the team in the game. Obviously, we could use for him to pitch even better, but hopefully that will come.
Actually, if you’re going to pick on the Cubs, the starting pitching is probably the last place to criticize.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
by danimal15 on May 26, 2009 1:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Despite Dempster's ERA being higher...
… yesterday was the first start he failed to go at least six innings.
And his walk rate is up, but not horrendously so. In 2008 Dempster walked 3.31 per 9 innings. This year he has walked 3.82 per nine innings, and it was 3.61 before last night. A couple of walkless starts and he’ll be right where he was a year ago.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 26, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Lou Pinella is still awake
He needs to go out tonight and just throw bases and go nuts. First questionable strike he needs to go crazy. Throw things around, throw balls, throw Neal Cotts, throw Aaron Miles.
We need some fire and some passion out of Lou. This team needs a spark, Ted tried yesterday, Lou needs to lose his mind today.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on May 26, 2009 2:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think all
that stuff is in the past. I don’t think it would help at all.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Miles might fly further than the bases.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on May 26, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly, SP is more than adequate and the stats don't lie
OFFENSE:
1) 2nd lowest BA in NL from 7th inning on
2) dead last in OBP in NL from 7th inning on
3) fewest runs scored and RBI in NL (by a country mile) from 7th inning on
4) 2nd fewest RBI with RISP
BULLPEN:
1) worst ERA in NL from 7th inning on (now I knew the pen was bad but did not realize it was dead last). For comparison’s sake our ERA from 7th inning on is 6, the Mets is under 3.
No mystery here. SP is fine.
2)
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 26, 2009 2:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
One stat I think is misleading is come from behind wins.
That simply means the team is losing and needs to come back, particularly in the late innings.
I’ve always wondered that if team has a lot of come from behind wins, that might suggest their starting pitching is not as good as their opponnets. Of course, it could also suggest that a teams starting pitchig keeps them in the game, giving the offense the opportunity to come back.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, those are scary stats!
No wonder we are in a tailspin.
Plus with guys like Dome and Theriot who will tail-off (batting avg-wise) at the end of the season, we could be in some trouble.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on May 26, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fukudome has been pretty consistent all year.
All we need to do to get The Riot going is to tell him he’s getting a day off and then put him in the lineup anyway.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you tell me where you found these stats?
I’ve looked for this stuff on baseball-reference before, but I always get impatient and give up before finding it.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on May 26, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shouldn't Wait to Make Some Changes
One interpretation of Lou’s postgame comment last night is that Cotts won’t be sent in to relieve going forward, unless the game is a blowout, and he might not be long for this team. For the sake of winning it is unfortunate but necessary to make changes like this.
Cotts and Patton can’t both be sent-off without at least one pitcher joining the bullpen. For the time being, I don’t think it is important to add a lefty. Cotts has stunk it up bad enough to just go with somebody who can pitch for now.
While not a win, yesterday’s runs scored was a positive. I think we’ll see some bench changes before the trade deadline and, hopefully, before it is too late.
Dempster does have obnoxious control problems when he’s not on. Kind of weird when any major league pitcher loses that much control. The umpiring probably had something to do with it last night.
Trading for a 3rd baseman is an idea discussed elsewhere – Huff, include DeRosa. I like the idea especially if the player is capable of playing another position as well. Right now we don’t know for sure when Ramirez will return much less whether he will be effective or able to play everyday once activated.
by AboutTheCubs on May 26, 2009 4:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cubs and Padres talking Peavy deal.
by Milton's Gameboard on May 26, 2009 4:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Looks like that's
really more just Rozner speculating that this would be a good time for the Cubs to swoop in. Nothing new in there, it doesn’t appear.
"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 DamonBerryhillsMitt on May 26, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=296123
Milton Bradley will win the 2009 NL MVP
by Milton's Gameboard on May 26, 2009 4:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't put the link
in the subject line. Put it in the message box.
by sue369 on May 26, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=296123
Milton Bradley will win the 2009 NL MVP
by Milton's Gameboard on May 26, 2009 4:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Barry Rozner is just saying the Cubs SHOULD trade for Peavy,
not that active talks are going on. Therefore, this is a story that contains no new news.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 26, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not how I interpret the story, fwiw.
There is some reporting going on in it. I’ll say nothing more than that I think it’s worth people reading themselves. Thanks for the link M’sG.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 26, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Sue
Milton Bradley will win the 2009 NL MVP
by Milton's Gameboard on May 26, 2009 4:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
and here comes the rain.
"I don’t really play baseball, I feel it." -- Milton Bradley
by drewishdrewid on May 26, 2009 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Looks like it'll be gone between game time and 11 though... we are gonna get a game in.
"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 26, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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