Who Are You And What Have You Done With Ryan Theriot? - Cubs 4, Giants 2
by Al Yellon on May 5, 2009 7:24 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintHe hits! He fields! He steals bases! Whoever this guy is who has stolen Ryan Theriot's #2 uniform and has been playing shortstop for the Cubs since Friday, let's keep him around, shall we?
Theriot matched his career high for a season in home runs by smacking his third of the year (and third in four games) with Aaron Miles on base, and that wound up being the difference in a 4-2 Cubs win over the Giants, the team's fourth in a row. With the blast (all three of The Riot's homers have been no-doubt-about-it), he tied Kosuke Fukudome for the team lead in RBI with 15; and with the Reds' loss in 14 innings in Miami (on a thrown-away potential DP ball) and the Cardinals' loss to the Phillies (in which St. Louis went through seven pitchers), the Cubs took over sole possession of second place in the NL Central and moved to 2.5 games behind the Cards. Theriot seems to have taken Lou's advice to "drive the ball" to heart. If he can do this even occasionally, it will make him a far more useful player.
Like the wins over the Marlins over the weekend, this game had a 2008 feel to it. Ryan Dempster threw seven solid innings; he had only one bad frame where the Giants scored both their runs, and the second run wouldn't have scored if Aaron Miles had been able to handle a sure DP throw from Aramis Ramirez; Bengie Molina, perhaps the slowest runner in the majors, was hoofing his way down the first base line and would have been easily doubled up, except that Miles dropped the ball. Second base umpire Chris Guccione emphatically called the runner, Pablo Sandoval, out at second, but by then Molina was safe and the second run had scored. Carlos Marmol looked like the 2008 Marmol as well, allowing a single but striking out two, and Kevin Gregg finished up for his fourth save, although it took an excellent running catch in left-center field by Reed Johnson to record the final out of the game. It is nice, though, to see pitchers settling into defined bullpen roles. Before Marmol came into the game, Neal Cotts and Aaron Heilman were warming up in the 7th, which was the role Lou had envisioned for those two during spring training.
Before the game, Carlos Zambrano was placed on the 15-day DL with what was described as a "Grade 2 strain" of his left hamstring. As he did last year, Z tried to talk management out of it:
"Z wanted to throw a bullpen," Piniella said. "He wanted to throw a bullpen tomorrow. We did the right thing. The danger with this thing is [if he comes back] too early, you hurt it more and now it's a six- to eight-week thing and that we can't have."
He'll be eligible to come off the DL on May 19, and with two off days between now and then, if there are no setbacks and he heals properly, he should be on target to start on May 20 in St. Louis, missing only two turns. Bobby Scales was added to the 40-man roster (in the quaint baseball terminology used in press releases, Scales was "selected" from Iowa) and issued uniform #24, but will have to wait at least till this afternoon to make his major league debut. In his postgame press conference, Lou mentioned that he'd be giving a number of regulars the day off today (specifically stating that Koyie Hill will get the start behind the plate); I'd guess that even the hot-hitting Theriot, who has started every game, might sit today against Tim Lincecum. Derrek Lee, who walked three times last night, might also sit in favor of Micah Hoffpauir. Oh, and incidentally, qwitchercomplaining about D-Lee. Though he's still not turning on the ball the way he used to -- there is at least one thing he's NOT doing this year that is a good thing. In 23 games covering 87 at-bats, he has zero GIDP. In fact, the Cubs have only 17 as a team, which is sixth-best in the NL.
Onward. In addition to everything else, it appears we will have a real spring this year -- pleasant temperatures and no persistent lake breeze -- unlike the drizzly, cold springs of recent years that lingered into June. Last night was pleasant, with temperatures near 60, and it may push close to 70 degrees today. There will be a preview post up for this afternoon's game at 11:30 am CDT.
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Nice recap
wish we could have seen the game here in the hinterlands of NC. Glad to see Theriot doing well, maybe it will quiet down the nay-sayers for a while.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
So why sit all the regulars today? Figuring we can’t hit Lincecum anyway, so lets give some people rest? I kid of course
It won't be ALL the regulars.
Fukudome will be back in the lineup. I assume Ramirez will play, since he just came back. Soriano rarely sits. We’ll see.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
So will
Scales relieve The Riot at short for the night?
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
would you take Riots hot bat out?
I would not. Ride this streak of his as long as you can
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
I do not think it is wise
but at the same time he has played every game this season and should probably get a night off while we have a competent glove available.
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
And if he goes 0-5
then the whole world comes crashing down on Lou for not giving him a rest. You can’t win either way. He deserves the day off, day game after night game, and there’s no day off until next Monday. Get him some rest so he can come back and kick some divisional rival ass vs Houston tomorrow and thru the weekend vs Milw.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
true, it is a double edged sword
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
It CAN'T be all the regulars...
as we only have six position player subs, and only 3 infield subs. So at least one regular OF and one regular IF will get the start. I suspect you’re right that Fukudome and Ramirez will play. I’d guess Bradley, Soto, Lee, and maybe Theriot would get the day off.
I know.
Fontenot should be at second, Dome in CF. Bradley and Ramirez have been out and need to play.
(Sue, don’t read this) Hill has been better, so far, than Soto at the dish, so no problem there.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Lincecum's splits
Career
BA/OBP/SLG
RH .232/.305/.335
LH .219/.299/.338
2009
RH .277/.338/.385
LH .218/.279/.327
It’s probably better to sit the lefties, I guess, although that is a small sample size for 09. Still, this looks like a Neal Cotts situation where the statistics don’t really match up with what you’d expect and Lou’s going to do it the traditional way.
by dr stabbingworth on May 5, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Same thing he did last night.
RH hitters had a very low average (.150ish) versus Sanchez and Miles and Johnson still got the start when lefties were in the .250 range.
That Lou love his textbook.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Based on those splits...
I’d say it doesn’t really matter who you sit. He’s consistently good against both RH batters and LH batters (almost identical career OPS splits against).
Maybe it's his
twin brother, Bryan Theriot… at any rate, I like what I’ve been seeing from The Riot! Go Cubs, let’s keep the streak going!!
This post didn't contain
The Cubbie Win-O-Meter is now at 4. Pound Lincecum boys and let’s run it to 5!!
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
Lugnut POWER! Just like he hit 'em at Olds Park!
Well, not really…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
OH NO Ryan
I loved the guy who could advance the base runner with a punch hit to right. The guy who could put the ball between the 1st baseman & 2nd baseman…. this is a rare great skill…………….. I remember what Davy Johnson said about NAILS Lenny Dyska every time
he hits a home run the next 40 a bats he thinks he is Babe Ruth.
He has a point
It is awesome to see Ryan doing this, but I hope it doesnt end up changing his mentality and starts looking like he is swinging for the fences every time he is at the plate.
"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."
I think Theriot is smart enough
to know when the situation calls for him to hit to right, he’s just adding to his repertoire here. There will be a situation where last year they played him a certain way and maybe this year they won’t be able to do that.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
I agree...
The media has already asked him and he said, “I’m not changing my approach.” Lou brought something up to him, he’s worked on it and has had some success. He hit his triple the other day to right center and in the 1st of last nights game hit a drive to right. Soriano tagged and went to 3rd. I think pitchers are going to catch on and he is gonna have to adjust but I think he will. It makes him very dangerous when outfields have to play him more straight up.
"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
they never shifted on him to begin with
and now, they never will.
He’s been making some pretty good plays on the field lately too.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on May 5, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I've seen outfields play him more to right.
I always thought if he could pull one down the left field line, he’d be able to run for days.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
I was talking more about the infield.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him pull one really far left.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on May 5, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I haven't either
but the fact that he is pulling the ball into the outfield, I would think would make outfields play a little more straight up. Which in turn would make his ability to hit to the opposite field that much more productive.
"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
Indeed
It looks like he’s trying to hit for power earlier in the count. His grand slam came on an 0-1 pitch, and the following day he hit a 1-0 pitch out. Last night came on the first pitch of the at bat.
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
Can Theriot be Gehrig?
"[I]f we get a Jumbotron, I can't pull the instant replay thing on all the rookies. Every time there's a good play, we're like, 'Oh, look at the replay,' and you get the rookies to look at the scoreboard." - Ryan Dempster, 2 January 2009
by CaughtInTheVines on May 5, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
1 other thing.....
The Giants announcers get a kudos from me. I actually enjoyed the heck out of listening to another team’s announcers. I complain alot about announcers but wanna give credit where credit is due here.
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
yeah I agree!
When they were on ESPN because of the rainout, I didn’t have a problem with them….Maybe it was because I was getting free Cub baseball too haha
"What is he doing!?"
-Doug Collins
It's a pretty low bar
Although this is not a comment on the Giants broadcasters since I didn’t hear them.
by dr stabbingworth on May 5, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I think he's talking about
the Giants’ TV announcers, Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow, who of course used to play for the Cubs. They’re both pretty good.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 5, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
GIANTS BROACAST BOOTH.....
I had no choice buth to watch the Giants feed….Both Duane and Mike were potitive . No slurs towards the Cubs or their fans ….
Is that . .
Jon Miller? I love that guy. He’s just happy to be calling baseball and excited about every little play.
"From childhood's hour I have not been as others were - I have not seen as others saw." - Alone, Edgar Allan Poe
I like Miller, too, which is an unpopular opinion
But when I think Miller, I think Morgan. That’s his greatest downfall.
by dr stabbingworth on May 5, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Miller is not bad by himself.
When paired with Morgan, he allows too much Morgan and caters to Morgan being Morgan. Morgan.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Used to listen to Miller and Fred Manfra
doing Baltimore games as a kid. Loved both of them, its really great when I get to hear Miller because he is very much the “voice of baseball” to me. Also he makes Joe Morgan tolerable at times (though he still drives me nuts).
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
Theriot
I’m not trying to compare the two, so don’t get me wrong, and it’s way too early to see if this lasts, but Theriot’s sudden power surge reminds me somewhat of Ryne Sandberg in 1984. He had been a slap hitter in 1982 and 1983, trying to advance runners rather than drive them in and settling for lots of singles and mimimal homers. Working with the Cubs coaching staff, he started trying to drive the ball more often, and ended up with 19 homers and 19 triples in his 1984 MVP season.
Granted, I doubt Theriot is ever going to have a season like Sandberg did in 1984, and his chances of hitting 40 homers in a year, as Sandberg did in 1990, are laughable. But it does show that coaches can successfully work with a player to change his offensive style.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
I have made that comparision three times
and it still stands, I believe we will see a little mroe Ryno out of Ryan. Not saying it will be to the exact same extent, but it will be talked about for a while.
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
If he hits over 10 homers I will be ecstatic.
The other huge benefit if Riot drives the ball will be more doubles. I feel like so many of his hits are cutoff in the gaps which usually results in singles. If he can end up with a few more doubles, and hrs, he might become the Cubs secret weapon.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
It's way too early to make any sort of Sandberg comparison...
… Sandberg is a Hall of Famer. If Theriot can hit .300 and hit 30 doubles, I’d be real happy.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'm with you on the doubles.
If he can hit 30 doubles, he’s a candidate for the #2 slot.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
If he adds legitimate doubles power and maintains a high average...
he’s simply a very solid offensive player. The beef with him in 2007 was that he didn’t get on base enough. The beef in 2008 was that his OBP was pretty empty (no extra base hits and poor baserunning). If he can combine the good aspects of 2007 and 2008, you’re looking at an .800 OPS guy at SS with a .370+ OBP. That’d be terrific.
I think a large complaint is that he is a 2B playing SS
I’m really hoping one of our SS from the minors really tears it up so the Cubs can move Theriot back to 2B and use Fontenot as trade bait in a couple years.
by dr stabbingworth on May 5, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
While Lee did GIDP frequently last year,
part of it was Theriot had the high OBP, but was always sitting on 1st and didn’t have the ability to move Soriano far, if Soriano was on base.
Lee was struggling with his power and contact and had no margin for error with any ground ball as all seemed to have DP potential.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
agreed no doubt
it is the story of Lou talking to Riot same like Frey to Ryno that causes the comparisions.
The stats, not as much
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
Ryne Theriot
"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
Sandberg
Sounds like others have already raised this point before I did – sorry if I was repeating a debate that already began.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
Let imagine for a moment that
Theriot DOES hit 20HRs and 30 doubles this year and bats .300. Its really not THAT impossible of a scenario if indeed something has “clicked” with his ability to drive the ball. Let’s take this visit to the land of make believe one step further and say he is moved to 2nd base next year and does great defensively while matching his 2009 offensive numbers. Could Theriot be on the verge of breaking out in this way and really becoming a great baseball player???
We're born again, there's new grass on the field. -John Fogerty
Theriot's grand slams
and home run’s seem to have given the whole team a boost. I know it’s given me a boost. I checked the score on ESPN last night before I went to bed and saw that he hit another home run. Made for sweet dreams during the thunderstorms here in NC.
Everyone at Wrigley really responded...
… whenever he or Ramirez came to the plate last night. In fact, Rami got a standing O in his first trip to the plate. Everybody at the field was back to their old excited selves finally, something i hadn’t seen their since the Ramirez walkoff homer against the Cards a couple weekends ago.
"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 5, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow... posting images from Facebook can get wacky...
… that was a concert i worked at a few days back. My bad. As somebody said in the thread yesterday, in the thread yesterday, the internetz are hard. Wish we could edit posts…
Anyways, here is the picture i meant to post, the last pitch from last night.
"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 5, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
This is the...
… “i’m confused by facebook’s photo feed” comment. My apologies!
"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 5, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
I, uhm, have to ask....
….what the heck is going on in that first photo!
"[I]f we get a Jumbotron, I can't pull the instant replay thing on all the rookies. Every time there's a good play, we're like, 'Oh, look at the replay,' and you get the rookies to look at the scoreboard." - Ryan Dempster, 2 January 2009
by CaughtInTheVines on May 5, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Concert at the Abbey Pub...
… Flosstradamus, a couple of local DJ’s that are taking off lately.
Didn’t mean to post it, i’m a jerk and got confused by my iPhone to Facebook photo feed.
But… now that i’ve made the mistake, i may as well mention you should still probably check them out: http://www.myspace.com/flosstradamus
Al, if you want to delete it, i’m fully down. I’d owe you one. :-)
"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 5, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
I think it's too late now, don't you?
Didn’t see this till now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Controversy in Des Moines
I know he does not have a place or a need on our roster. But this morning the DM Register ran an article to fire up the local fans of AAA Cubs baseball about not calling up Jake Fox. We all know he is not our need right now, but the article does a nice recap of who are possible call-ups, especially on the pitching side. Read about it:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090504/SPORTS1402/905050371
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
If only the NL had a DH.
Then Jake Fox could be useful to the Cubs.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I think Both
will be good trade bait to an AL team that has a reliever and/or a good utility type player we need.
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
How many years of team control do the Cubs have for Micah?
The Cubs aren’t going to resign Lee after next year, and if Micah is under team control, might as well just hold on to a good, cheap player. This team needs guys like Micah, Theriot, Fontentot, etc. in order to pay players like Soriano and Z.
by dr stabbingworth on May 5, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions
we don't need him
if we can get anything of value for him—get it. The chances of micah being worth a bag of baseballs after next year are remote.
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
I question what value he has in a trade
But then again, even Todd Hundley had value. Still, I think he’s worthwhile keeping around, especially considering I don’t see realistically fetching much. I’d be pissed if it was another Mark DeRosa type trade.
by dr stabbingworth on May 5, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
me 2
but I doubt he gets any more useful than what he is right now. With that being said I do think he could be part of some sorta package to get a reliever or more well rounded utility guy this summer.
I didn't get the players I wanted in the offseason!! Hopefully I get what I want in the Regular Season---The World Series Trophy!! Go Cubbies!!
Hundley was different...
Hundley was a catcher (automatically more value than a DH/1B, all else equal) who had at one point been a fantastic power hitter (only increasing his value by being an offensive weapon at a defensive position). His value was in the hopes he could rebound in a change of scenery.
And just as importantly, the guys we got back in the Hundley trade were considered contract throwaways by the Dodgers. They just happened to turn out valuable to us. So it was a case of each team trading away their garbage and hoping that the other team’s trash would be their treasure.
You are correct. It was a swap of
what each team considered bad contracts. Worked for the Cubs as they had a needs at First and Second, for leaders in the clubhouse, and to move the Todd.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
I ordered a Theriot authentic jersey early last week...
ever since he has been on a “Soriano-like” tear. Maybe he is inspired.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
I like how you (and I) try to take credit for the success.
I’m now 5-0-1 at in-person games. Now if I could just find someone to fund my tickets, the Cubs would end up being 151-11!
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I say it half-heartedly...
but it’s always fun, as a fan, to think you “willed” them to win :)
"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
Of course!
That’s why I gave myself the tie. Because I went to a game, but had to leave in the third. They went on to lose that game. I’d like to believe that, had I been able to stay, they would have pulled out the W.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I think that is a fair assesment!
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
I'm 4-0
on this streak for not watching the entire game.
And today, I can’t watch the entire game either. So we should win.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on May 5, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm with you there
I have not watched any of these wins in their entirety, I can listen to today’s, so hopefully that won’t jinx anything
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
What is a "grade 2" strain?
I’m not up to par on my injury terminology.
Don't sit Theriot today
He’s hot, there’s no reason to sit him when he’s seeing the ball so well. I hate when managers do that.
Agreed.
This streak could evaporate at any time. Rest him when it ends.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
You can't sit him...
It would be like walking away in the middle of an extremely hot hand during a craps game. Once you crap out, then it’s ok if you walk away.
"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
4-0 while wearing a Cubs hat, and the Indians are 2-2. I guess I can live with that.
Yes Al, I will wear it again today. Might even come inside the park.
Today though, this is where the superstitions get separated from the sabermagicians. Going up against Lincecum, that’s a tall order. But if anyone on this team is equipped to handle a “tall” order, it’d be Fontenot. Big day for Little Babe Ruth and the Cubs will win.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
the riot
really who is this guy???maybe its the weight lifting he is doing.these guys are starting to look like the 08 version. lets hope the big z thing heals quickly.the main thing is to work through it and not let it get the players down..
spaces
after the ends of sentences would help you a great deal. also Theriot is on a new drug called “scrapitrol”
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
The rumor mill says...
…Theriot has started to request that someone puts the toothpaste on his toothbrush for him.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
And...
has also requested that Salsa music ONLY be played in the Clubhouse.
"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
Do we need the Scales of Justice?
Who is Bobby Scales? Go Riot! Make us all forget DeRo by the All-Star game.
"It was a wise Man that invented Beer" (Plato)
Bobby Scales
is a career minor leaguer (10 years) who is making his first trip to the big club. He is an infielder who had an OK spring with the club as a non roster man and was playing for AAA Iowa…
Does that answer your question?
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
I love the start TheRiot has in 2009
and I hope he continues hitting the ball hard. Maybe, just maybe it’ll finally be a signal to all those Riot-haters out there to shut the hell up.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
Theriot becoming useful?
Theriot seems to have taken Lou’s advice to “drive the ball” to heart. If he can do this even occasionally, it will make him a far more useful player.
Al, how can you say he’s not already extremely useful? You’ve fallen in love with HR’s and extra-base hits. Every successful team needs guys that get on base via walks and good old-fashioned base hits. Theriot has been one of the most consistant Cubs the last couple years. The HR’s and extra base hits are a bonus.
I have nothing funny or creative to write.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 5, 2009 10:02 AM CDT reply actions
Well, yes and no.
Theriot hits for a good average and good OBP. In 2008, most every hit was a single and he spent (I believe) most of his time in the #2 spot. If Soriano was on first, a single only gets Soriano to second or third and has the double play set up.
If a few more of those hits were two baggers or HR’s, Soriano crosses the plate more often and Theriot knocks the double play out of order. In this case, Theriot is more valuable and “more useful.”
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Toireht, anyone? (pronounced toy-rey)
Or El Riot in honor of today?
Has there been any “Ryan Theriot is on HGH!” Fanposts yet?
Can I ask anymore hypothetical questions in one post?
remember
Sammy Jankis
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on May 5, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Funny thing is
I didn’t even realize I was doing it until I noticed the preponderance of question marks.
remember
Sammy Jankis
by neverAcquiesce on May 5, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
The cool thing about last night's win...
…is it assures the Cubs a 4-2 homestand at the very least. The team can go up against Tiny Tim today feelin’ free and easy. Lou’s decision to rest some regulars today would seem to indicate his awareness of this hard-fought and fortunate circumstance.
And though I agree that it’s tempting to continue to ride Theriot’s inexplicably hot bat, the guy has not had a day off yet this season. Not one. If Lou does rest him, I think he’ll be doing the right thing. We’ll just have to take our chances with Aaron Miles at shortstop.
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Agree all the way around
That’s why last night’s victory was relatively big. It assures a winning homestand and no worse than a split in the series. That’s particularly important when today’s opponent is the reigning Cy Young winner.
And yes, Theriot deserves a day off. Day game after night game, plus the next five games are on the road against division opponents.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 5, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Aaron Miles at shortstop.
o.0
Can we put Fonty there instead? How about Harden? :P
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
by drewishdrewid on May 5, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I suppose Lou could put...
…Tony Scales directly into the fire.
Welcome to the Big Leagues, Tony! Here, face the reigning NL Cy Young award winner!
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.
meh
The real cool thing about last nights win was its one less they now need to win the division.
Forget about assuring a 4-2 home stand, go for 5-1.
Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.
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