Gathright headed down
by dfrancon on May 8, 2009 9:17 AM CDT
Email
PrintIt's about time for Gathright to head down! I'm sure he is a nice guy and all, but he has not been able to contribute this season and we need to fill his spot with someone who can.
Gordon Wittemeyer reports:
Apparently, Gathright's service time is sufficient for him to "refuse the assignment and become a free agent, but he would give up the remainder of his $800,000 salary. The Cubs have discussed the move with Gathright's representatives the last two days after putting him on waivers." It's about time!To make room on the roster for pitcher Randy Wells to start tonight, the Cubs plan to send speedy outfielder Joey Gathright to the minors this afternoon -- if he accepts the assignment -- when the waiver period on him expires, sources confirmed Thursday.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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No way he gives up the 800k
We’re not talking about a bidding war for this guy’s services
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
joey
no room with fukudome playing well and bradley playing.and hoffpauir on pinellas man crush list. cant see him giving up that money to sit home. too bad as i liked joey when he was on the rays here in tampa.
Man crush list....
At some point, shouldn’t we, as Cubs fans, collectively accept that Micah can hit?
Or, at a minimum, let’s amend your statement to say “with Fukudome playing well and Bradley playing, and Hoffpauir needed to start while D-Lee is hurt, and also continuing to hit…”
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
just as it's too early to dump Bradley
it’s too early to put Hoff on a pedestal.
He’s doing quite well so far.
"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 8, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
i would say it is ok to admit he can hit
now he has to continue to prove he can be productive at MLB level. So far he has, but just like any player, you have to do so consistanlty
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 think the handwriting was on the wall
when Hoffpauir made his diving catch in the OF.
Derrek Lee is good.
Bravo, Cubs!
Joey has no room on this team. And a big congrats to Bobby Scales!
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
But his BCB nickname was just catching on.
Goodbye Cable, we hardly knew ye.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Cable?
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From Allie:
what do you use to jump cars but isn’t much use for anything else?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Ah, I get it. Not bad.
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I thought
being a defensive replacement gave him value but the way he misplayed the ball last night completely took away what little value he had
by icantquitthecubs on May 8, 2009 9:49 AM CDT reply actions
Yeah especially when we have
been spoiled with spectacular defense by RJ in CF. Soriano never puts that much effort into a play so it was upsetting to see the ONE play he actually should have just let either the CF catch it or play it off the wall.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
Soriano never puts that much effort into a play
Sigh.
"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 8, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Some chump was screaming that at the Wed. night Cubs/Reds game.
It was an awful game, but I also got to spend 2 innings listening to some wannabe white rapper alternately screaming that “Soriano is a lazy _______”, and “F*** You Do Me”, and then making out with his girlfriend.
Security came up and asked to see their tickets, because they were being obnoxious, it was in the lower deck boxes, and “you aren’t in the right seats” is the non-confrontational way of defusing the situation - but when they produced their tickets security let them continue.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
sigh cubed
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
does this mean
Scales sticks around a little longer?
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
yes!
"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 8, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
good for him
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
Maybe a
Smart
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
power wheel?
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 tried, Joey. I tried.
But that God-awful play in the ninth last night was likely the last nail in your coffin.
In Joey’s defense (ha, get it), he got to the ball – something RJ likely couldn’t do (at least not without face planting himself into the wall a la Rick Ankiel) and Dome probably couldn’t have done either. The problem, as Len & Bob pointed out, was Gathright’s failure to communicate with Soriano.
As I understand it, the centerfielder is the “captain” of the outfield. As such, Joey should’ve taken charge and been screaming at Soriano to slow up and peel off. Had Gathright made that catch, which I think was entirely possible, he might have not only saved his place on the team, but also kept Chad Fox from looking like a dismal failure.
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Gathright was probably already headed down today anyway
since someone reported that the Cubs had been talking to his agents the past couple of days.
I do think that Gathright, playing everyday, may end up giving the Cubs a reason to play him again, but before he gets brought up, Hendry needs to make sure that Lou sees a use for him.
Derrek Lee is good.
Ah, OK.
Yeah, from what I understand, Joey did hit the ball well in the minors, so maybe that would hold some sway with Lou. What would be more important, though, is if Joey could establish – or re-establish if the Cubs staff have looked at his UZR numbers – what a good defensive centerfielder he is. I know that sounds ridiculous after last night’s play, but I’m still looking at over 2,400 innings of major league playing time at that position.
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Defense
And if the Cubs have any notion of just bringing Joey up come playoff time, they need to give him adequate prep time working with the other OFs.
Derrek Lee is good.
True
better to send him down and get him playing every day
Oriole by nurture. Cub by marriage.
Gathright's career BA in the minors is .315.
That’s not bad, but his SLG is only .365, which means it’s almost all singles. 44 doubles, 14 triples and 1 HR in over 1500 minor league AB — that’s pretty bad. A guy with that kind of speed should hit more doubles and triples.
He’s got one dimension to his game — speed. I hope he elects free agency.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+1
"Cubs Win, Cubs Win, CUBS WIN!"
Steve McMichael: "I'm going to have to have a talk with that umpire down there." Angel Hernadez than ejected McMichael. 08/07/2001
by MandMexpress12 on May 8, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed on saying bye bye to Joey Gathright
It is clear that he doesn’t have a role to play on this team. My guess was that he was going to play a reasonable role in center field given my suspicion about Kosuke, but that obviously hasn’t been the case. And the days of having a defensive specialist and pinch running weapon on the bench is a bit of a luxury with 12 man pitching staffs.
Oh well.
The window for winning a World Series may have waned.
Two words.
Hooray!
OK, so that’s only one word. I’m still pleased.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I can't say I'm pleased or displeased.
There’s no getting around the fact that, during his scant playing time, Gathright has not looked very good in any facet of the game. Meanwhile, Scales did make the most of his sole opportunity thus far. But I’m still troubled by the fact that having Scales on the team is really just tossing another second baseman on the pile. I would point out that the Orioles do appear to be shopping Ryan Freel.
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Cubs need an infield defensive whiz on that bench, not a Bobby Scales
I have nothing against Scales. But he doesn’t solve what is the screaming need for a utility infielder given the significant shortcomings of Aaron Miles.
so instead of Scaels
we should have kept Gathright?
any one of us can sit here and say we need this or that, but the two choices involved were Gathright or Scales. At least for the moment, I think the proper choice was made. Lets see how it plays out
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
No
Instead of Gathright, we should have signed Nick Punto, or traded for Maicer Izturis or Erick Aybar.
Granted, though, a lot of this is being said in the hindsight of seeing Dome hit very well this year, which none of us were predicting in the post-season.
Derrek Lee is good.
Right.
The Cubs need a defensive whiz who can play the left side of the infield. This is why throwing another second baseman at the problem really doesn’t bode well, though if Scales can surprise us all by playing a strong shortstop and/or third base (assuming Lou ever gives him the shot), that would be fantastic.
Maicer Izturis would’ve been ideal. And the great thing about Ryan Freel is he can play the outfield and third base (though he wouldn’t solve the backup shortstop problem).
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At some point Hendry WILL have to acquire a viable defensive infielder
With all due respect to Bobby Scales I don’t see him being at all the answer we need on the left side of the infield. We need somebody in particular who can come in and play a fine defensive shortstop when Theriot needs a breather or as late inning defensive replacement in tight games.
Ironically, what we really sorta need is a 2009 version of Neifi Perez.
Andres Blanco fits that defensive bill...
He’s a very solid defensive player who just can’t hit. But if the only requirement is defense, he’d do just fine at it and for very cheap.
I agree that Scales doesn’t really address any needs on this team, as we now have 4 guys who can play 2B and only one guy who can play SS. If we didn’t already have Miles, Scales would be fine as a backup 2B. But there’s no need for both Scales and Miles, and there’s still a need for a backup SS.
Yeah, I wouldn't mind them giving Andy White his cup o' coffee.
I’m pretty concerned about Ryan Theriot wearing out by season’s end, if not earlier.
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.
some did
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/2/6/751539/fukudome
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
and Bobby Scales fills that need
waaaay better than Joey Gathright. If and when Lou’s magical unicorn brings a better utility infielder our way, Scales can be sent back down again.
"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 8, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Didn't we loose that unicorn in the Matt Murton trade?
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
I think we got a unicorn to be named later in the deal.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
HOO-RAY
i tried
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
TWSS
If you had to choose just one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports
is reporting the Cubs are talking to the O’s about trading Joey for Ryan Freel.
Hey, it's a new century!
Wow, this could really happen.
I can’t imagine it would be simple as Gathright for Freel, though. Uh, would it?
Ha, it would pretty funny, though, if the O’s ended up taking both Pie and Gathright from the Cubs. Maybe Hendry could just keep cloning Felix and dealing him to MacPhail for various spare parts.
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The article indicates:
…[Freel] recently completed an injury-rehabilitation assignment…
His injury history, alleged attitude problems and the fact that he doesn’t play shortstop does take some of the ooph out of this idea. Nonetheless, it’s hard for me to dismiss out of hand because he does appear to play a decent third base – not to mention a good CF and RF.
As is my wont, the offensive numbers of a utility guy don’t concern me all that much. He has a pretty decent career OBP of .357.
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I think Scales could put up numbers comparable to Freel...
… for less money, plus he can play SS.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
i don't think the Cubs see Scales as a SS, as they started Miles over him the other day
Scales played 2B
True.
But the number of games Freel has played in the major leagues at SS is zero.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
haha, true...but i think the same is true for Scales....although I
am assuming he has played a little in the Minors
very few.
three or four.
"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 8, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm not overly passionate about the Freel trade idea.
It’s just the third base thing, really. If Scales can show us all a thing or three, it would be a huge coup.
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Agreed.
Plus his last decent offensive season was 2006. And he doesn’t play shortstop.
No thanks on Freel.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What if Freel had the same kind of resurgence Edmonds
had when he came back to play in the division he was familiar with?
Freel seemed to play well against the Cubs, it’s just unclear what he has left. Maybe finally playing for a winning team will re-energize him.
I would guess if the trade happened, money would be swapped, with the O’s send the balance of Freel’s salary.
If that’s the case, there’d be little risk to the deal, just like the Edmond’s signing last year.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Freel appears to have some issues.
I remember a few years ago after making a big game changing/saving catch, he talked about an imaginary person in his head during the post game interview. Very strange occurence and the interview was uncomfortable to watch.
"Cubs Win, Cubs Win, CUBS WIN!"
Steve McMichael: "I'm going to have to have a talk with that umpire down there." Angel Hernadez than ejected McMichael. 08/07/2001
by MandMexpress12 on May 8, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Gathright
has cleared waivers, according to Gordo.
"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella
Per Twittermyer, Gathright has cleared waivers:
Gathright’s waivers expired, apparently unclaimed. No word on official move for Wells’ spot. Cubs said to be pursuing O’s IF Freel.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I repeat myself.
"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 8, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
It's seriously scary sometimes.
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.
ONE OF US
ONE OF US!
"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 8, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
You seriously have WAAAYYY to much time on your hands!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, we're both the same person, so we have twice as much time.
Wait, what?
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.
Exactly
I dont have a multi personality disorder
and neither do i,
and neither do i
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
ONE OF ME!
ONE OF ME!
"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 8, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm following your tweets!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
not my tweets
my tweets.
"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 8, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah his tweets
are his not his
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 had a chocolate-covered rice krispie tweet the other day.
Dee-wicious.
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.
BABAGANOOSH!
ahem. My son has this habit of yelling out random words. I thought I’d try it.
"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 8, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Been talking to the voice
inside of Ryan Freel’s head, huh?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Done Deal
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-ostrade508,0,687630.story
The Orioles have traded infielder/outfielder Ryan Freel to the Chicago Cubs for speedy outfielder Joey Gathright.
The deal is expected to be announced within the next hour.
Poor Bobby Scales.
I wonder who gets the axe to clear a roster spot for Randy Wells. Fox maybe?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Could be Fox, I guess.
But how are they going to DL him when he was throwing 94 last night?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I guess he can thank Joey Gathright for that.
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.
They can send him back to Iowa
They don’t have to DL or DFA him. I don’t know if he is even on the 40 man roster but he would clear waivers so no big deal
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on May 8, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Fox pitched last night for the Cubs in Houston so he's on the roster.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Wouldn't that make
An 11 man pitching staff? I definitely don’t want that. I think it will be Scales.
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on May 8, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Holy crap.
Just like that?
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.
See what you do when you talk to yourself?
You talked Jim Hendry into making this deal!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Patterson
Pie
Gathright
Does Hendry have blackmail on MacPhail?
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
That is seriously weird.
The way I see it, if Hendry can keep finding speedy centerfielders who struggle at the plate, he’ll have an endless source of utility players from B-Town.
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.
If we are paying the whole contract BAD DEAL
It would be almost TWO million.
Joey we hardly knew thee.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
we should not have known him,right?
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
Best defensive centerfielder on the team.
Only he’s not on the team anymore.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I'm guessing there's money coming with Freel.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Gathright to Baltimore for Freel.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
B-more Sun Link
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-ostrade508,0,687630.story
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
LOL, too late. See above.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
I repeat for emphasis?
(oops)
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
Enthusiasm is good!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on May 8, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions
TWSS
"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 8, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
TWHS2
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
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