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Soriano needs to go on DL

It's time to accept that Soriano needs to be put on the DL. In his past 100 plate appearances he is hitting .154 with an OBP of only .230 with an OPS of .505. To continue to keep him in the starting lineup and actually hitting #1 is idiocy. While there are numerous weak links in out lineup, none demand redress more than Sori. For the year he is hitting only .150 vs LH. Last year his numbers against LH was .351/.404/1.114.  Something is seriously wrong with Alfonso. If Lou continues to ignore an obvious problem, he risks the 2009 season. And while I don't claim to understand if the issue is physical or mental, Piniella needs to deal with the problem immediately.

 

I hope that Fox's time in LF today was a prelude to a change in the starting lineup starting  tomorrow. Fox proved he wasn't inept in LF. Move him to #5 behind Lee and it will allow the team to move Theriot or another high OBP hitter there. Do it now Lou. We're very close to dropping out of contention as it seems the Brewers are about to start another hot streak. Soriano doesn't belong on the field right now. His defense is terrible and he isn't in a bad slump that will correct itself. Let him heal on the DL and try to save the season.

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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I'm 100% with you.

Rec’d.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 17, 2009 8:31 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Question

Would like serious responses…..here goes…. I realize every player has there are little way of timing pitches. I realize Sori has always used a monster bat. My question is… Would Sori do any better with a smaller bat? I would think it would take time to get used too. It just seems to me that he has to start that thing so early to get around on it sometimes because of it being so big and heavy. Maybe with a lighter bat he could wait just an instance longer to see whether its a hittable pitch or not. Thoughts??

I sit at home after the Cubs lose and wanna pound sand but I know I live in a state without that kinda land. I know in my heart Sori isn't a guess hitting hack and that Dero will never be back. Pitching is King, some do say and hopefully Aaron Miles doesn't play in a Cub uniform another day. By October this I know, to the playoffs we are for sure to go. Go Cubbies!!

by cubsluver22 on Jun 17, 2009 8:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

One would think as he ages his bat might get lighter

If only Carlos Beltran had said yes we wouldnt be in this mess

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jun 17, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Furcal, sorta

at least w/the glove

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by tony412 on Jun 18, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Even if he did agree to this

It seems like a change like this might be best suited for the offseason, where you have a lot of time to work on it and aren’t switching back and forth between bats.

"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher

by Musicdude10 on Jun 17, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He is what he is

Soriano, admittedly in a longer funk than normal, has never been a good hitter. He’s a below average hitter in fact, with little to know plate discipline and a wandering at best mindset at the plate. He’s built his entire career on standing on top of home plate and attempting to pull every pitch due to his freakish hand strength. That’s it, that’s all he’s got.

Unfortunately, what we’re seeing is just the beginning of the end for him. He will probably have better stretches but just as easily could have stretches just as bad as this one. His contract is an albatross and he is untradeable.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Jun 17, 2009 8:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That is the scary thing

because Soriano doesn’t appear to be someone who will readily alter his approach as he ages.

by rlpete on Jun 17, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly

He shows absolutely no interest in making adjustments at the plate which is a huge reason why he’s continuing his current struggles. Pitchers get ahead of him early adn watch him foul off any pitch reasonably close to being something to hit and then make him get himself out by using his extremely poor strike zone discipline with two strikes against him. He’s actually as easy to pitch to as anyone in the game.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Jun 17, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes, it's not good. he has zero ability to adapt his game.

settle in for a horror show.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jun 18, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+ 100

The big money man out in RF needs to get his head out of the sand and make those blasted adjustments. He was a slugger with some speed and some notoriety about being “productive” when we paid out obnoxiously to get him. But he’s hardly a Williams or a Musial, the kinds of old school guys who took things as they were and were cagey guys who knew what needed to be done at the plate and EXECUTED .. unfortunately, Soriano – for all of his power and talent – simply doesn’t seem to be able to

I remember watching one of Greg Maddux’s last AB’s when he was with the Cubs in 2006 and remember how almost effortlessly he laid down one of his trademark and excellent bunts to get the runner advanced. By the end of 2007 I found myself saying to myself .. “why can’t Soriano bat like that?” For 136 million, he bats today way below the league average?

Horror indeed

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Jun 21, 2009 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he's hurt, and I mean hurt,

and it’s affecting his performance, then he should go on the DL.

If he isn’t hurt, then he shouldn’t. It would accomplish nothing.

Now, should he perhaps sit a few days? Sure.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 17, 2009 9:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm with you.

Sit him for several games. DL him only if he’s really hurt.

And if the lineup works without him, consider easing him into it when he’s back, penciling him in lower in the order for a while.

That would be my suggestion to Lou.

by Fraggin Judge on Jun 18, 2009 7:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

w/the kind of at-bats he's having

he should be batting 8th.

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by tony412 on Jun 18, 2009 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well, it would allow the cubs to get him out of the lineup without it

being a big spectacle every day and without soriano begging to be put back in the game. it would also allow him to go down to the minors and take some swings.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jun 18, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And the Cubs are not

“very close to dropping out of contention.” In 2007, what were they, 7-8 games out at this point?

I love how some Cubs fans extrapolate bad news into the worst possible/beginning of the end talisman. However, they never do the same thing the other way when things are going well. That must be some sort of mental illness..

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 17, 2009 9:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The 1951 Giants

had a 13.5 game deficit and won the pennant. So what. This team isn’t even close to getting out of a minor slump. It’s offense is seriously flawed. Perhaps you feel ignoring the tsunami is appropriate. Maybe you’d prefer to look back at the season in October and suggest where it went wrong and offer obvious solutions that should have been implemented. However, I much suggest we see the impending disaster and take steps to avoid it. Anyone can suggest trades that almost never occur or waiting until the team breaks out of a funk. We’re past that moment when we can suggest that the law of average is around the corner. You may call it mental illness. I chose to call it prudent decision making.

If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.

by tharr on Jun 17, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, but

ignoring most of your posts certainly is something I’ll take under advisement.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 17, 2009 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why limit it to most

Do me a favor and avoid them all. I’ve yet to notice any wisdom thus far that you’ve brought to the conversations. And I doubt that the law of averages are working for you.

If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.

by tharr on Jun 17, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wisdom

is something you wouldn’t know if it bit you on the bottom, I’m afraid.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 18, 2009 1:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two things I notice

1. Obviously you have already rescinded your thought of ignoring my posts. Please rethink that. It seems your flip floppiness portrays a certain lack of commitment.
2. It is only because I have a high regard for wisdom that I notice the lack of any in your responses.

If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.

by tharr on Jun 18, 2009 2:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That team made a lot of changes in personnel

This team has no room to do so.

The 2007 Brewers also had Ned Yost at the helm.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 18, 2009 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yet still only two back in the loss column from 1st.

The season is still very winnable if the bats wake up.

by lookingdeadred on Jun 18, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

At some point, that argument about games back in the loss column is meaningless

Are we there yet? The Brewers have 7 more wins than the Cubs. SEVEN.

Let’s say the Cubs win 3 of the next 4 and the Brewers get swept by the Tigers. They’d be even in the loss column and 3 games out. The Cubs would then have to win 6 more games to be tied with the same number of games played.

By no means am I writing of the season, but with the disparity of games played, that stat becomes less significant with each rainout.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 18, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, in fact, it becomes MORE significant.

You can’t get losses back. Wins, you can make up.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 18, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My math stunk, but I stand by the point

You can make up wins, but if the number keeps growing, the likelihood decreases.

Let’s say the Cubs have more bad weather, and get to a point where they are tied in the loss column but have 10 fewer wins than the Brewers. You think the loss column becomes more significant if they have to win 10 in a row to tie, as opposed to, say, 2?

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 18, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Obviously, it's not going to get that far.

No scheduling or rainout scenario would ever result in a team having ten fewer games than another.

Three or four — now, that’s doable. A more likely scenario in the next couple of weeks would result in the Cubs actually passing the Brewers in the loss column (i.e. having FEWER losses).

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 19, 2009 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's possible - and I hope that comes to fruition

But what I’m saying is, as the Brewers get more and more wins than the Cubs, the hill gets steeper.

And it is possible — but not likely — that it could get to 10. All it takes is a few days of pouring rain; they’re at 5 right now, which is pretty unusual.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 19, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And I say...

… every game that gets rained out now is a game Aramis Ramirez can play in later.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 19, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Which I like, but

My hypothetical figure of 10 games is a lot to ask.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 19, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 19, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

When is it, then?

Again, no way am I writing off the season, but it becomes a pretty big hill to climb with each additional game the Cubs have to make up later.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 19, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A lot of that depends

on how the competition does, and right now, no one is showing any signs of running away with the Central. The Cubs have more than half of the season left including games with the teams in front of them, so being two back in the loss column is not insurmountable. They were under .500 and several games back in 2007 at this point in time.

I am not opposed to making a deal if it helps the team, but I think there is still time to see if the hitters start to come around.

by lookingdeadred on Jun 19, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with all of what you said above

All I am saying is, if they end up with a large number of games to make up, and they have to win them all to tie, that’s a lot to ask.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 19, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But the point is...

… you may, at some point, wind up with FEWER losses than the team you are chasing, meaning you don’t have to win “all” of those make up games.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 19, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed

But the whole premise started with “only 1 back”, “only 2 back”, etc.

Ok, I think we’re essentially on the same page. Moving on . . . nothing to see here . . . keep moving . . . .

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 19, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

make up games

are a concern as they can screw up your pitching staff, starters and relievers.

by lookingdeadred on Jun 20, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

another valid point

They’re going to have a lot of long stretches of games with no days off

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 20, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep and that plays heck with your staff

They may need to carry 12 pitchers for a while I think.

by lookingdeadred on Jun 21, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not injued - just not used to a full schedule?

Around this time the last two years Soriano has been on the DL. I wonder if he’s facing fatigue from not being used to playing every day.

It sounds crazy because he’s been in the majors so long but perhaps he truly isn’t used to it. A 15 day DL break might be a good idea for him.

by ak123 on Jun 17, 2009 9:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree Soriano is slumping and strikes out too much

…but when he is hitting a game winning home run in Cincy and Milwaukee earlier there were no problems. You have to take the good with the bad.

Aramis is really needed bad, he is our rock.

by Cubsfan Waveland on Jun 17, 2009 10:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Cubs haven't hit anyone

unless the name is Lincoln or Moehler. Other than that this whole team has not hit. Ramy’s difference would be minimal, when your whole team is in a funk, one player will not turn it around. You could put Pujols in this lineup and it would struggle.
 Good with the bad? Soriano hit a homerun off of Lincoln in Cincy, when he was 0 for 5 prior. He has not hit for a month, .154, that is a lot of bad for a long time. Find a seat Sori.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jun 18, 2009 6:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I bet last May wehn Sori had

7 home runs in 6 games you were singing his praises.

2nd If you don’t think having Aramis back in this lineup doesn’t help you don’t understand team sports or having a clutch hitter like Pujols in the lineup. Other guys not used to being the go to guy are pressing, and you are not at your best in that situation.

by Cubsfan Waveland on Jun 18, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or September 2007

When he homered in 6 of the last 9 games as we passed/held off the Brewers.

by Cubsfan Waveland on Jun 18, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Passed/held?

Really? Hmmm i seem to remember we were pretty lucky in 2007 because the Brewers were LOSING when we were losing. BTW the last 9 games in 2007 we went 5-4, nothing too outstanding there. Same time frame Milwaukee went 4-5. So lets not get too high on the horse.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Jun 18, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Brewers choked in 2007, no doubt

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jun 18, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sure I was in his corner

I supported his signing, Other people have dogged him and I still supported the guy. This is about what is right for this team. Goodness, .154 for 27 games, come on guys, that is unacceptable. He needs time off, and yes he got the game winner today, lets see if he can have a good month.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jun 18, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aramis isn't going to save this team

unless others start hitting.

We have to prepare for the idea that Aramis’ shoulder will not be at full strength all year.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jun 18, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dead on...

Aramis is going to see a little dip in power definitely. He is still going to be a good hitter, i just dont see the power being there because of the injury.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Jun 18, 2009 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have a bad shoulder from hockey

and it has never been the same. I have less confidence in it and less range of motion. I wouuld certainly not be diving on that side to stop any fast ground balls. Follow through is also an issue when I throw a baseball. He is DEFINITELY going to suffer from this injury. It is harsh.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 18, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree Aramis isn't

going to be the complete savior. I believe sore shoulder and all Aramis gets a run in with 1 & 3 nobody out. Even if he isn’t hitting home runs.

James Loney for the Dodgers has 44 rbis and only 2 home runs, so you don’t have to hit home runs to drive in runs.

by Cubsfan Waveland on Jun 18, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

every cub should be able to get a run in from third with less than two outs most

of the time. no one on the cubs can do it. god, that dries me nuts.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jun 18, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good w/the bad, yes, but...

It doesnt mean things have to be set in stone. If something works for 2 weeks, great, but once it stops working, shake things up. This is what I feel Lou has failed to do all season. Waiting and waiting patiently.

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by tony412 on Jun 18, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok can we bring up Fuld ?

Not to replace Soriano of course but so we could have someone who can FIELD, RUN and ADVANCE runners. I can live without the home runs. He would look REAL nice on the bench.

"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 Jun 17, 2009 10:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Can we DL the whole team.?

I agree Soriano needs to be put on the DL. I do believe his knee is hurting, am I his trainer no, but it is obvious when he runs he does not run well.
 When he comes back on the DL, put him in the 5 hole or 6 spot in the order. Enough of the catering to the leadoff spot for Soriano. Sure so me the splits of him leading off compared to other spots in the order, I don’t care. His numbers can’t get any worse.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jun 18, 2009 6:36 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

seriously. his numbers can't get worse.

put him sixth or seventh and let him try to start hitting. or put him on the bench.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jun 18, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whiffing away at the same...

Pitch every single AB does not mean he should go to the DL, it means he should be benched. He is a grown up major league pitcher. It kills me when pitchers throw him inside pitches because that is the ONLY thing he can hit.

I dont understand how a guy like Soriano cannot make an adjustment. When he gets 2 strikes in the count he should know, because everyone in the stadium knows, that a slider low and away is coming. Does he stop? Nope.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Jun 18, 2009 6:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

should read:

“grown up major league hitter” not pitcher….

Coffee has not set in yet. And this weather is making me even more slow.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Jun 18, 2009 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fox in LF

How exactly did he prove he was not inept in LF? That he found LF without asking for directions? That he did not run into the wall? That he was facing the right direction? That he did not get bhimself tangled up in the ivy? Good grief!

Now as for benching/DLing Soriano, if he is hurting, by ball means sit him down because he is clearly not helping the team right now. And if Soriano sits, sure, play Fox out there. He has earned his shot and LF would be the ideal place (other than DH) for him.

by lookingdeadred on Jun 18, 2009 8:04 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

His fielding numbers are declining as well

I suspect there is something wrong with his legs. Look at his UZR numbers for LF:

2006: 8.1
2007: 18.4
2008: 2.5
2009: -2.1

Notice that in his healthy years, 2006 and 2007, he was just fine in the field. In 2008, he had all the leg problems and his fielding declined significantly. It’s even worse in 2009.

by dr stabbingworth on Jun 18, 2009 8:41 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The sad fact is his

numbers have declined with each passing year. He really isn’t a good baseball player and if he can’t hit, he is worthless. But as Cub fans we get the opportunity to watch his numbers decline over the next five years.It is great that he has a no trade clause as well. Great job Jim!

by cubdreamer on Jun 18, 2009 8:58 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

it is ugly. laughable really.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jun 18, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sori is not alone....

let’s add Fuk,Font,Bradley,and Soto to the list of no shows so far this year!

by goatstew on Jun 18, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bradley's been fine lately.

.327/.400/.490/.890 in his last 16 games, including 8 for his last 20.

by kanderber on Jun 18, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He still isn't hitting the ball with any authority. That's what puzzles me about him now. He

seems to be getting beat by good fastballs and when he makes contact he’s getting jammed a lot. Most of hits have been loopers and dying quails. I really would like to see him start to square the ball up and hit some line drives.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jun 18, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

I can’t count how many bats he’s broken this year, excluding those that he does out of rage. He’s had a very, very difficult time getting the barrell to contact with any regularity…which is both of great concern and extremely odd given his track record as a good hitter.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Jun 18, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder if it goes back to the overall health of his legs.

While I think he’s relatively healthy, hitting is darn tough without your legs, which would explain why Milton hasn’t been driving the ball regularly. It could be as simple as Bradley is playing through a minor strain, but is finding some holes while 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

by Trey2317 on Jun 18, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doesn't that suck

whe you have to measure players success by the last 16 ABs? If you had to go farther back, that BA would look worse. I love the Cubs but this team sucks hard these days. Big deal they won today…they were losing because their bullpen sucks too. This team is not a winner and likely won’t be this season. It hurts me to say but…

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 18, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And just think !!!

ONLY 5 1/2 years left on the Soriano contract !!!! For a 30 something hack with recurring leg problems !!!!!

You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?

by BLou on Jun 18, 2009 10:30 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm on board.

Maybe his problem is endurance (as someone suggested above). Perhaps the DL stints over the last couple years, combined with his age, are making him more susceptible to the wear and tear of playing every day. As Lou mentioned yesterday, there’s no excuse for Soriano not being “rested,” the Cubs had an off day and rainout before yesterday’s game. And we’ll never know what we really have with Jake Fox unless he gets extended playing time.

So DL Soriano, which should bring us within spitting distance of the All Star Break – and Aramis’ return thereafter – and let’s see what Jake Fox can really bring to the table plate. His defense in left field will probably be hard to watch, but that’ hasn’t stopped Carlos Lee, Adam Dunn, Manny, etc.

Do it, Lou! What’s that…?

cst_cubsPatience still Lou’s virtue. Lineup: sori, riot, milt, lee, soto, font, fuky, blanco, Z.

Whatever.

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 Jun 18, 2009 12:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Baseball's highest paid outfield ranks among baseball's least productive outfields

Good work Jim Hendry. Way to have that wondrous farm system of your crank out quality positional talent in order to prevent you from insanely overspending for an outfielder in free agency each year (Jones, Soriano, Kosuke, Milton).

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jun 18, 2009 10:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

fonz

if his knee is the cause of his hitting woes then by all means give the guy some time off.

by NOMAR on Jun 19, 2009 10:30 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

hindsight being 20/20

I think maybe his slump is over. We’ll have to see what happens over the weekend, certainly.

Not only did he win yesterday’s game, but really, you gotta give him a lot of credit for today’s win as well — without that steal, Riot doesn’t drive him in.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 19, 2009 9:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

andan assist to the rock

or whatever caused that very bizarre hop on Theriot’s grounder.

by lookingdeadred on Jun 20, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the back of the infield

is like a trampoline, according to people who see three games a year here.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jun 20, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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