Milton Bradley, I'm Done With You. Meanwhile, Cubs Use Soto HR To Beat White Sox, 5-4
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:24 PM CDT
in Recaps
576 comments
The Cubs used the longball -- the White Sox' favorite tool -- to beat the South Siders 5-4; Jake Fox had three hits and a HR and Geovany Soto smacked a three-run blast that was the difference in the game.
And I suppose all you want to talk about is Milton Bradley. Bradley and manager Lou Piniella had words in the dugout after Bradley flied to left in the sixth inning and, to make a long story short -- and the story may yet get longer -- Lou sent Milton home, but not before Bradley had slugged the Gatorade cooler in the dugout and, according to the WGN postgame show, may have even had words with Carlos Zambrano, who reportedly headed to the clubhouse after Milton.
ITOLDYOUSOITOLDYOUSOITOLDYOUSO.
Milton Bradley has been a clubhouse problem his entire career. Let me tell you a couple of things I have recently learned, which I had earlier decided not to post. Now, though, it seems imperative to do so. I am not naming names here to protect my sources; however, I have absolutely no doubt that the stories I have been told are true.
1) I have a friend who knows several writers who covered Bradley on a daily basis when he was playing with another team. These writers called him "a clubhouse cancer in the truest sense of the word".
2) I have another friend who is close personal friends with a major league player who was a teammate of Bradley's at one time. This major league player called Bradley "the biggest asshole he had ever had as a teammate".
You can ask as often as you like, but I will not name these people. However, I stand by what I was told as the truth.
All of this had to be known to Cubs management -- they're not blind, and they see and know far more than I do. Why Jim Hendry chose to sign Bradley in the face of overwhelming evidence that this was a bad idea is inexplicable. If the Cubs had wanted to sign an oft-injured outfielder with a big contract, they could have traded for Andruw Jones, who is actually starting to hit again and in fewer plate appearances than Bradley, has more doubles, homers and RBI. Granted, RBI aren't necessarily the best measure of offensive performance, but Bradley was signed to a huge contract to be a middle-of-the-lineup guy, to be the force in the lineup, to play the way he did last year, only for a full season. He's got 16 RBI in 200 PA. Jake Fox has 11 RBI in 43 PA.
Unfortunately, save simply releasing him and eating a huge amount of money, or benching him to the point where the Cubs won't have to pay the 2011 vesting option (at which time the Players' Association would probably step in and say, "You can't do that"), we are stuck with Bradley. Bruce Miles' blog, linked above, says:
Apparently, the Cubs feel that Bradley is acting selfishly. GM Jim Hendry talked with us in the runway after the game and said he wanted players to be "all in."
I pressed him on that, and he said that "all in" means all for the team. Some of Bradley's teammates also are beginning to wonder.
Hendry also said he'd talk with Bradley tomorrow.
Hendry is right, of course, but how could he have not seen that Milton Bradley isn't an "all in" kind of guy and never has been? This one's on you, Jim. You made a big mistake. You need to fix it, and yesterday. To all those who said, "100 games of Milton Bradley is worth more than a full season of Adam Dunn", with all due respect, in this case running the numbers don't tell the whole story. Not one of you -- not anyone -- can say to me that the Cubs wouldn't have been better off with Adam Dunn in right field up to this point in 2009, defense be damned.
All of this is yet another unwelcome distraction from this season, and today was a nicely-played win, despite yet another bullpen meltdown from Carlos Marmol, who threw only 10 strikes in 24 pitches. Whatever's wrong with Marmol, someone better figure it out soon, because with Angel Guzman out, the Cubs don't have a lot of other 8th-inning options. In fact, today, with Randy Wells having finished another fine seven innings (two mistakes were hit for homers, but those were his only mistakes) in 98 pitches, I think I would have sent him out there for the 8th.
Meanwhile, we are now seeing the Jake Fox who tore up Triple-A for the first two months. He had three hits including his second homer in as many days, and played a competent third base, handling five grounders (including starting a DP) without incident. The only ball he couldn't get to was Scott Podsednik's bunt, and not many third basemen could have made that play. Even after Aramis Ramirez returns, he may not be at full strength and may have to take a couple days off every week. Fox has proven he can handle the position at least that often and needs to be in the lineup every day.
And, Geovany Soto hit a three-run homer that was the difference in the game. Since May 13 -- 105 at-bats -- Geo is hitting .276/.366/.523 with 7 HR and 19 RBI, very close to his production level of 2008. The Cubs definitely need him to keep this up and he appears to be back on track.
About Bradley, I don't know what the final disposition will be of this incident, and the accumulated problems he's had in less than half a season. All I know is that it seems imperative that the Cubs add another hitter, and soon.
My first visit to the Cell since the Cub series a year ago found some changes -- there is now a new scoreboard in RF showing out-of-town scores batter-by-batter, and also updated stats on each pitcher and batter in the game taking place there. What I also found were some more fan-unfriendly policies. They were blocking anyone without an outfield seat from going through the concourse in the outfield -- thus giving those ticketholders unfettered access to the park, but no one could walk around. This made things extremely crowded going out of the park after the game was over, in addition to some red-shirted ushers being quite overzealous about checking tickets, to the point that you couldn't even say "hi" to people you just wanted to say "hi" to unless you sneaked past them. The crowd was late-arriving; many empty seats were left at game time, though they eventually filled in for the sellout of 39,015. I heard Alfonso Soriano booed when he led off the game -- I wondered who was booing louder, Sox fans or Cubs fans? Overall the atmosphere was much more like previous Sox/Cubs series than the two games at Wrigley last week -- so perhaps the idea that those games being weekdays being responsible for the muted atmosphere there is true.
Finally, sign seen (and I wish I'd had a good camera to take a shot of it) -- someone had taken a large posterboard and put a photo of Michael Jackson with "Sox" photoshopped onto his jacket. Clever and well-timed.
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I am so done with him too
But a good win for the Cubs today
cubs = love
by cubs ftw on Jun 26, 2009 8:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
what was a longer wait
waiting for the Milton blow up or waiting on this victory recap??
by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 26, 2009 8:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Had to have dinner first!
Plus, it took 50 minutes to get home from the Cell.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
in other news lou admits he used to blaze
by jesus christos on Jun 26, 2009 8:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Bench him for the next 2 years?
They should have had a ‘asshole clause’ in his contract.
by daeviant on Jun 26, 2009 8:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't that be something?
Wonder what the union would have to say about that.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 26, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I said, you can't do that....
… but obviously, the Cubs would love to have that option year not vest.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I probably should know and I am sure it was posted but
what does it vest at ?
"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 26, 2009 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC...
… if he plays 75 games this year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously he is close to vesting ?
Anyone know when umpire Mike Winters is due to work a Cubs or perhaps C.B Bucknor ?
"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 26, 2009 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it 75 games appeared in or started in?
He’s started 45 in RF, but appeared in 55.
But still, close nonetheless.
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
by Blicks on Jun 26, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
75 games played.
This is why Bradley keeps asking to PH when he doesn’t start.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
or
you know. He wants to contribute.
I understand how you feel, Al, and it’s getting more and more difficult to defend him, but we’ve had this discussion before. Those teammates who will step forward publicly are always going to get more credence from me then those who are going to slam the man anonymously. The public teammates all say they have no problem with him.
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 26, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he was a cancer in one place
then I could see your point. Recent life experience – I fit in well – very well – at a company and after a couple years was looking for a move and wanted to try out sales. I started working for a State Farm agent in town and I didnt mesh with them at all in their small office – sales were off – you could say I was a cancer at that office because I didnt mesh well with the other personallities – now I work in another sales gig and seem to be getting along great. Point being that if I was a truly horrible person to work with the ratio would be reversed similar to how if Bradely was such a great guy to play with there would be louder and more frequent voices saying he is a great guy who just doesnt fit in at Wrigley (it happens) but is merely frustrated that he isnt performing. I think dumping Bradley and eating what you have to may work out similar to dumping Barrett.
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
by hansman1982 on Jun 26, 2009 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
teammates
from ALL of his teams have stepped forward and said he was great to play with.
There are PLENTY of voices who have said he fits in at Wrigley. There was a fan-shot about this a few weeks ago.
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 26, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
Because they are terrified he might get traded back to their teams…
by frustratedfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say
Why then the negative stigma behind him? Seems like he isnt fitting in here…if he is such a wonderful presence then WHY does this follow him? I say if the shoe fits wear it – if not disregard and it should fall off but with Bradley is seems to follow him around. There will be people who like him but apparently he is detrimental to the team, I could see it. Also how do you put a picture on a post.
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
by hansman1982 on Jun 27, 2009 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pics in posts
Only in the big box (not the subject line), surround the URL for the pic with exclamation points. F’rinstance, if you wanted to post http://foo.com/bar.jpg, you would type:
Remove the spaces from the line above, and your LOLcat will appear for all to see
"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 Jun 27, 2009 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was that stipulation or clause in his contract?
Is there any way we can utilize that to get rid of him sooner? SOMEHOW?
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Linked this in other thread...
but some may not see it…
Sullivan posted an article based on an interview he did with MB before today’s game.
Gives some insight into his state of mind I suppose.
by JCD on Jun 26, 2009 8:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it does.
More proof he’s a poor fit here.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From Sullivan's article...
Bradley blamed himself for his poor start (.237 batting average), and conceded he didn’t realize how “overwhelming” it would be to be a focus of attention on the North Side.
“People are always watching and looking at everything I’m doing,” he said. "My personality is more of a guy [who likes to] go unnoticed — to show up, do my job and go home, and really not have a whole lot of hoopla about it.
He didn’t think he’d get any attention here?!?!?!?! Where did he think he was signing, the Yukon Territory? THIS IS CHICAGO! THERE’S NATIONAL ATTENTION HERE!
What a freaking idiot.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think his mind went blank when he saw
all those zeros in his contract.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are numerous
players who underestimated the intensity of playing in NY. The real problem is the team is playing poorly and he’s one of the causes. But, as you said, the real problem could have been avoided if Hendry and Piniella had done due diligence. Bradley wasn’t an unknown commodity.
Bottom line is that we’re stuck with him and Soriano and, to a lesser degree, Fukudome. None of them are hitting lefties, When you pile on Hoffpaiur and Fontenot, we’re dead in the water against LHP. Now we have to ask how to solve the problem. Hendry and Von Joshua have their work cut out for them and Lou better realize the huge holes in our lineup and in the bullpen. If not, this year is history.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
by tharr on Jun 26, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quick Question
I wasnt around the site last year – what was the reception then of Hendry and Pinella?
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
by hansman1982 on Jun 27, 2009 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be honest
Piniella was a godsend and Hendry was close behind. Of course 97 wins will do that for you. The team BA was .278 and with RISP it was also .278. We lead the league in runs. What’s not to like? The assumption is that everything was great. Now we’re at .247 and .218 RISP. Hendry’s additions have all been a bust this year.
Look at the list….Miles, Bradley, Gaithright, Freel, Bako, Gregg, Heilman, and Vizcaino. One would have to go out of their way to assemble those many players and have none of them excel. When you add in the drop off of Soriano and Fukudome who both have long contracts, you can understand the frustration of Cub fans. The question then turns to solutions and that is out of the hands of the fans. Piniella probably overused Marmol last year and at the beginning of this year. Certainly the players have responsibility but so do managers and GMs.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
by tharr on Jun 27, 2009 3:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say this very seriously
I think MB is crazy. He perceives things not as they are, but instead feels threatened by most anything. It is like he seeks adversity and conflict – but nobody does this on purpose. He is just crazy, and it is sad and hurting the team.
I really, REALLY wish we had gone for Dunn – didn’t all those years of him POUNDING us into submission give Hendry a clue? Ah well, at least the other teams in the division are keeping us in it.
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on Jun 26, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have loved...
…Abreau, but that’s water under the bridge now.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 26, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As someone who doesn't live in Chicago anymore...
I don’t find it hard to believe that one might not fully appreciate how intense Chicago sports fans/media are. And as Tharr noted, people make the same mistake with NY.
I think it’s because 1) Chicago (and NY) sports fans are insane, and 2) (to sound a bit mathematical about it) people somewhat rationally assume that the degree of intensity is correllated linearly to the size of the market. But in Chicago and NY’s case, while they might be X amount bigger than other cities, the intensity and expectations of the fans are increased disproportionately and exponentionally.
This actually doesn’t just apply to sports. You see how many small-town folk move to super-metropolii like Chicago, NY, or LA and just can’t hack it (even people who live in smaller "big-cities do as well). If you’ll excuse the pun, it’s a whole different ballgame in those places. Until you get there, it’s hard to know that.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this board
is a perfect example. The game threads are SO TIGHT that EVERY error, marmol BB, K, warning-track fly ball… they all look like the Bartman play to some people. ALL THE TIME.
The board REEKS of stress.
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 26, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think some of it is a good thing
Cubs fans who want to win has been something sorely lacking in years past.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wanting to win is fine.
deciding that players who make errors or strike out are scumbags is not.
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 26, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know why...
but that made me laugh. And I needed it. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When people cite the 100-year thing
as justification for this, it makes me laugh. Were they alive for all 100 years of it?
If you look at it dispassionately, a Brewers fan could make the same justification, since they’ve never won a WS, either, certainly not in the lifetimes of any of their fans.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 26, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats why I said "some"
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You may be refering to Soriano..............
and I don’t recall anyone calling him a scumbag………….he just sucks this year
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 27, 2009 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll go along with that
Years and years of heartbreak, coupled with the failures of the past two postseasons, have people nervously looking over their shoulders all the time (yours truly included).
by CaliCub on Jun 26, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to trivialize it
but it’s almost as if Cubs fans have been released from prison, where they spent years for a crime they didn’t commit. Always paranoid and always jumping at the smallest thing.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 26, 2009 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why wouldn't they?
Cubs fans should be tight and stressed right now. You can’t view Marmol’s walks as some occassional thing, they happen ALL THE TIME. It should be a genuine concern. I don’t blame the boards for reeking of stress because they SHOULD reek of stress.
This team is capable of so much more than what they are doing now, so as a Cubs fan I am definitely stressed about how they have been playing. As for Bradley, I’ve hated him since the day the Cubs signed him and way before. He will only make things worse from here on out if the Cubs continue to struggle the way they have. Hopefully Lou wises up and dumps him from the lineup, let alone having him bat THIRD for God knows how long…
Rumor has it Alex Brown keeps Chris Simms' right index finger in his back pocket for good luck.
by HanelucaTC on Jun 27, 2009 2:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not just "stress" though...
There are people in the game threads every day who almost seem to be rooting for the Cubs to fail. Even times, for example, where the Cubs will hit a home-run to take the lead and their first reaction will be something to the effect of “Who cares. They’re gonna blow it anyway”. And these aren’t just trolls in the normal sense. They’re people there every single day, with unending criticism of every aspect of the team.
It gets to a point where I don’t want to even read the threads any more. (Which obviously the answer will be “Well don’t, then.” I guess. But it’s disappointing that it would come to that on a Cubs board.).
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 27, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Hopefully my response didn’t come off as “anti-Cub” because I’m not one of those people who are wanting the Cubs to fail. I am in total agreement that the threads are getting unbearable to read, not only with people who are talking doomsday, but the people that flip-flop back to kind, loyal Cubs fans when someone makes a long post about Cub fans overreacting. I’m still cheering for the Cubs like I always have, but I also think its important to address obvious problems like Marmol’s walks rather than pretend they aren’t happening.
Rumor has it Alex Brown keeps Chris Simms' right index finger in his back pocket for good luck.
by HanelucaTC on Jun 27, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed as well...
Marmol is extremely worrisome. (And he’s killing my fantasy team).
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 27, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NY and Chicago
are old, old cities in the US that have had baseball teams since Day Zero. Boston, too. That’s why we’re all bat-shit crazy regarding our sports teams. The NL had a charter team here. One could argue the NFL was founded here. Plus, we’re generally parochial in our outlook towards other towns and regions. (I can do a pretty mean-spirited WI accent. Heh.)
I have known many people who’ve relo’d here that have assimilated and caught the disease. Move to Lincoln Park, ride the L, go to North Ave. Beach, sit in the bleachers or Soldier(s) Field, curse the opposing players. It’s funny to watch.
by thermal54 on Jun 27, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm from Chicago originally...
So I get what you’re saying. But having lived in a number of other places, I don’t look at that “insanity” as a good thing, by and large. Sure, it’s kind of fun to talk about and brag that we’re better fans because we care more. Cub fans clearly love their Cubs (myself very much included as a 4th generation Cub fan). But there are other cities where fans love their teams just as much, yet don’t go insane and unrealistic in their expectations.
It seems to me that there is an unhealthy aspect to the approach of some Chicago fans, and it’s self-defeating. It’s like some are in a race to the bottom with NY, Boston, etc. to prove that we’re realy the greatest fans, demonstrated by the fact that we go completely unhinged at the slightest provocation…(I speak in generalizations, I course).
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 27, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Unhealthy, insane, unrealistic, unhinged. All appropriate adverbs (I think;). Also, I’ve noticed that Cub fans, in particular, have more often than not gone off the rails in recent years re: expectations. Y’know, no more lovable losers, win or die (the players, not us), uglier in the stands. Of course, this observation from a guy who, as a kid, went to games when the upper deck was closed (I know Al was at those, too).
by thermal54 on Jun 27, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I have said...
…it was a risky signing, and all the risks were there for everyone to see.
So far, it has been a complete failure and I guess we’ll see if it improves any.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 26, 2009 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
FTFA:
“We just don’t have that bond,” he replied. “‘D-Lee’ is cool. He’s quiet. But things change. I had a good rapport with [fired hitting coach Gerald Perry]. I trusted Gerald and I could talk to him, and he’s gone. I think I clicked with [ex-Cub outfielder Joey] Gathright, and he’s gone. So you just kind of feel like you’re on an island, and trying to stay afloat.”
This sounds extraordinarily similar to a position I was in at a job once. I was hired on to do many things, and struck an instant rapport with a couple of different people in the office. A month later, those people were gone, my role was being changed, and I felt a very similar sense of disconnectedness and isolation. I was no longer a good fit for the company, and we parted ways a couple of months later.
This may have to happen with Bradley, no matter how it happens – it can’t be good for him or the organization if he’s feeling this way. If he doesn’t want national media attention, maybe some place like KC or Pittsburgh would be a better fit.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or Texas or San Diego or Cleveland or Montreal...
Oh wait, he caused problems and didn’t fit there either. Maybe it’s not the city or the media or the teammates… maybe it’s him.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jun 26, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What problems did he cause in San Diego or Texas?
As a Padre, he was injured by his manager. True, he was confronting an umpire, but that in and of itself, is not a “problem.” It certainly wasn’t one when Theriot got incensed at what he thought was a bad call on the basepaths earlier this month.
As a Ranger, he got ticked off at another team’s announcer for what he believed were unfair remarks made during a broadcast. He was stopped before the situation escalated, so we have no way of knowing where it would have ended up. So, again, no real problem, aside from a bit of a PR headache.
True, he did get into an altercation with his manager while with the Indians. If one were charitable, one could attribute this to youth. The fact is that MB’s “problems” have gotten fewer and less severe as he has aged (and presumably matured), and that his biggest blow-ups happened in LA – also a big-market team – 4+ years ago.
"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 Jun 27, 2009 1:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like you're making excuses...
For him to be honest. Tearing your ACL trying to attack an ump is not his manager’s fault. Getting pissed off at an announcer, for whatever reason, is no reason to pull a Mercker. Problems with the Indians, with Felipe Alou, the list continues. Sometimes people have to stop blaming others, look in the mirror, and realize they are the common denominator in all of these problems in his baseball career.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jun 27, 2009 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not going to mistake excuses for facts
Nor you with someone who can be reasoned with on this issue – you don’t like the guy, fine. I;m pretty indifferent, save that I’d like him to hit better for the Cubs. I’ll just leave this one alone.
"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 Jun 27, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Send him to Pittsburgh! The Cubs can get Freddy Sanchez in return and I'd be perfectly happy with the swap!
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 27, 2009 6:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets not let Milton distract us from the utter failure that is Carlos Marmol
Without Marmol, we are not a World Series caliber team. He has been horrific with his control, even when he has been getting outs. This comes from a ton of overuse the past two years, and we are paying the price now.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Jun 26, 2009 8:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I forgot to give kudos to Sean Marshall...
… who got two outs on one pitch and got the Cubs out of that 8th inning. Nice job, Sean.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hm
That seemed more lucky to me. AJ bounced into a double play on the first pitch.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And since when is luck not a part of baseball?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh
Its always been part of it.
And I’m glad we got out of it, but I’m not feeling “bigger person” enough to give the ’pen any credit for it.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry,
feeling a bit angry about MB’s temper tantrum. Nothing irritates me more than this kind of crap.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hopefully
you got mad at Demp and Riot and Z and…
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 26, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was ready
to completely give up on the 09-10 Cubs if Pierzynski won the game today…
Rumor has it Alex Brown keeps Chris Simms' right index finger in his back pocket for good luck.
by HanelucaTC on Jun 27, 2009 2:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has filled into the bullpen nicely
Which is good to see, but I like him as a starter too.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Jun 26, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's wasted as LOOGY
I do hope today was the end of Marmol in the 8th for a while.
I’d almost rather have Howry back. At least he didn’t seem to walk the ball park.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have you forgotten all the Howry Homers?
I think I’d take the walks. At this point the best 8th inning option might be Ascanio.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Howry homers
at least were earned runs.
Marmol just gives ’em away.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the reason we have David Patton is...
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Taking up bullpen space?
I don’t know why we’ve kept him up here for so long if we don’t use him more.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 26, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well thats my point
see what he can do. Unless you want Heilman out there.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Patton would be better than Heilman at this point.
He could hardly be worse than Marmol was today.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really don't like Heilmann at all
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well said.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The President of the Aaron Heilman Sucks Fanclub approves this message
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 26, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, just checked the box score.
1/3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB.
That’s not good.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 26, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It looked even worse than that
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad I was at work where I couldn't watch!
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
by hip2bsquare on Jun 26, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soriano didn't help much with the pop-up that he butchered. He almost
killed Blanco on that play. He never called Blanco off and he could have injured both himself and Blanco. He has collided with other fielders in the past and he never seems to call for the ball. He just runs toward it like he is the only player on the field. Guys on Saturday beer leagues know enough to call for the ball. His lack of baseball instincts is amazing at times.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jun 26, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting contrast
He just runs toward it like he is the only player on the field.
Doesn’t really jell with the ‘lazy’ argument, nomesane?
"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 Jun 26, 2009 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
best left fielder in baseball..........
so some BCB’ers claim
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 27, 2009 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
best LF in the league
in a league where you have to hide your weakest defenders in LF, he’s really not that awful.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 27, 2009 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there's always
a pitcher who almost never gets used. On any team. Every manager has their favorite relievers.
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 26, 2009 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's DL'd
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
should be back
in a little over a week.
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 26, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am oblivious (and lazy).
What happened?
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forearm strain? I think
a week ago.
apparently its nothing serious but they DL’d him b/c of all the games in a row.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they needed
to bring up another pitcher. unfortunately, that pitcher was Hart.
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 26, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tricep strain
In his pitching arm. L&B seemed to think that 6 or 7 days of rest would get him right as rain. The DL stint frees up a spot for as long as it takes him to recover.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, no thanks to Home Run Howry
but the walks are equally as frustrating. When Guzman gets off the 15 day, i’d like to see him in the 8th. Until then, maybe Ascanio?
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jun 26, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And lets not forget FOX!
All the talk is about MB, and the little game related talk has rightly singled out Wells and Soto, and justifiably Marshall. But, for my money Fox is the big story, and the biggest potential for improving our outlook moving forward.
by BatCubFan on Jun 27, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed with the control issues,
not sure it is caused by overuse by the Cubs, He did pitch in the WBC as I recall.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and in winter ball
the Cubs needed to say stop long ago.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Jun 26, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he had a MASSIVE innings jump last year, especially for a reliever
This guy was 4th in all MLB last year in IP, and made an IP jump of about 20 innings from 2007, this is not counting WBC/winter ball innings.
I suspect injuries, honestly. A BB/9 shooting up to otherworldly (awful) levels while he still racks up the K’s just is awful suspicious.
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
by Blicks on Jun 26, 2009 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
This is not a shock to me at all. I was willing to give this bum the benefit of the doubt, but not anymore. The cubs would be best served to dump him yesterday.
Just more crap us Cub fans have to deal with.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 8:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I completely agree, Al
and while I preferred signing Abreu as opposed to Dunn, Bradley gave me a bad feeling from day one. A guy of his talent doesn’t play for 7 different teams in 9 years by accident. There’s a reason, and all you pro Bradley folks are seeing that reason now. Forget that he’s never played more than 30 games in the OF, the guy is an absolute cancer of a clubhouse guy, and this is only going to get uglier. Trust me.
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jun 26, 2009 8:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't sure about Abreu
but his line right now is 298 / .395 / .426.
by rlpete on Jun 26, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'd take that any day.
and, it’s pretty much in line with his career numbers. Not to toot my own horn, but who really wouldn’t want that instead of Bradley at this point?
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jun 26, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
by the way, he was signed for
1 yr, $8 mil.
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jun 26, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Trust you."
…Well, I can’t beat that kind of argument.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dan, if you see this:
How many people bashed you during the last three months? Hope you kept count.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 26, 2009 8:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Quite often; fans that believe that if you wear a "C" on your jersey you're immune to criticism are ridiculous.
Mainly this type of banter. Milton Bradley sucks.
I’ve called Milton Bradley f-ing crazy.
I’ve called Milton Bradley a PAIN IN THE ASS.
But worst of all, I’ve said I’ve hated him, and been treated as a troll or non-fan for it.
I don’t want him playing. I don’t want him on my team, and I surely don’t want him vesting his 75 game option. He’s been doing this for the entire season, I’ve said this over and over again. He’s convinced Lou time and time again that he can pinch hit and “play”.
I’m a passionate and loyal Cubs fan, but by no means should my beliefs about this particular player question my loyalty or passion for this team. I get sick of those that stand for anything and everything Cubs, regardless of whether or not it is a smart decision for the greater successes of this team. I’d much rather be wrong about this (obviously), but it is kind of silly to be typecasted as a troll or non-fan for not agreeing with the masses. 1984 and Winston Smith, anybody?
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 27, 2009 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um...
You were asked how many people had “bashed” you. You’ve supplied a bunch of links documenting your consistent opinions about Bradley (opinions that I’ll grant have become increasingly hard to argue with!). But in none of the cases you’ve linked do you appear to have been bashed for your opinions. In fact, you were generally agreed with. Maybe you have been attacked for your views which would be unfortunate, but despite the effort here, you’ve certainly not demonstrated that..
Pumping sunshine for the Cubs since 1968 (yeah, that's right I was a Cubs fan in the womb!)
by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Jun 27, 2009 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Z headed after Milton ?
That would not be pretty confrontation. How out of control do you have to be that Carlos goes after you ?
"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 26, 2009 8:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That was reported on the WGN postgame show.
Not sure what happened in that, but if Z got involved… well, that shows some leadership that Z hasn’t shown before.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Z must have been pretty angry
He normally does not get involved in situations like this.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 26, 2009 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was in the car with my wife and yelled:
“YEAH! I hope Carlos lays down the law.”
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 26, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Z has always been a team guy
He is always one of the first guys to give high fives in the dugout after the Cubbies score, and he isn’t afraid to voice his opinion and stand up for himself and the team. We need more players as emotional as Z. Granted, we may have more pulled hammys with players hustling down the line, but hell, players like Z are few and far between, and I’lll take a pulled hammy with a team player than a blowup with a selfish one anyday.
Andy R.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Jun 26, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know who else was one of the first guys to congratulate a teammate
Milton Bradley.
I think this is kind of ridiculous. So he beat up a water cooler. Z does it every other start.
by PieFan08 on Jun 26, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
indeed
Bradley didn’t do anything that Dempster, Z, Lilly, etc, haven’t done. And no one says a word about the game Riot almost got thrown out of where the 3b coach had to physically restrain him from attacking the second base umpire.
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 26, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amazing to me
how you defend this guy. This piece of garbage has been nothing but a pain in the backside everywhere.
Watched the press conference and Lou said he has looked the other way too many times and enogh is enough.
Well enough of Milton, sit his sorry ass.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jun 26, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus...
This piece of garbage…
????
Good lord. We’re talking about a guy playing a game; not life and death and matters of treason. How ’bout we tone down this kind of nonsense?
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My apologies
should not of used garbage. That was not fair.
I guess my anger comes a lot of folks getting on my case for not supporting this signing and throwing all these OBP, OPS, UZR etc… and not considering the effect he has on a team by his attitude.
My fault with the poor choice of words
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jun 26, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the effect
of having several of his teammates tell the press that he’s a great player and they love having him on their team?
Ok.
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 26, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that you and everyone else...
Is entitled to the opinion to not want Milton on the team, for any reason that you so choose. I’m as annoyed as everyone else with how mentally fragile he is, etc.. And the whole spectacle isn’t how I’d hoped his tenure as a Cub would go.
For me, I resist what seems like reactionary stuff about “trade him right now” because it seems to me to lack perspective (and and grounding based on stats).
But please understand that my disagreeing isn’t meant to be construed as my saying that you and everyone else is totally unjustified in disagreeing with me (or that I’m telling you to go jump off a cliff or something).
Aside from name-calling, I get where his critics are coming from. I just happen to not agree with their conclusions.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou
was talking about ALL of the gatorade abuse, not just Milton’s. Yes, he’s probably poking at Milton with a stick, but he was very clear that he was talking about Demp and others as well.
You have no evidence from which to draw this conclusion. Someone might read your posts on this board and conclude something unpleasant about you; they would be wrong to do so.
The only people who say they didn’t like playing with him are people who refuse to step forward and be public. The people who step forward and are public say nothing but good things about him, including many starters on this team.
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 26, 2009 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
I think that Lou was fed up with guys getting upset and throwing helmets and breaking coolers. Milton’s tirade just happened to be the one that put Lou over the edge. Knowing Milton and his temper, he probably didn’t take to kindly to being singled out after everyone else had their turn at breaking something in the dugout. That’s the price you pay when you allow that kind of behavior to go unpunished. Lou could have checked this behavior when the first guy attacked the Gatorade machine. Instead, he let it go on and now he has had enough. I think he has to accept some of the blame for letting thiss go on.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jun 26, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou should have put
a stop to the cooler smashing the night Z did his damage.
by sue369 on Jun 27, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amazing to me
how you continue to be nasty.
“Piece of garbage”… now that solves everything!!
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Drew is tough to figure out sometimes
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Jun 27, 2009 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
z was trying to calm him down or something
by jesus christos on Jun 26, 2009 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was of the
understanding that when Lou followed MB into the clubhouse Z followed Lou. I think he was making sure Lou would be ok. I could be wrong too.
by sue369 on Jun 26, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was a little leery of Bradley from the beginning,
Especially after 2007 when he blew out his knee yelling at an umpire in San Diego.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 26, 2009 8:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i was pushing hard for Ibanez
But i could never have predicted Bradley would have this kind of production drop. We never expected him to stop being an ass, but I did expect him to be an ass who got on base.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jun 26, 2009 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Melton in the CSN postgame show summed it up pretty well...
Something (DURR) is horribly wrong with his head. Striking out and looking foolish, then getting in arguments with his manager. Why in the hell do you get in an argument with your manager? Lou was putting his ass on the line putting Milton in there because he knows Milton is better than this.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Technically, Bradley didn't injure himself in SD.
The actions of manager Bud Black led to the injury. To refresh everybody’s memory, the injury came as Bradley argued a terrible call at 1B. (I did see the game that day, and I seem to remember that Bradley was really jobbed on the call.)
Bradley started to really get into it with the 1B ump. Bud Black, in an effort to keep Bradley in the game, came out of the Pads dugout as if he was shot out of a cannon — ran to Bradley, and literally threw him to the turf — and then he started in on the ump.
Meanwhile, there’s Bradley — in a lump on the grass, grabbing his knee. Black continues to argue, unaware of what’s happened to Bradley, who has apparently hit the dirt in an awkward position. It was a strange situation. Bradley was then helped off the field.
Rather hard to believe a beanpole like Black could toss a big guy like Bradley to the ground like a paper sack, but he did — and that was that.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 27, 2009 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I can't find the video
But I remember seeing it as recently as this pre-season. Bud Black whipped around Bradley to put himself between MB and the ump and, in the process of doing so, grabbed Milton around the waist. MB wasn’t expecting the move, got caught off-balance, and fell awkwardly. It’s possible that his cleats got caught up in the turf.
"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 Jun 27, 2009 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glad to see Geo starting to come around
I always heard stuff like that about Bradley… I just have this disease where I think the best about people… I’m sure he’s a pain in the ass… I’m just loathe to believe he’s really as awful as everyone keeps telling me…. Sadly, he’s doing his best to prove it…. If he were producing, all the bs drama would be handlible…
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We are on a board, a million miles away from the clubhouse, with no real information.
95% of what we know is speculation or faceless leaks. I have no doubt the dude is a jerk. I also have no doubt its a bit overblown due to the greater frustrations of the team this season.
"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 Jun 27, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think Soto holds the key to the lineup
If he returns to 2008 form and, assuming Soriano digs his average out of an ever-sinking hole, it is just a totally different lineup with Soto hitting. Then you have Lee, Ramirez, Theriot, Soto…
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jun 26, 2009 8:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Soriano did not
pull any punches when talking about Bradley…although he could use some of his own advice somtimes..
by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 26, 2009 8:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was really excited about this signing...
..I figured with that fire that burned in him to play his heart out, instead, goes straight to his head and makes him a complete asshole in every sense of the word. I thought maybe Milton would utilize that passion for the game and really help this team. Somethings, or some people, never change, I suppose.
The guy’s been nothing but a complete and utter waste of money and space in that locker room. Jake Fox is showing him how to walk, talk, and act like a major leaguer….. and he has basically zero major league experience.
I dont want to be completely negative but, damn. All of this garbage always happens to us. Maybe its just that I haven’t paid a whole lot of attention to other team’s misfortunes but I feel like I really shouldn’t be surprised. Kerry Wood / Mark Prior injuries, Ramirez being hurt, being the best offensive club in baseball last year and getting embarrassed in the playoffs. ARGH!
I really hope things start bouncing our way pretty soon.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:39 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Um, no
All of this garbage always happens to us.
Stuff like this happens to every team. (Well, not the drought stuff, but the other crappy signings, strange injuries, etc stuff) that happens to everyone.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its magnified because of how much I follow this team...
I know, someone out there rooting for the Nats / Marlins / etc. are probably saying the same things.
This is a GOOD team. It’s frustrating to see them not playing like one.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm starting to wonder
if Parcells wasn’t right… “you are what your record says you are”.
I don’t even if know if we’re that “good”… We’re in a winnable division that no one’s run away with yet. But unless something starts happening with the offense, we’ll never win consistently enough to take advantage of it.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking good on paper only gets you so far....
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right now,
The biggest thing I’m worried about is our inability to hit with RISP or to get guys home when they are on third with less than two outs. If we score those guys or gets more hits with RISP, our scoring totals (and win total) would be higher.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 26, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if it had been a 15 game stretch where we'd
sucked at that, I’d go with you.
I just don’t see it changing. Unless we can clone Jake Fox’s bat and bat him 9x a game. He’s the only guy who seems to do anything.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't Soto hit a HR?
Isn’t Lee hitting really well lately?
Cmon. Jake Fox is nice, but it’s only been a few games. Let’s not annoint him anything 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 26, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
True
There was a bit of sarcasm in there.
But I do like the fact he hits the ball hard. And if Geo etc are getting that going too, great.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like it too
and I’m glad he’s competent at third.
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 26, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
People root for the Nats?
:)
(I say this as someone currently living in the Beltway)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This garbage happens to us
because we put it on ourselves. A lot of people wanted Bradley, well we got him.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jun 26, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You and I didn't make any deal.
Jim Hendry made the deal. We didn’t ‘put anything on ourselves.’ What the hell does that even mean?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 27, 2009 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some people seem to think
that Cubs management reads this board and makes their decisions by what seems to be popular. I think some of us need a reality check.
by LT on Jun 27, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think in some ways playing for the Cubs
has become a fishbowl on par with playing in NY in terms of the pressure. I’m not sure I agree “this garbage always happens to us.” It’s been a while since I remember the Cubs signing a player who had these kinds of clubhouse problems, though of course Sosa towards the end…
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jun 26, 2009 8:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it's worse
I think the pressure on the Cubs is worse than anything the Red Sox and Yankees have had to deal with. Nobody is there to share the Cubs’ futility burden anymore. And don’t forget, the Red Sox had it for a long time, but they also made the postseason pretty regularly, too.
It keeps me wondering if this is too much for anybody to overcome. I hope it isn’t but I fear it is.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 26, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to think that, too...
… but I’m afraid you may be right. In some ways, the signing of Bradley was an attempt to remedy that, to get that “passion” going and perhaps get the team to overcome it.
Unfortunately, they picked exactly the wrong person to do that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
which is why I supported signing him. I think that “edginess” is a good thing, particularly for a team that might have had too many nice guys.
I’m still holding out hope Bradley can be a useful part of this team, but stuff like what happened today makes me wonder.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 26, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is...
… as posted in Paul Sullivan’s article, that Bradley likes to be an “out of the spotlight” kind of guy. He was exactly the WRONG choice to get that “edginess”.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's still possible to overcome
but you need to have the right people. By that I mean a lineup of high OBP and OPS guys and pitchers with low ERAs and WHIPs. Guys whose sheer talent – measurable talent, not tools – is enough on its own to overwhelm and overcome any insecurity brought on by decades of futility.
by CaliCub on Jun 26, 2009 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The garbage chute was a great idea, Hendry!
What an incredible smell you’ve discovered!
by daeviant on Jun 26, 2009 8:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's get out of here!
Get away from there!
No, wait!
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 26, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tried that already!
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 26, 2009 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Put that thing away before you get us all killed
by daeviant on Jun 26, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just felt something...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 27, 2009 6:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My take
Milton is probably a good clubhouse guy when he’s playing well, and a bad one when he’s playing poorly. Right now he’s playing more poorly than he has in years.
I won’t place any blame for today’s situation on anyone other than Milton, but the team needs to come up with better ways to evaluate players who can play under the pressure of Cub fan expectations, the Chicago media, and the fact that baseball is a game of frequent failure, even for the best players.
I am a huge fan of Zambrano, and playing with your heart on your sleeve, and so I’ll probably be more patient with Bradley than many people would. I see someone with these anger issues as having a problem, a weakness, not necessarily something they can control or change on their own. Milton needs to change his attitude to be successful here, and I hope he does. I haven’t given up on him yet.
That said, Dunn would have been a better signing. Frankly, I think he would have eaten up the media attention as well as opposing pitchers.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by zambranofan on Jun 26, 2009 8:44 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
At this point...
… I don’t think Bradley is capable of “changing his attitude”.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He hasn't
his whole career, so why change now.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jun 26, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh, that isn't really fair.
Think of the young headcase guys, not just in baseball but in all sports, who eventually grow to be team leaders.
Now, obviously MB isn’t going to make that jump in a week or a month or a season, but there is no reason to believe at some point he couldn’t grow up enough to be a leader and good clubhouse presence.
"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 Jun 27, 2009 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But what can be done, Al?
How can the team get rid of him? Why even try to trade him? Who would want him? You wouldn’t get a bag of balls for him. This, is a crappy situation. I love the people who say “cut him.” You really can’t do that either unless he violated a clause in his contract — when he left the ball park. And, that’s pretty unlikely.
A fine or a suspension would be the only measure the Cubs could take. So what?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 27, 2009 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gag
Dunn would have been a better signing
No. Not unless you got Dome some rocket powered PF flyers.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there any sarcasm there?
If so, I apologize.
If not, I’m speechless.
Dunn is playing as advertised this year.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's hitting
but I hate watching him in RF.
Always have.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cant be any worse
than jake fox or Micah
by bheidge on Jun 26, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For 10 games a year
they’re fine.
150? no thanks.
if it happens, i’ll hope he does well. but i won’t like it.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn's career numbers are enough to offset the limitations of his fielding.
by CaliCub on Jun 26, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so are Bradley's
just sayin’.
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 26, 2009 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get your point
but when you compare Dunn and Bradley’s career numbers, Dunn is the better hitter.
Dunn – .382 OBP, .901 OPS
Bradley – .369 OBP, .822 OPS
by CaliCub on Jun 26, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but Dunn's a much worse fielder
Bradley’s numbers have less to offset.
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 26, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's the classic athleticism vs. Athletics (Beane) argument
Do you go with the guy who can field/run/hit/throw at a good to very good clip, or do you go with the fat, slow guy who can flat out mash?
by CaliCub on Jun 26, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have to be on the field to play it
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 27, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
doubtful
the whole “out hit your mistakes” stuff doesn’t fly.
not when every team except for us in the division is young and on the way up.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to disagree
Short of presenting the stats on how many times those young players hit the ball to right field (assuming that’s where Dunn would be stationed), there’s really no way of proving how much more a liability he’d be over Bradley.
by CaliCub on Jun 26, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Adam Dunn.
… is hitting .262/.399/.520 with 17 HR, 50 RBI and 57 walks. Sixth in the NL in HR, 8th in RBI, 2nd in walks. Needless to say, all those numbers would be leading the Cubs by a considerable margin.
I don’t freaking care how bad his defense would be. Remember how bad we thought Jake Fox would be at 3B? He’s been just fine.
Adam Dunn should be wearing Cub blue pinstripes today. Maybe we can still get him. It’s not like the Nats are going anywhere.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen
I dunno about all this stuff about friends saying this or that, but stats speak volumes and I would like that on the Cubs.
by TheHawkRules on Jun 26, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
I’ll go out on a limb here and say that the Cubs would be in first place if he was on this team.
Yeah, yeah, there are other variables but I believe it.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and pssst.
We can get him if we want, this season….
Would’ve been a lot better if it didn’t come at the cost of giving up players to get him.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
…. our record would be better. Soriano, and probably others, look to be fed up with Bradleys junk. That cannot help the team at all. And the stats… oh yeah, they would be quite helpful.
by TheHawkRules on Jun 26, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
but when the only strength we have going as a club is starting pitching, weakening the defense bothers me at the core.
I’ve said it before, I’d rather have plus defenders who scratch out 2-3 runs a game than put an offensive lineup out there. Plus defenders might save some of those cheap hits/runs so that we have even fewer to make up.
:shrug: I was in favor of the Bradley signing. I never thought he’d hit .230.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually, we have been putting a rather offensive lineup out there recently... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 26, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a few alterations...
…would make a strong defensive bench. That would help take some of the pressure off in the later innings. Not a total fix, but more beneficial than our current situation.
by TheHawkRules on Jun 26, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and Bradley is no gold glover out there, by the way...
so Dunn’s defense (or lack thereof) is a moot point.
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jun 26, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the only difference between dunn and bradley in the field
is that Dunn doesn’t bother to dive for the balls that Bradley looks so awful going for. Dunn just lets them go by
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jun 26, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh...
How many games has Jake Fox played?
Dunn has a proven, lengthy track record of being absolutely abysmal in the field. As in ridiculously bad / corpse-in-the-outfield-like bad.
I think one can argue that his offensive numbers offset his defensive blackhole of hell-like play shortcomings (though career-wise I don’t think the stats back that up), but to say that you don’t care how bad his defense is…well, obviously you don’t mean that. Surely he could theoretically reach a point of suckage that you would cringe having him there. We just disagree about whether or not he’s close enough to that level for it to matter.
And using Fox as evidence of why Dunn’s defense doesn’t matter is quite a non sequitor.
Lastly, I tend to get tired of the Dunn commentary because it’s presented as a false dichotomy of either Dunn the super-hero or Milton Bradley suck-fest. But clearly Hendry’s decision was between Dunn’s Plus Offense/Terrible Defense vs. Bradley’s Plus Offense/Plus defense (with a bit of crazy thrown in).
With that sort of formula, I think Hendry’s decision is understandable and even defensible.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus defense?
Bradley banged up last year, plays 20 games in the OF, and he is a + defense?
Please, Bradley is average at best.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jun 26, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's okay
Dunn looks like a statue trying to catch a hand grenade.
by Pre on Jun 26, 2009 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha...
That’s a funny mental image. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ever heard of a guy named Ryan Klesko?
"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 Jun 26, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Bradley is average at OF defense
then Dunn is well below average.
Because Bradley has the better glove & arm.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...
Here are his career fielding stats.
Omitting the years where he only started minimal games, he’s been a positive UZR fielder nearly his whole career, ranging from ok/pretty good to very good. And why didn’t he start many games those other years? Well, because he was injured. It wasn’t insane to assume that because he was no longer injured when we signed him, that he would put up numbers that approximate his career norms…as an above average fielder.
But let’s not let facts get in the way of an opinion….
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 26, 2009 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's been a while since I've felt this bad about a Cubs WIN.
I don’t really have anything to add to the discussion other than that. I just need to keep telling myself that they’re still within striking distance of first place…
A bit off topic, but somehow I completely forgot that I was going to meet some friends for a Gary Railcats game tonight. It’s been that kind of a week, really. :-(
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
by hip2bsquare on Jun 26, 2009 8:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel the same way
I feel like I have a crappy attitude toward the team, despite a win today..
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't.
I think these guys are finally standing up and saying to themselves, “Screw Milton Bradley, we’ll win without him.”
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially...
After seeing a nice BP session from Aramis today, hopefully he’s not too far out.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jun 26, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now, that's optimism.
I don’t think that’s the case.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 27, 2009 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw Blanco frantically pursue two popups
to right field in Detroit that were Bradley’s balls to catch. Blanco was waiving Bradley off from the get-go and caught both balls in a dead run away from the field to the foul line.
At the time I thought: “This looks like someone (Blanco) who knows the RFer (Bradley) is unreliable (either physically OR MENTALLY)”.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 27, 2009 7:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a baseball standpoint...
That’s poor play though. In any situation where the guy behind can get to the ball and catch it coming in, he’s supposed to take it (for all kinds of reasons…the most obvious of which is that it’s much easier to catch a ball coming at it than running in the same direction as the ball is flying)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 27, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed- from a pure baseball standpoint, but I think it underscored
the undependability of Bradley- at least in Blanco’s eyes. It is the outfielder’s ball to be sure under normal circumstances. I was just amazed at how early in the ball’s flight paths that Blanco was giving the big “MINE” arm waves…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 27, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
I cant believe it. I’ve groaned and whined all winter for the Cubs to sign Dunn, then groaned and whined even louder when they signed Bradley. For once in my life I was right. Crap… this is a weird feeling. I guess I should enjoy it because it won’t happen again.
Anyway… This really sucks for the Cubs and us fans. Still, I cannot understand at ALL why Hendry/Lou thought things would be different. I almost think they thought Bradley would be an experiment and figured that even if he failed, we would have enough ammo to win the division. If that’s true, then their over confidence maybe the Cubs undoing.
:O(
by TheHawkRules on Jun 26, 2009 8:50 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
being right isnt always good, unfortunately
by jesus christos on Jun 26, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't watch the game, but listened to it on the Edens
Damn, haven’t driven in a while and Friday rush hour is punishment for all my wrongdoings…
Sounded like Wells had some issues early, but corrected himself. This kid needs to keep it up. I would love it if he’s successful for a good number of years in this city.
Foxy Fox continues to amaze me. Another kid who needs to find a way to keep it up. Maybe he can develop into a true Major Leaguer in the full sense of the word.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 26, 2009 8:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I like Wells a lot.
He made two mistakes, both hit for HR, and the rest of the time he was the solid pitcher we’ve come to know.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he can set a tone to be aggressive and have a little more confidence in the box....
…as Fukudome set the tone to be patient last year.
Milton, hopefully you went home and watched tape of Jake Fox who is making you look worse by the minute.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good news!
The Cardinals are losing 3-0 in the 7th to the Twins. Cubs could be 2.5 games out in an hour or so, and even with St. Louis in the loss column.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 8:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh how great it is...
….not to be in a strong division this year.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Make a trade...
… and lets nail this division and get it over with. We are just taking too much of a gamble to wait till everybody gets in trading mode. There is a good deal out there…. instead of waiting for the wheel to start rolling, lets give it a push and get it rolling. If we wait too long, it will be too late.
by TheHawkRules on Jun 26, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is...
… making a good deal takes two teams. I don’t necessarily think there is a deal “out there” right now. Two or three weeks from now, more likely there will be.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure Iowa will take him...
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 26, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even though thats sound good at first.....
that’s not a good idea. It would make things even worse if we are indeed stuck with him.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure there is always a deal out there...
… but, I do understand how difficult it is to make a trade, especially this time of year. I just hope Hendry is waiting around for everybody to get into the mood… It’s a tough situation, but things like this is what seperates the men from the boys. Hendrys proved before hes got some stuff… the question is, does he still have it?
by TheHawkRules on Jun 26, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was for Adam Dunn from the get go
I wanted Bradley to suceed as a Cub, but it isn’t going to happen. I could very well see him traded by the end of July.
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 8:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully earlier.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd love to see that.
Who would take him?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No clue, but I'd think we'd get little in return
maybe a PTBNL?
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Hendry could get another team to take Bradley's contract, he should be GM of the year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
getting a team to take gathright AND bradley would be pretty genius
by jesus christos on Jun 26, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's been a good GM...
… but not that good.
by TheHawkRules on Jun 26, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well the O's have always wanted our trash...
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he could get the Orioles to take Bradley, he'd be GM of the DECADE.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well we gave them Sosa for Fontenot and Hairston
I could see it..
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
O does look like the garbage disposal from the sinks point of view
by TheHawkRules on Jun 26, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and we always take their trash right back
it’s funny when people try and claim we’re somehow swindling the O’s
by WanderingWanderer on Jun 27, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
CLEVELAND!
Welcome back, Mark!
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
adam dunn can mash
if you didn’t want adam dunn on this team you know nothing about baseball. well said al.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball." -Harry Caray
by louisiana lumberman on Jun 26, 2009 8:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yes b/c thats exactly what Al said
“you don’t agree so obviously you know nothing about baseball”… what the heck is going on here lately.
thats the at least the 5th time in the last day I’ve been told that. Bull. I’m no expert, but I’m not an idiot about baseball. And I’m starting to get really irriated by this.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the record...
… if I disagree with someone on an issue, like this one, I would NEVER say “you don’t know anything about baseball” if I didn’t agree with that person.
Everyone here knows baseball, to varying degrees. We can disagree on all kinds of things, as long as we do it civilly.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know Al
and I’m not a whiner.
But this is starting to get ridiculous.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
she’s a trip. :-)
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry that was OT. hahah
But she reminds me of my old dog
by daeviant on Jun 26, 2009 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow... I definitely thought that was an insult at first.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
by EJThunder on Jun 26, 2009 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's...ummm....idiotic.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Jun 26, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn wouldn't have had the average,
but neither does Bradley. Dunn gives you 40 HR on AVERAGE and i’d say equal to Bradley in the field.
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Dunn has 23 career HR in 260 AB in Wrigley Field.
There’s a possibility he could have hit 30 homers at home this year had he been a Cub. And hit for a higher average, too.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yup, now he's stuck in DC
Can we just do a swap when the Cubs come to play here in July???
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd vote for that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Cleveland didn't leave DeRosa when they left town...
so probably, Washington won’t leave Dunn in the Cubs’ clubhouse when they leave DC either.
Don’t these teams know what the Cubs need and WHY in God’s name don’t they want to help us win? The bast**ds!
It’s nice to dream though … ;)
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jun 27, 2009 7:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's not get carried away
Dunn would outhit Bradley but they are not equal in the field.
by rlpete on Jun 26, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not worried everytime I see Dunn lunge toward a ball or try to beat the throw at 1b
Almost everytime I see Bradley perform such things he seems to tweek something
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
While there are plenty of good guys in baseball
There are plenty of egos, jerks, and prima donnas as well. So for these people to say MB what a lousy influence he is in the clubhouse speaks volumes to me about how bad he is.
I was always under the impression that it was an authority issues, umps, managers, but he was fine with his peers. But this is not good. Maybe Z can give him the Barrett treatment to knock some sense into him.
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 26, 2009 9:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Careful Z may get the Farney treatment from MB
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on Jun 26, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't really surprised
when Hendry signed Bradley. Dunn can really only play LF or 1B and those positions are taken. Plus Bradley could always hit and could provide some LH pop.
I was, however, shocked that he gave him a multi year contract! Just amazed! I could see taking a one year shot but how much evidence does one need to see that this guy is a mine field waiting to explode.?
The contract was absolutely foolish and Hendry will probably end up paying the price. Soriano’s isn’t looking too good right now either.
by alexinSac on Jun 26, 2009 9:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Welp, I guess we can't say Lou is sitting on his ass now
He definitely means business by sending Bradley home
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
You wanted passion from Lou? You got it. Hope he gives us more.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 26, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just hope it means we start winning
all the other crap can take care of itself if they win
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 26, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Would Dusty have sent Bradley home? Hell no!
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 26, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh.
Just for comedy’s sake, I’d like to see how Dusty would “handle” a guy as explosive as Milton Bradley.
"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game." - Walt Whitman
by hip2bsquare on Jun 26, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs