A different view of things
by cubswgnrocks on Jun 28, 2009 4:22 PM CDT
87 comments
We are all, for the most part, Cubs fans, and have been such for quite a long time. I am wondering why we have so many ledge jumpers. The Cubs did not exactly look great in the first part of 2007, and yet they came back and won the division. In 2007 at this point in the year, the Cubs were one game under .500 and 7.5 back. After today's game, the Cubs are two games under and a mere 3.5 games out of first place.
The players are simply not producing, that is something that is obvious. However, the fact that the players are under performing (some players to a major extent), and the Cubs are missing their starting 3rd baseman and the Cubs are only 3.5 back is something that is a positive. At some point, the players will (probably) get up to their career averages. The Cubs can rattle off 8 of 10 (starting tomorrow versus Pittsburgh) and, with this division, find themselves at or near the top of the Central. I'm frustrated, and every has a right to be. Put please, realize that this season is not over. Yes, things are looking dull, but it will turn around. Keep the faith-it isn't over.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Well and succinctly put.
I guess the pleasure of being one in the requiem chorus is that you can at least say, “I told you so.” And if you’re wrong, well, then, at least the Cubs are winning. Count me as one who hopes those chanting the Dies Iraes for Jim Hendry get the better pleasure of watching his team surprise and make it three years in a row.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jun 28, 2009 4:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's what I don't understand
What’s up with the strange fascination of being able to say I told you so on a blog that you probably don’t know many here personally. Most are going to yawn when the I told you so. I guess people like to think they are experts. I just like to enjoy baseball. Right now it’s not so enjoyable, but we’ve been here before. It could turn around pretty quickly.
by LT on Jun 28, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for the most part, I think it boils down to ego, pure and simple.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 29, 2009 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously....
Saint De Rosa would have solved all problems, and in his spare time, developed a cure for all diseases known to man.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 28, 2009 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is unnecessary
Come on now. You and NBF and all the other people bitching and moaning about how some of us wanted DeRosa to come back. We never claimed he was a saint, or that he would work miracles. He’s not the second coming of Hank Aaron. What he is, is a guy that could have helped the Cubs out. Right now. You know why some of us are pissed about not having DeRosa here? Because we want to WIN. DeRosa’s production would be valuable in our current lineup. And now, instead of getting him back or having him go to another AL team, he was traded to our biggest rival – the team that we have to overcome if we want to get into the playoffs. They filled a hole in their lineup and defense, and we didn’t. If Hendry goes out there and gets us a bat then DeRosa doesn’t matter, but right now, at this moment in time, shipping him off to make room for Bradley looks like one of the most ridiculous off-season moves the Cubs have made in recent history. If Bradley ends up hitting and we fix our MI then, sure, DeRosa being gone doesn’t matter. But as of right now…
by hmlee on Jun 28, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DeRosa
wasn’t traded to make room for Bradley. DeRosa was traded because Hendry and Lou thought that Fontenot deserved a shot at the starting 2b job.
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 28, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was traded
To dump salary. The trade was acceptable because we had Fontenot (though it’s since been proven that he really is a platoon guy). The salary dump was an aim to sign a free agent or make a big trade – either Peavy, or, as happened, the ridiculous contract for Bradley. So, yes, the trading of DeRosa and the signing of Bradley are directly linked.
by hmlee on Jun 28, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The trade was acceptable because we had Fontenot (though it’s since been proven that he really is a platoon guy).
I disagree — what’s been proven is that Fonty can’t really learn a new position while playing full-time. There’s no shame in that.
Yes, it let Hendry dump salary, but I feel that Hendry was going to dump DeRosa anyway.
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 28, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even when Fonty
was playing exclusively 2B, he wasn’t playing that well outside of like two good weeks. He’s a platoon guy. In a platoon, he can hit well, but his splits against lefties are just horrendous and were even before he started playing 3B. I don’t think you can say that Hendry would have dumped DeRosa were salary not an issue. First, we have no way of knowing that, but more importantly, if Hendry didn’t care as much about salary he would have gotten a better deal in the trade to the Indians, instead of three minor leaguers, only one of whom is (maybe) ready to be in the big leagues.
by hmlee on Jun 28, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rami played
18 games so far this season. There’s your two weeks of good play from Fonty.
DeRosa was going because Lou wanted left-handed bats. Hendry was, for once, looking to stock the minor league system. And given that DeRosa was traded for a possibly busted reliever and a PTBNL, I’m not sure what we got for him WASN’T good. Those pitchers may be our backbone in the future.
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 28, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
that Hendry was trying to restock the farm system. I think DeRosa was traded for a number of reasons:
1. To get prospects needed to acquire Peavy. Many of the moves Hendry made this off-season only make sense if he thought he had a Peavy deal lined up. The DeRosa move is front and center of that (another is the strange Pie/Olson deal that netted us Heilman)
2. To get more left-handed (Bradley, Miles)
3. To get more angry (Bradley)
4. They thought they had second covered with Fontenot, and had utility covered with a post-.307 hitting Miles
I think restocking the farm system had nothing to do with it, and if Hendry had his druthers those kids would be playing in San Diego right now.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jun 28, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DEROSA IS A CARDINAL!!!!!!
It no longer matters why we traded him or what we got back, this is 2009 and there is no one named Mark Derosa or Jake Peavy (thank god) on the cubs roster. Just give up on this, we have had some diamonds come out of the rough this year(Randy Wells, and in my opinion Andres Blanco) so lets give up on Derosa and support the team we do have on the field.
"God watches over drunks and third baseman."- Leo Durocher
by BelieveinBlue2314 on Jun 28, 2009 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DeRosa is a Cardinal.
So, then he is on track to be a saint. Does he have to become Pope first?
"Any old kind of a run wins it!"--Jack Brickhouse
by mattvegas on Jun 29, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's a thin argument to make at this point.
it could easily be that we end up with three busted relievers and Perez turns out to be the bullpen backbone for the Indians for years to come. So far, the minor league numbers for all involved look to be pretty good, but only time will tell.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 29, 2009 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know.
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 29, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He wasn't traded for one reason.
There were a number of factors behind the move such as:
1)Fontenot was coming off a very good year and it looked like he could hold down 2B as long as he didn’t have to play against too many lefties. This made DeRosa a luxury, not a necessity.
2)DeRosa was coming off a career year, so the Cubs were in a position to sell high and get good value (which they did). At his age, he was probably headed for some magnitude of decline.
3)The Cubs wanted to move salary so they could A) sign Bradley and B)possibly trade for Peavy
4)The farm system lacked depth so adding some quality arms seemed like a good idea.
by Poloplaya14 on Jun 30, 2009 12:57 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
boy was that a dumb idea
sure looked good in spring training, then he actually had to play every day. jeezus – that guy sucks right now.
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
by junkhorse on Jun 29, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just remember
that he got to play 18 games at his position, and then he had to go spend the lion’s share of his time at Rami’s position. Rami has only played in 18 games this year.
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 29, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are right.
Most on this site never question the Cubs moves and are content to think all will be weel. It would have been nice to have DeRosa to fill in at 3rd. But we will never know if he could have helped the team.
by Papa zoo zoo on Jun 29, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding?
About the “most on this site” part, I mean.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 29, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because some here are not mourning DeRo's departure like you
does not mean we do not question the moves the Cubs make. If guys like Soto, Soriano and Bradley were hitting around their career averages very few would miss DeRo. Get a grip why dontcha.
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jun 30, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was no mention of DeRosa in this post
or anything close to it. This is why people get tired of people posting replies like this for the only reason to stir up trouble. This isn’t normally your thing, why are you starting now?
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jun 28, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention that all this Saint DeRosa curing all diseases crap is getting dangerously close to Ted Lilly territory.
Trust me, SDSJM – you do not want to go near Ted Lilly’s territory without his expressed written consent. And it probably wouldn’t even be written. Ted would just nod his head ever-so-slightly…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 29, 2009 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This post
totally blows the over-under on fair-weather fan posts after today’s game. Now I’m gonna lose 20 bucks! :P
Well said. It ain’t over till we’re mathematically eliminated, and that day is a long way away.
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 28, 2009 5:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great post...
I feel the same way…and hey we are only 3.5 out..this team once it comes together can do this
"God watches over drunks and third baseman."- Leo Durocher
by BelieveinBlue2314 on Jun 28, 2009 5:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I concur
Just when I start to lose faith that this board is totally out of touch with the truth, I see something that affirms the opposite. You’re absolutely right, and thanks for saying what you said.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 28, 2009 6:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the flip side of that
I’m not throwing the season out yet. But my frustration about the team’s play is compounded even more by the mediocrity of the division. The fact that the division is ripe for the taking by this team makes the lackluster play even more frustrating.
by TC Cubby on Jun 29, 2009 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Understood
It’s there for the taking, but it’s not being taken.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 29, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree
We just haven’t found it yet. We’ve flirted with it, but haven’t found it. I think the best thing is going to be Aramis coming back, and the potential trade deadline move we make. These things will allow those who have been struggling to relax and stop pressing. Plus Soto and DLee hitting has been an encouragement. Fonz is showing signs of heating up, i have a feeling its a matter of days before he explodes.
I am bummed by our team right now, but I think that is mostly because we were so SPOILED by the magic of last year. All this adversity is only preparing us for a better playoff run if we do indeed make it there.
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
by heine41 on Jun 28, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Are we going to make the big trade?
This team has been in a tailspin for awhile, and we have made no significant moves. Now, it looks like the wheels are starting to come off — where the team starts believing the front office is not gonna do anything to improve, and starts finding ways to lose games. Are Hendry’s hands tied? Is there no trade to be made? Something bad happens to teams that need some help, but get nothing from the front office.
by cubmudgeon on Jun 29, 2009 6:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes we have been struggling for awhile
But the reason a move hasn’t been made is that other teams haven’t had time to see if they are going to remain in contention or not. Now that the races are starting to shake out, I think a move, along with Aramis coming back, is going to be our best bet of giving this team some stability and identity
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
by heine41 on Jun 29, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the issue
is how high the expectations were this year.
We’re still in this, what we’ve found out is that nobody else in the division is any good either. If any team in the division goes on a tear, they could (or we could) take control.
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 28, 2009 8:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it's worth noting
The entire team is underperforming right now except for Derek Lee and Geovany Soto has started to show some life so I guess it depends on if you want to throw him into the mix.
Imagine this team with Ramirez back, Soriano getting back on a hot streak, and Marmol finding the strike zone again. Will Ramirez come back as himself, will Soriano get streaky again and will Marmol be able to find the strike zone? I don’t know for sure but given that baseball is a LONG season and everything tends to average out, I think the Cubs still have a very good chance at winning the division because none of the other teams are built to run away with the division.
Also, last year the Cubs were great all year long and sucked in the playoffs. I’d rather have them suck in the regular season, make the playoffs, and then be great once they get there.
It’s not over until it’s over. We aren’t even halfway through the season yet.
by IllinoisCubs on Jun 28, 2009 8:40 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm as optimistic as they come, as you likely know.
That’s a lot to ask for. I hope it all happens, but I won’t hold my breath waiting.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 28, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It doesn't even ALL have to happen.
But I have thought for a while now that a psychological boost of “reinforcements have arrived” kind of trade would do really well. Aubrey Huff still makes a ton of sense to me. He’s like Mark Teahen, only able to hit really well.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jun 28, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why do we need another first baseman
by jesus christos on Jun 28, 2009 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huff can play third base and left and right field.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
can he pitch in relief though?
That is the team’s biggest need.
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jun 29, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WHA!?
Hitting the ball with RISP. THAT is this teams need. Our pitching is just fine, noone’s staff is perfect, and we have Guzman coming back next week to help solidify our “shaky” pen
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
by heine41 on Jun 29, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The hitting will be more likely to come around
than the bullpen. Guzman’s return helps, but that only gives them three dependable relievers: Gregg, Marshall and Guzman, and they cannot win with only that.
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jun 29, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't count out Marmol
Heilman hasn’t been GOD-awful, just rocky at times. Ascanio isn’t a bad option either. Other than getting blown up the first six weeks of the season, our pen hasn’t been as atrocious as we really feel it is.
Although i do agree, adding another arm definitely would not hurt
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
by heine41 on Jun 29, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even if it was just
Soriano, or just Bradley, along with Rami coming back. I expect having Rami simply PLAY will be an emotional relaxer.
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 28, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For true
I’m not expecting EVERYTHING to come together, but if the 2006 Cardinals and the 2007 Rockies taught baseball anything, it’s that anyone can win/get to the World Series.
Also, I’m just asking for Ramirez to come back, I don’t think that’s too much to ask for. It looks like he will be back.
Soriano is historically a streaky hitter. He is in one hell of a funk right now. He has the talent to have one hell of a hot streak.
Now, Marmol finding the strike zone. How many times have we seen pitchers, especially hard throwing pitchers like him, just lose the strike zone for a period of time? They usually bring it back together eventually. As mentioned below, even if Soriano brings his average up and starts hitting HRs, while Ramirez gives us slightly better than what we have been getting at 3B and then him coming back puts other guys in their regular roles, how is that team not better than the other central division teams by 3.5 games the rest of the way?
I mean if the Cubs can be 2 games under .500 with the crap they have been putting on the field, imagine the record they would put out there with a boost in offense.
by IllinoisCubs on Jun 28, 2009 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the way
Ramirez is coming off of a shoulder injury…he isnt going to have the power he had before it just yet.
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
by hansman1982 on Jun 29, 2009 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
but a shoulder injury will still mean he wasnt able to use it for some time – there is your reduced strength.
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
by hansman1982 on Jun 29, 2009 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not concerned with Rami's power right away.
Ramirez is without a doubt the best hitter on our team. This is because he is a patient hitter with an idea of what he wants to do when he goes up to bat. He is one of the best pitcher’s-pitch hitters in the game. He doesn’t seem prone to flailing away at horrible pitches, he will kill your mistakes, and sometimes he will kill your best pitch.
Even if he’s only stroking singles and doubles, that’s fine. We have had no shortage of baserunners in the last few weeks, but we lack the timely hit. Ramirez can deliver in those situations. It doesn’t have to be a three-run homer every time, but a long single with men in scoring position keeps the pressure on the pitcher, prolongs innings, and scores runs. And, as Drew pointed out, his presence alone may loosen this bunch up quite a bit.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jun 29, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm i couldve sworn that post said surgery not injury
by jesus christos on Jun 29, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not true
his strength will not be a factor as that is what the rehab process is all about. It will be dealing with the sudden quick movements (diving for grounders jumping and reaching for line drives) and trusting his shoulder won’t dislocate. He is doing more strength excercises for this shoulder than ever before.
I dislocated my shoulder in college diving for a ball and within 4 weeks was 100% and didn’t suffer and strength loss with the bat.
by socalbob on Jun 29, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good points
Though I have to say, even if this team makes it into the playoffs due to the weakness of the division, it would be a real shock if they got anywhere in the playoffs. The bullpen and RBI problems seem pretty serious.
by cubmudgeon on Jun 29, 2009 7:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last year....
… you probably expected the Cubs to sweep through the playoffs, given their great regular season. How’d that work out?
When the playoffs begin, team records are 0-0 and you can ignore the regular season. Just get in.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo, Al
Looked like the Cubs and Angels would meet in the World Series last year, based on what they did in the regular season.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 29, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look at the 83-win Cardinals of 2006.
They had two eight-game losing streaks and one of seven and nearly blew a 7-game lead with 12 games left.
They creaked into the playoffs having lost 10 of their last 14 regular season games. Then they went 11-5 when it counted and got rings.
Just get in. That’s all you need to do, and you can start fresh.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 29, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IF...
the Cubs do get in the playoffs this year, this season may help them… they havent been able to do anything the past two years being the top dog headed into the playoffs. So who knows maybe a Cub team that hopefully gets in will have a better shot..
by bizzle4 on Jul 1, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The fighting spirit
I’m not saying the cubs will win, I’m not gonna say their gonna lose. That’s for the team to decide on the field.
BUT, going into the second half if they are able to overcome the challenges troubling them now it will make a pretty great story. More importantly, it will build the character of the team and make for a pretty awesome post season contender.
Hopefully they can man up and TCB.
by trefrog66 on Jun 28, 2009 8:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well said...
…and with a good 3 weeks of play, the Cubs could be in first place in this weak divsion.
No one knows what will happen in the last 3 months, but certain players (Bradley, Soriano and Soto) should contribute much more from an offensive stand point. If Ramirez can find his timing by August, the run production should move significantly higher.
That all sounds peachy, but sometimes you have a year where things just don’t pan out for a club that looked good on paper going in – too many injuries, players under perform, etc. etc.. The more I watch this team, the more this season smells like it could be one of those down years.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 28, 2009 11:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Shoot
a lucky 4 days of play and we are in the lead.
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
by hansman1982 on Jun 29, 2009 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do want to say this
We need to find:
1. Someone in the pen whom Lou likes enough to put in instead of Marmol
2. Someone to trade a certain God-Like third baseman to for the rest of the season (as long as we get him back for next year) because he isnt going to be our savior.
3. Someone else to come up in regards to a trade so we can stop F@##$%g talking about DeRosa and Peavy
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
by hansman1982 on Jun 29, 2009 12:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What --
You mean, ARam isn’t going to put up 45 home runs and 120 RBI when he comes back?? Say it ain’t so!
Seriously, amen to all three.
by cubmudgeon on Jun 29, 2009 7:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We have Guzman
to stand in for Marmol, once he gets off the DL.
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 29, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who stands in for
Heilman, Patton and Ascanio?
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jun 29, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heilman has done ok.
Patton is that guy at the end of the bullpen that every team has. Ascanio screwed up one game. Cmon, guys.
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 29, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
clearly you define okay differently than I do
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jun 30, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
clearly.
in the last month (28 days) Heilman has a 1.54 ERA, having pitched in 11.2 innings, with 10 hits, 2 runs, 13 Ks and only 7 BB, two of which were intentional. His SO/9 is 10, and his SO/BB is 1.86 (and in the last 7 days, his SO/BB is 3).
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 30, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you suggesting trading Aramis?
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
by heine41 on Jun 29, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flashback
On this date in 2005 The Houston Astros (Yes the team the represented the NL against someother team in 2005 WS) was
::::DRUM ROLL::::
34-41 AND 13.5 GB
And we all know what happened to that team come October.
by Galvan316 on Jun 29, 2009 1:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Are we gonna trade for Carlos Beltran too?
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
by bren on Jun 29, 2009 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Peavy or Roberts
Maybe both
"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 29, 2009 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
good post but
you make way too much sense for the chicken littles here.
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jun 29, 2009 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I know this is a reach, but...
Ramirez and Marmol are pretty close. Maybe, somehow, Ramirez’s return will somehow get Marmol back on the right path.
by kanderber on Jun 29, 2009 8:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they can hold hands and skip out to the field together.
lol
Jack
derv
@themightycub
by derv on Jun 29, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last year, Marmol coming in with a one run lead
in the eighth was a can of corn. This year with a three run lead in the eighth, I’m worried big time. His walks are maddening.
Heilman’s been ok. It seems like it takes him a couple of batters before he get’s zoned in.
I hope Aramis doesn’t come in and try to take on the world with this hitting funk we’ve been in and feel the need to go 5 for 5 every day with 4 RBI’s. We need him to be just plain ’ol Aram, the hitter we know and love lol If we get decent production from him, I think the others will relax and settle in.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
by BigJohnAZ on Jun 29, 2009 12:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's great to have a different view of things
The team can turn things around and, not unconceivably, be in first place by the ASB if the Cubs get hot and the rest of the division gets cold. Just the same, the team can’t hope to just get hot and magically start winning games. The offense needs to consistently produce, so in addition to/in lieu of a trade, the players will have to get on base more frequently/consistently, and more importantly, hit with runners in scoring position. The starting pitching has done its job (for the most part), but it’d be great to see less gopherballs given up. And most importantly, IMO, the pitchers in the ’pen need to stop giving up free passes.
There’s plenty of time to turn things around, but unless the players can more consistenly execute their jobs, time isn’t going to matter.
by Ryjo on Jun 29, 2009 1:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Who knows?
Guess who is 8-21 their last 5 games (not including tonight)……….SORIANO.
Guess who has the 3rd best OBP of our “typical” starters……..BRADLEY (behind Lee and Kosuke)…….
Everyone is on their case, and they are underperforming, but quite frankly, our whole offense is underperforming…..I agree with alot of what has been said about not panicking and stepping off the ledge. Give it time, and for those of you that hate Aaron Miles (I’m sure this has been discussed elsewhere), he’s on the DL…….
by jballgame on Jun 29, 2009 6:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
bradley was signed to be a big bat in the lineup, not taking walks
by jesus christos on Jun 30, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was signed to do both actually
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jul 1, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In part, yes.
But mostly to be a big bat in the middle of the lineup. He has failed at that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 1, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley was signed to be a strong hitter in the middle of the lineup, and that means
high average, good power, lots of RBI and, wait for it, high OBP. If he gets on base 40% of the time he is on base for subsequent RBI guys like ARam and Soto.
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jul 2, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
High average, good power, lots of RBI and high OBP.
That’s one out of four. That’s pretty good, I guess.
Oh, wait. No, it’s not.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's .250. It's a heck of a lot better than his batting average.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 2, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
do you always change the topic when things don't go your way?
Yes, Bradley is not hitting like they thought he would, but that does not change the fact that one of the reasons Hendry wanted Bradley was his high OBP which is due in no small part to his ability to draw walks. Hendry wantede Bradley to not only drive in runs, but to score them by getting on base in front of boppers like ARam and Soto.
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill
by lookingdeadred on Jul 3, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really
Did you have your Captain Obvious hat on? Point was…..he is underperforming, but he is doing some things right. The bat will come around.
by jballgame on Jul 1, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i remember thinking that in may
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 1, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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