Jeff Baker Acquired From Rockies; Ryan Freel DFA'd
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:09 PM CDT
in News
795 comments
For those of you who have screamed, about various players, "DFA! DFA!", today you got your wish.
Jeff Baker was acquired from Colorado for minor league pitcher Alberto Alburquerque, and he will be activated tonight (and wear #28). Ryan Freel was designated for assignment; that means he is removed from the 40-man roster, and within 10 days the Cubs have to either trade him, send him to the minors if he clears waivers, or release him.
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But he's RIGHTHANDED! I'm confused.
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 2, 2009 12:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
thank god we finally have a 2nd baseman
I’ll put it very politely…you can trust me that I’ve played at levels much higher than you might otherwise believe. You may not like my criticism but you cannot question my resume. I suggest you leave it at that.
by krummy12 on Jun 24, 2009 1:03 PM EDT
by joeschmitt on Jul 2, 2009 12:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I would hope this means the departure of Aaron Miles when Ramirez returns.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you would think so but
with jim hendry…. who knows what will happen
by Glacier on Jul 2, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but then
why DFA Freel?
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 Jul 2, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because Miles is on the DL and cannot be moved right now.
If they wanted Baker active today, someone else had to go.
Remember, Ramirez is coming off the DL on Monday (presumably). Coincidentally (or perhaps not?), that’s the day Miles is eligible to return from the DL.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
that stinks. Oh, well. Bye bye, Farny.
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 Jul 2, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but, but, did they DFA Farney too?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Jul 2, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Farney
had his own contract. He was a rider.
Get it? Rider?
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 Jul 2, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Explain how that's a significant coincidence
I’m genuinely confused.
by Wreckard on Jul 2, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, so am I, come to think of it.
Never mind.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i liked freel… too bad
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 2, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
is this sarcasm?
we have like 400 second baseman.
The day I figure out why Jim Hendry keeps acquiring below average middle infielders is the day I can die happy
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We have Fontenot, Miles, and Baker now
Freel is gone now. Scales is still in AAA, and figures to stay there. Blanco’s an SS who can also play 2B. And hopefully Miles will be gone when Aramis comes back. 2 people who primarily platoon at 2B sound about right to me.
Baker’s skills are roughly those of Mark DeRosa, when he was 27. Hopefully he can continue to develop past 27 into being the player Mark was after that age.
by madcow256 on Jul 2, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
I’ll put it very politely…you can trust me that I’ve played at levels much higher than you might otherwise believe. You may not like my criticism but you cannot question my resume. I suggest you leave it at that.
by krummy12 on Jun 24, 2009 1:03 PM EDT
by joeschmitt on Jul 2, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what are you talking about?
we don’t really need a 2nd baseman as far as defense goes. Blanco, fonty, and even miles can cover 2nd well. what we need is a 2nd baseman who can also hit, and looking at bakers stats, he cant very well. I understand getting rid of freel tho, ive wanted that since we got him. but i dont get why we need another 2nd baseman, we need a backup SS more than another 2B
by CubsFanInWisconsin on Jul 2, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no kidding dood
I’ll put it very politely…you can trust me that I’ve played at levels much higher than you might otherwise believe. You may not like my criticism but you cannot question my resume. I suggest you leave it at that.
by krummy12 on Jun 24, 2009 1:03 PM EDT
by joeschmitt on Jul 2, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andres Blanco is a natural SS. He's our backup at that position.
And Baker put up a .791 OPS in 333 PAs in 2008, so it appears he can hit fairly well – or at least well enough for a platoon 2B and backup 3B.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow jim hendry thanks
so much for going and getting us such a great bat to score some runs…..not
by wrigley12 on Jul 2, 2009 12:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I only like this comment
because I watched Borat on TV last week and it reminds me of the NOT scene.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 2, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*suit
I’ll put it very politely…you can trust me that I’ve played at levels much higher than you might otherwise believe. You may not like my criticism but you cannot question my resume. I suggest you leave it at that.
by krummy12 on Jun 24, 2009 1:03 PM EDT
by joeschmitt on Jul 2, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Miles won't be DFA'd this year...
Just too much money. Glad Blanco wasn’t sent down to make room for this guy.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 2, 2009 12:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
screw Hendry
dfa’s Freel? why not Miles?
by Glacier on Jul 2, 2009 12:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
60 days on the DL can be seen as step 1 in the DFA process...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 2, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not yet, but he could be.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
i think he will be joining the chad fox club of ‘you suck, but i guess you can hang around’
by TJ3117 on Jul 2, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's getting paid a lot more than Chad Fox.
Unfortunately.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No. Just wishful thinking on my part...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 2, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um
Because we know Freel’s done, and we hope Miles can get healthy and become productive. Why keep Freel just to spite Miles?
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because it makes us...
feel better? :-p
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 2, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why do we know Freel's done, but think Miles can suddenly become productive
I don’t know Freel is done. At least Miles was given consistent playing time……until it was obvious he was horrible
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have thought
the exact opposite — Miles is done, but Freel came back up and did some good things.
Why keep Miles just to spite Freel? Except for the contract, of course.
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 Jul 2, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Miles has been injured (supposedly)
which means he has a note from his doctor.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to miss Freel
He was the sparkplug this team needed, a fine human being who was almost at the Level of Ted Lilly.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on Jul 2, 2009 12:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
DeRosa!
;-)
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 Jul 2, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't It Possible...
… that Freel would pass through waivers and accept a minor league assignment, thus adding to our depth? I wonder if Freel is still hurt, thus no one would really want him. Then, he can come up in September and help the ball club?
by initram on Jul 2, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's possible
but I don’t think the Cubs really want anything more to do with him. Freel made some comments while he was in Iowa that were…….stupid.
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a little Coors Field effect to Baker, unfortunately.
Home: .295/.348/.550
Road: .205/.266/.335
I mean, seriously, doesn’t anyone in the front office look at this stuff first? It took me about 30 seconds to look it up.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
In an extremely small sample size 16 AB at Wrigley Field...
… Baker has five hits, including four doubles.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't he the guy who hit four doubles in the game the 10-9 Cubs' win?
by Cubbiegoon on Jul 2, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why, yes. Yes, he is.
All four of Baker’s doubles at Wrigley were in that game on May 31, 2008.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at that game.
Baker had his best season last year, 12HR, 48 RBI. The Cubs can use a bat like his off the bench. Miles should be next to go, unless they want to send Mike Fontenot down to Iowa.
by tripdenten on Jul 2, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But...
That was off our pitching!
by Cubbie Cale on Jul 2, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's reasons why its been over 100 years
You’d think we’d learn by now. That would be toooooo easy though.
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
by TkGoUWGB on Jul 2, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but he is a bad defensiuve infielder
hendry loves those
by Glacier on Jul 2, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baker is an excellent defensive 3B...
He isn’t worth much at 2B. He is the classic ‘tweener: 3B glove and 2B bat. Both he and Ian Stewart were blocked by Garrett Atkins; Dan O’Dowd just wasn’t smart enough to trade him two years ago while he still had value (and options).
He runs very well and isn’t a bad OF.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Jul 2, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just great...
Colavito for Kuenn it ’aint…
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 2, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they actually did the math instead of just looking it up online
I mean, seriously, doesn’t anyone in the front office look at this stuff first? It took me about 30 seconds to look it up.
Baker’s 2008 home batting average was .301. At Wrigley last year that would translate to a respectable .285, at a difference of roughly 4 hits on the season.
I’m going out on a limb here and will suggest that the people who are paid millions to understand these decisions probably take these into account, and actually understand how to make sense of home / road splits.
by Wreckard on Jul 2, 2009 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe.
However, Baker hasn’t hit well away from Coors. At all.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not like the Rockies play most of their road games in SD, LA, and SF
just sayin’. It’s also not like Baker is moving to Petco
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
by berselius on Jul 2, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So there’s two possible explanations here.
Either Coors is a magical place that affects offensive numbers in a way that makes players awesome while somehow escaping the ability to be measured by park effects, OR Baker, like many players, is just better when he’s in the comfort of his own ballpark.
by Wreckard on Jul 2, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To add to my point
So let’s say there’s this player right? He’s young, pretty good, high OPS. His home OPS is .890 and his away OPS is almost 100 points lower – .799.
Woah, read flag time- clearly this guy plays at an offense-friendly stadium, right?
In fact, this player is Andre Ethier, and plays at the 2nd-least offense friendly stadium in all of baseball.
by Wreckard on Jul 2, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
100 points lower? Hardly a significant difference.
Baker’s home OPS is almost 300 points higher than his road OPS.
For exhibit B, I would like to present Matt Holliday, whose OPS dropped by about 150 points when he left Coors.
Maybe the Coors effect isn’t as big as it used to be. Maybe Baker can still hit in other parks. But it does exist.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Holliday went
from Coors to one of the hardest parks to hit in, in the more difficult league. And he might also be one of those players who struggles under the pressure of a free agency year.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holliday's OPS drop...
probably as much to do with playing in Oakland than it does him not playing in Denver anymore. I mean, seriously… you can look this stuff up in like 30 seconds.
by shawndgoldman on Jul 2, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think you even know what you're arguing here.
I didn’t say Coors field doesn’t help players. It does. But so does Wrigley – by a fairly significant amount.
You know what else helps players? Playing at home. Every player gets a boost to their OPS simply from playing at home.
Al you often claim to understand advanced statistics, but it’s clear (again) here that you don’t understand how to evaluate players based on league and park differences. Ethier’s home / road splits take place at an offense-unfriendly park. Of course the difference isn’t going to be as much as Baker’s – he’s playing his home games at Dodger stadium for crying out loud. If Ethier’s home stadium was Coors that 100 point difference would be even greater.
BA is just a component of OPS, but let’s do this exercise here because the math is simple:
Andre Ethier’s home batting average career is .301. If he played at Coors field, his home batting average would be .352 (using Coors’ 2008 Park Effect).
So there’s 50 points to his OPS just from his batting average. It’s safe to assume that Ethier’s home OPS would close much of that 300 point distance pretty quickly.
by Wreckard on Jul 2, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He hits well at Wrigley...
and against LHP.
by shawndgoldman on Jul 2, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they did...
and took longer than the 30 seconds you took to post this. Maybe they looked at the park factors for Coors and realized that these numbers probably have very little to do with the altitude there.
by shawndgoldman on Jul 2, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can remember when.....
… people here were clamoring to get a guy like Freel. They did that, and then all hell broke loose.
And, I don’t know how many times it needs to be said, Miles isn’t going anywhere.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Jul 2, 2009 12:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
wasn't the clammoring
like 6 years ago?
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 2, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again
Chicago Cubs fans: The most neurotic in professional sports.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 2, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't debate that
But given the team’s track record, doesn’t it kind of make sense?
by elgato on Jul 2, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really
Not unless you were here for all 101 years of futility. Othewise, you’re just as futile as the Brewers.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 2, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We needed a backup third baseman...
…so all the “clamoring” was pretty justified.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah define..."clamoring"
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 2, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's something fishermen do.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
clam slam?
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no,
that’s something hookers do.
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta pay extra, though.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wasn't Clammoring
the name of Gandalf’s sword?
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Jul 2, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
didn’t you read the hobbit?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 2, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wizards can't equip long swords
Duh
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
in D&D world, tolkien is a rebel though
Genre mixing alert
by CubsFanInWisconsin on Jul 2, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that sung to the tune of
“Fat Man in the Bath Tub” by Little Feat?
"Any old kind of a run wins it!"--Jack Brickhouse
by mattvegas on Jul 2, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually. No
I read the Lord of the Rings, books, but never read The Hobbit
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he has the sword
in LOTR too.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 2, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get it
I thought Freel was doing fairly well upon his return. Why DFA 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 Jul 2, 2009 12:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Because, he is
a 33 year old right-hander with a career .726 OPS?
by paulucla on Jul 2, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because Baker is a better player.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baker > Freel > Miles
Freel looked like he came from the same mold as RJ. Maybe he’s bad in the clubhouse.
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His comments when he was in Iowa would indicate that he's not the best team player
by madcow256 on Jul 2, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Oklahoma City pitcher Neftali Feliz’ fastball: "I haven’t seen a guy with an arm like that since probably back in Vietnam and those guys throwing grenades."
Really?
by bdoubleu on Jul 2, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
talk about
a slurve!
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 Jul 2, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Once again, thank you for your service, Mr. Freel.
May the road rise up to meet you.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow, I missed the "I was in 'Nam" comment from Freel
that guy is a certified whack job
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps was Farney talking then
Seriously, you have to wonder if he’s had one or two concussions too many in his career.
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"--The Brain
by brook on Jul 2, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
agreed
also rec’d for the Pinky and the Brain signature
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boy.. he ain't the sharpest tool in the shed.. but he got that one right.
Sounds like he was telling the truth – but not sure if he left any info out on WHY he was going to get DFA’d.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 2, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clubhouse guy?
Maybe not the most important issue, but do you know what kind of clubhouse guy he has been?
wccubfan
by wccubfan on Jul 2, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
based one what?
Freel was at least versatile, Baker is yet another second baseman who can barely hit
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baker appears versatile as well.
He can backup 3B and platoon with Fontenot at 2B. And he hit relatively well last season – .791 OPS.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baker was stretched to become a 2B.
He’s more of a four corners guy.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baker is versatile.
Career starts:
1B 22
2B 49
3B 21
OF 52
And he started games in all of those positions as recently as last year. I like this trade. He’s only 28, and cheap.
by Inkin on Jul 2, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Freel represented a decent attempt...
…to find a player who could (theoretically at least) hold down third base while Aramis was out. But he was injured too often, and Lou seemed hesitant to use him at third with any regularity anyway. He was a spare part who served his purpose. Thanks for your service, Ryan.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly
Freel was worth trying. We tried him and it’s time to move on.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
to another incredibly crappy second baseman
Please god, won’t someone think of the children and fire Jim Hendry?
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm...
I actually liked Freel’s energy on the basepaths. I have no opinion on Baker, but I’m not sure that (with my limited knowledge) I would’ve picked Freel to be DFA’d…
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jul 2, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jeez I prefer Freel
Much more versatile and seems to hit better than Miles. Pretty much nothing.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He's hitting a buck thirty
he’ll fit right in
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You're probably joking...
..but let the record reflect that Baker’s had only 24 PAs so far this season.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A bannable offense
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go easy on her
♪Katie Casey was baseball mad . . . .♫
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flagged
Gratuitous use of non-standard characters.
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
æ!
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
☼ ↕ ‼
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right,
I have the fever and I have it bad. And it’s not more cowbell that I need.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent
Am I the first to figure out the user name?
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 Jul 2, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Can you figure out why I picked the harvest moon as my profile image?
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big Neil Young fan?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NO
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Small Neil Young fan?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 2, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're a farmer?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 2, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a vampire?
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 Jul 2, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll trade you a sheep for a wheat
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not going to let you activate your knight that easily.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was playing that game super-baked with my friends recently
One friend offered a sheep for a sheep and a wheat
The other friend considered it for a solid 3 seconds before denying the trade.
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're a werewolf?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
but you reminded me that I need to tell my son to shave
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and get a haircut!
damn hippie
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 Jul 2, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you michael j fox's mom?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 2, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my son is hairier
but not as hairy as my husband
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You want to see the Cub play in October...
…when the harvest moon is out?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
YES!!!!!!
Jack Norworth who wrote “Take me out to the Ballgame”(the original lyrics is where my katie casey name comes from) also wrote “Shine on Harvest Moon”. The harvest moon this year just so happens to fall on Oct. 4th-the last day of the season. So I want it to shine on.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
welcome to club, dear
we all want that. :-)
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 2, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
eh
i think they want that…
as long as they’re right about everything along the way.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 2, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but you know they get proven wrong...
so I think they wouldn’t just outta spite.
by tootle on Jul 2, 2009 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy cripes, I got it.
That really was a shot in the dark – no pun intended. Hey, that’s really cool. You definitely put more thought into your name and avatar than many of us.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
here
You definitely put more thought into your name and avatar thanmany of us.
Fixed that for you.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 2, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks...
…though “reed’s johnson” may want to have a word with you.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What did I start?
Your answers are all way better than mine. I feel stupid telling now.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 2, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's alright...I'm so proud that no one else got the name ;-)
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 Jul 2, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
in 2007 he played in 85 games
and hit .222
YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's Milton Bradley like!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 2, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has there been any mention of Baker playing for the Cubs in the near future?
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well...
… he’s activated for tonight’s game. Could wind up starting at 3B or 2B.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dusty Baker is too old to play for the Cubs...
Go Green! Go White! GO STATE!
King Leonidas: Spartans! What is your profession?
Spartans: HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH!
by Zeke on Jul 2, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I honestly think Hendry would trade for him
if he agreed to play second, and bat left handed
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Halleluleah
I don’t really care about Baker or Freel, but getting Alburquerque out of the system makes my life easier.
by Josh77 on Jul 2, 2009 12:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He needs to get traded to the Dodgers.
That way, he can someday play IN Albuquerque. (Yes, I know it’s spelled differently.)
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what makes it so tough
reminding yourself it’s spelled differently all the time.
by Josh77 on Jul 2, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know
Since we’re talking about my home town, there was talk recently to change the city name back to Alburquerque (which is the correct spelling). The name changed over time as maps and offical documents excluded one of the "r"s. To hear it in spanish, particularly from my parents and grandparents – you would wonder why its not spelled with the extra “r”.
Lots of Rrrrrrolling.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Jul 2, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did the "R" go in the first place?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He took
a left turn when he got to ABQ. hehe
Seriously though, when you look at city documents from the late 1700s, the name is spelled with the additional “r”, by the territorial days in the mid to late 1800s it was excluded.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
by StevenABQ on Jul 2, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for the record
i’ve been trying to send AlbyAlby to the rockies since april. to call off the patton deal. since patton is soon due for an extended ‘rehab’ assignment, they shuttle off the guy i said to the team i said. we just get a middling infielder instead.
by tim815 on Jul 2, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dusty Baker is back?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 2, 2009 12:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's a good trade
While I’m not huge on Baker, I like him enough, and there’s no doubt that he has a lot of ability and was a bit blocked in Colorado. We didn’t give up all that much. Alburquerque is a nice arm (low-mid 90’s fastball with some life, solid slider I believe, and a decent change) and maybe he develops. But, IMO, he wasn’t all that high in the system rankings, and while I hope Al gets a look as a starter, I’m not all that sure he is anything more than a pen arm … if he makes it up. He has sharpened his control this year, so who knows.
That said, Baker gives the lineup some flexibility, with his ability to play in a lot of spots.
by toonsterwu on Jul 2, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not certain how there's no doubt he has a lot of ability
He’s had one good season, and one bad one
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I'm guessing there are scouting reports.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scouting reports...
got us Fukudome too.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jul 2, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And statistics indicating he was an elite hitter in Japan.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He WAS an elite hitter in Japan.
I wonder if that elbow injury he had — you know, the one that had him out for half the 2007 season there — is still affecting him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, maybe it flared up in June...
…and his good hitting last night indicates he’s feeling better. I dunno. He’s back to question mark status.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope so.
we need him to succeed as much as we need Bradley to.
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 Jul 2, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When he hits ampersand, sell!
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 Jul 2, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just saying...
scouting reports don’t always do much.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jul 2, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But those and stats are all a GM can really use to make these choices.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a failed attempt
at messing around.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on Jul 2, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember 8th grade too.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 2, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not a science
that’s for sure
by chitownhawkeye on Jul 2, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
which is why the hindsight
on this board is always 20-20.
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 Jul 2, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there were scouting reports saying Felix Pie and Corey Patterson were destined
to be five tool super stars. And even if there ARE scouting reports, I’m doubting toonsterwu has read them
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus, guy
Talk about thread-crapping. Who kicked your dog today?
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't be so sure of that.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hope my below comment clears it up
I’m not saying he will ever reach his ability, but at his age, I didn’t think it appropriate to say potential anymore. but maybe it reads better if you plug the word potential in there.
by toonsterwu on Jul 2, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
having ability
doesn’t mean that he’s been a productive player. He has a solid enough minor league track record, was noticeably blocked in Colorado, and has a good enough scouting report. Doesn’t mean he’ll ever put it together, though. For what we gave up, I think the gamble was worth it, though.
by toonsterwu on Jul 2, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blanco better not go down when miles is activated
actually miles should never be activated
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope not.
Maybe they can put Miles on the 60-day DL.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Miles should be fired
from a cannon
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, that would probably put him on the 60-day DL.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
or they can trade him to the Yankees for a single A player
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would they want Miles?
Why would anyone want Miles?
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for reasons that could not be explained
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because
It’s the only way they can sign everybody
by chitownhawkeye on Jul 2, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take THAT, Cardinals!
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 2, 2009 12:30 PM CDT reply actions 30 recs
rec'd because it
made me laugh out loud.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 2, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could be the most rec'd comment ever.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
UNTIL ERIC HANNA GETS HERE!!!
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who's Eric Hanna?
The cousin of Eric Bana?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 2, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fee fi mo manna, Hanna!
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno, but I think his girlfriend is named Barbara
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 2, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
HE'S STILL LEARNING HIS KEYBOARD!!!
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 2, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WRACK THIS PUST!
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 Jul 2, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Peer pressure
Ok, I’m in
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 Jul 2, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good, I'm in the secret club.
Now, tell me who Deep Goat is.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 2, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He would but then he would have to kill 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 Jul 2, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, people have complained that Jim Hendry never buys low.
He’s just bought low on a guy who can play every position Mark DeRosa can with a good bit of power potential, a guy CHONE predicted pre-season to have a very comparable line to Mark DeRosa’s (yes, I know park effects account for some of that).
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 12:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good point
Not much risk in Baker’s acquisition. Let’s see if he can hit consistently away from Mile High.
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
by propheteer on Jul 2, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read that as
“Let’s see if he can hit consistently away from Miles” And that is the opposite of what we want our hitters doing
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by jkobus on Jul 2, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chone Figgins predicted that? Wow.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Jul 2, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
CHONE is Sean Smith's projection system
He’s an angels fan, so he named it after him in the tradition of naming systems after forgettable MI (see Pecota, Bill)
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
by berselius on Jul 2, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know. It was a joke
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Jul 2, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahhh.... but how is it pronounced?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 2, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sheesh.
That means someday there might be a MILES projection system.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can see it now
“Predictions that are always MILES within accurate.”
Oh, and to get the predictions, you’d have to wildly overpay.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And they'd get hurt a lot.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 2, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but at least you'd get two years worth of numbers...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 2, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. The only knock I have is you have to make a few of these to make
certain one pans out. Only doing this occasionally decreases the chances for one of the moves to surprise and become great.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Jul 2, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baker serves two purposes (hopefully)
1. He’s a platoon partner for Fontenot who simply can’t hit lefties, and is a significant upgrade over Blanco offensively (at least we hope so, his numbers away from Coors Field are scary bad, Miles-like).
2. He can play a lot more then just 2nd base, almost DeRo-like.
by paulucla on Jul 2, 2009 12:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He's also a real 3B.
Baker came up as a 3B, but was blocked by Atkins (and to a lesser degree Stewart), and that’s what had him playing all over the place as they tried to find him playing time.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hasn't Fox
proven that he can be an adequate backup/fillin for Aram? I guess Baker’s an insurance policy on that, but from what I understand he’s no defensive wiz either, just serviceable.
by paulucla on Jul 2, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He hasn't proven it to me.
And I like Fox more than most.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
An .853 OPS / 0.6 UZR
I’ll take, small sample size or not.
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Fox will keep hitting ML pitching.
I’m not convinced he’ll stick at 3B, when he’s been tried there before in the minors with little success. Minor league records do tell us real things about players.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
4 total minor league games at 3rd
Leave him out there till he proves he CAN’T play the position.
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying I wouldn't play him there.
I’m saying there’s a reason people don’t think he can play there. And it’s 5 games, but plenty of games at 1B to see how he fields a corner IF spot.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 2, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's been passable for us when used there this year
but the fact that he hasn’t played nearly any 3B in his career there is a pretty good reason to not keep trying our luck.
by madcow256 on Jul 2, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Minor league records do tell us real things about players."
I think Felix Pie has that tattooed on his bottom.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Jul 2, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the $1 million dollar question.
I wonder whether another trade is in the works.
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by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's proved that in about five games he's an adequate fillin
that isn’t PROVING it.
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 2, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's GREAT news.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Hendry, go get Heath Bell now.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We don't need Bell
and the Padres will, as usual, ask for too much.
by paulucla on Jul 2, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't need Bell?
What are ya nuts? Who wouldn’t want Heath Bell to stabilize a bullpen?
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Jul 2, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't need Bell?
They sure do. Just don’t overpay.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Jul 2, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we don't need Bell?
The bullpen is still average at best.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gregg's fine as the closer
and Marmol will regain his control. Guzman comes back from rehab and we’re plenty fine in the bullpen with Marshall out there as well.
by paulucla on Jul 2, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gregg and Marmol are very questionable.
Heath Bell is light outs in the 9th.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With all due respect
Have you seen Bell? he’s a monster. Have you seen Gregg? Nice guy, but he’s a pussycat next to Bell.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Jul 2, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bell would be wonderful
but they would want more than i’m willing to give up.
by tim815 on Jul 2, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bell, Young and Gonzalez
aren’t going anywhere
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by jkobus on Jul 2, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We'll see.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A padres writer for MLB.com said it.
@FollowThePadres its a few tweets down
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by jkobus on Jul 2, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying your wrong.
Things could happen by July 31st. In the end, you’re probably right.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 2, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
Young could be moved, but not the other two (barring a “stupid” trade). Unless they get top talent back, dealing Bell makes little sense as they have other ways they can clear money. And if they deal Gonzalez, well, he doesn’t cost that much, and he’s basically the face of the franchise now.
I don’t ever rule out a “stupid” deal from happening, but I’ll be quite surprised if Bell/Gonzalez are moved.
by toonsterwu on Jul 2, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This was my point
Bell doens’t make much so they’re only moving him for a lot of big upside talent. They’d want Vitters for sure.
by paulucla on Jul 2, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should they sew "Trachsel" on the back of his jersey?
And get it over with, what an insignificant move, might as well keep Freel, at least he’s fast and has some balls
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 Jul 2, 2009 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Baker's career OPS
against LHP (assuming he’s now in a pretty strict platoon with Fontenot) is a very healthy .902. I don’t know how that breaks down into Home/Away though.
by paulucla on Jul 2, 2009 12:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
too many infielders
yet another average infielder. Fontenot, Blanco, Miles, Theriot, Freel (so long, farewell) and now Baker. Atleast we didn’t give up much, Hendry is definitely scrambling.
by tahazen on Jul 2, 2009 12:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the fact that Baker can play 3rd was the main factor in this...
Rami isn’t going to be able to play everyday as he has said his shoulder isn’t anywhere near 100% I am sure having someone who knows how to play 3rd to spell him will help instead of throwing Fontenot over there who isn’t a true 3rd baseman.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Jul 2, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, Baker should be the bona fied backup 3B we've been clamoring for.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I though Fox
was doing a fine job at 3rd.
by Cubs and Hawks fan on Jul 2, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. I don't disagree but...
There must be a reason. Either there is another trade in the works and Fox is part of it or Lou STILL doesn’t trust him to play there.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Jul 2, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we're going to get Pujols
by Cubs and Hawks fan on Jul 2, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the only way we're getting Pujols:
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's awesome!
well played, sir
by Cubs and Hawks fan on Jul 2, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
do you think we'll trade bradley and dome 2 for 1
OR MAYBE WE’LL GET LIND
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LIND! LIND! LIND!
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on Jul 2, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or PV
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get PV!!!
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
♪I want my . . . I want my . . . I want my♪
♫Jake PV♪♫
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OMG THAT WOULD TOTALLY RULE DOOD
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
then they could send bradley down AA needs someone who can walk
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BRING UP VITTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Walbeck!
Wait, what?
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mark Wahlber?
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
g
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh jeez, dont say that
or some of these guys will crap all over you.
by Cubs and Hawks fan on Jul 2, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they do, we'll laugh at him.
Because dr stab was kidding.
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*laugh at THEM
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry for teasing you
Your avatar has pacified me
Life is parallel to hell but I must maintain
by dr stabbingworth on Jul 2, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No pun intended.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, good point. I missed that one.
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 Jul 2, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes soriano could be sent down too
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 2, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
also
send down Lou and bring up Von Joshua!
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.