Pitching: Good. Hitting: Not So Much. Result: Cubs Lose 4-1 To Phillies In Walkoff
by Al Yellon on Jul 22, 2009 6:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintPHILADELPHIA -- I didn't even wait for Jayson Werth's home run ball to land in the seats before I was out of mine and up the aisle and out into the parking lot. Trying to beat the horrendous traffic from the night before, you know. You could still hear the sounds of Green Day emanating from the Wachovia Center down the street from Citizens Bank Park, not to mention the loud cheering of the remnants of a sellout crowd of mostly Phillies fans (there were a few more Cubs fans last night, but we were still in the extreme minority).
Let's start with the good news. We got "good" Rich Harden last night and there appears to be something to the idea that the Cubs should start him only in night games, and primarily on the road. Harden gave up only four hits and struck out six in seven fine innings of work. Harden now has a 2.23 ERA in seven night-game starts (44.1 innings) and a 7.38 ERA in nine day-game starts (42.2 innings, virtually the same). Six HR allowed in night games, 11 in day games. 25 walks in day games, 13 in night games. Home-road, basically the same: seven road starts, 2.03 ERA, 7 HR and 14 walks, nine home starts, 7.59 ERA, 10 HR, 24 free passes. You get the idea. As much as the Cubs can, they'll try to slot his starts on the road, or at least in home night games.
Cubs relievers also rose to the task, at least for 5.2 innings of one-hit ball before Jeff Samardzija lost his command after retiring the first two hitters in the 13th inning without incident. Two walks -- making the Cubs' total seven -- preceded Werth's home run.
Joe Blanton matched Harden -- allowing one run in seven innings; the only difference was the method. Harden gave up a solo HR to Jimmy Rollins; Blanton, a single to Ryan Theriot and a RBI double to Kosuke Fukudome. Blanton wasn't fooling anyone; a large number of Cubs hit the ball hard but right at someone (particularly Pedro Feliz, who snagged several line drives at 3B).
Phillies relievers were just a little bit better than Cubs relievers, and that was the difference. The Cubs had only one baserunner after Blanton left the game, when Brad Lidge hit Aramis Ramirez with one out in the ninth inning (note to Lou: the Phillies put their closer in the game. Why didn't you?). He was quickly erased on a double play. Further note to the relief pitcher comment: the Phillies have on their staff Chan Ho Park, a former starter (he's started seven games this year and made 20 relief appearances) who can go several innings in a game like this one; his three shutout innings with five strikeouts helped save the Philly bullpen.
Paging Lou: you have a pitcher like this on your staff! His name is Sean Marshall, and he was wasted by throwing to two lefthanded hitters, then being yanked for Aaron Heilman. You can forgive me for thinking the game was over right then, but Heilman managed to squeeze out of the inning -- but not before issuing yet another walk, his 30th in 44 innings, raising his WHIP to 1.62, the highest it has been since his rookie year. Can we please just release him?
Lou hinted in his postgame remarks that there may be deals to come:
"You know what? We might need a couple hitters here at the trading deadline," Piniella said, then ended the postgame discussion.
We'll see. There are nine days left. Give the Phillies some credit -- they are, after all, the defending champions and the hottest team in the game. Let's break their ten-game winning streak this afternoon, get one game out of this series, and end the road trip with a 5-2 record. The pregame post will be up at 10:30 am CDT.
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What jumped out at me...
Was that the Cubs didn’t draw one walk. 13 innings of baseball and not one walk is inexcusable.
It's hard to walk
with the strike zone given to Blanton. Seemed like the outside corner (and low) were extremely liberal for him last night. For the Cubs pitchers, for whatever reason, not so much. Is the plate ump related to Blanton or something? A Phillies fan?
The mating call of the loser
is the blame of the umpire
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I don't think anyone
was saying the same thing last year when Ed Hochuli made that “excellent” call in the San Diego v Denver. I believe that the Ref had a big impact in the game.
The same goes when an ump gives the low outside to the pitcher of the opposing pitcher.
The sun will shine in '69
Worf
God I hate agreeing w/ you. It’s unnatural.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions
It's like when
You start making out with your sister, you know it wrongs but it feels…. Oh wait yeah agreeing with Worf is bad!
The sun will shine in '69
I thought the umpire was liberal
with the strike zone for both teams. From my biased perspective, we got squeezed a couple times, but overall I had no complaints. I wasn’t too upset with Samardzija walking the two lefties, especially after he got behind because either one is capable of ending the game. I was not happy, though that he didn’t show a little more focus when pitching to Werth. I guess that’s why he was the fifth option out of the bullpen.
by CubbieFaninOhio on Jul 22, 2009 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Speaking of walks...
I tuned in about the 11th inning and was disgusted by how quickly the Cubs were making outs! They were either swinging at the first or second pitch almost every time!
Very frustrating for the fans!
Why can’t these guys take pitches like the Phillies do. One sequence, Ibanez never took the bat off his shoulder and got a 5 pitch walk. Meanwhile Reed johnson goes up there and has a 3-pitch strikeout (swinging on all three).
Cone on Cubs!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 22, 2009 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
That was my biggest beef. They really didn’t work the counts. I think Fontenot swung at the first pitch every at bat.
"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
I think this is a question of philosophy. When Von Joshua came up, he specifically said he wanted people to be more aggressive. Also, if the ump is giving the opposing pitcher a liberal strike zone, you have to swing at pitches that might be balls because if you don’t, you’re going to fall behind in the count quickly anyway.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Or make an adjustment because that philosophy and approach wasn't working...
2 runs in 22 innings. Yuck.
"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
go back
one more game. suddenly, it’s 13 runs in 31 innings.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
You can't treat each team/series the same...
Every team makes adjustments to strength and weakness. What works for the Nat’s may not work for the Phillies. I would have to go back and look at hitting logs but they may have been more patient and saw more pitches vs. the Nats.
"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
I'm just saying.
screaming about 2 runs in 22 innings doesn’t make much sense. It’s the ultimate in small sample sizes.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
The whole season
With very few exceptions that seem to occur when the very worst of pitchers are around, has been filled with crap like 2 runs in 22 innings.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Who's screaming?
Their approach hasn’t worked this series. Time to make an adjustment. If you don’t, you’re probably going to fail again.
You bring up small sample sizes yet throw out 13 runs in 31 innings. Try again.
"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
that would be
a larger sample then 2 in 22. Try again.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
How about the whole season?
Is that a big enough sample size for you?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jul 22, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey-O!
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 22, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I wonder
what that number actually is, actually.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
383 runs, 92 games
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 22, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
That comes out to 4.16 runs per game
I’m assuming we’re still down in the lower third of the league in runs scored, but 4 runs a game surprises me. I didn’t think it’d be that much.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
actually
neither did I, but the blowouts we’ve had do help.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I didn't, either - but last year they were over 5
855/161 = 5.31
Pretty big difference.
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 22, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
that is
a big difference.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
That's why we were in first last year and not this year
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I do as well
Half of my comment was to zing you for your constant statistical back-n-forthing with people to prove without a doubt that yes, it is possible to beat a dead horse again and again and again…
…but the other half was figuring that you would probably look up the number and comment accordingly. But I see that Shanghai has beat you to the punch.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
To add to Badgers stats according to ESPN
The 2008 Cubs ranked second in the majors with 855 runs scored. This year, they’re on a pace to score 680.
Runs (382) 13th
Doubles (155) 13th
Batting average (.249) 13th
On-base percentage (.323) 12th
Slugging percentage (.403) 9th
OPS (.726) 10th
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
we should fire the hitting coach again
that worked well the first time
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
I blame the bats
Anyone know where to get a live chicken?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
No marbles!
Oh, wait – the sequel was awful.
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 22, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
By 9 innings? Hilarious...
Considering they rank in the lower half of nearly all offensive categories, your counterpoints aren’t changing my mind that they have a good approach at the plate.
"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
*DON'T have a good approach...
"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
well
it adds almost 33% to the sample size.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
A third of a small sample size is small
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 22, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
and a sample size a third larger
is still small, but larger then the first one.
What’s your point?
I’m saying that the sample sizes are SO SMALL that by adding a single game, you end up with completely different numbers.
2 in 22 innings is less then 1 run per game.
13 runs in 31 innings is about 4 runs per game.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, the larger point is, I'm with Fishbone regarding the approach
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 22, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not sure
I’m not with you on the hitting approach myself.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Out of 16 NL teams:
Cubs rank:
Runs: 13
Hits: 14
RBI 13
Batting Avg: 15
Total Bases: 11
OPS: 11
OBS: 13
Again, You aren’t going to convince me their approach to hitting is good. It’s not.
"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
damn you beat me by 2 minutes
I even had the tab open.
bows to you fishbone
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
It's all good :)
Especially since you’re reinforcing my point!
"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
That doesn't prove anything about approach.
It proves their results have been crummy; you can take whatever approach you want, and if you just don’t hit the ball your numbers will look awful. I think the Cubs just flat haven’t hit the ball this year — to some degree that affects how pitchers attack you and changes your approach as well, hitters that are slumping will see plenty of first-pitch strikes compared to guys that are hot.
The Nats don't count...
Seriously.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2009 9:49 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
YES THEY DO!
they’re a major league team that this team plays, and every win counts. Pete’s sake.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
They do indeed count
But on a weighted scale.
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 22, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
no they don't.
a win is a win is a win. Beating the nationals carries the same value — 1 — as losing to the Phillies — 1.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
In the standings, yes, you are right. Evaluating a team, you're dead wrong.
And that’s what people are getting at. Winning 4 games against anyone is tough, but to say that’s a sign that the offense is starting to click is neither objective nor realistic.
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 22, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m relatively certain that I didn’t say that.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm relatively certain that no one said the wins agains Washington don't count, as well
So are you saying it’s ok that you jumped to your conclusion, but mine was illogical?
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 22, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
you are?
your memory is failing you.
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/7/22/957597/pitching-good-hitting-not-so-much#18511035
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Obstinate, Drew.
You read that and honestly think the poster means the wins don’t count in the standings?
Really?
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 22, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
lol
yeah, I’M the one being obstinate…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, that pretty much speaks for itself.
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 22, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
they are the worst team in major league baseball
every win counts, but when we’re talking about how a team is performing, their performance against that team versus one of the better ones, is relevant
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't understand why people want players to take pitches..
..Why? Taking the pitch doesn’t do much. Unless it’s your first at bat of the game or first at bat against the particular pitcher in the game, you’ve already seen pitches. By taking pitches, you risk taking the best 1 or 2 pitches you’ll see during the at bat (or maybe even best pitch he’ll see the entire game). They also risk falling behind in the count.
I disagree with taking pitches under most circumstances. If it’s a good strike, swing away!!
by Cubs and Hawks fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
You can take pitches all you want.
It doesn’t help if they’re strikes. For the game Phillies pitchers threw 162 pitches and 115 of them were strikes. Now, that counts swings, and some of the strikes were definitely out-of-zone swings, but that’s still an excellent strike rate of 71%; the relievers (45 strikes in 61 pitches for 74%) were even better than Blanton (70 strikes in 101 pitches, 69%). When the pitcher is throwing early strikes you just have to hit them.
Harden had a pretty good strike-throwing day himself: 74/116, 64% strikes. The relievers weren’t quite as good (54/101, 53%). But it’s not just a matter of wildness. The Cubs pitchers had to face slugger after slugger in a situation where a home run meant an instant loss. They were nibbling and pitching around hitters all day (except Guzman, who got 3 quick outs, Marmol, who threw out of the zone a lot but blew fastballs right by hitters when it mattered, and Samardzija in the 12th), and for 12 innings it worked, especially on Ryan Howard, who chased almost everything.
All together now
THESE ARE NOT THE FREAKING NATIONALS!
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Thanks for pointing that out. I wouldn't have known that if you hadn't. I thought
all the teams were the same and they just wore different uniforms. I feel much better with your insight.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 22, 2009 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Let's not start getting all "Lord of Flies" with each other...
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Some people need to have things repeated to them
A lot.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I don't know. I don't recall a lot of folks expecting the Phillies to lay down and let the Cubs walk all
over them. They are the defending world champs. They came into this series with a long winning streak. Everyone knew it was going to be a tough series even if the Cubs had been swinging the bats well, which they haven’t all year. So I really don’t see how pointing out that we aren’t playing the Nationals anymore really add a lot of insight to the discussion.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 22, 2009 8:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Really?
We don’t play 162 games agaisnt the worst baseball team in the league every year?
The sun will shine in '69
Damn used cars salesman.
That what we get when the Brewers owner becomes the Commish! IMPEACH, IMPEACH, IMPEACH
The sun will shine in '69
Deals
“You know what? We might need a couple hitters here at the trading deadline,” Piniella said, then ended the postgame discussion.
The best deal I can think of is the deal that frees us of Lou Piniella. I’d rather wait until next year than cave to Piniella’s ever continuing wishes. It was because he wanted more left handed bats that a 97-win team was dismantled and reconfigured into this mess. Jim Hendry may have made the deals, but if Lou said to Jim in the offseason, “We just need to tweak a few things here and there,” then the moves would not have been what they were. As far as I’m concerned, we’ll need a new GM after the season that isn’t a yes man to celebrity managers. But for now, the Cubs need a new voice in that dugout. Lou’s lost it and has to go.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
+ 1 Billion
And I think this comment was more a way to shed himself of blame should the season continue to fall apart. He can stand up at the end of the year, and claim he wanted to improve the team but Jim wouldn’t do it.
Knowing full well that the Cubs aren’t really in a position to acquire very good hitters
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
It's funny that you said "+ a billion", yet you didn't rec him...
not that I agree with the two of you… just noting that.
As for lou making that comment because he wants an out, that’s crap. He says what’s on his mind, and last night, what else could he have said? Hitters need to hit or we won’t win anything- against the Nationals or the Phillies.
The play of the game for me was the grounder off Lidge's foot
that could have easily been the break we were looking for, but instead bounced right to Rollins for an easy double play. Two on with one out gives us a chance to push across the go-ahead run. But it wasn’t to be. Exciting game to watch, but a crappy ending.
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
It looked like Rollins had it either way...
he was coming over to cover 2B already because of the hit and run, so he was already standing on 2B when the ball reached him anyway. The kick by Lidge didn’t really change the direction of the ball – it just popped the ball up to chest high, making the play even simpler. But that was going to be a double play either way.
That’s one of those situations in which the hit and run can bite you. If Ramirez isn’t running, Rollins is probably playing more of a natural shortstop and that ball might sneak through. And yes, that was extremely unfortunate, and we never challenged again.
There was another play of the game – Ibanez making the diving catch on Koyie Hill’s line drive to LF. If that gets through, Hill is on 2B. Then we probably see Jake Fox come up to bat and maybe a pinch runner for Hill, where a single could win the game. But Ibanez makes the catch, and no harm is done.
lol nice
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions
i just don't understand why these players aren't hitting. It's defying logic.
The Cubs need hitters.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
I don't think age is the issue here...
The “old” guy (Lee) has been our best hitter. None of the other guys are old enough to where age should be a reason for falling apart.
I agree that Bradley and Fukudome were overrated, though Bradley is playing worse than should be expected even after discounting for being overrated.
I have no explanation for why Soriano has taken a two-month nosedive after being fantastic up until early May. I have to believe it’s injury-related, because this is a longer slump than anything he’s done before and it came out of nowhere.
Is it possible that
Worf is right? Maybe the core, with the additions from last year, are on the downward slope?
Bradely: IMHO he was past his prime when we signed him
Soranio: Wrong side of thirty and starting to slide?
DLee: Hot now but dug a big hole at the beginning, maybe starting to show signs of age?
A-Ram: If he wasn’t out he could have carried the team
Fukudome: An enigma wrapped in a riddle
Soto: Sophmore slumps?
2B: A big hole
Theriot: Consistent hitter, always brings his best game
Starting Pitcher: carried the team this year
Bullpen: Just like every team needs work
The sun will shine in '69
The quote is from Animal House, though
I was torn. Had to make a judgement call.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
That is a classic
A book written by Samuel Clemens is not that important to me
The sun will shine in '69
Animal House, Stripes, & The world according to Garp
These are the classics that all children should have to watch!
The sun will shine in '69
It should be mandatory viewing
every two years. You shouldn’t be able to vote unless you’ve proven you’ve seen it that year.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
It was funnier when I was in college.
Not so much now that my daughter is about to go.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Pinella says Bradley needs to relax
Maybe Geo can share some of his stash with Gameboard before (or during) the game.
by CubbieFaninOhio on Jul 22, 2009 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Cubs can do a Jimmy Hendrix night
The purple haze could be a cover for something else
The sun will shine in '69
I doubt the Cubs are going to get much from Bradley the rest of the way...
I don’t think he is comfortable here. Always talks about the media, etc… You can’t tell me he didn’t know what he was getting into? It’s like mixing oil and water.
"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
Well put...
I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt when he signed but my patience has run out on him. Not a good fit.
"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
OR MAYBE TORANTO 4LIND!!2!!
"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
There WAS a lot of good stuff in last night's game...
Cubs’ hitting notwithstanding.
You could chalk it up to good pitching shutting down good pitching, and that IS true, but since we’ve seen this refrain over and over (dozens of times) this season, it’s just another good GREAT start wasted by the inability to hit, play fundamental baseball and hit in the clutch.
While it really serves no purpose, I’d still be interested to see the Cubs’ stats of just how MANY great starts they have squandered so far this year. Not the MLB definition of a quality start (which results in an ERA of 4.50!), but a REAL one- three runs or less given up by the starters and relievers TOTAL over 9 innings.
Anyone want to crunch those numbers?
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Good Stuff from Last Night's Game
1) The Earth Didn’t Crash Into the Sun
That’s it. I’m out.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Aw, c'mon. There was more than that Worf.
Granted, ya gotta DID for it a bit, but there were some good things. Perhaps “a lot of” was overstating a tad on my part…
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Extra inning losses are the worst
You invest so much time and then see a failure.
I’m not my usual happy Worf-self. I am angry Worf today.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Grrrrawwwwfffff!
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Lots of world ending scenarios didn't happen last night.
Crashing into the sun is the least of my worries.
Top of my list would be extremely contagious strand of ebola virus is leaked.
Then there’s always zombies.
Nuclear holocaust is about number 7 on my list.
Super flu is a subset of the ebola.
Since they’re both viruses. I read “The Stand” when the Swine Flu scare was going around. That was freaky-deaky.
Still quite possibly the best muscial opening to a tv show ever
Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper” played in the background during the opening scenes of “The Stand” mini-series on TV. That was freaky-deaky…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I'm still holding out hope that Harry Potter is real
and the wizards and witches at Hogwarts will save us from zombies if it comes to that
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
No, no, no, no ,no...
Harry-Ginny; Ron-Hermione
Snape-Himself
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Well of course not. It was a "night" game, silly.
Today’s game (12:05 pm Central start) is the real test…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Love to see a pitchers duel like that. That was a fun game to watch...until the end.
At one point I was hoping Lou would put Jake Fox in to pinch hit. Hill could have used the rest by then, especially with an early game today. Instead he puts in Bradley.
Marmol looked amazing.
Oh, what was up with WGN showing that poor guy losing his ice cream over and over and over? I had the TV on mute. Were they talking about it on the air or something? They showed it like 18 times.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Agreed- Best Charlie Marbles has looked this year!
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
It was old man ice cream porn
I’m sure there’s a market for it somewhere
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Um. not sure what old man ice cream porn is...
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
I revert to my last post. Not sure what you mean...
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
OK. Now I get it...
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
if it's supposed to make you desire a ginormous soft serve twist cone
it worked for me
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Ah. OK. Now I'm getting it...
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
I went to the freezer and got an ice cream sandwich after about the 4th time they showed it!
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Totally OT I LOVE ice cream
There are some wonderful yogurts/ soberts (SP?) substitutes that have less grams of fat and calories.
if you are willing to pay a bit more to get Haagen- Dazs. Where you can barely tell the difference.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
mmm!
now to find a good low fat cheese that doesn’t taste like wax
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
Even being born and raised in WI
I can’t help you w/ that :)
But hope you enjoy the ice cream. its a far more cheery to think about then this series :(
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Was in Sheboygan last weekend.
My husband found this raw farmstead cheese at a farmer’s market. I thought I died and went to heaven. Was in Madison the weekend before. Lots of wonderful ice cream there. Especially at the Babcock Hall Dairy Store. Talk about heaven.
Sorry for getting so OT.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 22, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Babcock Hall ice cream is NEVER OT
Had some myself yesterday . . . .
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 22, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Hiya, Dan. You see HP6 yet?
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 22, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
True screw fat content on that it is awesome!
During the summer there is a farmers market on Saturday mornings. That is also awesome. So many choices, but truthfully it runs from 6 to maybe 10ish. About once or twice a summer I get up extremely early so I can make it there by 7, b/c once it hits 9ish too many people and not as good of a selection.
(believe it or not I don’t work for the tourist bureau)
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I had about an hour in town and had to make it a point to get some ice cream
Of course, had the sun been out, it would have been a beer on the terrace instead . . . .
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 22, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Madison tour bureau
should at least give a few free gift certificates to you me and Dan for all the positive PR they get on this board :)
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I think anyone that's ever lived there does the same, though
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 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
And I don't work in the dairy industry,
but I am a big promoter nonetheless.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 22, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Mmm... Graters Ice Cream....
one of the few good things to come out of Cincinnati.
No, Skyline Chili is NOT another…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Mayor Jerry Springer?
Is 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 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Ah, Jerry "I think I'll pay for a prostitute with a check" Springer...
Oh, he’s on a list alright but not that one.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Marge Schott?
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 22, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
The Bengals!
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 22, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
♪Perp walk like an Egyptian♫
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 22, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
But Fox is the "back up catcher"
So you can’t use him unless you actually are willing to let him come in and catch. The joys of not actually having a real back up catcher.
"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 22, 2009 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions
You could use Fox in the OF or at 3B...
… and then bring him in to catch. Gee, kind of like Lou did vs. the Cardinals.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It would work
If anyone thought Fox could really catch. I mean can you imagine him in there if Rollins and Victorino got on ? They would probably both still 2nd, 3rd and home.
"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 22, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
They could do that against Hill, too.
Though the odds of it go down.
Fox can catch. He’s not going to be Koyie Hill behind the plate, but he’s not going to single-handedly lose the game for the Cubs, either.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
I think he easily could
I would hardly trust him to call the game but as for steals ( got it right that time) you have to be kidding. You think they would not have every guy run on Fox, a guy who has never caught in the majors and last caught two years ago in the minors save an inning in a blow out where no one was going to steal ? If the Cubs had ANY confidence he could catch they would have both rested Hill and let Fox bat as needed. I can’t think of anything I find more
insane about the current team then trying to claim a fake back up catcher is OK and damn the consequences .
"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 22, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
The Phillies wouldn't have everyone run. You're being hyperbolic, I think.
Yes, they run would with Rollins, Victorino, Werth. It’d be guaranteed. But those guys are running on Koyie Hill, too.
Fox has been catching since he was 8. He was a third-team All-American in college, where he was coached by Mike Matheny’s old coach. Don’t you think if he’d been awful in college, they could have moved him around? Part of the reason Fox no longer catches is because he got into an argument with Scott Servais, not necessarily because his defense was terrible.
Now yes, he hasn’t caught in two years, pretty much. That’s the biggest issue. But if he has been working at getting the rust off catching as much as he worked to become competent at third base, I think things will be fine.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Like I keep saying
If he IS a back up catcher than USE him. Don’t let Hill catch every damn inning.
He surely HITS better than Hill so if they had ANY faith he could really catch he would be doing it.
Sorry but being good in the minors TWO years ago and good in college do NOT cut it in the majors. and people give ME a hard time thinking Fuld should be in the outfield.
This is an INSANE situation.
"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 22, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Why are we in the minority on this?
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
I just don't see
why we can’t try it. The entire staff was wrong on Fox not being able to play third competently. Why not try this?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
because the situations aren't the same
they had never really given Fox a chance at 3rd. They gave him a chance at catcher, and he was terrible enough that they wanted him to learn a new position.
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
there's been
some debate on that.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
actually, no
there’s someone who says that Fox was a highly rated catcher in high school and college, and when he got to the minors, apparently there was a difference of opinion between him and Scott Servais (I think) who wanted him to change stuff Fox wasn’t comfortable changing.
With the standoff, they moved Fox away from the catcher position.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
heresay from a single person
yep I guess that qualifies as a debate.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I can't remember their name
but they post here. Maybe they’ll see it and speak up.
Fact of the matter is, people — we thought Fox would be a Keystone Kop at third, based on what the minor-league coaches told us. They were all wrong. Why are we, therefore, presuming that they’re NOT wrong about this?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm that person.
And yes, I’ll concede that Fox isn’t going to be Koyie Hill behind the plate.
But I’ll contend that he can catch, and that part of the reason for his perceived “defensive liabilities” stems from an altercation he had with Scott Servais while Servais was the Cubs Minor League catching instructor.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm willing to consider that might be true
But I couldn’t resist my comment above.
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 22, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
No worries.
I’m just reporting what I know from some sources close to the situation.
Hill’s going to be a better defender than Fox, no doubt. But I think Fox’s offense is needed in the lineup right now, and I don’t think he’ll be a trainwreck behind the plate.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree with that
Hill is brutal on offense.
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 22, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep.
Though maybe the Cubs are worried about Rollins, Victorino and Werth running – I could understand that.
Maybe a game against a station-to-station team like Cincinnati would be better for Fox to get his feet wet, but I don’t see the point in keeping his bat on the bench right now.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Something else that bothered me
Howard was 75 feet to 2B before Samardzija threw a pitch that was subsequently fouled off last night — what’s up with that?
It wouldn’t matter WHO was catching. BB was right – someone on the IF has to yell out.
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 22, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
That was awful.
Thankfully, Ibanez had to protect on a 2-2 pitch.
If Lee is playing behind, he has to let Samardzija know. And Samardzija has to vary his looks so that a runner can’t break that early.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the info
If he is a capable catcher, why wasn’t he able to get his feet wet against the Nats? Even if just for a few innings.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Probably for the same reason
he didn’t play 3B at all in Iowa after Ramirez went down. So in other words, who knows?
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
I think it's a media conspiracy!
Oh, wait — this doesn’t involve Milton Bradley, so the unsubstantiated, anonymous quote can be used as supporting evidence. My bad . . .
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 22, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
but
I’M the one who is obstinate.
Dood.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Lighten up, Francis
And if you really think someone was saying wins against the Nats don’t count in the standings, yeah, you are.
Because any reasonable person can infer that they were talking about the team’s performance – but you were parsing words to support your argument, and it wasn’t working all that well.
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 22, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
b/c 3rd base and catcher
Even if there is proof that he can be an average catcher. He’s spent so long in the minors that he doesn’t know prolly much about the ins and outs of the Cubs pitching staff, not to mention the hitters on other teams.
If it was him going from catcher to 3rd I’d be incredibly more comfy.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree which is why this is yet another ridiculously stupid roster move
by Lou and Jim. The Cubs had already tried Jake at catcher and were completely unimpressed. The fact that they went with him as the “backup” catcher instead of calling a real catcher up was mind boggling stupid.
They’ve now relegated one of our better hitters to barely ever playing.
please fire these morons
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
ok I guess now there are now more than 2 of us.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
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 22, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree - use him.
So if you’re a good catcher in high school, in college, and in the minors, it stands to reason you can probably do a competent job for a game.
The Cubs should give Fox a chance behind the plate – as I maintain, he won’t cost them a game.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree on Fox......why not put him in there?
…I mean this guy has been hitting and he cant get into the lineup.
because we have morons for manager and general manager
truly, 100% morons
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Not morons so much as pig headed guys
…who don’t want to admit how badly they’ve screwed things up.
Somebody should remind Hendry that he has very little to lose by making moves, etc., since, either way, his career as a GM is hanging by a thread right now.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Pig headed, or incompetent
either way, they need to go away
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I turned it off after the Cubs half of the 9th. Didn't want to see how we would lose it.
But I am impressed that we kept at it for so long in extras.
As for Lou’s comment on getting a hitter or two:
1. Are the Cubs and/or Lou convinced/concerned that Aramis will be going back to the DL or just unable to provide much?
2. When are we going to see the MB that is “back”? Lou is working with him, how about playing him? I guess he did get an AB last night?
I wouldn’t mind seeing Fukudome and Bradley 1-2 in the line-up. At least let them contribute through their ability to get on base, which is pretty good.
Bradley
is in the lineup today. Book it.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Not a very bold prediction...
With a lefty pitching today. I’d rather see Fox in the lineup.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
You might see both.
Fox could catch or play 3B.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
it's just an answer to Dude's question.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
also since the club said Bradley would be back on Wednesday
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
my point.
that makes it.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
2009 Cubs are garbage
It has been a perfect storm of awfulness. This team can’t beat quality competition and continues to piss away solid starting pitching. It really is too bad that Ricketts isn’t already in charge so the overdue extreme purge and rebuilding job can begin.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
I can't decide
Out of that BLew rant, which is the better band name:
“Perfect Storm of Awfulness”
or
“Overdue Extreme Purge”
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I hope Tom Ricketts has some Rocky Wirtz in him
That’s the only thing that can keep me motivated on this team right now. The future and a different strategic direction.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
Secretaries are screaming, paper is flying, interns are being flogged
And through the foggy din, a heroic figure arises…
“WE HAVE TO KEEP BLew MOTIVATED!”
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
No one is forcing you to stay here. You can take your rants and go somewhere else. Anybody can
stand by the side of the road and toss rocks. Add something to the debate.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 22, 2009 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions
We are not a government entity. That doesn't apply here.
Your frivolous appeal costs you sanctions. 2 nice things now.
Fine
Worf you are a wise man who know much about baseball
Worf you have the looks of Brad Pitt and Tom Cloney.
(Ok I just threw up in my mouth a little)
The sun will shine in '69
but he loves the attention he gets here.
Why else would have come back under what 4 different names?
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
♪I guess we'll never know . . .♫
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 22, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
But.. but.. but he's been a die-hard Cubs fan since 1977!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
"Overdue Extreme Purge".
Works on many different levels.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
or both
that one on the right – not so skinny. hubba hubba
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
♪How can it be permissible?♫
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 22, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
piss away solid.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
You should take a vacation
Go somewhere nice and not watch the Cubs for a week. I think it would do you and probably a lot of fans on here good.
He watches the Cubs ???
That is would be waste of his valuable time. He just reads line scores since that is all he needs to attack.
"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 22, 2009 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions
The only thing missing from the title of this post is a link to Da Coach
proclaiming, “…and Wollford still can’t cover anyone!”
STOP. SAYING. REBUILD.
Ugh. $130 million dollar teams do not rebuild. The Marlins rebuild. The Rays too, or the Orioels. $100 million dollar teams restructure, rejigger, reload… but do not “rebuild” in the way you keep claiming needs to be done.
You don’t see the Yanks rebuilding after an off year, right? How about the Mets, Red Sox or Dodgers?
They way you say it, it sounds like Ricketts is going to blow the whole thing up, allow for a 5 year period of sucking, literally start from scratch. Its not realistic.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
by AndrewJStone on Jul 22, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, it was long overdue
scrappy players should have high socks
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.
Another kick to the groin
Phillies got a lot of breaks for sure; Cubbies got none. With our luck, the Phillies will pad their lead enough that they fall out of the Halladay race and Doc ends up going to the Cards or Brewers. A double whammy.
by CTCubs on Jul 22, 2009 7:54 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Word here in WI is that the Brewers AREN'T
willing to give up what the Jays want… Which seems to be a lot.
"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
Ricciardi hinted that Doc might not even be traded
he doesnt seem to be getting the offers he wants
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.
I guess it would be tough on any team to trade
your top prospects for one guy. Especially, if it’s 4 or 5 guys. Could set a team back for a long time.
"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
Or it could help your team immensely
Look at the Rangers right now and what they’ve done with the pieces Atlanta sent in the Texeira deal.
If they get the right offer (and I don’t see it happening), they could bolster some areas of weakness and challenge Boston and New York for some of the 2010’s.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
The article I read...
… said Ricciardi set a July 28 deadline for himself to deal Halladay. That’s only six days from now. Prediction: he’s not going anywhere.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That sounds familiar
If im the Phillies, I wouldnt let a Kyle Drabek prevent me from getting one of the top 3 starters in the game, especially when he’s still under contract and your core guys are in their primes, they could make a huge run over the next few years with all those hitters and Hamels/Halladay
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.
Well, if they are in good position with minor leaguer to do that then,
yes do it. Halladay is under contract for another year. It’s probably not only Drabek or I would expect the deal to be done already.
"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
*minor league talent
"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
Yeah, but he's been mentioned the most
I dont know much at all about their system, so if it was Drabek and Happ for Halladay, Id be a bit hesitant b/c Happ is been great for them so far….but you can make an argument that Halladay is the best starter in the league
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.
I understand...
He is one of the best. With a lot of tread on those tires… Drabek and Happ may be the next Halladay. Either way, the Phillies future is very bright.
"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
That depends on how soon Drabek/Happ etc can contribute consistently
Outside of Hamels, they dont really have any starters that scare you, do they? Despite the fact that we made Rodrigo Lopez look like Cy Young, I think we got them beat in that regard
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.
Not really... I guess Happ does... The guy is 7-0 with a 1.15 whip.
He seems pretty dominating and making a difference with them already this year. Moyer is consistent though. Doesn’t scare me but will get his 15 wins a year.
"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
Good game - bad loss
Last night’s game was a great pitching duel. If not for some great plays by the Phils at 3b and diving catch by Ibanez in the 9th, it could have been a different result. Harden looked great and Marmol was throwing well.
And to top it off, I got to meet Al!
Nice to meet you!
Too bad it wasn’t at a win.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Don't worry
I’m bringing my personal 8 game winning streak to Philly today.
And I’ve seen Zambrano hit 5HR in person. Not too shabby since most games I ever catch have been at Shea.
We are going to hold you personally responsible if the Cubs don't win today.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Can you hold me personally responsible
Since they did win today?
:)
big game today
The Cubs need to show they can rebound from a tough loss like last night’s. Unfortunately, I don’t think they can.
I wonder if Lou noticed.....
….the Phillies used their back up catcher last night WITHOUT ANOTHER ONE ON THE BENCH!!!!
Liked Marmol’s outing. That’s the Carlos of old. Agreed about Marshall’s use. We have GOT to use him longer. Frustrating to watch so many hard hit balls get caught.
Need to shake up the lineup today. Need a good Z on the mound.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
That's because they probably have an emergency catcher somewhere
Our emergency catcher IS our backup catcher.
This is an intolerable situation. I can live with Fox being the backup catcher, but we need to have an emergency catcher behind him.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I guess Wuerth is their emergency catcher...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 22, 2009 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions
We do...
His name is Randy Wells….extreme emergency required…but it is he. For those who don’t know, Randy was a catcher before converting to a pitcher. If he was not on the DL, it would be Aaron Miles…so even on the DL…Miles inflicts damage on this team.
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Jul 22, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I noticed
This was because there back up catcher can actually catch. He sucks as a hitter so putting him in to pinch hit was a bit odd be he did go in to catch so that made ok. Assuming Hill catches today he will have caught
22 innings in under 24 hours. Good one.
"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 22, 2009 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Even Lou/Henry supporters
Have to realize just how insane that is. Can you imagine 22 in 24 hours and two off days between now and August 17 for Hill.
Best case scenio from what I have read is that Geo will be If it looks like few days into August to return from the disabled list. . But they won’t know until the end of this week if this is true or if it’ll take a few more weeks.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah but we don't need another catcher!
Hill will be fine, I mean he catch 162 games, all catchers do it. And if something happens to him we have a superstar back-up in Fox! I mean come on how many games he caught now, like .3. He’s ready to fill in everyday in Hill goes down. And if Hill does go down we can always use Zamabrano as the back-up to Fox!
The sun will shine in '69
Double agree on use of Marshall.
We can’t continue to waste him on one or two hitters all the time.
Did anyone see the look on his face when Lou signaled to the bullpen? He just shook his head like: “I can’t believe he is taking me out”.
I totally agree with Marshall on that one.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 22, 2009 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Especially when he brings in Heilman to replace him....lol
I’d be pissed, too.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 22, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Personally, I would like to see him in the starting rotation until
Demp comes back. I don’t have a lot of faith in Hart.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 22, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Normally I would agree
But as I was avoiding watching the game and standing outside listening to play by play blasted in the
rest area just outside the seating area I heard the Phillies announce say Werth was 3-6 off Marshall with a home run and a double. At least that is what I think the said
"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 22, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Who cares?
This is baseball. It’s 6 at-bats, not 6 tennis matches or 6 marathons. Anyone can go 3-6 with a homer and a double off of anyone. It’s pretty much meaningless.
I can see Piniella's
point to not use Gregg. Its easier to put Lidge in when the Phillies are the home team. They score and its over. The Cubs, as you know, would have to preserve a lead. One way or the other, the lack of runs was going to force someone other than Gregg to pitch in that spot.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
Yes,
I think if we took the lead, he would have put in Gregg. But then I can’t really read Lou’s mind. I’ve thought other things before and he confounds me.
"Fasten your seatbelts"-Pat Hughes
I've tried to explain this before to people in here but got bashed...
You can’t throw Gregg on the road in a tie, end up taking a lead and then trotting The Shark, Stevens or someone with no experience closing games out there. Especially in Philly. Now I know they lost anyway but Lou was thinking right.
"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
Ah yes, the delusional lemmings of BCB continue think this Cub team is just a win streak away from greatness
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
not from greatness.
this team is pretty crappy, but crappy might contend.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Feel better?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 22, 2009 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll feel better when Kenney, Hendry, Fleita, Wilken and Lou are gone
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
Then you'll stop with the "BCB lemmings" crap?
Because I’m not seeing a lot of positive comments at all about last night’s game.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 22, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions
WOW Lou is now on that list????
Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago, that we were lemmings b/c he didn’t believe Lou was doing his job?
Whats next Harden you golden boy (who cant pitch day games or @ Wrigley) you turning on him also after last year that none of us understood how pitching was king?
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
he's already started calling Harden
“frail”.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
I know.
:D
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
You may be waiting a long time to feel better, then.
Those who think that current management is going to be shown the door upon a Ricketts takeover are likely to be disappointed.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And this somehow comforts you ?!?!?
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
Not necessarily.
I’m just saying that if you expect Ricketts to blow this team up, I don’t see it happening.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
yeah
You pay 900M for an underperforming, but still contending, team in this economy, it makes ZERO sense to begin rebuilding now. Ricketts will need the revenues derived from a contending team to satisfy creditors and debt obligations.
by CTCubs on Jul 22, 2009 11:25 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm gonna buy stock
in whatever pain-killer or alcohol you use. Because I don’t see significant changes in the front office, and Lou will only go if he wants to.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
If we miss the playoffs...
You don’t see Ricketts giving Hendry the boot?
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Jul 22, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
yes.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
sorry to butt in
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I think he might anyway
A lot of people like to bring their own guys 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 22, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly.
Speaking of changes, I am curious about Ryno, after a few years in the minors, is it likely they will bring him up as a bench coach or hitting coast. Or put him right in the hot seat as manager
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
I think it depends on where Trammel is
If Trammel is hired somewhere else, I could see Sandberg being the bench coach. Otherwise, he’s probably got at least one more year in the minors.
I don’t think he’d be the hitting coach either way.
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 22, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
So your saying he'll likely be brought in to be manager
not hitting coach, bench coach etc?
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Bench coach, maybe
But I don’t see them dumping Trammel to do it.
Hitting coach, I doubt it. If he really is seen as a manager in waiting, I don’t think that position gets him closer.
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 22, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Now if only Maddux could get sick of golfing
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Not yet
Heck is dropping the kids off at school and picking them up. going to little league games with his son and teaching his daughter how to drive. He is going all Mr. Mom.
To make it worse after the Braves ceremony Cox said they had talked about his having a role with the Braves next year at least in Spring Training. I wish he did not hate cold weather.
"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 22, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
so you're telling me there's a chance?!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Do you think he's got a decent enough relationship with Sandberg to overcome the weather?
Himes continues to plague the Cubs . . .
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 22, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't see that
no. I think the ownership transfer won’t happen till the middle of the offseason at best, and he won’t want to change horses mid-stream.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Im betting Hendry will be around!!!!
Bitch all you want to about Hendry, I’ll bet there’s a good chance he’ll be around for awhile and not because he’s got 3 three more years on his deal. Did you know BLou that Ricketts is from Omaha and he funded alot of programs at Creighton in the late 80’s and 90’s and guess what BLou? Who was the head coach of the blue jays baseball team? Jim Hendry!! so you can keep your bitching, its going to be in vein for awhile.
The funny thing is, they theoretically are.
Yes, I know they’ve been mediocre all season. But because of the division’s lack of a dominant team, they’re still only 2 games out.
Yes, this is a flawed team, no doubt. But I’d rather see the Cubs try and win a division that’s there for the taking than raise the White Flag, a la the 1997 White Sox.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
A White Flag trade won't work for this team
Hendry still has all his eggs in the “win now” basket. Now obviously the hitters on this team aren’t aware that the Cubs window for a World Title is probably only open one more season, but Hendry can’t blow this up. It would be his final act as Cubs GM IMO.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
That's what I'm saying.
And with the Cubs 2 games out of first in a mediocre division, there’s no need to blow things up in the next 9 days.
If Hendry does anything at the deadline, it will be to supplement this roster and try and win the division.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
To make a legit run at the World Series
this team either needs to make a real trade for a really good player, or a flat out miracle to happen.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
clicked post too soon
I would stick with the roster as it is, because its not worth wasting a prospect when you have a team that isn’t really primed for much success.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I see them adding a bullpen arm, maybe.
Also, they may do nothing at this deadline, but then make a move before the Sept. 1 deadline and hope they can get someone through waivers.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Well hopefully that doesn't come at the expense of any sort of useful prospect
Either go balls out all in and make a Godfather offer for Halladay or stick as is an hope some miracle happens.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I doubt it comes at the expense of a top-tier prospect.
I see the Cubs trying to make more deals in August than I do over the next 9 days, but that’s me.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Hendry seems to have more luck with guys that have been given up on
Than he does signing players he thinks are good.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
just need to find a way to sneak into the playoffs and then get lucky.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Theoretically, I could get a million dollars for correctly guessing a number between one and ten.
It doesn’t mean that it’s likely.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
I didn't even think of a number
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
You can't win if there was no number picked
Sorry
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
You're going to keep guessing, aren't you?
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
It's 3.
it’s always 3.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
And the Lord spake, saying,
“First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then, shalt thou count to three. No more. No less. Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once at the number three, being the third number be reached, then, lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in My sight, shall snuff it.”
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
so I win?
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
No
I don’t even have a million to give away. I just felt like quoting a Monty Python film.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
and for that quote, we're all winners.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
π?
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 22, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
well, you'd have a 1-in-10 chance of it happening.
the Cubs current playoff odds are better than 1-in-5. There’s no need to throw in the towel when you’re 2 games out of first, IMO.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Never said I was throwing in the towel
It’s just not the most encouraging prospect.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Fair enough.
I know it’s not encouraging, especially the way the Cubs have looked these last 2 games, but they’re 2 games out of first and tied in the loss column with St. Louis.
The division is winnable, as of today.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Not greatness
Just an 8 game streak away from 1st place. We are still only 2 back in the standings
The sun will shine in '69
what the hell are you talking about
find one post in this thread where anyone said that.
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
For me it was a great game to watch, bad outcome
I love to see a pitchers duel and it was sure that last night. Harden was the best he has been all year and our bullpen (until the 13th) was awesome. Love to see that radar gun hit 96.
I read all the trade posts in the fanpost yesterday. For Lou to say we need some hitters I just can’t see a position for them given our payroll. If Hendry thinks outside the box, he has to trade away some people that everyone on BCB says are untradeable. I just don’t see anybody taking them because of salary, age, worthlessness or whatever. Best case is we start hitting.
If there is any position open it would have to be middle infield. Could there be a wild trade for a hitter (my guess is a top of the order guy as opposed to a RBI guy) that works? I would like to see it. Like Lou said last night, we’ve played this game before, I would like to compliment my hitters for a change.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Phillies and Dodgers are the teams to beat
No question about it. If either gets Roy Halladay (or St. Louis), then that team will be the clear cut team to beat for the NL Pennant.
I get the sense that Halladay is going to wind up a Yankee however.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
I'll repeat my prediction above.
Halladay isn’t going anywhere.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
They've really said as much. The rumor is that they have set the price so high that no one will bite.
Toronto has complained for years that they cannot compete against Boston and New York because of the market size. Tampa’s success has put a lot of pressure on Toronto and they will look even worse if they dump Doc and don’t get a big return. They are trying to buy time for the current management group. If they dump Doc, they will likely have to move Rolen or Scutaro or Rios or maybe even all three. The fear is that the fans don’t want to see them blow up the team, but they really need to do it to follow the Tampa model.Who knows what they will do?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 22, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I would bet Halladay gets traded in the offseason.
"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
They are still going to want a teams 4 best prospects for him
and I don’t think anyone is going to give up that much
The sun will shine in '69
I don't think anyone gives that up either...
but his value is at it’s peak right now. When people don’t want to deal with them because their asking price is too high and they can’t trade him, then the Jays will be forced to move him for a lot less when his demand is down. They don’t HAVE to trade him now. They will next season… or let him walk and get nothing.
"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
I would like the great defenders of Alfonso Soriano to explain his swing against Chan Ho Park
The guess hitting hack has infuriated me for 2 1/2 seasons. But despite all the hundreds of horrendous swings he has taken over his tenure NOTHING quite tops his swing and miss against Chan Friggin Ho Park last night. Soriano missed that one pitch by a full three feet.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
He forgot "lazy"
But yes, classics are always in fashion.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jul 22, 2009 10:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
King
What is, “Pitching?”
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 22, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't share the spirit of your comment
But, that was a really bad swing and a miss. 3 feet is really not an exaggeration.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
Indeed.
I don’t usually get in on the Soriano bashing too much, but that pitch started off the plate and finished in the middle of New Jersey (I checked Google Earth, and Jersey is indeed to the first-base side). The swing only made it out to the near bank of the Delaware River.
Just further proof this is a .500 team
Lou still wants a lefty power bat, still. We had it last season from Jim Edmonds, and Hendry swung and missed on his replacement.
Still want to use Aramis’ injury as an excuse? I’m pretty sure that guy is back and they still managed 2 runs in that last 22 innings.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Thats why we cant expect too much from Ramirez
He said it himself, he wont be 100% until next year. Im trying to fend off visions of 2004, but theyre not making it easy
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.
Hence another log on the fire that says this season has been over for weeks
But alas, some Cub fans shall forever wait for the guess hitting hack to carry this team.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
Well you gotta take some solace in the mediocrity of the NL Central
Im having my doubts that we’ll make the playoffs, but there is a glimmer of hope b/c of our division. So whats more likely?
a) the guys all get hot and rip through August and September and take over STL
or
b) we keep treading water, make a final push, and lose to the Cards by 1.5 or something like that?
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.
Good question.
I want to say A. because I know they can do it… But they have played like B. all season and I’m not sure that is going to change this year. It’s not early in the season anymore.
"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
Yeah you nailed it
Look at the roster on paper, and its still impressive, but its been a perfect storm of career worst slumps and/or injuries for our key hitters.
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.
the roster doesn't look that good.
we have no real stars (save a healthy ramirez). dlee is a good player, but aging. that’s it. zambrano is okay. lilly grinds. were just not very good. we have a lineup seemingly full of guys that can get hot, but are poor fundamental ballplayers.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
'a' is not even a possibility in my opinion.
it’s either:
tread water, fall short (most likely)
tread water, sneak in (possible)
suck.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
To me it seems like Lou and Jim aren't on the same page...
and Lou’s voicing that. I honestly don’t think Bradley was the left handed hitter he wanted and in a way voicing that through the media.
"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
Meh
Lou’s been in enough rodeo’s. At his age, he doesn’t need to play to the media to get his point across. I don’t buy that his comments have any intention of sticking Hendry. I think he’s being pretty blunt about what he believes his club needs at this stage of the season and nothing more.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
Well, He's saying he STILL wants a left-handed bat.
That’s all Hendry gave him this off-season. So it tells me Lou isn’t happy about what he got for Christmas.
"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
I think yesterday's comments might be more designed
To light a fire under the collective ass of the offense.
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 22, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Probably
The problem is that that is Lou’s only strategy. I find it almost odd that an “old school”manager keeps coddling players. Bobby Cox would have pulled Soriano out of the game on Monday after his lax attitude in letting the ball go right out of his glove.
"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 22, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
At least Sori now does get pulled for defense late in close games
That never used to happen and Piniella swore up and down he wouldn’t do it.
Thing is, everyone thinks Sandberg will be tougher on players, but the reality is that’s not really how the game works anymore. It’s too bad.
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 22, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I think they're designed more to pretend he's not responsible at all for this mess
which is a fallacy, but a fallacy he’d love to have people believe
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not so sure
I doubt he’s worried about his legacy being tainted by one season. And if he wants changes, truly wants them, I think he’d go to Hendry directly.
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 22, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah, and they all exploded.
he still doesn’t have the bat. we chose wrong. ibanez or dunn were the correct choices (though both would have probably bombed for us).
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
I think I read a few weeks ago that Lou wanted Ibanez
But Hendry already had his heart set on Milton. Now I was a big supporter of the Milton signing when it happened, and I won’t deny that. I still think he can be very helpful to this team, but it is clear that he isn’t a great power bat. Quite frankly he never really was a great power bat
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Well then whos held accountable?
Hendry for signing him? Lou for not getting through to him? or Bradley himself?
Its gotta be Hendry, he’s really messed up a great thing, so does he get off scott free?
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.
Top down
I’d say both Hendry and Piniella
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Hendry. HIS moves didn't work out.
I don’t think Lou was standing over Jim’s shoulder every step of the way.
"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
Plus Piniella for collective failure
0-6 in the playoffs and now this.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Meh on the playoffs
He didn’t tell the team to stop hitting.
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 22, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions
But what was consistent?
His managing.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
That's not why they lost
The only issue that I have with the managing in the playoffs was how he handled Fukudome.
Game 3 was the only game that he should have started, and it was the only game that he didn’t start.
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 22, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions
And...
I think the only reason Kosuke played was because DeRosa strained his calf the last week of the season. I don’t think he could play the outfield. But… I certainly wouldn’t have hit him 2nd.
"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
8th would have been a better choice
Why not play Johnson instead, though?
Dome had a history against the Game 3 starter . . . and he sat.
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 22, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I totally agree...
Especially, after Lou saying he was done with Kosuke.
"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
Removing Zambrano in 07
was a horrible move, not using Lilly at all last year didnt help, not having the balls to move Soriano down earlier didnt help
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.
Sigh.
They scored 1 run in game 1 of 2007. ONE.
Didn’t matter who was pitching, did it?
Would Lilly in the lineup have caused them to score more runs? The hitting was the problem.
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 22, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Two years in a row
The Cubs did not hit in the playoffs two years in a row. You have to start pointing fingers at that point. I know I wanted Piniella gone after last year’s October debacle. There’s no question in my mind that he is not a good postseason manager apart from the fluke sweep of the Athletics in the 1990 World Series.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
That's 6 games, though
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 22, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Can a sweep be a fluke?
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.
Ask the 2005 Houston Astros about fluke sweeps
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
If that's a fluke, why can't 2008 LA be?
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 22, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
True
but Z was great that game and to pull him to save him for a fictional game 4 was ridiculous.
But I see your point
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.
I didn't agree with the move at the time
And actually, I still don’t agree with it.
But too many people (I’m not saying you are, mind you) use that as a crutch. They just didn’t hit.
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 22, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
And I think them not hitting...
is a reflection of how the players handle pressure not the manager “managing” them to hit.
"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
Exactly
And I think that’s why Bradley was added — to put a chip on the shoulder.
Well, that part worked, anyway . . . unfortunately, the chip is a little oversized.
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 22, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
If that was the reason Bradley was added, it was a big mistake.
We needed someone to hit and drive in runs. In case management has forgotten that’s the way to win baseball games.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Oh, I think they expected him to hit the way he has
And frankly, so did I.
The issue that I have is, they obviously didn’t do their due dilligence on his personality.
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 22, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions
*the way he has in prior years
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 22, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
If they expected him to hit this way, they made a big mistake.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
C'mon, you know what I meant
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 22, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
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 22, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
And he's not taken well to the "Chicago pressure."
Even he has said it’s a lot larger than what he thought it would be.
"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
He does play a fine victim, though
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 22, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Woe is me :(
"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
Maybe they can trade him to Houston
Can you imagine him and Hawkins on the same team?
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 22, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Hawkins has drawn raves from the Houston media for his good clubhouse presence.
Makes me believe he must have had a personality transplant since he was a Cub.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
He'd have to have
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 22, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Life is much easier when there are no expectations..
….I doubt the Astros faithful have really pushed Hawkins much
I thought Cubs players stood up for LaTroy also.
I’m pretty sure it was the media and some fans that didn’t like him because of some comments he made in interviews.
Because I have a (small) amount of experience with this, I just want to point out that it’s very difficult for people with certain types of personalities to deal with public performances like interviews, especially when reporters ask stupid questions or behave adversarially, as they typically do. The Hawkins that the media sees and the one that the clubhouse sees could be very different people. He isn’t and wasn’t a perfect person, nobody is, but I never heard anything bad about Hawkins from his teammates.
Hendry is going to get a ton of blame
I think this past offseason is going to cost him his job.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
Thats my opinion, but I dont see it
He’s still made some great moves, most early in his regime, Lilly was a stroke of genious, Soriano was grossly overpaid, but integral to the past two division titles, and Bradley has been well, Bradley.
So it all depends on Ricketts and whether or not he takes the long or short view of Hendrys reign.
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.
Hendry deserves credit for taking that 2006 team
and making them division champs one year later, and a 97 win team the year after that. He did that though at the expense of the future, he is now paying for that lost gamble.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
He also assembled that 2006 team
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 22, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Very, very, very true
Look (in my best lou voice), he has set this team up for a multi-year stretch of awful baseball with the hope that before that happens the team would have won a World Series.
He failed, time to bring in the next GM.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
I agree
He’s made good and bad moves, but the farm system stinks, his best trades have been salary dumps by other teams and he bids against himself.
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 22, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
but think of the players you could sign for soriano's money.
yikes.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
it's certainly not bradley.
they signed him. he’s trying. hendry is pretty lousy. i think any gm in the league could have built a better cubs team given the resources hendry has had during his tenure. he’s done a plus job with pitching, but the man is terrible at evaluating offensive strengths and weaknesses.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
The problem I had with the signing from the start
is that it was beyond OBVIOUS that Bradley wasn’t a real power bat. His career high is 22. The fact that the Cubs ever looked at him as a power bat is why I have never liked Hendry, and am beginning to despise Lou
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
The Ramirez excuse
Is complete and utter nonsense. Some people foolishly believed he would come back in mid-season form when in fact it was entirely more likely that he would come back just as he has…with little or no production. The guy is playing with one arm and shouldn’t be expected to do anything…and his production so far has certainly supported that. Other guys don’t have that same excuse yet their flaws and failings have been overlooked or minimized because Ramirez was somehow going to solve them. Flawed logic to say the least.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
agreed. i'm surprised ramirez has been this good.
people were expecting rami to just waltz back into his old form. i doubt he gets back to that form for a long, long time, if ever.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Memo to Lou
Yes, you need at least one hitter but you’ve got a perfectly viable option sitting right next to you in Jake Fox. His buddy Soriano hasn’t produced for the better part of this season and certainly not over the past 10 weeks save his two-game “hot streak” against Washington and a bucket full of bloop hits. He continues to embarass himself at the plate, in the field and on the bases yet he gets penciled into the lineup daily. He whines and complains when he is out of the lineup as if he is entitled to be there simply because he’s getting paid an enormous amount of money whether he plays well or continues to flounder. It’s mind-numbing when you think about it. All Fox has done is hit wherever he’s been the entire 2009 season and all it’s earned him is a closer look at Soriano’s ineptitude.
Hey Lou, you may still need a LH hitter but your RH hitter and LF replacement is standing or sitting 20 feet from you. Go ahead and use him regularly.
But the sum of this season is and will continue to be that on a team with little or no speed, you’ve got three guys that were counted on as being major run producers doing little to nothing in that department for a variety of reasons. Between Bradley, Soriano and Ramirez, the Cubs are probably going to end up getting about one-tenth the production they expected going into the season. If those three guys don’t hit…and hit a ton…over the next 70 games, that will be what is written on the tombstone for this club.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
by krummy12 on Jul 22, 2009 8:33 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm reminded of what Dallas Green said when he arrived in 1982...."guaranteed contracts, not guaranteed jobs"
This is a mantra that Hendry and Lou need to embrace right now. Bench Soriano and Bradley regardless the contracts. Stop the entitlement and embrace a meritocracy.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
I think I have to agree
we have the Reds, Astros, Marlins and Reds coming up. Sit Soriano and Bradley half of those games (maybe more, maybe less than half) and see where it takes us. Unless someone goes on a big streak in our division, we’ve proven that .500 baseball will keep us in the mix. At that time, make a decision for the rest of the season. If Sori and Bradley don’t get the hint and start hitting, go with guys who are. Even Hoffpauir has hit better the last week or so. I would sit Aram too, I just don’t think he’s healthy yet.
What are we going to do with Miles? Leave him at leadoff at AAA? What a waste of money that was and he is not hitting that well there either!
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
I vote that we leave Miles
as the Philly airport – as in released.
"I won't be like A-Rod" - Z, 3/17/09
by Ihatethecards on Jul 22, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
He will be very confused if you leave him in the Philly airport
as he is in Iowa.
"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 22, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Leave him in the Des Moines bus station, then.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Maybe he can be sent to Dyersville
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 22, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
New Position for Miles:
Left Out.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
besides Miles, I also think a guy like Fuld can really help in
one run/extra inning games. Why Fox and Fuld are not seeing playing time is beyond me.
Is Lou worried about Soriano’s ego, or Hendry’s?
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
I realize Fuld is in Iowa...we need him with the 25 guys in AAAA.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Ramirez should go under the knife to get that shoulder fixed the right way for the long haul
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
that one thing i agree with you on
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions
that's tantamount
to flying the surrender monkey flag.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
why? he's going to hurt himself even worse. Plus, he's not even hitting right now.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
let me take that back.
I don’t mean surgury, i’m talking about putting him on the dl and let his rest for a couple weeks
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
surgery*
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
not gonna make much difference.
this isn’t like a strain. i don’t really think he’s in much danger of hurting himself ‘worse’, he could re-separate it of course.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
well
that’s very different then going under the knife.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
they are not simply going to 'get the hint'.
i expect bradley to continue at this pace all year. soriano will probably hit 8-10 homeruns and hit around .260 or so and continue to be completely unreliable. i wish we would just get some professional ballplayers. that’s one thing you can say about fukudome; he doesn’t act like a teenager.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
too bad he's ridiculously overpaid
for what he gives you. Much like every other Japanese position player. I really wish Hendry had learned that offensive stats from the Japanese league simply don’t transfer over
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
nevermind, Aubrey Huff hasn't played OF in 2 yrs.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I wanted Scott last offseason.
He’d look real good in RF right now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Felix Pie is available for the princely sum of bus fare
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
No thanks.
You did happen to be right about Pie, at least.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
yeah blind squirrels can even sometimes find nuts :)
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, if you say everyone sucks, you're right more often than not, right?
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 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
good point
This is a sport where 7 out 10 times failing is consider a great season for a hitter. So failure is a bigger part of the game then most other sports.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Same old 2009 Cubs
1st inning: lead-off man gets on, can’t even get him to 2nd base
3rd inning: lead-off man gets on, can’t even get him to 2nd base
4th inning: lead-off man gets on, we finally double him home with 2 outs, and leave Fukudome stranded on 2nd.
And, to play 13 innings of baseball, and not even fin a way to get Jake Fox a single at-bat is flat out inexcusable.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
you didn't mention we went the last six innings without a hit
that’s ridiculous considering the pitchers we were facing
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
We also went 13 innnings without drawing a single walk....
in a friggin 1-1 ballgame.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
We also only saw 162 pitches in 13 innings
Compared to the Phillies seeing 217 pitches.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Thanks...
Helps my points above about their approach being bad at the plate.
"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
While it stunk on ice to lose last night
we fought the hottest team in baseball to a standstill last night. Sure, we didn’t find a way to win, but neither did they, till Spellcheck made one mistake.
We’ll get ’em today.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
Against Jamie Moyer?
Who is basically Doug Davis (aka Cy Young when he faces the Cubs) except he throws 10 mph slower. We will be fueling sportscenter stories tonight about how great Moyer is.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
we pitched well.
but we were not close to scoring. that game could’ve gone twenty innings and i don’t think the cubs would have scored. it was simply a matter of time, and it was obvious.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
YAY moral vicories!
we lost. If we fought them to a standstill the game would still be going on.
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I say we start lobbying for moral victories to count in the standings...
The Cubs would be every bit as good as some people on here seem to delusionally think they are.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
So is Lou.....I did like this comment from last night;
“We’re challenged offensively, I can tell you that. You don’t score runs, you can’t win. We’ve played this game so many times before that you get tired of complimenting the other team’s pitchers. I’d like to compliment our hitters once in a while
Lou is over it….
BTW...
I just remembered that I had a dream last night… that a brawl took place in tonight’s game. Fueled A-Ram getting hit by another pitch and Lou going crazy.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Yes, but did we win the game in your dream?
That’s the real issue.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Was it an ♪ awsome dream♫ ?
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 22, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Erin Andrews won.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
So it was awesome, then.
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 22, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
I say we lobby for a rule change
You score a 1/4 run everytime you strand a guy at 2nd… 1/2 run everytime you strand a guy at 3rd.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
you can continue
to refuse to see any positives in anything as much as you want.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
thanks for your permission
not sure I need it for anything.
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
and I see positives in positive situations
like winning ball game. I don’t search for it. Let Royals fans be happy they were tied for a while
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
As for me, I'm the type of fan who actually gets bummed when the Cubs lose...
…I don’t walk away from losses thinking, “well, at least our pitching was good, we’ll get ’em next time, blah, blah, blah.”
A loss is a loss. There are no “moral victories” here.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Are there amoral victories?
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 22, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
What do tigers dream of when they take their little tiger snooze?
Do they dream of mauling zebras, or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit?
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Points taken . . . .
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 22, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't see a single person mentioning that we just received the warm and welcoming news...
…that Milton Bradley is now ours for two more years, and $21M.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
he can always be traded
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Crikey
What other team in their right mind is going to take this whack job cancer?!? NOBODY. I think you could include 98% of his salary in the deal and there would still be no takers.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
You don't know what other teams what. Period.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, good luck with that theory
I’d like to know of one professional baseball team on the planet who is having front office discussion of how they can’t wait to pry Milton Bradley away from the Cubs.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
Theory? It's far from theory, it's fact.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Kindly describe the wondrous market for Milton Bradley??
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
any team that wants a hitter
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
You do understand if you're going to claim it's a fact
you need to actually back it up with more than “any team” otherwise it’s an opinion
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
it's fact that he's tradable ... i think a lot of mlb players are tradable
why do i need to back that up? because it makes so much sense that you don’t understand …
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
because you're claiming it as a fact, and it's not
it’s your OPINION that other teams would want to take on his salary and attitude. It’s not a fact.
This is not grad school level thinking, a fact is something that is indisputable and is supported. An opinion is something someone believes, but can’t prove
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
apparently you say all this but what do you have to back up your statements?
and lol it is fact that he can always be traded.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
what statements?
that your opinion is an opinion?
Now you’re not making any sense at all
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
because you’re claiming it as a fact, and it’s not
Tell me why “he could always be traded” is not fact.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
because it's your opinion, and you have no facts to proof to back it up
I’m just going to point to my explanation of the difference between a fact, and an opinion instead of typing it again.
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
omg i'm not talking about fact or opinion
i’m talking about your view on bradley and why YOU don’t think he could be traded
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I never said he COULDN'T be traded
But it’s not a fact that other teams want him. I just get annoyed when people hold up their opinions as unquestionable facts.
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
You might want to give up huffing your Elmer's glue
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
you might want to stop posting comments that you don't even believe just to get attention
it’s very pointless and stupid.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
He hasn't done anything to help his trade value
And… saddled with two more years and $20 mil.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
there's no way he stays here for the entire three years.
this relationship will come to an unceremonious and early end.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Right before the new year
I said Bradley will be Jacque Jones Part 2, and pretty much got ridiculed for it. I knew this was going to happen. Stop overpaying by millions for average players.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I think Bradley would technically be Jacque Jones part 3
Dome was part two. We’ve had some truly bad rightfielders over the last few seasons
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
This is what happens when your minor league system continues to be awful
Hendry has utterly failed in building a quality and reliable farm system. And it has resulted on over-reliance on free agency to be the salvation.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
We're paying gobs and gobs of money for this outfield.
And we don’t have a legitimate superstar to show for it. And no… Soriano is not a superstar.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
soriano isn't even league average.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
For the momey we're spending, and the market we play in...
We SHOULD have a real top flight superstar on this team. And, we don’t have much of anything that resembles one. Sure, DLee and ARam are great players to have… but neither of them is a superstar… a game changer… an intimidator that you pitch around.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
i really hope the cubs make a push for pujols
if he goes to free agency. throw everything at him, if only to drive the price up.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Interesting thought
Not sure when he is FA, but is it while DLee is still under contract?
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
My point is...
We should already have a guy near Pujols territory on this team, for the money we’re spending. There should be a league MVP on this roster for that money.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Talk about setting an easy target, 75 games for a 3rd year? (right?)
…I mean that wasnt really a stretch goal for a guarenteed 3rd year, more like a slam dunk.
The wondrous financial acumen and dealmaking of Donuts Hendry
- Can’t build a farm system
- Trade prowess is largely limited to salary dump moves
- Guilty of awful scouting evaluation (Soriano, Kosuke, Bradley, Miles, etc.
- Addicted to overpaying in free agency
- Bids against himself in contract negotiations
- Changes the strategy for winning on an annual basis or whenever his latest manager whispers something else in his ear
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
good.
I still believe that Bradley will come through for us.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
wow, after falling completely flat.
he’s have to play above his career highs to have any shot at salvaging this deal.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
what his stats will look like at the end of the year. But if he can get back to norms just for the second half, we’ll win more ball games.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 22, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
If Ryan Theriot grows wings...
maybe he’d be a better short stop.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 22, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Ryan Theriot was playing LF last night...
Seriously. How many times did he have to go all the way out there and catch a ball for Soriano?
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Okay, so the fact is that nobody really knows what Ricketts' approach will be
…once he (finally) takes over, I can’t see how anybody with a brain in his head can come in and keep following the status quo. This team is overpad and over the hill. Our minor league system and player deelopment can kindly be called “mediocre”.
I don’t know how many people remember just how bad the Cubs were at all levels when Wrigley sold them in ’81 but teh first thing the Trib did was hire Dallas Green, a smart, tough baseball man, and essentially hand over the reins to him. Within two years he built a contender and, shortly after that, the barren minor league system actually started producing major league ballplayer.
In my perfect world, Ricketts is already thinking about what to do and who to bring in. Maybe I’m completely off base with this but the thought at least gives me some small bit of hope.
We need Ricketts to be Rocky Wirtz redux
Come in and take a buzzsaw to things. And I could care less if it takes the Cubs several seasons of rebuilding. Tear this thing done and do it right for a change.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
Heck, I'd love to see them pry Green back from the Phils as a consultant
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 22, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Dallas Green on his worst day is better than Hendry on his best.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 22, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I hope he goes out and basically steals away the farm system directors from a succesfull program.
Twins, Rays, Marlins, etc.
You build us a scouting and developmental system like that… in the market we’re in… and very, very good things will happen.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Larry Beinfast of Florida is the guy I would love to see hired as VP of Baseball Operations
Steal him from the Marlins by providing him a “promotion” to VP level. Then get out of his way and turn him lose for a few seasons.
Cubs will win 79 to 83 games. Season has been over for weeks. St. Louis will eventually run away with this division. And you can print it. BLou (7/21/09)
Roster Management
After a night of reflection -
Several times during the game, Len and Bob talked about the reluctance of Lou to pinch hit for Hill because of his concern about using Fox in a one run game.
Well, how about this. Why in the hell can’t the Cubs move Baker (Jeffy — not Dusty) off the roster and replace him with one of the guys at Iowa — Chris Robinson comes to mind.
Then if the need arises to pinch hit for Hill, the Lou can use Fox and not worry about his lack of catching skills. Not using Fox is ridiculous. The guy can hit, is hitting, and his bat is needed.
Having that other backup catcher would allow the Cubs to use Fox in other situations without the fear of not having a backup.
THIS IS JUST COMMON SENSE. Having Robinson or some other backup is the right move. Just get rid of Baker.
Again last night — Why didn’t Lou put Fox in the OF instead of Johnson. Fukudome has had some nice games recently. Fox had a nice game on Sunday and given the history of the Phillies park, would’t his bat look a lot better on the field rather than on the bench?
Lastly — what was that I’ll kiss you if you’ll kiss me exchange between Lou and Charlie Manuel in the last Phillie at bat? Could you imagine LaRussa doing that during a game?
All that tells me is that Lou wanted the Phillies to swing and get the game over with. That is certainly the impressiono that I was left with.
Well, Lou if that is how you feel maybe you should be going back to Tampa and roll some cigars. Because that is not how Cubs fans think or feel. Your act is getting tired.
their roster management this off-season, and season
has been a notch below horrific. I’ve never seen a team make the wrong call on a player and situation as often and consistently as Jim and Lou have this year
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 22, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
no doubt. i really don't think these guys know what they are doing.
how in the hell have they not brought in another backup catcher? what is with these idiots?
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Jul 22, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
To play 13 innings and not find a single at-bat for Jake Fox
is flat out inexcusable.
Get him up at the plate somehow… and then stick him in RF, so you don’t lose your back-up catcher in case of emergency.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Adam LaRoche has been traded .... don't know what team though
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
Rumor has it that its San Francisco.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
that's what i'm thinking as well
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
It's to the Red Sox
here.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
talk about great news for LaRoche ... from the Pirates to the best team in baseball
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Lowell's hip must not be too good.
If he camos back in decent shape, then LaRoche becomes a late-inning defensive replacement.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
according to a blogger on mtr who said the Red Sox would be the team like half hr before
now says that Jack Wilson will be traded to the Sox as well. It helps the Cubs i guess.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Jul 22, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Very interesting.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Jul 22, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Too predictable for comfort
Can’t express the frustration better than has already been. This team is lucky to be in 2nd place; albeit now tied with two other teams.
Some changes I would make. Play Soriano and Ramirez less. Play Fox and Bradley more, but have Bradley bat right all of the time. Bring Fuld up and I don’t know who should be sent down or released to make room for him. Try to trade Bradley. Put Bradley on the trade wire, and take him off and keep him if nobody wants him or if a deal can’t be reached. Ease off of the right / left match-ups and sacrifice some defense when necessary; favoring instead who can hit, who can hit both right and lefthanded pitching, and who can hit for extra bases.
Totally agree, there is no excuse for Jake Fox not coming to the plate last night.
At some point....
…..like defensive substitutions, can’t we make offensive substitutions?
I mean, aside form pinch-hitting for pitchers?
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Jul 22, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
"You know what? We might need a couple hitters here at the trading deadline,"
With that bold statement, Pinella has become my favorite Cubs manager of all time………………..at least when he’s not sleepy…………..
"Bite my shiny metal ass!" -- Bender Bending Rodriguez
"Life is just one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead."
by The Jade Scorpion on Jul 22, 2009 11:26 AM CDT reply actions
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