Keep Sam Fuld In The Lineup: Cubs vs. Brewers Preview, Friday 7/3, 1:20 CT
by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2009 11:30 AM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintOne thing Lou Piniella has been about in his time as Cubs manager is playing young players when they produce. Ryan Theriot pretty much forced Lou to keep him as the starting SS in 2007 with a great spring. Mike Fontenot, same thing in getting to the major league roster and getting more playing time. And Micah Hoffpauir impressed Lou in last year's spring training and played himself into a bench role after several years mashing minor league pitching.
Sam Fuld, and granted it's only been two days, is making his case to at least play while he's hot, and maybe stick around as a bench player when everyone's healthy (hmmm. Couldn't he have done everything Joey Gathright was supposed to do, only better?). Me, I'd rotate Fuld through the outfield for the next few days, giving Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and Milton Bradley days off on a rotating basis. Keep that bat, good fielding, baserunning speed and enthusiasm in the lineup until he cools off. Bruce Miles agrees.
Remember when Aramis Ramirez got hurt and we all hoped the Cubs could at least keep pace until he returned? That's exactly what they've done -- still 2.5 games behind, exactly where they were on May 8. And they could get a couple games closer before A-Ram's return on Monday.
And for those of you who want Lou to show some fire, maybe you should think again. You don't want to put him in the hospital, do you?
"I'm done with that," Piniella said Thursday of questions about his famous fiery approach. "You know, my chest was hurting after the ballgame. The trainer told me to take a nice, cold shower. I don't know why I had to answer that before.
"I went out and argued and I got kicked out, so now I don't have to answer that question anymore."
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The Cubs have already beaten Jeff Suppan twice this year, on April 12 and May 10. Alfonso Soriano homered off Suppan once in each of those games, so I guess it might make sense to put Soriano back in the lineup today. Those are the only two HR he has hit off Suppan, though, and in his career he's hitting only .209 vs. Suppan. Derrek Lee, though, is 21-for-47 (.447) vs. Suppan with 7 doubles, 4 HR and nine walks.
Z gave up three ER in six innings and got a no-decision vs. Milwaukee on April 11. Prince Fielder, who hits almost everyone, hits Z, too: 11-for-30 (.367), 5 doubles, 2 HR, eight walks. In his career Z is 10-8, 3.68 vs. the Brewers in 24 appearances (23 starts).
Today's game is again on CSN Chicago and FSN Wisconsin. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 2:15 pm, 3:15 pm and 4 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Comments
Fuld deserves another start
Yes Piniella used to play the hot hand the last couple of years, which I loved, but he hasn’t really done it this year. I hope he has lost his patience with the same old and keeps him in there.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Today's Lineup
Soriano – LF
Theriot – SS
Lee – 1B
Bradley – RF
Fox – 3B
Fukudome – CF
Fontenot – 2B
Hill – C
Zambrano – P
I was hoping for Fuld starting again….especially for Fukudome…
Let’s hope we get going early again!
Garbage
Soriano has been a liability for this club at the plate, in the field and on the bases for 8 weeks. The subborness Lou is showing when a viable alternative is sitting right next to him is asinine. The inclusion of Soriano in this lineup hurts the ballclub.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
i know, right?
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Day game after a night game...
Catchers rarely play those back to back.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
That is what I was just about to say
I won’t be surprised to see Soto pitch hit in the later innings if need be.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I understand why Soriano can't be benched
but I don’t understand why he can’t be moved down. I hope he does well today, but I have serious doubts he will. For what it’s worth, it was really nice to have a leadoff hitter that got on base if only for a few days.
by jerry morales rules on Jul 3, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Mmm...Gazpacho
"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
I thought that might happen with Fuld..
Lou nearly said as much in the press conference yesterday. Except for Soto getting a break today and ARAM hurt, this is the Cub’s “A-team”, at least how it was drawn up. Maybe if they keep trotting out there…hmm..
Over under on Soriano hits today – I’ll say 1.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 3, 2009 11:39 AM CDT reply actions
It's Soup
Over
"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
Do you think he's gonna be in there long enough
For Sori to have more than 2 PA against him? Still saying Over. #2 will come off of Señor Latte.
"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
I'll take the under.
He’s trying to carry the team with Aramis out and now there’s the added pressure of his playing time being in jeopardy. He simply doesn’t play well under pressure. 0-fer.
two
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Wishful thinking...
Perhaps we can see a leadoff homer by Soriano to show that his workouts with Joshua are paying off….?
I think we’re seeing a more motivated team, but we can’t afford a Soriano and Bradley relapse! We see enough of those while watching “Intervention”
Why is anyone surprised
at this lineup? Lou hasn’t moved Soriano out of the leadoff spot despite horrific individual and team numbers. He’s going to ride it out and hope it turns around, damn the evidence to the contrary.
Assuming you ignore the last few seasons...
as “evidence,” then I suppose that’d be correct.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Jul 3, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think it's simple here
if they produce today, great, if not, Fuld is back tomorrow
July: New month, new team
I wish I could share your opinion....
b/c that would logical. But I doubt Lou will look @ it that way. He seems utterly convinced that an offense that is 30 out 30 teams w/ RISP that keeping the same players in there will somehow bump the Cubs up to 28th.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
You two are both correct, imo.
It makes sense, but I have a feeling Sori is back in there regardless of production. Reference, well, this whole season so far.
Boy oh boy oh boy
by BleedsbluinMI on Jul 3, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
a win streak during this key stretch can make the difference between
the top of the division and fading back into a position of trouble. Yes, Soriano at some point needs to be worked back into the lineup full time, but deal with that after the all star break and try and put together a streak right now when it matters. Benching two hot hitters against the 1st place team is, frankly, indefensible.
I'd be happy as a clam
but it’s one thing to have a slump another to have one as long as he is.
Is there a reason Fuld couldn’t be in centerfield?
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what I was wanting to happen...
wanting Fuku to sit and let Fuld play center today. At least it’d be another quality at bat each time with the opportunity to make something happen.
from our fingers
to the line up card eventually :)
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Because
Dome is the starting centerfielder.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
you cant possibly
suggest benching Soriano till after the ASG unless he injured. Because he’s in today’s lineup, he’s obviously not injured.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
New month
Let’s just see how they play today and make judgments afterwards. Suppan isn’t that good, this lineup should be able to win today.
simply stunning
soriano, fontenot, and hill in the lineup….if that isn’t a formula for a loss, then I don’t know what is. Fontenot brings absolutely NOTHING to the table, at least at this point of the season….Blanco is better in the field and he has a better bat, or at worse about equal. Koyie Hill has been on the downhill since the beginning of the season, at least with his bat. Soto has been hot and has been throwing at runners….I just don’t understand. The Soriano thing actually pisses me off the last surprisingly.
Soto needs
regular rest, and today is the game of the series to do it, a day game after a night game against a right-handed pitcher. I have no problem with Hill being in the lineup today.
Hill
is bad. lol….I understand why Soto needs rest because of the circumstances and the fact he is a catcher, it is just I dislike Koyie Hill a lot right now…he is 4 for his last 35 with 18 strikeouts…so I guess that is why I dislike him right now. I guess Fontenot is the thing that just pisses me off the most though.
by HardForharden on Jul 3, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Can we bury this myth once and for all now?
Lou does not play “the hot hand.” See today’s lineup for confirmation. Lou plays who he likes. Last year when Ronny Cedeno was one of the hottest hitters on the team over the first six weeks, Lou sat him for extended sessions. This year, David Patton’s ERA in May is 2.70. His ERA in June is 2.70. If Lou played the hot hand, wouldn’t we be seeing a whole lot more Patton?
Lou plays the players he thinks will succeed; and even though I disagree with him from time to time on who I think will succeed, he’s the manager. That’s how he should choose playing time – not by “the hot hand.”
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Jul 3, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Really Patton?
The 2.70 is from 12 innings. Still small sample size IMO.
I think we can stop saying Lou likes to play the hot hand.
That may have been true in the past, but it is not this year. It started with Koyie Hill early in the year, playing really well and Soto struggling. He promptly got put on the becch so Soto could flail away without much result for the next couple months. He stuck with Scales for a few games, but he got benched when the underachieving starters came back.
I’m not saying that Scales or Fuld need to stay in the lineup or even on the team for the rest of the year, but ride the hot streak abd rest the guys that aren’t producing.
I do agree Gathright was a waste, Fuld or a combination of minor leaguers could have filled that spot much better from the beginning.
Boy oh boy oh boy
Totally agree, Lou is not the same manager from the last couple of years.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
The only reason Hill is in
is because it’s a day game after a night game, and it’s customary for the backup to catch the day game.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
fine, so why take out the other hot bat?
I know Pineilla has had a hard time understanding you don’t have to bench everybody at the same time, but the question can still be asked
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 3, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Wouldn't it be nice...
if Lou ran out this lineup today:
Fuld LF
Theriot SS
Lee 1B
Fox 3B
Bradley RF
Soriano 2B
Fukudome CF
Hill C
I'm not comfortable with Soriano
playing 2B anymore….
I’d prefer:
Fuld- CF
Theriot- SS
Lee- 1B
Fox- 3B
Hoff- RF
Soriano- LF
Hill- C
Fair enough
but it might be hard to win without a second baseman.
Now we're talking.
What’s your asking price to manage the Cubs instead of the mummy sitting currently in the dugout? :-)
by Fraggin Judge on Jul 3, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
By the way
are you comfortable with him in LF? He’s been downright awful this year out there. The improvement of having Fuld in LF and leading off makes up for the dropoff in defense having Soriano replace Fontenot at 2B.
The only reason more comfortable in LF
is his arm. Yes Fuld threw a runner out at home, but he did a flip while doing so, and the throw was on a hop. Soriano has a much better arm in LF, and how he miss plays fly balls, hard hit grounders could be even more disgusting now. Anyone know how many errors he averaged his last couple seasons at 2B?
Don't bother
Talking any sense into Drew about Soriano. His baseball knowledge is rather limited and he’s got blinders on in regards to Soriano. Just leave him alone. He’s a homer and that’s it. He’ll be fine.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
he has
NOT been “downright awful”. He’s made bad plays, he’s made some awesome plays, and he’s generally been good.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
2B is not hard to play
I would say 2nd is one of the easier positions to play and he has had experience in the past….for instance, Jake Fox has played well at 3B, and that position is one of the harder positions to play…it would be nicer to NOT see Soriano lackadaisically run after a ball in the outfield anymore :)
by HardForharden on Jul 3, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
2nd base in the ML isn't hard to play???????
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not saying it isn't hard to play
I’m saying it is EASIER to play than other positions…I mean, what position would you believe would be easier to play?
by HardForharden on Jul 3, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I've played each position in
High school and college, must say outfield positions are easier than infield. Soriano misplays the hops and low-line drives. Those and hard hit grounders would be what he’d see the majority of the time at 2B. In LF he sees fly balls more often that not.
o.0
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope I am totally
wrong, but we have automatic outs in the 1, 7, 8 spots in the lineup today.
Suppan is a total junkball pitcher.
This is a day when Fuld would help actually get on base for productive hitters in today’s lineup.
Effectively, when the lineup turns over every time, they only have two outs to work with, unless Soriano starts hitting again. It makes it very tough to sustain rallies in this situation.
If Suppan is a junkball pitcher, as you say,
then doesn’t it make sense to play the bats you want to get going, particularly the left-handed ones…
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
Never automatic outs
The problem is, when they get their 1 or 2 hits of the day, the person after them needs to get a hit as well. That’s hte problem.
The problem isn't that Sori is back in the lineup...
He’s hit Suppan hard this year, might as well put him back in.
The problem is that Bradley is hitting cleanup again. Among Cub regulars, only Mike Fontenot has a lower SLG than Bradley. Such a stupid, stupid move to keep batting him 4th. Wake up Lou!
Oh please
Soriano is barely above .200 lifetime vs Suppan. The fact his wild, heavy bat connected a couple times doesn’t mean he hits the guy well.
Good point.
I was just going off of what Al mentioned in his write-up. A closer look reveals that he’s 9-43 in his career with a .656 OPS.
Astounding
simply astounding. Lou’s downright nuts.
I liked when Bradley was third and Lee cleanup.
With Bradley’s decent OBP and Lee’s SLG resurgence, that was a good combination.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I like when Aram gets back in the 4 spot
on Monday.
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
Well yeah, I will like that too.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Woooooooooooooooooo!
DLee in the 3 spot to stay, It’s been so long I forgot where we had Bradley before Aram went out…. 5 spot? 2 hole?
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
Actually Aram was the 5th hitter when we started with Bradley cleanup.
But that should change now.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Yeah that should change
seeing as Bradley can’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
Yeah but he can walk out of it. :)
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
and it probably would change, but Lou is the manager
and he’s clearly clueless this season
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 3, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
We will not win this year without Soriano turning it around.
I really find it hard to believe how so many are clamoring for a Minor Leaguer to take his role consistently.
Free Ronny Cedeno
by Kansas25 on Jul 3, 2009 12:02 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
I don't want him in there every game..........
That would be crazy. But give Sori a few days off, just to see how it works. With an offense THIS BAD. I’m ready to try anything that looks like it’s working for a few days.
I would like to see him giving rest to the outfielders who are struggling especially since Reed on the DL
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I am not
clamoring for Fuld to permanently replace Soriano. I am clamoring for Soriano to be moved down in the order and possibly to 2B. Even if we do win the division, do I have to remind you of his performance in the playoffs the last two years. He is not a leadoff guy anymore!
He's not a leadoff and he's apparently not a 2,3 spotter either
so maybe he does have to try out the 5 spot…. I remember earlier in the year he hit the 3 spot and it was putrid. I don’t see any reason Dome, Bradley, and Sori can’t all rotate days off to get Fuld in while he’s hot- as was mentioned earlier
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
this makes sense today ...
considering that Soto, our No. 5 hitter, isn’t playing.
Soriano
is a 6 or 7 hitter. I agree, he’d be a disaster in the 3 or 4 spots. But with Aram coming back, 3 and 4 are locked down again so if Lou would make a move it would probably be to 6th imo.
I could see that
But Lou has some crazy misplaced loyalties…. I doubt Sori will move from leadoff, just as I doubted he’d sit DLee during his mega-slump, and that worked out in the end
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
He hit in the 3 spot very similarly to how he hit leadoff, and I think he was there for 2 games.
Boy oh boy oh boy
by BleedsbluinMI on Jul 3, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember he was doing so-so in leadoff
so-so in that 3 spot, and then moved back to leadoff and had some success… and then he slumped…. for 2+ months. He’s gotta break out of it eventually
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
not everyone is saying Fuld should replace Soriano
But why not sit Fukudome or Bradley, play Fuld and lead him off in today’s game?
I HOPE Lou’s giving Fontenot a few chances to prove himself before he’s sent down. Otherwise, I see no reason why Fontenot is in this lineup over Blanco.
To be fair
he’s a minor leaguer playing better than our over priced left fielder. I know Soriano needs to turn it around, but why risk throwing the team out of rhythm by sitting your hot minor leaguer? Soriano can play, that’s fine, but he needs to be further down in the order. I’m a believer in this team turning things around by getting a solid start with Fuld, but I guess we’ll see how things go tonight.
by Craig in South Bend on Jul 3, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
How is that fair?
Sori isn’t the only one who needs to sit to accomodate Fuld at-bats. It’s not like Dome and Milt are tearing the cover off the ball
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
it's actually pretty depressing how poor the production from our high priced outfield is
we don’t have one guy out there that you couldn’t make an argument to sit
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 3, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
If you are planning on watching the game tonight....
I hope your tivo’ing it this afternoon :)
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Read again. A lot of us are asking for Soriano to play in LF but keep Fuld playing a different OF spot every day...
to rest a regular and keep his bat at the leadoff spot. Of course Soriano has to play, but you have to ease him off into a productive spot, carefully and patiently. It makes no sense at the moment to hit him leadoff and Bradley cleanup, the way they are hitting now.
by Fraggin Judge on Jul 3, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
make it green.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
rec'd
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
It's funny how many times someone has voiced disbelief over Soto sitting
and then the next post explains clearly, day after a night game- backup catcher catches. The next person to cry about Soto riding the pine today gets -1,000,000 literacy points
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
That was more like it
Watched most of the game on my wifes iPhone at the mall last night while she was shopping. The image was amazingly sharp although the sound was a bit tinny.
Was actually the first time I enjoyed shopping with her – sure honey, take all the time you want, no hurry!
I like this future – watching a live game anywhere you want without being tied to a satellite receiver or cable.
+1
that app is life changing. No place is safe from baseball
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
MLB At-bat
$9.99 in the App Store, and well worth the price. Need iPhone 3.0 for live video, though.
"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
You must have had WiFi at the mall
Tried watching it on 3G last night – got through 3 innings with multiple crashes, and the picture reminded me of watching WGN in the 80s. Over the air, with a storm rolling through.
"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
There were annoying disruptions from time to time
but otherwise it seemed to work fine. I thought iPhones worked on AT&Ts 3G network, which is separate from wi-fi. Had a 4 bar signal because it was an open-air mall, not enclosed, so maybe signal strength had something to do with it.
I live square in AT&T Wireless country
It’s rare that my bars aren’t full. I thought maybe I was junking up the memory somehow, so I rebooted the phone, and tried again, but still couldn’t get through more than ~1.1 innings in without a crash.
Funny thing is that I’ve watched a few games on it using WiFi, and I never had that problem. Thankfully, I had other options (ie, Drew’s PbP), so I just followed along with that. Glad you got to kill two birds with one stone, though (Going Shopping and watching Cubs).
"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
MLB At-bat
"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
Our 6-7-8 hitters
hit about .200 combined in June. Z better hold em down or we got no chance. i know Hill has gotta start but why Fontenot? He’s been horrid for a month! Somebody please tell him to quit trying to hit home runs.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
Maybe we knock out Suppan early
and the Brewers put one of their two lefty relievers in and Fuld comes in for Fuk. Looks like that the best case right now.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Fuld bats left handed
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 3, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Lou
I’m glad you agree with me that Fuld didn’t deserve to play today. Why would the fact he’s been on base 60% of the time have anything to do with your decision/ Just because the team scored in the first inning both games he lead off suggest it was anything but luck. He’s making chump change and Cub fans demand seeing their dollars at work. Viva Soriano.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
Just get Soriano out of the leadoff spot...
Since May 14th, his OBP is .255 and his OPS is .545. Both of those numbers are downright pathetic. If Alfonso didn’t make 18M, there’s no chance he would have been playing so frequently.
It’s time to get him out of the leadoff spot. He’s been awful. Just awful. The whole “he hits better batting leadoff” excuse is worthless now.
but it's been proven time and time again that Sori if he's in will lead off
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Eventually you guys will come to realize that moving Sori will be a good move.
I long for that day.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I don't think any of us are questioning that
I don’t don’t believe Lou will do it. But yes, he should
July: New month, new team
by chitownhawkeye on Jul 3, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
No, I think some actually prefer Sori at leadoff.
But somehow we can’t keep bringing it up either because Lou wants to lead him off.
So with that logic, we can’t question anything about the Cubs since it’s all what Lou wants.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I won't.
Sori bats better leadoff.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 3, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
BREAKING NEWS
soriano out of the lineup, replaced by FULD
Ramlee Zamfukusoridero
scuse me hey?
July: New month, new team
by chitownhawkeye on Jul 3, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
nah im just kidding
lets play ball!
Ramlee Zamfukusoridero
by hiphopgamer26 on Jul 3, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
and that is one of the reasons I've stopped coming into the comments over the last week or so
b/c people find humor in posting bogus info.
Later everyone!
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't tease us like this, are you kidding?
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
The forest and the trees on Soriano..
“It’s time to move Soriano from the leadoff spot” is a very absolute statement, and baseball is a game of streaks. I think that Soriano is somone capable of hitting leadoff, but not now. So, maybe he should be moved until he starts hitting again -but if FUld falters (he’s JUST called up so it could happen easily), who’s our leadoff guy?
Without Fuld, Soriano’s it – we’ve had that problem since last year – and I honestly think there is a chance this gets addressed in some way by the trade deadline.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 3, 2009 12:16 PM CDT reply actions
lineup against righties
Theriot
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
Bradley
Soriano
Soto
Blanco
Well done e.g.
I think you’ve made the absolute best possible rebuttal to my point. However, we still have a problem for what to do vs RHP (most of them we face) if all three of our outfielders continue to not hit.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 3, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm more concerned about the roster as of Monday
When Ramirez and Reed are back, two players will have to be sent down to make room. That’s assuming no one goes on the DL and no one gets traded
To me, it’s an absolute no-brainer to send Fontenot (who still has an option) to Iowa, to see if he can work any problems out. That means Fox, Micah or Fuld will have to go — because we need Blanco to back up Theriot.
My first choice would be Fuld, then Micah. Jake Fox has earned a spot on the team, he’s got more power than Fuld and more versatility than Micah.
But I fear the lefty fetish of 2009 will strike again. Fox and newly acquired Baker are both right-handed.
I wouldn't rule out a DL solution...
Soriano to the DL? But not a trade – 20 of the 30 teams are with 5 games of a playoff spot, so the market sucks right now. I think you’re Iowa prioritization is right on.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 3, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I liked Riot as leadoff last year,
but Lou wanted him to be a home run hitter and that has dropped his OBP 40 points. So not so much anymore. I’d say Dome against RH this year.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
are you freaking kidding me?
you think Lou is the reason Theriot has started swinging for the fences?
That’s 100% asinine
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 3, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Soriano is and always will be the leadoff hitter...
no matter who we acquire. Even if we would have gotten Brian Roberts 2 yrs ago, Roberts would’ve batted second behind Soriano. No matter what, no matter if he hits .220 all year, Soriano will be leading off.
Here’s my question- 4 yrs from now when Soriano is hitting .240 every year with no speed and 200 Ks a year, will he still be leading off? Boy, I hope not…but I just don’t see him ever being taken out of that spot. At least not for the next few years.
Ugh.
Lou moved Soriano down to the two hole
in anticipation of Roberts in spring 2008. If a better option were available, I DO think Lou would take it and move Soriano to a lower spot.
Correction!!
Today’s revised lineup:
Soriano – LF
Theroit – SS
Lee – 1B
Bradley – RF
Fukudome – CF
Fox – 3B
Fontenot – 2B
Hill – C
Zambrano – P
Still no Fuld?
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
So with all of this talk of rotating Fuld through the OF to spell Sori, Dome, and MB
What’s the latest word on Reed Johnson’s return?
"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
Good news
And we’re projected to get Guzman back on the same day, too? I hereby declare Monday, July 6 as Cubs Moving Day.
"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
Without question!
I’m pretty excited for monday…. I hate talking about fantasy on here, but he’s been on my DL for far too long
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
let's hope Jake Fox isn't one to move
And that Fontenot is looking for a place in Des Moines.
Tomorrow's 4th of July!
anyone doing something spectacular?
If it weren't for the gutter, my mind would be homeless.
Watching Aramis and Reed in Peoria!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
I'm hoping the rain holds off.
Going to fireworks tonight if it does not rain.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Going to the beach to see fireworks.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
My goodness!
How much red, white, and blue do you need to have?
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 3, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you have a red, white and blue condom for later too?
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
I was thinking the same thing
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
I've got the night capper
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
DL Soriano, Send Hoff to Iowa to get his stroke back.
I know, I know.. the Hoff thing is blasphemous, but he’s the most expendable right now.
by DisCUBbobulated on Jul 3, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
DL Patton and send Fontenot down
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
Fontenot to AAA or DL....
Bradley could actually get hurt again by then too.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 3, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
LBR to Iowa and Miles on DL again
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
leave 'em on the DL
the way this team is going, it would upset the chemistry and continuity
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Jul 3, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I think
Samardzija and Fontenot should be optioned upon Johnson and ARam’s return. Our pitching hasn’t been our weakness and with a couple tough teams coming to Wrigley next week, extra bats can be used. With the All-Star Break coming up, we could actually use a starter in an emergency relief spot against StL if we needed. I think we could survive the next week or so with a couple extra position players
OT: all this excitement for Manny returning (in LA) makes me gag.
These are the same fans who relentlessly booed Bonds…and he never was caught with anything while he played.
I have always found LA fans fair-weather and obnoxious.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Hey, both teams get to wear..
Cardinal Red caps all weekend! Happy 4th of July!
Right now, the Yankees look idiotic in red caps. And what is Toronto celebrating? Canada Day? That was Wednesday. At least the Red makes sense for them, kind of.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 3, 2009 12:51 PM CDT reply actions
Can't we use blue? It's one of the colors in the US flag, so what's wrong with it?
In fact, it would look better: the Reds vs. the Blues.
by Fraggin Judge on Jul 3, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
NO
Bud went with red caps this year to sell more. Using blue caps would go against the master plan.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 3, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Santo interview with Lou on right now..
What about Sam Fuld? “What a nice job he did” “long at bats” “Works the count” “He’s come a long way”
Soriano? “I’ve got Sorianon in there right now” “Let’s see if he can get it going with his bat, because he can carry this team with his bat”
On Reed, ARAM, Guzman coming back: He’s looking forward to being healthy. No mention of who goes down.
On today: “If z gets the lead, we might go right to the closer”
on Soto: “I like soto at the seven spot in the lineup. he can hit a hr and help us win a ball game” “can ambush people”.
"What a nice job he did." Therefore, I'm benching him ASAP. Jeez!
by Fraggin Judge on Jul 3, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I liked the "he can carry this team with his bat" comment better
his bat has been doing nothing but hurting us for almost two months straight. But TODAY will be the day!
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 3, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Jim Hendry was on
Monsters In the Morning today. Mike North asked who would he go with for #1 pitcher, Z or Lilly? Hendry said, “You’d have to throw Dempster in there too.” Dan Jiggets added you would have to add Harden in there when he is healthy. Hendry said we have a very good rotation but if he was going to a street fight he was definitely taking Lilly with him. I wonder if he has been reading BCB?
no, its a well known fact lilly can kill a man with his bare hands
wells4roty
by jesus christos on Jul 3, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Soriano is leading off today
and Fuld is on the bench. It seems as if Lou is reading, his comprehension is remarkably low.
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
of course Hendry has to bring up his multi million dollar man in Dempster
despite the fact that Dempster hasn’t looked anything close to a #1 this year
by WanderingWanderer on Jul 3, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Jake Fox interviewed right now:
“We had a lot of fun yesterday” “we’ve got a lot of pressure here in Chicago and a lot of people put pressure on different guys”. “that’s one of the more fun times I’ve had”
Interestingly, he talked a lot about Dempster givnig a pre game speech and getting everyone lose – He’s a real leader, but probably hasn’t been 100% because of his girl.
Will a MIL series win erase the early season frustartion “I hope not, because that’s a big character builder. I think that’s a big part of this team, that we went through that this together” “builds character”
On his homerun: “I’m not exactly where I want to me” “I’m seeing the ball better” “I drew a walk, that’s when I know I’m getting dialed in”
His bat is 33 1/2" and 34 1/2", which is a wieeid bat – teammates call it the “bam bam club”
Listening to Jake Fox on the pregame show
Man, that guy really sounds impressive and really has a great approach to hitting and playing the field. He should’ve been given the chance about a month earlier but, oh well.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
How could they use him?
It’s obvious he’s terrible at 3rd and would allow more runs than he causes,
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
Sarcasm Sue
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
Zembrano
I hope he pitches like he has a little bit of common sense today. His mindset is scary at times.
Another good test for this team
Big Z needs to show he can be relied upon and Soriano, well, it could get ugly if he does not perform (and y perform I dont mean he needs to have four hits and stel 3 bases, but he does need to show a better approach at the plate and in the field).
This is a very winnable game. Lets see how we do.
What's the over/under
on Soriano K’s on low and away pitches today?
If you like Selig's handling of the steroid issue, you'll love his choice for next Cub owner.
1.5
"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
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