BJ Ryan
by Chicagosportsfan on Jul 8, 2009 4:07 PM CDT
130 comments
He got released by the Blue Jays after they activated their closer Scott Downs from the DL. He's left-handed, which the Cubs could use in the bullpen. His numbers haven't been good (6.53 ERA, a 13/17 K/BB ratio, and a 1.89 WHIP), but his velocity being down has to factor into that. I'm guessing that they'd only have to pay him the minimum if they sign him, and w/ Dempster on the DL, they could use Marshall in the starting rotation and use Ryan as the lefty specialist.
He's a former closer, so if Gregg or Marmol needs to rest, he could close a game or two. There's not too much downside to signing BJ Ryan.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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I actually like this.
It reminds me of the Jim Edmonds pickup last year. A veteran who’s performed at a very high level in the past who’s in the twilight of his career and slumping miserably. It’s a no-risk move that has the potential to fill a big need for the Cubs.
by Poloplaya14 on Jul 8, 2009 4:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 8, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So how exactly
Would this work? What would allow the Cubs to get him instead of another team? Do they negotiate with him? The Blue Jays? Is there a waiver process?
by hmlee on Jul 8, 2009 4:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If he's been straight released..
He is a now a free agent and can negotiate with any team.
by Poloplaya14 on Jul 8, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless you tell me the Cubs have a plan for getting his velocity back up
Then I would say you diagnosed why this was a bad idea when you said “His numbers haven’t been good . . . but his velocity being down has to factor into that”
by Orval Overall on Jul 8, 2009 4:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
BJ Ryan's fastball has an average velocity of 87.2 MPH according to fangraphs.
Not terrible. And good enough for a LOOGY if he can start locating it a little better.
by Poloplaya14 on Jul 8, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Worth a flyer.
Cubs would probably interest him as this team is a possible contender and has a real need for his services.
Depends on whether he’d accept whatever Jimbo would offer. I also assume he’d have to pitch a few innings at AAA to prove he still has something left.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Jul 8, 2009 5:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was going to post this same thing.
I absolutely think it’s a worth while idea. If it works, it works. If not, what’s the harm?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 8, 2009 5:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Link...
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4314370
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 8, 2009 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I Have
watched him throw twice this year, he has nothing left, I mean nothing.
No thanks.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
by Grockcubs on Jul 8, 2009 5:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, that's what they said about Edmonds, too.
This is an absolutely no-risk signing. If he sucks, you cut him and have paid only the minimum salary. Plus, he’s lefthanded.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 8, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally disagree
It’s not low risk at all. By the time the Cubs convince themselves he has nothing left, he will likely have cost them 3 or 4 ball games and tthe way the race is shaping up, that might be the difference in making/not making the playoffs.
For every Jim Edmonds, there are 25 other players I can name who were signed after being released who proved their original team made the right decision. This is especially true of pitchers. If Ryan could contribute, do you honestly think the Blue Jays would have cut him loose? A 6.53 ERA out of the pen? You gotta be kidding…
by azjazzman on Jul 9, 2009 2:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As already said
He only had 4 bad innings. Take away those and his ERA was something like 2.67.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 9, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
2.04, actually.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 9, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's like saying
I was so close to winning a race, if only I had ran a four-minute mile half of the time.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
by propheteer on Jul 9, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not "half".
It’s four outings out of 25.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 9, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too literal
The percentage of my analogy is kind of irrelevant. My point is that you can say that about a lot of pitchers ERA and/or stats. Just take out these four horrible starts/appearances and he’s respectable.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
by propheteer on Jul 9, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it was four out of eight...
… I’d agree with you.
But four of 25 tells me that he’s been good in 85% of his appearances.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 9, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan
His WHIP is 1.89. For a late inning guy who never pitches more than an inning, that is very, very bad. Borderline horrendous.
Tell me how you explain that away.
by azjazzman on Jul 9, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take out the four bad appearances and it becomes 1.245.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 10, 2009 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is also in a real touch
AL East, not a weaker NL Central. I say give him the ball and lets see what happens.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 10, 2009 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except
three of his four bad outings came against Baltimore, Cleveland and Texas. The only one that came against a “tough” AL East team was the one that got him released, July 5th against the Yankees.
by azjazzman on Jul 10, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cleveland & Texas have good offenses.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 10, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You might want to check your math
I get 24 W/H in 17 2/3 innings if you take out the four bad outings, and that is 1.39, still not exactly great for a 1 inning guy.
I don’t follow the logic of throwing out the four bad outings. When he has a bad outing for the Cubs, will you just say, okay, we won’t count that one?
by azjazzman on Jul 10, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The logic is...
… he was good more often than he was bad. If he’d had four bad outings out of, say, eight total, I’d say forget it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 10, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bottom Line
Aaron Heilman has better metrics than Ryan. ERA, WHIP, BAA. And you say Heilman has no business being on a major league roster.
And, if you take out Heilman’s 4 worst outings, see how much his numbers improve. Means nothing, it is an empty argument.
by azjazzman on Jul 10, 2009 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
doesn't bj ryan have a huge
contract?
by brian custer on Jul 8, 2009 6:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Jays are on the hook for it
We only would need to pay the minimum salary if we wanted him. The Jays would pay the rest.
by madcow256 on Jul 8, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
$12 mil this year
$12 mil next year.
His contract was 5 years, $47 million.
$4 Mil 2006
$7 Mil 2007
$12 Mil 2008, 2009, 2010
OUCH!
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 8, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well they did get a bargain in '06...
But yeah, giving relievers 5-year deals is moronic.
by Poloplaya14 on Jul 8, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hope Hendry goes for it
If he’s really go nuthin’ left… well he won’t be the first guy we released this year.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 8, 2009 6:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
BJ Ryan is damaged goods
A shrunken physique, several MPH lost on the fastball and a plethora of injuries. Widely suspected as a former juicer.
No thanks.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 7:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Several MPH on the fastball?
His fastball’s averaged 87.2 MPH this year, down a small amount from 89.0 MPH last year. And he was pretty effective last year.
by Poloplaya14 on Jul 8, 2009 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan popped the glove a lot harder in Baltimore
Go back and look at Ryan’s physical resemblance in 2007 versus today and draw your own conclusions. Toronto didn’t just eat a shit sandwich of Ryan’s contract without compelling reason. Ryan was a roider. Little doubt about it.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Still worth a gamble if you ask me.
Doesn’t hurt a damn thing.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 8, 2009 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His career
average is 90, and earlier this season he was working in the mid-80s. That’s a dropoff. From what, I don’t know, but he has definitely lost a significant amount of zip on his fastball, and he’s overthrowing/losing control as a result.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 8, 2009 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The salary constrained Blue Jays just didn't eat $18 million remaining on his contract for the hell of it
Ryan is toast. A “victim” of no longer being able to roid up.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, he no longer hits the mid-90s
but he was very effective last year working with an 89 mph fastball. He’s only slightly below that this year.
by Poloplaya14 on Jul 8, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Widely suspected as a former juicer.
Back that up with something even resembling a source.
Last season, when there was testing, he pitched well and at his career norms, velocity-wise.
by Wreckard on Jul 8, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh...
Call up a photograph of Mr. BJ Ryan in 2007. Then for kicks and giggles compare it to how he looks now.
But hey, who am I to piss on the BJ Ryan bandwagon !
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean the 2007 when he spent the entire season on the DL?
I didn’t realize we could identify steroid use entirely through the use of photos. Why are we even bothering to make the piss in the cup then?
Ok, well, even though you haven’t got the slightest idea what you’re talking about, I’ll humor your reckless, baseless, spurious, stupid allegations.
Here’s Ryan in 2006:
Here he is in May of this year:
I’d say that these photos prove you don’t know what you’re talking about, but you do a pretty good job of proving that every time you start typing.
by Wreckard on Jul 8, 2009 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
I dunno, based on the photos, it looks
like a little rage showing in May of this year. Maybe Blou has it backwards and all the new muscles are hindering his flexibility now?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Jul 9, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that Yankee injecting him in the ass?
Case closed. He’s roided up.
by cubbybear on Jul 13, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
worth exploring
nothing to lose
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 8, 2009 7:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wrong answer
Cubs aren’t a repository for former juicers whacked by their former team in deference to the great Scott Friggin Downs.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
try and actually read what i said Blou
EXPLORING does not mean SIGNING…..WTF. you cant even reply to a comment correctly?
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 8, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BLou
Im assuming you have a better idea? Lets hear it boss.
"The more i practice, the luckier i seem to get" -Yogi Berra
by ChiCubsFever on Jul 8, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait...
Do you think he was on steroids?
by Tate491 on Jul 9, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he thinks everyone is on roids
and the only stats that are real are his fantasy baseball stats, nothing else that is a stat or a fact matters in Blou Land.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 9, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nothing to lose except games
this guy is putting on nearly 2 guys an inning. We are not scoring enough runs to throw out a gasoline can, regardless of which hand he throws with.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 8, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pls see comment to BLou above
thanks for playing
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 8, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...and while we're at it lets see if Jeff Fassero can still pitch
We have enough problems and distractions without pursuing BJ Friggin Ryan.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
kinda like
your problems with ignoring facts?
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 8, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Posted this in the game recap...
figured I’ll throw it in here as well in case it will generate some discussion…
I’m all for signing BJ Ryan. What’s the worst that can happen? He sucks? So you cut him, and it costs you virtually nothing. By signing him, you allow Marshall to move back into the rotation while Dempster is hurt. And if Harden keeps sucking, having an effective BJ Ryan in the pen allows Marshall to STAY in the rotation and they can make up some injury and put Harden on the DL. I know there are a lot of assumptions in all that, but BJ Ryan came back from TJS and pitched pretty well last year (1.276 WHIP). It’s worth a shot, especially considering the bullpen problems we’ve had all year.
by kanderber on Jul 8, 2009 8:05 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree
and it’s a creative way for Jim to add another lefty to the bullpen without having to try to make a trade for somebody like George Sherril, or worrying about the financial constraints due to the ownership situation. I’m all for it.
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jul 8, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Financial constraints???
Diamond Jim Hendry has spent a $136 million in 2009. Hardly a “financial constraint.”
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't really understand "financial constraints", do you?
$136 million has ALREADY been spent. Yes, I agree with you — some of it has been spent poorly.
However, NO MORE IS AVAILABLE. Thus when you can take a flyer on someone who MIGHT have something in the tank for NO financial risk, why not do it?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 8, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Al it is BLou
you know he ignores facts, and subs his own reality
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 8, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boo hoo hoo
Oh woe is the Cubs. The weather is too cold and poor lil’ Jim Hendry doesn’t have any money in his pockets left to spend.
BARF!
Ask the Cardinals or Brewers or Reds about “financial constraints.” Sorry, but I’m sick and tired of hearing that the Cubs are hampered because poor lil’ Jim Hendry can’t go out and piss away any more money.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
And sign overpriced, overvalued, overrated, underperforming veterans to a long contract with a NTC. Hendry’s next move should be to fire himself.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
by propheteer on Jul 9, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you
It’s all about risk/reward. You don’t have to pay him much, put him in a few low-risk situations and see what happens. If he pitches well, keep him. Otherwise, you cut him, having lost only a few hundred thou. No big deal.
Team Speed Kills. All SEC, all the time.
by cocknfire on Jul 9, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I went through...
… Ryan’s game logs for this year.
He has appeared in 25 games. Four of them were really, really bad: in those four outings, he threw three innings, gave up six hits, eight walks, struck out one and allowed 11 earned runs.
That means in the rest of his 21 appearances, he threwL
17.2 innings, with 16 hits and six walks allowed, 12 strikeouts and four earned runs. WHIP 1.245, ERA 2.04.
Ryan claims that Cito Gaston “misused” him. It appears he may have a point. Lou rarely uses lefties for more than one or two LHB anyway. LHB are hitting .250/.378/.389 against Ryan — not great, but not awful either.
This is, as I said earlier, a no-brainer, no-risk, very-low-cost signing. DO IT.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 8, 2009 8:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
* "threw:" not "threwL".
Finger slippage.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 8, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good grief
I guess the perpetually pitching challenged and payroll constrained Blue Jays are in the habit of swallowing $18 million on still useful major league pitchers. Think it through Al.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did.
Apparently, I couldn’t confuse you with the facts. (100 BCB points for identifying the reference for that phrase.)
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 8, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You too have lost something on your fastball
In the same night I have read Al Yellon buy into the weather excuse AND advocate signing BJ Ryan.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you take a chance on a lefty reliever
when he can be had for league minimum. Especially somebody with the track record of BJ Ryan. Especially when one of your starters just found out he’s going to be out for 4-6 weeks and the best candidate to fill his rotation slot might be your only lefty reliever. You JUST do it. Period.
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jul 8, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
+1
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 8, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, lets be in the habit of picking up the discards of the vaunted Toronto Blue Jay pitching staff
After all, BJ Ryan has a “track record” and it isn’t his fault that he is blocked by the great Scott Downs !!!!
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right.
We shouldn’t give him a chance (at league minimum) because he once pitched for the Blue Jays. That does make a lot of sense, I’m sorry I didn’t see that sooner.
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jul 8, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bet Blou said the same last season
about Edmonds
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 8, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BLou was actually a visionary who originally brought up the idea of signing Edmonds
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
You were his biggest supporter.
You definitely called it that he would break out and have a great year.
by Wreckard on Jul 8, 2009 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you mean
BLOU is ignoring facts, once again. This time facts about himself? Sweet Jesus, never thought that would happen.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 9, 2009 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is awesome! Nice research!
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 9, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I kept reading that thread from the first link, and even though he was wrong with this comment, this misses the point of all the rest of the posters practically falling all over each other trying to prove who was the first to know that Edmonds was done, that they all knew it back when BLou (then MDBNIU) was still championing him as a great low-risk, high-reward decision.
That their derision turned out to be hollow should be as humbling as anything proven about BLou by this linked thread.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jul 9, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.
I kept reading that thread from the first link, and even though he was wrong with this comment, this misses the point of all the rest of the posters practically falling all over each other trying to prove who was the first to know that Edmonds was done, that they all knew it back when BLou (then MDBNIU) was still championing him as a great low-risk, high-reward decision.
That their derision turned out to be hollow should be as humbling as anything proven about BLou by this linked thread.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jul 9, 2009 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's weird.
This comment was meant to be a reply to Wreckard, see above.
"You have to have short-term memory, no matter who you are in this game. There's always tomorrow." ~Derrek Lee
by Goodie1969 on Jul 9, 2009 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Read the weather post again.
It’s not an “excuse”. It’s facts. But again, you never have been persuaded by them.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 8, 2009 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
+1 rec'd
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 8, 2009 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You've made that point eight times now
Tell me, if the Blue Jays are so bad — why are we essentially letting them run our team by refusing to sign a player because they think he’s done?
Team Speed Kills. All SEC, all the time.
by cocknfire on Jul 9, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on the no brainer part but
I have to say that for him to cliam that he was misused because he faced more than 1 or 2 batters seems a bit lame.
Basically, it sounds like he is saying I don’t have much left so don’t use me for more than on inning.
I still say do it, what can it hurt? But I prefer the, “I still got it and will give everything no matter what you may see my role as boss” attitude. that’s all.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 9, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blue Jays
Also Dumped Reed Johnson!! How’s that worked out for us? Why do you constantly have to be so negative blou? Do You not get any attention in real life? Do you have that sad of life dude? Please answer me these questions!
Go Cubs Go!!!!
by cubsluver22 on Jul 8, 2009 9:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
When you can give me compelling reason for why the cash strapped Blue Jays just swallowed $18 million on BJ Ryan then I'll be all ears over his wondrous ability to be of value to the Cubs
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we have to be careful
to be “leaders” and not “followers”. To hell with what Toronto wants to do with their roster! There is a guy that can be had for DIRT cheap, it’s worth the risk. Your argument above holds no water unless you’d be willing to pass on Pujols, Braun, Lincecum, etc, just because their teams released them and ate their respective paychecks.
"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly
by ambrosiadreams on Jul 8, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will say this
Relievers are failed starters. They seem to change every time the wind blows. I would have defended Hendry til my death over releasing an overweight Scott Eyre that seemed to have nothing left. He then catches on with the Phils and pitches near lights out last year. I won’t discredit Ryan has been horrid this year and has seemed to lose velocity. My point is this relievers seem to to rise and fall with the wind. I could give a million examples of this. If he can be had for near min. salary he’s worth a flyer blou.
Go Cubs Go!!!!
by cubsluver22 on Jul 8, 2009 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point is this...
The Cubs have been filled with distractions and problems since day one of the season. This team needs another distraction like it needs a hole in the head. Sean Marshall has helped to semi-stabilize the bullpen and in my view his highest and best calling is as a relief pitcher. Kevin Hart and others can bridge the gap in the rotation until Dempster is ready to return in a month. Our problem isn’t starting pitching.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BJ Ryan
isn’t a starter he’s a reliever which we need. He needs to jump start his career. I would take a flier on him and maybe we could get lightning in the bottle so to speak.
Go Cubs Go!!!!
by cubsluver22 on Jul 8, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't confuse BLou with the facts
"I won't be like A-Rod" - Z, 3/17/09
by Ihatethecards on Jul 9, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marshall is being wasted as LOOGY
if Ryan has anything left he allows for: Marshall to go back to the rotation, Hart to go back to Iowa, and Dempster to heal.
And if he doesn’t have anything left, than we’re right where we are.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 8, 2009 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Where we are" sucks
BJ Ryan isn’t the magic elixir to change that current place on the map.
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 8, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not disagreeing on that
but if signing him hurts nothing… and it might help then Why the hell not?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Jul 8, 2009 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Allie, BLou
is not one to argue or debate with, he ignores all facts. You know better.
Above he talks about how much he supported the Edmoonds idea, yet all he did was post about how Edmonds was done in the links provided.
Trying to convince BLou anything other than his fantasy world, is like trying to convince a rock it is a tree.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 9, 2009 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BJ Ryan is GOD
jeezus frickin crackers … what the hell is it with you people? seriously? what. the. hell. every time a player hits the market Cub fans yell, scream, suggest, rant, rave, etc. about how this player can make this team better … even if the player is garbage, as is the case here with BJ Ryan.
BJ Ryan’s time as a good relief pitcher has come and gone. He was good with Baltimore, he’s been pathetic with Toronto. He’s overpaid and is no better than Scott Eyre. Sure, there’s no cap hit – fine. I get that. Toronto wants to pay the idiot $10 million NOT to be on their team – fine, their problem. But seriously, what is with all the hub-bub over a guy who mildly sucks? This team is already underachieving, why add another underachiever?
I just don’t get it. It seems that we’d be content with adding ANYONE to this team. Forget quality, it’s quantity here. BJ Ryan is not the answer. We already have Gregg … that’s essentially who Ryan is.
I don’t know about you … but the thing that seems to be lacking on this team is HITTING not pitching. We need a bat – not a shitty arm.
Evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.
by junkhorse on Jul 9, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uhh
Scott Eyre is actually pretty good. His stretch with the Cubs last year was actually the only stint he’s had an ERA+ of less than 100 since 2002 . . . and he still managed to have an ERA+ of 102 on the season in spite of it. In fact, the last year he had an ERA+ of under 100 was 2000.
We could use some pitchers like Scott Eyre on our team. Hopefully not in Lou’s clubhouse though.
by madcow256 on Jul 9, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah they would never release a useful player
Why would they do such a thing?
by Wreckard on Jul 8, 2009 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You & I don't usually agree.
But you are spot on here. Blue Jays management under Ricciardi has been… bizarre.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 9, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They also released Frank Thomas last season
That was actually a good move.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
by Ace Venom on Jul 10, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was a little more obvious move...
… releasing a nearly 40-year-old DH who was hitting .167 for them.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jul 10, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They are just giving up on him and have better options!
We don’t at this time and can always use another possible LHP option out of the pen. Is THAT really so hard for you to wrap your brain around?
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Jul 9, 2009 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ted Lilly also was signed from them, right?
by cubbybear on Jul 13, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe he was a free agent.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 13, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Recommended simply because I like the idea...
…and it doesn’t contain BR, JP, Halladay!
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 8, 2009 11:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ryan is definitely worth an audition.
Get him in, get him in Iowa with Mike Mason and let’s see what happens. Worst case scenario it’s a Ryan Freel adventure and nobody remembers it a week or two later! (wait, Freel was a Cub? wow) Best case scenario we get an effective left-handed situation guy who has a proven track record of success against difficult outs (he pitched against the Yankees and Red Sox most of his career, for Christ’s sake… he knows pressure).
I don’t see any reason why this acquisition shouldn’t happen… even if just to keep him away from divisional rivals and bury him at Iowa for the rest of the year and maybe he’s good to go for 2010.
by lswaidz on Jul 9, 2009 9:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Too Bad He Can't Hit
The most appealing thing about B.J. Ryan’s release is Toronto’s approach. BJ is of no use to the team and he still wants to pitch, so let him go and find somewhere to pitch. They won’t allow his performance to adversely impact the team just because they have to pay him. The odds are whichever team picks him up, and I do think one will, would be getting an ineffective lefthanded reliever. Why not take the risk of Hart in the rotation till Dempster returns. Or put Marshall in the rotation and take the risk of going without a lefthanded reliever. BJ is an ineffective reliever; he has control problems. So, there are other risks just as worthwhile taking. Then again I have no crystal ball. Before Cotts’ surgery, would anybody have recommended that a team pickup Cotts just because there is little financial risk or because he’s a lefty?
The bullpen could use some improvement. For example, Marmol and Gregg aren’t consistent. This matters when the lineup is hitting and scoring runs.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 9, 2009 10:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Except BJ Ryan has had 5 great seasons out of the last 6
The only one he didn’t was an injury year with only 5 games. Cotts had a single good year (2005) and that is it. He’s been average or below average every other year of his career. Seems a little more likely Ryan could help us than someone like Cotts.
by madcow256 on Jul 9, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A new place to pitch and a new pitching coach
might just be what BJ Ryan needs. I say sign him.
by Cubsfan Waveland on Jul 9, 2009 1:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was hoping someone here would simply say, "I ♥ BJ."
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jul 9, 2009 3:11 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Ewwww
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 9, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BWAHAHAHA!
That sign is pure win. Rec’d.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
by Ace Venom on Jul 10, 2009 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BAHAHAHAHA BEST SIGN EVAR!!!! I <3z the INTERWEBZ!!
Get Peavy already! I want my #44 jersey!
by Cub Style on Jul 12, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What ?!? What ?!? WHAT ?!?
The GREAT B.J. Ryan hasn’t been snatched up by a single major league team yet ?!?!? Say it ain’t so !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.
by BLou on Jul 9, 2009 8:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You must really love reading your own posts.
Instead of posting this useless crap, why don’t you go back in the thread and find some of the many times your opinions were challenged with facts. It’s funny, because when that happens, your replies seem to dry up, only to be seen with new stuff like this post.
I’m new on this board this year, so you started with a blank slate with me. Most people actually have things ro say that at least make me think, even if I end up disagreeing. You are one of the few that really has nothing of value to offer.
Boy oh boy oh boy
by BleedsbluinMI on Jul 9, 2009 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well said
and it is sad. Sometimes I have seen BLou start with a good comment and by the end of his rant, it turns into hot air.
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 10, 2009 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean the BJ Ryan who still has to clear waivers before anyone can sign him?
Or is there some other BJ Ryan who’s an unrestricted free agent right now that I don’t know about?
by Wreckard on Jul 9, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about this Ryan?
Oh wait, he’s off the roids, too.
by cubbybear on Jul 13, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wood for Bradley
They’re saying Cleveland is entertaining offers for Wood. How about Wood for Bradley. Just wondering if Cleveland could use Bradley.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 11, 2009 12:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
they had him before
not gonna happen
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jul 11, 2009 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Eric Wedge hated him.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 11, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who did he hate?
Did he hate Wood, Bradley or both? Just curious.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 11, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley
That’s why they got rid of him.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 11, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know we don't just sign him like out of nowhere...
We have to see him pitch, pass a physical, and he’ll probably throw some innings in AAA. He won’t just saunter into Wrigley for the night game.
Get Peavy already! I want my #44 jersey!
by Cub Style on Jul 12, 2009 2:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Can he hit?!?!
Otherwise, I guess it’s worth a flyer for the prorated league minimum.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 13, 2009 6:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah let's do an Ankiel with him
He can platoon with Soriano.
Oh wait, he has 2 ABs in the big leagues. Guess he’ll have to keep pitching.
by cubbybear on Jul 13, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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