The Cubs Need Alfonso Soriano: Cubs vs. Dodgers Preview, Sunday 8/23, 3:10 CT
by Al Yellon on Aug 23, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintI figured that headline would get your attention. Much as we are all down on Alfonso Soriano right now -- and Lou says Sam Fuld may get more playing time in left field -- there is no doubt that when Soriano hits, the Cubs win. Look at these numbers (which were posted in the dead-tree edition of the Tribune today as a sidebar to yesterday's game story, but aren't online):
April 6-May 16. Soriano hits .276 with 11 HR and 24 RBI. Cubs go 21-14.
May 17-July 15. Soriano hits .201 with 3 HR and 9 RBI. Cubs go 22-29.
July 16-Aug. 4. Soriano hits .333 with 5 HR and 15 RBI. Cubs go 14-5.
Aug. 5-Aug. 22. Soriano hits .167 with 0 HR and 4 RBI. Cubs go 4-12.
To sum it all up, during the two "good Soriano" periods, he hit .294 with 16 HR and 39 RBI in 54 games, and the Cubs went 35-19.
During the two "bad Soriano" periods, he hit .194 with 3 HR and 13 RBI in 67 games, and the Cubs went 26-41.
He drives us crazy. His contract is already an albatross. But there is no doubt in my mind that if he can be "good Soriano" during the Cubs' last 41 games, they can play at the .648 percentage they already have earlier this year when he was hitting. That'd mean 27 wins, 88 total, and a real shot at the playoff spot that seems really distant right now.
One more note for today about Lou's quote yesterday that he "plans" to return as manager in 2010. Yesterday, he clarified his comments, and:
Piniella said he still has the desire to manage.
"If the losses didn't hurt, then I know it will be time to leave," he said. "If we lost a ballgame like we did [Friday] night and it wasn't painful, then I don't belong in this business. I care. I want to see this thing go. But again, I am only an employee."
Oh, Lou. "Only an employee"? You really, really shouldn't have used that word. Bad connotations.
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The Cubs have already defeated Chad Billingsley once this year -- on May 29 at Wrigley Field. Billingsley gave the Cubs only two runs, but Ted Lilly held the Dodgers to only one. Kosuke Fukudome, Derrek Lee and Koyie Hill have all homered off Billingsley in previous games. With Geovany Soto in a horrible slump, starting Hill today might be a good idea.
Ryan Dempster had one of his best games of the year on May 30 at Wrigley Field vs. the Dodgers, throwing seven shutout innings as the Cubs won 7-0. Let's hope for a repeat of that today. Andre Ethier is Dempster's particular nemesis (6-for-14, a HR).
The Cubs are back on nationwide coverage via WGN today. On EI you should get the Dodgercast with Vin Scully. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Dodgers site True Blue LA.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 4:15 pm, 5:15 pm and 6 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Comments
We have to play these guys again?!
On the flip side of the coin, we have to watch the Cubs play again?!
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Aug 23, 2009 12:07 PM CDT reply actions
I'll bet...
…he pitches well tonight, and then goes slowly down hill.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Watch him throw...
a 4-hit shutout for 7 innings!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
That is not gonna happen
Not like he is unknown to a lot of SD players.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know.
Everything the Cardinals touch this year seems to turn to gold!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Wouldn't bet on it for all of King Midas' silver
I’ve been wrong before.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Duncan...
…certainly has a track record of getting something from nothing, but I think Smoltz may have a short burst of energy that allows him to pitch a good game or two, and then his age comes back to haunt him.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
OTOH...
… he hasn’t pitched to major league hitters in several weeks. Could be rusty.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Not very rusty...
…today, but we’ll see how this lasts.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
go cubs... pretty please with sugar on top....
>> whimper <<
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Ok
let’s get this one.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
Only An Employee
“Mr. Ricketts, you’ll have to pay out the rest of my contract. I’m nobody’s fool. I know what the future brings.”
That’s what Lou meant to say.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 23, 2009 12:16 PM CDT reply actions
Funny...
…I wonder what Hendry’s thoughts are on the same, especially with him having 3 more years.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Probably not for public comment
but I’d guess he’s thinking the same thing.
I don’t know for sure, though – as Blue Mike seems to. Obviously, he has the pipeline to Mr. Ricketts.
So, I expect plenty of inside dope from him.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 23, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
As I said yesterday...
…It’s funny that new ownership is not only stuck with a bunch of overpriced, long term, no trade deals with players, they are also stuck with 3 more years with the guy who signed them.
Baseball is a funny game!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I wonder
if he knows the reference. Honestly. Is it possible he doesn’t know?
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 23, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Dear Employees
Wins are needed, they generate revenue, generate excitement in the team, and save your jobs.
Sincerely
mr Ricketts
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
Manager Lou Piniella believes it would be presumptuous for him to assume he will return in 2010
From the Chicago Sun Times
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Gads am I stupid... It was the Tribune and not the Sun Times....
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
I can confirm to you that Crane Kenney will be out as Team President
I can also state that negotiations between the Ricketts family and the lawyer representing Sandy Alderson continue on two fronts….minority ownership interest and title of Team President.
But Kenney is out. In fact, Kenney is actively working with the worldwide executive outplacement firm KornFerry.
"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)
I could care less what you chose to believe or not believe
"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)
You could care less? So you do care. That's nice.
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 23, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
i'm believing blou -
the only new news in the KornFerry part (and perhaps minority ownership for Sandy A.)
by doofus cubs guy on Aug 23, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Sandy Alderson
You don’t want that. No. You don’t.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 23, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Alderson
I know that Alderson blew it in San Diego but when he was with the A’s he was very good. Four division titles, three pennants and the WS in 1989. And USMC and Harvard Law.
wccubfan
Alderson 2
Is this the same smart guy thats an Ivy Leaguer that couldnt recognize many of his players were on steroids with Oakland? Is the same guy since he was fired by San Diego thats working with MLB in Latin America investigating steroid use and other problems? Wow, better hurry and hire this guy, you want to take the Cubs all the way down, then go ahead.
Where did he screw up...
…in San Diego, and did ownership have anything to do with it?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Hendry
Kenny, Lou. All will stay.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 23, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Crane Kenney needs to go
He’s a clown and an embarrassment to the Chicago cubs.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
In my role as #1 Pinella apologist
I would just like to say:
1. I think that Lou was just acknowledging the obvious — major league managers are often fired, especially when their teams are not doing well, and the choice of coming back next year is not his alone.
2. I think that Lou has known for longer than I cared to believe that the Cubs’ fortunes, for better or worse, depend a lot on Soriano coming through. Again, I love Fuld, but the Soriano DFA crowd are like the crowd of villagers with torches and pitchforks — the impulse might be satisfying in a primitive way, but things won’t be better after the smoke clears. I am glad to see Al posting evidence to support the necessity to fix Soriano.
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
Stats can be manipulated, though
I’d like to see what the stats are for the rest of the team, both as individuals and as a whole, through those same periods. Simply arriving at the conclusion “Soriano hits better, thus the Cubs win” skips a lot of logical steps in the middle there. How about Ramirez being out for some of those periods? How about Soriano hitting balls during a landslide victory and nothing when the rest of the team isn’t hitting? How about the combined record of the teams faced in those series, the balance of games home and away, the number of games Soriano played during those period, etc.? All contribute to the outcome of the game just as much, if not more, then a simple batting average and HR/RBI count during a given period of time for a single player.
Fuld and Fox should be in LF and RF today.
Fuld was one of the few to do anything yesterday and Fox needs AB’s. Soriano and Bradley suck. I know Bradley makes more and for some reason that seems to translate into playing time. But Fox has better stats. Why isn’t he rewarded? If Theriot can’t play why has Blanco not been brought back? He’s been eligable for days. That they need to not hurt Miles feelings pretty much says it all for this team….
Bradley
is one of our hottest hitters right now. No point in benching him.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 23, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Wut?
He’s 2-22 on the road trip. Check again.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
thats considered hot right now
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 23, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions
for the cubs anyways
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 23, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think they care about Miles' feelings
Just the remaining money on the contract. I have been arguing for a week that if they were really diplomatic they might convince he
has a strained groin or just to agree to minor league assignment for one damn week and bring him back when rosters expand. Failing that they should release him but they have really held on too long at this point to make a difference on that front.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
The Dodgers didn't win the last two games
they just didn’t lose them. This a team that is ripe for the picking IF ONLY the Cubs can start hitting and moving runners around the bases. The lack of extra-base hits is especially frustrating. It will drive me crazy if they go home and clobber the Nationals with some double-digit score like they did the Pirates after losing the Philadelphia series. We can use those runs TODAY.
Anyway, we are off to Dodgers Stadium.
GO CUBS ! ! !
It amazing...
…how many games you can win, by simply not losing them.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
thanks Yogi!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Your welcome!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I understand what JF Means
Dodgers fans are sure the team is now out of their ‘slump.’ No, they had the fortune to play the spinning-out-of-control-look-out-below Cubs.
Outside of Thursday’s Grand Slam, the Dodgers haven’t quite mashed the ball this series. A pair of solo HR on Saturday seems like a mountain to climb when a team hasn’t scored in what seems like a thousand innings.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 23, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
The question isn"t how sucessful the Cubs are when Soriano is good ...
it is how badly they do when he is bad. This year there is far more bad games than good games. He is a far more negative influence than positive.
The numbers above are only offensive – just the way Sori thinks. Look at Fuld yesterday, he had two great hustle catches and two SB’s without any hits! I’ll take that over hoping Sori can pop one over the fence every other week. Sori can be bad with his lack of hustle and incredibly low baseball IQ, even when his offensive numbers are good.
The smartest, most decisive, showing “I want to win” move, Ricketts can do is figuring out how to eat Sori’s contract in a trade that is factored into the cost of the sale (kinda like factoring in the cost of a home imporvement into a new mortgage).
And what was the result of that?
Fuld’s catches and his ability to get on base, and steal, made for the only highlights of the game for us, and I appreciate that, but we lost 2-0.
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
You really think we would have won with Soriano ?
We can’t trade him and we do need him but there is just something clearly wrong with him this year and he needs to sit out a significant number of remaining games. I think he can bounce back next year and I would not be surprised if he has been covering up
a nagging injury.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
In the article today...
He said he worked the hardest he ever has this past offseason, he came in the best shape of his life, and that his body is and has been feeling great. I doubt he’d still be trying to cover up an injury, given how we’re pretty much out of it at this point.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions
He kind of always says that though
I HOPE something is wrong because I simply don’t believe he is Steve Blass in LF.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Clubhouse blowup
I have a source in the clubhouse that just told me that Miles and Grabow got into it earlier today…
Grabow is refusing to give up his Jersey/# to Miles……
It got broken up before it got out of hand…
This makes my day
You’re kidding. I bet this wouldn’t have happened if they were winning. Ha, ha, ha.
by AboutTheCubs on Aug 23, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Miles is probably the clubhouse cancer
This team has dropped off the face of the earth with him off the DL. Coincidence? I think not.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Why does Miles want Grabow's number?
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
What?
Really? Your source could lose his job for telling you.
On the other hand, I hope Grabow goes Mike Tyson on Miles…
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Miles was there first
Why didn’t he already have the right number? And what has Miles done to deserve anything?
im pretty sure
it was a joke
“miles feels he deserves the number 4-3”
because he always grounds out to second
and grabow’s number happens to be 43
that was excellent!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
My thoughts exactly
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
yes...it was a little Sunday humor....
by cozmotaylor123 on Aug 23, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
And I thought finally some fire, some spirit in the clubhouse...
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Miles by far
"Live and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget that until the day comes when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these words: wait and hope!" - The Count of Monte Cristo
by Bricks and Ivy on Aug 23, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Not really much of a debate...
Perez’s OPS was 100 points higher, and he was actually a decent defensive player (and capable of playing SS).
When did Soriano begin to come around in 2007 and carry the Cubs to the playoffs?
I think that time has already passed this year. I really really hope I’m wrong but I think it’s too late. The Cubs lose to teams they shouldn’t and get swept by good teams.
"Live and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget that until the day comes when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these words: wait and hope!" - The Count of Monte Cristo
In September...
He hit .320 with 14HR, 27RBI, and an OPS of 1.108.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions
once the weather warms up..this team is going to get going....
by cozmotaylor123 on Aug 23, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions
But not too warm...
Because then it’s too hot to play like in Florida and Cincy, and let’s keep the altitude at a comfortable level, and an average sized ballpark would suit us well.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Someone should look closer at Soriano's numbers
My sense, without looking into it, is that most of the time he has hit well, it coincided with times when the Cubs were playing lesser competition – Pirates, Nats, Reds, etc. He seems to do better against mediocre pitching and struggles against better pitching. If true, that puts this into much better focus.
Of course, this is true of anybody, but it seems to be even more pronounced with AS. If it weren’t for the #5 starters and mediocre bullpen pitchers in the league, he would be hanging around the Medoza line.
by azjazzman on Aug 23, 2009 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Just glancing at the splits...
He’s got his best numbers this year against the Nats, Reds, and Houston. And he’s struggled against the Dodgers, St. Louis, and Florida. There might be something to your argument, but you’d have to look deeper into it.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Ugh.
This is an age old stupid theory in my book. Good pitchers are good for a reason, no one tends to hit well against them (outside of the true elites like Pujols). These two things are mutually inclusive.
I’m not defending Soriano’s season btw.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I said that
But my contention is that, this year at least, it is even more pronounced with Soriano than one would expect. It seems like he FEASTS on mediocre pitching and absolutely disappears against anything resembling good pitching. That is more than just having a dip in numbers.
Besides
isn’t Soriano being paid as though he were an elite? I believe he makes more than Pujols, Holliday, etc.
Comparing contracts isn't perfect, they are a product of team's needs, other FA's available, etc...
hence Holliday got a one-year deal with the A’s this past offseason, and Pujols signed a deal to extend his time with the Cards, while getting paid more than he would have made through arbitration. Jeter makes $20+ million/year, do his #’s justify that?
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
Jeter?
That’s the example you cite? The guy hitting .330 with a near .400 OBP? The guy who has been the most popular Yankee player, by far, over the past 14 years? I don’t see him on the list of worst contracts…
Yes, comparing contracts can be dicey, but there is no disputing my point, which is the Cubs signed Soriano to a contract that pays him as though he were an elite player and what they have gotten hasn’t even approached that. He is not high on the list of worst contracts ever for no reason.
Laughable
When Soriano starts playing hard…running the bases, actually caring in the OF, starts making consistent effort to be disciplined at the plate….I’ll start believing he’s going to do something other than continue to fail miserably in all aspects of the game. I’m not holding my breath on any of those counts. The reality is, all signs point to No. 12 being at the beginning of a decline that could be severe, ugly and extremely difficult to watch.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
I guess I'd have to agree with this. Actually, that's pretty much my thoughts. Well written.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
All these things you mention...
…have always been what Soriano is. It just so happens his penchant for hitting home runs has allowed this stuff to slide.
This guy has always been what he has been with the Cubs, and it should be no surprise.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Well, I'd think he is considerably worse than he has been. He's only hovering around .240 BA.
And he really looks worse at the plate. Opposing managers are walking people in front of him just to be able to put the bat in his hands.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
This year...
…he has been worse, but up to this point, any scout worth a shit would give you a report that would mirror what we have seen from him.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Agreed!
I would even go as far to say that for the betterment f the team, if he keeps declining, the Cubs will have to eventually bench him, in spite of his huge contract, and play someone who can produce some consistent offense (and all-around better play) from LF
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
"All signs"....
is hyperbolic.
The fact is that until we get more data, we have no basis to say how severe (if at all) Soriano will decline in the upcoming years. We don’t even know if it’ll take the form of a consistent, uninterupted decline. And frankly, his career history doesn’t support ultra-pessimistic predictions.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 23, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Considering his skills...
…I believe it is safe to assume Soriano is clearly on the downside of his career.
I say this because he has accomplished what he has on pure physicial skills (reflexes, strength) and he is at the age where those are on steady decline. Some players make adjustments as the age to compensate (and retain a high level of productivity), but I am not confident Soriano has that ability.
He may very well rebound next year and give you 30 homers, but his best years are clearly behind him.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Nonsense
The “signs” I point to are directly related to his daily approach at the plate, his consistent unwillingness to hit the ball to RF and his lackadaisical effort provided on the bases and in the OF. No, you don’t need more data to discern just what is on the horizon for No. 12. If he continues to display the amount of effort and refusal to adjust, what you see is exactly and unequivocally what you’ll get at the very most.
There are no further data points to suggest that these “signs” are incorrect.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
for some good luck today
Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And everything you do
Yeah, they were all yellow
I came along
I wrote a song for you
And all the things you do
And it was called “Yellow”
COOL BEANS!
Regarding Soriano...
“To sum it all up, during the two “good Soriano” periods, he hit .294 with 16 HR and 39 RBI in 54 games, and the Cubs went 35-19.
During the two “bad Soriano” periods, he hit .194 with 3 HR and 13 RBI in 67 games, and the Cubs went 26-41."
But Al, isn’t that basically the average offensive output, most teams are getting from their LFers? i don’t have he numbers in front of me, but I bet most teams are doing better than .244/19/52. Those numbers are pretty pedestrian for a MLB starting LFer.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:27 PM CDT reply actions
The HR and RBI are above average for a LF... everything else is at or below average...
Soriano is 8th in MLB among LF in HR and 11th in RBI. He’s 14th among 15 MLB qualifiers in OPS.
thanks for looking up the numbers!
I guess it just “seems worse” than the numbers actually show
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Well the OPS shows it IS bad...
He’s been below average this year. The HR and RBI are only a part of the puzzle. The HR happen to be the thing he does well. He’s just not doing anything else well this year.
It is worse...
He’s got the worst BB/K ratio, worst BA at .240, and 2nd to last in OPS amongst qualified LF’ers in MLB,
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Look who's leading...
In HR, RBI, and OPS in all of MLB amongst LF’ers… Adam Dunn.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
He wouldn't have been playing for Soriano...
even if we had signed him.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 23, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't remember saying he would?
His numbers would look damn good in RF.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
In Soriano's case...
presumably what is of interest is the range of the data sets.
The average of [1,9] and [4,6] are both 5; translating that to baseball terms, it wouldn’t mean that they are equal players in the manner in which they impact the team in game to game analysis.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 23, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
But is it a lefty?
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
That is one of the scariest thing I have ever seen
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
I was wondering whatever happened to Kent Tekulve...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Hilarious how some on this board will defend Soriano to the nth degree...
Soriano is WRETCHED. You can play selective sample size and all sorts of other gimmickry you want. But fact is Soriano is awful and is inked to the single worst contract in professional baseball. He vaporized in the playoffs in 2007 and 2008, and has followed it up with a truly horrendous 2009 season at bat and in the field. And to make matters worse the 30-something Soriano has FIVE years left on his contract.
"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)
by BLou on Aug 23, 2009 1:43 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree with your assessment, but
doesn’t Barry Zito or Vernon Wells have the worst contract?
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
The question is...
What becomes of him in 2011 and beyond? Does he become the highest-paid bench player in baseball?
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
single worst contract in professional baseball
this is worth it’s own post – sometime in the off season (and with a companion ‘all-time’ worst contract thread) -
by doofus cubs guy on Aug 23, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually already had one from an SI article
Sori was 5th. Vernon Wells was #1
Here is link
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/8/13/988400/worst-contracts-in-baseball
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Vernon Wells contract gets scary soon
Like 23 million a year scary.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
The Cubs were desperate enough to get rid of Sosa years ago
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Right...
But didn’t he just have a year or so left on his deal?
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes - very different financial circumstances...
The Cubs were also in a much different situation financially then, too.
I think if the worst case situation happens...
and he falls into a serious decline with his offense/defensive skills, then for the sake of the team, one would have to think about benching him for someone who can produce better numbers.
The goal is to win, and if he can’t help the team do that, then we eat he contract and get someone in there who can help. Sounds cruel, but isn’t that how baseball used to be?
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 23, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I never stop being amused...
by your faith in and ability to say in effect, “You might have stats that contradict [insert Blou argument here], but I’m still right.”
As if the fact that you say something should be evidence enough for us…
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 23, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
However...
Where are the facts that contradict that statment? I’m not a BLou supporter, but in this case, he’s got a point.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 23, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Soriano is having a poor year.
He also has a career of well above-average performance. To refer to him as blanket “awful” is not supported by facts (there wasn’t nuance or qualification to Blou’s comment, which was my point).
I’m not arguing that Soriano is having a good year by any means. But I do dispute all the people who are so sure that Soriano is now and forever will be a liability moving forward. I think it’s too soon to say that. Next year will help us with more data to project from. And I really dispute people who say that Soriano not only sucks now, but has always sucked (which, as we all know, is what Blou thinks).
That was all I meant to imply.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 23, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions
lineup via carrie muskat
theriot, fuld, lee, rami, dome, fox, font, hill, demp
why the hell does theriot keep leading off
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 23, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather have Baker but OK
Billingsley is damn tough in any case. Hey I finally get to SEE Fuld.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Ron just said the lineup might "spark this team"
I beg to disagree with Ron.
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Who knows
but it is hard to imagine this will be worse than one in which Bradley and Soriano play. I grant you that sitting Sori and Bradley in the same game is odd and I am clueless on not playing Baker who has been the hottest hitter on the team.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
???
He is 3 for 14 and 7 for 25 Vs Fontenots 1 for 16 and one for 23
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
It does compared to Fontenot.
Suckyness is relative on the Cubs.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Also note
that four of the last five times that Baker has had more than 1 hit in a game, he was facing left handed pitchers. Lately, when he has faced righties, he has struggled. I am sure this factors in the decision not to start him against Billingsley.
except Fontenot has not hit ANY pitching for some time
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
What would you change?
I prefer Baker and Dome at the top, but that’s about it.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
That's Baker playing second base and Dome batting first.
Two different things.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Dome at the top
Baker at second
Bradley in the game. Fuld batting 7th.
Fontenot in Class AAA.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Bradley over Fox?
The same Milton Bradley that has gone 2-22 on this road trip?
Agreed on the other stuff.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
The more I think about it:
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
Isn't this basically
the same post I read here every day, just posted by someone different every day?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 23, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
cubs streak???
What are we going to say about there chances of making the playoffs after they get swept in Chicago. by the Nationals, I have thrown the towel in a couple of weeks ago, seen this two many times in my sixty years of being a cub fan, Goat or not it is not meant to be
Nice interview
Len just did with Sam.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
could not watch ( sniff )
Highlights ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm skipping the pre-game in favor of the Solheim Cup...the US Women have game!
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
Judd Sirott is even less likable on TV than on radio
but at least he’s not SCREAMING.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Time to
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
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