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Rich Harden Watch

Will this man be starting tonight vs. the Astros? By noon, we'll know.

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Will this man be starting tonight vs. the Astros? By noon, we'll know.

The deadline for trading players before the August 31 (today) deadline for postseason roster eligibility is noon. (Not sure what time zone that is, or whether it's "local" time.)

So, we wait to see whether Jim Hendry wants to, or can, make a deal to send Rich Harden to the Twins, who filed a waiver claim on him recently.

The Twins are exactly one game closer to a playoff spot than the Cubs are right now, though they have only one team ahead of them, rather than the four the Cubs would have to leap over to claim a wild-card spot. So, that puts Hendry in a spot himself. Does he pull the trigger on a deal that could net the Cubs a couple of prospects from a team that has a well-regarded organization? Or does he keep Harden, who is 3-1, 1.80 in eight starts since the All-Star break and hope for a miracle, then either re-sign him or offer him arbitration and take the two draft choices he'd get if Harden leaves?

Star-divide

Our old buddy Phil Rogers says Hendry should do it, and adds:

There was a report out of Minneapolis that the Twins wanted a chance to talk to Harden's agents before agreeing to a deal, a potential complication that could kill the trade. They would be taking a risk trading legitimate prospects for a potential five-week rental, but I believe they could get Harden signed before the free-agent signing period in November.

Oh, Phil, Phil, Phil. Silly you. The Twins have an (approximately) $65 million payroll, about half the Cubs' number this year. They're going to, soon, have to sign Joe Mauer to a giant-size contract extension (Mauer's deal expires after 2010), as Mauer, a local product from the Minneapolis area, is the face of the franchise and a MVP candidate. They can't afford to lose him. And you think they can sign Harden, too? Forget it. Harden would be a rental for the Twins. I don't think they'll do it. I believe you'll see Harden starting tonight for the Cubs vs. the Astros.

Oh, don't forget: Aaron Heilman was claimed too, by the Giants. He could be gone by tonight. My guess is that Hendry says, "He's yours."

Poll
What should the Cubs do with Rich Harden?
Keep him! The wild card is within reach.
671 votes
Trade him! We need the prospects to rebuild.
778 votes

1449 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 379 comments |

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Comments

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First

Keep Harden and make a run at the wild card. You never know being 5.5 out with 30 or so to play.

by niuhuskie224 on Aug 31, 2009 7:33 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That gets my vote.

I’m adding a poll to this post.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think we should keep him, but not because of the wild card

At this point, the Twins are basically paying for one month of Rich Harden; are they really going to give up better prospects than we could get with two high draft picks that we’ll get if we lose him as a free agent?

by msquared10 on Aug 31, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Theres still an outside chance at the wild card

but if the twins offer a legit package that is better than the 2 draft picks we would get…..Id take it. IMO, I don’t think the cubs would sign harden in the offseason anyways.

by cubsmania on Aug 31, 2009 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

1 game per week.

That’s what it will take. Now, while the Cubs haven’t necessarily shown an ability to get on a serious roll, I think a game a week is an attainable goal.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Aug 31, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's assuming everybody else just meanders through September

It’s likely to require a 24-10 run to make it. And that assumes that neither Atlanta nor Florida go better than 20-12, and that neither SF nor Colorado go better than 16-15.

Baseball prospectus’ simulator has the odds at 36-1 against…. passing not just both SF and Colorado, but Florida and Atlanta as well.

I think the Cubs are likely to catch the two NL East teams, but not both NL West teams as well. One of those two will go 18-13, and I just don’t see how the current Cub roster can whack out enough wins given the various ways that they’ve managed to lose games in August.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Aug 31, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know it'll be tough (and unlikely)

But the Cubs as a team can’t focus on going 24-10. It’s far easier to look in the standings and maintain a goal of chopping 1 game of the standings per week instead of the overall record.

The two things in the Cubs’ favor down the stretch are their schedule and the fact that Colorado/San Francisco and Atlanta/Florida beat up on each other in the last 5 weeks.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Aug 31, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sell

I say get what you can for him. There’s nothing I’ve seen from this team that suggests it can make a run at the Wild Card. I hate to be a downer, but that’s the way I see it.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 7:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

But why not just offer arbitration and get the draft picks

I don’t know about you but if we can keep Harden, make a run to the playoffs and then get draft picks, why not. And if he accepts arbitration (Which he won’t) then we still have a solid number 3 or 4 pitcher, really solid (when healthy)

by niuhuskie224 on Aug 31, 2009 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Depends on what the trade return would be...

If we could get better prospects via trade, it may be worth it to let him go and forego the less than 5% chance that the team makes the playoffs this year.

If the return is going to be less than the value of two first-round picks, then I’d say keep him for the duration of the season.

by SouthernCub on Aug 31, 2009 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Numbers may not lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth (and nothing but the truth), either. -- Doug Glanville

by leothelip on Aug 31, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes

That’s the key. If the Twins offer is better than two first-round picks, you take it. Otherwise, you pass.

by Josh77 on Aug 31, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This a bit misleading

Who do the Twins give up that is better than the two draft picks ( first round & supplemental) you would get for Harden ? I can’t see the Cubs admitting they are out of itby trading Harden unless they get someone great in return and I don’t see the Twins giving up anyone that good.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 31, 2009 7:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

My point exactly.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, I think the Twins could afford to give up an OF

because they have Cuddyer-Span-Kubel-Delmon-Gomez, with Hicks and Revere coming up. Span might be within reach.

Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.

by DGU on Aug 31, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not Span.

I mean Revere. The Twins OF is young enough and the Twins have enough other OF prospects, and would get two draft picks, that trading one good prospect, even a top 100 prospect could make sense.

Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.

by DGU on Aug 31, 2009 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is Span worth more to the Cubs than the two picks ?

I don’t know so I am asking .

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 31, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Span and a minor leaguer would surely be worth more...

Span by himself would probably be worth more. It’s always better to have a sure thing than to take a draft pick which has about a 30% chance of making the big leagues.

Of course, I doubt they’d trade Span for one month of Harden.

by SouthernCub on Aug 31, 2009 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Span

I’d easily take a Denard Span for Rich Harden right now, but I don’t see them moving him. Moving Span defeats the purpose of a Harden deal, as it weakens their lineup and defense. I don’t see them giving up major league talent, and I’m not sold they give up top minor league talent.

If they give up one of their top chips (my preferred 4 would be Ben Revere, David Bromberg, Tyler Robertson, and Aaron Hicks in that order), I’d be open to a deal. I’m not as enthused about the rest (Danny Valencia – not a huge fan, Wilson Ramos – isn’t that much better than Welington Castillo, Rene Tosoni – not sold on the power improvement). There are combinations of others that would probably get my interest a tiny bit, but enough to pass on Type A?

I still think the best choice is to hold him and go arbitration. If he accepts, then you try to clear around 10 million to keep him, or you ponder dealing him later, as Harden is moveable at a one year deal. If he leaves, you scoop up the two picks and move on.

by toonsterwu on Aug 31, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, but

the Twins will not part with him.

However, my source has been wrong every single time this season…

by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But if the plan is to resign Harden...

We’d be better off long-term trading him, since we’re not getting draft picks anyways.

by Poloplaya14 on Aug 31, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You can at least be assured...

…someone from the Twins will be drilled on how to play the game well from a fundemantal standpoint, but I agree, you don’t trade Harden unless it is a fairly compelling offer.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 31, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope those that voted for “The wild card is within reach” were being facetious. Com’on people, we lose a series TO THE NATIONALS. What’s it take to face reality?

If the Twins want Harden, I’d be scared. The Twins are a very smart organization.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Aug 31, 2009 7:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It's time to get over the fact that we lost a series to Washington

We have somewhere near 30 games left in the season. Let’s worry about winning the majority of those and trying to get a playoff spot.

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Aug 31, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the sweeps have to happen this week,,

and a win over the White Sox doesnt count

by cozmotaylor123 on Aug 31, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why not?

That’d be a one-game sweep.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And this is the problem with our season.

Counting on sweeps and other teams to fail is not a good recipe for success. But here we are. I remain open to a miracle.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Half empty.

And rational.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Aug 31, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

any team

can beat any team on any day. The season is not over. The wild card is within reach. Don’t give up.

"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 31, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The wild card race will start to change

with teams playing each other. My guess is it will look quite different next Monday. The Giants go to Philly and Atlanta goes to Florida while the Rockies host the Mets. Things are going to change quickly in this race, that’s why yesterday’s loss hurt since the Rockies got beat again.

I think we must keep Harden after the way Z pitched yesterday. The Gorz can take one spot but not two. Z just didn’t look right to me yesterday.

Let’s see what happens!

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Aug 31, 2009 8:08 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Don't forget

Hendry’s record in these end-of-season bailouts isn’t very good. Last one I recall was a deal involving a reasonably valuable Maddux and returned an equally un-valuable Cesar Izturis. Unless any presumed deal is for frontline prospects that have little to no chance at being considered marginal prospects, I don’t deal Harden to the Twins. The likelihood of that I believe to be pretty slim.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Aug 31, 2009 8:16 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not really comparable

With Maddux, who had full NT protection, Hendry let him go to a team he wanted play for in the playoff chase. That was an “honorable” thing to do for an iconic player. There is no way the Dodgers would have given up much more than Izturis.

Whatever anyone thinks about Hendry, in balance his trades have been FAR more helpful to the Cubs than not.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 31, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Apples and Oranges

LIke you have suggested, there are different types of trades. Hendry has proven adept at acquiring established veterans at the cost of unproven prospects. That isn’t debatable. What is debatable is the converse…his ability to acquire difference-making prospects at the cost of established veterans. Including the Maddux deal in that…sure he did him a favor but not to the deteriment of the ball club, and more recently the DeRosa deal, I think the jury is still out on whether a deal such as this will help the club in the future. If it were me, I offer him arbitration and take a shot with Wilken in the draft.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Aug 31, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Draft

On that I fully agree. If the Cubs play their cards right, they should have two prospects (assuming Harden doesn’t resign), who, at the very least could be flipped for the the “next Harden” at the 2011 trading deadline.

All along I have doubted a trade would happen just because I doubt the Twins to give up enough talent to exceed the value of two draft picks.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 31, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Apples and Apples

Maddux was a type A free agent as well.

The cubs would have gotten 2 high picks for him when he signed the 2 year deal in San Diego.

Unfortunately Wood and Dempster should have brought picks back as well.

Hendry needs to be less “Buddy” and more shrewd businessman in these type of matters.

" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "

by aaronb on Aug 31, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate to sound like a broken record

but the Maddux deal was unique. Hendry OWED it to Maddux to let him go. Dodgers had used up most of their decent prospects on an earlier deal and Izzy seemed ok at the time but basically Hendry was in little position to bargain so you should not use this as an example of his deadline deals.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 31, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think the Cubs have much of a chance to make the playoffs

But given the fact that keeping Harden and offering him arbitration means draft picks — as opposed to a couple Minnesota minor league plyaers — I wouldn’t trade him.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 8:23 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

There are a couple of good reasons to keep Harden

He might be valuable in 2010.

It might be better to go with the draft picks rather than deal with the Twins, who are smarter than us.

But the wild card is not a reason to keep Harden.

If the team makes a run, terrific, but you do not risk 2010 for it.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 31, 2009 8:26 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I would say

keep him and offer him arb in the offseason. If he walks we get 2 extra picks. If he accepts, I wouldn’t have any problem paying him 10 mill or so for one year.

by CalCalender on Aug 31, 2009 8:27 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Keep him..I also think we should resign him

We still have a chance at the Wild Card. Harden is a strikeout pitcher. He’s a proven player. I’d rather keep him then trade him for prospects that may never reach the bigs.

by Cubs and Hawks fan on Aug 31, 2009 8:33 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Interestingly enough...

…the poll is tied 69-69 right now.

Everything I’ve read indicates a trade of Harden to the Twins is highly unlikely. I’m going to guess it will not go down.

Honestly, I’m more curious about the Heilman thing. Ideally, I’d like to see Hendry get something from the Giants. Aaron did have a decent two inning outing vs. the Mets – though I seem to recall at least a couple of his pitches were hit very hard and deep. He also has surrendered only one run in his last five appearances.

So it would be nice if Jimbo could push for some kinda face-saving return. If Sabean won’t budge, just let Heilman go.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 8:39 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think that's exactly what will happen with Heilman.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I doubt it.

I don’t see Heilman being dealt. He doesn’t have enough value to command much of anything in return and he isn’t expensive enough to really cost the Cubs anything to keep him. Also, with rosters expanding tomorrow, his roster spot doesn’t cost anything either.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 31, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, that's true.

I’d still say cut ties sooner rather than later. I’m tired of seeing his sad sack eyes on the mound.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But the stirrups look good.

Someone else will have to pick up that slack if Heilman goes.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Aug 31, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i don't think heilman is going to the giants

he has allowed no runs in 17 of his last 25 appearances. his walks are down. his era is down. his whip is down.

by brian custer on Aug 31, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wouldn't that be

WHY he’s going to the Giants?

"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 31, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Had the Cubs lost at least 2 of 3 this weekend

I’d say trade Harden. But right now, things might work out for the team.

They play the NL Central and a lot. And one thing that has been consistent ALL YEAR is that the Cubs have dominated within their division.

The other teams chasing the Wildcard play each other in atleast 2 series and they also play their first place counterparts where the races are much tighter.

by ak123 on Aug 31, 2009 8:41 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

one note to add on the WC

we are only out 4 games in the loss column.

by toonsterwu on Aug 31, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is a tough one

Personally I don’t want to see the Cubs re-sign Harden because he will command big money and I would rather see Lilly extended. I’ve read about possible $60 million contract for him this offseason. As for the trade, if Hendry can get the prospects he wants I say make the deal. If not, retain him and offer him arbitration to get the two compensation picks, very similar to how the Red Sox gave built up their farm system.

Hey, Hey! Hey, Hey! Hey, Hey!

by TheCubsGuy on Aug 31, 2009 8:42 AM CDT via mobile reply actions   0 recs

Well for the record

put me down on not extending Lilly. It looks like this contract will cover the best years of Lilly’s career. Hendry knew to move on from Matt Clement. I think it’ll be time to move on from Lilly, too.

Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.

by DGU on Aug 31, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heck

I’m not totally against trading Lilly this offseason … if it leads to building a stronger club for 2010. I find it a bit hard to buy that happening (that moving Lilly can improve the 2010 club), but I’m not against it. Due to his past experience, recent performance, remaining contract, he could net a quality return.

by toonsterwu on Aug 31, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can't disagree

But it has to be a damn good trade though.

by ak123 on Aug 31, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

$60 million

Harden isn’t going to command $60 million in the offseason….unless New York and Boston get into a bidding war. The free agent numbers in the offseason are going to be down even more than they were in 2009.

Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?

by krummy12 on Aug 31, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why wouldn't Harden get

3-4 years between $15-$20M, total contract between $45M and $80M?

Even a down year, someone will give him 3 years at near 20 per or at worst 4 years at 15 per.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Aug 31, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not in this economy, and with his injury history.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I certainly don't think he's worth it, but his performances

have others viewing him elite. He’s been healthy this year.

I expect he will get paid.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Aug 31, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think a lot of free agents this offseason...

… are going to be stunned by the # of years and dollars in contract offers.

I repeat, this economy is going to start affecting baseball.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

may be true

but i’m sure there will also be teams out there that will gamble that the economy will improve and take the opportunity to pay less for players whose (who’s?) value would increase in a lesser economy. the white sox have already gone down this road a bit by trading for peavy and taking on alex rios’ contract. so yes, teams might not be willing to go with long contracts and values might be down, but potentially dominant starting pitchers like rich harden will still get multi-year offers, they just might be for $12 mil per instead of $15+.

by circuitclout on Aug 31, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No way

That would be considerably more than the 4 yr 52mil that Dempster got.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 31, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I pity the team that does that

(I understand Jim Hendry might do that)

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Aug 31, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't discount the possibility...

… of Harden taking a bit less to stay with Chicago. He’s been openly impressed with the training staff and their ability to keep him healthy. Long term, his best investment decision would be keeping his best weapon, his arm, healthy.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I trusted the organizations ability to spin supplemental picks

into gold through scouting and development, I’d vote to keep Harden and make a run.

As I doubt there is any liklihood in the Cubs and Harden reaching agreement on a contract or Rich accepting arbitration, and if the Twins are offering real value, the Cubs need young talent and should make the move.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Aug 31, 2009 9:05 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I want to keep him and sign him.

I’ve been told by some die-hard Twins fans that they’re low on prospects right now, and the 3 they have, they won’t part with. If we’re not getting something great in return, I keep Rich and hope to sign him for a hometown discount.

I think Lilly and Harden, then Wells, are the pitchers we should plan around. If we really want to rebuild, trade Big Z in the off-season. I think someone like NY or Boston would take a chance on Z and we can use some of that $ towards Harden.

by smash! on Aug 31, 2009 9:27 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

A good can of worms...

…trading Z. Wouldn’t the Cubs be forced to eat that contract?

Yes, the Twins system is not as plentiful as it used to be. But if I’m not mistaken, giving up Harden would net two draft picks—players who are not in their system yet.

by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There is one team that would probably take Z's contract.

The Mets.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

the Mets have some financial problems. Now, they could clear some contracts this offseason, but as of now, I think they need to cut back a bit. At least, some recent reports/rumors are indicating that might happen.

by toonsterwu on Aug 31, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was before their owner got screwed out of all his money

They have money now…not.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Aug 31, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

NO SURRENDER MONKEYS!

the wild-card is within reach! The season is not. over.

"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 31, 2009 9:37 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sorry Winston...

we shall fight in the bleachers,
we shall fight on the upper decks,
we shall fight on the bases and in the fields,
we shall fight on the mounds;
we shall never surrender

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

by eths on Aug 31, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I listened to you once

and then they lost two of three to a team that can’t even spell its own name.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 31, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

whatever

we’re still in contention. That’s what matters. We kick the crap out of Houston, starting today.

"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 31, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But what will i DO with myself for the rest of the season...

… if i can’t lament the Cubs? Woe is me.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hope for them

to win? :D

"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 31, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, no.

That’d be redic.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As a Cubs/Bears fan living in the Denver area....

I so enjoyed last night, particularly the 2nd Quarter.

IF IT TAKES FOREVER!!

by Cubfansince1957 on Aug 31, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Drew Brees, G-Dub...

…and the Saints would like to have a word with you about that.

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 31, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe the Twins will have a large payroll next two seasons

The new stadium opens up next April. They need to field a respectable team. Their greatest need is pitching and a real 2B. Harden fits the bill. When he needs to go to the DL, they have slightly-above-average pitching waiting in the wings.

I think if the agents and the other buzzards flying above right now scram, it can be done.

by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 9:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

LMAO

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

...

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

by eths on Aug 31, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hee

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Aug 31, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

FYI

Twins fans are discussing this here.

by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 9:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for posting this link at Twinkie Town.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're welcome

And if you thought we were a pessimistic and crazy bunch, just take a gander at their Fanposts…

by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't want to trade Harden for marginal prospects

You aren’t getting a major league player for him right now, and certainly are not touching their top prospects for a one month rental (unless the twins are dumb).

While I don’t think there is a chance in hell the Cubs win the WC, trading Harden sort of waves the white flag and Hendry might not want to do that.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Aug 31, 2009 9:45 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I have no idea what to think...

I want to say deal him, but I doubt that will happen anyway, and even if it did I don’t think we’ll get anyone worthwhile. On the flip side of the coin, I worry about who the Cubs would pick up in the draft. The latter of the two options is the more likely to happen, but I still don’t know which way to lean.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Aug 31, 2009 10:07 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If he does get traded

It would be interested to see how out-spoken he will be about the clubhouse? Maybe this will be the only real insite we could get on if there is team chemistry and that sort of thing.

by ak123 on Aug 31, 2009 10:13 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I doubt you'd hear anything.

Players don’t do that.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They do in subtle ways

He’ll say how his team has more chemistry, etc without specifically mentioning names.

by ak123 on Aug 31, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True

He’s usually tight-lipped about saying anything personal/controversial, but he did make a few pointed comments about the A’s at one time (about how they handled his injuries), so it could happen.

A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08

by schmifty on Aug 31, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Twins haven’t asked for Harden’s medical records; trade unlikely
As of a few minutes ago.

I pray he stays with CHC, because I want to go see him pitch @NYM this weekend… also, I’d hate to follow him to another new club, only to have to learn yet ANOTHER in the spring.

A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08

by schmifty on Aug 31, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

SCHMIFTY!

where ya been?

"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 31, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Too busy for any SB Nation blogs this summer :( Sad :(

Wish I could still do the K counts!
Hope I don’t have to come up with yet another picture for that soon… stupid trades.

A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08

by schmifty on Aug 31, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We've continued them in your honor

"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on Aug 31, 2009 2:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

Aww! That's awesome! :)

A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08

by schmifty on Aug 31, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

When is he scheduled to pitch this weekend?

I’m going to Sunday’s game but I love seeing Harden pitch. I’d go to another game over the weekend to see him play.

by ak123 on Aug 31, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he throws today as scheduled...

… he’d pitch on Saturday in NYC.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, it should be Saturday

But I’m always afraid he’ll get scratched at the last minute… (did it to me last year!) so I haven’t bought tix yet.

A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08

by schmifty on Aug 31, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No need to scratch him now...

…with a glimmer of hope yet in the Wild Card, I pitch Harden as much as I possibly can.

What do they have to lose?

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 31, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Draft position.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!

That means I can potentially see Z, Harden and Wells pitch in NY.

Thank god I can find cheap tickets in NY with the way Mets have played.

by ak123 on Aug 31, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah exactly!

I should be able to get very close for about $100/seat…. earlier this season, those seats would’ve run me more like $200-300

A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08

by schmifty on Aug 31, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

$100?

I’d wait. Those seats will probably be way cheaper by the weekend.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I definitely am waiting, due to my fear of him being scratched.

A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08

by schmifty on Aug 31, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the tip, Al

Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!

by Chris Dobbertean on Aug 31, 2009 12:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

I got nice seats for $45 each for Sunday

That’s when they went on sale. You know, when I figured Mets would be fighting in the division as well as Cubs. Now those seats can be had for $18 on stubhub.

I’m probably going to get cheapies for Saturday if I go though.

by ak123 on Aug 31, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Z and Harden

Time to figure something out —

Cubs put Harden on waivers — some club claims him and they try to work out a deal.

Z has been nothing short of disappointing all season. There have been an awful lot of games where we just sit back and wait for an inning like the one in today’s game. Just take a look at the season and you will see that this has happened way too often.

His numbers have risen — in the wrong direction over the past three years. He has not only failed to improve but has declined each year.

If you look at Dempster’s numbers and compare them to past seasons, he has dropped off as well.

Z is not a #1 starter. Maybe for another team but until now, he has not shown the consistency required of a #1. Sure there are times when he shows signs of being that #1 guy but not often enough for a true #1.

I fully understand the past history of Harden and his physical problems. But Z has surpassed him this year. His continued meltdowns and physical problems cannot be ignored. Then the lack of a good daily routine that might improve his skills is brought up by Z himself. For crying out loud man, you are getting $18 mill a year and are not doing what it takes to keep your body and arm in shape. So much for pride and leadership.

In my mind, it is absolutely ridiculous to throw Harden out for a couple of prospects. Prospects are what they are – crap shots for the future.

And then I read somewhere that the Cubs are looking at a couple of arms in return. Isn’t that what we got for DeRosa? Are the prospects at AAA and AA that bad that we want to take Twins prospects. Hey the Twins need arms — what kind would they want to give considering their own pitching problems.

The Cubs need bats — not arms — at this point. The system is almost totally void of good and I mean good prospects at AAA, AA, and high A. The only marginal guy at any of those levels is Colvin and he really has not shown a lot so far. I would even go as far to say that Hendry would include him in a trade that would involve the Cubs giving up prospects.

Forget the waiver stuff. Pull Harden off the wire and re-sign him this winter.

Huge contract withstanding, I would consider offers for Z or even Dempster over the winter. There are teams that would take either one at the price. The Cubs need to take one that would give them a high quality second baseman and an outfielder who could lead off and hit for a decent average.

Pitching is always a premium. Why else would anyong offer to take Heilman off our hands?

To me, Z and Dempster offer no less hope for the future than Harden and would bring a lot more in return than a couple of prospects.

by ceegeewow on Aug 31, 2009 10:21 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

Z and Dempster are untradeable

Too expensive AND they’d have to approve the deals.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We have a lot of that...

…on the Cubs.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 31, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A Small Correction

When I mentioned the void of prospects, I was referring to OFs only.

The Cubs have some numbers in the infield. One in particular is Starlin Castro. IMHO this guy is the goods and will be the Cubs staring SS by 2011. Makes good contact, hits to all fields, has great range, and a terrific arm.

by ceegeewow on Aug 31, 2009 10:24 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

*deletes reply*

:)

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Aug 31, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trades

I don’t understand why we’re all talking about trades. The only reason deals are being discussed is because the Cubs are forced to. All the difference-making players have already been traded. They went to the Cardinals. If none of the Cub players had been claimed off waivers, we would have no prospective deals to talk about. Just like the entire 2009 season. Really not much to talk about. I can only picture a smoke-filled room with the new owners agonizing over 2010 with a pile of empty pizza boxes in one corner and a pile of empty beer cans in another, sweat pouring down their faces and cigar smoke stinging their eyes as they try to figure out what the hell is “chemistry”, why is it necessary at this level , and where do you buy it and how much does it cost?

by racertom on Aug 31, 2009 10:36 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by eths on Aug 31, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gorzellany

I know that this wouldn’t be a deal killer. But, if Hendry really expected to Trade Harden before his start today, it seems likely he would have had Lou avoid using Gorzellany yesterday.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 31, 2009 10:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What if Harden accepts arbitration?

What kind of money are we talking about?

"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...

by Curtain Jerker on Aug 31, 2009 10:57 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

considering his salary this year

I’m guessing 10 mil or so. Shouldn’t be that much higher.

by toonsterwu on Aug 31, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Honestly, 10 million for Harden seems about right.

And if the Cubs training staff can keep him together, Harden would be worth keeping for $10 million, IMO.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Aug 31, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just remember.....TNSTAAPP!!!

As the Baseball Prospectus gang is wont to point out, there is no such thing as a Pitching Prospect:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2197

A good mantra to keep in mind when it comes to considering swapping a relatively proven, though injury prone major league pitcher like Harden for a grab bag of unproven prospects.

by perseman on Aug 31, 2009 11:11 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice link

Thanks

"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

by vonde6 on Aug 31, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

CUBS GARBAGE

WHY WOULD ANY TEAM WANT BROKEN DOWN GARBAGE ANYWAY?

by slapshot53 on Aug 31, 2009 11:19 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

I know Eric Hanna. I have worked with Eric Hanna.

You, sir, are no Eric Hanna.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

keep him but play-offs are just a dream. then next year pay him what he’s worth. he’s the best pitcher on the team right now and he shouldn’t be given up on.

by Rainman9856 on Aug 31, 2009 11:20 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

And this thread suddenly becomes irrelevant.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just beat me too it.

Why in the world is Aaron Heilman still a Cub? FML. This is BS Hendry.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Aug 31, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hendry just likes old school baseball

Just wants to keep somebody who looks like a baseball player with the stirups (though he only pitches like one every blue moon). Maybe if we get Big Z to where the true Cubs pinstripes he could play like an “ace” IMO. I mean really why don’t they make players look like the Cubs and play with the old pinstripes….would you ever see the Yankees pitchers not play in their’s???

by NebraskaCubsFan on Aug 31, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Apparently

The Giants’ offer of a few batting practice baseballs and a warm bucket of spit wasn’t good enough.

by salparadise23 on Aug 31, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why is right!

Just release his worthless ass! Now this just opens the door for nitwit domerlovin Hendry to bring him back next year. What a joke.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

“domerlovin”?

"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 31, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Notre Dame lovin

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what I am scared of.

He needs to be saved from himself

by TJ11 on Aug 31, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hendry probably wanted something for Heilman

I can’t blame him. The Giants were interested, but Hendry probably wanted more than they were willing to offer. Someone needs to remind him that any deal for Heilman is a good one.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

exactly

just the salary coming off the books the rest of the season was worth it. He is the same as Miles, innings that should be given to the young pitchers are wasted on Heilman. Just the same with AB’s for Miles.

by TJ11 on Aug 31, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heilman at least contributes

A 17 OPS+ for Aaron Miles just confirms what you see on the field. Miles doesn’t produce and I think he’s one of the major reasons this team hasn’t done well this season.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heilman contributes garbage

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heilman can surprise you sometimes

I think that’s the reason the Giants were interested in seeing what he could do to help their bullpen. He has a 100 ERA+, which isn’t great, but passable. His WHIP is down from last year and so is his ERA and H/9. I’ve seen him throw scoreless outings, but crack like an egg with inherited runners. The pitching staff is great in SF, so they probably figured they could do something with him. Bob Howry has worked out well over there, so they apparently know what they’re doing.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't bother debating with him.

His idea of insight is calling somebody garbage and then disappearing if you try to dissuade them with facts.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

STFU

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perfect!

Ignore Ace’s point on Heilman (a good one, full of insight), choose to not take the chance i’d given you to prove me wrong, and further entrench yourself as a bile-spewing waste of a poster.

Well played, Itchy.

And because i don’t generally like to post only negative things, it should be noted that i’m lunching on a Dole Fruit Parfait (Peaches and Creme flavor), and its wonderful. Everyone should try them!

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I only used one last post on him

I’m done arguing with him.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't ignore anything, ass-clown,

 I have a job and hadn’t gotten back in here and didn’t even realize anyone even replied. It’s none of your business anyway.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He did not resort

to name calling. Why is it you feel the need to do so?

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Aug 31, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm still salty about all the nasty things you said to me...

… during the “Bradley vs Racists in the bleachers” fanpost debate that got deleted, otherwise i’d ignore you much like i do most morons.

Its frustrating to see a perfectly good, well reasoned post like Ace’s get diminished by some uninformed loser who is unwilling to do any reasoning beyond “he’s garbage”. It diminishes what Ace and others like him do, which is take the time to think and put well informed posts up here.

I, personally, come here for the will informed posters, not some dude who wants to let us all know who he thinks is “garbage”. Give it a rest.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Howry hasn't worked out well

He’s lost 6 games as a middlin middle reliever

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um?

Have you looked at something besides his W-L? His ERA+ is 120. Considering he had an 84 ERA+ last year, that should tell you something. Then again, I’m not looking at his W-L record, which was 7-5 last season. I’ll take his 3.61 ERA this year over the 5.35 ERA he gave us last year.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm just looking at the game winner HRs he's given up

His ERA is much better this year.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So is his HR/9

2008: 1.7
2009: 0.9

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, he can surprise you sometimes.

But that usually is when he comes in a low pressure situation. He seems to save his worst for when we really need him to come through and that makes his failures stick in our minds much more vividly than his successes.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because the Giants took Brad Penny?

They’ll probably rotate him and Wilson between set-up guy and closer. If I’m the Giants, I’d prefer Hoffman, but it doesn’t seem like the Brew Crew was willing to let him go.

In my opinion, the Giants claimed a bunch of guys they thought they could get, and opted to see who would give them the best dead, i.e., who wouldn’t cost their system too much.

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 31, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08

by schmifty on Aug 31, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are they keeping Heilman around

so they can beat him with pillowcases full of bars of soap? I’m not saying that’s what I want to happen to the guy, but geez, why else is this guy around.

End of the season, throw a dude under the bus press conference…

Lou – “Well…ah…we just didn’t execute…We’ve got guys who play baseball and ah…they just didn’t play well enough, guys like Heilman…y’know…what do you want me to do? We have to play the guys we have and some of them didn’t play hard enough.”

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Aug 31, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Keeping Harden is a sign they are going for it

Keeping Heilman is a sign they have no freaking clue

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Aug 31, 2009 11:32 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Eh... Heilman doesn't matter...

With the rosters expanding, he’s not wasting a spot at this point. And he’s not terribly expensive the rest of the way. Apparently the Giants weren’t willing to offer anything of value.

So now he’ll just be an extra arm available in the pen if needed.

by SouthernCub on Aug 31, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Possible on the first, I'd say doubtful on the second...

With Blanco coming back, I don’t see Miles getting many starts.

by SouthernCub on Aug 31, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm with SWL

I’d even wager something on Heilman and Miles getting more playing time than they should actually get.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Aug 31, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Over/under on

1) Miles PH ABs
and
2) # of times Miles is the 1st PH used in a game

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Aug 31, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just hope Lou doesn't think Miles

will exact revenge on the Cardinals and play him in all three games.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Aug 31, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So...

… more than zero?

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

define "should"

should = any? :P

"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 31, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Miles probably isn't going to see AB's until the Cubs are mathematically eliminated

Miles is done after this season anyway. This team plays worse with him on the active roster. The guy has a 17 OPS+ for crying out loud. For the old school folks, he’s batting below .200. What more do you need to keep him off the field?

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cheaper to release him in the offseason

Let him ride the pine until the end of the season and if the Cubs win the Wild Card, just don’t include him on the playoff roster. Rosters expand tomorrow, so pinch hit options won’t be as limited.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Aug 31, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Might also be able to trade him and minimize the cost a bit

Even if trading him (and paying some of his contract) is for a low-level prospect.

by SouthernCub on Aug 31, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Given my luck

He’ll end up playing and get at least 2 ABs on Wednesday. I’ll put away a couple beers to try to forget that.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Aug 31, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with SC here.

There is long-term negotiating value in walking away from a deal that doesn’t give you enough in return. Heilman is fine as a mop-up man in the ‘pen, so now’s as good a time as any to practice walking away.

Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.

by DGU on Aug 31, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bingo.

I would’ve liked to see Heilman go for aesthetic reasons, but he might as well stick around and finish out his contract. It’s a big “Whatever!” at this point.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

hmm

I don’t know if we should keep Harden or not… I just wanted to say that it’s hard for me to believe that there are 300 people on Earth that think that this year’s edition of the Cubs still have a shot at the playoffs. Don’t give me the strength (weakness?) of schedule argument either… we are flat out terrible, so that doesn’t matter.

by grogg_2434 on Aug 31, 2009 11:34 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

ok

see you next year.

"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 31, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No

A team that’s at least .500 isn’t “flat-out terrible.”

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There is a very real possibility that only the Cards

will finish over .500 in the division. That makes this division worse. .

A .500 record with this team may be good enough for you but not for most fans.

by TJ11 on Aug 31, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Reading comprehension is your friend

I didn’t say it was “good enough.” I said a team that’s at least .500 isn’t :“flat-out terrible.” Which is true.

Must be hard to walk around with that dunce cap on your head all day.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Funny stuff

I have been reading you make excuses for this team for some time. Its very impressive. The team sucks and is a massive disaster from the front office down. If they were in a good division it would have been over long ago. But you keep holding out hope!

by TJ11 on Aug 31, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Keep on

reading stuff that isn’t there. Do you enjoy being bitter and angry all day?

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am being realistic

You live in la la land…..

by TJ11 on Aug 31, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It isn't worth

arguing with someone whose IQ appears to be barely above room temperature.

As posters go, I’d say you’re “flat-out terrible.”

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I could care less

From your posts you would not be able to keep up in a real conversation about the Cubs. I did enjoy laughing at your fan post the other day. Lots of weak stuff. But I give you credit for trying…….

by TJ11 on Aug 31, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

how do you contend

for the wild card as a disaster?

"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 31, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

When you are in 5th place

in the Wild Card Standings heading into September, contend is very much a relative term.

by azjazzman on Aug 31, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

we're only

four games back in the loss column.

"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 31, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not really

Any team that’s at least .500 is at worst mediocre. “Flat-out terrible” is reserved for the likes of the Nationals and Pirates.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was expected that they would lose

It is worse when they should win and do not.

by TJ11 on Aug 31, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And if you pay attention to baseball at all

you know teams underachieve all the time. And overachieve, too.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I, and everyone I think, am pretty embarassed by...

…our 8 figure outfield.

Jack
derv
@themightycub

by derv on Aug 31, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

not really

Soriano is injured. Dome has done pretty well all year, and Bradley is one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now.

"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 31, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Our outfield

is pretty terrible relative to what each of the regulars are making.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I disagree.

Dome and Bradley make market level money for some pretty good production. We’ll have to see if Soriano can recover.

"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 31, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

Dome plays full time next year.

"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 31, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what about this year?

Dome is not worth $12 million. He’s just not.

Now, that said, he’s played much better this year than last and I hope for continued improvement.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You do realize

Fukudome actually took LESS money to sign with the Cubs, right?

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's not really the point

Do YOU think he’s worth $12 million per?

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Apparently

That’s what he’s worth, because that was the market price — or actually less than the market price.

What I think is irrelevant. I think ALL baseball players are overpaid. But that’s the price of poker these days.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jim Hendry's job ...

is to assess the market and sign players, balancing the market demand with talent evaluation. Based on that, I bet Hendry is disappointed with Kosuke’s production over the past two years.

Does that make Kosuke a bad player? Of course not! But is he overpaid (in relation to the rest of the baseball market) — yes.

And don’t use the everybody-is-overpaid argument. That’s another debate entirely.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How can you say

Hendry overpaid for Fukudome when most other teams were willing to pay him even MORE than what the Cubs paid him?

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bruce...

…he is basing it on his production, not what other teams were willing to pay two years ago, there is a difference.

If you are running a team, you wouldn’t take any solace in the fact other teams were willing to pay the same, if you have guys who simply aren’t producing the way they are getting paid.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 31, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You pay a player...

… based on what you think he might be worth in the future, and then you hope he lives up to it. That is how baseball works.

Do YOU think the team would be better without him?

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, I do

The Cubs could have made wiser choices. The money that went to Fukudome could been enough to get Orlando Hudsom ($3.38 million), Abreu (around $5 million) and nearly enough to keep DeRosa ($5.5 million).

Yes — I know that Fukudome was signed two years ago. But he’s NOT WORTH $12 million.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And if my aunt had a penis

she’d be my uncle.

What the hell kind of comparison is that? Those guys weren’t available before the 2008 season.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And she'd be shocked as hell when she discovered it

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Aug 31, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And there goes

lemonade all over my computer screen … :P

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And if Hendry hadn't signed Kosuke

He would have (possibly) had the money to spend later — assuming he didn’t spend it badly someplace else.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and if he hadn't traded DeRosa, and if Ramirez hadn't gotten hurt...

and Bradley had been able to hit baseballs from the left side in the first half, and Cedeno had a brain and could hit .280, and Reed Johnson was Adam Lind…..

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree...

…and all GM’s will have guys on the payroll who are overpaid compared to their production, but the trick is not having too many, because you end up with little production and a lot of dough out the door.

It’s all ROI, and the best way to look at it is how many wins a particular team gets compared to how much money they spend. Over time, thats not a bad way to see how good a club has been at player selection.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 31, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You are aware that isn't how the game works, though?
The Cubs could have made wiser choices.

Well, yeah. But like i said… you don’t decide what they are worth at the END of the contract, you decide at the beginning. If you are pissy over what a guy makes, you don’t blame him, you blame Hendry, or MLB, or agents, or whoever.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

right ...

and it’s Hendry’s job to make the right judgments so his gambles pay off. Right now, Kosuke is OVERPAID.

And I have been blaming Hendry. Look at the headline above the comment YOU responded to!

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Simple solution...

…A GM needs to be good at; Due Dilligence, and judgement. If your weak in these areas, you end up with a lot of guys making more dough than their numbers show.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 31, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Somebody you won't meet in person

And sadly, neither will I.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Aug 31, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

at least not to play baseball.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's not the point either

The Cubs’ outfield production is bad relative to what we’re paying. End of point.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This year.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What did I say above?

 what about this year?

Dome is not worth $12 million. He’s just not.

Now, that said, he’s played much better this year than last and I hope for continued improvement.

From my post above.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I get your point...

but you’re trying to steer a train. There is nothing you can do about it.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't understand your point

What are you trying to say here?

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hendry had no control over the sky being blue

He HAD control over the Fukudome signing. That’s the difference.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and since we don't have a time machine....

what do you propose we do now?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd like to get in the time machine

and see elgato high-fiving all his Cubs-fan buddies after he heard the Cubs had signed Fukudome.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

you know

a while back, you and I agreed not to respond to each other’s posts. What say we try that again.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's kind of like a car wreck

You want to ignore it when you’re driving past, but you just can’t.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

obviously we haven't met

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Aug 31, 2009 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

why the hell are people arguing

against the signing of one of the few productive members of this team?

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 31, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I said anything about Bradley or Soriano ...

I’d be bashed for beating a dead horse, wouldn’t I?

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no ...

there are posters here who jump on anything critical — other than bashing Miles.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and a rational person can easily ignore those people

if they have a valid criticism.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

can you easily ignore those people

if you have a valid criticism?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

can you easily ignore me ...

if think my comments are invalid?

You didn’t.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i wan't jumping on you for your citicism of a player...

I was commenting on the fruitlessness of your complaint. I agree that our entire outfield has under performed relative to their salaries.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I get what he's saying...

… he’s saying “our outfield is overpaid for their production”. I get that.

But 1.) Dome is a weird target for that rage, considering everything and 2.) fans complaining about player salary (particularly for their team overpaying) is sort of silly, as that money doesn’t come out of their pocket and we’d much rather have a team spending than a team not.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

'rage'?

Now, that’s just unfair. I’m not calling him names — and I’ve said he’s improved.

Please rephrase.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fair enough... i get what you are saying...

… but 1.) Dome is a weird target for that attention, considering everything and 2.) fans complaining about player salary (particularly for their team overpaying) is sort of silly, as that money doesn’t come out of their pocket and we’d much rather have a team spending than a team not.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

As I just said above ...

Trashing Bradley is old hat — and he’s playing a lot better. Soriano might be hurt (so I’m reserving some judgment).

That’s why Fukudome’s contract makes me pause. Good enough reasoning?

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Since the real story of Sori's injury has been discovered...

I put most of the blame for his awful 2009 on Lou and the training staff.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hendry has signed a lot of contracts

that overpay players for several years. But Lou’s decision making has been pretty bad …

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's inexcusable that he was run out there..

everyday while his knee wasn’t right.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pause, sure...

… but pause and then move on. You are a fan of a major market team spending $130+ million on player payroll. The team has problems, but Dome hasn’t been one of them, and his contract certainly isn’t what’s keeping this team from its goals.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't see any reason

why I can’t bring up the fact that Kosuke is overpaid without being roasted. He IS overpaid — even if he’s not the biggest problem on the team.

If he (or an equivalent player) was earning, say $6 million, the Cubs might not have made some of the bad moves they made — trading Marquis for nothing, trading DeRo — that occurred last offseason.

Disagree? Really?

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't disagree that its possible...

… i just wish everyone would see the futility of looking at things that way.

If i hadn’t spent all my money on beer in college, i could use it to put the down payment on a pretty sweet condo now. But i can’t go back and do that. So i live with the fun i had and the apartment i live in now.

If the cubs hadn’t signed Dome, we could have done infinite other things with the money… including not spend it. Be happy he’s here and producing and causing no trouble.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

how should we look at things?

We’re talking about decisions we have no control of anyway. I am happy that Dome’s doing better. But Hendry overpaid — and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying it. It’s not like there will be a negative effect. My comment won’t hurt the Cubs.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But dome isn't even the most overpaid on this team!

I guess what SWL and I are trying to understand is what is the point of your complaint? Dome doesn’t suck, he’s done quite well of late actually. What he’s paid doesn’t affect you, and waxing poetic about what could have been done with that cool twelve million is pointless.

If you are trying to make a point, i don’t understand it.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've commented on other overpaid players

Just not in this thread.

My point is that Fukudome is an example of Hendry’s overspending — a practice that’s going to make tinkering with this team in the offseason pretty difficult.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's as if

you can’t stand Hendry and want to nitpick him to death. “Look! Jim doesn’t use a salad fork properly! What a buffoon!”

Again: ALL baseball players are overpaid, IMHO. I can’t see how you can say how Fukudome is overpaid when he was signed for LESS money than he would have gotten elsewhere.

Perhaps the point is “Who needs Fukudome when we could have had St. DeRo instead”?

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

argh ...

Yes, NBF … I have an irrational dislike of Jim Hendry. That’s it. There’s nothing else to this.

And, yes, we shouldn’t debate one point (Fukudome being overpaid) because you think, fundamentally, there’s a larger problem (baseball players are overpaid).

And yes, NBF, all I’ve done on this site is pine for DeRo.

Actually, the reverse is true — I’ve pointed out how the Cubs could have kept DeRo and signed Bradley if not for some other bone-headed moves.

What’s wrong with pointing out flaws with the Cubs? It’s not like they’ve played well enough to where the criticism isn’t valid.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

didn't finish my DeRo point ...

DeRo is a valuable player that the Cubs didn’t adequately replace. Would he have changed our fortunes this year by himself — no.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nothing is wrong

at all. If they’re really flaws.

If it’s nitpicky crap that is endemic to every baseball franchise and really doesn’t make that much of a difference, then there is a problem.

I’m certainly not the only one questioning your rationale here.

Fukudome is being paid at the market price. Or perhaps a little below it. There are bigger flaws and more people “overpaid” this season on this team than Fukudome.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

also ...

criticizing is far from expressing dislike. That’s a with-us-or-against-us mentality if you ask me.

by elgato on Aug 31, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

SWL, you have spent plenty of time

complaining about Theriot this season. You’re coming off as hypocritical when you start questioning others for doing the same thing

by Illicat on Aug 31, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I complain about Theriot because of where he plays...

not because I wish we could magically make his salary less or his production better. My complaints could end yesterday if Lou would put him at 2nd base. This is different than elgato’s beef.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 1, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Disagree...

…I don’t think Dome is playing up to a 12 mil per year player at all. Bradley’s deal goes up a bunch next year, but he has a better chance of producing the pure numbers to justify his contract (the attitude issues are seperate).

Dome is very useful, but he IS overpaid at 12 mil.

Let’s face it folks, there are a lot of overpaid guys on the club right now, and it is made worse with the no-trades on top of it.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Aug 31, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you

Apparently that distinction is lost on some people.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

words have meaning

definitions count.

"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 31, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Words

have meanings, GC34.

The Cubs are not “flat-out terrible.” They are a disappointment.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If we can make the wild card with Harden, we can make the wild card without Harden.

It’s all about the hitting for this team.

Plus, trading Harden let’s us see if Gorzelanny can potentially fill the #5 spot in the rotation next year. I say do it.

by cubsforever on Aug 31, 2009 11:35 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

i guess

time’s up… heilman & heilman are still cubs!

by brian custer on Aug 31, 2009 12:02 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

We didn't want to trade Heilman? Are you F'n Kidding me?

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Aug 31, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

guess not

too bad. many bitter bcb hearts broken

by brian custer on Aug 31, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who knows?

I guess Hendry didn’t want to upset the chemistry of this awesome ballclub!

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You win, brian custer.

This time…

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Levine reporting on ESPN 1000

that neither Harden or Heilman are going anywhere.

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Aug 31, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Good

None of this bothers me too much.

Absolutely the right call to keep Harden. Heilman is irrelevant, with the rosters expanding tomorrow.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd dump Heilman just to send a message

And to avoid any chance of him being a Cub in 2010.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Aug 31, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think there's much of a chance

Heilman’s coming back.

Plus, maybe Hendry was afraid Heilman would come back to bite them in the rear this season. The Cubs still have four games against the Giants.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubs Vs Giants

at AT&T. Cubs have a helluva lot more to worry about than whether Aaron Heliman comes back to bite them. Giants have the best home record in the NL. What the Cubs should worry about is not getting swept.

by azjazzman on Aug 31, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bite us in the rear?

Have we all been watching the same pitcher? I would have traded him to the team we will face the MOST amount of times down the stretch to see him as many times as possible.

by BeltwayCubsFan on Aug 31, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

umm..so since Heilman was "pretty decent" lately..

Hendry was ‘afraid’ that he would ‘bite them in the rear’ huh?

So are you implying that the cubs offense is really that bad? You really need to get out of your basement once in a while

by cubsnlinux on Aug 31, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That grand slam the other day probably sticks in people

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

people's minds

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Some of you guys

need to put away the blow-up dolls and pay attention to baseball a little.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know, it's funny

You see a post by, say, Stone or San Diego Smooth Jazz Man and you know more often than not, it’s going to be good.

Then you see a post by, say, itchy or linux and you know most of the time it’s going to be crap.

I wish baseball were as predictable.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh yeah, your posts are so incredibly insightful

That you resort to calling out the posters who go against your kool Aid posts. Enjoy your “date” with the blow up doll tonight.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And she is a very kind lovin' person

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

by eths on Aug 31, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually, it's Edna

but your point is well taken. :)

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

IS SHE A CUTIE?

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 31, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dame Edna?

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

by eths on Aug 31, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks

for spoiling my dinner, eths …

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by eths on Aug 31, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That grand slam...

… isn’t a very good example. Heilman inherited three runners in the midst of a Z meltdown (he’d just walked in a run as well), and Heilman promptly struck out a guy (and after the HR, got a ground out to end the inning).

The HR he allowed sucks, sure… but blaming him for the grand slam makes very little sense. The team was already on the ropes at that point, in full meltdown mode after a lackluster return by Z. Heilman had the poor luck to be called upon.

Fact… in that game he pitched .2 innings for 1 hit and 1 run. If that is what is sticking with people from that game (which we lost 15-6), shame on them.

Now, i’m no Heilman fan… but lets at least be fair here.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He threw the pitch that gave up the grand slam right?

I didn’t dream that correct? He, at the very least, gets to share the blame for the Slam.

by Illicat on Aug 31, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes, if you ignore his bad outings

he’s been awesome! Define “lately” Because, if you go back more than a few days, you’re going to find some more poor outings.

by Illicat on Aug 31, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

as long as he's actually irrelevant

I think those of you who think Heilman won’t be used in the wrong situations the rest of the way, are forgetting that our manager is Lou Pineilla

by Illicat on Aug 31, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It would be worth it in the off season to no longer have heilman to deal with.

If he is a big part of 2010’s bullpen, Hendry would have had another awesome winter.

by TJ11 on Aug 31, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Well, based on the poll results...

…Jim Hendry has, once again, made most Cubs fans unhappy. Not I, however, as I voted for option No. 1.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 2:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Do you think they should re-sign him after this season?

I’d rather have the draft picks. Harden is too brittle and is starting to give up a lot of HRs.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, relatively speaking, he hasn't been too brittle this season.

Assuming he makes it to the mound tonight, it’ll be his 23rd start of the season. I’ll take 20 to 25 Rich Harden starts for another few years.

I mean, if he’s happy pitching here and the medical staff has found a way to keep him in good shape, why not make him a reasonable offer in arbitration? Should he accept, the Cubs hang on to one of the better pitchers in the National League. (The home runs could be just as much the result of bad luck than anything else.) If he rejects the offer, the Cubs get the draft picks. I think I’d be fine either way.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Once again, facts get in the way of a claim.
Harden is too brittle and is starting to give up a lot of HRs.

He’s started eight times since the ASB and thrown 50 innings — averaging 6.1 per start. In those 50 innings he’s allowed five home runs.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was referring to the 21 HRs he's given up.

I like the way he throws most of the time but think a guy who can only give you about 150 innings at best is worth a long term contract.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

is not worth a long term contract

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

5 HR in the last 50 innings....

…. isn’t “starting” to give up a lot of HR’s.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You are right, pardon my wording

I was referring to his starting to give up more HRs than in previous years.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That part is true, if you look only at the first half of this year.

But since the ASB, he’s gone back to his previous level.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe he's turned a corner?

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

3 or 4 years at $15 or so million

seems like too much to me.

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

sounds about right to me

Lilly got what? Four years at $12 per? Something close to that? Harden is more talented, and if he can stay healthy, (something he’s pretty much done this season) he’s just this side of dominant.

I’d be thrilled to see him in a Cubs uni next season, and for a few seasons after that

by Illicat on Aug 31, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that was when he was sucking

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 31, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it is

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 31, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

12 Cubs claimed?

According to Ken Rosenthal there were actually 12 Cubs claimed. I wonder who the other 10 were.

Somewhat surprising none of them are gone if you figure that Soriano, Bradley, Miles as well as possibly Zambrano, Dempster, and Fukudome would all have been awarded to the claiming team to clear payroll.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Aug 31, 2009 2:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

12 Cubs claimed and we kept all of them?

No way!

"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."

by Itchy on Aug 31, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That is an interesting, perhaps surprising number...

…and I’m only going to say one thing: If some freakin’ team freakin’ claimed freakin’ Aaron freakin’ Miles, and freakin’ Hendry didn’t freakin’ let freakin’ Miles go, I’m freakin’ gonna freakin’ freakity ffawrdlghalghh….

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Calm down, Dave.

Who on Earth would have claimed him?

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know that.

You looked like you were starting to froth at the keyboard, though.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aaron Miles gets me all hot and bothered.

Let me rephrase that…

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Please do.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, please

now, the thought of Miles playing for someone else gets me all hot and bothered, too, in a good way …

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

why would you figure them?

it’s much more likely that the 12 included players like

Soto
Marmol
Theriot
Fontenot
Marshall

all of whom are cost controlled.

"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 31, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't believe guys like that were waived.

Because if they were, they almost certainly would have been claimed.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Aug 31, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was gonna say...

…some contender would’ve probably tried to get Marmol in the hopes of getting his walks under control. Marshall could’ve probably eaten up some starts for a few teams, too.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by dat cubfan daver on Aug 31, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

don't most teams

try to waive all players at some point, just to see if they sneak through?

by TC Cubby on Aug 31, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so?

I always thought that the point of doing this was to see what you can get. If it’s not good enough, you pull the guy back. It’s not like you HAVE to give the player up when they’re claimed.

"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 31, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

there's no way Hendry allows Zambrano, or Dempster go

just to clear salary. Probably not Dome either.

by Illicat on Aug 31, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

False Dichotomy

I want to keep him because he’s a good pitcher and he can help in the future. Sign him to a multiyear or possibly arbitration if possible. Plus no reason to trade him now, either you get 2 comp picks for him or you trade him for nothing now. What is someone seriously going to pay for 1 month of a good pitcher. That’s what 5, possibly 6 starts? I’ll keep him regardless of wild card position.

Monopoly, twenty-one, checkers, and chess...

by Buzz on the Moon on Aug 31, 2009 3:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Please, Jim, do what you need to resign Harden

He’s only 27, is a strikeout machine, and likes playing in Chicago. Please sign him to a long-term deal.

by Pre on Aug 31, 2009 3:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Just think...

…we could’ve been stuck with Duchscherer out of that whole deal. He’s been out with an injury for the whole season, and won’t pitch at all this year now due to clinical depression.

I’d resign him.

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 31, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What's with the rash

of players suffering from clinical depression/social anxiety these days? I don’t remember seeing anything like it before.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another symptom of our "victimfull" society.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.

If you go tell a doctor you don’t feel right, he’ll diagnose you with something. And probably ask you what meds you want for it.

Gotta get back to work, my adderall just kicked in…

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

uh

mental illness is real.

"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 31, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed, wholeheartedly.

But the threshold for classifying something as a mental illness is and has been falling quite drastically. I wasn’t commenting on Duke’s case, specifically.

Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.

by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually no

I don’t know how this started with people, but this overdiagnosis BS really gets me. Most mental health things are prescribed correctly. The threshold has not been falling. Taking an anti-depressant does not mean you have depression or anxiety, it’s just being used to treat symptoms.

Also please bring data when talking about stuff like this because otherwise it sounds disingenuous and slightly nostalgic for the old days when no one was treated and everything was great.

Monopoly, twenty-one, checkers, and chess...

by Buzz on the Moon on Aug 31, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good question.

In Duke’s case, he went through a nasty divorce followed by an even nastier child custody situation, that just might have been further compounded by his injury situation. You’re relying on one to help you overcome the other, and they both blow up in your face. That could definitely set a guy back.

Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.

by LeSaboteur on Aug 31, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's just

being called something else now. Before it was the “heebiejeebies”. And you didn’t get DL’d for it, you got cut, or you made up a phantom injury.

"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 31, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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