Going For Another Red Sweep: Cubs vs. Reds, Wednesday 8/5, 6:10 CT
by Al Yellon on Aug 5, 2009 4:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintThe Cubs go for their seventh straight win over the Reds this evening (they won the final game of a three-game series in Cincinnati in June, swept them in Chicago, and have won the first two of this series). The Reds seem a team in disarray, though to be fair, a lot of it is missing three starters (Jay Bruce, Chris Dickerson and Scott Rolen, who isn't on the DL but probably will not play tonight) and putting a makeshift lineup on the field.
I almost feel sorry for Dusty Baker. Almost.
With the Mets' blowout of the Cardinals this afternoon, the Cubs can take a one-game lead in the NL Central with a win.
Bruce Miles discusses "quality starts" and how the Cubs starters have far exceeded the minimum "6 IP, 3 ER" standard for that stat:
The numbers are even more impressive for the Cubs’ starters since July 1. In that time, the Cubs have gotten 19 quality starts. The team’s record in those games is 17-2, and the ERA of the starters in quality-start games since July 1 is 1.93.
In this period, they’ve had only 3 starts of the minimum kind: Carlos Zambrano’s July 12 start, Randy Wells’ July 24 start and Kevin Hart’s July 30 start. Maybe the Cubs didn’t like that one, because they traded Hart right after the game.
That's the key -- the 4.50 ERA you get for the minimum 6 IP, 3 ER quality start is simply a starting point. The Cubs also lead the major leagues in starts that have gone into the seventh inning -- that's an even more important benchmark, I think. That's helped the team win despite the semi-frequent bullpen meltdowns.
Gordon Wittenmyer has some notes about the minor league adventures of Geovany Soto and B.J. Ryan. In short: Geo will be back Friday, and Ryan threw another scoreless inning.
Site note: there have been quite a few posts lately asking "how good are these seats?" and "how do I get to Wrigley from..." In response to this, I have created The BCB All-Purpose "Where's My Seat?" "How Do I Get To Wrigley" Thread. Post any requests like this in that post -- it is permanently on the right sidebar under "BCB Specials and Site Info". That way we won't have the FanPost list overrun with requests like this. Thanks.
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Justin Lehr had some mediocre relief years for the A's and Brewers in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He spent two years trying to get back to the majors, and did so on July 31 for the Reds, making his first major league start. In that start he threw 97 pitches in five innings, and that's not a misprint -- he walked six and struck out none. Thus if the Cubs can be patient, they should do fine tonight. Only one Cub has more than one career AB vs. Lehr -- Alfonso Soriano, who is 2-for-4. Lehr, in case you have never heard of him, is no kid prospect -- he turned 32 on Monday.
Rich Harden has lowered his ERA nearly a full run in his last four starts, from 5.47 to 4.50. In those four starts he is 2-0, 1.50, with 32 strikeouts and 5 walks in 24 innings. That's the Harden we got last July and the guy we need him to be. He has never lost to the Reds (4-0, 2.59 in four starts, though this is his first career start in Cincinnati), and gave them only one hit -- Joey Votto's first-inning homer -- on July 26 at Wrigley Field. That is, incidentally, the only hit Votto has off Harden in 7 career AB.
TV tonight is once again cable-only, CSN Chicago and FSN Ohio. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Reds site Red Reporter.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm and 9 pm CDT. And the first pitch thread WILL be up at 6 pm CDT today, as usual.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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I was talking about the Cubs in First
first fail FAIL
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
Yeah, I'll be honest.
I’ve never freakin’ heard of this Lehr guy.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
didn't he write this:
Along Sheffield you’ll find me lopin’
Where the hip bars are wide open,
In the land of the old E.78. (Go Cubs!)
Where the fan cam’s attractive,
And the radio is active,
Oh, Wrigley Field is where I wanna be.
Mid the vendors and vine cactus,
I’ll watch the batting practice
Droppin’ bombs through the clean Waveland breeze.
I’ll have on my shirt Soriano,
And of course I’ll wear a pair o’
Cub shorts over my knees.
Ah will leave the red-line rush,
Leave the fancy and the plush,
For the peanuts and daquire slush
And the crowds.
Ah will seek the infield’s hush,
Where the scenery is lush,
How I long to see the crush
of the crowds.
‘Mid the beer guys and the whistles
I’ll watch the guided missiles,
While the old bleacher security watches me. (Go Cubs!)
Yes, I’ll soon make my appearance
(Soon as I can get my clearance),
’Cause Wrigley Field is where I wanna be.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Cute.
But I’m partial to the original.
Still…any day you get a Tom Lehrer reference is a good day.
Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.
finally
someone got it. :D
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Where's Wrigley? How do I get to my seat?
Well, we’d have taken 2 out of 3 before the series, but now that the Cubs have those 2, a win tonight would make up for Sunday, kind of. 4-2 with 4 to play.
WIll be interesting to see how much time Hill gets behind the dish after tonight.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
I think Lou had already said,
“a couple times a week.” for Hill. But that really doesn’t mean much.
''This should be the most important thing you've got going on, right? You physically and mentally prepare yourself to play every day, and if you're not physically or mentally ready to play every day as an every-day player, then you're letting the other guys down."
''That's how it works in every aspect of life. It's no different than construction work or anything else. That's how you should be as a person.'' - Koyie Hill 8-3-09
Good question
Do you ease Geo back into catching everyday? Or are you going to need to give him 3 days off a week for a while?
Dude, where's my seat?
"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
Actually, Rolen is in the lineup tonight:
8/5 #Reds lineup v. #Cubs: Taveras 8 Gonzalez 6 Votto 3 Phillips 4 Rolen 5 Balentien 9 Nix 7 Hanigan 2 Lehr 1 (via @m_sheldon)
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
Up and in!!!!
"I still don't know what happened"- Fergie Jenkins on '69
by tommy veryzer on Aug 5, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions
"the minor league adventures of Geovany Soto and BJ Ryan"
That sounds like an essay I had to write in elementary school.
Hey, it's a new century!
Ryan seems like a partier.
I bet he bellys up to the High Life Lounge after every game.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
as long
as he is sure to get the velvet elvis!
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
Sweep, Sweep, Sweep, Sweep, Sweep, Sixth...
You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein
i hope dome takes two strikes to lead off the game
however many pitches that takes.
Per Gordo (haven't seen it elsewhere)
Stevens sent down today to make room for Miles.
I don’t know about you guys, but I would have much rather that it were Jeff sent down.
yep, poor roster decisions continue
not a real surprise at this point that if presented by the right decision and the wrong decision, Jim and Lou will take the wrong one every time
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions
lord knows
that if the decisions were different, we might be in first place!
Wait…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hence the difference between
glass half full and glass half empty.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
And yet, the Cubs are in 1st place.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
in spite of management
not because of
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
also amazing that there are two users on here with "cows" in their name
off topic, but still
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
We cows think alike,
it’s the herd mentality, you know!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Aw milk it for all it's worth.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
Any more of these, and I'm gonna hoof it...
"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
Moooove along.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
Cud you guys knock it off now?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
One day two fans were chatting over the fence between their two sections.
The first fan said, “I’m telling you, this mad fan disease is getting pretty scary! I’ve heard it’s spreading so fast that it’s already on the bleachers just behind Fuku!”
The second fan replied, “So what? It doesn’t affect us chickens!”
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
Personally,
I like the chocolate cows commercial…
I’ve always wanted one of those.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
TWHS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
um, Stevens' first name is Jeff...
but I know what you mean, and agree
That is why you just type Shark
Keeps people like me who can’t spell anyway from looking too stupid.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 5, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Sweep!
My neighbor is a reds fan. After the Saturday win last weekend in Chicago I put a make-shift “W” flag on his truck. I’d love to put a broom out there this time. Although cometo think of it two brooms are more appropriate.
And let me also note the amazing joy I get by hearing him call Dusty Baker an idiot.
by cubbiefanTN on Aug 5, 2009 4:16 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Per Gordo
it appears that BJ Ryan asked for and was granted his release today. Oh well.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
With 2 lefties in the pen
And a potential 3rd in Gorzelanny, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Cubs told him they didn’t have room right now.
After all, we can’t possibly demote our Notre Dame grad or stud Aaron Heilman.
probably wasn't a place for him
Now that we have Grabow.
Per Gordo (again)
Lineup: fuky, miles, lee, rami, milt, sori, font, hill, harden
Aaron Miles at SS. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
The only worse option than Ryan Theriot....and Lou finds it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Presumably just taking a rest
"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
So he waits until the best defensive SS on the team is "hurt"
Then Lou gives Theriot a day off. Perfect.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm gonna have to put my analyst on hazardous duty pay
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I'm gonna bet
that Blanco was put on the DL to make room for Miles without sending him back down.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Blanco...
Is out of options so the DL was the only choice.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 5, 2009 5:04 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
ah-hah
well, that explains it.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
actually, not bringing Miles back and keeping Blanco
was a choice as well, Jim just didn’t make that one
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions
you can't keep
a major league player in AAA indefinitely.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions
you can kick him to the curb
simply saying that it wasn’t the ONLY choice.
Also, there’s an argument to be made that Miles is not a major league player
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions
any such argument
is invalid. He’s got a contract. He’s played in the major leagues for years.
Wha GM is going to DFA someone with more then 12 months left on the contract? Has it EVER happened?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
How about if I say "Miles isn't a ML QUALITY player anymore"
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions
But, is he any worse than before he went on the DL or on his
rehab stint?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
it's not up
to us.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions
thanks Sherlock, everyone here was operating under the assumption it was
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
the way some people talk about it
including yourself, I’m not so sure you’re not.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions
So we should all just agree with every move the Cubs make?
even when its so obviously wrong?
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
no, but
let’s recognize the facts first, ok?
Miles has a MLB contract. You can’t just leave him to rot in AAA. the only way we’ll be able to trade him is by playing him and hoping he’s improved. If you DL him, you’re still losing a roster spot. And no GM is going to DFA a guy with 12+ months left on his contract. I’m not sure the Players Association would even let that happen.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
It is possible to simply outright release a player
and eat the contract. That is what should have happened here a long time ago.
IMO this is an example of Jim Hendry giving his guy one last chance despite not being very good so far. Its cute to do it with Chad Fox in April and May every year, but it isn’t so fun in the heat of a playoff race.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
BJ Ryan's contract with Toronto
was through 2010. They released him w/ 15 mil due next year.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 5, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Some people think we should
I on the other hand….
calll to order Aaron’s suck fan club.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions
both of them?
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Hank Aaron would be a better player for the Cubs right now.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
What about Aaron Burr?
Maybe we should give him a shot…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
rim shot...
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Let it be shown for the record
That I give Nij credit for naming the club
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
unless you got the sig line from someone else
I borrowed it from that
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
then put him back on the DL and let him file a grievance
trade him for a bucket of balls.
Bringing him back was NOT the only option
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions
pete's sake.
if he sucks as much as everyone says he does, no one’s going to trade for him. In fact, you HAVE to play him to try and show that maybe he’s ok after all, and could be traded!!!!
Put him on the DL, and he’s still taking up space on the roster.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions
It has happened a lot
Some teams have had to eat YEARS of a bad contract but I don’t agree that Miles should be
released. He has been perfectly steady till this year and I think he deserves some more playing time
before you consider dumping him.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 5, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions
The Aaron Heilman approach.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions
a multi-year contract player
being DFA’d with more then 12 months left? I’d like some examples.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions
there is a first time for everything.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Or one could look back a month ago....
Toronto—> BJ Ryan, contract thru 2010
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 5, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Wasn't Neagle released with more than a year left?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Neagle last played in majors for Rockies 2003
7 games (35.1 IP) in 2003 but received full salary in 2004 ($9M).
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Not sure if they had DFA back in the day, but Wayne Garland comes to mind
The Indians were paying him long after he actually played for them.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
was he traded?
or simply fired?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
According to Baseball-Reference.com, he was released by Indians in 1982
and didn’t play for anyone else after that. Salary info is incomplete but does have listed that he received $200,000 from Indians in 1985 and $215,000 in 1986.
So he was getting paid 4 years after he was released.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
who cares about examples
They would eating w/ 4 million max between the two years?
How would that amount be different if it was one year. Hell they’ve eaten more than that
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Really?
You need some examples? Off the top of my head, this year we’ve already seen Sheffield and BJ Ryan released by their teams with at least one full season left (and a ton more money) on their contracts. A few years ago the Dbacks ate almost 3 years worth of Russ Ortiz’s Old Country Buffet contract. Philly cut loose Geoff Jenkins before the season started this year, San Fran did the same with Dave Roberts.
It’s not unprecedented by far, and Miles contract is so small, it doesn’t even compare to those flops.
Russ Ortiz is the one that comes to mind first
Cost the D’Backs 22 million he had left. There were many others. I am blanking out but
there was some formerly star player let go by I think Seattle at the start of the season with
at least two years left.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 5, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Richie Sexson
That who I could not think of. Released aug 08 with a year plus left on his crazy contract.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 5, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Julio Lugo was DFA'd this year
Before he was traded to the Cardinals. He is signed through 2010, with a vesting option in 2011.
"The finish line is just the start of the next race."
does that argument even have to be made?
He couldn’t hit AAA pitching
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
+1
His WARP for the year is -0.7 (yes, it’s negative).
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
But Blanco's hurt!
Don’cha know?
"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
Well that move makes tons of sense
because Miles is so valuable.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
He tried to give him a day off in Florida
and then Z and Rami got hurt in that game.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
nevermind
I misread the above post, I thought he was calling Theriot our best defensive shortstop.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
I hope no one else thought I think Theriot is our best defensive SS
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
You would most likely have to retire your current user name in shame.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I could change my sig
“Theriot our best defensive shortstop.” -Jody Jody Davis, 8/5/2009
"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
Although as of today, he is our best defensive SS
And that’s just sad.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions
You're not helping your cause
“[Theriot] is our best defensive SS.” -Jody Jody Davis, 8/5/2009
"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
As long as you include the date, I'm correct
Lack of context is everything.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions
At the moment
he might be right… if the choice at SS is Miles or Theriot.
Well, personally I’ll just choose not to watch. But Lou doesn’t really have that option.
If you like UZR/150
This year Miles at SS is -17.4
Theriot is 3.5
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Jody Jody Have ever played ball?
Maybe you could rate higher than -17.4
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions
From Fangraphs
UZR/150 (ultimate zone rate per 150 games): The number of runs above or below average a fielder is, per 150 defensive games.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Yup
"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
so -17.4 would be really bad?! lol
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Does a -17.4 mean the scorer chalks up the loss when
that player is entered in the lineup?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
at least his OPS is positive!
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
You almost have to try
To give the opposition an extra 1.1 runs every 10 games.
"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
Well, if you can still use yours after all this time, he's
probably okay.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
What is it exactly....
that I’ve been dead wrong about so far (that I haven’t admitted to)
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Who says you have to be wrong to have shamed yourself?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
needs a
rest.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Hill has played how many games in a row again?
While Fox has rode the bench?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I know.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
the problem is, you're trying to find logic in a decision made by Lou
there is no logic behind it. He’s simply incompetent
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Crazy like a Lou...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 5, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'd take Theriot with a sling on his arm over Miles
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
Yep... Someone commented earlier about how they thought Lou would give Miles the start.
Lame.
''This should be the most important thing you've got going on, right? You physically and mentally prepare yourself to play every day, and if you're not physically or mentally ready to play every day as an every-day player, then you're letting the other guys down."
''That's how it works in every aspect of life. It's no different than construction work or anything else. That's how you should be as a person.'' - Koyie Hill 8-3-09
At least Harden is a strike-out pitcher and doesn't need his defense as much.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't say things like that!
Thats when Harden gets it into his head to try to induce groundballs or something.
Batting second?!
I think Lou needs some psychiatric assistance. At least put Milt second, slide everyone behind Milt up one a put Miles after Harden (Harden does out OPS+ Miles by three and all).
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
he doesn't want
to screw with the existing lineup, so he just plugs the sub in where the removed player bats.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
and thus screwing with the existing lineup
I really hope you aren’t actually defending that logic
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't find it that egregious
Everyone else stays in their spot and situation…
You’re acting like Miles is batting cleanup.
no, I'm acting like Miles is batting 2nd, when he should be at the bottom
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
though, Miles has actually batted cleanup this season
just in case there was any doubt just how dumb Lou can get with his lineups
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I look at this line up......
and am really grateful it’s against the Reds. Now if in the next week against Rox/Phillies Lou tries this……..
He will incur my wrath
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's how I look at it:
It took the Cubs MONTHS to find a line-up that works. I can live with putting Miles into Theriot’s spot for one night as long as the line-up continues to produce runs regularly.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
no
it’s NOT screwing with the existing lineup. It’s keeping everyone in their place except the replaced player.
I don’t think that it’s necessarily a good idea, but it’s not necessarily a terrible one, either.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I see the merit to it.
Today’s results might be a little worse for having Miles bat second, but the consistency it provides could end up being worth more over the long haul.
Not sure if that’s true, but at least he’s trying something.
what the *^&$%# is Lou thinking batting Miles second?
Jesus Christ the man is incompetent
(yes I’m aware that statement can apply both to player and Manager)
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
so can this one....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
So, we bat him SECOND, then?
I’d rather have Bradley there. Or Fontenot. Or Hill.
Or Harden.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I could maybe have a higher OPS
Im even left handed.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I knew it dammit. Lou
just can’t help himself. BARF!!!
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
Jake Fox comes up and they can't find a place to put him in the lineup
But he puts Miles at SS right off the DL?
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
at the same time, probably making a comment about how he's "got"
to find a way to get Fox in the lineup.
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I wish he would
just stop saying that. If he meant it he would do something about it.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
While I agree lets hang on and wait and see what happens in the next two weeks....
I say that only because Soto will be back and Fox will not be the back up catcher. Lou gambles a lot, and I believe if we had other managers in the same situation as Fox as are only back up catcher that we would have seen less of Fox than even what Lou did. A lot of managers do not take big gambles with back up catcher. So lets see how much he gets used and how many starts he gets once Soto is back. He should at least get 3-4 starts a week IMHO if he continues to hit like this once Soto is back. And man I cannot wait till Soto gets back for a variety of reasons. I know people were saying how bad he has been, but he started to come out of it before the injury especially home run wise. Hit a couple big ones, one against White Sox. Also Soto went deep yesterday in Tennessee in his Second Rehab Game.
by MandMexpress12 on Aug 5, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm looking forward
to Geo coming back too. He was starting to hit again when he got hurt. I hope he’s in better shape when he comes back.
I hope fox does get more playing time when Geo comes back.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
You know things are bad when Sue actually says that
“shudders”
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Or perhaps things are going "just right".
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
F this
I was going to simply ignore Miles existance on the team, but that will be hard to do considering he’s in the lineup. Stupid Lou
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
anyone when they saw that line up....
make an audible noise that was less than positive
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Stevens sent down?
Should have been Shark, so he could stretch out to starting again. Plus, he’s been pretty bad. I like Stevens, at least with the small sample size (TWSS!)
Miles is a joke, and Lou starting him and hitting him 2nd is a bigger joke.
Go Cubs! Score early and often!
I have nothing funny or creative to write.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Aug 5, 2009 4:24 PM CDT reply actions
How many more starters do we need?
"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
Hopefully none.
But with guys like Harden and Zambrano on our team, you never know.
Also, remember that Gorzelanny has only one start so far. Way too early to anoint him to a spot in the rotation.
Besides, Jeff’s value to us is highest as a starter down the line . . . would be nice if we could not have to pay FA-level prices for another starter, woudln’t it?
ugh Miles is a turd.
DFA him already.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on Aug 5, 2009 4:29 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Only in MLB can a 4.50 ERA be considered "quality"
Bob Gibson must be laughing his ass off… except I’m not sure the man ever smiles.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
He got to pitch off a higher mound...
and pitchers didn’t get ejected for protecting the inside part of the plate.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
exactly
he wouldn’t have been the same pitcher in todays game.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
on the other hand, Aaron Miles would have been a bad baseball player in any era
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Now, now...
remember – you’re not supposed to post anything here that you wouldn’t say to that person face-to-face… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
And the strike zone was actually
Letters to knees instead of belt to knees.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I recommend reading Bruce's article, it's quite interesting.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I did. Doesn't change the fact that the bar set for a quality start is anything but.
Changing the name to “Acceptable Start” would be more accurate.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I would change the definition to be any start 6 innings or longer with an ERA of 4 or under
That would allow 6IP/2ER and 7IP/3ER go work. 9IP/4ER seems pretty quality too, although I suppose the definition could be changed to allow only UNDER 4.
+1 the quality start stat is a joke...should be 6 innings with 2 ER or 7 IP with 3 ER
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
3 runs in 6 innings should
Be documented somehow
new stat—-chance
the starter gave his team a “chance” lol
by bilbosbuttons on Aug 5, 2009 4:41 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Please
so overblown. More than 6 IP with less than 3 ER is quality.
Even at the bare minimum, you should be able to win with a 4.50 ERA.
well your not going to win too many, only 7 teams have ERAs above 4.50
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
Win this game
tonight in spite of Aaron Miles. Please Rich bring your “A” game.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
Perfect for the vampire.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
except that the away game is in a VERY hitter friendly park
and Harden has given up the long ball.
Hopefully whatever he’s figured out over his last couple of starts is permanent, or close to it
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Quick stupid question...
Now that the trade deadline is over, I know trades can still happen. But what is the difference to pre and post trade deadline trades? Thanks in advance
by bilbosbuttons on Aug 5, 2009 4:37 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
be firm my friend....it's OK if your not sure.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
nice.
I didn’t even know i was making a pun.
Let's get some runs!!!!
by Colorado Cubbies Fan on Aug 5, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
in order to trade any player, they must clear waivers
if a team claims the player, the team offering the player can either trade that player to the team claiming him, or pull him back
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Availability for post season play
Boy oh boy oh boy
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 5, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
the player must clear waivers first
bizofbaseball(dot)com is a great source for topics such as that.
Players have to clear waivers,
meaning teams can put a certain number of players on waivers each day.
The players can be claimed by any team starting with the team with the worst record in your league and then the worst record in the other league.
If a player is claimed, a team has something like 48 hours to work out a trade or they can tell the team they can take the player and the claiming team has to take the player. Or the team can pull the player back off waivers and the player cannot be sent through waivers for another 30 days.
If a player clears waivers, he can be traded to any team, just like before the non-waiver deadline.
To be eligible for postseason rosters, a player must be in an organization by August 31st.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 5, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Miles in the 2 spot
where is that Nunez guy when you need him.
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
Caption
The BCBer’s don’t like it when I hop, but see what happens when I don’t?!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
someone get them to ask him why the crap Miles is still on the roster
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Wilbon just brought up the Marlins marketting thing with the goat.
Lou said the marlins owner did not like the stung. huh.
by MandMexpress12 on Aug 5, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
ya and that is not Lou's fault. Same with Blanco going on Dl.
I knew faking an injury would come to hurt us. If we would have waited a day or two. Miles would still be in Iowa where he belong and Blanco would be at short for today.
by MandMexpress12 on Aug 5, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Unless you believe the conventional wisdom that Jim and Lou work very closely
together on roster decisions.
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
In the off season Lou is in Florida. Yes they work cloesly together obviously.
But ultimately it comes down to Jim. And for instance it was documented by both ESPN and one of the Chicago papers forget which one, that Lou lobbied Jim Hendry Hard for Raul Ibanez. Lou and Ibanez have good relationship from Seattle. Well Lou lobbied hard and we know how that ended up and who won that battle. To be fair Lou I guess was not against the milton bradley so much but apparently said he did not know that much about him, but that he did really really love Ibanez and that was definitely who Lou wanted. Could you imagine where we would have been if Lou would have won that battle. I doubt in the winter Hendry puts more stock in Lou’s assement of potential free agents opposed to his stock. Lou’s evaluating talent comes with more weight when talking about current cubs he sees everyday and in spring training. I think that is reasonable to believe bv the fact that Lou wanted Ibanez, lou focuses on his team more than free agents. Yah he talks with him and Hendry takes that into account but on free agent and trades Hendry uses his scouts and assistants.
Also I bet lou knows about the salaries of the bigger contract players and I doubt knows as much as Hendry does about each and every players option status. For instance Blanco and how he cannot be sent down directly, he has the option to be free agent or other teams can claim blanco. I also doubt Lou knows or cares that Miles is signed for 2 years at the money he is making. I am sure the fake injury thing was Hendrys idea. I bet Lou wanted Blanco over Miles. Also with theriot being hurt we really do not have any other option at short right now but miles. And no one hates miles more than me but we do not know the full extent of his injury. Maybe it is very significant because he has never been this bad in his career. He hit over .300 last year and has had a respectable career. But putting Miles on the roster is a money move and hence I believe that Hendry has more pull on moves like that since he has final say on roster moves and he knows all the financial ramifications from ownership and he knows how much money he is paying for everyone. Hendry has hamstrung lou with Miles, now more than ever since he had Blanco fake an injury and theriot is hurt. Makes me sick but Miles and Bradley is on Jim not Lou.
by MandMexpress12 on Aug 5, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you listen to Lou's pre-game interview with DB-1 (Judd)?
He said “moves that Jim made” twice.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
No I didn't as listening to Judd hurts my ears
I’ve reached the point w/ him that I use game day for the 5th inning and turn him off.
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 5, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
exactly my point, did you read what I said?
Also if it was up to Lou Soto would be here today too. He lost that one to Jim too. Jim is the one is in charge of who is and is not on the roster or when and if he goes on the roster or leaves.
by MandMexpress12 on Aug 5, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I was giving you credence to your statement, dear Internet friend
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
oh okay thanks. Ya Lou is not perfect but I think he gets too much flaak for Miles and Bradley especially.
Those are Jim’s moves. Even more so when Lou wanted to Ibanez over Milton. Lou used to be a GM and Hendry should listen to him more. There is a reason that once Lou retires from managing he has a front office position guaranteed in the Yankees organization to help evaluate talent and help GM.
by MandMexpress12 on Aug 5, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
But Miles agent PROMISED Jim that Aaron would be productive!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Milton made the same promise
our Jim, always the trusting soul
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Milton IS actually providing something to this team...OBP.
Miles isn’t.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Miles has a very important role on the 2009 Chicago Cubs
Scapegoat
"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
in the last 28 days"
BA/OBP/SLG/OPS
.291/.459/.418/.878
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions
is this an alert for the sample size police or the Milton haters?
can’t people just lay-off? He’s not Billy Williams and has been a good offensive player lately.
Thanks for pointing this out Drew.
it's a valid split
he’s been playing a lot better. The power isn’t there, but he’s doing better.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd take that line the rest of the year and be happy.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
heck yeah.
even in front of Soriano.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Whut? who stole SWL's account?
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Dude...I've said all along that I WANT Milton to succeed.
He actually been OK lately.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
kidding dude...
You’ve just been the biggest antagonist against Bradley that I can think of, but I’m sure you’ll be glad if he does well.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
Hell *Al's* been way worse...
"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
But he can ban us for antagonizing him. :)
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
If antagonist = unhappy with sucking
then yeah…that’s me.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually,
I’ve seen other subjects come up and you tend to segue the conversation to Bradley’s woes. But since you want him to succeed, then that makes all the difference.
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
definitely has been doing better
still sucks in most Fantasy formats – note to ESPN: add OBP as category – but in real life, he’s much closer now to what we hoping to see out of him. A few more key hits here and there and total redemption just might be in sight.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
FYI - for the season
Bradley: .771 OPS, 100 OPS+
St. DeRosa: .786 OPS, 103 OPS+
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 5, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
St. DeRosa, hehe
Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton
And the wind whispers
“DeRo.”
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I hear
those are illegal in five states.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 5, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
phrased differently
nobody on the board came up with an ‘ideal’ fill in option at short. it is unfortunate hendry didn’t trust the blanco/scales option. fortunately, that is a mistake we will not likely have to make in the future with options in the minors soon-to-be-ready.
On quality starts and pitching into the seventh ...
in the radio pregame yesterday, as Ron was interviewing “the fine manager of the Chicago Cubs”, Lou complained … (I’m using quotes, but this is from memory) “we don’t have the starters like Holliday or Lee who will give you an occasional complete game, so that puts in even greater stress on the bullpen even we have a quality start”
Almost seemed like a shot at Hendry.
WTF is wrong with our "manager"
for god’s sake, every time he opens his mouth, I want him gone even more. We’ve had plenty of times when a starter could have gone nine, and Lou took him out.
Never mind he just basically threw his entire rotation under the bus.
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
You know how many Roy Halladays and Cliff Lees there are out there?
2. Poor Lou, he’s got to work with the cards that have been dealt to 28 of the 30 teams in the league.
You know how many Halladys and Lees were available via a trade before last friday?
Both of them.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
No team was able to put together a package that could get Roy
And the Phils had to give up more talent in the upper level of their system than we have to work with.
If I was one of the (many) great starters for the Cubs this year, I would be pissed at a comment like that.
Halladay wasn't available unless you wanted to mortgage your entire farm system
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm just making the point...
that- yes there is only 2 of them, but they we’re available.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Re; our manager-It still could be worse
We could have the guy on the other side of the field. I was reading the Reds game thread the other night and somebody pointed out a quote Dusty allegedly gave during an interview that compared batting orders to salads-“it doesn’t matter in what order you mix the the ingedients since the salad will taste the same regardless”.
God, I LOVE Dusty (as long as he’s managing the other team.
Yes, Lou is better than Dusty.......barely
but they really aren’t the only two options.
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 5, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions
so many strong projections
I wonder what happens when they are proven wrong. This is what you do with a vet who comes back after a long stint on the DL, you play them and rest the guy who has been toiling. Miles might go 4-4 and then what?
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
We're happy we got an outlier day from a bad player
That doesn’t mean that our chances of winning didn’t get lower as a result of him being in the lineup. It means we got lucky.
not get another hit for the next 6 games.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 5, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions