Justin Lehr, Your 15 Minutes Is Up: Journeyman Shuts Out Cubs 4-0
by Al Yellon on Aug 6, 2009 7:35 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintYou have got to be kidding me.
Justin Lehr -- who turned 32 on Monday, similar in age to Ted Lilly and Ryan Dempster -- making his second major league start after spending most of the last two and a half years in the minors, looked like Greg Maddux last night, baffling the Cubs with offspeed pitches and allowing them only three singles and a double in a 4-0 Cubs shutout loss to the Reds.
And the double was by pitcher Rich Harden, his first career extra-base hit.
Harden didn't pitch that badly -- his only real mistake was grooving a pitch to Cub nemesis Scott Rolen, who originally wasn't going to play in this series -- allowing three runs (two earned) in six innings, yet another quality start. The real problem was the Cubs' lack of good fundamental play:- Rich Harden tried to throw out the lead runner at third on an attempted sacrifice; he had no chance to do so and this gave the Reds their third run. Lesson: when the other team gives you an out, take it.
- Mike Fontenot missed an easy tag on Brandon Phillips trying to steal second after Koyie Hill's throw beat Phillips. This one didn't really matter, as Phillips was promptly caught trying to steal third.
- Aaron Miles failed to throw out Willy Taveras on a routine ground ball to shortstop. Can we please never see Miles in the starting lineup again? This did cost the Cubs a run, as Taveras stole second and third and scored on a sac fly.
- And, Alfonso Soriano got picked off. Again.
Sometimes a team just has an off day -- as opposed to a day off, which the Cubs apparently took a day early. They looked like they didn't even want to be on the field, instead anticipating their late-night flight and day off in Denver today. (Thanks, schedulemakers, they were thinking, for giving us Thursday off in Denver instead of Monday off in Cincinnati.)
The pitching outing reminded me of this one on August 1, 2008, when Jeff Karstens, just acquired by the Pirates from the Yankees, shut the Cubs down for six shutout innings and the Cubs looked just about as listless as they did last night. (Look who got the save in that game, too.) Karstens didn't finish the game but it was played by the Cubs in much the same "get me out of here fast" way. The good news, perhaps, is that after that loss last year, the Cubs won ten of their next twelve games and 20 of their next 27.
It will, however, get a bit tougher from here. The Cubs' 14-6 record since the All-Star break is still best in the National League since then, but the next two opponents, the Rockies and Phillies, are currently tied for second-best mark since the ASB at 12-7 and are, obviously, much better teams than the Reds.
If the Cubs can weather the next seven games at, say, 4-3, they then will start a stretch of 17 games, 13 of which are against the lower ranks of the league (Pirates, Padres, Nationals and Mets), and four with the Dodgers. That might be a good time to stake a claim on first place and stay there.
By Friday, we should have a real good idea of how the roster will stand for the balance of the month and down the stretch. Gordon Wittenmyer saysa position player will be sent out when Geovany Soto returns, and as I have repeatedly written, I hope it's Micah Hoffpauir. Get him three-plus weeks of regular at-bats at Iowa to help him get his timing back; he can return September 1 and still be eligible for postseason play if needed. Meanwhile, Lilly's return will likely be during the San Diego series the week after next, and unlike Ryan Dempster, Ted will make one rehab start before returning to the major leagues. When Lilly comes back, I suspect Jeff Samardzija will be sent to Iowa and Tom Gorzelanny will become the third lefty in the bullpen (what will Lou do, with so many lefthanders available?).
About last night's game, brush it off. You have to, because dwelling on a loss as bad as that one won't do any good. Blind squirrels and all that. Onward to Friday in Colorado.
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I am so happy
that I did not get to watch that game last night, sounds awful. The other crappy thing is that off days after games like yesterday’s are even worse because there isn’t as much to talk about.
Oh well, hopefully the boys will take today to get their heads back on straight.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
I think the Cubs
started their day off about 12 hours early. It seems that there were a bunch of mental errors on their part.
The sun will shine in '69
First!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 6, 2009 7:48 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
nope, not frits, either
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 6, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Ah, the eternal quest for Firstness claims another victim.
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.
lame.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
-1
Wrecked
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Aug 6, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions
It must have been the Aaron Miles factor. Just having him in the lineup
completely threw off the mojo of our bats. The man is completely toxic. He should be sent far, far away and never be seen in a Cub uniform again.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 6, 2009 7:50 AM CDT reply actions
Y'know, I found myself thinking exactly this a couple times last night.
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.
As did I
"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb
by TheRiot Police on Aug 6, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
It's such a helpless feeling
And the worst part is that we have at least 13 more days of this.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
I was out last night ...
and didn’t watch the game or BCB. Can’t imagine what the game thread was like when Miles couldn’t throw out Taveras …
He was getting flamed before that...
So it was pretty much just an affirmation of what everyone has been saying.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 6, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
It's spelled L-E-H-R but pronounced "Leer".
And leer is the German word for empty. How fitting…
Lehr is the root for words like teacher, teachings, doctrine, lesson etc., also in German.
So let’s hope the yesterday evening was a Lehre for the Cubbies, and not that they are leer….
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
Go Blue Lasers!
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.
As I got older
I always found it funny how horrendous the bad guys’ aim always was in these shows
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Well, if he was leering at Cubs batters...
…someone should’ve gone over to the Reds clubhouse after the game and told him what’s what!
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.
I know a guy who would do it.
But he’s from Milwaukee.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
♪♫ So tell me who's watchin'... ♪♫
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.
Wie verkündet mann "Goethe street"?
“Go – eee – thee” street, naturally.
So I wouldn’t take too many clues from how mlb announcers pronounce Lehr …
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Dissapointing game
But Lehr did a great job against us. All I can say is that these things happen to all teams.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
Kind of...
When players and coaches are mentioning the lack of effort on their part it doesn’t look too good.
''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
Per Rich Harden:
“We just didn’t have it,” he said. “Guys taking a day off a little too early.”
It’s almost incomprehensible that a team with a chance to go into first place in August would “take a day off,” but that’s exactly what it looked like.
''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
But...but...
They were tired from the heat in Florida! Give me a break. Baseball is played in the summer, it’s going to be hot a majority of the games you play.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 6, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
And in other months
IT’S TOO COLD TO HIT!!!
Sheesh. Excuses, Lou.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Took the day off from watching or reading anything about the game last night...
Looks like I picked a good day to do just that.
It appears the Cubs started “getaway” day a little early…
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Never is the right day for that, i suspect.
"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"
Let's hope it is Samardzija............
……….who is sent down. For as much as everyone has been riding Heilman for his poor performances, Spellcheck has been awful this year, and he didn’t do anything eye opening last year. Lotta hype, but not much delivered.
Realize we can’t cut the guy, but if teams had been interested in him as part of a deal, I surely hope Hendry’s ND-itis didn’t get in the way of moving this guy.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Samardzija has a no-trade clause
and likely would not approve a trade, since he has the NTC in the first place. This would have prevented any move. Though, I’m sure your right about Hendry’s ND-itis, causing him to not give up hope yet.
You’re killin’ me Smalls!
I think it is a little early to start the dump Samardzija stuff
He is not ml ready and shouldn’t be up here. He needs to develop another pitch or two. I think it is doing him and the team a disservice to be using him out of the bullpen this year. I agree the original contract terms and money was dumb. That doens’t mean he shouldn’t have a chance to develop in the minors to try and maximize what he does have.
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 6, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not convinced............
………..he will amount to much, but would agree that he should be left in the minors until he is truly ready (or not) to pitch at the MLB level.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
That's it right there.
It’s probably too early to call for his head and dump him, but can he stay at AAA until he show’s something dominant?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
It just seems like he's been promoted because of hype and salary
He’s never shown all that much in the minors, as far as stats go.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Stats in the minors
Do not really mean all that much. Randy Wells had average stats in the minors, so did Ryan Theriot. Samardzija got promoted because he has a big-league fastball, he just has not been able to throw a second pitch consistently.
He has a big league fastball.
He cannot locate it anywhere. Also, he has no secondary stuff whatsoever.
He needs to be in AAA until he can gain some semblance of command and a second pitch or he’ll be Kyle Farnsworth 2.0
You know how else had that problem with his fastball?
Rick Vaughn. Maybe Lou Brock can work with him, get a new pair of glasses and Shark can become a great pitcher, as long as he doesn’t “Sell Out” and all!
The sun will shine in '69
You're right, but he hadn't shown control, either.
And without a second pitch, you’re not going to get MLB hitters out.
There are rare exceptions like Mariano Rivera, but Samardzija’s not one of them.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
you could not be further from the truth
stats in the minors do matter – they are a predictor of future performance. It may not be the end all for every player, but to dismiss them as they do not really mean all that much is patently false.
You don't remember the big deal that was made when he picked baseball?
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Samardzija is 24 years old
and has pitched a grand total of 48 major league innings. He’s shown he has potential (unless we’re forgetting about his 2.28 ERA last year). Dumping him at this early point in his career would just be nuts.
It's not time to dump him
But ERA is a lousy metric. His 1.41 WHIP last year wasn’t great.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Dumping would be extreme.
The team needs to decide his future and work toward that goal. Is he a starter, reliever, closer, or wide receiver (I kid).
If he projects as a starter or closer, he needs to be in the minors working toward that role. If he’s merely a middle reliever with one pitch, then being the 11th or 12th pitcher may be okay.
I beleive he projects to something else and needs to be working on two more pitches to be a starter and another effective pitch if he’s to be a late inning reliever. The 25 man roster is not the place to figure it out.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
I wonder if we could trade him to the Bears
for cash considerations. Seriously.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
I know he played at ND, but with a
4.62 40 time who was considered in 2007 as a “king sized possession receiver” and the negatives described as:
“NEGATIVES: Marginal route-runner who does not show much sharpness into breaks. Lacks a burst of speed and does not stretch defenses. Overall game does not show much quickness.”
Could he play what many call one of the toughest positions in the NFL after playing baseball a couple of years?
Staubach came back in a different era, Henning came back to the DL after flying in Desert Storm, but Chad whatshisname couldn’t cut it with the Cowboys and Bears after baseball and Henson didn’t work either as QB. Don’t know of a WR comparison.
I guess my thought is why would the Bears want him?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
apparently
he can jump really high, and that makes him valuable.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree. The Cubs need to figure out his role.
The sooner, the better – for him and us.
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.
Way to lay a goose egg... I blame it all on Aaron Miles
"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)
.
Here's something you all will find interesting.
I just did a search on bbref. For all players with at least 134 plate appearances in a season (the number Miles has right now) since 1954, Miles has the eighth-worst OPS.
A .489 OPS. That’s horrendous, and only seven players in the last 55 years with as many PA as Miles has right now have done worse.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
There's another name for that stat...
It’s called “you suck”
"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)
.
Not even a minor leaguer...
… as he put up numbers similar to those at Iowa.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Please fax this comment to Cub Mgmt.
"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett
by The Ryno and I Know on Aug 6, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
i'm surprised he's been that good.
it’s hard to imagine a worse player. he should be fired, and to tell you the truth, that’s an inexcusable signing and shows just how bad our gm is: he gave miles 5 million dollars! what a joke. it’s embarrassing.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I heard Miles' own shadow won't be seen in public with him.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
by Blue W on Aug 6, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
what does Miles need to do to make it into the bottom five of suckitude?
is he close? everyone needs goals.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Wasted a perfect oppurtunity
We had a chance to go up a game on the Cards (wonder if our guys were pressing at the plate against a guy “they should’ve hit”) and wasted it. Now we fly out west and the Cards get the Pirates.
Can someone please tell my why Miles was at short, he looked like a 13 year old on a big field for the first time. He couldn’t even make a routine throw to first, and there was one double play we couldn’t turn it looked like he fell over after getting the ball to Fontenot. Can we PLEASE find someone else!
We have someone else.....
…his name is Andres Blanco.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 6, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions
And...
Hell, I’m just going to pull up the Iowa Cubs stat line and list every middle infielder with a better batting average at AAA than Aaron Miles. We have
Blanco .316
Scales .290
Spears .254 (he even pitched an inning this year if that’s important)
Miles .253
Barney .246 – (not ready for prime time and raw) but he’s only a little worse, but he’s a SS and hit for good contact at AA earlier in the year.
Rivas and Macias averages are a little worse, but have better OBP. This guys may be just as poor, but Lou might not be fooled into starting them.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
but average is not the whole story.
miles has no power; he can barely hit the ball out of the infield. he has one of the worst arms in the league, doesn’t have a good glove, and doesn’t run very well. i don’t understand what he does that earns him a spot on the team (besides not taking up much room on a plane or bus).
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
But he's got $5 million other reasons why he's on the team.
"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett
by The Ryno and I Know on Aug 6, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
And they can probably eat his contract for 2010
It’s a bit too expensive to do that now.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Isn't it kind os ironic
that Hendry was able to find a backup shortstop with a worse arm than our starting shortstop?
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Well, hey....
Fuel is expensive. Perhaps net-net, he saves the team money on travel.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 6, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Sad to say
but the Cubs simply didn’t deserve to win last night. Too many mistakes. Miles’ inability to throw out a runner on a routine grounder was really bad (yet, unfortunately, not too surprising), but getting picked off of first down three late in the game is unforgivable. Mental lapses like that are all too common for Soriano and will always limit his value. He’s got a (multi) million dollar bat, but (as Brenly suggested), no real feel for the game.
Leading off
nonchalantly with his hands on his hips = watch for Sori to get picked off
You would think that he would be a bit cautious over there given his history…
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Miles
the Cardinals revenge for the Cubs having signed Edmonds last year. I have a good friend who’s a big Cardinals fan. When the Cubs signed Miles last winter, his eyes lit up,
"Earthly fame is naught but a breath of wind, which now comes hence and now comes thence, changing its name because it changes quarter." -- Dante, Purgatorio, Canto XI
Just DFA him already
Blanco is more valuable to this team… and right now, he got put on the DL with a bogus fake injury just to make room the suck fest known as Aaron Miles.
"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)
.
Agree
The guy was a below average performer in extended time in AAA. What more evidence does Hendry need to realize that this guy does not belong on a major league roster. They were quick to shut down the B.J. Ryan experiement, when it was clear that he had nothing left, so it has to be about the $$$.
Exactly.
And it isn’t even that much money any more. Since the Cubs didn’t add salary at the trading deadline by acquiring a high-priced player, maybe they can just eat the rest of Miles’ deal.
Or maybe the Mets would take him. They’re almost out of infielders.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If you put him on waivers... the Mets might pick him up and take the rest of it.
Just do it already.
"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)
.
Miles has not been let go because of the CYA factor, probably.
by Fraggin Judge on Aug 6, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I think it's the no owner factor.
With the team literally in the middle of changing ownership, I simply don’t think there is anyone who can make that decision. This is because Miles is signed for 2010. If he was only signed through this season, I think the situation would be different.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Explain Heilman, then . . . .
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
What about him?
He was acquired in the offseason.
Actually, his contract situation is totally different. The Cubs control Heilman next year but he doesn’t have a contract. Teams are required to tender a contract to a player (or offeer arbitraition, if eligible, by a certain date). If they don’t, they non-tender the player and they become a free agent. (Or they could trade the player). Gorzo is the same situation.
I’m talking about the ownership situation right now. The team is literally in the middle of an ownership change which would mean the current owner cannot make any future financial decisions (such as releasing a player owed money for next year.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I mean, why not release him, since there's no obligation
Actually, I think your point is valid. I’m not sure that they’d eat the contract, anyway, though.
Hendry got snookered by a high batting average.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
I think it's because
they still see some value in Heilman.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Put him on waivers
and hope that somebody…anybody…takes a look. If there’s the slightest chance we can get a PTBNL for him, it’s worth it. If not, then eat the salary
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 6, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
The Mets acquired Anderson Hernandez from the Nationals today.
Bummer.
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
Bummer?
Why? He looks like a poor man’s Neifi.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That's exactly why it stinks.
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
Of all the times to recharge your cell phone, Jim Hendry...
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.
yes. and this is further proof that hendry is a fool.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I said that last night.
“DFA Miles” … it was the first time I’d ever suggested that for someone.
I just wish Hendry would go ahead and do it. What happened to Gathwrong? Did we DFA him or waive him?
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 6, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
IIRC, Gathright was traded to the Orioles for Ryan Freel.
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.
And Freel was just DFA'd by the Royals.
That’s when a player knows no one wants him.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I heard Freel interviewed on the Baseball Prospectus podcast....
…after he was traded to the Royals, and he was going on about how well they treated him in contrast to the apparently cold reception he got from the Cubs. I think he said the GM sent him and his family flowers or something. I wonder if they gave him a box of chocolates on the way out.
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.
So.,.. Freel's basically been DFA'd 3 times this year...
wow. That’s suckage. And Aaron Miles still has a job. Unreal.
"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)
.
Thanks, didn't remember that.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 6, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
soriano picked off?
Cue BLou in 3,2,1…
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
Soriano and Miles....
…with mistakes like those, how can we expect to win the division? They are both terrible players, Miles talent has passed him by and Soriano (who has all the talent in the world) doesn’t have a clue on how to play baseball. (and man does Brenley hate him) That base hit could have really led to something, but of course he was caught sleeping at a critical time by a 32 year old journeyman.
Miles shouldn’t see the field again this season, he is DONE! Its just inexplicable that he steals AB’s and PT from better players, admit you screwed up Jim and DFA him.
Write your own capiton
“Don’t worry son, stick with me and you’ll end up just like all the other great pitchers I’ve coached, Woods & Prior”.
The sun will shine in '69
or
“How do you feel about throwing 140 pitches for me next time out, son?”
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
or
“Let me tell you about two pitchers, you may have heard of them; Mark Prior and Kerry Woods, Yeah that right I made them the pitchers they are today, you good to throw tomorrow right?”
The sun will shine in '69
Ok, I let it go once
Who is Kerry Woods? Is he related to this guy?
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
"It's okay to give up singles and walk these guys, they'll just
clog those bases."
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
better not be his only 15 minutes
he’ll get a start against the redbirds next week
He probably won't make it out of the first inning.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 6, 2009 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions
This pretty much sums it up for me:
“We got beat on some routine plays tonight,” Hill said. “I just felt we got out-hustled. That’s something I believe can’t happen. Nothing in baseball is guaranteed, but one thing you can control is your intensity, hustle.”
Why would the Cubs be so lackluster?
“I don’t know,” Hill said. “The baseball season is a grind. It’s my belief that what we’re trying to accomplish, and what every baseball team is trying to accomplish, is bigger than one person. Everyone has to be accountable for what they bring to the ballpark every day.”
''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
I really like Koyie Hill's attitude and performance.
Hendry’s best offseason decision.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+1
He seems to be the type of guy that could be a good team captain. Too bad he’s not an every day player.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 6, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions
agreed, he has alot of intangibles.....
…you have to imagine that watching him play everyday has impressed alot of guys on the club. He is quietly emerging as a leader of the team. Which says alot about the team from a leadership perspective.
I agree... I wish some of the other guys with more talent had the same attitude.
''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
Anyone else worried...
about screwing up a good thing by inserting Soto back into the lineuop on Friday?
No. Hill's been solid, even with my comment below, on defense.
But he can’t hit for crap.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I would be more worried
if Hill were producing offensively. Hill is better at throwing out base stealers, but Soto is otherwise a fine defensive catcher. I don’t think the change will negatively affect the team defensively, but it should have a positive affect offensively.
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
Lou has said...
… he’s going to keep giving Hill some playing time. I’d start him at least twice a week.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
"We gotta find a way to get this guy some playing time"?
Where have I heard that before?
"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
Hill batted .221 last month...
You’d think we could see a serious improvement there… gulp… I hope.
"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)
.
I think that's pretty impressive
for a catcher who started 26 straight games.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
No
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
could you be a little more succinct next time? ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
How about, "-"
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
☺
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.
I would think, "☻" would better make Sue's point.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
That one scares me.
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.
a little, but that's the least of my concerns.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
No kidding.
Imagine a 46 game stretch with Bako out every day.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
I can't imagine a lineup with Bako and Miles in it.
''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
I think that's what tipped
the back-up catcher’s job to Koyie.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
And let's give Hendry/Lou some credit for making that call.
Plus, as much as I love me some Hank White, he’s been injured this season, too.
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.
Hendry would have to have made a costly acquisition if Blanco was the backup catcher.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
I think you realize once you've accidentally cut off your own fingers...
… that nothing is guaranteed.
I think Hill appreciates the second chance to play baseball for a living and brings the right frame of mind to the ballpark- reinforced every time he looks at his hand.
Talk about a graphic metaphor of tying a string to one’s finger to remember something!
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
Beats tying your fingers back on with a piece of string
I’ll bet
"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
And hopefully that spurs the team to play well over the next stretch
Just as the Karstens Embarrassment seemed to do last year.
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
I hope.
They have a tough 7 games coming up.
''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
Well, if they're gonna drop focus for a game
(and it definitely does happen from time to time), I’d rather have it be against Cincinnati than in any of these next 7.
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
True.
Apparently the owner of the Reds said last nights game was like winning the World Series…
REALLY?
Reds owner Robert Castellini was so giddy afterward he told the Cincinnati reporters “it felt like we won the World Series.”
''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
After taking one game?
And on a team that has plummeted out of contention? That doesn’t make any sense.
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 6, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
That says a
lot about their season I guess.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
He said that?!?
Earth to Castellini, your team has lost 14 of its last 16 games. Congrats on winning one game.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 6, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
The Reds had lost eight in a row going into last night's game...
…so he was probably being facetious.
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.
Agreed.
It was probably like a weight of their collective shoulders
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Or even off
dang it
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
now, that's pathetic.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Given that we're Cub fans...
I’m not sure we should give grief to a struggling team for being happy about winning a game. I remember taking solace in whatever I could get not that many years ago…
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 6, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
did he put these comments in Soriano's luggage? we can only hope!!
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
In computer programming terms, Aaron Miles is a no-op. A no-op is a temporary
placeholder that serves no purpose other than to take up space. It adds nothing to the program and serves no visible function. What a more descript term.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 6, 2009 8:33 AM CDT reply actions
Speaking of which...
…Twitter has been down all morning because of an “ongoing denial-of-service” attack. Just in case anyone was wondering.
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.
I'm up and running, but I'm seeing very few updates since last night.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
This probably explains why some of you may have had trouble loading the site.
It’s getting hung up on the Twitter widget on the left sidebar. Try reloading if this happens.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Hmm, lemme check here...
Yep, I’m back online, too. Twitter says it’s “continuing to defend and recover from this attack..”
If anyone is ever curious about Twitter’s site status, go here.
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.
Interesting
Gawker over the weekend and now Twitter. Wonder what’ll be next.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
Well, y'know, summer break's been goin' on a while now...
…and the kids are getting restless.
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.
Myspace?
It’s only a matter of time until they try that site.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 6, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Ahhhh
Facebook has been having issues as well. Wouldn’t surprise me if they’re getting hit too
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 6, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
I see I wasn't the only one having problems with them today.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 6, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Guess I better update my COBOL programmer's manual
Let’s see… instead of ‘spaces’ or ‘blanks’, I think it would be something like this…
MOVE ‘Aaron Miles’ TO WORKING-STORAGE
Of course, no matter what, I think we’re looking at one big fat ABEND.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Eh, just delete him.
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.
better shred
if you simply delete, someone may be able to retrieve at a later date.
"This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There's time to discuss everything between pitches or between innings." -- Bill Veeck
Indeed.
You must empty the Recycle Bin, in this case.
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
Write him to /dev/null
"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 went to the game last night here is a note i took on my scorecard
"God watches over drunks and third baseman."- Leo Durocher
by BelieveinBlue2314 on Aug 6, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
You wrote red x's? ;-)
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
That's how poorly the Cubs played yesterday.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes indeed
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
Let's not forget Koyie Hill throwing BEHIND a runner attempting to steal
There was plenty of manure spread around by the Cubs yesterday.
Can someone explain why Mike Fontenot (and Ryan Theriot, for that matter) STILL don’t know how to make tag plays at second base?
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
It's maddening that they can't make a routine cover of second.
I’m glad Lou finally addressed it:
Piniella said Fontenot will work with Alan Trammell on covering second on steal attempts after botching two tags over the last couple of weeks. As for Miles, who was just brought back from a rehab assignment in Triple-A Iowa, Piniella said: “Let’s hope he’s just rusty.”
Lou, p.s. He’s not rusty.
''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
He had what?... 23 games at Iowa?
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B, Joe Morgan
I think they have worked on it in the past
But it’s insane, and it’s been going on since 2007.
Even someone who never really played beyond recreational (me) knew that the way they were holding tags on runners last year was wrong and not going to get them calls . . . how can two guys who played college ball, minor and major league ball not know that?
Last night, not only did Fontenot miss the tag, but he was a foot and a half from the base, giving the runner a lane to go around him.
Unbelievably poor for a professional.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions
It's one of the very first things I learned in Little League as a middle infielder
and have never forgotten it. It’s not that tough.
''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
Brenly even said
Fontenot was too far off base.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
It's called "straddling the bag", too bad Fonty and Riot missed that baseball lesson
that’s usually given to the infielders on the first day of little league baseball practice!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
You don't have to stradle the bag all the time
If you play the ball out front of the bag (as Fontenot looked to be attempting), you can get the ball quicker, but the key is staying right in front of the bag, as opposed to Fontenot, who was 2 feet towards the 1st base bag.
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
Playing in front leads to the same chickenshit crap that Riot and Fonty have been pulling.
They up jumping in from of the bag, swiping at the throw, and missing tags.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
So you're calling them cowards?
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.
He seems to be big on name calling.
Very constructive.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, I wouldn't exactly call them cowards, but...
…perhaps they could benefit from watching Bill Mazeroski’s exercise video “Rock Hard Shins in 30 Minutes”.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Not if they're playing it right, it doesn't.
But they’re not keeping their feet planted and are instead creeping up towards 1st.
Stradling the bag actually causes the ball to arrive later, which is why one would play in front of the bag.
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
so what moves faster - the catch plus arm sweep or the tail end of a throw down to second?
If you can figure that out, then you have your answer as to the best way to position yourself at 2B (or 3B or Home for that matter).
Seems to me just based on watching these plays unfold at regular speed that letting the ball come to you is almost always going to be faster than reaching forward to catch it then sweeping the glove back towards the bag Assuming of course the throw is on line.
Same (flawed?) logic I’ve used for years to rail against Jeter’s so-called “greatest play ever” where he relayed a throw home against the A’s in the playoffs where Posada tagged out a non-sliding Giambi (the other one). I’ve watched countless replays and I have yet to see an angle where the throw was off-line. So all Jeter did was slow down the play and made it closer than it had to be. Of course, all this wouldn’t have mattered if Giambi had just slid but that’s a rant for another day…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
It probably doesn't matter in the long run which way you stand on the bag
The bigger issue, as we all agree, is that the footwork is off, regardless of where they are standing.
When you’re in front of the bag, it’s easier to adjust to a poor throw; when you’re stradling the base, your ability to move side-to-side on a poor throw is limited (albeit slightly).
It doesn’t matter how they stand – if they stood on one leg and caught the ball in the right spot and still applied the tag in the right spot, I wouldn’t care.
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
to be accurate
the ball travel faster than the hands.
In a perfect set up the 2B would set up directly in front of the bag so he has versatility to make the play on off-line throws. When the throw arrives, the 2B should catch the ball as far back (towards CF) as possible and drop the tag straight down. Sweep tags are a huge no-no.
That is the quickest way to apply the tag using proper fundamentals.
"In Rusty We Trusty"?
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
he's not rusty; he's lousy.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
For all the crap we gave cedeno
At least he could block the base on a stolen base and/or pickoff attempt. Maybe he doesn’t catch the ball, but he would have his leg in front of the bag.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Aug 6, 2009 8:58 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Cedeno was a miserable bat and lost on the base paths, but
when given the chance to start, his fielding was usually solid. No Omar, but solid.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
compared to miles, he looks like an all star.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Come to think of it...
…let’s check out the numbers:
Cedeno: .522 OPS in 228 PAs this season.
Miles: .489 OPS in 134 PAs this season.
So Ronny’s been healthier and marginally “better” at the plate. I’d also give the defensive edge to Onedec, though last time I checked his UZR numbers were surprisingly bad. Let’s be honest, there’s really no winner here.
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.
i'll take cedeno. he's at least got some talent.
he can run a little and give you and xbh every once in a while. miles is like super mario without the overalls and the fireballs and shit.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I agree.
Ronny does have some occasional (very occasional) pop, and he’s clearly more “athletic” (if I may use that term) than Aaron Miles.
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.
And...
If you still had Ronny, you wouldn’t have Heilman.
So, who’s the real winner now?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Honestly, as long as Heilman stays out of close games...
…with runners on base, he may turn out to be a relatively equitable return for Ronny Cedeno.
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.
I wish we could have kept Onedec to start with
I thought it was a bad deal to trade hime when we did.
The sun will shine in '69
...because he's played so well this season...?
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.
I can't believe anyone is pining for Ronny Cedeno.
How quickly people forget.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't pine for Ronny.
Merely, trading Ronny meant Hendry acquired Heilman’s contract and he filled a roster spot and gave Miles and his role, contract and roster spot.
One would think eliminating Ronny’s spot on the 40 man and the salaries of Heilman and Miles could have come up with better options.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
correct.
it’s not that cedeno was very good, but that hendry came up with miserable replacements on the roster.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought Ronny needed to be replaced, but that was assuming
the replacement would be an upgrade.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Not sure I'd say "well" but he had his moments.
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.
Yeah. Hill said the right thing but he also played lousy baseball last night.
I guess he meant that at least, he was trying, unlike others. Paging Soriano, RamÃrez, Fontenot, Bradley. Miles just sucks.
by Fraggin Judge on Aug 6, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I can give Koyie a pass
after starting 26 straight games.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
He's not why they lost
But that was a mental error, not a physical one.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
So you know how last year we gave fukudome credit
For making his teammates more patient? I think we can give miles credit for making all our hitters suck last night.
What he did last night seemed dlscripted by us (Kevin towers might even say it was us). Only 13 days until he goes away.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Aug 6, 2009 8:53 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
What happens in 13 days?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Blanco can come back from the DL, making Miles expendable
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
it's hard to believe that blanco is actually injured ..... i think management just wanted miles up
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
I think you are correct.
Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT
absolutely.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, we're showcasing him for the rest of the league. (I can't believe I even wrote that.)
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 6, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
miles, scales, heilman for halladay?
He can throw a fastball at 87MPH and make you look like a fool. He can spray lines drives to right field. He can put up with crappy offense and take the loss. He is Randy Wells. He is the most interesting pitcher in the world. Stay healthy, my friends.
by jesus christos on Aug 6, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Sounds fair to me.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 6, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Zombies.
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.
I loathe the undead
"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
August 19
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Lousy game
vicious game thread at the end. Many over-the-line comments IMO, but that is for Al to police. Just makes the BCB experience less enjoyable for everyone.
I haven't been on here too long but,
it seems to be getting like that more during losses.
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B, Joe Morgan
It's why I avoid most game threads
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I've switched to tweeting during the games.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
It wasn't bad up to the 7th
but then somebody went postal—and I don’t necessarily blame him for it—and went off on a couple people.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
I've been doing that to a certain extent, too...
…though if you follow the thread via “#cubs” or on MLB’s newly tweet-friendly apps, many of the comments are equally ridiculous.
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.
I love how MLB has incorporated twitter
into the GameDay and mlb.com windows.
During the game, I usually just read tweets from the people I’m following. That way I can limit the nonsense.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
That's a good idea.
Getting tweets from the “insiders” is usually pretty interesting, too. Oh, and for those who don’t know, Carrie Muskat is now on Twitter as…aaaand it looks like Twitter is down again because I can’t access that info. Anyway, assuming Twitter fights off this attack, you should be able to search for Carrie and find her.
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.
Cool!!
I’ll look it up when the site is back up.
Thanks!
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Yup,
Twitter, Facebook, BCB was having trouble loading....
Heck, I even had problems with Myspace.
I have been to five Cubs games in my lifetime.
The Cubs' record in those games: 5 wins, 0 losses.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 6, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Yet my work e-mail won't stop working...
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
It's the machines.
They’ve become self-aware.
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
"It's what he does! It's all he does!"
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.
Skynet has become operational?
That’s the last thing I need today…
"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
Come with me if you want to live
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 6, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
20-27
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 6, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I was wondering that myself
It’s not as bad as I thought
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 6, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
If he ever starts a game again this year
then the Cubs franchise has no interest in winning and won’t win anything this year. The record is right there in front of all our faces, there is nothing to dispute – get that SOB off of our roster! NOW!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
The Cubs won the division every year they had Jason Marquis.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
God I miss him;)
At least Lou got Theriot got a little rest.
Badger, have you heard that Fielder has played every inning of every game this year? That is unreal. I can understand Yost doing that, but now Macha. It’s no wonder that team wears down in the second half.
Yeah, someone of that build needs time off once in a while.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Marquis at least pitched in now and then and wow a couple of big games down the stretch in '07!
Miles brings absolutely NOTHING to the table. Can’t field, hit, run, throw, or even lay down a decent bunt. Hendry has to just admit he dropped the ball on this one and move, the guy isn’t going to turn anything around, something’s wrong with him if he can’t even hit AAA pitching.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
I don't have a lot of confidence in Miles
But the point that I was making is that he’s not the sole reason for the 20-27 record.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
No, but the point I'm making is that the SOB shouldn't play or even be on the g'damn roster.
We have a much more able backup in Blanco and there is no reason for MIlies to be on the club. The 20-27 isn’t just a coincidence either.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
I'd guess it has a lot more to do with Rami's injury.
Because of the injury, Miles played more than he would have if Aramis had been healthy.
This is one of those stats you need to dig into rather than takeing it at face value.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
indeed
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
So much angst . . . .
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
They won the division
with Jacque Jones on the roster too.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Ok, you did get the point I was making, right?
And they didn’t win it with Jones in 2006. They won it without him in 2008.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I exactly
go the point you’re trying to make. Good teams can make up for individual player deficiencies.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
And this doens't seem to be the case for this Cubs team so far this year.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
doesn't
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, they are in first place.
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.
shhhh!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
there comes a point when your team is so fractured by injuries that you can’t overcome them. Take Ankiel, Pujols, DeRosa and Schumkaer. Now, have them all bounce on and off the bench for three months because of nagging injuries. In the middle, DL Pujols for 7 weeks, lose Carpenter for two starts and Wainwright for three. Then Ankiel slumps.
Imagine the cardinals haveing to play Kahlil Greene every day.
I wonder where they would be right now.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I would take Greene over Miles every day and twice on Sunday.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I think
familiarity breeds contempt. At least Miles has the ability to stand on the field and not have a nervous breakdown.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
and don't get me wrong
I don’t want Miles on this team anymore either. But put the Cards in our situation, and I think their record would suffer as well. That’s all.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
any team that gets to experience virtually their entire lineup slumping for half a season would.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Greene could throw with his left hand and still be a better SS than Miles.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Would he be allowed to double-clutch?
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
with his brain?
because that’s the problem with Greene…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Caption:
Don’t get used to it. I’ll have you injured and your career over in no time.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
Caption:
How would you like to pitch a complete game every start?
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
WE NEED TO BE MORE LEFT-HANDED. THAT WOULD BE GOOD!
My show opens this Friday 8/7. Come out and support a fellow Cubs fan?: Hot Beans Delivers
Caption:
Dude, I’m going to ride you like a war horse until your arm falls off! I have the technology…
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Or, "now the only thing you did wrong was not walk more guys to clog up the bases..."
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 6, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
The best part about going to last night's game
Was that Ronnie Woo Woo was standing at the urinal next to me. That’s how bad it was.
We could tell from early on that the Cubs didn’t want to be there. Even Aramis looked totally disinterested—at least defensively.
The crowd (which was at least 50% Cubs fans) could never get into the game the way that it has the last several times the Cubs have played at GABP.
Eamus Catuli!
My God, it was the perfect storm.
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.
Did you give him a swirlie?
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
How could you tell him from the urinal?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 6, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
anyone know what the cubs record is when erin inches starts?
not trying to sound like nostradamus or anything but i think its not good
by jesus christos V2 on Aug 6, 2009 10:22 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I'm disappointed too, but this post reads like sour grapes.
Obviously, none of us ever want the Cubs to lose any games. They will probably lose more than 70 of them this year, however, and one of them may as well be a 4 hit shutout by a guy who toiled his entire career in the minors before finally getting a chance to start only his second major league game at age 32. I certainly prefer that over losing to the Cardinals or Dodgers or Phillies.
When Bobby Scales came up and gave us some game winning hits, I’m sure fans of the other side also said “You’ve got to be kidding me! This guy!?!?” But for him, it was a rare moment in the sun after a career in total obscurity, and we celebrated it. How is this any different for their guy? He pitched a great game last night. Next time out, lets hope they pound him for 17 runs. But in the meantime, don’t take anything away from what he just accomplished. It just sounds petty.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 10:33 AM CDT reply actions 6 recs
Fine. But I still hate Miles...
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
My post has nothing to do with Miles.
There are people above who will be happy to have that conversation with you. I won’t.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
I know it doesn't.
Just trying to lighten the mood a little.
Geez, sorry.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Fair enough
But the Miles bashing doesn’t lighten things for me. I just find it annoying. Switching Blanco for Miles is probably the least consequential decision the Cubs have made this season, and yet there are those on this site who think it marks the end of days.
Didn’t realize you were joking, just explaining why I have an abrasive reaction to that stuff.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Bullcrap
Miles can’t do anything and playing him is stupider than playing Fonty at 3rd for 5 weeks before giving Fox a shot at it! All games are too valuable to not have a late inning defensive replacement or pinch hitter. Sorry but it is not inconsequential.
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
Why do you have to do this?
He’s the second backup infielder. The notion that Aaron Miles stands between the Cubs and a World Series is a fantasy dancing around in the heads of bored fans who have nothing better to do in August than complain about the caliber of the last man off the bench.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
If this was the AL, your point would be dead on.
As this is the NL, there is not room for a guy on the 25 man who can’t backup the position they’re supposed to and can’t hit. Especially if that player is grossly overpaid for his skills.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Salary is irrelevant to your point, though
But to support your point, especially when the manager of that NL team refuses to use at least one pitcher, thereby effectively reducing the roster to 24.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Usually smaller salaries like Miles are not key to the Cubs, but this
year every dollar seems to be vital to the overall budget. To replace a guy with a version no better and spend more negates from upgrading another position on the already squeezed roster.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Ok, but I don't think they're upgrading, anyway.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
hyperbole, and not very convincing hyperbole either.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
It's hyperbole that in the NL the 25th guy still sees action and can't just
rot on the bench waiting for an injury like he’s roster filler on an AL team?
Miles is the utility infielder, but can’t play SS or 3B. He’s suppose to pinch hit, but is a whiff-o-matic.
You’ve lost me.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
The point is...
with the way the offense has performed, there is almost NO margin for error left for this team. Not putting the absolutely best players on the field whenever possible will be the kiss of death in the next 6 weeks.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 8 recs
you're completely missing the point.
nobody is saying miles is the standing between the cubs and a championship; that’s just you being ridiculous. however, miles is a very bad player, horribly bad, and he’s taking up space on the roster—beyond that, he is getting playing time, starting at shortstop in fact. he has no business being anywhere near the team. the fact that he is playing and is on the roster is certainly meaningful and merits discussion and, for that matter, bitching.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
What's more ridiculous?
Me saying the last man off the bench is basically an irrelevancy and a scapegoat, or the hundreds of comments from today alone saying Aaron Miles will be the “kiss of death” for this team? (not to mention the people who made that one green).
You people have some kind of weird complex with Miles, its time to get over it.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
get over the fact that he's hitting .195 and he's still on the roster
nahhhh i don’t think i should get over it.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
This
is like blaming the triangle player if you don’t like the sound of the orchestra. Yeah, maybe he could do a little better job ringing that bell, but if you’re looking his way its because you’re looking for scapegoats so you don’t have to blame the folks who are truly responsible.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
So who are you blaming? Who is the first chair violin player on this team?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not blaming anyone yet. We're in first place.
Not that you’d know it from around here.
But its pretty obvious who the first chair violinists and flautists are. Z, Dempster, Harden in the rotation; Lee, A-Ram, Soriano, Soto and Gameboard among position players. And Lou is the conductor. If this team fails, point the finger at one of them.
But I’m sorry, I just can’t pretend that pointing the finger at Aaron Miles, when we’re in first place, is anything other than hysterical scapegoating.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
We didn't GET into first place with Miles on the roster...
and if Lou is going to play him with any regularity….they will have a pretty hard time STAYING in first place.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I posted this below, but what they hey
There is a reason for that. That reason is not because Miles is Cubbie Kryptonite. Its because he last saw consistent time in April, May and June, when:
(1) Lee wasn’t hitting
(2) Soto wasn’t hitting
(3) Soriano wasn’t hitting.
(4) Gameboard wasn’t hitting.
(5) Ramirez was out with a separated shoulder.
(6) Harden was hurt and/or pitching ineffectively.
(7) Dempster was pitching ineffectively.
That’s the reason the team was below .500 with Miles on the roster. Want to know why there was a turnaround when Miles was not on the roster? See the reverse of all those things except # 2.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Miles has some blame as well.
If you’re the last person on the bench, people can’t blame you?
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
The last player on the bench has a minimal effect on the record.
Missing Aramis for a significant period of time has a much greater effect on the team’s record.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
i agree but it's ridiculous to say that he shouldn't take part in some of the blame
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
SOME!?!?!?!?
Search “Miles” in the comments today. You will find hundreds of comments blaming him for us being the worst team in baseball.
Also search the archived fanshots for the one about how the internet hates Aaron Miles.
Or maybe the one sympathetic fanshot about how he survived a kidnapping…. only to read the comments saying “That’s sweet, but DFA him please before he ruins this team.”
He’s not getting “some” of the blame. Around here, he gets all the blame that isn’t thrown at Gameboard’s feet.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Or Gregg's feet....or Heilman's feet...or Marmol's feet...or Soriano's feet...or Lou's feet...or Hendry's feet.
Yeah….we only blame Miles.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I cannot deny, or help
the fact that you complain about an inordinate number of things considering how well the team has played since the ASG. You’ve got me there.
Revise my statement to say Miles gets a grossly disproportionate share of that blame.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
that's not what's happening.
he’s not being blamed; we’re just saying he shouldn’t be playing. the team is playing well; but if miles plays, that hurts the team.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
All true. I guess the rest of us believe
the #1 utility infielder is not the last guy off the bench.
The utility IF is the key to the double switch, needs to provide adequate defense up the middle late in games, and will get over 162 at bats, if healthy over the course of a season and can’t outright suck.
It’s not like we’re pissing and moaning about a back up first baseman.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
Micah Hoffpauir, or Sam Fuld appear to be
“the last guy off the bench”
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 6, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
i'm not blaming miles for the loss.
i don’t even care about the loss. i’m saying miles is not good enough to be on the team and should be removed. that’s all.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
what you're saying:
Since Miles is the 25th and last player on the Cubs roster, he doesn’t really matter. He can strike out every single time up there, but it doesn’t matter because he’s the last player and completely irrelevant. Oh, he shouldn’t receive any blame as well because he’s the last player off the bench.
??????????
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
That's exactly what I'm saying.
I said “He can strike out every single time up”, because thats exactly what’s happening.
I think I said that right after I said: “You’re hysteria would be funny if you weren’t so serious about it.”
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions
and every snowflake is unique and special
But the difference between a guy who hits .196 and gets 150 at-bats, and a guy who hits .250 and gets 150 at-bats is THREE HITS.
So please take a deep breath before you tell me Miles over Blanco is the death of this team.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
miles = costs the team many runs
blanco = costs the team 0 runs
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
not that I necessarily disagree with you
but can you be specific? How many runs has Miles cost us and how many runs has Blanco saved?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
idk. it wasn't really a stat based response
it was my opinion on blanco’s range and defense compared to miles’s.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
Fail on the math
The difference is closer to eight hits. At four at bats a game, you will get to 150 in 38 games. Eight more hits in 38 games can make a difference.
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 6, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions
oops, sorry.
I did not see your post at the time I started my response, below. :-)
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
where did you learn math
8+ hits is the difference between a .196 hitter and a .250 hitter for 150 at bats. 29 v 37 hits is roughly the math for the two averages at 150 ABs.
Sorry to burst your bubble, Einstein.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Hey, I like the way you think!
Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?
by BleedsbluinMI on Aug 6, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions
and he get's to do this...
while we have players that have shown the ability to perform better than him in the minor leagues.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the truth is somewhere in the middle
Miles has hurt the Cubs this year, and they could do better with Blanco or Scales.
I also think the Miles hate-fest is a bit overblown.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions
He's obviously become a popular punching bag...
…but I’m not sure how many people are literally blaming him for the Cubs struggles on the field. I know I’m not – he hasn’t played that much. He’s just a glaring weakness in the lineup that most of us would like removed.
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.
I don't disagree, it's just getting old
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the complaint is more one toward Hendry for
not upgrading this role on the Bench. He tried with Baker, but that hasn’t produced anything yet.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
bingo.
old orval is misreading.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
Orval: it seems that the consensus is, the Cubs have a real problem
scoring runs on a consistent basis and playing defense up the middle. As long as Miles takes one of the 25 spots, he is preventing the Cubs from solving these two PRIMARY problems because he ADDS to both problems. He is neither a NEUTRAL or a PLUS. He is a BIG MINUS on both of the recurring problems with the 2009 version of the Cubs.
This is the reason most BCBers don’t like Miles taking a spot on the roster. And maybe there is a good reason the team is -7 games to .500 with him on the roster and +15 games to .500 when he is off the roster. Those are FACTS that are hard to ignore.
Sample size matters.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
There is a reason for that.
Its because Miles last saw consistent time in April, May and June, when:
(1) Lee wasn’t hitting
(2) Soto wasn’t hitting
(3) Soriano wasn’t hitting.
(4) Gameboard wasn’t hitting.
(5) Ramirez was out with a separated shoulder.
(6) Harden was hurt and/or pitching ineffectively.
(7) Dempster was pitching ineffectively.
That’s the reason the team is below .500 with Miles on the roster. Want to know why there was a turnaround when Miles was not on the roster? See the reverse of all those things except # 2.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
So your saying that Miles being on the team brought everyone else down
and when Miles wasn’t on the team everyone else began producing?
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
are you a blood relative of Aaron Miles
or his agent?
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
Well Miles, just had 2 weeks of
consistent playing time at Iowa and that did not seem to matter last night because he is atill bad at baseball. Lou obviously had enough of it as well last night when had Theriot pinch hit for him in the 9th inning.
Well, Al did write:
Sometimes a team just has an off day…
And that’s really what it was – the Cubs, collectively, were off their game and Lehr (for, perhaps, once in his career) was completely on his. Plus, as mentioned above, the Reds had lost eight games before last night, so they were kinda due. They also played pretty good defense and, hey, how ’bout that Scott Rolen?
The important thing is the Cubs won the series and can now split with the Rockies and still come home with a .500 roadtrip in their pocket. Naturally, we’d all like to see them do a little better.
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.
Cubs are 8-7 in Denver since 2004.
Winning 3 of 4 isn’t impossible.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The Cubs miss Aaron Cook, too.
He absolutely handcuffed them last year in Colorado.
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
Definitely agree!
Lehr’s is a good story. I’m sure it was a career moment for him. No sense in belittling it/him. Just tip our caps and play hard tomorrow.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 6, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Next 7 games
You’re so right, Al. These are pretty big. Playing in Colorado, with the altitude, the Rockies playing so well, will be tough. The Phillies, I think 2 of 3 there is very doable. They’re 5-5 in their last 10 games, and like most teams, not as good on the road.
4-3 would be great. Anything less than 3-4 will be disappointing, and prove that we struggle with the better teams in the league.
I have nothing funny or creative to write.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Aug 6, 2009 10:40 AM CDT reply actions
Also
The Cards are playing Pit and Cinci while we play the Rocks and Phils.
I have nothing funny or creative to write.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Aug 6, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Cardinals/Pirates series is @ Pittsburgh.
Pirates are 28-23 at home. They should win at least one of the three, hopefully two.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Plus, The Cardinals have struggled against lefties this year.
(Of course, the trades they made should help the Cards improve against lefties.
The Pirates will start 2 left handed pitchers in the series.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
the get to face Kevin Hart tomorrow
they’re going to LIGHT HIM UP. Unfortunately
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 6, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I haven't posted all morning
I have been spending this time, trying to figure out how to articulate just how much I hate Aaron Miles. I simply cannot put it into words.
I’ll go back to being my lovably snarky self later. Right now, I am just founded with dumb.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
You could try a picture.
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.
Aye! What's with ya, Worf? Go blow up a planet or something!
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.
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't worry kid
I’ll wipe that smile off your face soon enough. I foresee a Tommy John surgery in the near future!
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
2 observations from last night
1) The Cubs offense struggles mightily with pitchers that throw alot of offspeed stuff, they are consistently off balance with these guys and seems to be a problem not just this year, but for past several years.
2) Someone should tell Pinella there is no rule that says if you replace one starter (i.e. – Theriot), you have to bat his crappy replacement in the same spot in batting order. I would have batted Miles 10th personally, but he’s the first guy all year I would say deserves to bat BEHIND Hill.
Add Lou to those who mailed it in last night.
The players just followed the manager’s example. Lou couldn’t even spend some minutes figuring out where to put Miles in the batting order.
by Fraggin Judge on Aug 6, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions