Justin Lehr, Your 15 Minutes Is Up: Journeyman Shuts Out Cubs 4-0
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 7:35 AM CDT
in Recaps
464 comments
You 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
by gwood on Aug 6, 2009 7:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by gaclaudy on Aug 6, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
-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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 …
by elgato on Aug 6, 2009 7:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by eths on Aug 6, 2009 7:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
and knowing is half the battle
to quote GI JOE!
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on Aug 6, 2009 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I got older
I always found it funny how horrendous the bad guys’ aim always was in these shows
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Aug 6, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Blue W on Aug 6, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does he look like this?
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Aug 6, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
♪♫ 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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by carolinacub on Aug 6, 2009 7:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by Zeke on Aug 6, 2009 7:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit huffing glue
by Zonk on Aug 6, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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"
by AndrewJStone on Aug 6, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by tville on Aug 6, 2009 7:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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!
by dtc0405 on Aug 6, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by tville on Aug 6, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by tripdenten on Aug 6, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by cubsforever on Aug 6, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by gaclaudy on Aug 6, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by socalbob on Aug 6, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by Inkin on Aug 6, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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)
.
by SackMan on Aug 6, 2009 7:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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)
.
by SackMan on Aug 6, 2009 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least we got a day off
from watching our bullpen attempt to upchuck the game.
by thermal54 on Aug 6, 2009 7:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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!
by BoilerUp! on Aug 6, 2009 8:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by Ace Venom on Aug 6, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by gwood on Aug 6, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by STLCubby on Aug 6, 2009 8:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by Archie on Aug 6, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by sweetswinger on Aug 6, 2009 8:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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)
.
by SackMan on Aug 6, 2009 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 $$$.
by STLCubby on Aug 6, 2009 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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)
.
by SackMan on Aug 6, 2009 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bummer?
Why? He looks like a poor man’s Neifi.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's bummer b/c
now they won’t take Miles
"Respect" ~ Ryne Sandberg
by gwood on Aug 6, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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)
.
by SackMan on Aug 6, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 6, 2009 8:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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.
by JB 23 on Aug 6, 2009 8:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by gaclaudy on Aug 6, 2009 8:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by Archie on Aug 6, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by gaclaudy on Aug 6, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
all good captions for the photo
Funny stuff…
by byrdi68 on Aug 6, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
better not be his only 15 minutes
he’ll get a start against the redbirds next week
by tim815 on Aug 6, 2009 8:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 8:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I really like Koyie Hill's attitude and performance.
Hendry’s best offseason decision.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+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 0 recs
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.
by JB 23 on Aug 6, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else worried...
about screwing up a good thing by inserting Soto back into the lineuop on Friday?
by STLCubby on Aug 6, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by gwood on Aug 6, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"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
by Clutch16 on Aug 6, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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)
.
by SackMan on Aug 6, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by sue369 on Aug 6, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
could you be a little more succinct next time? ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 6, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 6, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
☺
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
No kidding.
Imagine a 46 game stretch with Bako out every day.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by Zeke on Aug 6, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Clutch16 on Aug 6, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by sue369 on Aug 6, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
Makes a lot of sense
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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..."
by ballhawk on Aug 6, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't it be NON-WORKING-STORAGE?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by MOCubsfan on Aug 6, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Clutch16 on Aug 6, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by sue369 on Aug 6, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by sue369 on Aug 6, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 6, 2009 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by dtc0405 on Aug 6, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by Fishbone2 on Aug 6, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by sue369 on Aug 6, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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..."
by ballhawk on Aug 6, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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..."
by ballhawk on Aug 6, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by socalbob on Aug 6, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"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
by tville on Aug 6, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by gaclaudy on Aug 6, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No I think he did well for the Cubs off the bench.
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on Aug 6, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
What happens in 13 days?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blanco can come back from the DL, making Miles expendable
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's hard to believe that blanco is actually injured ..... i think management just wanted miles up
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I fully agree
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by sue369 on Aug 6, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
Not unless they throw in...
… ADAM LIND
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Clutch16 on Aug 6, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even the "Grateful" ones?
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on Aug 6, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by JFCubFan on Aug 6, 2009 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by dtc0405 on Aug 6, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
Yup,
Safari can’t open the page " because the server where this page is located isn’t responding.
Facebook is dead too.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
Yet my work e-mail won't stop working...
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Clutch16 on Aug 6, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
Caption...
“How about 100 more pitches kid?”
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on Aug 6, 2009 9:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Is there a way to find out quickly the Cubs record when Miles appears in a game?
by Mapmaker on Aug 6, 2009 9:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
I figured as much.
2009 Cubs Record: 10-3 (9-3 home, 1-0 road)
by AndHart120 on Aug 6, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by Mapmaker on Aug 6, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
shhhh!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 6, 2009 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by Blue W on Aug 6, 2009 9:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by digitalbenjamin on Aug 6, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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
by BigJohnAZ on Aug 6, 2009 9:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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!
by wrigley_boy on Aug 6, 2009 9:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
20-27, see post above
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Blue W on Aug 6, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by Blue W on Aug 6, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
understood
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
by Blue W on Aug 6, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
hyperbole, and not very convincing hyperbole either.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
why can't it be blue
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 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
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
Who's blowing that flute?
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
you must have missed the other discussions.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWHA
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
every player makes a difference.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
miles = costs the team many runs
blanco = costs the team 0 runs
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
revised:
blanco = saved the team many runs
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bingo.
old orval is misreading.
"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie
by buckmulligan on Aug 6, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by dtc0405 on Aug 6, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bing!
I’ll admit that’s pretty funny.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by cubdreamer on Aug 6, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
Yeah, the Cardinals could very easily go 6 - 0 this next week.
by desmoCubbie on Aug 6, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by Worf on Aug 6, 2009 10:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
or a nice tankard of Romulan Ale...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 6, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
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
by propheteer on Aug 6, 2009 11:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Caption:
“Great outing son… now let’s go throw that towel… that’s how you get better!”
by lswaidz on Aug 6, 2009 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Aug 6, 2009 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
except
when Lou switches the lineup around, people complain. Obviously, he wants to get guys comfortable in their spots. Cmon.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Len and Bob's observation of Soriano last night............
They were discussing how some players such as Scott Rolen have a “feel” or “instinct” for the game and how Soriano definitely does not. They appear to be as fed-up with him as many Cub fans have become.
It seems that for every positive Soriano contributes to this team he follows up with two bone-headed plays or multiple strike-out games.
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Aug 6, 2009 11:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Most players have the occasional multiple strike out game
The boneheaded plays, however . . . .
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 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have the stats to back it up.............
but Soriano seems to strike out multiple times per game more than occasionally. I’d guess he’s in the top five. Is this a stat that’s tracked?
"We got some pretty good chemistry here. We got some toughness, and it's starting to show." - Lou Pinella
by Clutche on Aug 6, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure it is somewhere, but I don't know where.
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 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't matter. Gets a good hit and then gets picked off.
An out is an out, it’d be better if he just struck out and didn’t get to pad anything to his BA or OBP and fool anyone into thinking he added more to the game than he did.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thoughts for an off-day
Games like last night’s offer a chance to be a good sport. Kudos to Lehr, Rolen and the Reds. Theriot had to pinch-hit, but he also gets 2 days off in addition to the game in Florida. It is probably a good idea to rest Theriot.
Assuming there is no luxury of sending both elsewhere, and probably not just one either. The both being Heilman and Samardzija. For the sake of development, I think Samardzija should be in the minors.
I thought Lou could have put Miles near the end of the lineup. Hard to imagine how that would have gotten 5 more runs in. I didn’t hear that Theriot was scratched at the last minute, but maybe that was the case.
by AboutTheCubs on Aug 6, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The thing about Miles in that two hole yesterday...
was that he ended up continually leading off innings, didn’t he? (I don’t have the box score in front of me, but that was my recollection…and he would’ve had one more if Theriot hadn’t PH).
No one could’ve known that was going to happen heading into the game of course, but essentially repeatedly starting innings with one out lowers your chance of scoring considerably.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Aug 6, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
when the cubs looked as bad as they did last night I tend to blame one guy and one guy alone. Aaron Miles. I think we’re all in agreement here, yes?
Someday we'll go all the way.
by Cubbinstrongsince86 on Aug 6, 2009 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hate days off...
I was thinking about it, if Dusty does get fired, I don’t know if I can handle him on Baseball tonight again. That was terrible. At least there is MLB now which I actually prefer.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
by slocs55 on Aug 6, 2009 1:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reds' Lineup
I don’t know if this was addressed in the pre-game or game threads last night, but I was looking at the box score and marvelling that Dusty managed a worse top of the order than Corey Patterson – Neifi Perez. Taveras’ OBP is .279 and A-Gonz’s is .243. It’s utterly laughable. I wonder, even, if it’s a modern day record.
If TLR really does jump over to the Reds next year, I hope Dusty finds another NL Central team to run.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Aug 6, 2009 1:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that would be so weird to see TLR in a Reds dugout
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing is,
Why would LaRussa want to manage the Reds? Wouldn’t he have a better chance to win with the Cardinals?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he likes their GM aka Walt Jockstrap
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, you gotta have speed at the top!
Who cares whether they actually get on base.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"When I batted in front of Hank Aaron . . . ."
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 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neifi could hustle
back to the dugout.
But seriously – can you remember any combined 1-2 OBPs worse than that this far into the season?
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Aug 6, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This one isn't worse...
… but it’s close. This game featured a leadoff hitter with a .332 OBA… but a 2nd-place hitter with one of .273.
Guess who the manager was. Without clicking on the link.
Oddly, it was a game the Cincinnati Reds won 4-0.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh wow. Look at that roster.
That was a whole lot of yuck.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Aug 6, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd take Neifi over Miles right now!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I guess that says all you need to say.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i would take Jae Kuk Ryu over Miles.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would take anyone on this website over Miles.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BLou was an infielder.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So he says.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His alma mater's baseball media guide is online
and any intrepid reporter, if they remembered one of his old names around here, could probably figure out just who he was/is (not that I would advocate this).
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Aug 6, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That could be a fun journo exercise
If I were free this afternoon, I’d love to do it.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought
someone did this already, but I can’t remember the outcome. I know I did a lousy google search for NIU players named MIKE during the 80s, and didn’t come up with any infielders, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t exhaustive.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 6, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe it was SLW and he could not locate a middle infielder
in school, on those teams, at that time, with that coach, who received the claimed awards, who played the years said.
futile
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, someone did try that at one point.
There was a list of college players from his era, but the intrepid investigator couldn’t find a name that matched, though I believe MDBNIU/BLou insisted his name was on the list somewhere.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Mike is his middle name?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Danger?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Aug 6, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
have you heard what has happened to Ryu ..... pretty funny
Ryu made headlines on April 23, 2003, when he knocked an osprey from its perch by throwing a baseball at it at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach before a game in the Single-A Florida State League causing it to die 6 days later. Since osprey are protected in Florida, he faced a fine for the incident
this is funny to me as well
He would return to the Cubs for late August and September making several bullpen appearances, faring slightly better and finishing the year with an 8.40 ERA
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our minor league pitchers' careers may fare better, if they concentrated on throwing strikes rather than
hitting birds… and spectators.
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
by dtc0405 on Aug 6, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is complete and utter madness.
I seem to recall Taveras getting off to a pretty hot start. Nice to see his numbers dropped like a hot rock. In fact, it looks like he’s hitting well under his career averages at the moment. Scary.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Taveras, you could at least argue,
might be due to get his OBP back up to the .320s by the end of the season.
But Alex Gonzalez has a career OBP of .293 and he’s on the downside of his career. I sometimes wonder if Dusty looks at his lineup card and thinks, “hehe – that oughta bug those silly OBP-liking fans who think they know baseball so well!” In what world do you choose Alex Gonzalez, batting under .200, with no speed or contact-hitting ability, to bat second? It’s like purposely the worse lineup you could choose. I went and checked – Gonzalez had terrible career #s v. Harden. It’s astounding.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Aug 6, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the same world that saw Aaron Miles batting second
It’s why I’m not convinced Lou is much better than Dusty
by WanderingWanderer on Aug 6, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
8:10 starts are hella annoying.
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, I've always thought 1:20 PM is a strange start time.
Why not 1:15 PM?
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why not 1:05 ?
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not 1:00?
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why not 12:55?
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe the purpose of the 1:20 start time was to accomodate a short, but quality, TV pre-game show.
You can't win in the postseason unless you can manufacture runs. - Hall of Fame 2B Joe Morgan
by dtc0405 on Aug 6, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, so it goes back to WGN then.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct.
Same reason :05 and :10 starts are made — that gives the TV channel some time to do a quick preview and run several minutes of commercials before game time.
If you have watched TV games for many years, you’ll note that the national anthem, which used to be routinely televised, are almost never on TV now… they’re done before the TV start time.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And don't forget how our beautiful South Side neighbors start at 7:11 p.m.
as a tie-in with a worldwide purveyor of Squishies, beef jerky and freezer geezers.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Aug 6, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I was kinda impressed with that bit of marketing genius by the Sox
and even more so with the folks from 7-Eleven as the original contract wasn’t for very much, IIRC. Certainly got a lot of attention at the time and that’s pretty much what it’s all about.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Aug 6, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a good marketing idea...
… but they hardly got any money for it… $500,000 a year IIRC.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Sox also received tons of free publicity.
You can’t buy that kind of national coverage.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 7, 2009 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget the H1N1 corndogs.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmy
by Employee22 on Aug 6, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The great Leadoff Man show!
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cubs should stop beating up on bad teams.... lol people lol
nationals have taken 2 of the first 3 against the Marlins and could sweep
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
With a late rally, to boot.
How about those Nats.
Of course, the Dodgers haven’t helped lately!
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 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they hold on, this will be their second 5-game winning streak under Riggs
Unfortunately, there was a 4-game losing streak in-between. But still, 10 of 14 for that team? Wow.
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 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
marlins ....... talk about a change of luck
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In a sense.
You make your own luck, though. The Cubs played poorly. Not as bad as they did yesterday, but they still played poorly.
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 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
very true
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can We Consider Some of These Moves ??
After watching the following 5 players over the season and just the past few weeks and days, why can’t Jimbo and Lou come the same conclusions that most of us have?
Samardzija, Heilman, Baker, Miles, Hoffpauir
by ceegeewow on Aug 6, 2009 2:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey now -
Don’t include Jeff Baker in with those guys – he’s shown some power with the Cubs. Give him time.
Randy Wells - You continue to astound me.
by DGU on Aug 6, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baker is expendable, every swing is for the fences.
How about making contact, Jeff?
"He can't hit, he can't field, he can't run—all he can do is beat you."
by Itchy on Aug 6, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's not expendable. He's platooning with Fontenot.
And we wouldn’t dare make Fontenot an “everyday player,” would we?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno, he has yet to be tried as an everyday second baseman.
if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand
by N Oakley on Aug 6, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too true.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 6, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry About the Break --
Ship Hoffpauir and Jeff S. to Iowa for the rest of the month and let them get work. Now is not the time for Jeff to be doing his work while he struggles.
Hoffpauir needs to play every day to get his stroke back.
Put Heilman, Miles, and Baker on the waiver wire — someone else might take them. If not, who cares?
Baker has done absolutely nothing since he came here from the Rockies. Miles has done nothing all season.
Heilman has shown nothing short of the lousy work that he did for the Mets last season.
Replacements? Give Jeff Stevens more innings — what did he do to not deserve more of chance than the one or two Lou has given him so far. I for one have no problem seeing Stevens in the same situations that Lou continually put Heilman in all season.
Another arm — John Gaub — he’s the lefty that the Cubs got from the Tribe in the DeRosa deal. His numbers at Tennessee and Iowa have been truly outstanding. Far fewer hits than innings pitched and plenty of strikeouts.
A bat at Iowa that could replace Hoffpauir — Brad Snyder — some pop and we are only looking as a PH off the bench.
As for Miles and Baker — scan the wires, look at some teams that may have someone that for sure can’t do much worse that either of these guys.
Yes — I want to include Baker — his BA is awful and he strikes out way too often. He has been around long enough — MLB wise — to give a pretty good indication of his shortcomings. His OBP is just awful and he really has not shown much.
by ceegeewow on Aug 6, 2009 3:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Funny how you don't mention the players who are being paid the big bucks
and have grossly underperformed this year.
Switching out players like Heilman, Baker and Hoffpaiur would have only marginal impact.
The real issues with the team is when players making big money like Soriano and Bradley have been far below their career numbers. Other players have been injured such as Aramis and have not been able to contribute their usual production. These are the players the team is built around and the root of why the team has struggled.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think everyone understands this...
but the reality is, we can’t easily move those players off the roster. Heilman, Miles, Baker, Hoffpaiur, Shark, etc….CAN be moved/replaced quite easily.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramirez, in fact...
… is hitting just fine, considering he’s played in only 41 games. His .331/.400/.567 numbers are above his career norms and his 9 HR and 33 RBI extrapolated to a 150-game season would be 33 HR and 120 RBI.
The Cubs are 25-16 in games Ramirez has played in.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's exactly my point.
Aramis has a huge impact on the record of the team and the record reflects this. The reason Aramis is paid such a large amount of money is because of the impact he has on the team.
Players like Heilman, Baker, Hoffpaiur are not impact players and have a minimal impact on the team.
When a team loses high impact players due to injury or players perform poorly (for whatever reason), the impact on the team is much greater.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 6, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When a team loses high impact players due to injury or players perform poorly (for whatever reason), the impact on the team is much greater.
gee, really?
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 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess the loss of Miles proved he was not a high impact player (DUH!!!!)
but since he is a utility infielder, the Cubs should trade Miles to Commonwealth Edison’s softball team for some energy efficient light bulbs for Wrigley. Then Miles can say he had a major impact on the season…the utility bil!!
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i support this idea wholeheartledly
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 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with Oral Overall on this
I was at the game last night. It didn’t look to me like there was any lack of effort. It looked to me like Lehr’s location was excellent (the pitch he threw to strike out Soriano was nasty). Plus the Cubs hit a lot of hard-hit balls that were either right at people on which the Reds made an excellent play. That also seemed to be the consensus of the Cubs fans in my vicinity.
And all the mental errors … the bottom line is that none of them affected the result of the game. Rolen’s homer provided the game-winning RBIs.
They won two of three in the series. On the road, against anybody, I’ll take it, although you do get a little greedy after winning the first two. Split the series in Colorado and I’ll take that, too.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 6, 2009 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
In a vacuum, that formula works
But we have to play exactly one game better than the Cardinals from here on out. (Percentage points wise, I know we play different numbers of games)
I’d rather win and force THEM to win, rather than the other way around.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Aug 6, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
At the same time, it’s not worth lamenting a game in which you really had no chance. Lament Sunday’s loss in Florida instead.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 6, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it is true that Lehr was very ON last night and really hitting his spots.
I think it was one of those games that you have, maybe 5 a year where you have no room for error on a guy who is throwing everything where he wants to. But that is what was so frustrating as the team looked so mentally bad and had no chance against a guy throwing that well.
It is such a shame as I bet he gets shelled the next time out.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong team .... Aaron
Oral Overall would truly love this. IT’S HAPPENING!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
maybe Miles sustained a head trauma from all the head slaps in that home plate greeting?
he didn’t reach the arm pit of most guys on the team.
"If it's obvious, it's obviously wrong." - a well known stock market guru
by LAcarl519 on Aug 6, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahah
Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball
by lexmarklover on Aug 6, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh, what?
I would truly love that he hit a walk off HR as a member of the Cardinals last year? Why? Because I’m not some hysterical lunatic foaming at the mouth about how much he’s ruined this team/season when he so obviously has not??
And as for “wrong team” — he hit that for the team he was on at the time, just as Jim Edmonds hit several hundred bombs for the Cardinals before coming here and helping out the Cubs.
by Orval Overall on Aug 6, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the difference with Miles being...
the last four words of your post.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 6, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, who hasn't swept the Padres?
I was amused at Miles tossing the bat and admiring his shot for a second before beginning his trot.
I wonder if they threw at him the next time they played.
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said." ~William F. Buckley, Jr.
by Goodie1969 on Aug 6, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey,
Has anyone seen this?
Is there any way we can call baseball-reference or tell them to yank the sponsorship of that page?
It goes to show just how immature Cardinals fans are if that is what they feel they have to do to get bragging rights over us.
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 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Excuse me ... some Cardinals fans*
Don’t mean to include people like “Salti cracker” in there.
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 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This topic is being discussed...
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Aug 6, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My caption
“Congratulations young man. I’m now going to ride you like a mule every start. Just don’t be a wimp like Volquez and end up with your arm in a sling for 4 months.”
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Aug 7, 2009 7:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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