Larry Rothschild Named Yankees Pitching Coach
by Al Yellon on Nov 19, 2010 3:49 PM CST
in Chicago Cubs News
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PrintMan, there's a lot of news flying around today!
In what comes as a surprise to me -- and probably to you, too, after he exercised his contract option to stay in Chicago, Larry Rothschild accepted a three-year offer to become Yankees pitching coach starting next season. From a press release, here are statements from Rothschild and GM Jim Hendry:
"I’d like to thank Jim Hendry, the Ricketts family, Crane Kenney and the entire Cubs organization for their outstanding support and allowing me to pursue this opportunity with the Yankees," said Rothschild. "My reasons for pursuing and accepting this opportunity are personal and family-based, as the Yankees hold spring training in, and travel several times a year to, my hometown of Tampa. The chance to spend increased time with my family was something I wanted to explore and I am grateful for the opportunity to have done so.
"My nine years with the Cubs were tremendous and I’m proud of the pitching staff I leave behind. I wish Mike Quade, the Cubs and their great fans the best and look forward to returning to Wrigley Field in June."
"The Cubs would like to thank Larry Rothschild for nine years of service to this organization," said Hendry. "We understand his reasons for pursuing the opportunity with the Yankees and agree he is making the right decision by his family.
"My baseball operations staff and Mike Quade have already begun identifying candidates to replace Larry and expect to have a major league pitching coach in place shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend."
So. Those of you begging for Rothschild to leave get your wish. Me, I thought he got too much blame when things went wrong, not enough credit when the pitchers were good. One thing we'll lose which is good to lose -- Cubs pitchers will stop nibbling. They'd get counts of 0-2 and then nibble. Can't stand that.
Who would you like to see as the new Cubs pitching coach? I don't have a personal favorite among coaches who are available.
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Greg. Maddux.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 3:51 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I. Agree.
dear gar/pax,
trade for carmelo anthony.
thank you
by chicago030 on Nov 19, 2010 3:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Won't. Happen. This. Year. (Or. Next.)
But it’d be the best thing to happen this offseason, for sure.
Writing quality posts since 1931.
Why did I know that Maddux's name would be all of this post before opening it?
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
You must be psychic
Use it. Tell us when the Cubs will win the World Series. I promise I will not immediately place bets in Las Vegas.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Nov 19, 2010 8:16 PM CST up reply actions
No need to rush to place those bets. You'll have plenty of time...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I too would like...
…to see Maddux as our new pitching coach. Rothschild was a GREAT coach, and he’ll most certainly be missed. But Maddux represents a new direction with skill and experience. – TL
"Sir,--It has been wittily remarked that there are three kinds of falsehood: the first is a 'fib,' the second is a downright lie, and the third and most aggravated is statistics." *The National Observer* (June 13, 1891): p. 93-94.
Can anyone imagine Maddux being a bad pitching coach? I just can't see it...
Despite his coaching inexperience, I think he’d be at least alright.
Sure, but...
… with his kids still in high school, he doesn’t want that type of job which would keep him away from them most of the year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I like this idea.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
This is awful news
Rothschild is one of the best in the business, despite the ire a lot of Cubs fans had for him.
Maddux would be nice.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 3:53 PM CST reply actions 6 recs
That'd be nice, all right.
But I can’t see it. Maybe they can pry Greg’s brother away from Texas.
How about the guy the Yankees let go, Dave Eiland? He did a good job fixing Kerry Wood’s mechanics.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What was the deal with Eiland this season?
Did anybody find out what the story was with his absence from the Yankees this summer?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 3:56 PM CST up reply actions
Citing a "private family issue,"
here’s an mlb.com column.
the quote goes:
Citing a “private family issue,” Eiland took a leave of absence from the team from June 4-29.
Maddux hasn't really "paid his dues" enough to warrent just getting a pitching coach job handed over to him though...
aren’t there some better qualified pitching coaches who’ve put in the time to really know what they’re doing? Perhaps someone from the Sox organization from that magical WS year…their pitching carried them through the playoffs. Besides, Maddux is just a candidate for stupid sentimental reasons anyway.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 8 recs
If you are expecting me to go nuts
it is not worth my time.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:09 PM CST up reply actions
Just a hunch
But I think he was joking about why people thought Sandberg shouldn’t be the manager.
Gotcha
My satire radar often fails when Maddux is involved.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:12 PM CST up reply actions
Understandable
He’s a favorite of mine too.
I do not expect you to...
you already are sweetheart.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
greg is definitely the future cubs pitching coach
but as you say, he needs to work his way up…
let’s send greg to peoria and let him work his way up. then after he gets a coach of the year award for raising up the great starters in iowa, at the last minute, we can hire bob brenly as our pitching coach in 2014, and then greg could go to philly…
by fajita on Nov 19, 2010 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
rec'd
I don’t disagree with the Quade signing, but I definitely think they screwed Ryno.
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Nov 19, 2010 11:12 PM CST up reply actions
"Definitely"
I’m not so sure about that. I just don’t see it.
by jerry morales rules on Nov 20, 2010 10:04 AM CST up reply actions
Maddux has more brains in his pinky
than Ryno does in his body, I’m afraid.
Not worth wasting my breath.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 4:38 PM CST up reply actions
You really to have a personal vendetta against Ryne Sandberg....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Not at all
Just calling it as I see it. And as a lot of big-league GMs see it, considering how much interest Sandberg received about major-league coaching jobs, let alone managerial jobs.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 4:47 PM CST up reply actions
Please...
that comment was nothing but a direct insult. Man up and drop this ’I’m only being honest’ bullshit.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 4:50 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Truth is my defense
I guess I must have missed Ryno getting the Blue Jays or the Pirates job. And I am in no position to have a personal vendetta against him, or anybody else in baseball.
They don’t call Maddux “The Professor” for nothing.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 4:52 PM CST up reply actions
He doesn't get hired by Toronto or Pittsburgh so he's a moron.
Got it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 4:56 PM CST up reply actions
Or Seattle, or as a coach in Philly, or ...
All I read around here is that teams were going to be beating down the doors to get him if the Cubs didn’t hire him. Didn’t quite turn out that way.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
BCBers clearly overrated Sandberg's value.
That doesn’t mean he isn’t pretty good at what he does. Keep in mind that the Phillies are a pretty smart organization these days.
True
And it also doesn’t mean Maddux would be on the same career track as Sandberg. If Maddux were to want that, at least. Doesn’t appear he does, at least for now.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
Hard to say.
Anyway, I bet Maddux gets into some front office down the road.
Nobody has hired Greg Maddux as a pitching coach either
soooooooooooooooooooo………………………………..
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
I think your exaggeration-to-make-a-point method is the culprit, Bruce.
Sandberg isn’t dumb. But it’s pretty hard to honestly say he’s as smart as Greg Maddux.
That said, the pinky comment sure seemed like an insult to Ryno.
It's hyperbole, of course
I think the basic point is valid, however.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 5:00 PM CST up reply actions
Sandberg's not dumb. Dumb people don't manage Triple-A baseball teams.
If Sandberg were dumb, he wouldn’t have made it out of Peoria. ;)
EG, I don't have a comeback for that
Were I wearing a hat, I would doff it in your honor. :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 5:02 PM CST up reply actions
So NBF can act like a jerk and call Sandberg a moron repeatedly
but someone insinuates that Randy Wells has a little too much to drink, or says anything about anyone else, and they get the full on “This behavior will not be respected here” schtick? Wha?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Nov 19, 2010 5:36 PM CST up reply actions
He was just "calling it as he saw it"...and it was "hyperbole".....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Truth is also his defense
whatever the hell that means. Truth that’s what he truly believes?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Nov 19, 2010 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
No, just NBF
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Nov 19, 2010 8:42 PM CST up reply actions
NBF gets a pass from Al all the time, for reasons passing understanding
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
by BoVandy on Nov 20, 2010 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Incorrect.
You have no idea how many messages have gone back and forth between me and him. Trust me, he has not gotten a pass.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
"Dumb people don't manage Triple-A baseball teams."
I beg to differ…
Terry Bevington
(meant solely as a joke, a little levity)
"Don’t belittle entire fanbases or neighborhoods…simply because they are within proximity to some people who don’t operate (or look) the same way you do." - AndrewJStone 6/29/2010
Fair point.
And there was that Bruce Kimm guy. :)
This is the most moronic statement I have read in a quite some time
Ryno was a 9 time GG HOF 2nd basemen. Maddux is going to be in the HOF as well. They were both among the top performers at their respective positions for most of their careers.
To suggest that Ryno isn’t of the same intellect as Maddux is pure idiocy and I’m certain you have no way of backing this up.
What exactly makes you think that Maddux would be a good pitching coach? He’s never done it before, yet Sandberg has actually managed a ball club and had significant success.
The pure hypocrisy in your consistent negativity towards all things Sandberg is laughable
by magicblue on Nov 19, 2010 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
But since no one hired Sandberg, he was right
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Free BLou
Sandberg was hired by the Phillies
The notion that being a major league base coach or bench coach as the next logical step to an MLB managerial career is overrated, IMO.
I’d rather have a guy who had a HOF career as a players that has actually managed a ball club and had success in the minors over some former mediocre player that has been a 3rd base coach, bench coach, or 1st base coach in MLB for 10 years.
But that’s just me. NBF said Ryno is basically an idiot and that Maddux is not and that this relates to their respective abilities to manage (Ryno) or be a pitching coach (Maddux). Yet the only real evidence that we have to back up either statement is that Ryno has managed and done it well enough to be named MOY in the PCL in addition to being a HOF 2nd baseman.
I still don't know why HOF credentials matter in a manager
but that’s just me.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Now HOFF credentials.... that's a different story
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
micah4manager
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Nov 19, 2010 8:27 PM CST up reply actions
What does that have to do with anything?
I’m not even talking about HOF credentials being used. My point is that NBF is being a hypocrite saying an HOF pitcher like Maddux is a genius who will automatically be an excellent pitching coach despite not having EVER actually been a pitching coach, while an HOF 2nd baseman like Sandberg is an idiot who has no business being an MLB manager despite actually having had success as a manager.
Its pure hypocrisy on his part. NBF criticizes Sandberg for lacking managing experience at the MLB level, yet Maddux somehow gets a pass and will automatically be great. Its a bunch of BS.
For the record, I think Maddux would be a great pitching coach and Sandberg is/will be a great manager — and I believe that both of them being HOF players is a big part of why they have/would succeed.
NBF...
… enough of your insults, seriously. If Ryne Sandberg ran over your dog, we understand. Please stop, OK? This wasn’t even about Sandberg.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Nov 19, 2010 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't consider that an insult, Al
Fill in the blanks with different people and you couldnt care less. And you know it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 6:48 PM CST up reply actions
Yes, but you wouldn't have made those comments about "different people".
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Thank you for proving my point
At least you’re honest about your dishonesty.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 8:52 PM CST up reply actions
At least you
are consistent in being a close-minded tool.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Nov 19, 2010 9:10 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Good for you
Mommy must have given you the keys to the computer today.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 9:27 PM CST up reply actions
And no, it wasn't about Sandberg,
but SWL made it about him and mocked me in the process, so …
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 6:50 PM CST up reply actions
You're right!
A trunk full of Cy Young Awards, over 300 wins, over 3000 strikeouts, and about 20 years in the big leagues isn’t enough! He needs more seasoning!!!
I don't know if you can say that.
“Stupid sentimental reasons” implies that he has nothing to offer but being a well-loved Cub.
Maddux’s incredible, perhaps unprecedented, pitching brain is well-known to anyone who follows the sport. Perhaps he’s not ready to be a pitching coach yet – I’m certainly not in a place to make that judgment – but he’s definitely got something to offer a team that really can’t be found in many people in baseball right now.
I dunno, but, from what I heard...
…Larry had tickets in the east end zone. That sealed it for him.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
by Easy Ed on Nov 19, 2010 6:59 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
green'd
this is unfortunate, he did a hell of a job and got blamed too often. i hope they make a move for Eiland, he did wonders with Wood in NY so why not bring him in (if he is interested), or MIke Maddux.
I guess we could offer the job to Sandberg (SARCASM!!!)
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Maddux would seem the obvious choice...
…but I thought he didn’t really want to be tied down by a specific job like pitching coach. I’m pretty surprised by this.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I think this is exactly right.
Maddux’s kids are still in high school. He doesn’t want a fulltime coaching job right now.
3-4 years from now, maybe. But not now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well with the commnent about his son's drivers license
I think it may be down to 2 years. He clearly has an itch to come back. I just worry that he may give up on the Cubs. He won’t lack for offers.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 6:24 PM CST up reply actions
Scenario
Quade is gone after 2 years. Sandberg is brought back to manage the Cubs and he hires Maddux as his pitching coach.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Yay!
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 20, 2010 6:13 AM CST up reply actions
I'm sure some Cubs fans
are wetting their pants about this scenario as we speak.
Myself, I’ll be hoping Quade will sign a long-term deal after two years and a World Series appearance.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 20, 2010 5:15 PM CST up reply actions
Maddux.
Back up the truck for him….hell, I’d be willing to chip in tax dollars to make it happen.
I'm sure some will disagree
but Don Cooper is one heck of a pitching coach. His continuing ability to bring pitchers back from the dead is unmatched in my book.
Who's the Rudy Jaramillo of the pitching world?
Let’s offer him millions!
Writing quality posts since 1931.
Mike Maddux/Dave Duncan
Both under contract. This really cuts the legs out from the Cubs in choosing a successor.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
He had exorcised his option so I assume that is a contract
However Duncan & Maddux are far to loyal to flee and both are very attached to their orginizations. Under other circumstances I would think Greg could induce Mike to come over but with Mike being as close as he is to Ryan and as successful as he has been it won’t happen.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:18 PM CST up reply actions
I too like Duncan
But I don’t think he’s going anywhere…
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
More like opportunity
a top team about to sign the top pitcher in the game. Kind of hard to pass that up.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:52 PM CST up reply actions
Excorcised?
The power of Christ compels you!!
The power of Christ compels you!!
The power of Christ compels you!!
The power of Christ compels you!!
The 2010 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp ruled!!!!
very surprising to me, too
larry and kerry re-united in pinstripes?
by fajita on Nov 19, 2010 4:01 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Swoosie
I’m 99% sure you’re correct. Happy Turkey Day toya!
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
WTF??/
I thought he agreed to come back? I hate this.
Maddux won’t take the job, but I am sure he will be involved in the selection.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
FYI this is really a bad sign
I know Hendry hates to stand in the way of people who have a better oppurtunity but could they not have kept him to the contract?
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:07 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not so sure.
Anybody can break a contract so long as they’re willing to pay the legal price. I don’t know what the terms were for his contract, but there may have been an opt-out with a penalty built in.
Of course, the fact that he interviewed implies he got clearance from JH to go for it. So perhaps it was just a nice thing to do. Even so, this hurts.
Actually if there were a contract and the Cubs played hardball
He would not be able to work for the Yankees for a year. You can’t just pay the money and leave to work for a competitor.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:47 PM CST up reply actions
if thats in the contract
if its not, I would imagine in a business such as baseball, it would be tough to hold him to much…
There is a tradition in baseball of not holding on to coaches
or managers who have bigger opportunities. You really have to wonder how this went down though because you are generally not allowed to talk to another teams coach without permission.
The timing is what makes one crazy. Why did he exorcise the option, why didn’t the Yankees ask earlier?
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:51 PM CST up reply actions
he did "exorcise" the option
he may have privately told Hendry it was contingent on the Yankees…and considering Larry’s tenure Hendry may have said ok…
except this was a lateral move - pitching coach to pitching coach.
That “tradition” is mostly reserved for promotions. And yes, you can laud all you want that the Yankees pitching coach is a bigger opportunity than the Cubs pitching coach, but that’s a subjective call. The tradition as such does not allow for subjectivity.
I’d say that this was an example of Hendry being not only a players GM but a coaches GM too. Not a bad thing, IMO.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Not Hendry's style to play hardball like that.
by jerry morales rules on Nov 20, 2010 10:06 AM CST up reply actions
It isn't
It is reported that he agreed "reluctantly " to let the Yankees talk to Rothschild. AZ Phil over at TCR says Hendry reportedly refused to allow the D’Backs to talk to Maddux. I have never heard that one.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 20, 2010 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
possible that he asked Maddux, who said he was not interested
and this gets mixed into some goofy internet rumor about Hendry saying no?
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
AZ Phil
is about as reliable a Cubs insider as there is.
DEJESUS!!!
AZ Phil
is the best source on the Cubs. 99% of the time he is just giving reports on players he has seen. His reports on the Cub minor league players, rosters etc are the best of anyone i read , journalists included.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 21, 2010 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
i wasnt knocking or doubting him
just pondering a scenario about why Hendry may have said no
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
it depends if he actually signed
then again his statement could be construed as a verbal contract but that would get messy for a “other peoples” GM
any chance greg can get his brother, mike?
yes, mike just made it to the world series, but maybe he can be convinced to work with our staff, especially if cliff-ly doesn’t return…
He has a contract but come to think of it
Leo Mazzone is available.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
That would...
…be awesome. Mazzone would be one of the few steps up we could take. – TL
"Sir,--It has been wittily remarked that there are three kinds of falsehood: the first is a 'fib,' the second is a downright lie, and the third and most aggravated is statistics." *The National Observer* (June 13, 1891): p. 93-94.
Larry had a contract too.
But I don’t think Mike is leaving Texas. It appears they are in a better situation than us
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
I suspect Mark Riggins is going to get the job.
He’s worked with a lot of the young pitchers in the minor leagues.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Good point
No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.
Yes because those stupid Yankees are clueless
They always hire bad guys. I would never want to be like them.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:19 PM CST up reply actions
Not everything they touch turns to gold.
Just because another team wanted him doesn’t mean Larry is awesome. Al hit it on the head with the nibbling thing. I won’t miss him. Maybe he’s better than I think he is, but I’m not sad at all.
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
I almost feel the same
I guess it’ll depend on who they replace him with…who’s good-great and available?
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
Cubs Just got Bettter…
The Cubs just got better.
by The Grammar Police on Nov 19, 2010 11:32 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
To "The Grammar Police"
Stick to baseball discussion.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What
a revolting development this is……as Chester Riley would say. This news stinks.
Now hope Hendry and company can find someone equally as good as Rothschild.
by Swoosie on Nov 19, 2010 4:21 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I have mixed feelings on this
Larry was no doubt, a very good pitching coach, however, 2004, 2007, 2008 how’d our pitchers fare when it really mattered? I don’t know that Larry was a great coach.
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
The offense and defense were the big culprits in 2008.
Harden and Zambrano didn’t pitch that badly. Z pitched well in the 2007 playoffs. Oh, and the offense was the major culprit down the stretch in 2004.
I’d say Larry was very good, not great. But the Cub chokes in the years you mentioned were mostly because the offense stopped hitting.
Hello elgato, Happy Thanksgiving
No doubt the offense let us down, but who’da thought Wood n Prior would let us lose to the Fish??? And Demps terrible performance? (was that ’07?)
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
Oh, I thought you were talking about '04, '07, '08. The Marlins series was 2003.
Dempster in 2008 against the Dodgers was pretty bad, though there was a questionable pitch call right before the grand slam. And if we want to talk about 2003, the defense let Prior down in Game 6, too. My point is that the offense has been the problem most of the time for the past few good Cubs teams.
Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
I was!
Its just when you get to be my age, your memory starts to SUCK!!! :)
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
Jesus Christ!!!!!
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?! He broke his goddamn wrist while “wrestling?!”
by Flatley on Nov 19, 2010 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Flatley
You are evil… :)
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
nice :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Nov 19, 2010 4:38 PM CST up reply actions
How does this happen?
LR exercised his option, now he is gone. Would it be the same if LR was in the middle if a 6 year deal as opposed to having , what , a 1 year deal? What is the fine print say?
I'm surprised
I wasn’t happy when Rothschild decided to stay, so I can’t say I’m sad to see him go. Howevwer, this is a complete shock. And while Greg Maddux would be a nice choice, I don’t think he wants the position. I could have seen Mike Madduxx in that role if the Rangers hadn’t gone to the World Series.
"I'm a Cubs fan. I'm very, very patient." -- from a Shoe cartoon.
by No Southern Belle on Nov 19, 2010 4:30 PM CST reply actions
Shocker indeed!!!
I echo your sentiments…but worry about a replacement…
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
This is just a small part of the master plan to get Giradi to come back and manage the Cubs.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 4:32 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Larry
was a good coach.
We’re due some good news sometime soon right?
Since Lou has been chatting...
….with the Yanks, I wonder if he may have put in the good word for Larry.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
This was my first thought when I heard the news.
Wouldn’t surprise me.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
The job would be his if he wanted it but he doesn't.
Not ready to go full time and I don’t think he spent all of last year learning about scouting etc, to become a pitching coach. I would think he is the go to guy for consulting on the selection though.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 4:49 PM CST up reply actions
Honest question:
What was Larry set to make this year? Considering the penny-pinching we’re seeing, maybe the savings are a good thing?
I know — I’m reaching …
I did just get a call from Jimbo
let it roll so I am not sure if it is for 1b, Opening Day Starter, 2b or pitching coach…
I don't know but not as much as the probably got selling Hoff
I don’t think this was a salery issue.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 5:04 PM CST up reply actions
Oh, I agree.
I’m looking for a silver lining.
I agree with you actually
I wish I didn’t have to say this but I keep feeling like the Ricketts family cares more about saving every penny than building a winning team. This is not what I thought when they were in the running. I hope I’m proved to be wrong.
In the end it’s too early to tell and I hope I’m wrong.
Mike Mason?
Does he deserve a shot to be a pitching coach in the big leagues?
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
He might.
It seems as if it will be either him or Mark Riggins. I’d be fine with either of those choices.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Lewallyn
The pitchers down in AA rave about him. Loves to teach a cutter, too.
But Mason would be an excellent choice as well.
by Josh Timmers on Nov 19, 2010 6:58 PM CST up reply actions
I think it's clear the Cubs have some good pitching coach "prospects".
Let’s promote one of them.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
They can't do any worse than last season's bullpen "prospects".
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Nov 20, 2010 6:17 AM CST up reply actions
One thing that's pretty clear ...
if the Yankees are hiring Larry, he’s pretty good at his job. That’s not lionizing the guy, it’s just pointing out that we had a pretty good pitching coach since the Baylor years.
I’m holding out hope we somehow get Mike Maddux.
by elgato on Nov 19, 2010 5:04 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I'd love that
But I don’t think the Rangers are going to let him go. They were always an all-hit, no-pitch franchise until Mike got there.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Nov 19, 2010 5:12 PM CST up reply actions
Carrie by way of CCO says Mark Riggins or Mike Mason.
No Maddux. Me no like.
Maybe Greg Maddux...
has told the Cubs that he isn’t interested already.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Wish Greg Maddux Was Empty Nester
I’m thinking if this was 2015 and Maddux didn’t have kids at home that he would be more interested in the pitching coach job for the Cubs.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
I am not going to begrudge him a chance to his son in little league
I also would not be so sure he wants to be a pitching coach. I am sure he wants to work in baseball
but in some ways he may be better suited or prefer being a bench coach.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 5:20 PM CST up reply actions
Gotta run...Hosting Turkey Day
So much to do still! HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of BCB Fans!!!
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
You're busy for Thanksgiving five days ahead of time?
How many are you hosting? 100?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Haha! No, 10 very special people
My grand-kid and family in from CA… gotta clean, shop, start cooking, pick-up from ohare etc. Happy Thanksgiving Mr Yellon.
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
I have a bad feeling about this
I think that a lot of Rotchschild haters are going to have a rude awakening next season. Too bad the rest of us are going to have suffer along with them.
To tell you the truth ...
I think we might be all in for some rude awakenings with next year’s team. Can somebody wake me up on Opening Day 2012?
I gotcha! :)
Seeya in 2012!!!
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
are you trying to tell us that the team might be worse next year?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Nov 19, 2010 5:22 PM CST up reply actions
I honestly feel it could be...
…sigh… Happy Thankksgiving woodenlegs! Gonna be too busy to post much, if at all, till afterwards
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
Honestly we can't look at Cubs to know this
I think the best comparison will be to look at 2011 Yankees.
I mean how can someone compare a crazy Zambrano to last year or an aging Dempster for that matter?
not a Rothschild fan
this is a good thing, in my opinion. I’d be surprised if Mike Maddux is not at least interviewed.
Of course he won't be interviewed
Why in the world would Texas agree to that?
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 5:52 PM CST up reply actions
the same professional
courtesy that the Cubs gave Rothschild?
Per another post
AZ Phil says Hendry did refuse to allow D’Backs to talk to Maddux. I don’t know if that is true or not, but moot in both cases. Mike Maddux would not leave the Rangers and I seriously doubt Greg would even suggest it to him. Next year or down the road depending on what happens perhaps.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 20, 2010 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
How nice that Larry and Lou can join Joe G. in a winning environment...
Larry was sharp enough to jump off this trainwreck-in-progress before he developed a thousand-yard stare like Piniella. Maybe that pitching coach over at Creighton will work cheap.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
Never cared for the guy.....
….and he’d been here since Baylor was the manager. He was like some of those things you can’t get rid of……barnacles on a boat hull, chewing gum or your shoe or Chancellor Palpetine being granted emergency powers.
Has anybody
heard the same rumors I have today? That Cubs are shopping Marlon Byrd possibly to Atlanta for “young pitching” and discussing a deal with San Diego for Adrian Gonzalez. Josh Vitters was in the deal for sure, but they can’t agree on the other players, so a 3rd team might be involved.
I saw it on
Bleacher Nation. Not Bleacher Report, but I have never heard of Bleacher Nation before so I doubt it is a legit site..especially since I haven’t heard those rumors anywhere else.
yeah, i heard about that
and the cubs are on the verge of trading tyler colvin for carlos gonzalez too. busy day for hendry i guess.
by John T. Unger on Nov 19, 2010 6:03 PM CST up reply actions
That would be really stupid
Byrd is very useful and the Cubs have plenty of good young pitching. Would they plan on playing Fuld in CF? Makes no sense.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 6:13 PM CST up reply actions
Probably Fukudome in CF.
Then trading for Dunn and putting him in right. (Shudder) No, it’s Thanksgiving, not Halloween.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
He's not....
Part of the long term plan. We need to sell high. With his salary he would even appeal to small market teams.
Well I would like to have someone in CF for the next two years
and there is nobody else ( Dome hates it). You won’t get nearly enough to make it worth it and young pitching is not a problem for the Cubs (not like they trade Byrd for Lincecum).
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 6:41 PM CST up reply actions
Colvin can barely play LF
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 8:08 PM CST up reply actions
Make that RF
He can’t play LF
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 8:21 PM CST up reply actions
Colvin is a sub par fielder
He is in fairness probably no worse in RF than he has been in RF. In CF he would be a disaster.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 20, 2010 10:49 AM CST up reply actions
only makes sense if he signs a long term deal
which I doubt he will.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 8:09 PM CST up reply actions
Exactly
He will wait till the end of the season for a big payday. The LAST thing the cubs need in 2011 is a rent a player.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 8:21 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed -- but he wouldn't have to be rent-a-player.
The Cubs have a ton of money coming off the books after next season. They could almost certainly afford A-Gon — assuming he’s cheap in 2011.
if Hendry trades for Gonzalez
and DOESNT agree to an extension in principle before hand then I will walk up to Wrigley Field, stand at the employee entrance and wait for him to show up so I can punch him in the face myself.
Dome or Colvin
and it makes sense if they are building for the future.
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
I've been proposing Byrd and Wells for Jurrjens
and the Cubs taking Nate McLouth’s contract to even out the money for the Braves. I think you could argue Jurrjens, uninjured, is as good as any starter available except Cliff Lee.
Byrd is great, but “sell high”.
No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.
I'd consider
the offseason productive with that trade alone.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Al Leiter
was always pretty damn smart on TV. Not sure what he’s doing now.
by SouthWabashSoul on Nov 19, 2010 6:01 PM CST reply actions
Steve Stone might be interested.
(Sarcasm Alert)
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Great news for a slow news week
They should hire Maddux. He’s smart enough to do this.
I take it you didn't read any of this.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Nov 19, 2010 6:20 PM CST up reply actions
If I wish real, real hard though
maybe Maddux will get hired, or I’ll give myself a hernia.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Nov 19, 2010 6:30 PM CST up reply actions
Turk Wendall for Cubs Pitching Coach!
I can see it now….he goes out to the mound and chews on Big Z then sprints back to the dugout hurdling the foul line. He gets back to the dugout and begins brushing his teeth while watching Big Z get the final out of the inning. Big Z fists pumps and runs to the dugout to confront him. While arguing with Big Z he spits aquafresh on Big Z. Big Z then drills him with a right hook. Ok maybe not, but well… it would be more entertainment than the 2011 Cubs will be.
How about THIS guy?
He’s already got the uni…
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
by Zeke on Nov 19, 2010 6:36 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
They scorned Girardi by not waiting...
…now they must endure the “Wrath of Joe”. They tasked him and now he shall have them (said in his best Ricardo Montalban voice).
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
Health permitting, I'd love to see Ray Miller for a couple years...
…until Maddux figures out what he wants to do. Miller had three simple rules.
Throw Strikes. Work Fast. Change Speeds.
Exactly what this club (hell, what every club) needs. Unfortunately, he’s been out of baseball for few years – last with Orioles in 2005. I’ve read he’s recovered nicely from aneurysm surgery, but I’m guessing he probably wouldn’t want to get back into the coaching grind.
Probably the best “name” out there is Rick Peterson, recently let go from the Brewers staff. He’s had some success with the A’s and Mets over the years, but was also a lighting rod at times.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
The Miller rules sound nice.
Now find the guy with the Miller rules who can be signed for less and he is my choice.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 19, 2010 8:08 PM CST up reply actions
Thinking outside the box....
and saving some payroll, let’s just give Big Z some additional responsibility.
Pencil him in at 1st and he will really earn his money in 2011
Make up for those lost years in his current contract.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 19, 2010 8:09 PM CST up reply actions
Get young pitchers from Atlanta
Let’s not forget the 3 pitchers from Atlanta that Hendry got on the derek Lee trade. They were young with losing records & we never heard about them all season long on the minor league reports. Atlanta fans were laughing & joking in the journal blogs how the Cubs were done in & didn’t evaluate the Braves system. Hendry has the upper hand & lost again as they really wanted Lee. The guy is without a doubt the worst GM in all of baseball. Proven fact: Most GM minds don’t hire a pitching coach before they name a manager. Are you listening Tommy boy ricketts. Ryno & Maddux as a coaching duo would have ignited the flames & energy in wrigley again. How many sellouts did Quade have?
It's true the Cubs don't seem to deal well with Atlanta.
Juan Cruz. Omar Infante. Most likely Lee. Maybe the Braves are due to owe us one.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 19, 2010 8:13 PM CST up reply actions
You mean the way Atlanta kept most of their coaches with a new manager?
I hate to defend Hendry but keeping Rothschild with Quade is hardly the sign of a bad GM.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
????
Cubs traded Derrek Lee on Aug 18 so the three young pitchers they got played for what 3 weeks after that? Actually several Braves fans think Lopez who is only 19 has real potential as did nearly every commentator on the trade ( BA, Keith Law etc) In any event the Cubs were trying to dump Lee and he had no value to the Cubs.
The Cubs HAD a pitching coach when Quade was hired and now he left. Maddux has made it clear he has no interest in working full time for a few more years.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 19, 2010 8:20 PM CST up reply actions
Mr. kingdomusa
what you’ve just said…is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
Well the offseason just keeps getting better.
I like Rothschild. He did more than a decent job here. He will be missed. He is not in the Duncan class, however the guy was probably on most well respected in the business. Yankees know this, and this is why he probably just double his salary and is closer to his home.
Well at least we can anticipate some real earth shattering free agent signings soon.!!
LR was making $2M for 3 years
with the Cubs. The Yanks hired him for $650K/ season.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Surprised by that number
if that is all he will receive. I would imagine there are other “extras” in the deal.
I suspect Duncan is the only pitching coach who makes more than that.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 20, 2010 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
Rothschild will be missed.
He was a true professional. Even though it is a better gig for him, it still seems like he is bailing on the Cubs after only Year One (even though he has been here forever).
But even so this could be a blessing in disguise, too.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Nov 19, 2010 8:25 PM CST reply actions
Sorry to see him go
I’m sorry to see Larry go. He is one of the best in the business. But at least the Yankees could of at least taken Hendry also.
I'm really surprised by this.
I didn’t have anything against Larry and he has to do what is right for him and his family.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Gil Patterson.
I really like the Maddux idea, but not sure it happens yet. Gil Patterson would be my next choice.
Patterson was interviewed and considered for the Yankees job, but they chose Larry over him.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
Yep...
came up with the Yankees and works with the A’s I think now…Good coach who’s been getting alot of talk lately around here (NJ). I like the organizations he’s been apart of and I think he can help kind of jumpstart a somewhat stale pitching organization.
Rothschild will help AJ Burnett out a whole lot.
If he does, the Yankees should send Jim Hendry some kind of cash payment for allowing Rothschild to interview elsewhere. Maybe he can be paid in trident layers!
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
Leo Mazzone is available and he wanted an interview for the job, but the Yankees didn’t interview him. He wanted to coach in NY (either team) and neither has an opening now, so this might be a good chance for the Cubs to get Mazzone if you guys are interested.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
I bet Ricketts is excited about the surprise contract he does not have to pay!
Which (Cheap) minor league pitching coach will be getting the job?
Screw Rothschild!
If he doesn’t want to be here then, ADDIOS! Good riddance! Maybe now we can get a guy who’ll teach guys that walks are bad.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
Per Twitter, cubsfarmupdates
Minor League pitching coordinator Mark Riggins and Triple-A Iowa pitching coach Mike Mason are the leading candates to replace Rothschild. Who?
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
we're going cheap every step of the way.
YAY RICKETTS!
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
yes
and he has just a tad bit of history with Mr. Maddux.
There are rumors in Atl that Glavine is looking into being a pitching coach too, but same as Maddux, not confirmed or being acted on. If one does it the other will as well.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
Trib Story
There a few interesting nuggets from Paul Sullivan’s story on the Trib website. Most notably
Hendry said a new pitching coach would be chosen in-house and would be in place before the winter meetings Dec. 5 in Orlando.
So any hope for Leo Mazzone or, well, anyone outside of the Cubs organization is moot. Sullivan points to Mark Riggins to be the leading candidate, with consideration for Lester Strode and Dennis Lewallyn.
Say what you want about Rothschild, but its hard for me to fault him for leaving. He dealt with lots of managerial changes and some really lean times here and even balked at an offer to bolt for Detoit when they were not far removed from a world series run. Further, according to this article Rothschild was quite professional about this all and really did it the right way.
I get why Hendry helped spur this, but there is part of me that is just frustrated at a lot about this situation. Top notch teams don’t let this type of thing happen to them… top notch teams are the destination for guys like Rothschild. This all leaves me with a “rats off of a sinking ship” feeling to an extent as well. Whether you liked Rothschild or not, he was widely regarded as one of the top pitching coaches in the game and just the concept that we’re trading from one of the top coaches to settling for an in house candidate with zero major league coaching experience bothers me more than a little bit. Its not that I don’t believe that someone like Riggins or Lewallyn can’t be more than effective, but there is a bigger picture statement about what this says about the current state of the Cubs organization.
by dmlichte on Nov 19, 2010 11:33 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
I thought about the sinking ship as well.
The Cubs have a bunch of mid-rotation guys and the Yankees could have two aces plus an emerging Hughes.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Yes it appears
that the Cubs are intent on downsizing at every opportunity that is available. They do want to refurbish Wrigley Field with of course State money. However when it comes to players/coaches, Ricketts and family are taking the cost effective road. Draft, manager, players and now a legit pitching coach to be replaced for half the salary.
I found it funny how some entries in the Free agent picks had Dunn coming to Chicago. Cubs will not spend more than 3M per year for a first baseman.
There will be no Dunn, No Wood, and for that matter no game changing player coming to Chicago.
I have said that I will take a wait and see approach with the Ricketts
but moves like this make me think we’re going to be begging for the Tribune to buy the team back.
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
Actually the BIG news in the Sullivan story
( which I actually just read changing planes in O’Hare) is that Hendry did actively inititate
the contact with the Yankees. The Yankees did not even show interest in Rothschild till Hendry called to say he was intterested. Wow. I get not stopping someone from an opportunity if a team asks to talk to them, but contacting them first is pretty amazing. Hendry has always been known as a guy who goes the extra mile to help players, it seems he does the same for coaches,
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 21, 2010 1:06 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm very indifferent on this
On one hand you can say Larry is partially responsible for lousy pitching in 2006, 2009 and 2010. Then again in 2007 and 2008 our pitching staff was great and he deserves credit.
I guess it’s really a coin flip. Perhaps we won’t know the true affect Larry had on the team until this upcoming year. We can’t really compare Zambrano because well he’s nuts but if Dempster has a solid year and say a guy like Casey Coleman or Randy Wells has a good season we can say this was a good move for Larry to take a new job.
However, Larry’s role on a team might just be best compared by looking at the Yankees. Honestly a guy like Rivera might be the best example. See how he closes games compared to past years. It will be an interesting thing to compare. More likely than not Yankees will go to postseason next year but let’s see how their pitching compares to 2010 before making a decision on this move.
In 2009 the Cubs had one of the better pitching staffs in the NL.
5th based on ERA. It did fall though in 2010.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
The Cubs starting pitching was actually pretty good in 2010.
The bullpen was awful.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And Rothschild can't take all that blame.
A lot of those guys just weren’t very good.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
some didnt belong on the big league roster
either lack of talent, or were being rushed due to lack of options. Larry gets blamed for many things that are not his fault.
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
A better barometer than Rivera would be Chamberlain
I’m not sure how much Rothschild would impact a veteran like Rivera. The best barometer would be if Chamberlain breaks through beyond just an average setup guy. Also watch Hughes’ development.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I wounldn't be surprised
if Joba finally figures it out now that LR is his pitching coach. Like players, I thing coaches need a change of scenery too. I’m looking at a very good season for LR in NY
im sure the yankees would be relieved if joba became "just average"
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Nov 20, 2010 3:49 PM CST up reply actions
I find it hard to believe
everyone is jumping ship to be close to their family in Tampa.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Good point...I see a trend beginning.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
Chicago Cuibs of Tampa
there problem fixed
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Can I buy an L?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
too bad
larry did a good job. how many pitching coaches last 9 years with one team? not too many.only dave duncan comes to mind. how can you turn down the yankees job?you cant. forget about the sexy choices when it comes to replacing coaches and players. the ricketts dont look like they want to spend money. if this team ever wins it will be with mostly homegrown talent. im o.k. with that but it might take a while. hopefully not another 102 years.
I KNEW WE SHOULD
HAVE MOVED SPRING TRAINING TO NAPLES!
DEJESUS!!!
I really don't think that Greg Maddux being a pitching coach is as much of a done deal as many think.
I just don’t see it. I know that Maddux loves the idea of being around a team, but a pitching coach does actual work. The job requires long hours of film study, game preparation, and post game analysis. That’s not to say that Maddux couldn’t do it, but I just find it hard to believe that a guy who’s probably made some $200M in this game subjecting himself to that, especially since there’s relatively little credit to show for it at the end of the day.
As we all know, Maddux is highly competitive, I just don’t see how that competitiveness is satisfied by being a pitching coach. Maybe a Manager’s position, maybe GM, but I don’t think pitching coach.
by jerry morales rules on Nov 20, 2010 10:12 AM CST reply actions
Um have you been reading anything here
Maddux is not really in the picture. He has made it clear he does not want to work full time for another couple of years. When he is ready money will not be an issue. He is one of the few big money guys who has a better time teaching 19 year old pitchers than going to a club. One the more interesting things about Maddux this year is that when he did visit all the Cubs minor league teams to both learn and teach, he did it uniform. He said he did not feel comfortable sitting in a suit watching from behind the plate with other “scouts”. I live in abject fear that he will give up on the Cubs and go work for a West Coast team. About the only thing I like about Tom RIcketts these days is that he loves and respects Maddux and would try hard to keep him.
As for what job Maddux wants. I think he would content as a pitching coach, though he has been learning all aspects of the game. He once said he would like to be a bench coach would might fit him best. I think the coolest thing of all would be for him and his brother to be pitching coach and manager for a team. They could either draw lots at the start of the season to see who did what or just alternate.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 20, 2010 11:04 AM CST up reply actions
any change
Mike Maddux could sign with Cubs and be a lure to Cliff Lee?
ok, i know its not realistic, but still…..
Chronologically inept since 2060
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Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
No Mike is staying where he is
He and Ryan work very closely together. Can you imagine having an owner like Ryan?
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 20, 2010 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
I did get that Maddux wasn't in on this round for pitching coach
What I’m saying is that I don’t think he’ll be interested 4 or 5 years from now either. It’s nice that he was in uniform working with the players. I have no doubt that he likes to be a part of a team, but when push comes to shove and he has to make a decision, I think he’s going to realize that being a pitching coach is a lot of work that has nothing to do with being on the field working with players. Its a year round commitment that also involves a lot of organizational meetings.
I just don’t see it. Manager – maybe, GM – definitely. Both of those positions I think would have the gravitas to convince Maddux. I’m sure right now he’s very comfortable and wants to see his kids grow up, but doesn’t that almost also indicate that he’s not committed to doing all the work that a pitching coach would require of him?
Guys like Mike Maddux, Don Cooper, and Larry Rothschild are committed to being pitching coaches and are willing to put in all that’s necessary to being a great coach, but those guys also still have to work for a living. Greg Maddux doesn’t. I guess we’ll see in a few years, but I just don’t see Greg Maddux signing up for a job that’s going to require 11 months from him (7 of those months very intense) for the little recognition that a pitching coach will get.
A pitching coach has to do so much more than just hanging out on a baseball field instructing a 19 how to pitch better. It’s actual work.
by jerry morales rules on Nov 20, 2010 1:26 PM CST up reply actions
I think you are wrong
I don’t know if he will want to be or end up as a pitching coach, bench coach or manager but my money is on one of the three. If you read interviews you can tell that he is more or less itching to get back full time, but wants very much to enjoy time with his family before the kids are all grown up. Maddux is truly happiest on a field,in a club house or talking or stratagizing about baseball. I don’t think he will be satisfied in an office or doing part time work once the kids are grown. Maddux spent over half his life in professional baseball. He and his family worked very hard to balance out work and family life. The fact that he wants to spend a few years concentrating on family is not an indication he does not want to be in baseball fulltime.
Maddux’s own bench marks for being in baseball keep shrinking. When he retired he said he would miss it but would take a few years off. His first off season he did a bit of work for the Padres. Last year he did a lot more work for the Cubs. He initially said he would wait till his son was in college to consider full time work, a few months ago he said he would maybe come back when his son got his drivers license. I just want to be sure that when he does want to be in baseball full time it is with the Cubs.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 20, 2010 1:36 PM CST up reply actions
I hope its with the Cubs too.
As you, I’m also inclined to think that he has many years ahead of him with a professional team in some capacity.
by jerry morales rules on Nov 20, 2010 2:45 PM CST up reply actions
So, no compensation for the Cubs?
Anyone have any thoughts as to why not? Rothschild was under contract for next year. Sure, Hendry’s a nice guy and this was a class thing to do, but still – we should have gotten a little something something for letting him go, right? A couple marginal prospects at least?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Maybe the Yankees secretly agree not to offer Kerry a contact?
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 20, 2010 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
The compensation was
Ricketts was able to unload Rothschild’s salary. The Yankees did both Rothschild and Ricketts a favor. Ricketts presumably thinks he can get an effective coach for less money.
by AboutTheCubs on Nov 20, 2010 12:59 PM CST up reply actions
Not sure
I assume these coaches help at least some of the players and that Ricketts is sincere about having good coaches. Though he probably doesn’t think he has to pay top dollar for capable people.
by AboutTheCubs on Nov 20, 2010 5:21 PM CST up reply actions
To avoid a stronger word: Mist!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Nov 20, 2010 11:14 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I guess if you want to start over fresh....
You don’t leave anyone out.
Lou..Gone
Tram…Gone
Larry…Gone
I’m sure if players, like Soriano, with multi-year contracts, would be gone too if the Ricketts could do anything about it. At least with DLee we got some prospects back.
If the new guys can bring a fresh, fundamental mentality, go for it!!
I can pretty much guess what Shoemile's response to this will be.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
Oh, you mean about Hendry allowing Rothschild to be interviewed.
Sorry Doggie, all this Ricketts stuff has me too depressed to even bag on Hendry.
I was actually thinking that Hendry
was not on the “gone” list for starting fresh.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 21, 2010 12:59 AM CST up reply actions
At this point, I don't even know if this organization is capable of a fresh start
Seems like everything is spoiled from the get go.
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