Giants Win World Series; Free Agent Season Nearly Open
by Al Yellon on Nov 2, 2010 8:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintCongratulations to the Giants on breaking their 56-year World Series drought.
That means it has to be our turn soon, right?
It occurs to me that the Cubs' National League pennant drought is now getting to the point where its length is the overwhelming majority of the World Series drought. 65 NL pennantless years, 102 World Series-less years; the "shorter" span is now 64% of the longer one. Looking at it another way, when the Cubs were last in the World Series in 1945, they hadn't won a World Series in 37 years. Going into the 1945 WS, the World Series droughts of the other 15 teams in existence at the time were:
Cardinals, 1 year (1944); Yankees, 2 years (1943); Reds, 5 years (1940); Tigers, 10 years (1935); Giants, 12 years (1933); Athletics, 15 years (1930); Pirates, 20 years (1925); Senators, 21 years (1924); Indians, 25 years (1920); Red Sox, 27 years (1918); White Sox, 28 years (1917); Braves, 31 years (1914); Dodgers, never; Phillies, never; Browns, never
What's the point of this? That in 1945, the Cubs' drought, though long, wasn't outrageously so; three teams had never won a World Series and three others (Braves, White Sox, Red Sox) had droughts that were close to the Cubs' length. The Cubs had won more World Series at the time (two) than seven of the 15 teams (the three that had never won and the Tigers, Senators, Braves and Indians, who had one each).
I believe that when the Cubs finally get those last five damned outs and win the NL pennant, they'll win the World Series that year. The biggest obstacle, I believe, has been getting there.
One final note about last night -- I went over to McCovey Chronicles and offered congratulations and got a couple of nice responses wishing us well in the future. But one comment I particularly noticed said that the Giants should give Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy "lifetime jobs".
Now, just imagine if the Giants struggle in a year or two. How many calls will there be to fire one or both of them? It's just the nature of the business.
Now, on to the business of building a team that can get there. Free agency rules have changed this year; unlike past years, free agents no longer need to file. These 142 players automatically became free agents when Nelson Cruz struck out last night to end the World Series.
Five days from now -- in other words, essentially on Sunday morning -- they are free to sign with any team. Existing teams have an exclusive negotiating window with their own free agents only through Saturday. This change was made, supposedly, to reduce the number of free agents without jobs when spring training begins, as happened last year. I'm not so sure that will be the case. It was a seller's market last winter, the reason why guys like Jermaine Dye didn't get work. It's not likely to be much different this time around, except for the top handful of players on the list. The mid-range guys may be shut out again as teams discover they can get equivalent production for fewer dollars.
There are only two Cubs on the list linked above -- Xavier Nady and Aramis Ramirez. The list includes players like Ramirez, who have varying types of club or player options. Ramirez has already indicated he's not opting out of his deal. Of the 142 players, 30 on the list have some sort of option clause.
Let the offseason begin.
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I'm ready for the off season.
I wore my Cubs hoodie and leather jacket to the voting booth this morning. ‘Wait ’til next year’ is officially “on”…
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
I'm ready, too.
November baseball. It just isn’t right. And what kills me is that Bud Selig wants to have more wild-card teams in the playoffs. Huh? Didn’t they push Opening Day back to March next year so the season doesn’t carry over into November? And now he wants MORE wild-card teams?
by jeffmills1972 on Nov 2, 2010 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
The baseball season is too long
I can’t believe I just wrote that, but when the WS winner isn’t determined until more than 2/3 of the way through the college football regular season, then it’s just too damn long. And I LOVE baseball. But unless you have a real rooting interest in the playoffs, then fatigue sets in.
You may ask, how do you get more people interested in rooting during the playoffs and most importantly: SPEND more MONEY on baseball? Bud: MORE WILD CARD TEAMS!
The only way you add MORE playoff teams and more games to the post season and not finish at Thanksgiving is to play more regular season day-night doubleheaders. No way they ever schedule REAL doubleheaders.
The Benjamins rule everything…
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
You understand that...
… the two wild-card teams that would be added would likely be playing single play-in games on dates that are now off days after the season ends?
And that the season is going to end earlier the next couple of years?
And that they’re talking about tightening up the rest of the postseason schedule and getting rid of some of the off days?
Not only would this proposal NOT add any length to the playoffs, it would likely shorten it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well then, I stand corrected.
How did this sensible approach come out of Bud Selig’s office? Did someone break in, tie Bud up and use his letterhead?
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Serves him right...
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Congrats to the Giants and all their fans...
Maybe that All-Star Game / home field advantage thing really matters after all? Or maybe it’s just the lights out pitching the Giants had all series long…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
The Giants won two of three in Texas.
I don’t think home field mattered that much this year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
My point was that the Giants were already up 2-0 when they arrived in Texas.
That’s taking care of home field advantage and putting the Rangers’ backs against the wall.
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
i think it helped
going to Texas up 2-0 makes it less stressful I am sure while Texas is playing for their lives
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
I cant remember when the Allstar game started "counting"
but this was the first win for NL in the allstar game for like 12 years. In the last 10 years its 5-5 in the WS. Home field is nice, but not the biggest factor.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
NL Win All-Star Game and World Series In Same Year
It was the first time since 1995 and only the second time since 1982 that the National League had won both the All-Star Game and the World Series in the same season.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
AL Still Had Edge in Interleague Play
The AL was still 134-118 in regular season interleague play. That was the worst the AL had done in interleague play since 2004, when the AL went 126-125 against the NL in the regular season. I still think the AL is a little better league, but the gap between the AL and NL is closing.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
I think the AL is better too.
But that could be changing. Alot of young talent in the NL right now and alot of aging veterans in the AL. Either way, in the end its only the best from each league and we all know anything can happen in a series.
I think the home field needs to go back to rotating or base it off of the IL results.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
Interleague Is Best Indicator of League Strength
I know the NL won both the All-Star Game and the World Series every season from 1979-1982, but the only interleague play that mattered back then was the World Series. I can’t really definitively say that the NL was better than the AL back then. The AL turned the trifecta of winning interleague play, the All-Star Game, and the World Series in 1998, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009. The NL has yet to do that even once. The NL did win both the interleague play battle and the World Series in 1997 and 2003 but lost the All-Star Game. In 2002, the All-Star Game was a tie, the AL champion won the World Series, and the NL had the edge in interleague play. That was an even 1-1-1 split in the three indicators. Though, I consider interleague play to be the best indicator.
Since 1997, the AL has had the edge in at least two of the three indicators a total of 10 times. The NL has had the edge in two of the three indicators only three times since 1997, including 2010 with the All-Star Game and World Series. As mentioned before in 2002, we had that 1-1-1 split because of that tied All-Star Game.
The AL has won the interleague war in the regular season every season since 2004.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Interesting interleague numbers from 2010
Giants vs. AL: 7-8
Rangers vs. NL: 14-4
Giants played A’s (twice), Blue Jays, Orioles and Red Sox
Rangers played Astros (twice), Cubs, Brewers, Pirates and Marlins.
The only NL team to beat the Rangers more than once in 2010 interleague play was… the Cubs.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
NL Is Improving
The numbers from 2004-2009 were embarrassing for the NL. The NL lost the interleague battle and the All-Star Game all six seasons. The AL won four of the six World Series during that time. It was good to see the NL take the All-Star Game and World Series in 2010. I hope the Cubs can do well in interleague play next season, and that the AL continues to beat up on the other NL teams.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Next year, the Cubs will play...
… the White Sox (twice), the Red Sox, Yankees and Royals.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You know how you hear Bud helps out the bad guys to the North
They get Twins twice, Yankees, Red Sox and Rays. I’d guess the Cards play the O’s and/or Jays.
Cardinals in 2011...
… will play the Royals (twice), Blue Jays, Orioles and Rays.
The Rays are a playoff team and the Blue Jays are not a pushover.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The gap is narrowing
Just look at the Rookie of the Year voting in the two leagues this season. Starlin Castro isn’t going to finish in the top three and might not even finish in the top five in NL ROY. He’d probably win ROY if he were in the American League.
The AL is still stronger because of the Yankees and Red Sox. But with the exception of KC, all the young talent is in the NL.
by Josh Timmers on Nov 2, 2010 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
The Rays would like a word with you
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
I'm getting tired of that "word with you" thing
Because frankly, it sounds like a threat. I realize it’s not serious, but we need a new phrase that doesn’t sound like a mob hit is coming.
But yeah, the Rays have good young talent too. But more of their talent is already playing in the majors.
how about a horsehead picture indicating we mean business?
The 2010 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp ruled!!!!
Not to mention
That teams like the Cubs and Phillies, two of the bigger market teams in the NL have started spending like it in the last 3-4 years. The Cardinals locked up a good hitter last winter when it was speculated he might go to the AL, so did the Mets, the Phillies got Halladay. Good players go both ways every winter but without seeing the numbers I’d say that it seems like the NL has imported some good players from the AL lately. Small increments make a difference, if it keeps happening this way in a few years things might be equal.
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey
and some of that
I think, has to do with the DH – AL teams have a dedicated DH – I would like to see the splits on that
Redemption on the Angels, in a way.
The National League All-Stars won home field advantage for the Giants in the same house that the Giants faltered in to the Angels in 2002. It was only fitting in the very end.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!"
Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!"
Len Casper: "Oh Baby!"
Bob Brenly: "Give it to a Kid!"
Ron Santo: "YES!", "All Right!, let's do it!", "Oh No!", "Oh jeez come on!" AND...
"This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Nov 2, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Congrats to Matt Cain
I believe he’s originally from somewhere in Alabama but later moved to Germantown, TN, just outside of Memphis. He did an outstanding job of pitching in postseason play this year.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Congrats to the Giants
I was pulling for them, but wanted to see a longer series. It was a good one though.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
Yeah ok congrats...
But I’m still oh and 47 for my team to make the World Series in my lifetime. My Dad’s ratio is much better, the Cubs are one in 70 years. As John Lennon didn’t say, Give Quade A Chance….
after sex:
Peter Griffin: Oh, that was fantastic. Hey, where’d you get that tattoo on your lower back?
Lois Griffin: I don’t know, Peter. Meth is a hell of a drug.
Peter Griffin: What?
Oh, and one more thing.
The World Series was won by a team that has spring training in Arizona. Imagine that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
OK, I admit I'm lame...
Did I miss a meme that said teams who train in the Cactus League never win the World Series?
Yes.
It was discussed during the “should the Cubs move to Florida for ST” discussion.
It’s a red herring. Up to 2003 only 1/3 of teams trained in Arizona.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Surprise, Arizona.
And that’s not a “surprise”, that’s the town they train in.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Congrats to the Giants!
It give me hope that someday we will discover the holy grail. Until then, is it almost spring yet?
Gotta love how baseball makes changes
to their system but for the incorrect reasons.
Five days from now — in other words, essentially on Sunday morning — they are free to sign with any team. Existing teams have an exclusive negotiating window with their own free agents only through Saturday. This change was made, supposedly, to reduce the number of free agents without jobs when spring training begins, as happened last year.
The number of “job-less” guys had nothing to do with the amount of time in free agency and everything to do with the economy.
I mean honestly now, FA starting 11/7 instead of say 11/15 this season. ST starts lets say 2/15/11. So the FA period was increased from 92 days to 100 days. If a player isn’t signed in 92 days, he ain’t gonna be signed in 100 days.
On the Cubs drought, you can bet for sure that the “Year 1” moniker will quickly be made fun of as “Year 103” if the Cubs don’t have a good off-season.
Just win the next game...!
The number of "job-less" guys had nothing to do with the amount of time in free agency and everything to do with the economy.
That was exactly my point, if you read the rest of that paragraph:
It was a seller’s market last winter, the reason why guys like Jermaine Dye didn’t get work. It’s not likely to be much different this time around, except for the top handful of players on the list. The mid-range guys may be shut out again as teams discover they can get equivalent production for fewer dollars.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I know....
I had to rant again though.
You know the ‘Hawks lost last night too, so I’m crabbier than normal….
Just win the next game...!
I understand.
The Hawks are going to need some depth this year, with all the injuries.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It's a sad thing.
First the SC makes them have to dramatically change their team then injuries. Sad to see them struggle against what always comes after winning a championship.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions
In a micro view like Monday's game
things were frustrating about their play. However at a macro level there’s a lot of things to feel good about.
The SC woes relax a bit with the elimination of over $4M of Toews and Kane bonuses for the 2011-12 season.
Just win the next game...!
I hope they can use that money to get a better goaltender.
It sucked greatly the way it worked out with Niemi. so close and so far.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 4, 2010 3:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd prefer a
another (3rd line?) Centre and perhaps another 2nd/3rd pairing D-man.
Another centre would provide opportunity for Sharp to move back to LW where they’re a little light. He’s a natural winger and not that good in the dot.
Another D-man would certainly help bring some relief to Duncs and Seabs especially when a guy like Soupy is out. Most people don’t realize just how important Soupy is to the puck-possession game of the ’Hawks.
The ‘Hawks goaltending isn’t in their top-5 of issues. I think Bolly is hurt again. No inside info just a hunch.
The ‘Hawks simply have to play better in their own zone and cycle the bisquit better. They don’t do it enough and it’s burning them, especially after they’ve scored and at the beginning / end of periods. Their core guys need to step it up a bit more and play with more urgency.
Just win the next game...!
Just because one drought is broken
Doesn’t mean the Cubs are next. They could go through years with another team having a long drought and those droughts could end before the Cubs win it again. I know you’re trying to be optimistic, but I can never be optimistic about the Cubs even making it to a World Series until I hear the words, “The Cubs have won the pennant!”
Just looking at World Series droughts that are greater than ten years, we see:
Atlanta Braves: Last won 1995
Baltimore Orioles: Last won 1983
Chicago Cubs: Last won 1908
Cincinnati Reds: Last won 1990
Cleveland Indians: Last won 1948
Detroit Tigers: Last won 1984
Houston Astros: Never won (est. 1962)
Kansas City Royals: Last won 1985
Los Angeles Dodgers: Last won 1988
Milwaukee Brewers: Never won (est. 1969)
Minnesota Twins: Last won 1991
New York Mets: Last won 1986
Oakland Athletics: Last won 1989
Pittsburgh Pirates: Last won 1979
San Diego Padres: Never won (est. 1969)
Seattle Mariners: Never won (est. 1977)
Tampa Bay Rays: Never won (est. 1998)
Texas Rangers: Never won (est. 1961)
Toronto Blue Jays: Last won 1993
Washington Nationals: Never won (est. 1969)
When you get down to it, we’re not so special in the big picture when you consider there are teams that have never even won a World Series. It may have been since 1908, but we at least have something we can look at in the history of the Cubs to say, “These guys were champions.” We can take pride in that and keep waiting for the next time the Cubs can finally say they are World Series champions. Fans of the Astros, Rangers, Rays, Padres, Nationals, Mariners and Brewers can’t even say that. Nationals/Expos and Mariners fans can’t even look into the history to see a pennant winning team.
I know it’s been over one hundred years since the Cubs could call themselves champions. I know it’s been over sixty years since a National League champion team called Wrigley Field home. I know it’s going to be a big deal to those of us who live to see the next time. But to the rest of MLB fans? It won’t make a bit of difference to those who are still without.
I’m glad the Giants won. Don’t get me wrong. I like seeing the underdog win. But Cubs fans are still without, so nothing has changed.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Free BLou
I'm glad the Giants won..an NL team, underdog and some new blood again.
I can’t say I’m worrying too much about our history and lack of WS win this offseason, we need a better team before something like that is a factor really. We need to be closer to being a contender before that added pressure hurts or helps.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
When the Yankees won last year
It might have been Buck who said “they’ve waited 9 long years….”. I almost exploded
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Of course it was Buch. He's just abysmal.
I HATE it when he does the Cubs/Cards games @ Wrigley….he just hates the Cubs b/c of his Dad’s role as a Cardinal (which is understandable), but he doesn’t have to make it so obvious.
Counting the days until 4/1/11...
Joe Buck doesn't know when to shut up...
Contrast the FOX coverage to 30 years ago when the Phillies beat the Royals. Joe Garagiola on NBC said, “The crowd will tell you what happened.” Tug McGraw strikes out Willie Wilson and the Vet goes wild. For about 5 minutes you don’t hear any announcers talking. You don’t see a replay of the final out from 10 different angles. You don’t hear the FOX NFL Football theme playing instead of the MLB Baseball theme for some reason. Those were the days.
by jeffmills1972 on Nov 2, 2010 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea what the heck is that?
I HATE that they play the NFL Football theme instead of using the baseball theme. Just dumb.
Hey second straight post where I used “I HATE” to start a post (see above)….I better get off BCB now and calm down lol
Counting the days until 4/1/11...
I think Fox has replaced that old baseball theme with the NFL theme for all sports.
I don’t like it either.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
They use it for their radio stations as well.
Least they did here when we had a strong signal affiliate. It plays endlessly and takes up much of the time they actually could be discussing something relevant. Yeah, it doesn’t fit baseball or any other sports to me. They want to brand their broadcasts with it and sacrifice letting something breathe at all.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 4, 2010 3:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Congrats to the Giants...
especially Fonty and DeRo. Not that they had much to do with it but they still get the rings.
Dunston did more than DeRo
At least Shawon “I will always be a Cub” Dunston threw BP.
I saw him celebrating on the field as they interviewed Buster Posey. So happy for the guy.
Wherever you go, there you are!
by Dan Serafini on Nov 2, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow. I said Giants in five.
I also correctly predicted this summer’s World Cup final match and score. I’m in a bit of a roll here.
Writing quality posts since 1931.
Is the Cubs winning the 2011 World Series one of your predictions?
Jay Cutler--Most over-rated quarterback in football
Actually, I picked the Giants to win the 2010 World Series...
… on April 4, “on strength of outstanding pitching staff.”
Don’t believe me? Click on the link. OK, so I didn’t have them beating the Rangers. But for once, I picked the year’s champion correctly, almost seven months ago.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That's pretty cool.
Though I think the most cliched topic in MLB now is the strength of the Giants’ pitching in the postseason. It was their strength all year and so obvious during the playoffs most sportswriters are writing articles about it, much the same showing that’s what won it…and any casual fan could see it was true. It means a lot more that you predicted so early in the season they could win the WS based on it to me.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I didn't respond in that post
But even I thought you were crazy to pick the Angels
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
The Angels would have had a better year...
… if Kendry Morales hadn’t missed most of it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Eh, their staff worried me after Lackey left
Not that Texas’s was much better starting the year
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Impressive, Al. Most impressive.
Congrats on a great call!
by jeffmills1972 on Nov 2, 2010 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
But did you bet on the Giants to win at the start of the post season?
I get to collect $45 from the Bellagio . Would have gotten $80 if the Rangers won. I bet on those two out of the 8 that started.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 2, 2010 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
If I had made my bet on April 4, based on my prediction..
… I would have won a lot more than $45.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Next season you should just ...
put a C-note on your prediction. I mean whats to lose, a hundred bucks right?
Just win the next game...!
You probably have that
laying around with your spare change on your dresser.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
so he sets up a PayPal
we all pitch in, he bets, then he splits the winnings up
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
I wonder if it would be profitable
if you put $100 on each of the top ten most likely teams to make it to the world series come April 1 (and of course if one of them win it)
And if none of them wins, you're out $1000.
Kind of a lot, actually. Anyone know if the Giants were in the top 10 last March? Somehow, I doubt it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You'd have to take
a lot of teams with >10:1 odds.
This has been though out ad nauseum in the statistics world and is often a problem during FE time for advanced college classes.
Sophisticated algorithms are used in the calculations of these “odds” such that it would take a prohibitive improbability (on the order of > 1E8:1) to actually win.
Otherwise people would pick a group of teams every season with higher odds and win.
Just win the next game...!
Right !!
2 bucks a week, just over 2 bits a day.
Hey you’re the one that had the insight and thought process in place to pick the Giants back in April. Take advantage of your ability to pick the right team.
What were their odds back in April anyway? Did you have little confidence in your pick back then?
Just win the next game...!
No, I actually thought the Giants had the pitching to win it all.
I checked. The Vegas people had the Giants at 20-1 at the beginning of the season.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
OK...there are no fewer than 17 catchers on this FA list...
…there is NO reason why Koyie Hill should remain our back-up catcher. Go get Henry Blanco back.
Jay Cutler--Most over-rated quarterback in football
Today's Trivia Question
In the last 3 seasons (2007-09) the Cubs have only non-tendered two players. Who are they?
First no checking on the internet. Second this info was part of a list on a popular baseball site so if you read it there please refrain from answering.
Also of note the Mets had the most non tendered at 8, the Cubs with two were in the bottom six.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
hmmm
Chad Gaudin and Scott Eyre
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
Neither but I think you are confused
Non -tendering is what happens at the end of a season to MLB players you have under your control that you choose not to offer contracts to. It not the same as DFAing a player. You eat no money at all.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 2, 2010 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, post 'em already.
Because none of us can guess.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I dont think there were any
Craig Monroe was ALMOST non tendered, but was traded to Twins. come on DS, the suspense is killing me
by holy mackeral on Nov 2, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Neil Cotts & Mark Prior
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 2, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Link to complete list
Mostly junk with a few OK bench guys. Best of the lot for me would be Capps.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/11/recent-non-tenders.html
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 2, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
No - Stevie Ire
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Nov 2, 2010 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Did anybody see how Edgar Renteria almost pokes his eye out?
Uncle Bud gives him the MVP trophy, he turns around and gets accidentally bumped and the pointy edge opens a gash on his eyelid. He was bleeding during the interview.
Writing quality posts since 1931.
Doesn't surprise me Selig makes another boner.
The sooner MLB is rid of him the better. Not for an accident obviously, he’s just…Bud.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Why delete it?
There might still be some useful news & info there. Since you paid for it, why not keep it?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Still have my 2009 app
One day it’ll be useful!
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Pennant
This pennant drought has reached epic proportions. After all, it IS easier to win a pennant than the Series. As evidence by all the recent pennant winners. Rockies, Rays, Rangers, Padres, Astros etc. But at 65 yrs. and counting, the Cubs have easily held the longest pennant drought in history. Only 10 times in history have franchises waited as long as 40+ yrs. (White Sox did it twice) Rangers had been the 2nd longest drought in history, but now that they’ve won, we stand alone, at the bottom of the heap.
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
Last Free Agent season
was actually more of “buyers market” I believe rather than a “sellers market”.
by Ron Swanson on Nov 2, 2010 10:39 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I CANNOT wait
until we get endless speculation about the merits of acquiring Eric Bedard and multiple others. I’m only kidding a little bit.
by jerry morales rules on Nov 2, 2010 10:41 AM CDT reply actions
ERIC HANNA
approves this message.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
It's gotta be our turn now. Congrats to the Giants.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
It was time,
November 1 the baseball season ended. Baseball should be over in October.
Now, let’s SMARTLY acquire what we need to get back to the playoffs in 2011.
Sandberg for manager!
So....
when do we sign Dunn?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
Then we complain on Sunday, too...
I think I’m getting it!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade
You'll be even more excited
when we sign LIND!
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Just wait...
Lyle Overbay is lurking out there…
by Outshined_One on Nov 2, 2010 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
EEEWWWWW!!
Lyle Overbay is like crack, just say NO!
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey
Congratulations Al for predicting the WS winner at the beginning of the season....
…..I had picked the Red Sox or Yankees.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Same here...0 for 40 on picking the World Series winners of the past 40 years...
…I should probably stop picking the Cubs. I hung with the Bulls my entire life and they finally came through for me in the 90’s, so, hopefully the Cubs will as well…someday.
Jay Cutler--Most over-rated quarterback in football
Congatulations to Mike Fontenot
Enjoy that World Series parade (cable cars?) and you shiny new ring.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
It's really cool he got one.
Amplified by him being ignored for the most part on the Cubs this season.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Easy to be ignored
when Zambrano kept pounding him into the ground.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Nov 2, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
well he
is hard to see in the dugout from the field to begin with. Maybe Z was just trying to give him a boost.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Mikey
The cutest thing is watching that team reporter, Amy G, interview him. Amy is 5’ 8", and is at least 4 inches taller than Mikey. (And she is NOT wearing heels). I think it is so cool for him to get that ring this year, as he will get married at the end if this month.
Mark DeRosa, too
He wasn’t on the Cubs this season, but I really liked him when he was on the team.
by Outshined_One on Nov 2, 2010 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I forgot DeRosa was a Giant
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Nov 2, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Kinda interesting
To say Fonty was a Giant lol.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions
lol
Take that “Big Z”
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Nov 2, 2010 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions
So did Giants' fans
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Nov 3, 2010 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Do ya think Renteria moved ahead of Barry Bonds on the list of SFs "all-time favorite Giants"?
Jay Cutler--Most over-rated quarterback in football
LOL
Interesting question. Renteria was sure one of those role players that came up big in the postseason to me…he’s never gonna be a slugger yet sure had some timely hits then the big dinger.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Nov 2, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
In a related theme
As an non-Giants fan living in the Bay Area, I noticed that Giants’ fans were much more excited about this team than the 2002 team. The fans really love these Giants. I do not remember seeing that same level of excitement in the 2002 post season. I attribute a lot of that to the fact that the 2002 team was Barry Bonds’ team. This year’s team has a bunch of over-achieving young characters, no real bad actors, it is a very easy team to like, and that is something no one ever said about Barry B.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Nov 3, 2010 7:58 AM CDT up reply actions
i dont know what angers me more
fontenot having a ring or mitre and guadin having a ring
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
don't be angry Jesus
Be happy Jesus and forgive everybody
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Good article in "Cubbies Crib" about the Cubs and impending free agency needs...
http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/what_they_need_what_they_have_pitching/3523844
Except the part on Jeff Samardzija…can we close the book on that guy once and for all?
Jay Cutler--Most over-rated quarterback in football
That's a really awful article.
It pretty much dissed the one thing that was a positive about the 2010 Cubs — starting pitching. They lost me there.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Nov 2, 2010 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
i thought it didnt read well either
but thats just my opinion
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
So, you think we can move forward with the rotation we have now?...
…and be competitive? We got two #2 starters (Demp & Z) and three or four #5 starters (Gorz, Wells, Coleman & Silva). Am I missing something?
I think the article looked at the staff WITH Piniella and then WITH Quade. Obviously they pitched better with Quade, but, over the entire year?…meh.
It’s going to depend on Zambrano. If he pitches like he did his last 10 starts, then we have an ace. If not, well, you know what the outcome could be with him.
They can’t afford Cliff Lee…that’s pretty obvious. Hopefully, there’s a surprise for us from one of our young arms…whether it’s Archer or Jackson or maybe even Coleman (whom I thought did an above average job at the end of ‘10) or a combination of any, but, the starting staff we have now needs help…don’t it?
Jay Cutler--Most over-rated quarterback in football
The Cubs could use another starter, sure.
But that “article” implied that the Cubs starting pitching was somewhere around “awful”. That just isn’t true.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
IMHO it depends on Wells
Wells has the capability of being a solid 3-4, if he gets his command back. He pitched like that his rookie year. This year is a make it or break it for him
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Yes it depends on Wells, and Zambrano,
and Dempster, and Gorzo, and Silva, and Samardzija, and Coleman …
Very little to suggest a rotation that will make them contenders. They need a top of the rotation guy, but there is little possibility they will spring for one. Here’s hoping they are not foolish enough to waste money on Lilly.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Nov 4, 2010 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Not if they want to be serious tenders
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Nov 4, 2010 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions
He does?
Isn’t that up to the team to decide who does and doesn’t get a ring?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes
But he was in the starting rotation for a couple of months. I can’t believe the Giants would not give him a ring.
Probably so.
And probably a partial share, too.
Meanwhile, I bet Bengie Molina gets both a full winner’s share and loser’s share. But not a ring.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
would be interesting if he got a ring from both
and has that ever happened?
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
There is only one player in MLB history other than Molina...
… who has played on both WS participants in the same year, and also in the World Series.
Lonnie Smith, Royals and Cardinals, 1985.
And in any case, the losing team players don’t get rings.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
silly facts ruining the whole idea lol
this does confirm that Molina (and would mean that Wellenmeyer, etc) will get a ring for this season
Bengie Molina Guaranteed a Ring in Rangers-Giants World Series/
Molina, the starting catcher for the Texas Rangers, held the same role for the San Francisco Giants before being traded to Texas on July 1. That means he essentially spent half the regular season with each team, and those who play a significant part in a team’s World Series-winning season traditionally get a ring and a share of the playoff winnings.
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
even if he wasnt "required" to receive a ring, he probably still would
considering how he mentored guys like lincecum and wilson
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Nov 2, 2010 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions
very true and good point
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
Yes, but...
… he won’t get TWO rings. The Rangers lost. They won’t be giving out rings.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
i wast sure and you answered that above as well
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
The Giants and their fans are a class act in my book, compared to some of the other fanbases in the league
Hopefully, the Cubs are next to get off the schneid, a couple of quality trades, a couple of quality free agent aquisitions, one playoffs later, we have a chance to do it. I’m tired of this “there’s always next year” crap.
48 minutes of intensity
slightly OT
There was a story about Giant fans being a tad eccentric and they reported on a Giants fan now living in Japan. His friend had season tickets and invited to the first two game of the WS so he flew in for the games. For whatever reason he bough a Panda head to wear at the games. I don’t think it was related to Sandoval, but not sure. Anyway the reporter asked the guy if he thought it likely he would wear the Panda head outside of the park and he responded " This is San Francisco, I could wear it on the street and no one would even notice"
Great city.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 2, 2010 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
The SBN blog is a loony bin
They hate other teams, other fans and most of their own players among other things.
Why do you think Giants' fans are any classier than most other fans?
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Nov 4, 2010 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Congrats to the Giants, DeRo and Fonty,
I hate that I have such a hard time watching other teams win…oh well,
Go Cubs, love ya :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
To all the naysayers...
Who love to point out how the ratings for the World Series were terrible. I don’t care. I love baseball. I like football, but I love baseball. And nothing that you say or do is ever going to change that fact because it’s the greatest game in the world. The NFL has the Super Bowl, not the World Bowl. MLB has the World Series because it is the greatest game in the world. MLB has players from all over the world including Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Curacao, The Netherlands and India. The only foreign players that ever play in the NFL are kickers.
The naysayers like to moan and groan about how they hate the Yankees and the East Coast teams, but when they’re not in the World Series they moan and groan how it’s “boring” without those teams. I think the San Francisco Giants are a great team and I’m happy for those guys especially Bruce Bochy and Brian Sabean. If there is a lesson to be learned here, it is that one guy doesn’t make a team. For over a decade, Barry Bonds was the face of the San Francisco Giants and the entire team revolved around him. He was given special treatment by the team and for all of his greatness, he couldn’t help the Giants win a ring. Now, the Giants are led by a group of so-called “misfits” and they finally win a World Series ring. The fact is that they’re a lot better than people give them credit for and most of that credit should go to the pitching staff. Their starting four is entirely homegrown and their catcher wasn’t even on the Opening Day roster. If this teaches the Cubs anything, it is that player development is the foundation for a championship ballclub. That’s where it starts. Then, you can build around those guys with veterans like Audrey Huff, Edgar Renteria, Cody Ross, Juan Uribe and others.
Yes - Congrats to SF Giants. Great job. On another note, Adam Laroche
was just cut by the Diamondbacks, coming off his best year. 7.5 mil/per >> Wondering wear he’ll end up.
Sweeter words have rarely been spoken: "...and the cardinals are down to their final out."
Cliff Lee, Adam Dunn
and a whole bunch of players that don’t excite me in the least
We need to replace D. Lee, and bolster up the pitching, can’t see us going after much else off that list.
13- Warner, 23- Sandberg, 40- Tillman, 11- Walter
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