Zambrano done pinch hitting?
Big Z says he doesn't need to pinch hit anymore since they have Millar.
almost 2 years ago
Rammy 4 MVP
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Regardless of whether Millar makes the team or not....
… the bench should be improved enough so that Lou doesn’t have to use Z except in an emergency (say, a long extra-inning game where all the bench players have been used).
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Hmmm ...
so a bench of Baker/Fontenot, Millar, Nady, Hill and Fuld?
Maybe...
… although I think I’d rather have Tracy than Millar.
Frankly, I’d rather have Blanco added to that list and the 12th pitcher deleted.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'd rather have Blanco replace Fontenot and Tracy replace Millar
Blanco, Tracy, Nady, Hill, Fuld
This is kinda where I'm headin', too...
…which is why I suspect the team may be angling to trade Fontenot. That bench, however, would mean the Cubs trust Jeff Baker enough to make him the starting second baseman.
we're all kind of guessing on Tracy versus Millar, though
Not everybody is confident about Tracy, http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/2525/chad-tracy-among-ex-regulars-looking-for-job.
I haven't read Neyer that much...
…so I’m a little confused. I thought he was a stats guy. Why is he citing batting average?
it's an odd piece, actually
But, frankly, a Tracy/Millar competition is fine with me. Especially if Millar can actually play third.
Since Millar's not a very good 1st basemen,
I have serious doubts about his ability to play 3rd.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Feb 26, 2010 11:25 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed
Fontenot can be traded for Frasor. Probably not straight up. Get it done though. Tracy has more use than Millar
"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
by Musicdude10 on Feb 26, 2010 11:15 AM CST up reply actions
yes I would
I think he would be a fine everyday 2nd baseman
You will never move forward by looking back....
by By Santo's Grace on Feb 26, 2010 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
Further, if that doesn't work, there's the possiblity of Theriot moving
over, IF Castro is tearing up AAA.
may addition by subtraction be real
I don't think Castro will be in Triple AAA....
…until later in the season at the earliest. Honestly, I don’t want to count on Starlin for anything this season.
I keep thinking that's the core thought of Hendry for Fontenot to
try some SS and then be traded.
may addition by subtraction be real
I don't think so.
I see trying Fontenot at SS simply as a way to boost his trade value to get a set-up guy. Theriot will stay at shortstop throughout the the 2010 season with Blanco backing him up, and the Cubs won’t seriously begin considering Castro for the big leagues until 2011.
That's not my opinion, but a feeling that opinion is
driving some management decisions.
may addition by subtraction be real
actually theres an article on suntimes.com
that says that castro will start 10 in iowa unless theriot gets hurt, then hell break camp (stay healthy, theriot!)
by jesus christos on Feb 26, 2010 3:40 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, Levine said that in his live chat today, too.
I’d still rather see Castro start at AA, but the organization surely knows better than I.
I'd rather have Tracy than Millar, too.
But that would mean either Blanco or Fontenot would have to go. (Or Baker, I suppose.)
In any case, I’m getting a little concerned that Millar will win a spot on the 25-man based on his personality alone. And I really hope that’s not the case.
True
After last year, Cubs want to improve chemistry. I think Tracy is the better player. How many more games are the Cubs going to win with Tracy as a PH and backup CI compared to Millar? If Millar is a great clubhouse guy, and players are generally happy in 2010, then I think Millar will bring the Cubs more wins.
Big Z seems to love Millar after a couple days. As long as Millar has something left in his tank, then I’d say to keep him.
by Rammy 4 MVP on Feb 26, 2010 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
Wait, you're saying give Millar a spot on the 25-man...
…because he’d make the team as a whole happier?
Well...
Hearing you phrase it that way makes me sound crazy. I’m saying I would choose Millar over Tracy if Cubs choose to keep either one. Tracy has been pretty awful for 3 years now. Millar hasn’t done anything impressive either, minus a little pop with 20 homers in 2008. So if it comes down to those two for the final spot, I would choose Millar based on clubhouse chemistry. It would be an easier decision if Millar was a lefty though.
by Rammy 4 MVP on Feb 26, 2010 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
Well, if all things are equal...
…I’d still go with Tracy because: 1) He’s younger, 2) He bats left-handed, and 3) I’d guess he’s better defensively (especially at third base). You’re right in that Tracy hasn’t done much over the last three years, but he’s had injury problems.
Injury problems
Could be one more thing to contribute to who makes the roster. Another thing your missing though is, such as a couple of 280+ average and 20+ homer years. He’s only 30, so the Cubs could start him in the minors and work with him, so he could find that swing back.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 26, 2010 3:47 PM CST up reply actions
Of course
It all depends on spring training. If Tracy does bad, work on his swing in the minors. The only way I see him taking a spot over Millar is if He performs very well in spring training.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 27, 2010 12:00 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah
All I hear of Millar is how much of a joker he is. Wasn’t he always one of the ones with the pies in the players faces?
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 26, 2010 3:44 PM CST up reply actions
Only if they dump the 12th pitcher
If Millar is the 6th man off the bench and helps the team in intangible ways… that could be useful if the extra pitcher is out of the pen.
Didn't he carry 12 most of last year?
If so, wasn’t Patton one of those 12? And IIRC Lou pretty much ignored Patton all year (only 27ip) so it’s not he doesn’t know how to use only 11 pitchers…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yeah, that's really how it seems.
But I guess there’s some sort of “comfort factor” in carrying 12, no matter how many he actually uses. I asked Bruce Miles on his blog recently about this and he indicated it’s really doubtful Lou would agree to only 11.
He wasn't exactly doing great either...
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 26, 2010 3:48 PM CST up reply actions
I have a feeling...
…both Piniella and Hendry really want Millar to make the club and will give him every opportunity to do so.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
It really seems that way...
I said it the other day, but I’m sick of hearing this guy’s name. And, frankly, I’d rather have Zambrano at the plate than Millar.
by kanderber on Feb 26, 2010 11:06 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't
If Millar pulls a hammy running to first, it wouldn’t force Carlos Silva into an emergency start.
That's basically what Hendry has said.
But there’s a difference between “giving him every opportunity” and “giving him an advantage” based on his winning personality. I just hope it’s not the latter.
well, if Tracy and Millar have pretty similar stats ...
I don’t see why Millar’s personality shouldn’t help him. Now, if Tracy REALLY outperforms him …
We are talking about a bench guy...
…so maybe it’s not that big of deal. I just see Tracy as having much more upside at this point.
me, too ...
but maybe Neyer is right and Tracy is on the decline. Seems like the Cubs have more questions this spring than usual — though I’m somehow optimistic about most of the answers. Either both options are OK, or one of the options seems like it will pan out.
I’m actually more concerned that the Cubs make a bone-headed decision — like sticking with Fontenot despite a lousy spring — than a lack of good alternatives.
Until Rami goes out for 2 weeks with an injury.
If that happens wouldn’t you rather see Tracy than Millar at third?
If this were the AL Millar would be fine. We need versatility and value on our bench. I think Tracy brings a little bit more to the table.
Well, Baker would play third
… and Blanco would go to second.
Y'know, I had the same thought...
…but came to the same conclusion elgato just pointed out. I think the only way we’d see a lot of Millar is if DLee went on the DL for an extended period. Then again, Lou could play Nady at first if he’s healthy.
the issue, again ...
is whether Baker is up to the challenge.
I think...
…unless he stinks it up in ST, you will see him make the club.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
a scenario ...
The Cubs trade Fontenot and Marshall to San Diego for Gregerson. That solidifies the bullpen (even more so if Guzman is OK), it solidifies the bench (Baker becomes the starting 2B, Blanco is the backup infielder and Millar is the 25th man), it gives Marshall a chance to start (I’d guess … ?) and Fontenot a chance to play more.
Other than betting too much on Baker (and assuming SD would make this deal, of course), I could see this happening.
Yeah, I could see that, too.
Yahoo!’s depth chart has the Padres starting rotation as:
Kevin Correia 3.91
Mat Latos 4.62
Chris Young 5.21 (← Never the same after DLee kicked his ass swung and missed at him)
Clayton Richard 4.41
Wade LeBlanc 3.69
Sean Gallagher 5.95 (←The Sledgehammer!)
So I’d guess Marshall would have a shot as a starter there.
Again, assuming Tracy really can’t find his stroke, I guess having Millar on the bench wouldn’t be the end of the world. Who knows, maybe he’d have a Jim Edmonds/Gary Gaetti-like season off the bench.
Ya know... I think the world of DLee as a ballplayer, team leader, and esp. as a person...
but if there is an ugly blot on my DLee highlight reel that just won’t go away, it’s that little dance number he did during the whole Chris Young thing. I understand swinging and missing – it’s not always easy to land a punch in the heat of the moment, so I forgive him for that. But when he took a long, circuitous route that included running behind Lou…
I’m sorry, but I’m gonna need another bench-clearing brawl with DLee front-n-center to erase the hiding behind Lou image. Or at least three walk-off HRs…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yeah, that really was one of the comedic pseudo-brawls in sports history.
I mean, I suppose it’s better it turned out that way so no one got hurt, but man…there were no winners in that melee. Not DLee, who whiffed. Not Chris Young, who just looked like an a-hole and didn’t fare any better in the punching department. Not Sweet Lou, who went ass-over backward onto the infield grass. And, most of all, not Big Z, who came storming out of the dugout with his pants down. (OK, I exagerrated a little on that last part.)
I will never forget that either.
If your going to charge the mound, you should be serious about it.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Fontenot AND Marshall?
That’s a lot for a guy with one major league season.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I know they both have some value
But Fontenot had a miserable season and is around 30. Marshall is a decent lefty, but I could see Hendry dealing him in one of his Magnanimous GM Moments. Frankly, if Shark makes the rotation (and Rothschild was saying good things about him yesterday), I can’t see how Marshal AND Gorzo are on this team.
Anyway, you have to give up talent to get talent, and Fontenot and Marshall are getting expensive AND don’t really figure into future plans. Plus, Gregerson is pretty cheap.
Agree completely...
…and I really don’t think Fontenot by himself has much value at all, which is why you would have to add someone like Marshall to the mix.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Maybe the Cubs could trade Marshall for Gregerson straight up
But why not throw in Fontenot — if you’re convinced Baker can play every day?
No problem here.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I'm not sure, really.
But I have less confidence in Fontenot, so I don’t think he’d even be useful as Baker insurance.
Could be...
…and I do think Fontenot’s value to the club is very limited and has run it’s course.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I don't think the Cubs have enough starting pitching depth
To pull that off.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 26, 2010 3:50 PM CST up reply actions
Gorzo = Marshall
Especially if Shark makes the rotation and Lilly can come back in early May.
But if Shark doesn't make the rotation and absolutely sucks
Then we’re stuck with Silva at the fifth spot until Lily returns.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 27, 2010 12:01 PM CST up reply actions
i'm getting tired of Millar already
don’t get me wrong he’s doing the best thing for himself (angling to the media about chemistry and now likely cozying up to guys who will say things in the media to prop him up), but he’s not a valuable asset to this club outside of being willing to sit in AAA and wait for Chad Tracy to get hurt
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 26, 2010 12:39 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
is "cubbie up" any better?
somehow I don’t think so…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Agreed
I’m frankly dumbfounded by the Hendry / Piniella fascination with Kevin Friggin Mllar. A ballplayer with no versatility and better suited to start the next stage of his career as a lounge act.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
They're probably overreacting to the bad chemistry last season
But, hell, give Millar a shot. If he outplays Tracy/Hoff/Lahair …
Unless Lou will go with 11 pitchers I want Blanco
As with Fuld it is time the Cubs start valuing defense on the bench especially when your regulars are defensively challenged. Best case is to trade Fontenot and keep Millar or Tracy but I am tired of the love for 2nd tier vets.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Feb 26, 2010 12:54 PM CST reply actions
most teams ...
fill their benches with second-tier vets, though.
lol
About 90% of this post are just replies to one comment.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 26, 2010 3:52 PM CST reply actions
Good to see Zambrano...........
……….isn’t going for the scoreboard any longer in batting practice. I’m sure this same sensible approach will carry all the way through October………or his first AB……..whichever comes first.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
If the moron put half the energy into pitching that he does in whining about hitting and otherwise making a spectacle of himself...
….then he’d be vying for a Cy Young.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
why do I enjoy seeing him hit so much?
I agree that he is not giving it everything he has….but I sure do love to watch him pitch/play.
baseball.........is Kool Aid the remedy, or the cause of my desire for it
by cooliogirl47 on Feb 26, 2010 5:34 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed wholeheartedly.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
I don't agree
I hear some Cubs fans complain about Carlos taking hitting seriously, and then the same ones complain that some pitchers don’t take it seriously.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 27, 2010 12:02 PM CST up reply actions
you never
use one of your best pitchers as a pinch hitter or runner. though big z is not as delicate as most of todays players losing him to an injury related to the above tasks would be crushing.
It was last year.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
by Ryno Runner on Feb 27, 2010 11:24 AM CST up reply actions
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