What Will We See On Opening Day?: Cubs vs. Giants at Mesa Preview, Wednesday 3/10, 2:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Mar 10, 2010 12:00 PM CST
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PrintLou Piniella says yesterday's lineup vs. the Brewers is likely the one you'll see April 5 in Atlanta:
Piniella said the lineup Tuesday is likely to be the Opening Day lineup, with Ryan Theriot, Kosuke Fukudome, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Marlon Byrd, Alfonso Soriano, Fontenot and Geovany Soto, in that order.
Jeff Baker still might challenge for the starting job at second base, he said.
Piniella added the bench might include ''one or two'' rookie outfielders from a group including Brad Snyder, Tyler Colvin, Jim Adduci and Sam Fuld, who has spent time with the Cubs.
"I would think that the way we're set up here that one of these young kids will make the team," Piniella said.
I don't see Snyder or Adduci making the team (although see below, Adduci is starting today) -- to me, the competition is between Fuld and Colvin. But does this mean that Lou might actually consider an 11-man pitching staff? Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, today, Xavier Nady makes his Cubs debut as DH -- via tweet from Carrie:
Xavier Nady will make #cubs debut. He's starting as DH vs #giants. it's Theriot, Byrd, Lee, Ramy, Nady, Sori, Baker, Hill, Adduci in RF
Note for people wondering why the Cubs are using a DH in a home game -- this is permissible in spring training games as long as both teams consent.
Carlos Zambrano will make his second spring start and likely go three innings. The Giants will counter with lefthander Jonathan Sanchez.
Today's game is on MLB Audio via MLB.com announcers. Here's the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
First pitch thread will post at 2 pm CST. An overflow thread will post at 3:15 CST.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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I dont see why, to be honest
He’s not going to be a starter for us, and he fits the needs of a decent bat that is able to play all 3 outfield spots.
If he is playing well and looks good, I don’t see a lot of reason to keep him in the minors to start.
Arbitration clock
and regular at bats.
Avoid the first beginning, and provide the second.
Nonsense
Arbitration clock issues are reserved for the Longoria, Wieters and Posey’s of the world, not the Tyler Colvin’s. His arbitration tolling is not at all a reason to keep him in the minors.
Who needs a stinkin' tag line? What are they for anyway?
Please see Jackson, Brett
"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
jackson plays center
byrd can shift over to right
by jesus christos on Mar 10, 2010 4:13 PM CST up reply actions
For what it's worth
He got selected to the AA All-Star game and had an RBI in it.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Mar 10, 2010 12:40 PM CST up reply actions
A taller Sam Fuld
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
I heard Lou on the pre-game and it sounded more than a "might" w.r.t. Baker starting at 2nd.
Maybe he phrased it differently talking to the reporters, but on the radio when he talked about yesterday’s lineup possibly being the OD lineup, he sure made it sound like he would most likely swap Baker in for Fontentot.
I’m still leaning towards the “Fontentot’s being showcased” theory, especially if Blanco is deemed to be making good progress in coming back. We do have somewhat of a surplus in that area (add Barney to the backup mix) and we’re gonna have to give up something if we trade for a reliever.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Pipe dream, or no
Nothing against Fonty, but I’m all for swapping him (and keeping Tracy) if we can get something of perceived value in return. Would anyone send us a reasonably cost-controlled arm for Fonty+something else?
Well, maybe Fontenot and Stevens for Jason Frasor?
Granted, Frasor is kind of expensive. Fontenot + Stevens is about half what Frasor is making.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I posted something regarding this yesterday
But with Joe Nathan going down, the Twins have shown interest in Frasor. Apparently now it’s quite a bit of interest. They’ve been quoted as having many scouts at Twins games recently. Cubs need to get on the ball if they want to get Frasor. Get aggressive.
Its gotta be in the body, not the subject of the reply.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Mar 10, 2010 1:10 PM CST up reply actions
Hooray!
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Mar 10, 2010 3:58 PM CST up reply actions
In your dreams Al
sorry but giving them a basically declining infielder and at least for now 2nd tier middle reliever is not going to cut it.
Over at TCR the very knowledgeable AZ Phil suggests they will almost certainly want Colvin and decent pitcher. That is a lot but I am not familiar enough with Frasor to know if that is worth it.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 1:12 PM CST up reply actions
Colvin and a reliever isn't worth it, IMO
but if that’s what the Jays want and the Cubs are offering Fontenot/Stevens, then the middle ground could be Fontenot and a better prospect.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
or the Twins might outbid us
Which would be fine if their price is too steep.
not to pick nits
but if he were a decent pitcher, wouldn’t he be pencilled in anyway? Cariman is a decent pitcher, but because of that, we plan on using him.
a couple very good prospects for a reliever, I’m not so sold on. I’d rather gamble on a cheap vet who we can torch his arm before giving up Colvin and Coleman (or Gaub or…..)
Frasor is due to make $2.85 million this year.
Unless you can get Toronto to take back some $ in return (Fontenot is due to make $1m), I can’t see that deal happening.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Sorry don't know who are refering to re "pancilled in"?
It is supply and demand folks and there is a demand for decent , more or less proven relief pitchers. I am not saying I would take the deal, just that Fonty & Stevens is not likely to cut it.
You want a vet? Cordero, Weathers. or what else is left in the slop heap?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
pencilled in
if the Jays want a ‘decent pitcher’-plus, the decent pitchers we have are Grabow and Cariman
if they want a ‘decent pitching prospect’-plus, we have plenty of those. But that is a different set of names.
I’m not sold enough on Frasor to give up Cariman or Grabow-plus.
I assume you mean Caridad
No the implication was they would want Colvin and someone like Gaub or Coleman. AZ Phil suggested they might settle for Colvin & someone like Stevens. I don’t know Toronto well enough to know if they even have any need of Fontenot but I can’t see them settling for him and pitching prospect. Sellers market.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 2:00 PM CST up reply actions
one of these weeks I'll get his name right.
I’ll pass if it involves Colvin
OK but the Jays would NEVER want Fontenot
Their second baseman is Aaron Hill so you can forget that.
Why in the hell would they want Fontenot and what would they do with him. He is not that good a bench player.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 2:03 PM CST up reply actions
Probably not
Just wondering if LBR has any trade value.
if so, let him go. If not, hope he gets hot and deal him in June
I think he has a little trade value
but only in a package
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 2:10 PM CST up reply actions
Actually, if you could sell the Blue Jays...
…on the idea that Fontenot could get his offensive numbers back up near 2008 levels, he starts to look like a pretty decent bench player. Good defensive second baseman, can play some shortstop and third base, too. Left-handed hitter.
They don't take Fonty short of pairing him with Cashner
He is mediocre defensively and has played very little SS or 3B. They are not trading Frasor for
a questionable bench player and a “b” prospect.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 2:09 PM CST up reply actions
We've probably been through this before...
…but Fontenot has gotten high marks from most defensive metrics at second base. It is true he has minimal experience at the other two spots, but that’s where the salesmanship would have to come into play.
He would be a bench player in Toronto
has little history of playing other positions. They have no special need for him. They are going to want at least one TOP prospect for Frasor and that is not Fontenot.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
I agree the trade wont be Fontenot
But I think you may be way overvaluing Frasor if you think they’re going to get a TOP prospect for a 3M per year slightly above average reliever.
Yeah, I don't know about the Jays asking for a TOP prospect.
Again, this is a relief pitcher, not an everyday player, we’re talking about.
Nice NYTimes article today about Kevin Millar and his goal
to get a WS ring from both the Red Sox and Cubs:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/sports/baseball/10millar.html?th&emc=th
Best quote in article from Dempster: "Here’s a guy competing for the same spot on the roster, and he’s trying to bring out the best in everybody," Dempster said. "That’s something very few people can do, and he does that."
Seems like Lou is focused on chemistry in 2010—but we all know good chemistry starts with winning (not whining).
"...to the home of the brave, the land of the free, and the dooooooooormat of the National League." -Steve Goodman
The April schedule is made for winning
Outside of the first series in Atlanta, that first month is an inviting way to start the year and build some of that chemistry.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Mar 10, 2010 12:42 PM CST up reply actions
First it was more left handed.
Now it’s chemistry. Stop with the overreactions, Lou.
Swing the GD bats, wins some games, and chemistry will be great.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
+1
Seems that chemistry is only an issue when a team is losing. If a team is WINNING, you tend to hear “they have great chemistry.” This is not a chicken-and-egg situation – winning breeds good chemistry.
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Mar 10, 2010 1:30 PM CST up reply actions
never used to matter
In the early (A’s) at late (Yankees) 70’s, winning teams often hated each other.
sigh
wait - the Cubs are using Grateful Dead bats?
What a long strange season it’s gonna be…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
hopefully they're tye-dyed
like the Lithuania (?) Olympic unis back when
I really like Millar.
I hope he makes the team, though that’s mostly an emotive reaction on my part and not grounded (and probably against) what the numbers say would be smart…
AlI the same, I like having classy guys on the team.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Mar 10, 2010 3:20 PM CST up reply actions
That white tarp makes it look like there is more ice in the desert than here in Chicago.
"Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air."-Pat Hughes
It was colder in Mesa (43) than in Chicago (49) at game time yesterday.
Might be the same today. It’s almost 60 at my house.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Better warm up next week
I plan to spend a lot of time sunning myself by the pool
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
Just in time for me
Thanks.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 2:00 PM CST up reply actions
80 next Tuesday and the rest of the week
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
On my way to airport right now
….game at Scottsdale stadium on thursday and ho ho kam Saturday. I can’t wait to see some baseball!
by JB 23 on Mar 10, 2010 2:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
This is not really true
the official recorded temperature at game time in Mesa was 48 and that was just before the game started when the front passed through. By the middle of the game yesterday, it was in the upper 50s. I don’t know how they determine the game time temperature for the box score, but it is by no means accurate or official. The official temperature for Mesa is at a weather station that is only a couple of miles from the ball park and it never got below 48 yesterday.
No ice
but there were reports of hail in the Phoenix area yesterday.
While it is not that unusual for there to be rain in Phoenix in March, what is very unusual is for there to be thunderstorms like we had yesterday. We usually get them in the summer. It is really weird.
Yes, I got hailed on at about 12:30pm local time
My back yard was flooded from all the rain we got on Sunday. Good thing I finished acid washing the pool before all this rain came.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
that lineup
is not the best way to score runs
granted lineup construction doesn’t matter that much, but giving a ton more AB’s to Theriot and the fewest ABs to Soto will cost us a few runs over the course of the season
Theriot should be hitting 8th and ideally the lineup should look like this:
Fukudome
Baker/Fontenot platoon benefits (fontenot .348 career OBP vs. RH, Baker .346 OBP vs. LH)
Lee
Ramirez
Soriano
Soto
Byrd
Theriot
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Mar 10, 2010 1:46 PM CST reply actions
Agreed, although...
… I could probably live with Theriot batting second.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
the big problem
with Theriot batting 2nd is you’re giving him 100 extra PA’s, and he’s projected to be your least productive hitter
for example last year PA’s were distributed like this:
1 – 765
2 – 744
3 – 724
4 – 706
5 – 695
6 – 676
7 – 664
8 – 647
9 – 623
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Mar 10, 2010 2:02 PM CST up reply actions
+1
I love that lineup….And if you move Fukudome to CF it projects even better. Not gonna happen, but I’m sure Byrd could play RF. I’m all for scoring more runs….defense be dammed.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
why does it project better
with Dome in center?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 10, 2010 2:06 PM CST up reply actions
Don't have it in front of me at the moment...
But I know I’ve read where all his offensive stats improve when he plays CF.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
I'd still like to see Byrd batting second.
Vs. RHP
Fukudome
Byrd
DLee
Aramis
Soriano
Soto
Baker/Fontenot
Theriot
Pitcher
I don’t mind Theriot batting leadoff vs. LHP because his career splits are quite strong there.
flip-flopping Baker/Fontenot and Byrd
is of little impact, they’re all pretty similar if you use the splits (as you suggest)
Byrd has a bit more speed which would be more useful at the bottom of the lineup where manufacturing runs is a bit more impt, but i wouldn’t quibble with your lineup either
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Mar 10, 2010 2:19 PM CST up reply actions
I would prefer...
…Byrd to be lower in the line-up. Say, sixth protecting Soto. Fonzie needs to be in the 8-hole until he learns better. It still leaves something of a gap in the two-spot, but Theriot has been serviceable.
"With Chance on first, and Evers on third,
Great things from the Cubs will soon be heard."
8 hole for Soriano
is a pretty bad idea if you’re frustrated by him swinging at breaking balls… most pitchers aren’t going to throw him anything straight if a pitcher was hitting behind him
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Mar 10, 2010 10:46 PM CST up reply actions
Soto 8th..
I think the key with him is to get some AB’s in the max number of games. Since his offensive potential is, theoretically, so much better than his replacement, you want to avoid as many games as possible where he doesn’t get a few at bats, but keep him fresh enough to play a lot of games. However, many would say “screw it” – his bat is so good he should be higher:
by DisCUBbobulated on Mar 10, 2010 2:14 PM CST up reply actions
the AB's
don’t wear him down, its the 9 innings behind the plate
you want to maximize his offensive potential when able to play
you’re not going to save him any extra games by cutting 1 PA per game from his total
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Mar 10, 2010 2:21 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed.
Though we can hope it ends up only being marginally important and not decisive of anything.
by CubsWin!Oregon on Mar 10, 2010 3:22 PM CST up reply actions
And SF Giants at Chicago Cubs baseball via mlb.com gameday audio...
…is on the air!!!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Where?
" It’s spring fever - you don’t know what it is you want, but it fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so. "--Mark Twain
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 10, 2010 2:27 PM CST up reply actions
Will be working today.
I’ll try my best to post my flag when we win.
GO CUBS GO!
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 10, 2010 1:54 PM CST reply actions
Fuld vs Colvin
While Fuld is a truly admirable, hard-working player, at 28 we have likely seen his ceiling already – which has been fine.
Colvin’s only 24, is a lefty, has good speed, and can drive the ball well – he obviously isn’t as refined as fuld right now, but maybe not as far off as some would think – and he makes up for it with his bat. I’m all for Colvin if the choice is between Fuld and him and he plays well enough to make it a race. If nothing else, we can solidify him as a strong young prospect and trade him at the deadline for a second-baseman.
by DisCUBbobulated on Mar 10, 2010 2:05 PM CST reply actions
the player with the higher upside
should be getting consistent ABs until a full-time role is needed.
There’s no point in bringing Colvin up to grab the 100-200 PA’s we need out of our 5th OF
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Mar 10, 2010 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
agreed
Colvin is a legit top-4 of type under team control until 2013 or so
Under control though 2015
The Cubs may regret starting the clock ticking by bringing him up last Sept and Lou let him rot on the bench for most of it.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 2:20 PM CST up reply actions
i dont believe
the arb clock starts for sept call-ups
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Mar 10, 2010 2:23 PM CST up reply actions
Fuld is a bench player, Colvin might be a starter someday
He should get the playing time in the minors. He is not significantly better than Fuld at this point. Fuld has the edge in defense & running, Colvin in power. Either he is trade bait or he plays in AAA.
Fuld has options left, but nothing left to prove. I suspect Hendry would trade him for a “d” prospect if he does not make the team
just to give him a chance to play. He does that sort of thing and it would be the right thing in this case.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 10, 2010 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
Why trade...
…if the problems, as suggested, can be solved in house? You move The Riot to 2B, and Castro gets the call up to fill SS.
You’d want more out of a potential Colvin trade.
"With Chance on first, and Evers on third,
Great things from the Cubs will soon be heard."
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