Hi Yo, Silva: Cubs Pitching Shuts Down Rangers In 4-1 Win
by Al Yellon on Mar 16, 2010 6:45 PM CDT
in Recaps
127 comments
MESA, Arizona -- Look, I realize it's early, and Carlos Silva could still be bad.
But today he was good. VERY good, as in enough-to-be-the-fifth-starter good. Will it continue? We don't know yet, but as I've been saying, it's still far too early to write him off.
On a sun-kissed day when the game time temperature was 75 (and reached 82 by game's end), Silva and four other Cubs pitchers shut down the Rangers for a 4-1 win this afternoon in Mesa. Silva gave up only two singles and hit one batter, and otherwise he was on his game. Of the 12 outs he recorded, three were by strikeout and five by ground ball -- no walks, meaning he was throwing strikes and keeping the ball down in the zone, exactly what he needs to do to succeed. He was also helped out by a nice diving grab by Mike Fontenot of an Elvis Andrus line drive in the first inning.
The Rangers had only one other hit, a solo homer to right field by top Texas prospect Justin Smoak off Marcos Mateo in the seventh inning. The Cub pitching staff combined for 12 strikeouts and only one walk (by Esmailin Caridad) today. James Russell threw a scoreless ninth with two K's -- granted, against Rangers subs.
The hitters, meanwhile, did just enough, putting together four straight hits in a nice two-out, nobody-on rally in the third off Neftali Feliz, who was supposed to go four innings, but got pulled after three. C.J. Wilson, pitching the final four frames for Texas, gave up the Cubs' other run, a solo homer to deep CF by Jeff Baker. Xavier Nady doubled twice today. Poor Micah Hoffpauir -- a year ago some here were saying he should replace Derrek Lee -- went 0-for-4, struck out twice, and is now hitting .120. I'm afraid Micah's future may be in Japan. (D-Lee and Aramis Ramirez, both out with minor injuries, should return on Thursday.)
Today's game was played in front of a sellout of 13,157 (somewhat of a surprise on a Tuesday, bringing the spring average after seven dates to 10,689) in a very quick 2:08. More of my personal impressions after the jump.
HoHoKam Park looks pretty much the same as it has over the last several seasons. There was a large booth just outside the main concourse where Fergie Jenkins and several baseball players from his era and later were signing autographs. Today's group included Pete LaCock, George Foster, Gaylord Perry, Rollie Fingers, Ron Robinson and Bill Buckner.
Concession choices appeared to be the same as last year, only more expensive. I heard about a "bison burger" being sold down the RF line -- never got over there, will have to check that out later. As for the souvenirs, particularly clothing... really, HoHoKams? $35 for a low-rise cap? $81 for a pullover? Despite the prices, there was a long line at the cash register, although I didn't really see what anyone was buying. Nothing was bought by me today. Parking is still $5 and the ticket prices are still in "reasonable" range, especially the lawn ticket at $8 -- but those souvenir prices are major-league or maybe even a little higher.
For a while before the game it appeared that the teams were going to attempt to confuse us. Both the Cubs and Rangers have a player named "Chad Tracy". The Cubs started their version at 3B today, and the Rangers were going to start their Chad Tracy, a 24-year-old 1B/OF who had 107 RBI in Double-A last year, at DH. At the last minute Texas' Tracy was scratched, though, for Smoak, who "smoaked" that HR for the Rangers' only run into the RF bullpen.
Nice to see some of the spring regulars as well as BCB readers BigJohnAz and mrcubsfan (who is here from Iowa). And always nice to see baseball in the sunshine and a Cubs win. Maybe Carlos Silva will be productive after all. We don't need him to do much -- just throw five or six innings much like today's as a fifth starter. I've said all along that Silva's upside is Jason Marquis. We'd take that.
Enjoy the off day tomorrow. Ryan Dempster throws against the Dodgers in Glendale on Thursday.
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I dunno Al
remember all the teeth gnashing about Marquis and his salary for a fifth starter? Just kidding sort of but anything we get out of Silva would be a bonus as fas as I’m concerned.
Yes, there was teeth gnashing about Marquis' salary.
But he did what was asked of him.
Now, it’s a different situation with Silva. We are stuck with paying him, so any production he gives the team is a bonus.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
We only need an innings eater...
If he can keep us in the game with a 4.5 ERA or so, we’ll take it.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
And potentially for only a few starts before Lily returns . . .
He’s looking more like a #6 starter than a #5 anyway.
I wish they would have shown
Bakers homerun on Sports Nite tonight but they didn’t. Sounds like it was a fun game to watch.
I posted this in another thread but Lou said tonight the players wanted to have a Karaoke Idol contest with the rooks/young guys. The judges are Demp, DLee, Millar and Aramis. He said the clubhouse is a lot of fun right now.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
Ba-bum Tsssssssss.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Lol. That's awful.
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'.
Hey. what am I, chopped liver? LOL
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Bison food...
If you don’t get to try it at HoHoKam, you;ll be able to at Wrigley.
Apparently the Rickett’s have a bison farm or two, and the burgers and hotdogs will be found throughout the ballpark. Bison hotdogs will even be vended in the seats.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
I knew I had heard that somewhere.
Yes, apparently it’s the same bison from the Ricketts farm that’s being served in Mesa.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
There was a bison farm for a lot of years in Traverse City that sold some of the meat to local eateries.
I’m not a big burger fan, but apparently a bison burger is quite good according to those who have had one.
"Look, what do you want me to do?"
Yes, the Oleson's bison farm is still here
still very good.
Kind of weird in that it is very juicy (if not overdone) yet claims to be lower in fat than beef. I’ve never seen a bison dog, though.
Plevalean is also still here ;)
it always makes me laugh when the waiter asks if I’d like my vegetarian burger rare, medium, or well done. I guess there’s like 5% beef in it.
They had samples at the convention
Their big promotion was obviously that the dogs/burgers would be available at Wrigley this year
They were very good IMO
"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
21 Pitches!
I am astonished that Silva only through that many! Three strikeouts with three pitches and the other 12 batters he faced either were hit, had a hit, or made out on the first pitch he threw! Is this a good thing that he was getting everybody to swing on the first pitch and make contact?…I noticed that many of the balls in play were as Al pointed out grounders, which is fantastic!
Yes, it's a very good thing if he can get that sinker working.
You saw the good results today.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Uh, was that Gameday saying 21 pitches?
Cause they had Z throw only 12 pitches in 3 innings the day before. I don’t think that’s accurate…
"Look, what do you want me to do?"
Maddux-like in terms of pitch efficiency
Could it be that the MadDog helped Rothschild in picking up the flaw in Silva’s motion?
Some were saying Hoff would replace Lee?
I think you mean one person was saying Hoff would replace Lee. Everyone else (me) seemed to think he could provide help off the bench, but didn’t expect much more.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
No.
ISTR hearing it from more than one person here.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I know you don't listen to sports talk radio
(and you’re much better of a man than I am for that), but there were sports talk radio hosts that were advocating Hoff over D-Lee. Yes, that right – hosts. The one in particular that I remember was Harry Teinowitz.
It was fashionable a year ago at this time.
by jerry morales rules on Mar 17, 2010 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Heh... that was funny stuff.
I remember one dude here nearly had a coronary trying to defend the idea. Wonder if he’s still around.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Mar 17, 2010 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Go back to April/May of last year.
It was more than one person.
there were a few
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 16, 2010 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I was one of 'em. Albeit I wasn't a poster back then.
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'.
I was one of them,
I honestly thought Lee was finished, he was hitting sub .200 until June (or was it May?). Lee’s resurgence was astonishing to see, he remembered how to hit for power. Hoffpauir was hitting the ball well early last season and showed good power. We were struggling to score runs and early on Lee was not getting the job done. Then he went on a tear for the rest of the season…
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Thanks for being honest and owning up. As I recall, there were quite a few
that shared your opinion.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 16, 2010 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Today's third base umpire was named "Will Robinson".
DANGER!!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
OT: uhhhhh...
Anyone else have that rude 4:04 am L. A. wakeup call? Man oh man, it was only a 4.4, but the sound of it coming woke me up, and the first jolt slammed my bed against the wall. Stupid Earth.
"You’re playing a baseball game. You’re not playing Tiddlywinks. There is competition, for God’s sake."— Lou Piniella
by PacificCub on Mar 16, 2010 7:18 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Glendale/LA border
It was very strange – the 5.4 in July 2008 was (by definition) 10x stronger, but twice the distance away. Felt almost exactly the same… except this time I was sleeping instead of working.
"You’re playing a baseball game. You’re not playing Tiddlywinks. There is competition, for God’s sake."— Lou Piniella
There was a similar wakeup call in Illinois not long ago.
But my family members who live near Chicago largely didn’t feel it.
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 16, 2010 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I felt it in Newport Beach
Kinda weird: a 4.4 @ 4:04
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
The only thing that would have made it more strange
Is if it had happened on April 4.
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 16, 2010 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I live in Santa Clarita, which is 25mi north of downtown.
My gf and I slept right through it. I’ve been here for 2 years and there has been 4 earthquakes and I haven’t felt one yet. I know they are scary, but I feel a little disappointed that I haven’t experienced one yet. The only one I have felt was the one that hit in Dekalb around 5 years ago.
Carbondale, Ill
In Sept 1990 I woke up to a 5.0 earthqake in college. Didn’t realize it at the time, but found out about it at my first class of the day. My bed rattled a bit, but thought it was just a dream.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
I slept right through it...
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 16, 2010 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Jimmy!
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 16, 2010 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Vermont!!
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 16, 2010 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions
If you can make it to Wrigley Field in July,
I’ve got an extra ticket to the bleachers.
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 16, 2010 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions
What day? I'm planning on coming back sometime this summer to see Goodie...
We are planning on going to a game, it would be cool to meet up… Thanks Vermont.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 16, 2010 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions
July 21.
I’ve got only two bleacher tickets, so if Goodie wants, he can get a ticket there too. I’ll be sitting with Al’s group in the bleachers, too.
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 16, 2010 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions
If you can make it,
Send me an email at the address listed on my profile so we can go over details.
KaliCub told me he was hoping you could go to Cubs/Dodgers in LA last August, but it didn’t work out.
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 16, 2010 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, that bummed me out...
Had just started a new job. I’ll start planning now, and let you know via e-mail.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 16, 2010 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Let me know asap,
So I can start planning it out (such as logistics on that day).
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 16, 2010 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions
At some point,
You and I should go to a game together. If not this season, there’s always next year.
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 17, 2010 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Jimmy:
Long time — You still in Ladera?
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
Oh hey man! It has been a long time... You still in MIssion?
I moved over to RSM in September, about a mile and a half from work- I ride a beach cruiser to work everyday!
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 16, 2010 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I moved to Newport...
…couldn’t stand the traffic on the 405 anymore. I’m digging it too!
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
excellent. glad you're liking it.
You are probably closer to the beach too.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 16, 2010 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions
You got some scotch in the house? I'm coming over!
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 16, 2010 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions
It's getting tough
to send Tyler Colvin down to Iowa. I don’t know where there is room for him, but he had a great second half in AA last season and he’s just looked awesome in ST. I still think his future is as a 4th outfielder, so I don’t think making him a 4th outfielder in the majors would really stunt his development.
It’s a nice problem to have. But I do think you have to reward a ST effort like Colvin has turned in.
Is Fuld
really going to be playing that much CF? I assume if Byrd is healthy he will play every day. So, who is the better left or right fielder: Colvin or Fuld? Since that is likely where either will play.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Fuld is going to cover more ground
anywhere on the diamond. Sam Fuld can’t hit. If he wasn’t such a great defensive OF, he’d be in graduate school already. Colvin’s arm might be slightly better, so they might be closer to even in right. But Fuld is just older and has more experience. Colvin DH’d half of last season because he couldn’t throw after off-season surgery, so that set him back a bit.
But I think Fuld would be a better defender anywhere on the diamond, although Colvin could good in left or right and passable in center.
With that
If Colvin continues to hit the ball, he should have a spot on the roster. It sounds that his defense is average to good and would not embarrass himself on the field. If this is the case, he replaces Sam.
Except, we already have fairly weak OF defense
with Soriano in left and Nady as our current 4th OF (although we’ll see if he ends up on the DL). Byrd has been decent, but he’s getting up there in age.
I’d like to keep Fuld on the roster because of his defense. If Nady isn’t quite ready to play the OF semi-regularly, I don’t mind Colvin keeping his spot warm as the corner OF, bigger bet, lesser glove 4th OF until Nady returns (at which point we’ll have more data to compare Fuld and Colvin to see who we send down).
Josh...
Fuld gets the speed edge as well, correct?
I’m slightly more optimistic on Sam’s offense than you appear to be (as in, I don’t see him as a liability)… but I see him as the more useful bench piece because of better defense and the ability to pinch run. This is even more important, IMO, given the OCD kid chasing dandelions parked in LF and Nady’s recovery table.
Absolutely
Fuld would be much more useful as a pinch runner.
Fuld can draw a walk, but I’m pretty confident that he’ll never be able to hit at anything other than a Neifi-istic level (plus the walks).
I know he's 24 and has spent a lot of time in the minors
but don’t you think given his setback with TJ surgery and lack of time at AAA it would be better to let him prove himself at that level, getting everyday playing time, rather than letting him sit on the bench only to pinch hit and be a defensive replacement? Given the age of our outfield, and specifically with Soriano in left, I have a feeling Colvin will get called upon sooner or later this season. It just seems like AAA is the best place for him to start the season so he doesn’t get in a funk for lack of playing time.
Sure, his ceiling is probably as a 4th outfielder, but why limit him to that before giving him the chance to prove himself as a starter in AAA? Besides, he’s not going to gain any trade value sitting on the bench in Chicago, whereas if he tears it up in AAA, somebody may want him if a spot never opens up on the big league club.
↑ This is how I feel as well. ↑
As long as there’s a chance Colvin could be a starter, the Cubs should pursue that route. Sam Fuld’s ceiling really does appear to be as a bench player, so he’s perfectly suited to that role.
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 17, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
When
did Colvin have Tommy John surgery? I know Nady had it, I don’t recall hearing that Colvin did too…
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
I don't personally think
anyone proves anything in AAA. It’s a dumping ground and a holding pen for talent on the way up or the way down.
In the majors he might sit more, but he’d have a lot more coaching. He’d be working with Rudy Jaramillo instead of Von Joahua, for example. Plus, he’d just be hitting off of better pitchers.
I’m not saying we have to keep Colvin over Fuld though. I think there’s a good argument to be made that Fuld’s defense and running abilities would help the team win more games in a limited capacity than Colvin’s bat would.
I’m just saying it’s tough to send him down.
At the same time though, Josh
Von Joshua isnt exactly a slouch of a hitting coach himself. Also he’d be working with Ryno in AAA, which may prove beneficial for him along with additional playing ground.
You may not prove much in AAA, but the guys there tend to throw a bit better breaking stuff, so it’ll give him a chance to practice on AAAA pitchers.
He's already worked with Ryno
in TN last year. Maybe Ryno has some magic touch that he responds to that the major league coaches don’t have. I don’t know. But I think he’d certainly benefit from working with major league coaches and hitting major league pitches, even if it wasn’t every day.
But again, I’m not saying we should do this. I’m just saying I don’t think we’re going to permanently stunt his development if we do.
btw Al....you probably know this already but Pat and Ron complimented and recommended the Maple St. Press Annual
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
Yes, I did know that.
Pat was so gracious in contributing the article and he’s been exceptionally nice to me every time I contact him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I caught that as well.
Ron said he’s been reading it on the treadmill.
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 17, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I didn't know you could do that with prosthetics....do you think he was serious?
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 17, 2010 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions
He sounded serious.
I think he could probably still use a treadmill (at lower speeds, of course).
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 17, 2010 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
he did sound serious and was....looked it up, you could and should if you have them
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 17, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Fail Whale is progressing
that is good…
Also Justin Smoak is going to be a monster…. Saw him play for three years in college and the ball just jumped off his bat from both sides and he played stellar defense.. Keep an eye on him. He is the real deal
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
I'm starting to get disappointed.
I have a feeling the Fail Whale nickname will die. If so, here’s to a 5th started, but there goes a great name.
I’ve said all along that Silva’s upside is Jason Marquis. We’d take that.
Agreed – Marquis did a serviceable job for us as a 5th starter and to get that level of production out of Silva would be serviceable again. But that’s his upside! We really shouldn’t be counting on his upside, should we? And to be fair, we really shouldn’t expect a massive fail whale every time out as well. Although if I were an arbitrator and had to choose one or the other, I’d probably go with the whale. But I digress…
So what is Silva’s average? What are the prognosticators saying? And whatever that is, are you willing to take that?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I was ready to write Silva off after that first awful start too, but you have to admit
he’s looked good the last 2 starts. AND, I keep forgetting about the Mad Dog factor. I think our pitching is going to be better than we think this season.
"Look, what do you want me to do?"
Well, you can check out...
…Silva’s projections on Fangraphs. But Bill James has him down for only 10 starts and CHONE for only 19. (And I’m not sure what to make of their fan projections.) In any case, the numbers aren’t pretty. My guess is Silva will pitch well enough to get one or two trial starts to begin the season. Where he goes from there is up to him. I’m keeping my expectations low. On the bright side, he does seem (at least from what I can tell from reading the news) to be genuinely enthusiastic about being a Cub and succeeding here.
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 17, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Those projections...
… are likely based mostly on last year, when he made only six starts due to injury.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Random question..
My girlfriend is headed to Mesa this weekend. Is there a guide on this site for places to see.go etc?? Anyone have a link or anything?
well, for starters, you can skim through this post
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/story/2007/1/30/23245/5960
You can find it (and other good reference info) on the right hand sidebar in a section called BCB Specials & Site Info. Some pretty good stuff in there.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Here is another link
5 to try: Where to go after Cactus League games
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Keep 'em coming.
I hope I need many more such headlines.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Like I said in the game thread
Houston, we have a pitcher.
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
@Twitter as @brommmietze
by eths on Mar 17, 2010 2:04 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
How about...
a play on the meaning of the last name. According to this, Silva means “trees or forest of a region”.
So if we’re missing the big picture, it is possible we “cannot see the Silva for the trees”.
Or you could rely on Forest Gump quotes.
How 'bout...
…Silva in Blue Turns Gold.
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 17, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
and see if you can imbed a MP3 file of "Fly Robin Fly" in the recap whenever he pitches
so we can all acknowledge the total musical awesomeness of the band “Silva Convention”…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Is that sung to the tune of "Ride Captain Ride"?
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 17, 2010 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Sun-kissed day
and Silva pitches four scoreless…with 21 pitches.
Sounds about perfect.
.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Mar 16, 2010 9:22 PM CDT reply actions
Don't forget the frosty Old Styles!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
The 3B Backup
for Aramis will be interesting. Aramis will be hurt again this year (I hope Vitters really develops this year in the minors) and as there is no DeRosa, I believe Chad Tracy will be de facto 3B sub. Fontenot was not good there last year, and Baker – meh…
Thanks to Al for the recap!
Silva still sucks. Wait until he faces a “real” MLB lineup in “primetime”.
Silva may not be "good" but
he is nowhere near as “bad” as many of us thought. Sample size is small, so I would still be leary about him being on the team. However like each and every player in Mesa, he deserves a fair chance.
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
@Twitter as @brommmietze
by eths on Mar 17, 2010 2:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
"Aramis will be hurt again this year"
How on earth can you predict that? Are you also predicting another stint on the 60-day DL or are you just saying he’ll get some bumps, bruises, and scrapes which will make him day-to-day for a couple of games here and there?
Knowing Rami’s history and age, I’m obviously not going to say that he’ll be healthy and ready to play for 162 games, but I’m also not going to say that he’s going to sit for a couple of months like he did last year. So which is it?
As for his backup, I’d probably trust Baker over Tracy. With his arm, I wouldn’t mind seeing Blanco give it a shot. Fontenot may deserve another chance, too – his problem last year was fatigue due to over-use. If he platoons with Baker at 2B, he could get enough rest to sub in effectively at 3B this season.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
How do I know?
He has been hurt every year with the team. He is hurt NOW! I would say a 15-day DL is assured for him – minimum. Its just how he “rolls” with what he has going on physically, and his age. Why do you think Mark DeRosa was signed originally? Because the year before A-Ram missed many games.
Frankly, even though he is really valuable when he plays, and I certainly believe he is top 5 or 6 in the NL, I hope that knucklehead Hendry takes a pass on signing him again if there are not significant PT incentives.
I would resign him,
he’s our most valuable player, at least in my opinion, and is our best run-producer. He does miss games though, from 2004 to 2009 (his full seasons as a Cub) he’s averaged 131 games played per season. He is a risk, yes. But I would resign him over D-Lee this off-season, assuming Ramirez opts out. Perhaps a move to first base in the future could help keep Ramirez on the field as well.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
by tripdenten on Mar 17, 2010 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
As for his backup, I’d probably trust Baker over Tracy.
Amen.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 17, 2010 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd reiterate the question.
Baker looked pretty damn good at third base in the game in Vegas this past weekend. He made a couple great plays and his throws looked strong.
by dat cubfan daver on Mar 17, 2010 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Fools gold...
Watched Silva for years with the Twins. The worst thing for the Cubs is for Silva to fool anybody into thining he can pitch. His “sinker” has been non-existent for about 4 years.
Didn’t see/hear the game, but 21 pitches in 4 innings doesn’t tell me Silva was good…it tells me the Rangers were in a hurry.
"I'm gonna make you cry...I'm gonna make you cry and dip my cookie in your tears!!!"
Wouldn't that be: Fool's Silva ???
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
@Twitter as @brommmietze
Just to clarify
I don’t think it was 21 pitches – I think gameday was just incorrect.
Can Silva hit like
Jason Marquis. I remember him smoking some homeruns, and a grand slam one evening. I do have one question about Silva. Has this one start put him ahead of Sean Marshall and his several good outings this spring? It seems to me that Marshall has done the best overall when compared to Silva, and Samardiza.
Are you assuming that Lilly will be back in April?
Because if not, you’re looking at filling two rotation spots. The field then widens to include Shark, Silva, Gorzo, and Marshall. Of those, two have proven in recent years that they can be effective starters and two have not.
If I’m the manager, I’d give the nod to Marshall as a 4th starter and keep Gorzelanny as the 5th starter/long-reliever. Silva stays in the ’pen and keeps getting work on the side and Samardzija goes to Iowa to see what Ryno can make of him.
When Lilly returns (assuming Wells doesn’t get all sophomore-slumpy on us), that’s when the real questions start to arise. If Silva is producing some good innings, the smart thing to do may be to see who we can get for Gorzelanny.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Mar 17, 2010 4:40 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
@Twitter as @brommmietze
by eths on Mar 17, 2010 7:45 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Well, its looking like Lilly will be back early April.
He is already close to throwing live BP, fairly soon he will get into some Cactus League games. do we really need a 5th starter until Lilly gets back? Way I see it, we are really having a few guys fighting for one spot.
I'd love to be wrong
but I’m not going to buy into Silva until he puts 3 or 4 good starts together in the regular season. I find it hard to believe he just all of the sudden remembered how to pitch.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Remember, he was injured a lot of the last two years.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I appreciate your optimism Al...
But even when he was healthy with Minnesota, the guy flat out stunk. Even in his “good” years, he seemed to get about 5 awesome defensive plays behind him to save his ass. Unless we are bringing an in-his-prime Torii Hunter and the rest of the Twins elite defense from that era with him, Silva will be a failure.
I truly shudder to think about Carlos Silva pitching at Wrigley in July with the wind blowing out. I guess the “good news” is that he will have pitched himself out of the rotation by then.
"I'm gonna make you cry...I'm gonna make you cry and dip my cookie in your tears!!!"
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