What's Wrong With Carlos Marmol? Closer Pounded In 5-2 Cubs Loss
by Al Yellon on Mar 26, 2010 7:17 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintMESA, Arizona -- Today's game felt like a regular season loss. And that's not good, because normally, spring losses not only don't really matter, but they don't feel like anything, really -- just baseball being played in a different way than you see during the regular season.
The Cubs lost 5-2 to the Athletics when Carlos Marmol imploded in the ninth inning. It wasn't a save situation, but Marmol was warming up when the Cubs had runners on second and third and one out in the bottom of the eighth and it appeared that they'd take the lead. A slick over-the-shoulder catch by, of all people, former Cub Eric Patterson and an accurate throw to the plate to get Kosuke Fukudome trying to score got the A's out of that inning tied 2-2. (And yes, that was a worthwhile scoring chance to take.) Earlier in the game, Marlon Byrd's HR to left landed about 20 feet to my left, too far away to dive for it.
The entire game, actually, was played by Lou in more of a regular-season mode. It was probably the Opening Day lineup on the field, including Carlos Zambrano, and Z looked sharp. He gave up a run early, then settled down and should have given up nothing else, except that Ryan Theriot dropped a catchable pop behind SS. It wasn't his ball -- that kind of ball should be taken by the left fielder -- but Alfonso Soriano was slow getting to the ball (knees still bothering him? No hops again today), and Theriot called for it. At the last second Soriano called him off it, and the ball dropped out of Theriot's glove for an error; the runner eventually scored, an unearned run. Z struck out six.
Then James Russell and Jeff Samardzija, both newly assigned to the bullpen, came in and threw effective setup innings. Sounds good, right?
It was good until Marmol came in and gave up a long home run to Travis Buck -- that one needed no help from the 25 MPH wind howling to right field -- hit the next batter he faced, gave up another pair of hits sandwiched around a forceout, and had to be relieved by Justin Berg, who ended the inning with a strikeout-throwout double play.
This is just not good. Marmol was supposed to be ready for these kinds of situations; instead it looked like "Bad Marmol" from last year. Fortunately, this one didn't mean anything. But after worrying about the rest of the bullpen makeup for most of this month, let's hope we don't have to be worried about the closer.
After the jump, a few more thoughts about the bullpen and rotation assignments announced earlier today.
This morning, Lou announced that Carlos Silva and Tom Gorzelanny would go to the rotation and Jeff Samardzija and Sean Marshall would be in the bullpen, with James Russell named to the final bullpen slot.
This leaves the pen as: Carlos Marmol, John Grabow, Esmailin Caridad, Justin Berg, Samardzija, Marshall and Russell.
Presuming today's Marmol explosion was an aberration, that's actually a pen I like. I would have preferred Marshall in the rotation, but Gorzelanny has shown enough that he might just be OK. The Cubs will have three lefthanders (Grabow, Marshall and Russell) in the pen for the first time since Lou Piniella became manager. This is a good thing, because it (hopefully) will prevent Lou from wasting Marshall, who can easily go a couple of innings at a time and retire both RHB and LHB, as a LOOGY. Perhaps Russell can be the LOOGY. I'm guessing that Russell will go back to Iowa when Ted Lilly returns, with whoever does worst (let's hope for the best!) between Silva and Gorzelanny joining the pen. Gorz is out of options, so he couldn't be sent down without clearing waivers. Russell is not yet on the 40-man roster, but the 40-man stands at 39 (and will be at 38 when Angel Guzman is placed on the 60-day DL), so there's room for him.
Samardzija is far better suited to relieving than starting -- he showed that during some key pennant race games in 2008. He looked good today in one inning of work. He might be the key to the pen -- if effective, he might even step in and become a primary setup man. I like Berg and Caridad; both were effective late last year in games against playoff contenders. While it's true that the pen has little experience, sometimes guys come out of nowhere. How many times have we seen relievers throw well against the Cubs and say, "Who IS that guy?" Well, now the Cubs have a chance to do that to other teams' fans.
But Carlos Marmol has to be better than today, his worst outing of the spring. Let's hope it was just an aberration. Tomorrow, Carlos Silva goes against the Padres' Clayton Richard. The Padres will be bringing a split squad to Mesa.
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It was a pretty good game till the 9th inning.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Soriano's speed and other observations from section 114
From my seat in section 114, I have to say it was painful to watch Soriano run. It isn’t as if he is hobbled by a specific injury. He just reminds me of an arthritic dog. He wants to run fast, he knows he used to be able to run fast, but when he tries to go into fourth and fifth gear, it just isn’t there. It’s kind of sad to watch.
The dropped pop-up was just bad communication. Baseball common sense says Soriano should have called Theriot off, but for whatever reason, he didn’t.
I thought Fukudome’s attempt to score on the popup was a liitle optimistic. It took a good, not great, throw to get him at the plate. With Soriano coming up (I think), I don’t think Fukudome should have gone.
As for the bottom of the ninth, Chris Robinson wouldn’t have batted if the Cubs hadn’t already burned through most of their bench (Colvin was on deck when the final out was recorded).
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
Agreed on Soriano.
I suspect this is the reason he isn’t hopping — he just doesn’t want to land on that leg. In fact, it makes the catches easier to make.
That was definitely Soriano’s ball — he waited too long to call it; Theriot had called him off and had it, but when Soriano then called him off at the last second, that led to the error.
I thought Fukudome going was a reasonable risk in a tie game in spring training. If there’s any time to try that move, a meaningless spring game is the time.
Nice to have met you today, Ross.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If there’s any time to try that move, a meaningless spring game is the time.
That I agree with. I like aggressive baseball, and in certain situations (pitcher or other Aaron Miles-like bat on deck, for example, you can give it a go.
One thing we didn’t talk about – the play at the plate where the guy was out by about 10 feet, yet was called safe. I am guessing he got in under the tag… not sure how though.
Nice meeting you too, Al. You are exactly as I pictured you . :) I’ll try to swing by tomorrow.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
Yeah, that tag play looked pretty wrong, even from the berm.
Hope to see you tomorrow, and any other BCB’ers who will be at the game.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I like aggressive baseball, and in certain situations (pitcher or other Aaron Miles-like bat on deck, for example, you can give it a go.
Sad part is that the guy on deck was Soriano.
"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
This is what I feared
I have a gut feeling in 2011 he will be our starting 1B…
We can discuss more when the 2010 season is over
But I figure Cubs will either resign Lilly or Lee but not both. Unless Lee produces similar numbers as last year I see them resigning Lilly for two reasons:
1) In 2012 there will be potentially a lot of options for 1B.
2) If they move Soriano to 1B its for health reasons and they have Colvin who can play every day in LF.
In a perfect world,
it would be nice to see the Cubs acquire a quality arm. Because while I do believe in Marmol – I think it would be foolish to believe that he is going to be 100% effective as a closer. While Marmol has the stuff – he can be wildly inconsistent.
2010 is OUR year.
You're right about "a perfect world".
Serious question: what “quality arm” would you go after, who is both a) available and b) would not cost too much in prospects?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Heath Bell
would be someone I would ask about. It depends on what is “too much”. I wouldn’t give up more than a package of Jay Jackson, and Ryan Flaherty for him.
2010 is OUR year.
Nope
This Cub team is too flawed and too much in payroll hell to go out and make a trade right now. Hold onto the prospects, bite down on the pillow and hope for a better future. 2010 could be ugly, but mortgaging the future in stupid hope of becoming competitive now is not the route to go.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Almost agree with this
But I think our rotation and bullpen will maintain a good level until Lilly comes back. Wait until the trade deadline, and see ehat we need at that point.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
And Lilly may be back...
… after missing only a couple of starts.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
True, which only makes our pitching depth stronger
You know injuries will happen. I am not concerned about marmol’s meltdown. it happens to all closers at one point.
I refuse to drink the kool aid
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Really?
bite down on the pillow
Restatements of derogatory, homophobic phrases are allowed around here, now?
"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
BLou
just wants you to close your eyes and think of England.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 26, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Moooon riverrr!
You using the whole fist there, doc?
"There's more to life than profits...like, you know, slurpees and stuff." ~Randy Marsh
Dr. Jellyfinger I presume
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Mar 27, 2010 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I would have had no idea this referred to anything gay
except you said so. If everyone understands it that way, then I agree it should not be used in BCB discussion.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
Yeah, I had no idea either.
I just thought it was a way to tell someone to take out their anger or frustration in a way that wouldn’t hurt anyone. But once it was pointed out I remembered a joke that I didn’t quite get and it clicked.
"Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air."-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Mar 27, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Really Clutch?
Let’s be a little more sensitive. I know its BLou ‘n all, but come one. You’re grasping at straws here.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
Normally, I'd agree with you and laugh it off
Trust me, I’ve been in waters infested with far worse sharks.
But this is not one of those places, and he has started treading this line recently. It needs to stop now, and I have no way of creating that change except through what I am doing here – pointing it out and hoping that someone with more authority than me can do something about it. If this progresses, I will remove myself from this community as it is unwilling or unable to keep a leash on some of it’s more vile members.
"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
Again, lets wait until later on before the trade
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
And Al,
your not interested in playing Fantasy Baseball this year are you? Got a spot open – would be nice to have someone with your perspective and knowledge of the game in the league.
2010 is OUR year.
I could, I guess...
…. email me some details and I’ll consider it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Brown Noser
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Mar 26, 2010 9:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Blou checking in from Florida
On vacation. Gorgeous 72 degrees this evening.
Carlos Marmol getting lit up – the WAY he got lit up – sends shivers. For if he is unable to be borderline dominant, an already highly dubious pitching staff could implode outright by June 1st.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Link you might want to read.
Paul Sullivan says Lou looked at video of Marmol and says his mechanics are off. They’ll work on those soon.
Note this gibes with what azjazzman says below. If they can fix that, he should be fine.
Thanks for being reasonable with this post. I happen to agree: a dominant Marmol is a necessity.
Enjoy your vacation.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well...
With all due respect to Paul Sullivan, every time a pitcher gives up a hit or a hitter goes 0-4 implies “mechanics being off.”
Lou Piniella the video doctor? What on earth makes anybody comfortable with Lou diagnosing his pitchers via video review. And where is the esteemed Larry Rothschild in all of this.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
In fact...
… the article specifically states that Larry was going to work on it with Marmol tomorrow.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Don't confuse him with the facts.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
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 26, 2010 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions
seriously
every manager does this.
seriously?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 26, 2010 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually what I am saying
is just the opposite of what Sullivan is saying. I am saying his mechanics were terrible before. They are much better now.
Unfortunately, the better mechanics have resulted in less action on his breaking pitches, which make it easier to hit.
Well then....
… they need to fix that, or unfix what they fixed.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Baseball is a game of adjustments
They made adjustments when Marmol was giving up too many walks, but now a new problem has cropped up that he didn’t have before…giving up the long ball. So, more adjustments. BLou knows that, despite his carping.
Here's my observation on Marmol
which was made to Doggie Stalker after seeing him give up a lead in Surprise earlier this week.
I saw Carlos pitch in Spring Training last year and his mechanics were really messed up. This carried over to the first part of the regular season. Watching him this year, it is obvious that they have worked with him long and hard to clean up his mechanics. His delivery is much smoother and his balance is much better than it was.
I am sure this was an attempt to get him to reduce the number of walks he was giving up.
However, it is also clear that his “slurve” does not consistently have the severe, late breaking action that it used to have. I saw him throw it and get some strike outs, but I have also seen it “flatten out”.
My guess is that his delivery mechanics are still a work in progress, and the desire to have a repeatable release point to cut down on walks will have to be balanced against the negative impact it is having upon his “out” pitch.
The magnitude of Soriano's injury does NOT compute with his "rehab issues"
Soriano had a relatively minor procedure done that 9 out of 10 ballplayers come back healthy and rarin’ to go within 8 weeks to 10 weeks max.
You draw your own conclusions. But I’m calling b.s. Just like I called b.s. last season when this mystical injury was used as the 11th hour excuse for his wretched season.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
I confess. It was my fault
Have not seen a pitch of Cubs baseball since I left AZ on Tuesday. My hotel gets WGN so I snuck up to see an inning before dinner and as SOON AS I TURNED on the TV, Marmol gave up the HR followed by the next two runs.
Sorry
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
We were wondering if you were watching.
Don’t watch tomorrow.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Is it on WGN?
I won’t watch as I will be in films straight till about 6. Game would still be on here, but I figure
if I can’t watch it from the start, I won’t watch it.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 26, 2010 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions
OK I promise not to watch
since I can not see it from the start
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 27, 2010 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I felt good about the team up until the appearance of the "other" Marmol
I thought they were strong and playing well together (with the usual exceptions). Makes me optimistic for 2010.
you can’t get much by that #$%@ ballhawk -- LT
Let's just hope this is an aberration.
Because if we don’t have someone who can effectively close games, it’ll be last year all over again. Hopefully Larry and Lou will straighten him out before the season starts. This isn’t the only shaky outing he’s had this Spring. But, I’m confident he’ll be ready on Opening Day.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." -- Alvin Dark
It's always seemed to me with Marmol it's 50-50 which one is going to show up
God help us if he suffers another crisis of confidence. That’s painful to witness.
you can’t get much by that #$%@ ballhawk -- LT
Definately agree with you.
Because you don’t know which Carlos you’re going to get. He can either be dominant or absolutely terrible. When he’s good, he’s really good. When he’s bad, he’s really bad. That’s why even if we’re up 5 or 6 runs in the 9th and Marmol is in, I’ll still be nervous.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." -- Alvin Dark
Someone needs to tell him he just made the All-Star team.
Worked the last time.
"There's more to life than profits...like, you know, slurpees and stuff." ~Randy Marsh
as I said yesterday, is one of the reasons annointing him the closer before this season
was absolutely idiotic.
But I expect nothing less from Jim and Lou
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Mar 27, 2010 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
2008-2009
The two previous years we have went thru a lot of pain, but I have been a cub fan for more then sixty years and I say the two teams in the past two years are much better then Lou will put on the field this season, if only they would have signed Edmonds and J. Dye
Hope they bring up someone you can run the bases soon. No speed in left or at third
Welcome to BCB.
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 Mar 27, 2010 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Was just going to ask that same question.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." -- Alvin Dark
Muskat had a brief note on it
31 pitches…He threw fastballs and changeups, no curves.
"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
He wanted to be fair to the minor leaguers.
A Ted Lilly twelve-to-sixer has the power to kill a minor leaguer. It paralyzes Major Leaguers from the knees down.
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 Mar 27, 2010 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I am not that
confident with Marmol, but what do you do. Over pay for Wagner, trade a ton for Bell or before Wood got hurt ( plus take on money), and heaven forbid bring back Kevin Gregg. Marmol needs to get his act together, or the option I would look at is Jason Fraser.
Frasor would cost too much in terms of prospects.
Plus, he has about as much experience closing as Marmol.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I agree with Grock though...
I really hope they have a “Plan B” in mind if Marmol can’t handle closing because otherwise it’s going to be a long season.
by bluekoolaide on Mar 26, 2010 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Experience
is one thing, throwing the ball across the plate and hitting batters is the other. It is not like the Cubs are trading for an elite bullpen arm. I am sure it would cost two prospects, but both top tier I don’t think. The Cubs have a ton of middle infielders that could be part of the package.
As someone who’s watched both the Cubs and the Blue Jays for many years, I can tell you that Jason Frasor has got the right make-up to be a closer, and since adding a changeup to his arsenal last year he has the pitches to be very effective. If the Cubs were somehow able to acquire Frasor it would be a great addition to the bullpen.
by TakeoutArtist on Mar 27, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Couldn't agree more with Al re: This didn't feel like a ST game, it felt like last year.
GIDP with RISP (remember who did that). Theriot 0 for too much. Failure to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities – giving up unecessary runs with meh defense. And Marmol – he drives me nuts sometimes. Man.. I hope this is in an aberration.
by DisCUBbobulated on Mar 26, 2010 9:32 PM CDT reply actions
I like this
While it’s true that the pen has little experience, sometimes guys come out of nowhere. How many times have we seen relievers throw well against the Cubs and say, “Who IS that guy?” Well, now the Cubs have a chance to do that to other teams’ fans.
This no bueno…
Bad Marmol from last year.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
except.......
How many times have we seen relievers throw well against the Cubs and say, "Who IS that guy?" Well, now the Cubs have a chance to do that to other teams’ fans.
Had more to do with the Cubs batters taking a horrible approach against guys they’d never seen before.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Mar 27, 2010 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Especially against
unknown lefties that throw junk, and can’t exceed 90mph on the radar gun.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
re Marmol: its easy
a Carlos has to look bad weekly, either Silve, Zambrano or Marmol, it was just his turn
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
Does it have to be one of *our* Carloses, though?
There are lots of others who can take turns – Beltran, Delgado, Lee, etc.
"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
I would have liked to
seen Marshall in the rotation too, but it kind of makes sense that he’s in the pen. Him doing so well and arguably better than Gorz could have landed him in the pen don’t you think? What I’m saying is Marshall is like the veteran in the pen now, and him doing so well will be good for the others in the pen. Also him pitching so well will help the bullpen. Think about it, if you had put Silva in the pen and Marshall in the rotation, then you’d have a very young, but good, starting rotation, and a not so good bullpen. Now that Silva is in the rotation you have a good and average rotation, and a not so bad bullpen. Marshall just makes the bullpen look better, and Silva would have just hurt the pen. I like the move!
Yeah, I think having Marshall in the pen
strengthens it, and he seems more suited to the pen than either Gorz, or Silva.
I seem to be agreeing with Blou a lot, is there something wrong with me? He he.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Not to get nitpicky here but...
The guy who caught the shallow fly and threw out Kosuke in the 8th wasn’t Eric Patterson.
Wasn't it Pennington coming over from SS on a high pop-up?
"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
You sure?
I was sure it was the 2B. Maybe it was Pennington. In any case, it was a nice throw.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
and contrary to what you said
a dumb ass decision by Dome. I’ll take some solace in the fact that I don’t THINK he would have done that if it had been a tie game in the regular season.
Even if we’re up by one or two runs, and it’s earlier in the game I could see him doing that, but in the 8th inning…in a tie game, and that only being the second out? No ending the inning by being thrown out after a pop up just behind second base was not a smart play
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Mar 27, 2010 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I was watching it on TV and it was the SS
I liked the aggressive running from Kosuke. It looked like Pennington and the CF were going to collide, but he made a nice move and quick throw that was good enough to cut down the run.
Thanks for the clarification.
Now that I think of it, Eric Patterson could never make a play like that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
So... we're looking at another season of Theriot playing SS and LF simultaneously.
LOL.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
My thoughts exactly
This entire thread brings up a whole bunch of the bad of last season. Not to be a downer but we have Soriano questions, Ramirez (“The least of our problems”-Lou) still hurting, Theriot defensive issues, Lee missing time, Marmol wild. I just hope that Geo’s new you approach and the addition of Byrd translate into runs. We are going to need them.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Mar 27, 2010 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
This team should have a rule:
Soriano is NOT ALLOWED to call off anyone for a fly ball.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
They really need to work on their
communication issues. Either one can make the play in these situations but far too many times last season this situation turned into a grass stained ball. Need a plan.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Mar 27, 2010 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
To be fair in 2008
We also had “Soriano questions,” “Theriot defensive issues” and “Marmol wild…” among other issues but aside from that flaccid playoff we did quite well.
you can’t get much by that #$%@ ballhawk -- LT
Ummm, that's not really accurate
Marmol walked 24 more batters in 13 LESS innings last year compared to 2008
and Soriano was making up for his defensive shortcomings by hitting .280 with 29 homers and still stealing 19 bases.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Mar 27, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
we all know
what we get from marmol. absolute perfection or total meltdown. not a good quality for a closer. carlos has wanted this job for a while now so heres your chance carlos.silva and gorz in the rotation means this might be a long ugly season. lets hope everyone performs like they can and we might be alright.
Well-on the bright side,
the other Carlos pitched well, right?
"Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air."-Pat Hughes
Caridad?
Does Caridad have closer “stuff”? Maybe he’s the ninth inning guy despite his lack of experience?
His extreme lack of experience is the red flag there
IMHO, he’s got the right mix of pitches and talent to be a closer someday, but how well he can throw it against major leaguers every other day is a very open question.
Just think about this scenario: If the Cubs were up by 1 run and Pujols was due up in the bottom of the 9th, who would you rather trust with the ball? Right now, the answer still has to be Marmol, despite his rough outing yesterday.
"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
I think it's funny........
How one bad appearance from Marmol can freak everyone out. No closer has 100% save percentage, and it’s still Spring Training.
One?
He was terribly inconsistent last year and he has been atrocious this spring. He’s allowed 14 runners in 8 innings this spring. It’s a small sample size I know, but it continues his trends from last year of walking or hitting too many batters. The 14 K’s in those eight innings are great, the 5 earned runs are not.
by FrankSereno on Mar 27, 2010 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
except this is more about evoking the exact same Marmol we saw all last year
If this inning had come out of nowhere, your argument would be valid. It didn’t so it’s not
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Mar 27, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
It's spring training......
And he’s working through changes in his mechanics….and by the way, do you EVER have ANYTHING positive to say? I’ve read through your posts on multiple threads, and your name should be “Debbie Downer” or perhaps “Mr. Positivity”…….
I'm really liking that the clock is down to a single digit.
"Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air."-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Mar 27, 2010 10:08 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Green.
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 Mar 27, 2010 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
To me, this didn't feel like a regular game.
I can’t help but not be concerned over ST games. Truth being told, we don’t know what players are doing. We don’t know what Catchers are calling.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
Agree With Al
Sitting there, I kept remarking to my buddy David that it felt like a regular season game. Zambrano and the rest of the starters went deep into the game. It also felt like a regular game when Marmol came in and blew it. I really hope this doesn’t become the norm for him.
Just got back from a walk to Starbucks from the hotel. It is SO beautiful outside today. The smell of flowers is in the air and there’s not a cloud in the sky. The breeze isn’t as nice as yesterday so it may be a hot one at the ballpark. Plenty of Old Styles will keep me cool!
"...but you the living, you're stuck here with the Cubs. So it is ME who feels sorry for you." - Steve Goodman, "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request"
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