What One Cubs Move Would You Make?
by Al Yellon on May 17, 2010 8:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs News
Email
PrintWhile we await tonight's game against the Rockies, I have a question for you to ponder.
We've discussed many possible changes to the Cubs as they struggle through the early part of this season.
So if you were in charge -- and could make ONE change, and ONE only, to the team, what would you do?
It's too easy to say "fire Jim Hendry", or "fire Lou Piniella" -- many of us here have posted one or the other of those, or both, and although I still think it's time for Lou to hang it up, I'm looking for other creative suggestions that would help this team.
So what say you? You've got ONE change, to be made right now. What would it be?
722 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Swap Colvin and Fuld
Minimal impact, but they aren’t helping their future with the current set up.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Did Jessica hack into Badgers account?
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm still unconvinced that 2010 is salvageable
But 2011 is.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Play Colvin
on a rotating basis through the outfield. Gives our starters a day off on a regular basis as gets him 4-5 starts a week.
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Trade Fukudome.
If he is hitting a little, perhaps he could be moved for salary relief and to open a roster spot for Colvin.
In 2 years, dome is going to be gone regardless. May as well see if colvin can help.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 17, 2010 8:40 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
This, too.
Fukudome has some value right now, and based on the past two seasons, it will decrease as the year goes on. Colvin fits better in the lineup because he breaks up the righties as a middle order bat.
Doesn't Dome
have a NTC?
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Fix the part of Lou's brain that deals with lineups.
If Soriano and Soto are hitting better than Lee and Ramirez, then make adjustments and switch them around in the order. If there’s one reason behind a lack of situational hitting, it’s the ineffectiveness of Lee and Aramis.
I would amend that
to say Fix the part of Lou’s bran that deals with roster management – fixes the lineup, bullpen and doghouse issues.
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
I don't think doghouse issues have been the problem this year.
But agreed on the pen.
I'd like to expand on Elgato
Give different line ups an actual chance. See if anything improves, if so great. If not at least then we know that switching line ups still wont help and that it’s like rearranging deck chairs on Titanic.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions
works for me
The problem is that Lou THINKS he’s tried everything — based on comments a couple days ago. Frankly, that’s laughable.
I meant do more than just DLee and ARam
That is laughable, that is why I stopped reading his comments, b/c I view them as moments in my life wasted that I can’t get back :)
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Moving Lee and Ramirez
from 3-4 to 4-5 is not a fix. It’s merely a tweak that makes Lou feel better about his active participation in the march to the playoffs.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Sit Fukudome and play Colvin everyday. Fukudome won't be here next year anyway.
Somewhere along the way we have to make room for our home grown stars and play them. It would be a shot in the arm to the farm system to show there’s a reward for playing well and proving oneself.
huh? It's worse now with all the racial issues
and it will be 100 times bad when NO free agent would want to come to be cubs and we will be on every decent player’s NTC.
You just don’t sit someone like Fukudome EVERYDAY just because you want to play Colvin. If you want to do that, fine. But you have to find a good landing place for Fukudome and trade him.
It'd be worse now because Dome is hitting over .300
And performance should be the only factor.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Wait
A panic move now in a desperate bid to get back in the race could be counterproductive in the long term.
If we start hitting with men on base and a couple of guys in the bullpen turn it around, maybe we luck back into the mix. But if, as seems more likely right now, we don’t get back in it by July, then I think we need to make a bunch of moves: trade Nady and Fukudome, maybe trade a starting pitcher or two (Lily to a contender, perhaps), pick up some prospects, and start to rebuild.
How do you define a "Panic" move exactly?
There are logical movies and there are irrational moves(Z to the pen). If doing something makes sense and might make the club better you have to do it.
Something that lessens our chances of winning today's game
Just to take a couple examples from other commenters, trading Fukudome, trading Ramirez, trading a starting pitcher. Obviously if Philly wants to trade us Chase Utley for Carlos Silva, that’s one thing, but since that ain’t gonna happen, any trade we make now is likely to be out of a sense of desperation that other GMs will sense. Let’s wait and see, and if the season appears lost, let’s have an orderly liquidation of assets that maximizes return.
unless Little Field becomes the GM of Pirates overnight
I agree that there is ZERO chance for a trade now.
Move Big Z
back into the rotation. This was a really, really stupid decision, hastily made to amend other stupid decisions, a classic case of throwing good money at bad. If Z has any value to the Cubs, or as trade bait, it is as a starting pitcher.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by Slakkr on May 17, 2010 8:48 AM CDT reply actions 9 recs
I would wave my magic wand and make ARam the player that drove in 100 RBI many times.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
This one makes a lot of sense.
Presuming, of course, you can actually find an available reliever.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on May 17, 2010 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
who can take Z's spot as the righty setup dude
by elgato on May 17, 2010 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd all...
…three of these. But to name the key move: Getting an above average reliever, by trade or awesome call-up, so that Z moves back to the rotation. – TL
"Sir,--It has been wittily remarked that there are three kinds of falsehood: the first is a 'fib,' the second is a downright lie, and the third and most aggravated is statistics." *The National Observer* (June 13, 1891): p. 93-94.
Caridad.....
I like Esmilan Caridad in the setup role. He did a good job at the beginning of the season before his DL stay. He’s got a great fastball and a high strikeout to walk ratio, which is what you need in the setup role. Before we go making a bone headed move just for the sake of making a move i’d like to see what he can do in that role first. Big Z is saying all the right things but its just a matter of time before he wants back in the starting rotation and thats just a recipe for disaster when it comes to team chemistry. I really don’t like him in the setup role simply because of his track record. It typically takes big Z a few innings to settle into a game and that’s a trait that you can’t afford in the setup role. And besides that he’s making a little under 20 million a year, he’s not even close to a Mariano Rivera so its not worth it to have him in that role. At some point soon we would be very foolish to not put him back in the rotation and hope that he pitches like the old Z just long enough to get some interest from other teams and maybe just maybe we could get something good in return for this so far failed investment.
All i ever wanted to do was play baseball and play for my cubs, When i was i freshmen in high school i was throwing the ball over 85 miles per hour, and i learned my change up from none other than Greg Maddux himself of course through his pitching training videos not personally from him either though that would have been awesome i have met him a few times and have a few different autographs from him, he was my idol growing up, so was kerry wood, i learned how to throw my nasty 12-6 curve ball from him. I had great command of all 4 of my pitches. I had a 2 and 4 seam fastball to go along with a nasty 12-6 curve ball that had batters buckling at the knees and backing off the plate thinking it was gonna hit em in the head. And a nasty circle change that looked just like my fastball except it was about 15 miles in hour slower and nose dives low and away against rights and the opposite against lefties. My baseball career came to a crashing halt my senior year when i blew out my ulnar collateral ligament And needed whats im sure every baseball fan has hard of especially cubs fans as Tommy John surgery, the same surgery that kerry wood had done the 99 season. Problem was that my fathers insurance was about 50 grand short of the cost of getting the surgery and i had nothing else i could do, and that was the end of my baseball career and all the scouts and my future. Even to this day i still get tingling in and numbness in the tips of my fingers and sometimes the actual elbow still hurts. I can still throw a baseball about 70 miles an hour but for only about 10 pitches and then the pain comes in my elbow and thats it and can't even play catch after that for a couple weeks. If i just play slow toss i can play for awhile but i can't gun the ball anymore and that sucks. Its weird though, i can throw a football about 70 yards and my elbow doesn't bother me at all when i throw a football. That obviously has to do with the arm angle from throwing a baseball to a football. Its not natural for the arm to wind up and throw a baseball the way you have to throw it. but its different with a football. If i was about 3 inches taller i would have probably stood with football, Cause i also played football all through high school and was the quarterback for my team, one heck of a qb. But my dad made me quit cause he didn't want me to get hurt and screw up my baseball career. So i did and still got hurt playing the game i love with a passion. And so that's my story folks, I hope my cubs can finally get it done this year, but like all cubs fans know there's always next year. I honestly couldn't care if the cubs ever won another game ever, and i would still always bleed cubby blue, no matter what, us cub fans are use to disappointment, but it does get old every year. And i really think we have one of the best teams we have ever had. unless you go all the way back to 1905 when the cubs won a then national league best 116 games in a 154 game season. That record was tied as recently as i believe the 2000 season by the Lou Piniella led Seattle Mariners. Who ended up getting swept in the first round after that fantastic year. But they had the benefit of an extra 8 games then the 1905 cubs did. He knew it was more appropriate to be mad at the ball, rather than any one person. The ball chose to go in that direction, it had nothing to do with a cubs fan one way or another. It was the ball! And he knew that something had to be done with it. With the ball safe and secure in the hands of a cubs fan-the question than became what to do with an object that perpetuated the notion of a cursed franchise? We all seen and know what happened to that ball on February 26th 2004. I am forever greatful that Grant Deporter's handsome fee for the ball was kept from being used as fodder against the Cubs nation. It was by no coincidence that Feb 26th 2004 was picked as the day to blow up the ball, it was also in conjunction with the annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Carey. A lot of people, myself included, thought that we had to get the Red Sox to win the world series first, then we had to do the same for the White Sox. And this all happened in 2004 (Red Sox) and 2005 (White Sox). Now it will be indisputable that when we win the World Series it will be the biggest moment in sports history! I grew up a die hard cubs fans and played baseball for 18 years of my life. I was once in high school a great prospect for the Big leagues, I played the game since 5 and was always a pitcher and shortstop throughout my baseball career.
by #1cubsfan on May 17, 2010 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
can you shorten your sig up a wee bit?
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions
try a lot?
like… 90% shorter? because this is insane.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
there ya go.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
I think you can just
select, cut and paste it into the “about me box” instead of in the “signature” box. Then think of something pithy for your signature :-)
are you serious?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe the "about me" info went in the "sig nature line" box?
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
IT'S HAPPENING!?!?!?!?
I'm part of the Byrd Watchers!
by lexmarklover on May 17, 2010 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Flagged.
Blatant eyeball abuse.
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Can you put it in ALL CAPS?
Will you consider changing your signature to ERIC HANNA?
"Everybody's trying. Nobody's going through the motions. It's just a question of being more consistent. Once we do that, we'll win more baseball games. And then everybody will be happy. The media will be happy. The manager will be happy. The players will be happy. The fans will be happy... and if not, we'll continue to be unhappy."
- Lou Pinella, May 16, 2010
Do you have a Manifesto in the works?
Own a small cabin in Montana?
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
he's new
be nice! :-P
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
i'll try
Nothing wrong with a manifesto though. Show purpose in life.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 18, 2010 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions
With everyone packed so tightly together
Is anyone going into “sell” mode any time soon?
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Seems like the only team in the NL in that department
Solely based on record would be the Astros.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly right.
Teams don’t usually go into sell mode in May, anyway — and Allie is right. The NL is tightly packed this year. The Cubs could break out of that pack.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Sigh.
Can we stop predicting this until the team wins more than a couple games in a row? After the last stretch of games — despite yesterday’s win — saying the Cubs could “break out of that pack” is very premature.
Can we stop thinking it can't happen?
Because that’s kind of what your post implies.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
My post implies ...
that expecting that it will happen BASED ON WHAT WE’VE SEEN UP SO FAR THIS YEAR FROM THE CHICAGO CUBS is just goofy.
Sure, other teams have recovered from worse. Sure, the NL isn’t that strong. Sure, we have some good players.
But until this team wins consistently — against teams other than Milwaukee — we should stop expecting that we can “break free from the pack.”
My counterpoint:
The Dodgers. They were 13-17 a week ago, having lost series to the Pirates, Nationals, Marlins, Reds, Mets (swept), and Brewers. And they have since rattled off 7 in a row. They were 8-14 before that and had no winning streaks longer than 2 games.
I would think that a week ago they were still thinking they could break out.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly correct.
Virtually every NL team is in the same boat.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I repeat ...
what about this year’s Cubs team gives you hope? Don’t just cite examples of other teams that have bounced back.
They have had good starting pitching.
They have had plenty of baserunners - just failed to get them in at times. Two hitters are off to bad starts — straighten those two out and this team should score plenty of runs.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What he said.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I've said this before
and I’ll say it again. The stereotype of the Cubs fan always has been irrational optimism. I suggest it’s changed to become irrational pessimism.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't take too much offense, eg
“Irrational” probably is more a placeholder adjective than an out-and-out indictment or anything.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions
We haven't seen much this season ...
that would support optimism.
I don't know about that
The starting pitching is very good, and the offense (short of scoring a lot of runs) has been good.
I’m not going to predict anything, but that and the general mediocre nature of the NL tells me throwing in the towel at this point would be foolhardy.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
No offense to you, NBF ...
But re-read what you just wrote:
“The offense (short of scoring a lot of runs) has been good.”
Otherwise, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
C'mon, you see his point.
They have generated a lot of baserunners, which USUALLY means a lot of runs.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You're refusing to see MY point.
The Cubs have been leaving runners on base for more than a year!
I'm not refusing to see anything.
I’m just saying these guys CAN turn it around.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Past results!
We’re arguing in a circle here, you know.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Can & Will two different things
I HOPE Al is right that they can. But I fear that elgato is right and they won’t.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know if I'm right.
But to assume that I’m wrong based on this season — and after 2009 — makes no sense to me.
five of the starting eight
position players have batting averages above .300, and Fontenot is at .298.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
and they're not scoring runs
How long can we all expect the team to perform “if it just gets that big hit”?
I look at it the other way
how much longer can they hit like this and NOT score more runs?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
after more than a year of the same problems ...
I don’t think we should assume that things will start clicking. That’s my point.
at this point
I’m not assuming anything. But I do think that if this team continues to have so many players hitting above .300, that runs will start to score.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not assuming
that things will start clicking and we’ll win a pennant.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions
dont' play this game with Drew...
he’s the master at changing the rules.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
what part of if this team continues to have so many players hitting above .300 do you not understand?
I’m certainly HOPING that they continue to hit this well. But I don’t assume it.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
And how many of those are above career norms?
Lee and Ramirez will hit.
Others will cool off.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
or, maybe
we’re catching lightning in a bottle for some of these guys. Maybe Soriano is finally ACTUALLY healthy. I don’t expect Byrd to hit .345 all year, certainly.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Soriano could sustain this all year.
As you noted, Byrd isn’t going to hit .345. Theriot is starting to slide, Fukudome is not hitting well in May.
Soto could be in for a good year.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
well
I think that Lee and Rami hitting is way more important than Riot & Dome. We’ll see what happens.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
this is the same talk we've had since early last season
Yes, different guys have struggled. But until this nucleus wins in pressure situations — which it hasn’t done with any regularity since last July — we should stop assuming that sustained winning is right around the corner.
I don't see any reason why..
… this same group, who did that kind of thing all of 2008, can’t do it again.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You just answered your own question.
They haven’t done “that kind of thing” since 2008. AND they’re getting older.
Older, but not ancient.
We’re not talking about something that happened ten years ago, just two.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
But what since September 2008 ...
makes you think they can? We’ve been cursing 1-run losses and bad situational hitting for more than a year.
Because we are talking about players...
… who have a long track record of doing so, even with a year of NOT doing so.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You know who had a long track record of being successful?
Kiko Calero. I bring this up because YOU were convinced that despite Calero’s track record — and the track record of a lot of other “scrap heap” guys — he wasn’t a good fit for the Cubs/wasn’t as good as he used to be.
Why doesn’t your logic extend to players on the Cubs roster?
Because your comparison isn't correct.
Calero was injured and the Cubs knew it.
The players I’m talking about aren’t injured.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And apparently was just released by the Mets.
Which is beside the point, but still interesting.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
True.
But expecting a scrap heap player to perform, and expecting veterans who have performed in the past to come back to previous levels, is quite different.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
unless what we've seen this year ...
is indicative of what the players will do going forward. And you refuse to acknowledge that that’s a possibility.
Sure, it's a possibility.
You seem to be refusing to say it’s not a possibility to go the other way.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't think we can expect them to return to earlier form ...
based on what we’ve seen. Improve? Sure. But an All-Star performance predicted on a sub-.170 average?
Talent is one thing
By and large it’s still the same. My concern is if any of the key players have developed a mentality where they begin wondering how they’ll blow it this time.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
And that comes back to the pressure argument
and if there is just too much of it here for anybody to be successful.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Success will come
when the talent level is as foolproof as the Yankees and the focus is as unwavering as the 2004 Red Sox.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
In my opinion...
…. a team with a lesser talent level can win if they have the focus you mention.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
More to NBF's point
If you have the same cast of characters who have narrowly missed out 3-4 years in a row, it’s probably wise to slowly turn over the roster before a losing habit envelops the clubhouse.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
Especially...
…if you have pieces that fit together vs a lot of star power but mis-fitting parts.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
In 2008 we were 1st
in RISP. Last year we dropped to 14th. Currently we’re 9th. If probablity is an indicator we’re probably closer to expectation this year than the past two years. We’re not the best and we’re not the worst.
In fact our OPS RISP is higher than it is otherwise. By ranking we’re 15th in the #3 hole, 12th in the #4 and 14th in the #5. That has to be changed by Lou.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Hmmm...I agree with you the Cubs are not likely to do so,
but we’re fans here and hoping for that isn’t bad to me…even if it annoys you. Why give fans grief for being optimistic?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Because we're in a thread talking about what the Cubs should do to fix things.
And, if the underlying assumptions are wrong, the discussion isn’t as good.
Ah there's rules here.
And I see the discussion isn’t as good when you think the underlying assumptions are wrong. I’ll make sure to agree with you and follow your rules ….wow.
I’ve liked a lot of your posts I’ve read in the past and agreed with a lot, but it’s very odd to me to think people need to post only what you think is relevant.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I didn't say irrelevant -- I said "isn't as good"
And it’s not a rule — I didn’t say that either.
well, i'm
not sold on the cubs breaking lose of the pack in any positive way…
but if they were, they’d have to start now. and the only real way to do that is by fixing the ’pen with a TRUE fix.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Ding ding ding!
I like the way you think, Damen.
"It's Spring Training. You know how many home runs Barry Bonds hit off me? One - in Spring Training." - Big Z
was going to suggest this
IMO trading Gorzelanny is the start of a chain of events… Gorzelanny lands the Cubs a reliever and then moves Zambrano back to the rotation.
Gorzelanny is your reliever
So in effect you would be trading a reliever for a reliever? Put him in the pen and move Z back to the rotation. If there would be one too many left hands in the pen then option russell to Iowa and he can be your insurance.
we need an effective right hander
We have Marshall and Grabow already.
Right.
And Gorzelanny might have value to another team as a starter.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Gorz
should have value to this team as a starter… we’re not a contender…. a cost controlled SP to fill the void left by Lilly in FA is exactly what we need
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on May 17, 2010 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
He is a 27yo LHP who is improving. His salary is very reasonable. It seems foolish to trade a decent starter for a reliever unless he’s closer material.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Decrease
the cost of beer at the park. People would drink more (if possible) and will not even be aware if the Cubs win or lose.
Go Cubs!
Make beer $1
so I would at least have a reason to look forward going to the games I already have tickets for.
[Cue Al admonishing me for alcohol consumption]
let the players
also buy beer for $1.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
At this point, I think it's possible they already have.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
A beer league?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Let everything drink for a $1
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on May 17, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
This is a toughie
I’d go with Z to the rotation, but I think that can wait until one of the starters gets hurt or really blows up. So I’ll say make a deal that will grease the skids for Z to get out of the bullpen: Xavier Nady and $1M to Seattle for Brandon League.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by cubzfan on May 17, 2010 8:58 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Bring up Fuld
NOT. Get rid of Lou. Unlike most of you I think this makes the most impact and the best chance of a serious turnaround.
You will excuse me if winning one game against the Pirates does not convince that it will now be be sunshine & puppies.
If Lou goes, many other moves will follow, if he stays we just keep waiting for A-Ram to bat .200 while he bats cleanup,
Z rots in the bullpen, Colvin rots on the bench etc.
Of course it won’t happen but if I could make one move there it is.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
that ousting Lou would have the most dramatic impact. With whom do you replace him?
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
The post says to think of something OTHER than firing Lou or Hendry.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
There was a Fuld comment :)
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Getting Lou to retire?
Seriously I don’t think anything else will make enough of an impact. If Lou stays you can’t stop him from continuing to bat
A-Ram at the front & Soto at the back. You can’t stop him from wasting Marshall too early on too few batters. You can’t stop him from insanety overusing lefty/righty combos. Nothing else will make a significant impact.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree that letting Lou go might be the only thing we can change and atleast _expect_ different results
Calling up Fuld will not do one darn thing.
Nice try Doggie stalker. Never give up!
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on May 17, 2010 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Trade Silva or Gorzelanny while they have any value for some reliever
this would open up the rotation for Zambrano or Marshall
Viva la Cubs RĂ©volution!!!
no one's gonna take Silva
Not unless we eat a lot of the contract.
Silva's contract is a sunk cost no matter what
If we can get some value for him that is greater than what he can give us, then why not keep that contract?
Viva la Cubs RĂ©volution!!!
I see your point ...
but I don’t think the Cubs would do this. Can you imagine the outcry (fair or not) if the Cubs traded their only starter with a winning record while eating most of the contract?
Gorzo makes some sense to deal, though.
Sell him to Tyler Durden.
Use the money to buy better scouts.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
I would start getting an office ready at Wrigley Field
with a big nice oak desk in it and on that desk I would put the name plate Joe Girardi, manager, 2011 – ?
His contract ends this year.
If I were Ricketts I would certainly explore if there is a chance if he doesn’t re-up during the season.
Didn't the yankees do something last year?
Can’t remember what it was but I feel like it would warrant an extension…
"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 May 17, 2010 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Really a shame the Mets don't have a set up guy worth trading for
because as noted yesterday they are DESPERATE for a starter.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
Mejia
But I don’t know why they would do that.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Because they are falling off the planet
They sent Perez to the bullpen where they won’t even use him ( he refused to go to AA) and Neise went out yesterday and may be injured. They are at a critical juncture so save their season and are truly desperate for a starter.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Feliciano might be useful.
But he’s lefthanded.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
But to trade a young fireballer for Gorzelanny?
If I’m the Cubs, I make that trade.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
FYI
New York sports media reporting Manuel’s job is on the line this week. Mets have been sinking like a stone, but are still only a few games out of first. Indications are if they fall further back Manual is gone and they have a tough week ahead.
They were hoping to hold off to make a play for anyone from Millwood to Lee but not clear they can afford to wait.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
How on earth does Manuel keep his job?
Or Minaya, for that matter?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Good questions.
And yet, a couple of weeks ago the Mets were flying high and people were saying, “Wow, they’ve got it together!”
ANYTHING can still happen this year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes, it can
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
The Mets have already
gone from last place, to first and back to last.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Makes you wonder
Just what things are like on their blog. :)
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd bet eerily similar. It's probably where BLou found a home for now.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Go Dan Snyder
And promote Ryno to Lineup Coordinator. Him, or a bingo caller.
Deal Fukodome
There is value there as far as Fukodome. Someone would take the last two years of that deal. Put Colvin in right.
good idea
he’s at the part of the season where he starts to usually teeter off
Viva la Cubs RĂ©volution!!!
I wonder what would happen ...
if the Cubs packaged Gorzo and Fukudome …
Nobody is taking that deal right now without
The Cubs pitching in a very sizable chunk of $ and/or taking back an expensive contract.
It isn’t that Dome has no value… it is that, particularly in the current economic climate, I don’t think any team (with the possible exceptions of NYY or SEA) could simply take on Dome’s remaining salary for this year because of budget constraints.
Move Soriano to leadoff
I KNOW I KNOW.
However, the team wins when he’s in that spot. I don’t know why, I don’t know how. But they win. He’s also hitting better as well. Plus, he’ll get more RBI opportunities as Lee and Ramirez are not getting on base before him.
Soriano has hit very well batting sixth this year.
That’s one thing I wouldn’t fool with.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
well, hello, Lou
Didn’t know you frequented BCB.
This cracked me up.
I think ak’s thinking was exactly what Lou had in mind for awhile, that not only did it make Fonzy “comfy”, it somehow made the team win. Took him awhile to see that the rest of the team was doing it instead. It’s no more outlandish an idea than the rest of things suggested here, but to me I have to agree that moving Sori when he’s hitting well seems a-move-just-to-show-you’re-doing-something.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
So you won't want Lou to try something like 4th?
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
No but batting Soto 4th is worth a try
and NOT batting A-Ram, Nady is an even better idea.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions
With his walk total
Has there ever been a slow runner w/ high OBP tried in the 2 spot? I can’t think of any.
But I would agree with either 4 or 5th
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions
He's been hitting well
All I was pointing out was that the team won more when he was in the leadoff. Even last year, the Cubs were contending when he batted there.
Keep an eye on the Tigers 2B situation
Scott Sizemore, a prized prospect whom they hoped would nail down the job, was just sent back down to Toledo. Even though their plan is to play Carlos Guillen at 2B, his nagging injury history is an issue. So if Detroit is still in the hunt and needs an experienced bat, call Dave Dombrowski and see if they’d part with a reliever for one of the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
In lieu of that, convince Sparky ("My Way or the Highway" aka: "Captain Hook") Anderson to come out of retirement and manage the Cubs...
Hey, it worked before when the Cubs convinced Leo the Lip to come out of retirement and manage the Cubs to back to back World Series triumphs in 1969 and 1970.
What? The Cubs DIDN’T win the WS in 1969 or 1970???
Oh. That’s different…
Nevermind!
"Everybody's trying. Nobody's going through the motions. It's just a question of being more consistent. Once we do that, we'll win more baseball games. And then everybody will be happy. The media will be happy. The manager will be happy. The players will be happy. The fans will be happy... and if not, we'll continue to be unhappy."
- Lou Pinella, May 16, 2010
What's this I hear about performance enhancing drunks in baseball?
Ted Williams never touched a drop and he hit .400!
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
They've also been mis-managing our use of national race horses.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't forget the government monument agency
responsible for ’Presidential Erections".
"Everybody's trying. Nobody's going through the motions. It's just a question of being more consistent. Once we do that, we'll win more baseball games. And then everybody will be happy. The media will be happy. The manager will be happy. The players will be happy. The fans will be happy... and if not, we'll continue to be unhappy."
- Lou Pinella, May 16, 2010
and all the Violins we've been seeing on television.
Frankly I agree with her…what’s so wrong seeing all those Violins on TV?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Have to recall tracy if you trade baker
"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 May 17, 2010 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Trade Ramirez ASAP
He still has value, move Tracy to the MLB as a result and then platoon Baker with Tracy.
This then opens up the spot for Vitters for a late season move.
I could live with DLee at 1B until July if he develops a market and then possibly get a 1st round.
But the Cubs need to make many moves
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Are you on drugs?
He is hitting .167 and has a big fat contract? Who exactly is going to take that off your hands. I always love it when Cub fans think some other team is going to take some player doing either VERY badly ( A-Ram, Lee, Nady, Z) and or way below the value of their contract ( Soriano, Dome). If the Cubs pay the 90% of the contract maybe.
P.S Vitters is nowhere near ready.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't a portion of these will be realistic
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed. They are just suggestions...no need to say someone is on drugs if you disagree.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Trading Ramirez now would be exactly the type of "sell low" move we frequently make...
The guy has been awful for a month and a half. He has started to show signs of life lately, making better contact (though the results haven’t been that much better yet). Trading him now at a very low trade value makes little sense.
Your last sentence is important as well. Vitters is over a year away from being MLB ready. He didn’t do all that well in Daytona (~700 OPS in over 300 AB), and he has all of six games at Tennessee (and he hasn’t been dominant there, either). It would be really rushing him to call him up later this year. I’d say September of next year would make more sense, and even then that would be assuming better minor league results than he’s had to this point.
"Trade Ramirez ASAP"
Huh? I don’t know if you are trying to be funny or serious.
Can you explain that again my dog doesn't get it
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on May 17, 2010 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Fail. At least you gave it a title so we can constrict the gif.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
there is a title
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
OK, the first move is not "fire Jim Hendry"
This first move is to find his replacement, sign him, and then fire Jim Hendry.
Let's all hope...
…that Ricketts and his folks are working behind the scenes for this potential move. Granted, I don’t think it does much for you to replace Hendry before the season is over, but I would think Ricketts has a short list of who he would want to lead the baseball organization for the years ahead.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
This is exactly what I am hoping for. Midseason panic move..terrible.
New GM that you interview and handpick…exactly what the Cubs need to do. Even if it ends up not being the guy you hoped for. Keeping Hendry after this season just will lead you to get the same results you’ve been getting.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
I applaud your idea here to look for other ideas than fire Lou.
As much as I think it’s needed, it’s not the only move, this team needs much more. And I have certainly disagreed with the daily contention that every loss is because of Lou. Energy is needed, but so is a change in the players that have been losing these games.
Adding speed would be a good start to me.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Here is a creative idea
Build a rain making machine………….every game can be called, once official, due to rain
Right now...
…I’m not sure there is any magical move you can do to turn around the Cub’s fortunes. I’m a big believer in making decisions based on building long term strength (something the Cubs have struggled with) as opposed to the short term catch lightning in a bottle moves.
In 2-3 weeks, the obvious move could be to replace the manager if the team is still struggling, but I think it’s too early to do that today. Will that work? Maybe you get a short term boost, but by no means will it do anything to fix the core issues the organization needs to improve upon for long term success.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Lou has lost the team
DLee is not a very vocal guy, so when I hear that Lee and Rami decline to work with Rudy and DLee criticizes Lou for moving Rami down in the order, it’s time for a change.
on 5-5-10 per Carrie Muskat
“Criticize” may not be the correct word, but D Lee was not in favor of the move
Piniella tried to get Aramis Ramirez, now batting .154, back in the swing by switching him in the order with Alfonso Soriano, from fifth to sixth. First baseman Derrek Lee, who’s hitting an uncharacteristic .223, was surprised to see the move.
“[Ramirez] has been one of the best cleanup hitters in the National League,” Lee said. “But you know Lou likes to try things.”
What if Piniella decided to drop Lee from the No. 3 spot?
“I don’t think moving solves things,” Lee said. “You have to hit somewhere. Me and [Ramirez] have been around a long time, and we’re going to hit.”
You think it's time for a change because you don't like DLee's opinion? Who the hell
are you? Are you of the “Just shut up and play baseball” opinion? Players have opinions too and they are entitled to speak them. When things are going bad, everyone is asked what they think and these are grown men. The don’t have to be quiet and go sit in a corner. If you don’t want to hear an opinion, don’t ask the question. No one is going to trade a player because they say that they don’t feel that moving guys around in the order solves things. This isn’t 1950.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 17, 2010 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou didn't ask the question, the media did.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 17, 2010 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that he meant that Lou should be fired because of that
Which is funny, because it is the opposite of why the fans here want him fired, which is that he won’t move the order around.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
If Rickett's believes that...
…than they should fire Lou right now.
Again, this move will do nothing to solve the bigger issues that need to be fixed.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
huh?
I love the divergent opinions on this board. Half the “fire Lou” people thing he should be canned because he won’t move Lee and Ramirez, then the other half want to Fire Lou because he did… the man can’t win.
The fact that Ramirez and Lee won’t work with Rudy, one of the top batting coaches of the last decade says more about Ramirez and Lee than it does about Lou (and for the record, I’ve seen nothing saying that Lee won’t work with Rudy).
by dmlichte on May 17, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 7 recs
Lee said around the same time that he takes suggestions, but he knows his swing better than anyone.
Which is better than Rammy saying he “is a professional hitter” but still isn’t very nice to hear to me when you are struggling like he was. I’d like to have someone ask these guys now if they have worked on any suggestions, cause they both have seemed to improve their pitch selection.
Completely agree about divergent opinions…with the team losing to bad teams it won’t make much of a difference what moves Lou makes, people will want him fired regardless. And I’m one of them lol. I just realize he’s never been the only problem here and it would just be a band aid on a bad situation to ONLY do that.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree: Lou is far from being the only problem
but it would at least be a step……………….in the right or wrong direction.
Exactly (rec'd)
This is what Damen referred to in another post, when he talked about what goes on inside a major league clubhouse, and — like it or not — what makes major leaguers comfortable. Should Lou make them comfortable or uncomfortable? There are various opinions here, but some argue both sides because there are two opportunities to pile the hate on Lou.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
and I was surprised to hear that moving Rami down one batter in the order
Was such a big deal to Lee, which means it must be a big deal to Rami. Thus, moving him down to 7th or 8th might be giving up on him recovering it this season.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
?????????
When exactly did Lou move Lee & Ramirez. They were still in top spots yesterday. Can you find one person who wanted Lou fired because he MOVED Lee & Ramirez? There is no such person.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
go back up this thread
And read the posts by bigz38fan carefully. We are referring to Lee’s comments about moving Ramirez to the 5th slot.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
I agree... There isn't one move to make...
And I agree that making better long-term decisions is the way to go. I would think that waiting to see if Ramirez and Lee improve would be the most prudent move. See where we are in a few weeks, and then decide whether to sell or make moves on the margins (i.e., bullpen) or become sellers.
I’d be okay with tinkering with the lineup and playing different guys more often. And I’d be okay with calling up jackson to maybe help solidify the bullpen. But none of those moves individually are likely to make much of a difference. And I don’t want to see a panic trade for this year at the expense of the future.
I agree with you about a panic trade.
With so many fans upset about the team and wanting an instant solution, doing SOMETHING to keep them happy will likely result in making the situation worse. You need reason and long term vision with this team. And having Hendry make those choices has obviously to me been a bad idea anyway.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly...
…and if Ricketts gives any indication he trusts Hendry to make the baseball decisions in the years to come, I believe he will regret that for a long time and so will Cub fans.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Tracy up, Baker out
I hear Move and I think of a transaction. Not start player A or B, this line-up or that.
I would bring back Chad Tracy and trade/release Jeff Baker. Baker does not provide Lou with enough difference from Ramirez and is wearing out his seat on the bench. Tracy is another left-handed option and plays a good third base.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
I love Jeff Baker ...
but trading him to make room for Tracy makes sense to me.
I think trading Theriot makes more sense...
I don’t think you lose that much with a Fontenot/Baker platoon at 2B, and Theriot probably has more trade value than Baker. And you get the same result of making room for Tracy as the backup 1B/3B. And Theriot isn’t in the long-term plans anyway, so it’s not mortgaging the future.
I think Theriot will be traded at the end of the season.
If Baker has some trade value, sure, deal him (maybe for pitching?) and bring Tracy back.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't think Baker has trade value...
that’s why I think trading Theriot (who probably has at least a little value) now makes more sense. Theriot’s OPS is now lower than Fontenot’s (with basically identical OBP). There’s really no reason to be committed to Theriot as the everyday 2B when Fontenot/Baker can give you basically the same value and it frees up a spot for Tracy.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't want to lose Theriot when he's hitting well...
But I think you are right he has a lot more value in being traded than Baker. Baker could probably be traded, but for what? a low prospect? I wouldn’t trust Hendry to make that call. Heck, I wouldn’t trust Hendry to make most any call…but your argument sounds more logical than expecting value for Baker.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Lou likes Theriot at 2B
more than either Fontenot or Baker or a platoon. Theriot has better range at 2B. Theriot also has the most experience batting 1 or 2 and I don’t think Lou is ready to give that up yet.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Baker and Fontenot aren’t really top-of-the-order guys — certainly not in the leadoff spot.
And no more of a leadoff man than other guys we have...
We could play a number of other guys at leadoff and get similar results. Theriot isn’t exactly a “must have” at leadoff.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Not sure that management at this point is completely worried about what Lou thinks, but surely is possible. I did get a good laugh about Riot’s range…while he plays much better at 2B, his range pretty much would have to improve over SS, wouldn’t it?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh yeah
even with his near-SS range, he’s probably still not a top flight defensive 2B.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Who cares whether Piniella is ready to give him up?
Hendry is the GM. Piniella is obviously not in the team’s long-term plans (given his age). Why would we be making decisions based on whether or not Piniella is comfortable with trading him?
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Just telling you what I see
Lou wants to win now and I don’t think management is ready to give up on this season.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
This entire discussion was not about what Lou or management want to do...
it was about what moves WE think should be done. So saying “I don’t think Piniella wants to make that move” is off topic, no?
Further, I don’t think trading Theriot would be giving up on the season. I think a strong argument can be made that trading him could improve the team (we wouldn’t lose much at 2B or in the leadoff spot, and we get a better option to sub in at 1B and 3B).
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think it's giving up on the team in theory.
But you’d have to see the proposed trade to be sure. Teams aren’t ready to trade anything of value right now, most moves would have to be either panic ones or of little consequence. But I like seeing alternatives proposed here.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Why wouldn't Piniella...
…want to win now?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Thanks for the nit-pick
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Trading Theriot when he's hitting well is EXACTLY the time to trade him...
His value is probably inflated right now thanks to the high average (which masks the fact that he doesn’t walk and doesn’t hit anything but singles). He’s likely to cool off, and then his trade value goes away.
For a guy who doesn’t fit into the long-term plans and doesn’t present a huge upgrade over what we have in Fontenot/Baker, I think now is the perfect time to look to trade him.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
That package only makes sense...
… if a team needs players at both of their positions. Got any?
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Theriot is not a stock
If you think Theriot is likely the cool off, there is a good probability that scouts from other teams think the same. Other teams will think he’s lightning in a bottle (higher value) or will return to his norms (lower value).
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Either way, it makes more sense to trade him now than when he's not hot...
He’s not in the long-term plans. We have suitable replacements. His value is not going to be any higher than it is right now (regardless of whether or not it is high). He’s got more trade value than either of our other 2B options. Trading him makes more sense than trading Baker or Fontenot.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Takes two to trade
I’m not sure there is a trade market for Theriot. Maybe when a contender loses a 2B.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Obviously...
This whole discussion is based on the premise of trading a 2B to clear room for Tracy to return as the backup 1B/3B. The discussion was whether or not it made more sense to trade Baker or Theriot. My point is that, assuming a trade of a 2B can be made, it makes more sense to trade Theriot than Baker.
If nobody will trade for a 2B, then the whole discussion is moot.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
OK, I'll go back to where I started
I would bring back Chad Tracy and trade/release Jeff Baker.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
And I think trading Theriot makes more sense than trading Baker...
if you’re willing to just release Baker, then that’s fine I guess. And that’s easier than coming up with a trade, obviously. But I think that’s throwing away a player for no reason. I think in a 2B platoon with Fontenot, Baker can be plenty productive – even moreso than Theriot.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I think people over value Baker
There’s a reason he was traded for Al Alburquerque.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
And I think people also overvalue Theriot
I don’t think Baker is anything more than a platoon player (which is not saying much when you’re a RH hitter). But I don’t think Theriot is a difference maker either.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
You and half this site
Theriot being moved by the Cubs is probably a question when, not if. With Castro coming up, now is probably not the right time.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Are you being serious, Drew?
I’d say seventh.
ok
seventh is fine. I kinda forgot about Castro. Actually, batting Rami 7th, with Castro behind him might help him see some pretty good pitches, and would take the pressure off. I revise and extend my previous remarks.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Why would ARAM
see good pitches with Castro batting behind him….that makes no sense. Castro is still a rookie and most managers would rather take their chances with Castro vs a struggling Ramirez.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 17, 2010 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
because Castro
has proven he CAN hit. Rami would see better pitches there than in front of the pitcher, even Ted Lilly.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Small sample sizes
I will take my chances with the Rookie until he proves he can beat me.
Of course I would expect ARAM would see better pitches in the 7th hole versus the 8th hole….but that is not because of Castro that is because the pitcher is batting 9th.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 17, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Trade Aramis or Lee
Or both, while they have some value. Just lok the rotation and the poor hitting, season is over. How can the Cubs compete with the Cards ?
No...they don't
Especially Rami.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on May 17, 2010 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, the Cards
who have stepped all over themselves the last two weeks and now are looking up at first place?
I watch a lot of Cardinals games, and I’m not seeing the reincarnation of the ’27 Yankees.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
StL has lost five of their last six.
I suppose their fans want to blow up the team and start over.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Some of them probably do
I’ve seen a few panic buttons being hit among the STL faithful, but I’m also 150 miles away. Don’t know what it’s like at Ground Zero.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Still
I don’t think it’s quite like what we’ve got here, with some justification (they do have Pujols, after all).
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
You're the one who things we should fire Lou.
And you’re criticizing others for suggesting drastic moves?
Just pointing out that the Cardinals...
… who many said here would “run away” with the division, are in 2nd place, only four games over .500.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Unless they have injuries...
…the Cards will win 90+ games, and that will win the division by at least 6 games.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Maybe
Maybe not. You don’t know that, and neither do I.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions
No I don't...
…but I can guess.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Yeah, but your post didn't sound like guessing
More like lead-pipe-cinching.
The Cubs also haven’t played a game yet against the Cardinals.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that will be an interesting series
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm very much looking forward to it.
As well as the rest of this month.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Since you asked everyone, here's my suggestion based on what I know (not very much) :)
I dont know who to trade for so I wont say that, I would mostly like to see Lou play Colvin 3 times a week like he said he would. I think that would also shift around the lineup very nicely now and then.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
You've had good ideas coolio, you shouldn't doubt yourself so much.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
thanks evil twin, you're too kind! :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 17, 2010 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I see this comment a lot about Colvin
People are quick to blame Lou on this but….
1)We have faced a ton of left handed starters – not fair to Colvin.
2)The whole outfied is hitting – Not going to pull your leader (Byrd) or your hottest hitter out of the lineup (Soriano) when your other big guns are unloaded.
Colvin is not the answer to saving this season. It is fixing the bullpen and getting ARAM and Lee back on track. Short of that, the season is lost.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 17, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't dispute either of your two points
However, putting Colvin at AAA allows him to play – he needs to. If he is going to be an everyday player (the jury is out), he’s not going to develop in the role that he’s currently in.
And, I’m not suggesting doing that to save 2010. As noted, I’m not sure that this season can be saved.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Agree with that sentiment....
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 17, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Sadly, so do I.
The worst part of it is that there’s so much parity (read: mediocrity) in the NL this year that becoming a contender isn’t that difficult. Still have to agree.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
really, I didn't say it would save the season....
this is just the one move I would choose because I thought that was the original question…what one move-right now.
Question—can’t he platoon with Fukodome too, I mean all of the OF’ers 3 times a week?
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 17, 2010 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, of course he CAN...
But when you have a player like Sori or Byrd with a high salary hitting well, ain’t gonna happen.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Man reading my post here I hate saying that all the time.
It’s exactly that thinking that tradition has to be served that drives out good ideas. I don’t know that I think that idea is needed, but something should be tried. Worth a shot at least.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess I am just
irritated that Colvin’s playing time in 2010 is being portrayed as everything that is wrong with Lou’s managing style.
Purely looking at 2010, playing or not playing Colvin did not really contribute to the mess this season has become nor will playing him fix it. Now, if you want to look at it from player development point of view for 2011 and beyond, then Lou is doing Colvin no favors by not playing him. But, I would take Shanghai’s sentiment above about him being at AAA to play everyday as opposed to being here.
If any of the outfielders was terrible right now, then there would be more of an argument to Colvin’s playing time but none of them are.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 17, 2010 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
The point behind playing Colvin more
is so that he stays anywhere close to the level he’s currently at if and when Soriano or Dome hit their slides.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou
can not be managing for if/when scenarios right now, especially considering that the two linchpins to his lineup are sucking moose balls right now. The season is on life support and he can’t afford to take out his hot bats to give a rookie a start.
Again, Colvin is not going to save this season. ARAM and Lee returning to form and competent bullpen may. If you want to argue about Colvin’s development for the future, than I agree with you.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 17, 2010 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
You do understand that more than likely
Lee and Ramirez come back to where they should be playing, and Soriano and Dome come back to Earth, right? And Colvin isn’t some rookie. In case you haven’t noticed, and I can understand why you haven’t since he never gets played, Colvin is really good. Lou being more comfortable with da veteran pressence of Soriano and Dome is no excuse to sabotage Colvin’s playing time. Colvin is a key to this team’s success because when other players slide, they’re going to need him, and if he continues to sit and rot, what kind of a help is he going to be?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
This doesn't make sense
“Lou being more comfortable with da veteran pressence of Soriano and Dome”? Those guys are not producing, not producing some ineffable veteran presence, but producing hits and getting on base.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Get rid of the blue uniforms...
…stick with grey on the road and stripes at home…also don’t allow the players to wear the “C” until they earn it. Just kidding, but not really.
United we stand and united we'll fall......down on our knees the day we win it all!
and for those of you wondering who will decide when a player earns it...
Maddux and Lilly
United we stand and united we'll fall......down on our knees the day we win it all!
by Bricks and Ivy on May 17, 2010 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions
with Fergie Jenkins as the tie breaker
United we stand and united we'll fall......down on our knees the day we win it all!
by Bricks and Ivy on May 17, 2010 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
The one thing I'd do is fire Lou. If that can't be done
quit changing the damn batting order every day!! These guys need to know where they’re going to hit and what’s expected of them, that’s what real major league teams do.
Next, move Z back to starter and find one reliever than can throw hard and get people out.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
by Itchy on May 17, 2010 9:45 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
quit changing the batting order every day?
Are you on drugs?
Well, Piniella HAS been changing the lineup a lot...
he’s just been doing it at arguably the wrong spots.
OK, fine.
But Lou should be mixing things up until he finds a winning combination, shouldn’t he?
I think it's a balance...
I think he should be willing to try different lineups. But constant tinkering isn’t useful either. Even a good lineup decision may need more than a game or two to work out. There are some moves that I’d like to see Piniella make that he hasn’t made yet. But at the same time, I could see him finally making the right move but changing it the next day simply because it didn’t work on one day.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly! You gotta give things time to work themselves out
After listening to DLee’s comments a couple weeks ago, I can see how this daily lineup juggling pisses the players off and that helps no one.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
Quit changing the batting order?
Well first of all that seems to be against BCB law here. It’s something to think about, but I think when you have Rammy performing as horribly as he has, that alone demands a change.
Hmm…move Z back to starter, find one reliever that can get people out. And how is any manager supposed to do that…just wondering here. What is the way this reliever can be found that hasn’t been tried yet?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
We have a whole pitching staff at Iowa to tap into
Time to give some of those guys a chance. After all, they’re managed by the annointed genius, Ryno, so they have to be great, right?
If that doesn’t work, start looking at the recently released guys and unsigned rejects, you never know…..
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
I think we are already looking at the best we have of our farm system.
That’s ready at least. But what the heck, sounds worth a try. As far as released guys…we have looked at a few, but sure that’s a good idea. Making a trade isn’t going to happen for awhile until teams get closer to the trade deadline.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Find a way to get Mark DeRosa back.
Couldn’t help myself… lol Really though I’d like to see Soto batting higher in the lineup. 5, maybe? Let Byrd bat cleanup and move Ramirez to 8th. He’s not producing right now, so we need somebody who’s going to get the RISP’s around to the plate. All the stranded runners make me want to throw things at the TV.
by Fonzie2178 on May 17, 2010 9:51 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Those moves sound good to me. And with DeRo injured even that is a good idea
IF you can get him for little. Seems possible if a little improbable…his wrist never healed and he was yelled at for saying the surgery didn’t work in addition to having a bad year as the result of said surgery. Seems to me worth the chance for low money/risk.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
DeRosa could very well be out for the year
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
LOL couldn't get that out in time.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I should add to this you'd be signing him for next year, not this one.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, I know. I just said that as a joke.
Hadn’t heard from any DeRomantics lately ;-) The other moves were my real input!
Lol....I'm a DeRomantic, one can see it on my FB page, I knew it was a joke :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 17, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I hated to see him go,
especially to make room for, uh, you know who… but I’ve accepted the probability that we won’t see him in a Cubs uniform again. I wish him the best and would have a beer with him any time!
i wasn't against the trade
but definitely could/should have gotten more for him.
Also, he’s very pretty
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
That they couldn't get "more" for him
might be more an indication of DeRosa’s worth than anything.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I felt like after the year
he’d had that he had more value.
If you’re going to trade a piece that had worked VERY well for you, you should get something good in return.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Well, I'm probably one of them.
Problem is to me he’s most valuable at this point as a missing piece to a puzzle…and not to a team that already has too many parts to move around. We need most reliable, productive everyday players.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I really liked him when he was here.
He had a great attitude as a team player, I see that in Marlon Byrd right now. A lot of people would disagree but I think that kind of spark plug is really valuable. I know he’s new to the team but I’d really like to see him step into some kind of a player-leadership role.
HIJACK: Will tonight be a rainout?
I have tickets, but don’t want to drive 2.5 hours if there’s no game.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
western division team in a two-game set ...
Yeah. They’ll probably do whatever it takes to get it in.
Agreed.
Right now, it is not raining on the north side, and the forecast is for most of the rain to stay south of the city. I’d say come on up for the game.
And dress warm.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Awwwww DAD! Does that mean we can't wear blue paint on our bare chests in the bleachers?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Black is the new Blue
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I think you have to fire Lou first
in order for any one change to actually have a chance to work. I would say get Fuld up here for someone, and actually have him and Colvin have significantly more playing time. The only way this happens though, along with inevitable putting players in the lineup where they should be, is with a manager who is going to, umm, manager in a logical and thoughtful manner, instead of throwing some shit at the wall and hoping it sticks.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 9:56 AM CDT reply actions
"Fuld up here for someone, and actually have him and Colvin have significantly more playing time."
What exactly is this going to accomplish? More playing time for Fuld who at best is your fifth out fielder, pinch runner and late inning defensive replacement? I don’t understand all this Fuld love.
And significantly more playing time for Colvin? Where? I agree that Colvin should get 2-3 starts per week but in all fairness our outfield is producing well. But I agree that Lou should start Colvin twice every week or Hendry should just send him down so that he can get consistent at bats.
Actually if Colvin is not going to get consistent at bats then send him down and bring up Fuld to be your pinch runner/defensive replacement.
One Move Only?
There is not ONE move that will make an impact this season. This team is 4-5 moves away. Anyway, the ONE move that Lou and Hendry decided not to make that drives me nuts was not to start Colvin. He deserved to start after Spring Training on THIS team. Does anyone really believe that Fukodome is better than Colvin? Last I looked he’s leading the team in slugging %. And Fuke will end up hitting .250 this year and Colvin will have been wasted sitting on the bench. I know Fuke has a big contract which, by the way, no one will take in a trade. So, Ricketts has to start eating some of the bloated contracts that Hendry made either by trading these ineffective players (and eating part of their contracts) or sitting them and letting players like Colvin (and Tracy) play. Oops, that’s 2 moves. What are we wating for?
Iwastherein69
compiling some of the better suggestions (IMO) ...
Trade Fukudome, Baker and Gorzo for bullpen help/prospects.
Start Colvin every day in right and make him the No. 5 hitter. The rest of the lineup falls into place depending on who’s hitting well — not based on who was the big bat in past seasons.
Call up Fuld to be the fifth outfielder. Put Z back in the rotation (assuming you get a righty reliever in one of the trades).
I'd make a slight tweak of that...
I’d be okay with trading Fukudome and Theriot (rather than Baker), and calling up Tracy and Fuld. I’m less sold on trading Gorzellany, but if he’s not in the long-term plans then I’d be okay with it.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
It's sad, and I never thought I'd say this.
I’m not sure I care enough about this team, after the way they have been playing, to want to bother making one, three, or a dozen moves.
Trade for prospects and not immediate help
Rebuilding sucks, but it’s needed at this moment.
[...]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."
Trade Kosuke for a Setup Arm
Because of the ripple effects: Colvin starts in RF; Z returns to the Rotation; Gorzellany goes to long relief.
Get another solid reliever
For right now — not a “prospect”.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Since it has to be right now
and it’s only mid-May, trades are unlikely. Especially in this economy, with so many other teams’ attendance way down and the Cubs looking perhaps to unload a big contract, trades are almost 100% unlikely.
My move involves several players. For the next 9-10 games:
Play Colvin at RF,
keep Castro @ SS,
Theriot at 2nd,
Move Sori & Soto up in the lineup and
Move Lee & Rami down in the lineup.
Castro
Colvin
Byrd
Sori
Lee
Soto
Rami
Theriot
Just win the next game...!
don't like that lineup
Theriot really hasn’t been the problem at leadoff, despite his many deficiencies. I’d switch Castro and Theriot and Soto and Soriano.
Theriot's OBP is lower than Castro and Byrd...
Therefore, while he hasn’t been the problem, there are better options available.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
I get that.
But I don’t want Castro to be the next Corey Patterson. Also, limited sample size and all.
I would be okay with someone other than Castro at leadoff, for sure...
but Theriot’s .350 OBP isn’t exactly stellar, and could be replaced by any number of other players on our roster.
by SouthernCub on May 17, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Actually Theriot has been terrible at leadoff
He’s .156 leading off in the 1st inning. He’s only .235 leading off any inning. On top of that he has only 2 BB and 10 K in 70 PA.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
One change, to be made right now...
This is actually kinda tough, just because of the right now part. If Colvin is part of the long-term Cubs’ plans, and I would think most people agree that he is, then that would probably mean that Fukudome would need to be shipped out in order to get him in, since Soriano and Byrd are pretty much locked in place. But I can’t see making a trade right now to move Fukudome, because I just don’t see any trades being made by anybody right now, regardless of their situation.
This would also be the issue with trying to get a solid reliever; I don’t see where a trade can be made to get one of the handful of these guys that may be out there. And I don’t think it would be a wise move, since middle-to-late relief guys come and go quite fast.
So I guess that would leave me with trying to get a more consistent lineup against right-handed pitching. The Cubs are hitting .267 against righties, which is 4th best in the NL, but it’s obviously not providing enough results. But as many other people have said, moving Ramirez down, Soto up, and keeping them there, would be the start.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 10:39 AM CDT reply actions
Billionaire mixer in the bleachers on the weekend for singles.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:44 AM CDT reply actions
I think any trades made now ...
like in the next month or so, have to work for the long-term and the short-term, so dealing Kosuke, Baker/Theriot/Fontenot and Gorzo make the most sense.
Are you still up there in the watchtower?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Permanently
Every morning, I get coffee and Yoplait delivered up here. That makes me happy and keeps all of you alive.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Lol...glad to hear it with all these posts of moving-my-fave-player will change the results.
Although you’ll need a very long range rifle to reach me down here in STL.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Do you save the lids?
They can help fight cancer.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 17, 2010 11:43 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes! We need a Bowl in the Suburbs
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I know this isn't a picture of Fulton County Stadium
But I liked it better than Turner Field…
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
For those who don't know, that's the Vet in Philly.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't think so, Al
Looks like Riverfront Stadium in Cincy.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
You know ....
.. on second look, yes, that’s Riverfront.
They all did look pretty much alike.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Pretty funny to think that
You could take a picture of a ’70s stadium, completely eliminate the background, and probably not be able to identify what stadium it was. Must have been a good idea back then.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions
You could fall asleep in Riverfront
and wake up in Three Rivers (or old Busch, or the Vet) and probably never know the difference.
The ’70s: Bad clothing, bad music, bad stadiums.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
But that Astroturf thing really caught on. :)
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I still have a soft spot in my heart for some of the uniforms
Pirates, A’s, Padres, the Cubs white-pinstriped road outfits, and the South Side Hitmen pilgrim outfits.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
The Pirates and their Gay '90s pillbox hats
and yellow double-knits. Arrgh (and I don’t mean that in a pirate way, either).
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Those were some of the worst uniforms in baseball history.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I better stop now.
I think my computer is melting.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
good!
I might have to go and wash my eyes out with soap
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Those were all classic, though. :)
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Funny..or just ironic that those are some of the big sellers now.
The powder blue Cards unis alone generate huge dollars in addition to those Astros ones.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Speaking of blue road uni's, there's a good story behind this one.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The story is... (sorry, hit post too fast)...
… the Phillies wore those last Friday in Milwaukee for a “retro Friday” night.
The Phillies starting pitcher on Friday was Jamie Moyer. The Phillies started wearing those road uni’s in 1973. Moyer was born in 1962.
A player wearing a retro uniform was older than the retro uniform.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That's ironic...and will happen again in sports with retro
uniforms being worn on teams so often. I love fans being able to buy old uniforms they couldn’t before, but hate seeing teams seemingly wearing them half the time as a marketing ploy. You sometimes forget what their current uniform looks like in sports like football.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Those shorts...
…were probably the stupidest thing I have ever seen.
No fan sliding in those things either.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
That ump...
…is in good position for a nice look!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
My hometown had the Peaches in it.
those were some tough ladies, and good ballplayers too! Dirt in the skirt!
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
That's your grandma in that picture!
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on May 17, 2010 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I knew she had it goin' on!
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully you know who your grandfather is then!
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
My grandpa ran away at 16 to join the WWI calvary.
and lied about his age to do so. He’d probably come out of his grave and kick my ass if I said anything bad about him.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
brrrrrrrrrrrrainsssssssss
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
one of my favorite movies.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Sweet!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 17, 2010 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions
woah!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Tekulve does postgame analysis
on Pirates TV now. Fortunately, he’s ditched the Jack Nicholson-like shades.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions
The 70's get a bad rap, musically.
All the disco era crap from the Villiage People and Abba outweighed the good done in the first half of the decade.
‘Let It Be’ came out in 70, ‘Maggie Mae’ in 71, ‘Lets Stay Together’… Elton was firing on all cylinders (‘Crocodile Rock’, ‘Benny and the Jets’), Bowie, the Eagles, Paul Simon…
I fear history will look back on what we’ve done in the last 10 years with a lot more shame than it will for anything in the 70’s.
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree the 70's are good
But our choices differ…Springsteen, Elvis Costello, most classic Allman Brothers stuff.
I’m not an Eagles fan though.
Disco sometimes gets a bad rap IMO.
At least those were real instruments being played in the background on those records. No sampling.
I can see if you’re not into dance music, that’s fine. I don’t personally care for the pop/top 40 disco pap either, but there were some genius underground classics from that era that are getting caned by DJs to this day.
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
but what about all the playoff and World Series memories at good ole Wrigley?
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
Trade the Corners & A Starting Pitcher
I think we need to at least trade one of our corner outfielders/infielders and a starting pitcher.
Lee and Lilly would be most marketable because of their short contracts and solid performance last year. Trading them would save us ~$20 Million for the rest of the year.
Getting rid of a corner and a starter allows for two things:
-Acquiring potential prospects
-Allow for others in our system to get to the majors:
Jay Jackson/ Cashner to be starters
Colvin to get more playing time
Why?
If you trade Lee or Rami (and I don’t think that’s doable in either case, but let’s presume it works) where does Colvin play? While I suppose it’s possible Sori or Byrd could play first base, NONE of the outfielders can play third, so if Rami is the one traded, how does that get Colvin more time?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Texeira
Not Mark. Seattle has a left field problem. Kosuke would be a good fit for it, imo. Seattle has a middle reliever named Texeira who has been quite effective in middle relief. And the guy is being paid the minimum, I believe.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
Dunno if they do have the space, but our trade with them last year turned out well :)
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Unlikely ANY team
has the salary space, without some sort of financial offset (i.e., Cubs pitching in $ or taking back an equally hefty contract).
Shift Castro to the #2 spot in the BO
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Fire Lou Piniella
Let the new manager handle the rest.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Cla Meredith
1. Brian Roberts looks to be out for awhile in Baltimore
2. Cesar Izturis and Julio Lugo are really really terrible.
3. Cla Meredith is pitching really really well.
Trade Baker and PTBN (Gray, Russell?) to Baltimore for Meredith, recall Chad Tracy, move Z back to rotation and Gorzo to pen. Baltimore could move Tejada back to short.
That would complete the roster. The rest is up to you.
by SouthWabashSoul on May 17, 2010 11:19 AM CDT reply actions
Hmm and trade Fuld for Holliday. cool. Add in Grabow.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Fire Hendry
That HAS to be the very first move. He created this mess.
by nimblenikelfoos on May 17, 2010 11:27 AM CDT reply actions
Agreed, him making any moves is a bad idea IMHO. Why expect different results than what you have gotten.
Gotta get off that train , the sooner the better. I actually like Hendry as a person…but his moves have set the team back years.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Colvin to AAA
To learn first in order replace D. Lee in 2011
Better hope stalker isn't reading right now.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I disagree, and Josh's explanation is why
If someone is capable of playing a position well when that requires more athleticism than first base, you don’t move that player to first base.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Are you looking for logic and reason on here?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Point taken!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Given the current situation
I think it’s logical and realistic. Soriano isn’t going anywhere, Byrd is playing well, and Fukudome probably isn’t going anywhere. There’s good reason to believe that all 3 will be playing the outfield next year. There’s a good chance, on the other hand, Lee won’t be with the Cubs next year. I think Colvin deserves consistent playing time, and short of moving one of the current OFs by the start of 2011, I see this as a reasonable opportunity. I get that he’s more valuable as an OF than 1B, but I think the opportunity isn’t going to be there.
There is an option you didn't consider
Colvin is tradeable.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
GAH!!!!!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 17, 2010 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Not necessarily advocating that
But it makes more sense than turning him into a first baseman.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't get the 1st baseman thing either
Maybe it is from all the people that wanted Hoffpauir last season.
Even if the Cubs were willing to make Colvin less valuable and he can continue hitting, he still won’t likely hit enough for a top 1st baseman. If the Cubs want a Colvin like bat at 1st, go get Adam LaRoche or Casey Kotchman.
Nothing
Come August, Lee and Ramirez will be hitting .270, Z will be the Marmol of ’08 and the Cubs will be in contention.
Typical Cub fan overreaction.
The first two are distinct possibilities
The third is unlikely. The fourth, I am not going to comment on.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Order a hit on Milton Bradley.
Recruit Mark Prior as special assistant to Rothschild.
Sign a long-term contract to a corner in/outfielder, but only if they’re >31 years of age.
Make moves that don’t mean diddly squat, like rearrange batting orders.
Oh, and pretend 2010 can be saved.
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 17, 2010 11:40 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Dear Patriot Act,
I was joking about Milton.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 17, 2010 11:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Better cc that to Worf.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Trade Zambrano to Yanks/Boston/Angels
..if anyone will take him now. He certainly isn’t doing the club any good in his current role.
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
Here's a fun one!
Which hurts thr fanbase more:
Cubs 2003 NLCS
or
Cavs 2010 Division loss?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 17, 2010 11:49 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I'd say MJ hurt the Cavs more than the 2010 division loss.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
2003 Cubs
Cleveland as a sports town hasn’t been able to get it done for a long time now, so I’m sure those people will resume worrying about their jobs, rather than the fact that their basketball team can’t get it done, how their baseball team stinks, and how their football team is one of the worst in the league.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
In a vacuum, the Cubs...
… but i reserve the right to change my mind when LeBron walks.
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
It's going to be hilarious if he chooses the Knicks.
Wearing NY Yanks gear for awhile seemed to show he wanted to move there….and get the big stage and big promotional contracts. For a player who keeps saying only championships matter, it would be fun to watch.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
There isn't much evidence the Knicks would be better than the Cavs.
Frankly, the two most sensible options for him would be Miami or the Bulls. Probably slightly less money to be made in each of those places, but really… once you’ve got $500,000,000, does another ten million really matter?
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
It seems to, for many professional athletes.
Otherwise, why would some of them turn down reasonable work because they don’t think they’re being paid enough? (cough Jermaine Dye cough)
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Oh no doubt.
And its a backwards ass position every time.
Plus, i’d be willing to bet that he’d make a LOT more money if he came here and won a couple of championships with Rose than if he went to NY and came up short repeatedly. NY being the biggest market ONLY pays off if all other things are equal, and they aren’t – that Knicks team is bad, and even if they have the money for both LeBron AND a Bosh type, they still wouldn’t be any better than Miami or Chicago.
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
LeBron would be able to take Derrick Rose & Co. to the next level.
A good coach wouldn’t hurt, either.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Calipari? :-)
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I dunno.
A lot of those successful college coaches have not been able to make the transition to the pros.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
This
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
That...
… and the fact that he’s the only guy to have final four wins vacated on two different teams, i think?
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
and the fact that no one's ever
really considered him a grade a coach. he’s an amazing recruiter but i’ve never heard anyone praise his in-game style.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Calipari already coached the Nets.
And he wasn’t bad, either, IMO.
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
You mean Tim Floyd wasn't the answer?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions
If the question was...
… “Which Jerry Krause lackey made the worst coach in Bulls history?”, then Floyd was the answer.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on May 17, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd for humor value, if nothing else. :)
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, that was my point...
although I left out Krause annoying Jackson into leaving to get to Floyd. Doesn’t seem to be a funny quip in there.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Attention and the Big Stage seem to matter to him. Or at least it seemed to before.
I think Kobe is an example of this thinking, I am pretty sure he would have left LA a number of times if that didn’t matter to him. It will be interesting to see what LBJ chooses for sure…though I would love to see him in a Bulls uniform. I do agree the Knicks make little sense, which is why I was so surprised to hear him flirt with New York for awhile. Nothing but a black hole there, and with him a star w/o a ring makes no sense at all.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
LBJ - I like that
Then you call his teammates “The Great Society”!
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
Good one.
Given LeBron never got past high school, I’d imagine he’d just give that quote a funny look.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Trade Zambrano to wherever he is willing to go...
Don’t trade Gorz… Don’t trade Silva. Neither of them are going to get anything back that is worth a damn. Both of them are pitching well and are serviceable as fourth and fifth starters. Leave them.
Z has to go. This is not a knee jerk reaction to having a 7.07 ERA out of the pen. There are several reasons.
1.) He is a headcase – The guy is a hot head, and the media love to poke at him just to see when and how he will blow up. As a result, he is an unnecessary distraction on the team and it’s chemistry. If he were putting up the numbers of Pedro Martinez (in his prime) or Tim Lincecum, I would be willing to put up with a lot more.
2.) He is inconsistent - somebody pointed out that his ERA in his first 15 pitches is really poor, and that was a good reason to not have him as a reliever. I would say that it is a better reason not to have him on the team. If you are down 3-0 after your first 15 pitches, you’ve just buried your team.
3.) He is simply not an ace. He was an ace in 2004. He was very good in 2005 and 2006. But since then his numbers have been pedestrian. Yes, he was 18-13 in 2007, but his ERA was just under 4.00 and he walked over 100 batters. If Jason Marquis had put up those numbers, half the people on this site would have been calling for him to be DFA’d.
4.) He lacks focus. I think this has a big effect on No. 2&3. Z knows that chicks dig the long ball, and he cares more about his hitting than his pitching.
5.)He is prone to breakdown – He’s a big man, but we have already seen the injury bug nip at him. As he moves to the wrong side of 30, things are likely to get worse.
6.) He’s not likely to get better – 2004 is long gone. The no-no was a cruel tease – a vision of what he can do in the right situation. The Cubs are paying 18M a year for a phantom – a pitcher who is not likely to appear in the friendly confines.
While Z’s move to the pen has not been a panacea for the team’s problems, the team has not fallen apart in his absence every fifth day. I think it is clear that they could survive without him, and perhaps excel in the right situation.
He’s a big-ticket item, but there are a few teams that I think would be interested in him – they would think they could “fix” him, make him that ace. And maybe they could. I don’t wish him ill if he leaves the Cubs, I just think they would be better off without him.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
Arghhh. I agree.
And I type “argh” because I still like the mental self-stimulation that soon he’ll be lights-out for the duration of his contract.
However, the price on his contract makes him almost untradable.
He also has an NTC.
I know Ross said to trade Z where he would be willing to go, but those gymnastics make actually pulling off a trade that much harder.
Meanwhile, Gorzo’s a young, effective lefty who’s relatively cheap. He has some value.
I’m not defending Z (though I’d point out that he was quite good in the first half of 2008). But I don’t think there’s much chance that he’s going anywhere.
At this point, I don't think the NTC would be a problem.
I doubt he’s much too happy to be in the bullpen and I doubt he still sees eye-to-eye with management. But like I said above, I doubt he’ll go anywhere.
Why not
argh ?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
You have a valid point to me that by now we've seen he won't likely return to the form
We wanted when we signed him to his huge contract. Problem is as with Sori, Dome, even Rammy…what exactly would you get for him? and again, l’d want to look at a trade…but not with Hendry making it.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
agreed..
Hendry has already reduced his value by sending him to the pen..
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
Don't be surprised...
…if Zambrano and his agent ask the Cubs to look at trading him at the deadline.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Nothing from nothing leaves
nothing. He had no trade value even before the move. No one wants that salary.
No one will want to try and fix him for this price
11:$17.875M, 12:$18M, 13:$19.25M vesting player option
At that salary, a team could sign a free agent pitcher who doesn’t need fixing.
Agreed. But it sure is fun to dream.
Only thing you aren’t taking into consideration here is the Cubs paying a significant amount of that salary. Which sure might be worth a look to free up SOME of that salary on someone else…I’m not delusional enough to think another Silva trade is out there.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
But if they have to pay half of his salary
then just put him back in the rotation where he belongs. He isn’t an awful pitcher. He just isn’t the ace that he is paid. 3 of the 4 starts he made before the stupid bullpen move were ok. Only opening day was really bad and with Zambrano’s temperament that wasn’t a surprise.
Disagree on your assertion...
… that Gorzelanny isn’t worth a damn. He cost controlled for this year and next and getting decent results. He isn’t going to land you an all-star, but he does have value.
Sure trading Z
would be great, but at his price/salary no way.
I think trading Theriot/Gorzo could bring some pen in return.
I still want Lou out of here.
Let me ask a question
and I guess this is really directed toward the room in general. Why is it that people feel that Zambrano would be difficult to trade?
I mean, the NTC has usually been an impediment to the return that a team gets (limiting the clubs that you can trade with), as opposed to the ability to trade the player at all. The Yankees offered Melky Cabrera for Zambrano less than two months ago. And anywhere that Zambrano might go would be a high-profile contender, with likely better short-term playoff prospects than the Cubs. I can’t really see Carlos refusing to leave for a contender, so that he can return as a slighted player to the Cubs.
I guess you could quibble about whether it worth it, but I’m having a tough time seeing major troubles with moving Zambrano, if the Cubs were ever so inclined.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think the impediment is the NTC, but the creamy richness of his contract.
Only Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Mets, Red Sox and Yankees could cover his contract. The Mets and the Sox would be ideal—possibly the Angels too. But what kind of return can the Cubs expect?
I totally missed the Cabrera-for-Z offer. In hindsight, that would’ve been great.
Yep
Reportedly they called the Cubs before moving Melky to Atlanta, which you (I) would think would debunk this “Who would want Z?” argument.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Two months ago?
That must be news to the Yankees and Braves, who made this deal on December 22, 2009, almost five months ago.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Time goes by
man, so thanks for catching that. But the point remains the same.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
And if Melky Cabrera had been a starting Cubs outfielder this year...
…. the torches and pitchforks would be out. Or did you not notice that he’s hitting .193/.285/.229?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Re-read the post...
The return is really not the question, but could the Cubs move Zambrano, if they were so inclined. I’ve already stated that I’d expect a low return, given the NTC.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Sorry I'm not buying this as a legit deal
The Yankees were probably talking to a lot of people and discussion doesn’t mean a firm deal was offered.
Even if it was, ok the Yankees have interest. Who else? Zambrano doesn’t have a trade market. If someone wanted a starter, call Houston for Oswalt.
I guess the trading
partners are limited. Mets need starters in the worst way, but who in the hell can you get from the Mets. Red Sox do not need starters, Yanks are in the same boat.
I just think his salary and the limited teams make him tough to move.
I feel like I'm going down a bit
of a rat hole here, so let me just throw something out here, and I’ll stop. In my opinion, you could have a Zambrano -Vazquez deal done tomorrow with no problem. Vazquez has no business in the AL, let alone New York. It wouldn’t net the Cubs much except for the payroll flexibility, but they might nab a compensatory pick by letting him walk after this season.
Just saying.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Vazquez on the Cubs is lucrative,
But I just don’t see any deals being done anywhere in baseball any time soon. And I don’t know if the Yankees would want to make a deal like that with all of the cash still owed to Zambrano.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
So,
why would the Yankees have salary concerns over Zambrano? It didn’t bother them two five months ago, and the 2010 salaries of both are about even.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't have Vazquez's remaining contract numbers,
But I’m assuming he’s not under as long of a contract in the future as Zambrano is?
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
That is correct.
I believe this is his last year.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Just looked it up now.
The numbers aren’t all that even. Vazquez is making $11.5 million this year and then is a free agent. Zambrano is making close to $19 million this year and then has 2 years left at that number.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes..
that is my view as well. He’s not helping the team where he is. He is hurting payroll flexability. Why not get what you can and also get payroll relief? I’m sure you could get a decent midlevel prospect out of Boston or the Angels.
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
Vazquez has been worth a LOT more than Zambrano over the last several years...
That said, I’d wonder why the Yankees would want to make that move. Since Vazquez has been better than Zambrano consistently since 2006, why would one assume that Zambrano moving to a much tougher division would result in better production than what they can get from Vazquez?
In other words, I'd love that deal as a Cubs fan...
but I can’t see why the Yankees would do that deal.
You should take
a bit to research the current Vazquez situation. The organization is down on him, and he’s pitching out of the ’pen right now, if I remember correctly.
Why the Yankees wouldn’t be interested in something like this escapes me. But hey, it’s all just conversation; I don’t see anything here on the horizon anyway.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm aware of the Vazquez situation
Yes, Vazquez is struggling and the Yanks aren’t excited about him anymore. But Zambrano is also struggling, and Zambrano is doing it against lesser competition. Why would the Yankees want to trade one problem for a more expensive, possibly bigger problem?
In short?
That’s New York for you.
Seriously though, I think that Zambrano gets something of a pass for struggling in an unusual role, that he is neither excited about, nor was given adequate preparation for.
That said, I’m going to end it here.
by Damen Jackson on May 17, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
But he wasn't pitching that well as a starter, either...
Yes, most of the poor work was due to one game. But he was mediocre in two of his other three starts.
Vazquez looked very good against Detroit in his last start (May 12: 7IP, 5H, 2ER, 2BB, 7K). For a 4th/5th starter (given that Hughes is doing so well), that’s pretty solid. I don’t see the Yankees being all that fired up about getting Zambrano instead.
Regardless, as you note, it’s not going to happen anyway. So I guess it’s pointless to discuss further.
Prior would like a word with you about that.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
My second move would be to hire Mark Prior as the pitching coach.
by sanshokubento on May 17, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
hmm....might work if Prior doesn't have to teach by actually throwing the ball.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Prior
can just throw a towel.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
I give this masterplan...
… the first ever “BLou Memorial Master Plan Award”.
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 17, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Are you referring to my third move? Meet your new Cubs GM: BLou.
by sanshokubento on May 17, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
SWL advertising VP?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
well, I like the cheerleader suggestion
(see below)
by sanshokubento on May 17, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
There's no one move
that’s going to make this team significantly better this year.
But, I’d start with calling the Dodgers to see what they give up for Ted Lilly.
Go Back to the original 25
Players just need to do their jobs, when it is time to do their jobs. How many runners on 3rd with less than 2 outs have gotten stranded.? OMG. How many failed opportunites to move the runner?
Put Colvin back in the minors and bring back Tracy, rotate Nady in to keep all sharp. And rotate the IF the same way. Maybe it would work for Lee and Ram the same as it has for FUK and Sori.
by Sandbergforprez on May 17, 2010 12:44 PM CDT reply actions
Cheerleaders dancing on top of the dugouts between innings.
Because none of the suggestions so far are going to make one turkey fart of a difference.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 12:44 PM CDT reply actions
I'm eagerly awaiting yours. :)
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 17, 2010 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmm...combine that with my Billionaire mixer in the bleachers. Bet you could make a good reality show from it.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
sort of like "Cheerleaders Dancing With the Billionaire Bachelors in the Bleachers"
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 17, 2010 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Lol. Well, reality shows sure haven't set the bar very high...
I bet it would draw some viewers of the Bling Ring.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Marla Collins..
just might be available
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
by wicubfan on May 17, 2010 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wonder if Harry ever did get her phone number? She would make a primo ballgirl.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
The call to start Colvin sure reminds me of
the push to start Hoffpauir over Lee. I was on that train last year and I’m not going to make that mistake again. I thought Colvin pretty much got himself lost in the system until this spring training? (Remind anyone of Hoffpauir?) I do think Colvin is better than Hoffpauir, but I don’t think he is better than Soriano, Byrd, or Fukudome.
With that said, I would like to see the Cubs trade Fukudome. I don’t know if I can take another decline. Sell him high.
Classic. Best part of the article was reading everyone has struggled but Aaron Heilman.
Only thing missing here with acquiring Howry would be to sign LIND.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
You know your BP is bad
when Aaron Heilman is your best guy.
by salparadise23 on May 17, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow. Just wow.
I had a look at the D’backs bullpen numbers. Arizona relievers have thrown 104.1 innings with a 7.68 ERA, a 1.78 WHIP and 24 home runs allowed. It’s true that Heilman was their only good reliever — he’s the only one with an ERA under 6.
Comparison point: the Cubs bullpen, in a similar number of innings (101.1), has a 5.24 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP and 11 HR allowed. That’s bad, but the D’backs pen is horrific.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Shows you that a turd can smell vaguely like a rose when the rest of your pen is crap.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Just say NO to Howry!
Please, he is beyond a bum these days. No time for reminiscing or Kool-Aid chuggin, he’s done, move on.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
Lol. Relax. These were all jokes about the absurdity of doing so.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait.
This team is not one move from contention. The only thing that can save them now is a hot streak.
If that doesn’t happen by June, you try and trade off the useful free agents to be, such as Aramis, Fukudome, Lee, etc.
One move to rule them all
Trade Lilly, Ramirez, and Byrd to LA for Kemp, Padilla, and Blake, and even out the money.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
i've reiterated this before
but when eligible i’d trade byrd (sell high) and pick up prospects, freeing up a spot to play Colvin and test him at the toughest position and then giving us more roster flexibility down the line
but then again i’m more focused on the future than this season, as i’ve said since the offseason
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on May 17, 2010 1:18 PM CDT reply actions
I agree with this
but I’d also trade Lee once he proves to the league he’ll start hitting again. Anyone over 32ish on an expiring contract should be traded if possible. We’re not going anywhere this season, save those dollars for the future, and pick up some prospects in the process.
DEJESUS!!!
If you are trying to salvage this season,
can Lou. It probably would not make much of a difference, but if I am only allowed one move, that is the one most likely to turn things around.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
Of all the moves in this thread
And there are some ridiculous suggestions – canning Lou strikes me as the least likely to actually happen.
There’s no way Hendry ends Lou’s career with a firing. He’ll get the Dusty Baker treatment and be allowed to ride out his last season and retire with dignity.
Kind of like Baker left the Cubs with dignity?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Gotta watch out for those toothpicks.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Any face Baker lost was due to him and him alone
The wacky quotes and bizarre need to play awful players like Neifi and Mabry in the face of a disastrous are what cost Baker his dignity.
But despite that Hendry allowed Baker to finish the season out of respect for his accomplishments. He’ll do the same for Lou, whose accomplishments dwarf Baker’s, and whose career will be over the second he hangs up his Cubs jersey.
Baker made some questionable moves...
…but the guy is not as bad a manager as most would think by his last two years with the Cubs. Would I want him to manage my team? No, but he is just another guy who has had success, in a long line of revolving managers that become clueless when they join the Cubs.
Somewhere in there, there is a common demoninator that a lot of people are choosing to overlook.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
That's kind of what I was getting at when I wrote that "too much pressure" post last week.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Exactly
Why do supposedly good baseball people who have had success almost everywhere they’ve been come to the Cubs and crap the bed?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions
IMO...
…that is a question most (even the media) have chosen to skim over for a long time. The reason why? Maybe most don’t want to believe the problem is anything more than just replacing the manager and don’t want to admit to a much deeper issue.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
well ...
Lou and Dusty were both kinda run out of town at their last jobs.
Any idea...
…how many managers/coaches are run out of jobs because their organization sucked?
A LOT!!!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
The shame of it is that winning a WS would ease that enormously,
And we should have had a good chance to do that with all the money we’ve thrown at this team. Which is why to me we need to replace the architect of it, Hendry, and give a manager the best chance to win with a team that performs.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
There is more pressure...
…but I would point more to the organization as the common element as the main reason we haven’t had a manger with a tenure like in Atlanta, St. Louis, Boston or an Anaheim.
The right players/team will overcome the pressure, as many other teams have.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Why didn't it happen in 2008 when everything seemed to be in place?
I would argue that part of the problem was poor postseason preparation by the manager, who should have known better.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I disagree...
…and it is a giant leap to say a manager who won 97 games fell on his face when it came to preperation for the playoffs.
That team failed because it faced better pitching and enhanced scouting reports (like happens in all post seasons) and had a top of the order which was feast or famine. Their starter in game one also crapped the bed, and I really don’t know how Lou should have prepped Dempster to prevent that.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
It wasn't just Dempster.
The whole team seemed ill-prepared.
Incidentally, as bad as Dempster pitched in game 1, if he gets that one strike past Loney, he gets out of the 5th leading 2-0, and is probably out of the game in favor of Ted Lilly.
That whole series turned on that one pitch.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It did...
…but you could just feel it coming, couldn’t you?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
After that pitch wasn't called strike three?
Yeah, probably.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I understand...
…but if there is one stat that holds up well in baseball, it is if you walk too many guys, it will come back to bite you in the ass.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
If wishes were fishes, no one would ever starve.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Unless they were vegetarians
Wait, what?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm currently reading "Entangled In Ivy"
which is George Castle’s follow up to “The Million To One Team”. He examines the fates and fortunes of the Cubs since Y2K, and points out the strategic and character flaws in Baylor and Baker. But mainly he faults poor roster construction, especially as a function of a lack of a “master plan” (apologies to BLou) at the top.
Now Castle hasn’t brought this up yet, but my take is that the inconsistency and mediocrity of those Cub teams were an ill fit with the styles and strengths of Baylor and Dusty. Just as I think the same of Lou. Veteran, old school managers touted for their leadership abilities work best with rosters made up primarily of reliable veteran talent. Teams like the Cubs that more often than not are made up of mediocre players need a skipper who can get the most out of middling talent and put players in positions where they can excel.
Baylor and Baker were neither master motivators, effective communicators, nor brilliant tacticians. So when they did have to resort to juggling and patching the lineup, they fell flat on their faces and became frustrated.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
by EalyEagle on May 17, 2010 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Haven't heard of that book
Sounds really interesting. I’ll have to see if the library has it
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
it does sound good, need to add that to my list of summer reads
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 17, 2010 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions
While you may be right about Lou
Wouldn’t a 150 million dollar roster be indicative that the club is, or intended to be, made up with reliable veteran talent?
But without a plan
That has been my number 1 complaint about Hendry. He just seems to always be in reaction mode.
My bad, I should have defined "reliable" a bit better
That was my word to describe the kind of club New York and Boston always fields – namely, All Stars without holes in their game that you can just wind up and send out there to automatically hit .360.
It can’t be emphasized enough how misappropriated the Cubs big-market payroll is. It’s like heading out with a realtor to see a multi-million dollar home and you end up being shown the Winchester Mystery House. $150M would lead anyone to believe the team is full of ARods and Halladays, but many of the Cubs are being overpaid in relation to their talent level.
This is not to say guys like Soriano and Grabow are greedy and should give it back. It’s not their fault their skill sets were overvalued and they ended up getting the kind of money/years that should only go to guys like Miguel Cabrera and CC Sabathia. That falls on Hendry.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
Completely agree...
…for two reasons:
1. Hendry is very respectful of guys with winning backgrounds
2. Just like with Baker, Hendry has to know he burdens a lot of the accountability for what has gone on, and does not want to be known as a guy who simply places blame on everyone else when most people paying attention know what has gone on here – this effects his image in the baseball world and Hendry is very concerned with that.
Lou only goes if Ricketts orders Hendry to do it.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I did not say this was the most likely move to happen
just expressing my opinion regarding which move would have the greatest chance to make a positive impact.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on May 17, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Make no little plans. Package Soriano and Nady and Z and Baker and trade to AL
Soriano should not play the outfield – great DH candidate.
Nady didn’t sound happy yesterday in post-game interview, IMO. And he still can’t throw and won’t be able to until 2nd half and sure he got a big hit yesterday but he ain’t exactly on fire.
Z ain’t happy and I don’t think the Cubs really know what to do with him, so trade him.
Too many second basemen.
Colvin plays OF. Trade for an outfielder who can actually catch (to replace Soriano’s inability to do so) and throw (to replace Nady’s inability to do so), and a right handed setup guy and a PTBNL!!.
If Hendry was able to get rid of last year’s right fielder, he can do this, too!
One of Lee Elia's 15%
I'd be calling the Giants and offering Fukudome and a 2nd baseman
for bullpen help and minor leaguers.
Do the Giants
have a minor league system?
DEJESUS!!!
Wait
for Lee to get hot, then trade him when value peaks. If Lee is signed past this season, it is going to be based on past success rather than his projected future abilities. I have more interest in keeping Ramirez who could conceivably play first or third, which gives you roster flexibility, plus Ramirez (assuming he doesn’t opt out) can be retained without an extension.
DEJESUS!!!
Trade with Padres for Gonzales
Package D-Lee and A-Ram and pay “x” of salary package for this year and next and try to pry A-Gonz from Padres. He is not going to sign with them. Cubbies would have left handed 1B with power and good glove for the future. If Vitters is not ready for the big show, use Jeff Baker or Chad Tracey at 3B rest of year. The “team chemistry” on this team is NOT RIGHT (not sure why), but it is time to break up the core and move on.
VOLCUBPACK1
Why would the Padres trade 2 years of Gonzalez for 2 veterans who are impending free agents?
How does that benefit them in any way?
It doesn't at all, that's why it's a totally ridiculous idea that will never happen.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
The Padres look like a pretty good team that may continue to contend.
Adrian Gonzalez is the face of their franchise. He’s not going anywhere.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Besides his talent, Gonzalez is a unique circumstance for SD
He was born in SD and raised in Tijuana. I think the Padres look at him as a big marketing chip, particularly in their attempts to cultivate a fan base in Mexico.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Also...
… I just looked up the trade that got Gonzalez from Texas to San Diego:
January 6, 2006: Traded by the Texas Rangers with Terrmel Sledge and Chris Young to the San Diego Padres for Billy Killian (minors), Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka.
Wow. Just wow. By the time all those players are done, that could be one of the most lopsided deals in major league history.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If the Padres come back down to earth, and me may be doing that now...and it's evident they'll miss the playoffs...
Adrian would not rule out looking for another team to play for. Trust me.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
The Pads would still move
Gonzalez if they drop out of the race, and they will, by the end of the month. They pitched way over their heads. The offense is very suspect, and was outed this weekend in the Dodgers 3-game sweep of the Pads.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 17, 2010 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Good thing the Dbacks didn't sign him.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions
How about
Why would the Padres trade 2 years of Gonzalez for 2 veterans who can’t hit it out of Wrigley lately, let alone spacious Petco?
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I still don't understand why
the padres would trade gonzalez any way.
under 30, under team control, very cheap, very good… i don’t understand
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
He's not going to be cheap for very much longer.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Sounds like a recent Tiger quote.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions
There is a lot of Gonzalez speculation out there
Mostly around $$ that he will command and can the Pad’s afford him. If they think they can’t, they’ll look to trade for a bushel of prospects.
That’s a cute puppy pic in your profile.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
thanks on the puppy
he’s not very cute at the moment… he’s convinced i’m being mean. i won’t let him go splash in EVERY puddle. i’m getting lots of stink eye. :-P
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
think before posting
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on May 17, 2010 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
sometimes i wish sbnation had an anti rec
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
See if anyone is interested in Tracy.
He got such a small opportunity to play up in the bigs, but has been hitting very well in AAA. Maybe you can trade him for a reliever.
Switch the lineup around. There's no question this ballclub has the talent to win. Just need some tweaking.
I’d go with this one:
1. Fukudome (RF)
2. Castro (SS)
3. Soriano (LF)
4. Byrd (CF)
5. DLee (1B)
6. Soto ©
7. Ramirez (3B)
8. Theriot (2B)
9. Pitcher
"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
Interesting.
And you could even bump Soriano back to 6th (for all who say why move him when he is producing) and slide everyone up and it would still look fine. Too bad this lineup still doesn’t solve the core offensive problem, consistent run producers. Unfortunately, I don’t see Soto driving in runs all that well, merely an on base machine. Agreed he shouldn’t be hitting down there in 8th though for sure.
Random comment here: I didn't think it were possible, but the Cubs are only 5.5 games out of first place.
"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
commence responses ...
by optimists about how this proves the pessimists wrong and from the pessimists about how this is irrelevant.
They've just haven't performed very well at all, yet they're still in the race.
I know it’s early and this team is definately going to have to show me something here over the next 2-3 weeks for me to change the outlook on this season, but I just found that surprising.
"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
Check who they have played and who they have yet to play
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe that's why he said this
this team is definately going to have to show me something here over the next 2-3 weeks
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
Possibly
But that should be part of the “still in the race” bit, no?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Have Greg Maddux scout the team for ten straight games
And then report directly to Ricketts as to whether the problem is Hendry’s moves to assemble the current roster and contracts, Lou’s way of using the players, or certain players just sucking unnaturally badly for the current point in their careers.
Then let him go back to the West Coast and play golf, and let Ricketts make an informed decision without hearing just from Hendry.
I trust Maddux’s judgment far more than any of ours.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on May 17, 2010 3:12 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
What I wonder...
…is whether Ricketts thinks he can learn enough on his own to make an informed decision on what needs to happen to set this club up for future success, or whether he already is, or will soon consult with someone for an opinion.
He seems to be a pretty smart dude, so you have to think he knows he may need help in evaluating what needs to happen moving forward.
On your comment, I’m not sure he would use Maddux in the pure sense of evaluating whether Hendry or anyone else is doing their job. More likely he would use another avenue that was more under the radar.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Why would you do that to Greg Maddux?
I mean, what has he ever done to you?
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on May 17, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Man, there are some...
great deals on craigslist for tix to tonight’s game. I wish it weren’t going to rain. I guess then the deals wouldn’t be so great though.
DO NOT TRADE THERIOT
Although middle relief pitching can be found by trading him, I don’t think that is the smartest move. The relief pitching stunk at the beginning of the year and has not been doing as bad recently. Overall, I think it will be the cubs lack of hitting with RISP that would cause them to have a bad year, so getting rid of one of the hitters with the highest average would not be the smartest idea. A platoon of Fontenot and Baker simply would not work because Baker is hitting about 200 so 1/3 or 1/2 of the time you would have a bad hitter in the lineup. Additionally, Fontenot could have a bad year at a moment’s notice, so I would not be willing to give up my second baseman. If Tracy is doing well at AAA, maybe the cubs can trade him, Fontenot, or Baker but not Theriot.
why on earth would you not trade theriot?
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
he's scrappy?
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
He has a high "batting average".
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
and hes a great 2b
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Lazer
rocket arm…
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
And has finally got that nifty nickname "ragin cajun" to go along with "mediocrity up the middle"
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Because we like having a team of players almost, but not quite fast enough to go first to third
on a single?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
and keeping theriot is going to fix that
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Lol...you're getting lost in a loop of double negatives here. I was making fun of keeping him on the team
because he was slow.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
ok
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
the problem with this idea
is that Riot has a pretty low OBP — .350, which gives him a darn low OPS+ — the fifth lowest on the team.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
How about non-moves?
Bob Howry is knocking in the Cubs door. Please don’t answer.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
Already posted by chilango above.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
"Uh, you got any change?"
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 17, 2010 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I bet Al would like this. The increased security would be welcomed there.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 17, 2010 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Fire Hendry
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
by bren on May 17, 2010 4:12 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Lou can't handle the pressure anymore. Plus, he's been a horrible manager this year.
He needs to go.
I'm part of the Byrd Watchers!
Bring back Matt Murton!
The team needs more red hair.
by ryan89 on May 17, 2010 4:16 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
not good
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions
2-1 4.95 ERA
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5588
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
31 bb and 7 hr in 38.1 innings
thats like 2009 marmol and 2009 gregg mixed together
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
unfortunately
the cubs are not going to face harden this week
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
But the good news is we won't face Jimenez or Halladay either.
Sometimes we get lucky. Here is hoping the Cub s won’t make Moyer look like Halladay.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
junk throwing lefty? nah...we'll own him.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
El Gasolino Roberto Novoa!!!
I wonder if he owns a gas station like George Bell did.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on May 17, 2010 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Lineup!
RT @CarrieMuskat: #Cubs lineup Mon nite rf fuke, ss castro, 1b lee, 3b ramy, cf colvin, lf sori, 2b font, c hill, p wells
Dome
Castro
Lee
Rami
Colvin
Sori
Font
Hill
Wells
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
pete's sake.
there’s that black hole in the middle of the lineup again…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 17, 2010 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Lee is hitting better
I’m interested as to why Fontenot’s getting so much time.
Theriot must still be hurting.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
theriots elbow is sore after it got plunked
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep...no Byrd
Although…tonight is the night A-Ram breaks out of it…or is that tomorrow night?
"Has it been 102 years already?...it seems like just yesterday."- Me
Cool
So if Colvin does well it’s because he’s an awesome hitter, and if he doesn’t it’s because Lou sat him for too long. Go get ‘em kid! You can’t lose!
What do you mean?
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
Ok, my feeling on what most around here are saying
is he needs at bats as a younger, still developing player. Either in with the team or AAA, he should be getting at bats. That seems reasonable.
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
Oh it definitely is
But some people seem to think it’s a cause for this team’s poor performance. If Colvin is going to play, he’ll be replacing someone who is hitting well (like tonight, with Byrd). It doesn’t make automatically make this team better. Now if he could play the corner infield…
i HATE lou
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
What kind of lineups do you fill out?
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
bamBOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't know if this is a day I'd choose to give Soto off
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
this is lou's style
if one guy gets a game off: EVERYONE gets a game off.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
B/c thats the way it works in spring training
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Swap batting slots
between Theriot and Castro. Contrary to perception Ryan has been terrible as a leadoff guy this year. Leading off the game, he’s hitting .156. Leading off any inning he’s only .235. In the 70 PA as a leadoff man he has only 2 BB. Since hitting #1 guarantees at least one leadoff a game, let’s get him out of there.
Misconception #2. We’re terrible RISP. Not so, we’re #9 in the league and above the average. We’re well below average in getting our leadoff man on base. Instead of having men on base with no outs, we’ve got them with one or two outs. That means we have fewer chances to score.
Castro has great speed. Imagine a burner on base leading off an inning. Batting #8 takes away the ability to steal because the pitcher is at bat. He seems to be able to take pitches. Why not try him at #1. Theriot has had good success in the #8 hole. Move him there.
Why Castro at #1 rather than #2. Fukudome is doing great in the #2 slot. His OPS is 1.047. Leading of his OPS is only .533. Lastly, he’s not a base stealer.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
i think the reason for having him at 8
is to let him “ease” into it a bit.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
ARam is just about out of his rut...
Aramis Ramirez has been knocking the cover off the ball for about the last 2 weeks. He’s just hit into some really bad luck. He did go 2-4 the other day so that was a good sign before that the guy hasn’t been able to buy a hit.. If we can get him and D lee to start hitting like their both capable and hope that Soriano keeps hitting than we can turn this thing around in a hurry.
Dude what ever you're drinking
I want some
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 17, 2010 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not optimistic about Aramis generally, but he has looked better recently.
The big question is whether he’ll improve ENOUGH to help the Cubs get back into contention. This is why I’ve been debating with Al whether a return to form is possible. Based on recent evidence, I just don’t think it is. And I don’t think Lee will be as good as he was last season. A 2008-style campaign for him makes more sense.
And a 2008-style year for Lee and a decent but not good year for Aramis means this team isn’t going anywhere.
Lee always starts off slow every year, with the exception of last year.
In the next 2 weeks going into June lee will turn it up… Aramis is a great hitter and a clutch hitter he will start to produce the only question is will it be too late.. I still like our chances in this division. The Cards haven’t been playing good of late, And the Reds will fall apart sooner than later. Our chance to get back in this thing is pretty much right now. People need to chill its not that far into the season yet. If were 8 to 10 games back by the all-star break than I’ll start to panic. Seeing where were at now with how bad we have been playing gives me optimism that when we finally start playing like we’re capable we’ll be fine. I like where we sit right now, it could be a lot worse.
check your facts
Lee was awful in the first month last year.
Anyway, just assuming that Aramis will turn things around — remember, he’s hitting like .168 right now — doesn’t make much sense to me.
You’re assuming the Cubs will turn it around and the Reds and Cardinals will fade. And I only think you’re doing so because that’s what you want to see.
Short term: Go with Maddux as manager, if he really is here as more than window dressing.
Long term: Plan major renovations that include new field dimensions designed to bring Wrigley into the 21st century.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
Move Theriot to the 8th hole???
I don’t like that move, Theriot has a natural swing to be hitting behind a runner, I like having Castro in the 8th hole. So far he’s been coming through with runners on base. Having Castro in the 8th hole with less than 2 outs opens things up in the lower part of the order with the top of order coming up, It makes pitchers think twice about what to do with him with the pitcher coming up.
Maddux as the next manager??
I don’t think so, I think he’s being groomed to eventually take over as general manager when Henry’s done. Sandberg will most likely be the next Cubs manager when Lou’s gone. And deservingly so..
Not any time soon.
He has his golf tournaments and little league games to work on. Remember he works for the Cubs part time.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 17, 2010 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
'Deservingly so'?
No, he doesn’t deserve it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Why have this attitude that Lou should not go?
You state we should not mention that Lou should not be let go.Why Not ! We need Sandberg to come up now to manage to bring some fire to this team. Lou sits around like he is in some nursing home ! Sandberg should be made the manager now to save this season. Zambrano is not a bull pen pitcher and we should trade him to Sox for Matt Thorton.
We don't want Sandberg up now.
I don’t think it would be fair to Ryno. Remember Bruce Kimm? He was the well regarded manager in Des Moines when Don Baylor was fired in 2002. Kimm came to Chicago and didn’t do anything to clean up the mess. The last I saw, Kimm was at Wrigley about three weeks ago.
In the stands. As a fan.
I don't think you should thank me.
I made my comment because I don’t think that it’s worth torching Ryno’s managerial career for this team, at this point. You seem to have a lot of (sorry, to say) unfounded optimism after seven weeks. I’m pretty sure this nucleus is done.
Yeah I should have..
Because thats the exact reason why I don’t want Sandberg now either. I only want sandberg to start fresh in a rebuilding mode only. We he could implement his way of playing baseball from the outset with new younger players that are willing to listen and change their ways as he see’s fit.
And you could think this Nucleus is done all you want...
I don’t give up on my Cubs that easy, until I know their done or are mathematically out of it. Or until their at least 10 games back by the all-star break. And you shouldn’t either I don’t know maybe you’re a Sox fan masquerading on a Cubs blog…All you’re negativity certainly doesn’t help anything..
you're new
but the “you don’t agree so you’re not a fan” thing?
does NOT go over well here. just… fyi.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
being realistic
isn’t the same as “dropping the torch”.
everyone still here wants the Cubs to win. If you want to be all sunshine and rainbows? Awesome. But don’t tell me I’m not a fan if I’m not in love with this roster.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on May 17, 2010 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
whoa, whoa, whoa
Do you think negativity on the part of fans HURTS the Cubs? What I say doesn’t have ANY bearing on the Chicago Cubs or their performance. We’re not part of the team. We are fans.
And don’t question my fandom, dude. Not cool. Not appropriate. Not at all called for.
I'll fully admit to being new here, so I apologize if I inadvertantly offend anyone...
I am left with no choice but to agree with elgato concerning “fandom”. Although I disagree with the premise that this nucleus is done – I have that naive optimism that Lee and Rami will turn it around yet – I would never question one’s devotion to the Cubs because they are not altogether optimistic about the state of the team. Hell, my whole life has been lived hearing my dad’s incessant negativity about the Cubs – but I don’t know a bigger Cubs fan than my old man.
"I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am...Everything I am today, everything I have today, everything I will ever be is because of the game of baseball..."
- Ryne Sandberg, HOF Induction speech, 2005
No problem...
Just don’t lump me in with “#1cubsfan”.
;)
"I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am...Everything I am today, everything I have today, everything I will ever be is because of the game of baseball..."
- Ryne Sandberg, HOF Induction speech, 2005
Where are your conclusions coming from?
All that anyone is asking of you is to have respect for people; especially with those you disagree with.
"I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am...Everything I am today, everything I have today, everything I will ever be is because of the game of baseball..."
- Ryne Sandberg, HOF Induction speech, 2005
I hope you enjoy giving all your friends on those sites reacharounds the rest of the year.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
damn it guys
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
wow...I think if you would have read this site for a little longer
you would have realised, as I did, there are no more knowledgable and dedicated Cubs fans then here on this site. I feel sorry for you that you are leaving b/c you seem also devoted. But then again I think it is better to have an open mind to other people’s opinions here, which it doesn’t seem like you have.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 17, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Peace out?
Wait, what year is this?
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
Al's been of the opinion that Lou should go
but for this thread, he’s asking for ideas OTHER than Lou/Hendry fired.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Matt Thornton??
Yeah that would be pipe dream, what are you smoking man? Like are most hated rival is gonna help us out in any way Come on man that ain’t ever happening at least not anytime soon. The Sox are some what in the same boat as us. I predicted before the season even started that Ozzie would be fired by the All-Star break and Williams will start his fire sale but it won’t be to help us in way..
Changes should be made now to save this season !!
First of all this is stupid having Zambrano in the bull pen. He does not have the control or temperment needed for a 8th inning bull pen pitcher. We need to make a trade now for some body young who can do the job in pen. Also, Colvin should be taught to play first base because Lee needs a break at times and if Lee leaves after this season Colvin would be a great choice for first base. And has Lou ever thought about a squeeze bunt when bases are loaded with one out ot when we have a runner on third? My God this Pinella manages with no energy!
please use the reply button
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Colvin at 1st?
I suppose I understand why you think this should happen, but I think that might put too much of a strain on the kid. Lou should focus on giving him playing time, yes, but this should be confined to the OF.
[I wholeheartedly agree that Big Z should be in the rotation, however.]
"I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am...Everything I am today, everything I have today, everything I will ever be is because of the game of baseball..."
- Ryne Sandberg, HOF Induction speech, 2005
Are you serious??
Sure I’d like to see us run more and try some squeeze plays every now and then, but the simple fact is we don’t have any speed on our team, before we got Castro anyway that kid can straight up fly.. But we just don’t have that kind of make up and we haven’t since at least 03 when we had Lofton for the rest of that season. That is exactly what we need. Some balance, I’d like to see us get a natural center fielder that has great speed and can be a great table setter..
WHAT THE CUBS NEED NOW TO WIN THIS YEAR
EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT HOW OUR PLAYERS ARE NOT HITTING NOR PLAYING CONSISTANT. HOW CAN THE PLAYERS HAVE ANY CONFIDENCE WHEN YOU SEE LOU SITTING ON THE BENCH LIKE SOME OLD MAN IN A NURSING HOME! HE BRINGS THIS TEAM NO ENERGY NOR DOES HE EVER HIT & RUN.NOR PLAY AGGRESSIVE BASEBALL. RIGHT NOW SANDBERG SHOULD BE MADE THE MANAGER WITH BOB BRENLY HIS BENCH COACH. AND YES GREGG MADDOX SHOULD BE MADE THE GM. EITHER RETURN ZAMBRANO TO STARTER AGAIN OR TRADE HIM FOR A GOOD BULL PEN PITCHER. WE FANS ARE TIRED OF THE SAME OLD LEADERSHIP!
oh honey
you’re not even trying anymore.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
TWSS
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 17, 2010 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
eric hanna is not amused
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 17, 2010 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
No you have it wrong man...
The exact opposite should happen, if we were to fire Lou during this season, than the short term answer would be to bring Brenly down and manage until Sandberg is ready then he could go right back to his commentary position.
If your response is entirely capitalized, people are more likely to agree you...
"I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am...Everything I am today, everything I have today, everything I will ever be is because of the game of baseball..."
- Ryne Sandberg, HOF Induction speech, 2005
Ha!
Welcome. You’ll fit in just fine here!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on May 17, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Goodbye Crane Kenney
One move that would change the nature of the franchise?!
Jettison Crane Kenney. Change starts at the top. Get a verified baseball man in the position of President. Let him fire Jim Hendry and pick his own GM. Let the dominoes fall where they may from there.
Now this I could support
Kenney lost me after the whole Greek-priest episode in 2008.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 17, 2010 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Bring back Kevin Millar
and drop Baker. My reason is that I think everyone in the clubhouse needs to start doing shots before games. Maybe it will losen them up. Certainly Millar can head this up.
by GHCF2314 on May 17, 2010 7:35 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Since Lou doesn't seem to even remember Baker is on the team...
… why not?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
ok this is going to be a big one. Lee grabow baker and maybe some cash and one of our minor leaguers for adrian gonzo and heath bell.
by Adam Tarasievich on May 17, 2010 10:12 PM CDT reply actions
Fantasy league deal.
Explain why the Padres would make a deal like that when they are in first place.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If I only have one move.....
I make myself team president/GM and make lots more moves because one move on this team ain’t gonna do squat. First, on my agenda, move big Z back to the rotation. Still think this is one huge dumb move that needs to be fixed sooner than later.
After Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF.
get big z
out of the pen.find nady more playing time,trade for a relief pitcher,and lou????im on the fence here.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Marlins agree to unretire No. 5 for Logan Morrison, who will honor his father’s favorite player
- Weatherman Derek Holland does Dallas TV
- Ask Alex: Will Julio Teheran or Matt Moore win rookie of the year?
- Ku Klux Klan, umpires and bowling: Why the minor leagues tossed out Jim Evans academy
- The Cardinals Hall of Fame can now be found at Bill Clinton’s library in Arkansas (Huh?)
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
