Lou Piniella Has More Questions To Answer After Cubs Loss To Phillies
by Al Yellon on May 20, 2010 3:15 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
Email
PrintActually, I have only one question for Lou after today's tough 5-4 Cubs loss to the Phillies.
Why wasn't Sean Marshall in this game in the 8th inning instead of John Grabow?
After all, Grabow threw yesterday and Marshall didn't, and Marshall is now -- supposedly -- the top 8th inning guy. So where was he to face Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez? These are the same questions I asked last year in August when the Phillies were at Wrigley Field and Lou left an obviously off-his-command Carlos Marmol in to throw to the same LH hitters when Grabow was sitting on his butt in the pen not even warming up.
Today, Marshall was the obvious choice. Where was he? Nowhere to be seen. Result: Grabow issued a pair of walks and then the game-winning hit, a single to Ibanez; Kosuke Fukudome's throw to the plate was just a little bit off, otherwise he might have thrown Utley out.
In a time when the Cubs desperately need wins to keep up with the rest of the division, a split with the Phillies isn't the best result -- I guess I could give the Cubs credit for fighting hard and coming back from a 4-1 deficit that resulted when Rollins slammed a no-doubt-about-it three-run homer off Ryan Dempster. You could see Dempster on the replay of the blast -- his body language screamed out, "I should NOT have thrown that pitch!" -- but that was the only mistake Dempster made in another pretty decent outing.
And then the Cubs fought back. Derrek Lee's homer made it 4-2. That was the first home run by a Cub off Phillies pitching since Alfonso Soriano hit what proved to be the game-winner at Wrigley Field on August 29, 2008. Since that time, in nine games before today, Phillies hitters had outhomered Cubs hitters in those nine meetings 16-0.
The Cubs manufactured another run in the seventh and then Fukudome homered -- off a lefthander, Antonio Bastardo -- to tie the game. That's only Fukudome's second career HR off a lefthanded pitcher (the other one was off Trever Miller of the Cardinals in St. Louis on April 26, 2009).
And then Marshall didn't come into the game.
The Cubs had their shot off Jose Contreras in the ninth, getting the tying and lead runs to scoring position with two out, but Geovany Soto popped up to end it.
Finally, in case anyone thinks the first-place Reds are doing anything special or anything different from any other NL team -- they took an 8-0 lead in the second inning in Atlanta and went into the last of the 9th leading 9-3. The Braves scored three runs before the first out and then loaded the bases... and as I was typing this recap, Brooks Conrad hit a ball to deep left field that went off Laynce Nix's glove and over the wall for a walkoff grand slam.
As I've been saying... this is a very weird year with a lot of teams that have a lot of flaws in the National League. The Cubs remain 4.5 games out of first place. Onward to Texas -- hope to see some of you there.
714 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Yes.
Seat locations posted in the “Cubs at Texas who’s going?” fanpost.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Have a great time
I’ve seen some games in Arlington. Great facility, nice sight lines and pretty good food.
The only downside is the traffic in the “Metroplex”
by AlabamaCubFan on May 20, 2010 3:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You just have to know how to go with the flow in DFW
A Chicago driver should feel right at home.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Sounds like Los Angeles or Atlanta, only hotter and drier.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Actually, the traffic in DFW moves faster than either
The trick is to keep up with it.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
That's Why I'm Not Going
I considered going. The Rangers are the closest AL team to me. I hate traffic. Atlanta traffic is tough enough for me.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
I've got a whole rant on Atlanta traffic
Saved for copying-n-pasting at any time. But it indicts folks like y’all (out-of-towners) – I’ll skip it for now.
I’ll just say this: There are hotels and restaurants in Arlington. I could even make a few suggestions for bars in that fair city. No need to stay out in the middle of nowhere and fight all the traffic.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Atlanta
Because it’s a little bit closer to me and the Cubs play there every season, I’ve seen the Cubs there on two different trips. That Atlanta traffic is ridiculous. I’d rather go to Cincinnati to see the Cubs, even though it’s about an hour further away for me. I’ve heard horror stories about the DFW traffic, too.
At least in Chicago, you’ve got plenty of buses and trains you can take to get around. The traffic in Chicago isn’t any picnic.
I’ve got to say Memphis traffic ain’t nothing at all compared to places like Atlanta and Dallas. That’s actually something good I can say about my home town.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
The trick to Atlanta traffic (and hotel prices)
Is to stay out in the ’burbs and take the train into town to do your thing. Ditto Chicago.
I have never taken DART, nor would I suspect that I’d want to. I really enjoy driving around DFW. Lots of volume during rush hour, but people move. Everybody gets to where their going as quickly as possible, except the slow-pokes. They are discouraged from wandering out of the right lane by naked, unabashed fear. Go fast, don’t screw up – everybody wins.
Atlanta could take a lesson. So could Chicago for that matter.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I always seem to agree with you.....
but didn’t Rollins hit the 3-run shot?
*
Glad to see D Lee homer today. First time since mid-late April, I think.
It appeared as a small move at the time,
but using Soto with one out would have been much more beneficial than using Ramirez. Soto is much more controlled at the plate and has a greater possibility of putting the ball in play i.e. sac fly.
Soto came up after Ramirez
He was already in the lineup at that point.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
because
there wasn’t anyone else left, having already used Colvin and Nady.
Soto should have batted when Colvin did. Then Colvin would have been available.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Baker was available, was he not???
All we needed was a sac fly, not exactly a tall order, and 2 people failed and then Soto popped out to end it.
Baker is terrible at pinch-hitting and facing righties
Tracy is mashing down at Triple-A, is a bit of a professional pinch hitter and a better backup 3B than Baker but that’s another debate
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not sure you can define a .581 BA as "mashing"
That’s more like “mauling”.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
And an injured Ramirez is better how?
At least send someone healthy to the plate. Ramirez looked awful, although I’m not sure the thumb influenced that too much…
because Lou is a moron
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
This is what I mean
about you talking out of both sides of your mouth at the same time.
Two days ago, when I posted my “Grabow and Lou” rant, where you were more interested in the profanity, than the content, you stated, “I didn’t think it was a bad move at the time…”
And now, of course, you consider it a bad move?
But it was ok against the Rockies b/c he threw decently in two games, against bad much less taleted opponents either tied or ahead?
Which one Al? Is he bad now? Or, is it “not a bad move” to bring in Grabow in close games?
by The E-Man on May 20, 2010 3:20 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Grabow did fine yesterday.
But you don’t press your luck two days in a row.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Unfortunately,
the choices because of our illustrious GM counting on Guzman, et. al., are limited.
Yep
No one wants to see Grabow in a close game, but if Marmol and Z were indeed unavailable then saving Marshall for a save situation makes some sense. I would not have been thrilled with Berg or Stevens facing all those tough lefties either.
I dunno.
As has been noted elsewhere and here, sometimes the game situation isn’t in the 9th. The 8th is when they needed the key reliever, and Grabow ain’t it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
So it would have been ok for Grabow to blow the 9th?
Grabow came in with none on and one out. Any situation with Grabow has the potential to become a key situation. I have no problem blaming Lou when I think he makes a decision that is totally inexplicable (such as PH Nady instead of Soto), but here there was at least a reasonable basis for pitching Grabow in the 8th and saving Marshall for the save situation.
The key point is that we need to get enough quality relievers in our pen so that we don’t have to rely on ANY of Grabow/Berg/Stevens to get outs late in a close game.
Why couldn't Marshall have pitched two innings?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
depends on the situation....you might.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Negative
Grabow came on with none on and one out. Stevens got the first out of the 8th.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Read a little more carefully.
He says that.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Yup, you're right
I read that wrong the first time – sorry, JSB
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
could someone explain why Z was unavailable?
He pitched a third of an inning yesterday.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou is saving him for Game 5.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Sweet
that will come in handy.
Seriously though, was there a stated reason for why he was unavailable?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Slated to pitch a simulated game Monday.
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
That's a good reason to blow today's game.
So let me get this straight. If the game goes into extra innings, two relievers are unavailable? That makes ZERO sense.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
what kind of baseball do you play?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
But Al, Z is going to be our #6 starter.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
I sure hope we win that game.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions
that's SERIOUSLY the reason?
I knew he was slated for that, but he’s basically unavailable for three more games because of this stretching him out thing? My god this team is run poorly
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
That's what I drew from the pregame when Lou and Larry spoke.
Larry said for sure Z was unavailable, I don’t know if he specifically said it was b/c of the sim game or not.
This is Lou from the article on Cubs.com:
“We’ll give him a little work between now and Sunday,” Piniella said. “If we can stretch him out, we’ll do that; if not, we’ll use him in the bullpen. Monday, we’ll throw a nice simulated game. It’s a day off, he can throw 60-70 pitches, and then we’ll see how he feels after that. We’ll see if he needs one more good work day in a game or if he’s ready. We’ll make that determination next week.”
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
Why are they treating him like he's coming back from arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I honestly don't think Lou has any idea what he is doing at this point
“We’ll give him a little work between now and Sunday," Piniella said. "If we can stretch him out, we’ll do that;” if not, we’ll use him in the bullpen
How do you stretch him out between now and Sunday, WITHOUT using him in the pen. I’m very, very confused, and as SWL said, why are they treating him as if he’s coming off the DL?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions
From Lou Piniella?
Since when does Lou give reasons?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Stretching him out for the rotation.
Didn’t you hear?
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
couldn't pitching three innings today help do that?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Um Al Grabow pitched one inning and gave up a run yesterday
That is NOT fine. He got the final out in the 7th but Lou let him stay in the 8th and Z had to come in to bail him out. Ironically Grabow seems like a real LOOGY. He has come in a few times to get one out and done fine but then Lou lets him stay.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with you
But we all know how well Lou uses LOOGYs…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
"Press Your Luck"
Fitting choice of words there!
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/CBB rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on May 21, 2010 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I completely agree with you E-man.
Just because a guy pitches well one day does not make it the right move. Grabow is giving up almost a run per inning and should NOT be used in any meaningful situation until he can get himself sorted out.
by Uncle Stanley McGoober on May 20, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
or at least be on a very short leash
Get one guy on or look clueless location the strike zone, take him out.
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Another question might be...
who, besides Marshall would you have liked to see in there? Because this is what you get when you have two reliable relievers in the pen. Some days you get to use the good pitchers and some days you have to close your eyes and hope for the best. This bullpen is not getting any team to the postseason even in the pitiful NL.
by the nth on May 20, 2010 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Well said
When one of the guys is unavailable, it really does become a nightmare. Still, I’d rather see just about anyone in there in the eighth beside Grabow.
Agreed
People pissed about using Grabow are missing the forest for the trees. Our bullpen is a pathetic greasefire with 2 (maybe 3 reliable relievers) and that is why a guy like Grabow is being used in the 8th of a close game. Blaming Lou here is the equivalent of blaming the messenger.
The NL isn't flawed enough
for this team to contend.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Damn it...
I should have concurred…
Anyone?
I don't care how long you've been around, you'll never see it all.
Jeez I hate agreeing w/ Worf
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
oh
yes, it is.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
oh
not it’s not
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not arguing with you any more
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 20, 2010 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
If anybody thinks the Phillies aren't the best team in the NL and one of the top 3 teams in baseball, they are crazy.
Let’s get some facts straight here, shall we?
The Phillies have, from their World Series Championship team in 2008, and their NL Championship team in 2009, the same:
Catcher
First baseman
Second baseman
Third baseman
Short stop
Left fielder
Center fielder
Right fielder
And their rotation still consists of
Hamels
Moyer
Kendrick
Blanton
Happ
Oh, and they replaced Lee with the best (or second, or third) pitcher in baseball, Halladay.
Their bullpen is led by Lidge—who’s having a great season (when he plays…), and damn Jose Contreras; don’t forget spot-relievers like Madsen, Durbin, Romero, or Basterdo.
They have the third best run differential in all of baseball (behind the Devil Rays & Yankees), and provide their starters with a tons of runs.
And they are flawed? I’m sorry. You are wrong. If by flawed you mean born of human flesh and original sin, then yeah.
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 20, 2010 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Blanton, Kendrick and Moyer don't scare me.
And Hamels isn’t as tough as he once was.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I would trade any pitcher on our team for Hamels...
and throw in Theriot if that helped.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
+1
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I think I'd keep Marmol ...
but otherwise, I agree.
Any starter anyways.....
I
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Blanton, Kendrick, and Moyer are all very good 3,4,5 and/or replacement starters.
I know they are not aces.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Name an ACE on the Cub Staff....
Sure the Cubs SP is good and deep….but it’s a couple of good 2’s and 3’s….and a good back end.
I’d give “the old Z” a real good 2…not the one last year and so far this year
Demp is a decent 2….Lily a 2 or real good 3….. Wells a good 3 or 4
Silva and Gorz are good for a back end…could be not so good 3’s on other teams…
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
It shouldn't scare you but you should respect it.
And an offense that ranks in first and no worse than top 5 in every meaningful statistical category SHOULD make you think twice about your assessment of the Phillies.
But you’d rather be pissy.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 20, 2010 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I know he was a few weeks ago?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Agreed
The Phillies are really good. Their lineup is really tough and just about perfectly put together in terms of table-setters and run producers. No real holes and premier producers up the middle. The starting rotation isn’t great, but it is serviceable.
The only thing I disagree with is that I would not be so confident in Lidge. He has really only pitched a couple games and might be seriously hurt.
Also, half their team is a damned lefty.
Lefty hitter, lefty pitcher, etc. They are quite versilite. And have plenty of players and pitchers that can move around if the injury bug hits (see: Rollins, Lidge, Happ).
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
it is when your lefties are Mike Fontenots
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
and he who we shall forget
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
It's more important to be fast.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions
We are 14-15 against RHP, and 5-8 against LHP.
I don’t know what that means, but I felt like citing some more facts that I read.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
This is bitching. Stop it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions
They are two time NL defending champs
for a reason….
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
and yet
we beat them yesterday, and could have won today. Why do we even bother to play? Just give them the GD ring now, amirite?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Because it's a lot easier
to play the game on paper than for real, I guess.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I said no such thing.
Worf commented (correctly) that the
The NL isn’t flawed enough for this team to contend.
And you retorted with
oh yes, it is.
To which I responded that the NL representative each of the last two years in the World Series, as well as championships in one of those, is much, much better than anybody else. I’d even argue that they are better this year than either of those two years, considering Halladay. We bother to play, Drew, because this isn’t football, the best teams don’t lose one or three games a year. Everybody’s gonna have their hot and cold streaks; and right now, we look alright. But when push comes to shove the Phillies are way better than we are. I don’t know what else you need to know—there’s clear evidence (their record, their RS/RA, superior players), and there’s history (2 WS, 1 title).
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 20, 2010 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 10 recs
But they aren't as scrappy!
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 20, 2010 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Plus every team wins 60 wins and loses 60
it;s the other 42. I’m guessing this is one the Phillies loses.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd say that's a reasonable assumption
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 20, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I saw Bill James @ KU about a month ago give a great lecture.
He made a point about how the traditional “60 wins and 60 losses” is a silly notion, and gave great justification for it, but I forget the point. I have the lecture on tape, I should go re-watch it.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
basically what I meant was I'm not going to start jumping up and down
about the Cubs beating the Phillies once. Adding on to your point about this isn’t football. The chances are good the Phillies will lose between 60-65 games this year. Which could be to any number of teams.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I knew what you were getting at
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 20, 2010 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh we're speaking the same language.
I just wish I could remember Bill’s statement; it was cognizant and very insightful about the statistical-minded folk refuting the 60W/60L comment. Made me turn an about-face.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
In the off season
I started learning a bit about sabermetrics. As a non math person.. it’s been quite interesting to learn even the basics. Plus I have a very patient teacher :)
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
and yet, we just split a two game series with them.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
You are impossible.
And completely missed the point.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
It's Always Sunny in Drewish-elphia....
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 20, 2010 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Al's comments....
Are in regards to who the Cubs have to compete with to get to the playoffs. Based on your post, the phillies should win the NL east handily and hopefully knock all the pretenders in the east down a few notches. So, the cubs can still either win the NL central or wild card against the teams with flaws.
by cubbiefanTN on May 20, 2010 5:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
BCB home of the YAYsayers
I agree Worf … the season isn’t built on 2-game series. The win 4 drop 3 teams cannot compete. The Cubs aren’t consistent … it’s TRUE.
win 4 drop 3 teams cannot compete?
win 4 drop 3 = 93 wins.
i got nuthin
by joeschmitt on May 20, 2010 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
that only works ...
if you don’t drop 8 of 10 before you win 4 and drop 3.
Didnt realize todays loss was worth 3...
That sucks!
That still gets a team 89 wins
Maybe enough for the NL Central …..
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
The division is surely flawed...
Enough for the Cubs to win it, and that’s all that really matters. Just get in, and anything could happen.
Someday we'll go all the way...
by CubsBullsBears on May 20, 2010 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
we win the division
and get swept out of the playoffs. we get the wild card and swept out of the playoffs. both teams in those instances were way better than this version. consistency is something that the Cubs lack and probably loathe.
Standing note.
The Cardinals are now in first place after their win today. Cubs trail by 5.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
wow oh wow
Bravo’s with a 7 run ninth to beat Cincy 10-9
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
not that i didnt believe you..:)
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
Just watched the highlights on
Sportscenter.
Insane.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Seems like the team is slowly finding some footing....but the flaws are still there....
Aramis is simply lost and may be for a long time…..the bullpen is so full of holes…..what happens in these two areas decides this season I think
I did not see the game
but the radio picture was typical Contreras way-outside breaking ball?
It was so far outside that it was literally outside the left handed batters box chalk outline
by cubsonWGN4ever on May 20, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Anytime Pat says something like a foot outside I start to wonder
Also why no mention of having ARam pinch hit in the recap. Someone that isn’t swinging at things a foot out of the strike zone could have tied or won the game for the Cubs
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Also, was he hitting
in Grab-flaw’s spot?
Who was he replacing?
I am not going to look this up, but how has he done as a PH?
Why did Lou have him batting there? All Contreras throws is breaking stuff.
Me either b/c I don't care his lifetime PH...
I would only be curious about this year. But when you are playing almost every day you don’t get many pinch hitting opportunities
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
My thought exactly
The goats of this game are Grabow and Aramis.
NOT Lou as so many people are insisting. Blaming Lou is the easy way out. The players play the game.
by cubsonWGN4ever on May 20, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, BUT...
… the manager is the one who decides who is in the game in critical situations. He could have made better choices today.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
but who choose to put those players in the game
Would have you choosen ARam off the bench? I know I won’t have with his struggles. There were others players to choose from. You choose another one, possibly the game is won.
Same with pitching, if you are ok w/ Marshall not coming in, then it is the players on the field.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Only other guy available off the bench to PH was Baker
Cue Jessica
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Baker wasn't really available
he apparently needs five days between appearances.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd take Baker
I don’t have some weird obsession w/ Fuld tho.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Not the point
Why we only had two guys left on the bench – that was the specific rant I was cuing up.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
While you make a good point,
You should also understand that it’s the manager who sends the players out. So when Aramis keeps getting starts despite the fact that he is struggling, or when Grabow keeps being sent in in critical spots, whose blame is it if they struggle every single time?
Lou could easily make better choices.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions
- sigh -
My fear is when A-Ram returns to form, that the team is so far behind it just doesn’t matter.
why?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
stronger PH bat off the bench
I agree
by cubsonWGN4ever on May 20, 2010 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
is he?
we’ve seen so little of either…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Baker's also in Lou's doghouse
Tracy has more of a chance to play and occasionally start at third.
What did Baker do anyway?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 20, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
with Lou? Who freaking knows
I’m still of the opinion that there IS no doghouse, Lou simply forgets some players are on the team.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
You explain to me why Colvin got almost no plate appearances for a week
was asked why he wasn’t playing, and suddenly has appeared in 4 straight games. I’m only half kidding.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Lou's a lot of things ...
but he’s not senile.
No, but he is wildly incompetent
and poor roster management is a side effect of that. I don’t think there’s a doghouse, too many players have been in it for it to exist.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions
that's possible ...
but I don’t think he forgets players. I think he has bad judgment and I’d like to see him gone soon.
that isn't same as senile
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions
did I say senile?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
No, I did.
But I don’t think he forgets players are on his roster. If anything, he’s too eager to make changes most of the time.
wasn't it the lighting farts on fire thing?
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
Yeah, and Lou's cat was caught in the cross-fire!
Really pissed him off!
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
That would almost make more sense.
Seeing as people end up in the doghouse for NO reason.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
you are correct
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
What did baker do anyway?
He set his ass on fire. and messed it up.
Tracy was in that same doghouse
why would bringing him up change anything?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Because Tracy is seen as a middle-order bat.
Tracy isn’t. So if Aramis has to sit, Tracy is more likely to get plate appearances.
Also, Tracy didn’t light his farts on fire.
the fart thing actually happened?
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, I don't know.
But it would explain why Baker is the forgotten man.
the fart thing actually happened?
Not only was Baker out for several days; Grabow burned his finger.
Good points, RP
The bullpen can be patched enough, I think. I think you’re going to see Russell and Stevens get more opportunities.
Aramis? I don’t know what to think. This is starting to concern me a bit. Didn’t think he’d still be in this deep a funk in mid-May.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I've been giving Aramis a pass for the most part due to his past success
But that third strike in the ninth was atrocious. Time for him to stay on the bench for an extended period.
Screw extended I'd settle for one game a week
This kinda makes me sad, as he has always been one of my fav Cubs.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
That swing on strike three today
was really pathetic.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Think about this....
Coming from NBF that is REALLY saying something
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
It was worse than any of Soriano's flailings
in the past, which is saying something. Obviously his are/were more frequent…
Yes it was
Had someone been standing in the left-handed batter’s box, the pitch would have kneecapped him.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
SHUDDER!
“This is starting to concern me a bit. ..”
BRUCE! How can this be? Actually concerned so EARLY?
There are four more months for him to get up to his career averages, man!
;)
finally saw Aramis' strike out
That last swing was just sad. It’s as though he committed to swinging at the next pitch no matter what.
Just exactly how far away from home plate was it?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Given all the scrap-heap talk of late ...
it’s worth noting that Contreras has been very good for the Phillies. Not saying Howry will be that good, but other team’s scraps can come in handy.
BTW, why in the hell did Lou pinch hit Nady for Hill with the bases loaded in the seventh? Geo had to come into the game anyway. Had the game gone to extras, that could have been a really dumb move.
Yeah, I agree with that.
Brenly said the same thing.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
LOL @ scrap heap
You and I have disagreed in the past. I think the Howry move (if made) could be an Edmonds-type move.
BTW, I know some here suggested the Cubs should have signed Contreras in the offseason. I said no. The Phillies sure look smart for doing it. I never would have guessed he’d have been this good.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Such moves can work -- and they're usually low risk/low reward.
The issue now is not whom the Cubs sign for the bullpen but how Lou will use them.
Which, as we have seen, is a huge potential problem.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
low risk low reward isn't a problem
high risk low reward (i.e. Grabow to a 2 year deal, other Middle relievers to 3 and 4 year deals) IS the problem
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 20, 2010 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions
We've already had Howry here though
and parted ways with him because he was hot garbage. He wasn’t so much last year, but this year he was canned because he was worse than Heilman of all relievers. I understand rolling the dice on someone like Edmonds, who when he left wasn’t terrible, but we know who Howry is and how good he is. Why roll the dice again?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 20, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
you have got to be freaking kidding me
Howry move isn’t CLOSE to being a Jim Edmonds move. Howry wasn’t hurt, he FREAKING SUCKS!
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Explain to me, then, why Howry was a very good reliever for the Giants just last year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Then why wasn't back with them?
How did he end up in AZ?
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
or they knew he was the suck
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
but won't a good set up guy get some $$$
If he did that good?
Not trying to be snarky.. just curious.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions
He did get some $ from Arizona.
Maybe the Giants decided not to spend that $.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Much like I was after hearing the news about our newest set-up man
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Because as usual, Hendry outbid himself
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Giant, pitcher friendly ballpark?
I could give a crap about last year. have you SEEN his numbers this season?
Scratch that, did you happen to watch him pitch the last time he was here?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I was worried about that, too
… but his road numbers were decent last year.
Howry's velocity
is down dramatically. It started late last year (one of the reasons the Giants didn’t bring him back). It was down even more in Spring Training this year and that continued into the season. His fastball has very little movement, he cannot command his slider and he basically has become a batting practice pitcher.
Oh.
If this is true, move me to the hell-no camp.
I don't think they should sign him regardless
But please God, if they’re going to do so then at least tell him to go to Iowa to see if he’s still got it.
If he had a mechanical problem or bad control ...
I could see signing him. But a loss of velocity for an aging setup man who RELIES ON HIS FASTBALL? No, thank you.
Here's a question for you.
I don’t know azjazzman from adam, so maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think he is a professional scout. If HE can come up with that information, how the hell are the cubs either
A: Not coming up with the same information
B: Getting the same information and ignoring it.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Well I'm sure they aware of the info
But are blinded by personal favorites (Which is surprising, because Howry didn’t go to Notre Dame.)
well, for one, because you were claiming signing Howry wasn't a risk
and for two, it was more for anyone who wanted to answer. We’re not in a private conversation
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
re-read what I said, dude
I said it was a low risk — and that’s before I knew about his declining velocity. Don’t jump on me for moves by Hendry and Lou that you don’t agree with — especially when I’m not actually defending the moves.
well, saying a move is low risk, when in fact it's NOT
is pretty much defending it. It we were signing him to a minor league deal it would be low risk. But by all accounts, he is joining the big club. You also went round and round with me on who else we could have gotten. If you weren’t defending the move, then….I don’t know what you defending a move looks like
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow.
I’ll have to refresh my understanding of the Nunyabidness Rules on What is Defending and What’s Not.
My point — before I learned that Howry’s velocity was way down — was that the move was low risk and not a huge mistake as you said it was.
Well, here's a helpful hint from my rulebook: If you contantly claim that adding a guy with an ERA over 10
to an already shaky bullpen is not risky, I’ll see that as defending the move.
As I said before, I just don’t get this “hey let’s throw some feces against the wall and see what sticks!” mentality. In the spring, there is no risk in doing this. During the season, at the end of May, there is a risk. It’s called losing ballgames you need to win.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's drop it.
This argument hasn’t been fun for half an hour. I could restate my point about what I thought before I learned about his reduced velocity, but you won’t agree.
It’s pointless. Bye.
Fine, but I'm saying I won't agree because even
before we learned his velocity was way down, I thought it was a bad idea, and you didn’t think it was. That’s the gist of our problem. But, it’s dropped
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought it was an idea ...
that probably wouldn’t work, but I didn’t mind taking the chance.
That’s all.
Well, the problem is
Nothing has stuck. And we can rip on the Jim and Lou for putting them in this brutal situation, but should they continue throwing the same crap at the wall that they already know doesn’t stick?
I’m not saying that they should sign Howry, but the only way they have a chance at improving is finding new crap to sling.
there's quite a bit of crap out there
that doesn’t stink as badly as Howry.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Which is fine
I’m just saying, in all likelihood whoever the team ends up getting is gonna be someone we complain is crap.
You could say the same thing about the D'Backs
and all evidence to the contrary, they DO employ professional scouts. They determined, in their infinite wisdom, that Howry’s drop in velocity late last year, was due to fatigue.
Nope, despite all efforts to baby him thru the Spring, the velocity never returned. His fastball was consistently in the 88-89MPH range, and consistently hit out of the ballpark.
Note that he signed with the D’Backs for $2M in the offseason, after making $2.75M with the Giants in 2009, so it wasn’t money that caused the Giants not to re-sign him.
Well, the D'Backs appointed a guy who had never been a coach
at any level as their manager and have had a couple of pretty bad seasons, so maybe their front office is just as incompetent as ours is.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe the Giants didn't want to spend $2M on him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
wouldn't that be a sign of something?
He was so good last year for them that you’re ignoring what he did this year in claiming that this is a “no risk” move, but if he was indeed that good, and they didn’t see a problem with him, why wouldn’t they be willing to give him a measly $2M?
It doesn’t add up
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Fatigue?
In your opinion, was he overused?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't say
it was my opinion. Howry did appear in 63 games for the Giants last year, which is a fair amount for a 35 year old pitcher who is a max effort pitcher that throws hard.
When his velocity dipped, it would have been easy to conclude he was tired. It is normal for a guy like that to wear down during the season. Happens all the time.
When he couldn’t crack 90 MPH in the Spring, tongues began to wag. He got hit hard in ST, and needless to say, got shellacked once the season started, right from game one. Howry gave up back to back Home Runs to the Padres in the 9th inning on Opening Day and he never got untracked from there.
Towards the end of his short stay with the D’Backs, it became obvious Howry was trying to pitch away from contact and he started walking people, so the HRs he was prone to surrendering hurt even more.
I've been in that camp for a long time regarding Howry.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions
thank god he's ours!!!
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
No, he's not
Nothing official yet, and this driftwood is surprisingly comfy.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I'll say this ...
it’s odd that nothing’s been made official at this point. Maybe this isn’t happening.
If his velocity is down...
…he will struggle to be effective.
I was always amazed at how well he did throwing 90% fastballs (without a lot of movement), but it was because he was 92+ and could hit the corners. With only one pitch and reduced velocity, his control would have to be spot on to do any good.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Exactly
and not only is his velocity down, his command wasn’t there, either. Hence the 10+ ERA.
In short, he has been awful, and it wasn’t like the D’Backs didn’t try to help him. They desperately needed someone in the bullpen to step up, and given his experience and past success, Howry seemed to be the best bet. But, it wasn’t to be.
VERY
big ballpark, his HR/FB was 5%
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 20, 2010 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions
sure, he was awful this year ...
but who else can the Cubs get RIGHT NOW? The big question is whether he’ll be an improvement over someone like Caridad. But if he isn’t much of an improvement, the Cubs can dump him in a few weeks.
honest to god, Caridad is the measuring stick for who we should get
who would put up better numbers, then you are literally talking about guys who retired three years ago.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I say again, who else do you think we should get right now?
Who’s available? And dude, please calm down.
I bring up someone from the minors
Anyone.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Jeff Stevens?
The guy we just brought up?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Stevens doesn't exactly have great MLB stats.
But I agree that he could be given a shot — and shouldn’t lose his spot to Howry.
Do not even argue statistics
if you’re trying to say that we should give Howry a shot. Just don’t
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Why not? Howry was good last year.
Stevens wasn’t.
Howry was bad for us the last time he was here
and awful doesn’t really describe what he’s been this year. Cmon man
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
He had a good year last year, and two good years with the Cubs in '06-'07.
Before I learned his velocity was down, I thought the move made sense in a low-risk sort of way. But if he’s not topping 90, he’s done.
any of the arms in triple A I'd rather have then Howry
Can they be worse than what he’s been this year? But when your ERA is 8….. I worry a bit.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm perfectly calm, I'm just shocked that people think
bringing in Howry is a remotely intelligent move. Of course, people also thought moving Zambrano to the pen was a good idea, so maybe I should stop being surprised when some on here like incredibly stupid ideas made by Hendry and Lou.
Who’s available? I don’t know, I’m not privy to the inner workings or minor league baseball. But if Bobby Howry is the best available out there, you take a freaking pass.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Pitch him a few times ...
if he sucks, release him. This isn’t that big of a damn deal.
Don't we want to get Grabow out of the 7th and 8th?
The best way to do this is to bring in someone. Howry is worth the risk.
Can't a manager just DECIDE not to put Grabow in the 7th and 8th
and what in the name of blue hell makes you think Howry, and his 10.67 ERA is a GOOD alternative?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
You got to pitch someone
Our bullpen is just awful. The only way to improve it is for the guys we have to get better or to bring someone in. If you want to wait for Grabow, Berg etc. to get better, go for it. I would rather see if Howry has anything left. He is notoriously a slow starter and might have something left.
Trevor Hoffman might be available soon.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
thats equally as scary
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Playing Scared: The motto of the 2010 Cubs
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought it was Playing Stupid
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
That the Manager's Motto
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Sorry, couldn't help it.
I just think it’s weird that Milwaukee keeps trotting him out there because he’s this close to 600 saves.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
And if the Brewers had a decent closer...
… they would be at .500. Don’t believe me? Hoffman has FIVE blown saves already — and all those games were lockdown easy saves for a good closer.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Hoffman might be a patented case
of a guy hanging on one year too long.
Had he retired after last season, it would have been perfect for him. Finishing up with a nice season after doubts were raised about him in San Diego.
But no. Too bad for the Brewers.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
No. Thank. You.
I have spoken to a Brewers fan about him, and the Brewers fan gets scared every single time Hoffman comes in.
Right now, Hoffman couldn’t hold a lead in a wheelbarrow.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, except it could lead to a few more losses
and we already know he sucks. This is the same crappy approach we took with Zambrano. “What could it hurt?” It could hurt the team’s record. Which, at the end of the day, is pretty damn important.
Hell, if we’re going to take a “what could it hurt” approach to every stupid move, can I get a contract? We don’t KNOW I would get lit up like a Christmas tree yet…..right?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
What's the alternative?
More Caridad? More Grabow?
Grabow has an 8.44 ERA, Howry has a 10.67
so, yes, instead of Howry, I pick Grabow.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
the Cubs are also looking for a right-hander ...
and have had very little luck.
I wouldn't use ERA as the measuring stick,
but I totally agree with you. At least Grabass throws breaking pitches, whereas Gascan only thrown meatballs right down the middle.
How about the fact that Howry has allowed six home runs
in 14 innings? How about the .300 BAA or the 1.6 WHIP
Which measuring stick would you like to use? Because as bad as Grabow is, Howry is worse. The fact that we’re going to have a bullpen with BOTH of them is…….insane
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Caridad DL'd, no?
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
I'd like to know how long they need to keep Jackson in the pen
At Iowa before he proves that he’s capable.
until he gives up six home runs in 14 innings apparently
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm fine with the move of Jackson to the pen
For this year. But there’s no point if they’re just going to sign Howry. If they do that, then just move Jackson back to the rotation.
Because he is looking to be fired?
What other possible answer could there be?
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Contreras
saw a big velocity jump out of the pen last season, which has continued into this season
howry’s velocity has dropped 2 mph
contreras was a failed starter, howry was a failed reliever.
its worth noting why one is more likely to work than the other. Not all scrap heap guys are created equal
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 20, 2010 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions
facts
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=237&position=P#pitchtype
2.6% from last year’s spike up
about 2% from his time with the Cubs, 3% from his peak years
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 21, 2010 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions
grabow sucks
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
I am still awaiting a ruling
on “Sucks” = Profanity?
It may be construed in such a way?
It's the attitude and the all caps post....
… rather than the specific word. I’m not sure why you can’t see this.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
GRABOW SUCKS!
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 20, 2010 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
woah, calm down, man
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I AM CALM!
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ Dum spiro spero... | Twitter: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 20, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
ME TOO!
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I LIKE SCOTCH!
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 20, 2010 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
MY CURRENT TIPPLE IS IRISH WHISKEY!
BUT IF YOU’RE SHARING YOUR SCOTCH, I WOULDN’T TURN MY NOSE UP!
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I've got an unopened bottle of JW Blue in the house . . .
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 20, 2010 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I MEAN: I'VE GOT AN UNOPENED BOTTLE OF JW BLUE IN THE HOUSE!
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 20, 2010 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Lucky bastard
Doubly-lucky – I’m not within 400 miles of it.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
A buddy of mine that lives in Singapore gets me about 1/year duty free when he gets 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 20, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
really?
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
No foolin'!
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 20, 2010 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
You lucky, lucky
Badger
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Yep
Picked one up myself last year at Changi – about $110 instead of $190
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 20, 2010 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions
nah I'm not surprised about the price
It’s the fact he has friends that surprised me.
^ Giggling evilly^
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm surprised you have a patient teacher
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 20, 2010 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Ok you win
Having someone patient enough to try and teach me math is far more surprising than you have friends :)
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Badger football pre-season ranked SIXTH by Lindy's.
http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051210aae.html
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
think thats a little high but excited never the less
BTW had either of you been closer… with the announcement of Howry signing you could have joined us for a glass of rum we got from Costa Rica. Nicaragua knows how to make good rum!
Anymore than a glass and I start to get sleepy
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree w/MCF
I think that’s a little high.
Costa Rican rum! I’m not that far away! I coulda been there in 90 minutes.
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 20, 2010 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions
We were 1 of 6 teams to average 200 passing and 200 rushing yards per game.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Thanks for the link
At least we have that to look forward to in October . . . .
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 20, 2010 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
We brought back two bottles
$8 a piece for 4 year old rum.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
$8! Not bad
By the way – just re-read. Why is Nicaraguan rum in Costa Rica? Why not buy Costa Rican rum?
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 20, 2010 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
B/c it's far more popular there
than their own rum believe it or not. It and central american ginger ale (which is actually a pepsi product but made down there) is wonderful together.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that's a little high,
But I’m excited at the same time. What is our schedule this coming season? Do you or does anyone else know?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I do have to pay for the bottles, though
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 20, 2010 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
It's what turned me on to scotch in the first place
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 20, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
A "Dirty Words" List?
I would say list the “dirty” words but that would only heighten the profanity. We’ve got George Carlin’s 7 words and a few others.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Do you think...
… Marshall may have been not able to pitch today since he pitched 3 days in a row before yesterday? Maybe they wanted to get him a couple days off? He pitched 14, 21, and 12 pitches Sunday – Tuesday.
I think the bigger issue was not being able to get a runner in from 3rd with no outs in the 9th.
He warmed up yesterday too.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
after two walks almost anyone would have been better
Hell put me out there and I could walk 2 people. :)
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
ill gladly do that for league minimum!
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
me too
They’d be more likely to sign you than me
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
The biggest issue, IMHO
was Dempster giving up a homer to Rollins with two out and first base open.
Dempster has given up game-changing homers in similar circumstances in three games in about two weeks (to Church in Pittsburgh, to Votto in Cincy and today). I realize that happens from time to time, but that’s a bit much.
I like Dempster, but one pitch is ruining the games in which he doesn’t get adequate run support.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Of 74 starting pitchers listed on baseball-reference...
… Dempster ranks 52nd in run support (before today’s game). Got to be very frustrating.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Frustrating all the way around
When his teammates aren’t helping him, he’s hurting himself. Lose either way.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I didn't understand that at bat where he gave up the homer.
I only had it on the radio. It was clear the first three were not very close. Pat and Ron speculating he is possibly pitching around him. Hill looks to the dugout, no sign. Pat says everyone knows he has the green light here. Maybe Demp didn’t because it sounded like he grooved on right down main street expecting him to take it.
If that is what happened, that is on Dempster. First for three crappy pitches and then not understanding the situation that Rollins would have the 3-0 green light.
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
Al where do you find run support statistics for individual players on BR?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Go to the National League page.
Under the pitching tab, click on “Starting Pitching”. It’s all there.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Oh this is awesome, thanks!
Carlos Silva gets 7.2 runs per game! 2nd in NL!
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Where does Gorzelanny rank?
It can’t be that high, he has had very little run support as well (with the exception of the game against Arizona).
He shut down Philadelphia yesterday with basically no run support to speak of. A one-run lead or a two-run lead against the Phillies can disappear in a heartbeat.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Finally, someone mentioned
Dempster’s problem with giving up HRs late. He’s been giving up too many HRs in general as of late.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
I thought they mentioned on the broadcast
That the Cubs did not want to use Marmol today and that Marshall was our closer for the day. This is why Grabow was pitching in the 8th.
Of course late in the game Marmol did move back to the bullpen, but I guess they never intended on using him.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on May 20, 2010 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions
What do other players call Antonio Bastardo for short?
One heck of a name to be stuck with!
Even though the season is starting to look like a jumbled mess, good teams eventually rise to the top. I like the way the Cubs are headed after this week, DLee’s HR a good sign as was Aram’s walk off the other night. Byrd said it and the players know this is a better team than their record.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
HA! Not what I was thinking Al.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
He would be :P
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Jose Hernandez?
Who’s that? ;-)
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Al,
what about the Howry update? Or is that gonna be a separate post?
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 3:40 PM CDT reply actions
Hokay,
Thankya Sir.
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
To answer your question
Marshall was designated by Lou to be the closer for today, as Marmol was unavailable. Per Paul Sullivan.
This post was prepared as a service to the BCB community. Neither BCB nor any of its employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of said post. The statements of the author expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect the views of BCB and should not be taken as anything other than an opinion. Above post has no cash value, and is invalid in MA, VA, and Puerto Rico.
There's no reason Marshall couldn't have thrown two innings today.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
but a closer doesn't pitch more than one inning
hehehe
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
It was a tie game at the time
You usually don’t use your closer in a tie game on the road.
This post was prepared as a service to the BCB community. Neither BCB nor any of its employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of said post. The statements of the author expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect the views of BCB and should not be taken as anything other than an opinion. Above post has no cash value, and is invalid in MA, VA, and Puerto Rico.
You can make an argument for it
but if the game stays 4-4, then Grabow is coming in anyway at some point, most likely, and maybe in a more dicey situation.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Grabow didn't have to get into this game....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Well you can pitch Marshall two innings
Then he’s unavailable tomorrow, and then the eighth comes around and the Cubs need to use…Grabow.
I’m not defending any of Lou’s moves, but man, this team needs more than two relievers who aren’t terrible.
Then who do you trot out there as your closer when you take the lead later in the game?
When your bullpen is this terrible, you always end up having to use someone bad.
I can see making a case for bringing in Marshall to face Ibanez (given that the leverage was higher in that situation and he’s your best arm in the pen) but I don’t think that’s what you’re arguing for here.
This post was prepared as a service to the BCB community. Neither BCB nor any of its employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of said post. The statements of the author expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect the views of BCB and should not be taken as anything other than an opinion. Above post has no cash value, and is invalid in MA, VA, and Puerto Rico.
Marshall's at least as scrappy
as everyone on the bench.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
You mean other than the fact that Lou never uses him that way?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
P was due up 4th
Why is everyone ignoring that fact? Marshall wasn’t going to pitch the 8th and the 9th. Lou had to make a choice. I can’t even imagine the uproar if Marshall had pitched the 8th and then Grabow had blown a save in the 9th.
Imagine the celebration if Marshal had pitched the last two innings and we swept the Phillies at home and won our 5th in a row.
I like using my imagination!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I like to imagine that Marshall would have thrown the ball with his massive gentials
and struck out the side on 8 pitches.
One guy swung twice at the same pitch. That’s how badly he was fooled.
I like imaginationizing.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I like the kind of bb you play.
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
I was pretty sure...so I looked it up in the rule book....
pitchers are allowed to bat and they only count as 1 out just like a position player.
Some pitchers can even use their AB to bunt and move a runner over 1 base.
Why do you jump to the conclusion that letting Marshall pitch 2 innings would result in a loss as valid but seem to dismiss us when we jump to the conclusion that letting Grabow pitch at all will result in the same thing?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
You need to score runs
It was a tie game, they needed to score runs to win the game. Chances are if Marshall was used in the 8th he would have come up in a situation where he needed to be pinch-hit for. It may have worked out differently, we never know. However, the fact that the pitcher was due up 4 is important in understanding why Lou may not have wanted to use Marshall in the 8th. While Grabow is on the roster he will likely be used in some situations where he can blow the game, that happens with almost any pitcher when you play close games 5 days in a row.
by JSB on May 20, 2010 5:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
close games are all this team will play....
they’re not good.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Your scenario also entails the Cubs scoring at least one run
They never had the lead at any point today. REPEATING: They never had the lead at any point today.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
This is the dumbest thing you've ever posted......
ever.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Certainly not anywhere near as dumb as
your “imaginary” post above.
I thought you said the other day you were going to ignore me. Please be a person of your word.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait.....who responded to who first exactly?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I think you began it on the previous thread
Now, I’m hitting the “ignore” button on you, and it is richly deserved.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
It only shows up after 20000 comments
Get crackin’!
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I should be there by the end of this year.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Makes me wonder why you can't ignore the rest of the complainers on BCB.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I was being serious, but apparently you were joking.
I’d like to ignore:
SWL
ol pete
Ivy Walls
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
That last pot of french onion soup you made gave me hot snakes.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Snakes or shakes?
I bet hot snakes would be very unruly.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on May 20, 2010 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
He meant snakes
think about it…
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 20, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Wasn't Howry good every other year or was that someone else we had?
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
2006 & 2007 - Good!
2008 – Bad!
2009 – Good!
2010 – Bad!
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
...
2 legs – Good!
4 legs – Bad!
Woodenlegs – Angry!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Make it green!
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
You've got it backwards.
4 legs good, 2 legs bad!
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Grabow or Howry?
That is the question.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Oh, Oh. I'm good at multiple choice tests
The answer is C. None of the above
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on May 20, 2010 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought it was a three game series.
Well, at worst the Cubs will be back where they started when the series began. I’m sure everyone thought the Phillies would destroy the Cubs, but the Cubs did a good job keeping up with them offensively and defensively.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
I know the Phillies are an excellent team
But I didn’t see anything dominant about them in this series. If Gorzelanny can stymie them, it makes you wonder, although anything can happen on any given day.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Precisely.
NO dominant teams in the NL this year. None. Zero.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The Phillies are a notch above
In my opinion, the Phillies are the best team in the NL by a wide margin. Their lineup is just so much deeper than anyone elses and they probably have the best pitcher in the league. The main concern with them is their bullpen, but if Contreras can come close to replicating his performance, they are decent enough in the bullpen.
So who's dominant then?
Tampa and New York (Yankees)?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on May 20, 2010 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Al was referring to the NL.
Last I checked, those teams were in the AL, but I see your point nonetheless.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Y'know...it doesn't matter who dominates in May
it’s who plays to their talent level, improves and dominates in August.
Wait and see the difference between the Phillies and the Cubs when the summer sets.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 20, 2010 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
That TWO game series?
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 20, 2010 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Silly huh?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd say it's not indicative of an overall body of work, yeah.
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 20, 2010 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions
THen you weren't watching
they took advantage of opportunities on the offensive end, and the Cubs escaped the top of their rotation.
The bullpen is suspect, but that’s all.
They are the best team in the NL.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 20, 2010 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
"Cubs escaped the top of their rotation."
exactly why we should have won both the games and not try our best to throw away a very winnable one. You don’t miss Halladay very often.
And the last time the Cubs faced Halladay,
they bashed him around like a pinata.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
hyperbole
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Look it up
It wasn’t hyperbole at all.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Which would make me rather...
see Silva traded over Gorz….
I see much more potental in Gorz.
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
we didn't see Hamels or Halladay
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 20, 2010 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
We might in July.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions
So what?
Hamels is no great shakes right now, and I remember seeing the Cubs kill Halladay in Toronto two years ago.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions
::stifles laughter::
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 1:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Cole Hamels is a very good pitcher having an average year. He’s 120 ERA+ overall, with a 99 in 2010. And in the game you mention, Halladay gave up 2 ER, 4 more that were unearned thanks to the scrappy David Eckstein.
It makes me wonder how 2 games can be called a “series” when (1) we split with them and (2) we didn’t see their ace (Halladay), their 2 spot (Hamels), or their injured starter (Happ). If splitting a “series” with them gives you confidence in facing them later in the postseason, I’d hate to see what a real “series” looks like facing those three.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 21, 2010 1:27 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
right...
because that’s relevant…
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 21, 2010 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, it is relevant,
because it shows your little book of statistics isn’t always golden.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Statistics don't help you if you don't know how to properly apply them.
Looking at one game against a pitcher from 2 years ago in which only 4 of the players in the lineup remain on the team and extrapolating that out to future performance is not only flawed, but overly simplistic and foolish.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
You're missing my point
but then again, that’s to be expected from you.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought we were going to ignore each other
or are you BSing about that, too?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I not trying to argue...I guess I just don't understand what your point is....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Funny, I was thinking
the same thing about you.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
we need our own radio show
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
You and I would get a kick out of it
The rest of the world? That’s another question. :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Have you HEARD what passes for radio shows nowadays?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
It's apart of my BCB contract that I jump in here and argue with Bruce.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I say the 3 of us join forces.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
NotDansLegs
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I like, I like
Even the lowest form of discourse here would sound like NPR compared to what passes for sports-talk radio anymore.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Ok, but the catch is....
we still have to argue with Drew.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Can we model it after Jim Rome's JUNGLE?!
/s
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Does this mean
we have to do “tour stops”?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Just remember, "Bleep you, mambochicken" is 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 21, 2010 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
so... let me get this straight
because 2 years ago Roy Halladay limited the Cubs to 2 ER’s over 5 innings and got the loss…. the Cubs would handle him now without a problem?
and because the Cubs split a 2 game series in Philadelphia, the Phillies can’t be a dominant team in the NL?
So we’re going to ignore 2,113 innings of Roy Halladays career and focus on 5
and we’re going to ignore the last 200 games (162 + 38 this year) in which the Phillies have been at least 6 games better than every team in the NL not named STL or LAD and focus on 2 games
right… it always makes sense to ignore very large samples to focus on extrapolated small samples as a guide to predicting the future
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 21, 2010 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
No, that's not what I meant
What I meant is that nothing is a lead-pipe cinch. (Like focusing on three postseason games in October 2008, for example.)
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs sucking when it matters most has been a "lead-pipe cinch" for quite some time.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2010 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
not sure
how that ties to your above comments which would suggest you made your judgments on the Phillies not being dominant from a 2 game sample and that the Cubs not facing Halladay or Hamels has no impact on these judgments simply because the Cubs beat Halladay 2 years ago
of course nothing is a lead-pipe cinch. I’m not sure why but whenever people around here talk about numbers you take it as IMMINENT FACT as opposed to PROBABILITIES
when everyone talking about the numbers tries to draw that distinction
I’ve never said the games get played on a spreadsheet. I’ve never said projections result in certainty
They simply present a good framework for expectations
and i think it’s a fair expectation given the projections, given what we’ve seen the last few years, given the composition of the roster that the Philiies are going to be pretty damn good this year. Now I don’t know what classifies as dominant in someone’s head, but they’ve been the standard the last two years in the NL and they have the best record again to this point (despite playing without Rollins for over half the season)
I think it’s also a reasonable expectation that facing Hamels or Halladay would be a tougher game than facing Moyer/Blanton. From time-to-time that won’t be the case, but over time it sure will
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 21, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Thus the difference between a math person
and a non-math person.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I supposed if the Cubs and Phillies played each other 162 times in a season
you’d be absolutely correct.
But they don’t.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
I like Dempster as
a nice guy, and a decent journeyman – but he is NOT a stopper and invariably will give up on HR that costs him/the team the ball game.
Hendry really took care of Demp, as well $$$. And, two more years to go!
how many key HR's has he given up this year?
by cozmotaylor123 on May 20, 2010 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions
in how many innings?
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Okay...
What is the point of this post? We didn’t sign him to be an ace. There was a better cheaper option on the free agent market? A rookie Dempster is blocking right now?
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Plus the fact that if he had run support, he'd have about 6 wins right now.
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 20, 2010 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Demp is a pretty good 2...
and a real good 3……and pitches a lot of innings……..
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Let me rephrase...
first he will give up walks, and THEN a HR.
Crazy thought that doesn't make any sense,
but do you think the Indians would do a Grabow for Kwood swap..I doubt we would even want that, even though we still LOVE Kerry. Change of scenery might do them both good..
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 4:00 PM CDT reply actions
No
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
haha. Didn't think so,
but you can’t hate on a guy for just plain speculatin’
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I LOVE YOU WORF!!!!!!!!!
: )))))
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions
(hugs), sweet (hugs)
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Why not?
He’s throwing 95-96 consistently. Last night was a fluke.
by cubsonWGN4ever on May 20, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
ehhh.
idk about a fluke, but I get your point.
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you see what Wood did last night?
No, thanks. Love Kerry, but any wishes for him to return are borne of emotion more than reality.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah that's what I feel like as well.
Guess he just ain’t Kerry anymore.
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Plus he also was on the DL (surprise!) for a month
Letting him walk last season must have been tough for Hendry to do, but it was the right call.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Not arm-related this time around though, right?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
This time was back-related, I think
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
In a way, that's worse
back injuries never really heal, and just flare up time to time.
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on May 20, 2010 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's where I offer myself for crucification...
I’d take Wood for the late inning setup role in a heartbeat.
The Cubs already have enough lefthanded arms and he might do well returning Chicago. Opposed to Bob Howry.
Emotion’s got little to do with it. I stopped falling in love with athletes around Sweetness’ time.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 20, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Then your heart would stop beating
I think Wood is basically done.
Emotions have everything to do with it. Everything.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Do the Cubs stay 4.5 games back since the Reds lost?
Or are they 5.5 games back because the Cards are in first now?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
I believe
They’re five back, but I’m not sure.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Cards won and went back into first place
Cubs are 5 back.
This is the scoreboard watching I mentioned earlier.
by cubsonWGN4ever on May 20, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
I solemnly swear,
To only follow the Cubs, and to only pay attention to their record up until Late September…on my honor.
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Watch me!
Annos Catuli. Every Year.
by OldStyle_and_Ivy on May 20, 2010 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
WHAT'S THE MAGIC NUMBER?!
Can we include the countdown on the sidebar?!
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Not until it gets under 10
You know the rules
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
the only magic number i care
about is the one that counts down until Lou & Lovie are both fired.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
what about Jim?
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2010 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
And Jerry Angelo
Go Packers!
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 20, 2010 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You as a Packer fan....
I would think would like to see JA hanging around Chicago……
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
I think he's gone anyway
at least out of the GM role. Ricketts’ is probably gonna want his own guy. (Although, I don’t see why Hendry wouldn’t get retained in some other capacity)
And Angelo is gone as soon as Lovie gets axed, God willing.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Mathematical Elimination is all that matters
miracles happen.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on May 20, 2010 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
The Magic Number is 2.
Any combination of 2 Blackhawks wins or Sharks losses will result in a Stanley Cup appearance.
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
I am happy with the outcome of this week
I see fight in this team that was not there 2 weeks ago. We swept (mini-broom 2 game series) the Rocies and split with a damn good Rockies team. Our weakest link beat us today, but even then we were in it until the last out.
In the 9th, a journeyman pitcher took advantage of an anxious rookie, and a struggling veteran. Happens. Down 4 – 1, to come back and tie it, is the most fight that we have had all season.
Overall, I am pleased. Now, did Grabow blow it? Yes. But, with Marshall set to be the closer, that was the only option that Lou had. He could have pitched Grabow against the easier end of the lineup in the 7th and let Russell, who has looked better as of late, face the meat of that order, but he didn’t. This game made me angry, but not because of lack of effort or untimely hitting. They just lost. Happens. I see a team that seems to be getting on track. Onward to Texas.
"How's your mother?"
"She's on her way out."
"We all are. Act accordingly."
Did I hear correctly that nobody was warming up in the eighth as Grabow melted down?
And if that’s right, shouldn’t there have been someone ready in case Grabow looked bad, as in walking a guy, like Caridad the other night, so he could get pulled right away and perhaps avoid the worst?
One of Lee Elia's 15%
The great equalizer(s)
Al you mentioned how the Phillies and the Cards are not the dominant teams people claim them to be, but one thing is for sure Lou is will keep this team from making the playoffs. Like you said, Grabow instead of Marshall or even anyone else in the bullpen? He’s helping to dig the Cubs grave this year with his penchant for using him as a setup guy. The other negative is Aram hurting this team in the clutch…swinging at a pitch no where near the zone, against a wild pitcher.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
by propheteer on May 20, 2010 4:26 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Old, tired Managers piss me off
I know exactly what Lou would say…“I was saving Marshall to close it out”. To which I would reply “Hey Lou! The save was in the 8th! With the heart of their order up!”
Also, Grabow’s best pitch is a changeup, which most lefties don’t throw to lefthanded hitters. Poor choice.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 4:30 PM CDT reply actions
It was great to see the team fight back
They did not look deflated when they were down. They came back over two innings and kept chipping away.
It was bad to see Lou -
Not pinch hit for Hill with Soto
Use Grabow and not Marshall
Use Ramirez to pinch hit
These decisions were the nail in the coffin. It is very frustrating to know that even when this team starts to click, Lou finds the best ways to potentially screw the Cubs over.
I'm mostly with you ...
but who else should he have used other than Ramirez? Baker?
Well, Had he not pinch hit Colvin for Hill
then at the very least we could have had Colvin instead of Baker
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
and ARAM
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
then why did you ask the question?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Really, dude?
Are you just trying to argue with me today, or something? I’m well aware (I pointed it out an hour ago) that Lou messed up with the Hill substitution.
But in the ninth, what else was Lou supposed to do?
And the *screaming* about not using Colvin earlier in the game
When Nady PH would have been deafening.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I thought he went with Colvin over Hill/Soto because,
he at least wanted the fly ball and wanted to use the lefty against the righty. Colvin hit the ball hard. He should’ve used Soto instead of Nady to bat for the pitcher after the Colvin SF. What we needed there with 2 on and 2 outs was a patient at-bat, something Soto has shown he can give, instead Nady swung at the first pitch, an ankle high breaking ball and popped it up. LAME.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Also, with only one out,
it made more sense to use Colvin in order to avoid a double-play ground ball.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
You bring up a good point
Jeff Baker has a bad track record as a pinch-hitter and has been non-existent against righties. Given Ramirez only has 34 career ABs as a pinch hitter and is massively struggling, I would have almost wanted to see Zambrano come up to bat or have Wells go for the suicide squeeze.
I think this brings up a couple of questions. With Castro on the team now, why are we carrying Baker? Why is Lou’s management of the bench so bad that Baker and Ramirez are his only options in the 9th inning?
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Ramirez is a bad ninth-inning option?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Have you been paying attention AT ALL this season?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions
As awful as Rami has been this season...
it’s still really hard for me to say he is a bad ninth-inning pinch hit option. I mean the guy used to be the most clutch hitter this team had. With each choke my hopes for Rami fade a little more though…
But he also has more of a track record of success
than Baker.
I guarantee if the options had been, say, Baker and Nady, the howling would have been loud.
I guess the thing is with a slumping veteran, you never know when he’s going to snap out of it. (Although, as I cited above, that strike-three swing was a thing of ugly.)
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
With Castro on this team
We still need a backup 3B (CI, in general). I’m not enamored with having that role filled by Fonty full-time. How about you?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Well, there ya go
But he’d be filling Baker’s shoes. Same role, different name
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I don't think so.
Tracy, when he started, was viewed as a middle-order, lefty bat. Lou would see more value there and would (possibly) play him more.
Even better with Rami in a funk, no?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
also ...
Tracy is another lefty bat off the bench and could probably be a backup to Lee.
Great minds...
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
(and when's the last time DLee had a day off?)
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
The Cubs' last off day, I believe.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions
The same guy
everybody was yelling to DFA a few weeks ago and wondering why he was even on the team.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Fair enough.
Not saying you’re one of these people, but they sure do seem to disappear in situations like this. Like all the Michael Wuertz revisionist historians.
EG, I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but this season you’ve really been a joy to debate baseball with.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I was one of those people who was ready to see Tracy gone.
And I still don’t want him back. He wasn’t good.
What is wrong with people? They get enamored with players who make little-to-no difference on this team.
The 25th man is really freakin' important!
And don’t you forget it, bub!
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
A bit of back-up QB syndrome
The guys who AREN’T currently disappointing ON the field are always fan favorites.
That said and truth be told… I’m kind of in favor of Tracy replacing Baker on the roster. Not because it would make a huge difference, but because Baker doesn’t really have a role on the team with Theriot moving to 2B and Nady being the primary RH PH.
And minor league pitchers...
With no big league experience. Sometimes I wonder if fans realize how dumb they sound. This team is going nowhere with Chad Tracy as the starting third basemen and Sam Fuld isn’t going to win us many games.
by JSB on May 20, 2010 10:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
People were saying DFA him because he wasn't being used
Tracy actually batted .273 in a small sample size and has a great track record as a PH.
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Stop using actual facts, just go with the flow.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I suspect
he’ll be back up sooner rather than later. But I don’t know who goes, although Baker seems to be the logical candidate.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Out of options
And he may not clear waivers
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
with the current infield situation - wouldn't that be ok?
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
I'm gonna go with a qualified "maybe"
His performance last year indicates that he has some value, but I’m not sure we could get anything more than a AA scrub or two for him at this point. Better to see if you can package him in a deal for a reliever, I’d think.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
He is a good player, but I think with the current roster Tracy is a better fit.
If they can get something for him, maybe that’s the way to go. Even if not, if he doesn’t clear waivers, would it be crazy to let him go? The other team would pick up the contract, correct?
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
Only if we didn't do a deal for him
And can you see Hendry not wanting to wheel and deal if someone were to claim him?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I'm not entirely clear on how this works,
but can they not buy his contract?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Here ya go
If a player is on the 40-man roster but not on the active major league roster, he is said to be on optional assignment—his organization may freely move him between the major league club and the minor league club. If a player is on the 40-man roster and not the active 25 man roster for any part of more than three seasons (in which he spent 20 or more total days of service in the minors), he is out of options and may not be assigned to the minors without first clearing waivers. However, if a player has less than 5 years of professional experience, he may be optioned to the minors in a fourth season without being subject to waivers. If a major league player is ineligible for free agency and “has options” remaining, his team may option him to a minor league team without consequence. This is usually what is meant when players are “sent down” to the minors. Likewise, when a player on the 40-man roster is added to the active major league roster, he is “called up” to the majors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball_transactions#Options
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Thanks, C16
Where does Tracy fit?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
His major league debut was April 5, 2005
He’s got his 5 years in.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Oh, wait
You were talking about Baker, not Tracy. I sit corrected.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions
And by Baker "going,"
I meant in a likely trade, not being sent to Iowa.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions
And I gave Baker's debut
Tracy’s was even earlier.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Oh darn
I thought Baker could be a good platoon mate with Fontenot this year. Things have changed, there’s no platoon now. The depth chart has Castro as everyday SS, Theriot as everyday 2B and backup SS with Fontenot as backup 2B. Baker is a lefty masher who won’t even start when the Cubs face lefties and he can’t pinch hit. There’s no room for him now. Lou isn’t even starting him in the place of Ramirez at 3B when we face lefties. I don’t mind losing Baker.
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Stats with Iowa
.581/.618/.806
Eh, leave him down there – those have to come back to earth sometime, and it’s better if it’s with Iowa, right?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
man, why you think three people represents EVERYBODY is hard to figure out
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions
No it's not.
It makes his raging against the machine appear valid.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2010 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Whatever, guys
You are doing a lot more raging than I am.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 20, 2010 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Because they each post 50 times a day?
"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
With Castro on this team
After shitting the bed early on, last year, Fontenot settled into above average play at 3b, with even a few Web Gems. I noticed today that with Castro at short, it was easier for Fontenot at third. He ended up not getting any chances, but several balls handled by Castro would not have been handled by Theriot at short, and Fontenot would have played them. If Aramis is injured worse than reported, this might work out, since Fontenot is hitting, and will actually improve as the season progresses.
Zambrano.
And I’m only half-kidding.
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
Isn't this like the 2nd game in a row, or at least 2nd time in a short period
Where he has pinch hit for the catcher, and then subbed in the other catcher immediately after? It’s just a waste of a bench.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Tough loss, but I'm not as disappointed as if they would've lost to the Rockies
They lost a close one to the Phillies. They had clutch hits in most of the game, with the exception of the 9th inning when men were on the corners with no one out. I am pissed that Grabow is somehow getting on the inning with the game tied in the 8th. WHY, Lou, WHY?
I was kinda mad that they didn’t even get sori home, but it could have been worse i guess.
Sounds to me that Geo is starting to go on a slump.
And I heard that Marshall was the closer for today’s game.
by braziliancubsfan on May 20, 2010 4:41 PM CDT reply actions
3 for his last 28.
yup, he’s slumping pretty bad.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Minor correction, Al...The Cubs are 5 out of first place after St. Louis won today.
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
I agree but that's somewhat of a no-brainer
The real great move to bringing up Castro would be to design the roster around the fact that he is here now. Baker in the MLB and Tracy in the minors isn’t doing this club any good right now.
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Wasn't a no-brainer at the time
Most thought it was a bad move at the time. Give credit where credit is due.
by JSB on May 20, 2010 5:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think ICubs is more concerned with the after-effects
Sure, bringing Castro up was a risk, and it’s obvious that he plays well enough to stay with the big club. Good payoff – yay!
But now that you know that, why not look at your new roster top-to-bottom and adjust for the current reality? I’m not sure Lou is prepared to do that.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
+1
Castro is the easy “bring up the hot prospect move”. Great you did it, it is working out well. NOW what do we do next because there are still issues.
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually there was very little risk in Hendry and Lou bringing up Castro
Both of them are at risk of losing their jobs. Because of Super-2 rules, them bringing Castro up by a couple of weeks instead of June 1 could cost the Cubs up to $10M in 2014… when both of them will for sure be long gone. What do they care? The team needed to shake something up.
It has worked out fantastically and I am glad it has but for Jim to call up Castro and Lou to give him a start and then play him everyday now that he is hitting very well? Not a tough call to make.
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on May 20, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
It wasn't an obvious move
If you thought it was, you weren’t reading BCB at the time the move was made. Most were against the move.
I also don’t think it was necessarily a no-brainer to keep Tracy over Baker. Baker plays more positions and with Fontenot moved to the bench it keeps the bench balanced between righties and lefties.
by JSB on May 20, 2010 9:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
"you weren’t reading BCB at the time the move was made"
Those BCB people were worried about:
1. Castro’s development (getting ‘Felix Pied’ by Lou)
2. Castro’s potential cost if he is a star
Lou and Jim only care about
1. Not getting fired tomorrow
Some of the BCBers that were yelling the loudest about Castro have given up on the 2010 season. They only want moves that make sense for 2011 and beyond. Don’t mix the two.
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Your missing a huge portion...
Of people that didn’t think he was ready. It was no sure thing that he would hit at the major league level. It was a good move and let’s leave it at that.
by JSB on May 20, 2010 10:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm not missing anything
Those people who thought he wasn’t ready were worried it might… wait for it… alter his long-term development for the worse! You are missing a huge portion of the point. It was a cornered dog move that has worked put great and should lead to other roster moves now. Let’s leave it with Lou and Jim.
by IllinoisCubs on May 21, 2010 8:29 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Caption:
“C’mon baby, Cubbies need a new bullpen and manager!”
“Snake eyes.”
“Awww.”
"You’re playing a baseball game. You’re not playing Tiddlywinks. There is competition, for God’s sake."— Lou Piniella
by PacificCub on May 20, 2010 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
"Consistency. John Grabow has had a hard time finding it this year."
—Len Kasper in the 8th inning.
“Actually, Len, he’s been very consistent all year. Consistently horrendous. Nothing inconsistent about his performance this year whatsoever.”
—Bob Brenly in response
The first quote was a real quote from Len after Grabow surrendered the lead in the 8th. The second quote, obviously, was not made by Bob Brenly in response, but by me sitting on my sofa. (Brenly is much too professional to make a comment like that to a national audience on WGN, because Cub fans all know it anyway, and Len was simply finding a diplomatic to way to say how much Grabow has sucked this year).
I’m not here to get into things the broadcasters should have said. As I said, they’re too professional to throw players under the bus to a national TV audience, and it’s not like Grabow is out there throwing games intentionally. I get that. But Al could not be more dead on than to say that Grabow coming into this game was virtually giving the game on a silver platter to the Phillies. I know setup guys alternate between good and bad years, and Grabow is simply on his bad year. But the Cubs cannot weather the storm until he’s on his good year next year. He’s giving 100 percent, I know, but he’s simply killing us. But to have runners on 1st and 3rd with nobody out once again, and three consecutive guys unable to even put a ball in play in beyond ridiculous. So symbolic of the Lou Piniella era. Good guys. Good players. But in the clutch, when it really counts, nowhere to be seen.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Grabow is getting consistently worse
Comparing his stats for April and May excluding todays game.
Innings Pitched: 8.2 6.2
Hits: 12 11
Runs: 8 8
Earned Runs: 6 8
BB: 4 4
SO: 7 7
ERA: 6.23 10.80
BA: .324 .367
OPS: .918 1.041
The batting average against really tells the story.
An effective Major League pitcher simply cannot get hit that freely and expect to have any success whatsoever. This is even more true for a guy projected to be your top 8th-inning setup man. He was so good after the Cubs got him last year. I just don’t know how a guy can do such a 180 from one year to the next. Very similar to Howry a couple of years ago. Oh, wait, and now we have him too! Boy, that will shore things up in the pen.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Here's another one for you
April WHIP: 1.846 (that’s bad)
May WHIP: 2.250 (OMFG!)
And Bob Howry is not a Cub.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Time for Grabow to be gone.
If Lou thinks this guy is going to turn it around, fine. Let him do so in Triple A. Not being able to throw strikes is ridiculous at the major league level, to consistently struggle to throw strikes is unacceptable.
I do have to applaud the Cubs in fighting back, they have life and it is great to see, BUT letting a moron like Grabow blow a game via walks is hard to stomach. Get rid of him or get rid of the ass that consistently uses him.
"I don't know what the big deal about Crackerjack is"
by theGraceyslumpbuster on May 20, 2010 5:44 PM CDT reply actions
Two thoughts....
Why on earth did Demp even throw a strike after getting down 0-3, after all 1b was open. Don’t throw a meat pitch just because umps give the call and batters typically don’t swing.
2nd….. At least the game didn’t go into extras and the whole team gets overworked as they head out on this road trip.
by cubbiefanTN on May 20, 2010 5:54 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
It was more than one mistake
First the Grabow issue. As I have posted a few times part of this goes back to Monday when Lou let Grabow stay in to load the bases. Had Marshall come in then he would very well might not have had to throw two innings later. People have asked what where Lou’s options, well the most obvious ones where not to pull Russell and Stevens so quickly. If you alternative is a guy who has not been throwing strikes and giving up runs , you might think of letting the "kids’ pitch. They threw a combined 16 pitches in their 1.1 inning.It is particularly mystifying that Stevens got pulled. He had given up no hits or walks but Lou was going with some gut feeling /obsession on the lefty Vs righty thing.
Now behind Grabow we have the Soto mystery. Why did Soto not pinch hit if he was going in the game anyway. It cost the Cubs a bench player they really needed. Much as I think Nady is bad he is still MUCH better than A-Ram for a crucial pinch hitting spot as occured in the 9th. In fact Baker would have been much better but Lou used A-Ram.
Oddly I appear to be in the minority in not blaming Lou for Utley’s homer. I don’t believe
a manager tells a vet like Demp what to do in that situation.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
I agree with you Jess..Demp giving that homer away is no way Lou's fault
but it was Demp’s brain fart. But you know what though, sh** happens.
The main reason we lost the game today was because ARam got to the plate with blindfolded. His inability to at the very least put the ball in play or take a walk when the pitcher was giving it was the reason we lost the game.
The weird thing was as soon as I saw ARam on the on-deck circle I lost all hope. I was thinking oh-boy anyone but Ramirez. I just don’t have any confidence in him and today’s failure should dent his confidence much more.
what was he swinging at?
that last pitch was not even close to the plate. Embarrassing to watch A-Ram flail like that.
The 2010 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp ruled!!!!
by VegasCubFan on May 20, 2010 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
OOPS
I meant I don’t blame Lou for Rollins homer. I don’t think anyone blames Lou for Utley’s homer.
Long, long day.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
OT: Just watched the WGN 2007 Cubs season tribute on youtube.
Those were the days.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
OT: May 20, 2007....
Cubs were 20-22
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
completely different situations
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions
yes.
there was a 7 in the year instead of a 1.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions
2010 version
Might actually have more talent than the 07 version. The only spot that is a clear upgrade for 07 in my book is the bullpen and I like Marmol/Marshall better than 07 Dempster/Howry.
by JSB on May 20, 2010 11:05 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Link?
This I gotta see.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I just saw the highlights on SC...
WTF was Ramirez swinging at? That last pitch was literally at least three feet outside. It’s like he predetermined that he was going to swing, regardless of where the pitch was.
I believe that's what you call a hit-and-run.
Wasn’t the guy on first running?
All in all though, it was awful.
Nice.
“Good guys. Good players. But in the clutch, when it really counts, nowhere to be seen.”
I was going to complain about how bad the team is with RISP and 2 outs.
So, I grabbed for the stats.
I am shocked, as of today the Cubs are 3rd in the NL behind the Dodgers and Brew:
.360 .451 .811
Is this not f-ing unbelievable?!
Today’s 9th however, exacerbates all of our frustrations that the team is losing 7 of 9, then winning 2-4 in a row.
It is the ultimate hot girlfriend that keeps dumping me.
They just have to start another winning streak against the Rangers.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Any ideas on who's gonna DH
in TX?
Wonder if a game where all Rami had to do was bat if that could get him going? Maybe thats too optimistic, but Rami is probably my favorite Cub and seeing him struggle this badly is awful.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
Your puppy?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Andy is not a very good hitter.
And he LOVES to go get the ball… the “bring back” half of fetch hasn’t made sense yet, tho. :-P
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
I would rather let Sori DH
so that we actually get one hell of defensive OF. Knowing Lou the DH will be Nady.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
+1 Billion
DH’ing Sori would solve two problems in that it would give us a better defensive outfield, and for a series at least, we wouldn’t have to bench anyone for colvin.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he’ll take advantage of the designated hitter spot in the lineup in an AL ballpark and get Xavier Nady and Jeff Baker more at-bats.
%$#^
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions
oh for god's sake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I could have sworn getting someone at-bats wasnt the point, and winning was. Now we’re back to making sure everyone is getting at-bats.
If there is a counter intuitive move to be made, Lou will make it.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Funny
there are a lot of BCBers here screeching that Colvin ain’t getting his 3 starts/week that Lou promised, BA/OBP/OPS be damned.
I guess you’r in the let’s play our best players Damn-that-Lou-Pinella camp
Colvin is one of our best players, or at least in his limited at-bats he appears he might be
He’s certainly better than Nady and Baker at this point
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions
this may sound stupid but this is what I think,
that its more important to Lou to get everyone to hit or pitch the way he and Hendry expected them to, than to win games (thus wasting the season away). He is trying to justify Hendry’s deals.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 20, 2010 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions
thats a dumb way to manage a team
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions
that's the only way Lou knows how to manage period
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree 1000%
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 20, 2010 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions
do we want the Flyers or the Canadiens to win...
after today tho I think I want Montreal
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 20, 2010 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I want the Canadiens
Revenge for 71 would be great. That one broke my 16 yr old heart.
"All of us are in the gutter...some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde
i like underdogs in playoffs, so montreal
and i hate about every team located in philly
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions
well Montreal is up 3-0 :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 20, 2010 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
You couldn't make this shit up.
Do Lou and Ozzie have a bet going or something?
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
That would actually be wonderful.
Soriano would be the DH, and we’d have Colvin, Byrd, and Fukudome in the outfield. I’m happy with that if Lou goes ahead with it.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Dream on. We won't see it because it makes too much sense. I thought the same lineup
would be great, but as I thought about it, in the back of my mind I was thinking " Lou will come up with some lame excuse for not using Soriano at DH and Colvin in left".
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 20, 2010 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Key phrase:
“If Lou goes ahead with it.”
Like you, I think it’s extremely unlikely.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I figured we would use the DH FOR Ramirez
Let the pitcher bat and take the load off Ramirez by DHing someone for him
by IllinoisCubs on May 20, 2010 7:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't think think you would take a load off him
It would likely add to pressure.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
That game was ours, Lou! You gave it away :(
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
and of course that was the only thing that happened in the game
there were no other decisions to be made.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions
ty :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 20, 2010 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course not
Many things happened, but most importantly those HRs, which lost the game for the Cubs because they SCORED MORE RUNS. That your griping about something that would have been meaningless had they not hit them is amusing.
Lou as usual stuck with Grablow when he clearly could have let Stevens pitch the 8th inning
At this point I don’t think any decision that involves Grabow in a close game is a horrible move.
But saying that Lou gave today’s game away is not fair. He certainly had a role in us loosing but he wasn’t the main reason not by a long mile. Here are the culprits -
1. Aramis flailing at ball 4 that was like a million feet away from the K Zone
2. Grablow once again failing to throw strikes and gifting two walks to a very good Philly offense in the eighth inning of a close game.
3. Dempster throwing a fat pitch to rollins on a full count when the first base was open.
In my opinion the above three are the main reasons why we lost today.
You're not gonna let a RH reliever
fresh off the Iowa-Chicago shuttle face the LH heart of the Phillies order. That’s just not going to happen.
It is time to start trying Russell in the spots Grabow was penciled in for.
If I have to pick between anyone from the pen and Grablow
then I will pick anyone. You got to go with the hot hand than playing these stupid lefty-righty matchups all the time. Until he ‘figures it out’ Grabow should only pitch if the Cubs are ahead or behind by like 10 runs, matchups be damned.
That's fine
I didn’t say Grabow should have pitched. I would have gone with Russell.
Even though he pitched a very nice 1.0 inning, it is hard to label a guy making his first appearance of the season the “hot hand”.
everybody is scorching compared to grabow
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Russell had already been used
for one batter only of course.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 21, 2010 6:09 AM CDT up reply actions
He put Grabow into
the game in a high-pressure situation, expecting to get results that Grabow was simply not likely to get.
Let me say this again. Re-signing Grabow with the intent of making him a setup man was utterly insane. The sooner he gets far away from the role, the more quickly that this 2010 team can begin to heal.
by Damen Jackson on May 20, 2010 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
agreed
this is exactly what drives me crazy with Hendry. He signs the wrong players for the roles or requirements. Grabow is an average pitcher who doesn’t deserve the eighth inning money. It’s a square peg in a round hole from the beginning.
Apparently Hendry's parapsychological skills are quite limited
and he did not unfortunately foresee Grabow’s 10+ ERA when the contract was signed. Oddly, his powers did not fail when he got Silva for whats-his-name.
the argument was not about Hendry signing Grabow
but Hendry signing Grabow to be the god damn setup man.
but Grabow WASN'T signed
to be the setup man.
The setup man is on the DL.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions
huh? you mean caridad?
If that’s the case then Hendry is a bigger fool than I am giving him credit for.
Guzman
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
No...
just the middle of spring training.
They looked for another RHP in ST… and couldn’t find one.
The pen was supposed to be this:
CL – Marmol
8th – Guzman (or Grabow in LH heavy situations)
7th – Caridad & Grabow
Hendry’s mistake was relying on one player who is injury prone (Guzman) and another who was almost entirely unproven (Caridad) to be the RH bridges to Marmol.
I was in favor of the largely kiddie corp bullpen, given the pupu platter that was available for relievers… but I did lament Hendry failing to pick up a veteran RH set-up guy.
grabow was signed to be a setupman
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions
yes, because the move for Silva was because he knew Silva would pitch this well
It wasn’t at all about finding whatever deal was out there to get rid of Bradley
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Um Lou PUT A-Ram in
He had already blown one bench player by not putting Soto in when he pinch hit for Hill and he also had Baker available. A-Ram has been strikeout machine and one walkoff homer has not changed that. You game on the line and you need at least a fly ball and sorry A-Ram is not the best choice.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions
agreed...and if that walk off had given him any confidence then the strikeout today
should have wiped it all out and probably did a little more damage to his psyche
Aramis
Had a great history against Contreras 10-17 with 4 HR. The bad move was not using Soto for Hill earlier in the game.
This lose hurt.
by Cubsfan Waveland on May 20, 2010 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't care if A-Ram was 15 for 15 against Contreras
This was NOT the same A-Ram and those things need be ignored
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
You would ignore
a hiitter’s past history against a given pitcher?
Hooo Boy, you would make a GREAT manager.
In THAT situation HELL YES
A-Ram is HORRIBLE at the moment. He is NOT the guy who had those numbers, he is the guy swinging at EVERYTHING and short of DP the last thing you want is a K. Your game is on the line and this is NOT, NOT the guy you want in.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 21, 2010 6:11 AM CDT up reply actions
The Battle
The Cubs might have won the battle yesterday if somebody else pinch hit instead of Aramis but at some point if the Cubs want to win the war Aramis will have to get going and I thought yesterday with his history against Contreras it was a good spot to give him a chance.
I’m sorry but Mike Fontenot, Jeff Baker or Chad Tracy are not the answer at 3rd base for the rest of the season.
by Cubsfan Waveland on May 21, 2010 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions
I am sure yesterday did wonders for A-Ram
Swinging at a pitch 3 feet out of zone is really turning it around.
The we have to go with A-Ram theory was OK LAST month
but we are 7 weeks into the season and he is way, way beyond awful. The time is past that he can play every game and you hope he works through it. Bring Tracy back and give him a couple of starts a week. You can’t let A-Ram in every day and he can’t bat anywhere but 8th.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 21, 2010 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs are going nowhere
without Ramirez’ bat. That is a given.
It is a manager’s job to put his players in situations where they have the best chance to succeed.
You simply cannot handle Ramirez the way you are proposing without essentially making this a lost season.
What you are proposing
only makes sense if you believe that, at 31, Ramirez is done as a significant run producer.
If you don’t believe that, then all you are doing is prolonging his slow start by benching him, batting him 8th, etc.
Last year at this time, BCBers were saying some of the same things about DLee. Fortunately the Cubs did not listen and he went on to have an excellent year.
What you are saying makes no sense
Aramis is also much better defensively than Tracy. Aramis will bounce back, he has to stay in the lineup and work through the issues.
by Cubsfan Waveland on May 21, 2010 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I see your point....but I don't blame Grabow or Dempster or even Aramis for losing this game,
I blame Lou for how he is using Grabow. I dont feel Lou is making very smart moves. and yes, I have heard about hindsight :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 20, 2010 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I am tired of the" blaming Lou" parade
How about not swinging at the 1st pitch Lee? How about Starlin and Theriot? The guy is trying to walk you, you have ball three, and you just give yourself up. 1st and 3rd, no outs with a closer who is all over the place. Guys should have to donate whatever car they are driving that week to charity if they can’t bring a run in in that situation.
We gave away at-bats from the 1st inning on. If we had better AB’s we would have won, Marshall or not.
Good Guys Wear Blue
by Cubskingdom on May 20, 2010 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think you're right
But as they say, you can’t fire 25 players. Lou can be fired. Desperate times and what not.
What you say
Makes too much sense. Hold all of those guys accountable? Yes, rec’d.
"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
they scored more runs for a variety of reasons
those home runs were part of it, but there were other situations where WE could have scored more runs, or stopped them from scoring as many. I’m assuming you can sort of grasp that right?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Another missed move by Lou
Really surprised nobody mentioned this… but I thought there was a pretty obvious move Lou missed in the 9th.
Even as well as he has been hitting… Castro should have bunted – for a hit / safety squeeze – in the 9th. Give me a chance…
You’re down 1 run with men on 1st and 3rd.
Their infield is back for the DP conceding the tying run.
If he bunts for a hit (meaning keeping it close to the line, like his attempt the other night), you score the run to tie the game and push Fontenot (the go ahead run) to second with 0 or 1 out.
And a “wily” veteran pitcher with a wide spread in MPH is the kind of guy who is liable to give Castro trouble in the early stages of his career.
The other reason to bunt – to calm the nerves. While he has done very well so far, Castro did not have a good AB against Contreras and appeared fairly obviously over anxious in his first (I think) 9th inning pressure AB. So while we’re lamenting ARam, let’s not let “the kid” completely off the hook. He’s off to a helluva start, but he didn’t get the job done in that situation.
by fsuapollo on May 20, 2010 8:23 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I like the bunting idea..
but the way contreras was pitching it would have been hard to get a bunt down let alone a squeeze. Contreras was really wild.
Soriano swung at quite a few ball fours but on the whole he had a real good at-bat and Fontenot had a good at-bat. After this the sole goal should have been to make contreras throw strikes and put the ball in play. I still cannot understand what the heck Ramirez was trying to do there. Nady’s at bat was real bad too. It was really that simple, put the god darn ball in play.
This sounds interesting
And we have not had the pieces in play (speedy younger players) to do this much in the past three years. It would definitely add a dimension to our offense.
"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
A suicide squeeze would not have been a good idea
You have one of your best hitters up and you can not play for tie on the road with a depleted bullpen. Now NOT scoring the runner on 3rd with NO outs is really bad but you have to play to win.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions
If your gonna crash you might as well enjoy it.
Some Modest Mouse fer ye.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
I'm tryin'
I’m tryin’
To drink away the part of the day
the Cubs take away
I’m tryin’
by salparadise23 on May 20, 2010 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
If you can't see the thin air, then why the hell should you care?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I would NOT advocate a suicide squeeze
I would have taken one shot at bunting for a hit / SAFETY squeeze.
With that as the strategy, I really consider that playing for the win, because you’re scoring the tying run and putting the winning run on second.
Think of it this way… if the score were tied in the top of the 9th and the first guy gets on… a pretty common strategy would be to bunt him to 2B. This would essentially be the same thing.
And I can admit, this idea looks “good” in hindsight since we left the tying run on third with a pair of Ks and a pop-up.
3-0 Pitch to Rollins for 3-Run Homer
The thing that irritates me the most about the Rollins 3 run homer on the 3-0 count is that Koyie Hill turned to Piniella just before the pitch and asked him if they could give Rollins an intentional pass to first base. Piniella said, “No.” The next pitch was deposited into the seats and the Cubs had to battle uphill the remainder of the game.
WOW
If that’s true, then the people who were claiming that the home run was all on Dempster have some egg on their face. Yes he made the pitch, but another poor call by Lou
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions
how do you know? I’m asking for real.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on May 20, 2010 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions
me too
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd like to know that too.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Even if it happened
There will never be a way to prove it. Koyie isn’t going to sell out his manager to the media. At best, he looked over to his manager to see what he wanted to do and Lou said pitch to him.
Pat and Ron were discussing if they would put him on.
Pat said after the 3-0 count – “Koyie Hill looks into the dugout for the sign”. I don’t think Koyie trotted over to the dugout and asked Lou. With a 3-0 count and first base open, why else would he be looking to Lou?
Formerly known as BleedsbluinMi.
"You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright. And that's alright with me" - The Boss
Just a question for anyone who listened to the post game
did anyone ask Lou why he didn’t just pinch hit with Soto, instead of pinch hitting for Hill, and then using Soto as a defensive replacement?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
We better hope
Neither catcher gets hurt during a game. We’ve gone to the backup alot in non-extra-inning situations. Who’s the emergency C: Baker, Castro, Zambrano?
by salparadise23 on May 20, 2010 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
which is sort of odd since all last season Lou managed the game to avoid any chance
that both catchers would play in the same game. Hell, that was the stated reason Jake Fox never got an at-bat once Soto went down.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 20, 2010 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd go with Wells
He’s a converted catcher.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I think Baker is the emergency catcher.
Seriously.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
At least he'll get a chance to play :)
I sometimes forget he’s still on the team.
by salparadise23 on May 20, 2010 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I am not a Phil Rogers fan...but I like this
story here:
No matter what else happens, the Cubs aren’t going to win unless they improve their bullpen depth. To have it unravel further would signal an end to Lou Piniella’s tenure, and probably his 23-year career as a big-league manager.
Derrek Lee, Ted Lilly and others could be traded at the deadline as the Cubs tell the world they’re a team in transition, not an immediate contender. That means an influx of kids and, at some point, probably the arrival of Ryne Sandberg as manager. The biggest question is whether GM Jim Hendry survives.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
FYI
Per Bruce Levine, the Howry signing will be made official before Friday’s game.
I suspect Jeff Stevens will go back to Iowa once that happens.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Why that's GREAT news! All hail our GM Jimbo for bringing in another winner!
I’ll need to stock up on some vodka tomorrow.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
If I toss you $30
Will you grab me some, too? Big bottle of Smirnoff. Keep whatever’s left…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Thanks for the appearance, kid. Way to hold down the defending NL Champs
GTFO.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Ugh.
I had a conversation with a fellow Cubs fan after he was released about we need to hurry up and sign him to get our “veteran RHP in the pen”.
But we were kidding….
by salparadise23 on May 20, 2010 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions
son of a
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Um isn't Berg still on the roster?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Shockingly enough, he is
But Stevens is just too pretty for the majors
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=459999
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Well I figure he goes down
but not sure who fills the extra pitcher Lou will never use slot. Imagine if Berg were not on the roster and the Cubs had Tracy up for the last two weeks. At least you have more options of the bench for a pitcher who is never used.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 20, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Well Lou said Howry is good with the young guys
Which is pretty much all the pen is. So as long as he takes over that “never use” slot, then this could work out after all!
id prefer if they send down berg
hopefully hell remember how to pitch in a week, which is probably about as long as howry will last
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I am not really opposed to picking up Howry, though I don't love the idea.
But I LOATHE the idea of not starting him off in the minors to see if you can fix whatever is wrong (besides everything).
Good grief… at least one or two minor league appearances.
But I’ll bet a buck that if he signs tomorrow, he’ll be “pitching” (if you can call what Howry has done this year pitching) a meaningful (7th or 8th, close game) inning for the Cubs by the end of the weekend.
Chad Fox revisited?
Ugh. I just don’t want to see Howry back with the Cubs. I’ve yelled so many things at the television about him, his mother, and everything he stands for.
by salparadise23 on May 20, 2010 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed --- outside of any familial relationships
On the other hand… I’d take any former villain (Gregg, Hawkins, Rojas…) back if I thought there was a chance they could help the Cubs’ pen.
Blauser!
I said things could make Hunter Thompson blush.
by salparadise23 on May 20, 2010 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions
i dont think a stint in the minors will add a couple MPH back to his fastball
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think so, either
But I sure as hell rather he give it a try in an Iowa, rather than Chicago, Cubs uniform.
I'll second that motion
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on May 20, 2010 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
sounds good to me!
Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
by jesus christos on May 20, 2010 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Now the Cubs
have a right-handed and left-handed Bob Howry (Grabow).
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
Oh wow.
Bring Kevin Gregg back, and the Cubs could hold home run derbys every game.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
"To [Vermont Cubs Fan], good luck, stay strong!"
-Captain Richard Phillips-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 20, 2010 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Um he blew up yesterday and gave up 3 in the 9th
but otherwise very good year.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 21, 2010 6:15 AM CDT up reply actions
maybe Gregg is good this year cuz his manager knows how and when to use him at the right time
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 21, 2010 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions
LOL
"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
Please adjust your tinfoil hat 150 degrees clockwise
"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
LOL it just doesn't look right at that angle :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 21, 2010 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, Gaston uses Gregg as a closer
Where did Lou use him again?
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 21, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't remember him ever doing anything good
Then again, the bar is set low with this bullpen.
Insert Clever Statement Here
Wasn't it a game against the Phillies
where Mark Grace was brought in as a relief pitcher?
I think it was 1998, we were getting out butt kicked 22-7 or something like that and Big Rigg wanted to save the bullpen?
Albeit for the Diamondbacks
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 21, 2010 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Caption: "Come on lucky sevens!"
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
Caption: "Trying to take coaching from the older players, Castro works on his double clutch."
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Caption:
“CARPE SCROTUM!!”
"They say that money doesn't buy happiness...but it DOES by Cub tickets. You ever see a sad person with Cub tickets?"
grabow
has been useless this year.i expected a lot from berg and caridad after looking good last sept but neither one has panned out yet. i guess the cubs forgot how bad howry was in his last year with the cubs. im hoping the team can scratch its way to 500. and go from there.this team should be able to contend.
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.
