Cubs Lose Again, But Ricketts Wins With Landmark Commission
by Al Yellon on May 7, 2010 8:01 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks addresses the Chicago Landmarks Commission on Thursday. Photo courtesy Mark Weyermuller
There's really no point in saying much about the 11-1 pounding the Pirates hung on the Cubs last night; it was the worst performance of the season. (They did get six hits, establishing that new most-games-without-being-no-hit record. Big whoop.)
However, the comments made by Randy Wells after the game are worth talking about:
"It's terrible," Wells said. "Unacceptable. Everything I've ever preached about why I'm successful, what I do to be successful, I totally got away from.
"I came in too cocky, too confident," he said. "Warming up in the bullpen, I don't think I missed a pitch. I'm laughing, joking around with [catcher Geovany Soto] before the game. I went out there and was all out of whack and let it get out of hand.
"When we needed a win the most to stop the bleeding, I got lackadaisical, wasn't on top of my game.
He didn't even take a breath in his monologue.
"That's pretty much all that happened," Wells said. "I can't throw strikes with the fastball, can't get ahead of hitters. You're flipping [bad] sliders in there, and not throwing strikes with your best pitch, which is your changeup, and that's the kind of stuff that happens. It's time to get back to work and have a reality check and realize what my job is here and what my main focus is, and that's to win ballgames.
"All that other [nonsense], [being] 3-0 and pitching for the Chicago Cubs doesn't mean [anything]," he said. "I'm here to win ballgames. As far as I'm concerned, after tonight, I'm no better than anybody. It's time to get back to work and have a good side."
Any time you don't think players are held accountable, think about those statements by Randy Wells. Wells held himself accountable, and did so in public -- you almost never hear players do that. I have absolutely no doubt that he won't let this happen again.
Even with the sweep in Pittsburgh, the Cubs did not lose any ground to the Cardinals, who have also lost three in a row. (They did fall half a game behind the Pirates.) All they can do is try to lay the same thing -- a sweep -- on the Reds, starting tonight. After the jump, some thoughts about Tom Ricketts and the proposed Toyota sign.
As noted in this FanShot posted by Jessica earlier this morning, the city landmark commission approved, by an 8-1 vote (with one abstention from a commission member who does business with Toyota in the city), the proposed Toyota ad that would hang behind the left field bleachers.
However, the article linked in the FanShot points out:
"I do not currently support the placement of a 360-square-foot Toyota sign in Wrigley Field, as it is not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood or with the spirit of the city's landmarks ordinance," Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, said in front of a packed room at Thursday's landmarks commission.
You might wonder why this is so, considering aldermen generally are supportive of businesses in their wards, especially businesses that bring in as much money as the Cubs do. An article posted earlier this week on examiner.com answers the question, citing a letter from Tom Ricketts that I posted here, and quoting him:
In his letter, Ricketts addresses this issue by saying, "… much of the opposition is rooted in commercial interests of one particular building and is designed to protect advertising currently on a rooftop across the street from Wrigley Field. Protecting the interests of one rooftop advertisement does not help preserve Wrigley Field or put together a championship team."
He also points out how he and his family are committed to the team, are working with the City and rooftop owners, are cognizant of the landmark designation and what it means, and why the advertising is important for the sustainability of Wrigley Field and the future of the team.
I realize this has been a contentious issue among many here, and you all know my position: the sign is bringing in money. Money is what is needed to bring in better players, and improve Wrigley Field so it is the equal of all the new facilities being built across the major leagues. For those concerned that Wrigley might begin to look like the advertising-crazy Miller Park or Chase Field, read this from the examiner.com article:
In an exclusive interview with Examiner.com, Ricketts said, "I have no intentions of putting up other signs. This was the one place in the outfield where no revenue gets generated."
It's one sign. It's clear to me from the comments of Ald. Tunney and Tom Ricketts that Tunney's opposition is, as noted above, to protect "commercial interests of one particular building", not for the "character of the neighborhood" or other reasons Tunney gave at the landmark commission meeting. When all is said and done, I believe this sign will be approved by the City Council and be installed, and in a couple of years, we'll wonder what all the fuss was about.
More importantly, let's get the Cubs started on a long winning streak -- tonight.
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Last night was the most apathetic toward the Cubs I've been in a LONG time.
Swept by the Pirates, I can’t imagine it still.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Good morning Cubs, the Pirates just jumped ahead of you in the NL Central!!
Will this be the wake up call they need? Only time will tell, but I expect to see a different Cubs team in Cincinnati tonight. FWIW, I like what Randy Wells said after the game. Time to turn the page and play some better baseball…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
I don't think that players
actually follow standings until much later in the year, and even then only if they’re in contention.
by Damen Jackson on May 7, 2010 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions
I get that - and I agree with you...
You can’t win the World Series in May, but you can sure lose it in May. It’s time for the Cubs to start winning some ballgames, that’s all…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on May 7, 2010 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions
we're closer to last place (3.5 games) than we are to first (5)
awesome!
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Umm, Randy Wells' comments are great
but that’s not holding players accountable. That’s one player holding himself accountable.
What were Lou’s comments after the game? Oh never mind, I don’t even care, unless it was “I quit”
It’s time for Lou to go. Yes I know I sound like a broken record, and I don’t care. This whole mess may not be ALL his fault, but as I said in the game thread, whether it’s because he looks totally confused no matter what is going on, whether its the fact that he trots out ridiculous lineups, whether it’s because the players simply can’t trust what comes out of his mouth…..
The team is not playing for him at a remotely acceptable level, and haven’t been for well over a year.
Last year the sacrificial lamb was Gerald Perry, this year it should be Lou Pineilla. Al, you keep pointing to other Cubs teams who had poor starts and managed to turn it around., I’ll point to the Colorado Rockies who fired Clint Hurdle despite the fact that their struggles probably weren’t his fault, and they immediately turned it on with a different manager.
Flame me if you want, but Lou is not getting the job done, and hasn’t been for quite a while
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 7, 2010 8:09 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Also the Nationals played so much better under Riggleman that he was retained
and they are off to a very good start (for them) this season.
Sometimes a fresh voice is all it takes
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
I give you the 2003 Florida Marlins.....
The Marlins started the season 19–29 when they fired manager Jeff Torborg and hired McKeon, who had been retired from baseball for over two years. They went 75–49 under McKeon to win the wild card
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Firing Gerald Perry did what, exactly?
I dunno. I’m not sure firing Lou would accomplish anything, and who are you going to replace him with? Alan Trammell? That wouldn’t do a thing.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Would you agree this team needs a shake-up?
It seems like they’ve been under-performing for a year now. I hate the idea of letting Lou ride this out and the
LOL
I think it’s still too early to think that way. What if they sweep the Reds this weekend?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
With all due respect, what if I win the lottery?
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 7, 2010 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Then you'll share your good fortune with everyone at BCB!
Right?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'll buy you a keg of Big Gulp
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 7, 2010 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Big Gulps come in "keg" size?
Holy bladder buster, Batman!
"What can you do? Look, I don't know. I don't have answers for this."
- Lou Pinella, May 5, 2010
I saw a guy on the train the other day...
…drinking an “Extreme Big Gulp” and, I swear, it wasn’t much smaller than that.
I'm sure it was a DIET Big Gulp...
"What can you do? Look, I don't know. I don't have answers for this."
- Lou Pinella, May 5, 2010
Shortly after this photo was taken...
Bill’s heart jumped out of his chest and ran double-time across the floor and out the door, never to be see again…
"What can you do? Look, I don't know. I don't have answers for this."
- Lou Pinella, May 5, 2010
Ok, they may actually sweep the Reds
And I am not here to pee in your proverbial cereal. I just am having a hard time mustering enthusiasm based on what I’ve seen so far.
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 7, 2010 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I know.
It’s hard for me to do that, too. This last series was awful, especially after they looked so good winning three straight vs. Arizona.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
We need something to look forward to
When is the “Al Yellon” announcement coming?
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 7, 2010 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
What good is it to lose as many games as you win?
That makes you a .500 ball club. It’s not a good team, but it’s not a bad team either.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
True enough. Scotch is on me.
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 7, 2010 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Wine is on me!
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 7, 2010 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
If I may interject...
… so what if they do? I won’t give any weight to short-term victories. They need to have a sustained record of success before I think this team has turned the corner. This is, what, the third time we’ve streaked up to .500, only to immediately streak the other way?
Actually, it pretty much sums up how I'm starting to feel about this team
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 7, 2010 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions
When I first saw that the score was 7-0 in the 3rd I laughed
Not a laugh of disgust but an actual laugh of humor.
that was my reaction
when i checked the score after work last nite. Glad i wasnt home. I might have broken something.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
the pathos started from the first at bat
a sorry ass game that one was
"I mean, if we can’t take Colvin after the spring he’s had, something is wrong," -- Lou
It was 3-0 when I got out of my car.
Walked 100’ or so, checked the blackberry and it was 5.
I actually followed the rest of the game during my class. I don’t think that they’ve won on a Thursday yet.
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 7, 2010 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Whoops. They won their first game on a Thursday
And are 0-4 on the day since.
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 7, 2010 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think it's that simple.
You may shake, but will they bake?
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Um...
"What can you do? Look, I don't know. I don't have answers for this."
- Lou Pinella, May 5, 2010
I said Perry was a sacrificial lamb, And I'm not sure how you can possibly
KNOW that Trammell stepping in would do NOTHING. I’m not sure firing Lou would accomplish anything either, but I’m more certain that keeping him around will only ensure more baseball like we’ve seen the last three days. Like I said, sometimes a team just needs a new voice to get going again.
In an ideal world, I’d like Hendry to follow Lou out the door TODAY but I’ll settle for the end of the season for that.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
firing perry was a move to appease (name redacted) after (name redacted) refused to take perry’s advice. and (name redacted) was the big offseason high profile aquisition. once (name redacted) was not brought back this year, i think management had to go after another big named hitting coach in order to save face.
i don’t think you should have fired perry for one player being a knucklehead just like i don’t think rudy should be fired because 2 high profile players are in slumps while the other regulars are hitting fine. i would not discourage bringing in another voice as a consultant to help out aramis for whatever funk he’s in.
Lou said he was going to talk
to the team today, not last night, said he did not make any sense. After the interview with the media last night Lou walked in the clubhouse and saw no one. Turned to the reporters and said " want to interview me again" That sums up this team.
No heart, no belly, and who gives a rats ass. Onward to Cincy.
Maybe two weeks in Spain on Menorca will make me feel better.
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Wells' comments sounded great
Let’s see if it changes next start. Holding oneself accountable through words is only half the battle
As for the sign, I couldn’t possibly care less. If turning Wrigley into some AA park and offering free steaks to batters that hit the bull signs brings in money and players, I’m for it.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Interesting idea
Perhaps if they do turn Wrigley into a AA park the organization might actually realize that the guy they’ve currently got in AA, hitting nearly .400, is a major leaguer toiling unnecessarily and should actually be in Chicago. Nevermind, he’s too young, has to work on the nuances like base-stealing and all of those other attributes that are on display on the “big club” nightly. Actually, nevermind the nevermind…this club just doesn’t get it any way you look at it.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Why is one ballplayer
Every season regarded as the key ingredient, the missing piece, the savior?
Give me a break. I’m not a big Theriot fan – but right NOW he is not the problem. Castro will get his chance and hopefully when he does, he can contribute to an offense that is producing.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
Re-read
Nowhere did I say Castro was a savior of anything. What I did say however is that he’s a major leaguer…NOW. He’s better than certain players on the big league club…NOW, yet small-market logic prevails within an organization more interested in generating revenue and keeping expenses down than actually winning baseball games.
If the club is more concerned with maximizing profits that’s fine with me…but the whole thing about trying to win then flies out the window when one of the top 15 players on your 40-man roster sits in AA. Stoogery at its finest.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Sorry for my
Assumption, I tend to do that often, plus I make many mistakes. I see the point you are making – I just do not agree that right NOW is the time for him to be called up. My reasoning for this has more to do with Super Two Arb issues than anything else. Like you I think he would probably fair better than other “top prospects” that we had in more recent times – who struggled when joining the big club. By all accounts he will be called up, and if the team continues down the path they are on there is no reason to rush it.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
Well I stand corrected
Trib reports that Castro will be called up to play in tonights game against Cincy.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
And
He’s a major leaguer. Not everyone here has trouble evaluating talent. He was one of their best all-around players in spring…and still would be. The age excuse is absolute nonsense…and implicity assumes that his stated age is actual in the first place.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Stop
Forgive me if the track record of foreign-born players and their ages are as crystal clear to some of you. I suppose you don’t have to look far for an example of current player whose age discrepancy was once an issue…hint, he’s usually in LF for the first seven innings at least.
Maybe Castro is really 20. But if he isn’t and the arbitration clock remains the reason why he’s not already in Chicago, won’t they look stupid if he turns out to be 22 or 23.
And just in case anyone thinks Castro is going to “pick up” whatever goofy major-league skills some of you believe he needs to develop before being promoted, rest assured he’s not going to do it between now and the arbitration clock promotion date in June. That’s just plain laughable.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
I'm not arguing what he needs to learn.
I’m not one of the people who say he needs more seasoning in the minors. I simply don’t know enough to push out an opinion one way or another.
I’m also not one of these people who care about managing a player’s arbritration clock. A major market team should have enough resources available to make sure a player sticks around even if he has the option to leave a year early.
My only comment was on your assumption that he isn’t 20. Soriano isn’t reason enough for me to look at every hot prospect and assume he’s years older than he actually is. There’s simply no way for us to know one way or the other.
Regarding Soriano's age...
… that was changed after 9/11. I don’t think there’s too much doubt that Castro is 20.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
We're taking lessons from
The 2000 Chinese gymnastics team.
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 7, 2010 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Ming bai
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 7, 2010 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Boy, it sure was tough facing the 1927 Yankees last night.
What? The 2010 Pirates?!?
Son of a…
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
Not the 1991 Pirates?
You mean Bonds, Van Slyke, and Bonilla weren’t playing last night?
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Randy Wells will a new favorite if this indeed is true
When I just read the quote to the boyfriend, he had a great response. That’s better than cliche, and thats what a role model should be.
"I cherish this dream I had as a little kid to play baseball,'' Ted Lilly
Look on the bright side kids
A-Ram won’t be opting out of his contract next year.
Time is running out. How much longer can you let Ramirez stay in the line up?
How can anyone in their right mind start a bench player hitting .176 at clean up. Oh don’t tell me he got a hit and an RBI and is now batting . 181 but hey Lou won two World Series so he knows best.
This team needs a shake up NOW. At a minimum get Nady and possibly Rami on the DL. Send down Gray. Perhaps Grabow can find a way on the DL too.
Bring up a couple of guys, (not Castro) Barney, LaHair, Fuld, Snyder, Campana, whoever you want.
Give Lou a sleeping pill in his drink before the game and just prop him up and let Trammell manage.
I would seriously ask the Red Sox about Lowell.
JUST DO SOMETHING.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
Seriously ask about Lowell????
To do WHAT? Play the Mummy at team Halloween parties???
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
So maybe we could have a third baseman who could HIT!
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Didn't we get some kind of back-up this offseason to spell Ramierez?
Why not use him? A .260 BA is much better than .1crapty.
Fine with me
Let Tracy play but Lowell is actually having a good season and the Red Sox might eat most of the salary.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Why?
Not an idle question. I’m not well versed on the Red Sox, but I’d like to know why a 3B having a good season would be traded in May with Sox eating most of his contract.
They have been trying to get rid of him
and they had a deal that fell through in the off season when he had an injury. Last year of a big contract and on the decline but doing well. On the roster he is kind of the odd man out because they signed Beltre and he is having a great season. He has only been playing for about 3 weeks .
No doubt they would trade him but depends on how much contract someone wants to eat. I admit it is a long shot but I am just throwing it out there. I just can’t take much more of A-Ram
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Such a move will likely leave the Cubs........
……….in another “Milton Bradley” dilemma. Ramirez has the option to renew his contract, and given his current performance level, he will agree to be paid $14.6 mil in 2011. That leaves us with an overpaid and disgruntled 3B, and I’m not sure how the team recovers from that type of problem.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Something is wrong with Ramirez
and even he knows he can’t stay in the line up with what he is batting. Lowell would be a very short term solution and I admit a wild one. Lou absolutely has to start Tracy though. He has his best game of they year on Sunday, Ramirez continues to tank but Lou continues to let him start all 3 games in Pittsburgh
great.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't be opposed to starting Tracy from time to time.
But you can’t assume that one “best game” will be repeated.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
At this point, why not start him?!
Ramirez is beyond lousy right now. Tracy seems to be seeing the ball well. The offense is mired in a ridiculous slump that has lasted (with some single-game abberrations) the entire year.
I would have started Tracy in all three games in the PIT series, and worked Rami in to at least 2 of them as a pinch-hitter – ideally against one of PIT’s lesser lights in the pen.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know about that.
Seems like it would leave us with a productive corner IF bat. We currently have zero of those.
If acquiring Mike Lowell in the final year of his deal causes A-Ram to opt out of his deal next year… well… then he isn’t the player or teammate I thought he was.
Of course, if he opts out, then we’re left with no 3B for next year when Lowell and Ram walk. Then again, we wind up $15-odd million up. So I guess that works both ways.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
You misunderstood my point.
Ramirez will NOT opt out, regardless of Lowell, Tracy, etc. There’s no doubt he’ll exercise his option to return simply because he won’t be able to get a payday that large anywhere else.
Taking that as fact, if you bring in a replacement for him THIS year, it strikes me that having him on the squad in 2011 will be difficult at best.
So my point is, there’s NO WAY he walks on $14.6 mil and you stand to make him a malcontent for the 2011 season.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
I still might do it.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I think this year is lost...........
…………so creating a cancer for next year would not be high on my list.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
The Lowell deal fell through long ago.
I doubt the Red Sox are thinking trade right now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Sure they are
They have Beltre & Youkalis and they are kind of stuck with Ortiz for DH. Lowell is the odd man out.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions
No, Ortiz probably is.
They are paying Lowell and Ortiz about the same dollars. Lowell is productive. Ortiz could wind up released.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
There's a lot of smoke and rumors around Lowell.
They are not benching or releasing Ortiz – they know he did this last year, too.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
LaHair and Snyder are not major league players.
You can’t just read off the top of the Triple-A stat sheet and assume those guys are the “future”.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't care about the FUTURE
I care about NOW. I suspect either one would be better than Nady right now. Obviousy my preference is Fuld because I want speed and defense but no one else cares so go for the hot hitters.
FYI Fuld got on base in 3 of his 4 at bats but he only had one hit last night. At least he gets on base.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions
But Nady isn't the problem.
We have 3-4 other OFers who are hitting better than him (and, excepting Colvin, are getting more playing time than him). It’s the corner IF who’re really dropping the ball.
Not a chance.
First of all, LaHair is a first baseman. That doesn’t help. Snyder is Triple-A roster filler. He will never play for the Cubs.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Decline of Hoffpauir
It appears that the AAA legend Micah Hoffpauir has lost his touch. He’s got an OPS under .600. Oh, how the mighty have fallen?! The Cubs can’t even depend on Hoffpauir to save them.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
A few problems with this argument...
1. None of the guys in AAA are going to hit better than Nady in the limited role that a 5th OF will have
2. Our OF has been hitting the cover off the ball, so there’s no need for another OF
3. The problem has been our corner IF, and none of the alternatives we have in AAA are better than those guys.
I realize this sucks. But just saying “DO SOMETHING” and then suggesting terrible ideas doesn’t do any good.
Really no one in AAA can hit more than .181
I doubt that. We need a STRONGER BENCH with more options. Nady has fielding limitations and not especially good speed. I grant you Nady is a very small part of the problem but having a guy on the bench hitting ,181 who can’t come in for defense or running IS a problem. He has basically no value at all. Hoff is hitting worse than Nady at AAA but I would give him a try at this point.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
You know, I think it was more fun when you were obsessed about ticket sales instead of Nady.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
This is about Fuld, not Nady.
Just replace Murton with him on that unicorn/rainbow picture, and you’ll know where she’s coming from. The 5th outfielder will change this team for the better.
I think SWL is called for here, to help with that photoshop.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Honestly, I would argue that these AAA players wouldn't hit above .181
Playing every 5th day. It’s not so simple as to say “if they do it every day in AAA, they’ll hit near that when they start randomly in the bigs.”
This is a good point.
And I’d reiterate that Xavier Nady STILL has fewer than 50 plate appearances this season.
So what give him some more starts?
Catch 22 I admit. He can’t hit so you can’t play him. COLVIN needs the starts. Remember him?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions
But Dome, Byrd and Soriano are playing so well you cant justify taking time from them either
The cycle sounded like a great idea until you had 4 outfielders performing like they are. Now whatever Lou does he’s in trouble.
I fully understand that
which is why the 5th OF should be a real bench player.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
We agree completely then.
So calling up these “hot” minor league bats isn’t the answer.
Yeah, I'd like to see more of Colvin, too.
I’m just saying we don’t have enough information to give up on Nady just yet.
I am pretty sure Fuld and Hoff could hit over .181
They have the numbers to show it. Not like they have never done it before. The BA is only part of the problem because Nady can’t do anything else. You can make fun of me all you want but want Fuld up because at least we KNOW he can draw a LOT of walks, play defense and run. I think it is also pretty likely he can hit at least
.181. I am tired of having to defend skills like patience at the plate , defense & speed. They do matter and this team has very little of it.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
You're assuming regular and substantial playing time.
Why would he be on the field over Soriano, Byrd, Fukudome, or Colvin?
You mean Fuld?
Hell no. He is a BENCH player. The kind we don’t have . The kind that is suppossed to be on the bench to do the little things when you need them.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
All those things are certainly important...
…but, again, we’re talking about a bench player here. And it doesn’t seem like Nady’s defense has had much, if any, impact on the Cubs current, awful state.
The problem with Nady's defense
is that you can NOT use him for defense and you actually have to pull him if you are protecting a short lead late in the game.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Right.
If Nady is starting, that means either Fukudome or Colvin or both are on the bench. Either can be inserted for defense.
As stated above, your disdain for Nady is bordering on weird, and mainly because you have an obsession with Sam Fuld.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes they can be inserted
and you need one to insert for Sori so you just blow out the bench for DEFENSIVE replacements.
Great plan and pretty much we have been doing.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
None of those things has cost the Cubs games.
It’s been bullpen issues and lack of situational hitting.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
But wait...
Don’t we want Fuld on the ML roster to use him for late inning defense and pinch running?
Eamus Ursuli!
You're still talking about Nady as though he's a starter...
he’s not. He’s the FIFTH outfielder. We have four very capable OF ahead of him. One of those OF is good defensively, and is the defensive sub.
Replacing the 12th/13th position player isn’t going to make a bit of difference unless you’re bringing in a difference-maker (i.e., starter) to replace him and shake up the starting lineup. We don’t have one of those in the minors.
But could either Fuld or Hoff have
hit the 11 run homer the Cubs needed to win last night’s game?
Doing stuff like this...
…or messing around with the lineup may help us, as fans, feel a little better. But I don’t think any of it would make much, if any, difference in the results on the field. (And, as a very meager defense of Xavier Nady, he did drive in the Cubs only run last night.)
So we just do the same thing?
Wait for A-Ram to go under .150? Wait for Lou to start Nady at clean up again? Sometimes small changes do help and the literally CAN NOT BE ANY WORSE.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
And sometimes small changes...
…do nothing more than demoralize and aggravate players who we know are good major league hitters. Having said that, if Aramis’ problems at the plate are somehow rooted in an injury (or maybe something wrong with his vision) then, yeah, the team should consider a DL stint.
Quite a number of people have mentioned his vision as a possible issue.
Maybe the team should ask him to get it checked. Or better, TELL him to get it checked.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well I wouldn't want to hurt their feelings
So just let them keep going the way they are.
Seriously I hate to go all BLou on you but how can you just let Ramirez keep playing like this. Two errors last night.
The best defense I hear of Nady and his below the Mendoza line BA and uselessness for other off bench duties is that
small change won’t help. Well doing the same thing over and over and expecting it to change is the defination of
insanity.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Like I said, if Aramis is injured (one way or the other)...
…you sit him down and discuss a DL stint. Otherwise, he’s earned the right to play himself out of this slump. And, again, Nady really hasn’t played enough to establish whether he’s really as useless as you seem to think he is. Replacing him with a literally “replacement level” player is highly unlikely to make any difference whatsoever.
by daver on May 7, 2010 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
^this^
"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
Sorry but at some point batting WAY under .200 over a month into the season.
loses you any rights you “earned”. This is WAY past a slump. A slump is what DLee is in. Ramirez is a zombie
If his BA drops to .100 does he STILL get to start?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't care
Ron Santo was one of the best third basemen in Cubs history. Do we put him in the lineup with his fake legs and all? Or how about dig up the corpse of Stan Hack?
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Hm.
One’s a geriatric, one’s dead, and one’s turning 32 this year. Yep, we’re definitely comparing apples to apples here.
The point is...
You can’t excuse him for being on of the best third basemen in Cubs history. I’m pointing out the absurdity of that excuse by name dropping Santo and Hack.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
You can excuse him - or at least buy him a little more time...
…based on a very large sample of major league plate appearances up until this point.
He's hitting below .200
If it were just for a two week span, I’d be inclined to agree. But we’re in May now and he still hasn’t figured it out. How long do you give him to be an automatic out in the lineup before he figures it out?
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
A little bit longer.
Maybe through – or at least into – the next homestand. Like I said, though, a DL stint should definitely be on the table.
Right now, all of these AB are just digging the hole deeper.
We’ve given “hit your way out of the slump” a fair try.
I think “take 5 days off and re-boot this season” is a reasonable next step.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I get that.
But they’re not equivalent. There are tiers of absurdity here, and they’re not even on the same level. That being said, there’s definitely something wrong, and dropping him to 6th isn’t the way to fix it.
I actually think it's all on the same level of absurdity
I’m all for keeping someone in the lineup based on merit and not because someone supposedly earned it by being good in the past.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Sure.
However, there is historical support for A-Ram slumping early, then suddenly getting hot. Granted, he’s never slumped this badly, but there’s a reason beyond blind optimism for keeping him on the field.
Yes, but will the Cubs even be in contention when he comes around?
And who’s to say that Soriano doesn’t go into a slump when Rami comes back? Or maybe Soto? Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch, two months from now we may have Rami as the only reliable hitter on this team and be 10-15 games out.
Beats me.
If I knew the answer to that, you’d find me pushing money around at Vegas.
Truth be told, I’m not sure I’m tracking with the point you’re trying to make.
If we wait 2 months for Rami to come around simply because he always does
There may not be any reason for him to come around if the Cubs are so far out that any sort of comeback is impossible.
Rami has had his chance. It’s time to move on. Getting swept by the D-Backs or Mets would be one thing, but getting swept by the Pirates needs to result in some changes.
He had very good starts in 2007-2009
And this isn’t a Ryne Sandberg .200 April. It’s REALLY bad.
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 7, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I am talking about a guy hitting .148
with NO plate discipline and two errors last night. Look I think we all KNOW something is wrong.
I hope it is something one can fix but right now you can’t keep playing him.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
If it was Soriano
There would be people camping outside his car with torches and pitchforks.
the similarities between Soriano last year and Ramirez's situations
are just too weird to be a coincidence
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
What similarity?
Soriano had a red-hot start to last season before suddenly disappearing around this time, likely due in part to injury.
Ramirez has been dreadful all season so far.
Eamus Ursuli!
the fact that Soriano dropped off the table as far as production
everyone thought he had to be hurt, and finally it was announced he was.
Ramirez has dropped off the table as far as production, granted from the start of the season, and there are starting to be questions as to whether he might be hurt.
You really see no similarities at all?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 7, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
This is about the same time that Lee, who was hitting JUST as badly last year
broke out and had his 2nd best season ever.
This is Ramirez here, he can still hit – he’ll be okay.
Lee is a different example altogether
Lee’s best seasons with the Cubs have been when the Cubs were not in contention. It’s not relevant, but worth pointing out.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
2009 was his second best
And they were in first place at the end of July.
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 7, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
You don't get trophies for being in first place at the end of July
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Never said you did.
Are you disputing that being in first place at the end of 4 months is in contention?
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 7, 2010 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
No Lee was NOT this bad
He was batting a little over .200 at this point last year. Which was VERY bad but not like batting .148
Ramirez lack of plate discipline is the scariest part. Normally he is guy with a great eye with just a bit mor K’s than walks. Now he strikes out 3 times for every walk.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
He has earned that right,
other players like Mark Teixiera are having the same problems right now and I doubt the Yankees are going to bench him. D-Lee sucked last April too and most of the people here were much more patient with him. Ramirez has been the Cubs most consistent run producer for the last 6.5 years, give him a break.
"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
Do you really not see the difference between the Yankees and the Cubs situation?
The Yankees can afford to keep Teixera in the lineup, because they are winning without his bat.
The Cubs need production from every spot in the lineup right now in order to keep from falling out of contention.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 7, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Overreaction, its May 7th, and I don't
think the Cubs are the Yankees. And we’re not in “contention”.
Every player in the lineup except Lee and Rami is hitting over .300, the difference is we’re still not winning.
My point was Teixiera is having a second consecutive terrible start to his season, and that players can overcome a bad start.
"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
Nobody has a right to play or even be a part of MLB
It’s a privilege. Lou had no problem sitting Kosuke Fukudome towards the end of 2008. He eventually moved Soriano down in the lineup. Something has to be done about Ramirez. If he’s not going to listen to his hitting coach, maybe benching him for a few games will send him a message: produce or you sit. Ramirez is being paid to hit and drive in runs. We know he’s capable, but he looks clueless out there. If he’s too proud to listen to Rudy, I don’t want a guy like that in the lineup. No one is so good at anything to not need help every once in a while.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Let's not assume that we know what's going on between Ramirez and Rudy.
Because we’re not there – all this does is stir up unnecessary rumors and claims.
"Earned" has nothing to do with it.
He’s been playing himself out of his slump for 20% of the season now.
At some point – and I think that point was last week – Chad Tracy is going to have to get worked into this situation. Playing Rami every day at this time is just reinforcing bad habits and causing him to press harder. He needs a mental break.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd have no problem with that.
But it’s easy for us, as outsiders, to set these arbitrary deadlines for when Aramis should be benched.
It's always going to be arbitrary.
No matter who is making the decision, the ultimate call that “NOW is the day Aramis sits for a while” is, by definition, going to be arbitrary. There is no objective date for making such a decision.
Based on the last season and a half, frankly, we outsiders have a better track record than the Cubs’ on-field and general management w/r/t strategic decision-making. They have been really, really remarkably short-sighted and counterproductive in their thought processes lately.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
It's a managerial problem
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
It is but Lou is staying
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
The sooner he's gone, the better
He’s had a fine baseball career, but there’s no use trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
Lou, Rami and ?
who else are you getting rid of?
Jim!!!
but we can keep Rami around
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 7, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I watched coverage of the sign hearings on WGN after the game
and did I hear correctly that Tom Ricketts said that the sign would generate $2.5MM over 3 years? That’s just over 830,000 per year?? That’s nuts. It’s not worth the bad publicity with the % of fans that hate it, which I think is large. And it’s certainly not going to buy a winning team, or do much to help fix the ballpark up. And if, as he said, it’s the only sign to go up out there, what’s the point? Especially if the advertiser has such a bad public image. What goes in right field, Goldman Sachs? And him saying that he didn’t know Tunney was against it doesn’t make sense. Tunney’s troops were passing out anti-Toyota sign literature around the ballpark on opening day, I believe.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
+1
It won’t even pay the salary of one mediocre middle reliever. So don’t tell me it’s going to help the team win anything. It’s all about greed, and obviously the Ricketts have no respect for the ballpark they just bought. All they see is a chance to bring in more revenue.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
Actually.
The $ is going to be used for more updates in the park, not payroll. so by doing this he is respecting the park and trying to update it so it will be around for alot longer.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
That's called
cutting your nose to spite your face. He’s going to make the ballpark uglier in order to make it better?
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
I don't think Ricketts is motivated by greed.
I think he is more motivated by setting precedent to fight for future revenue opportunities.
That said, this seems like such a weird way for him to prioritize his inaugural year as leader of the team. This is such a visibly ugly and obtrusive gesture, and as pointed out the dollars are trivial. When taken in comparison with his team’s chances for success on the field literally deteriorating in front him, his focus seems misplaced and his prioritization should be questioned. I wish he would do SOMETHING to address the team issues, then perhaps accepting this god-awful sign might be more palatable. As it stands he seems completely out of touch.
"The Cubs are due in sixty-two." - #14
by BatCubFan on May 7, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
what is he going to do to address the team issues?
Multiple long term back end contracts make the SOMETHING pretty hard to do
FIVE outfielders.
7 Starting pitchers, and one of the best is working only an inning a week.
The 2010 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp ruled!!!!
I disagree with the focus premise
Ricketts is rightfully staying out of the baseball portion. He has employees whose job it is to focus on the baseball. If he doesn’t feel they got the results that they should have and doesn’t like the approach, he’ll make a change.
Do you expect him to make trades? Overturn the buffett table in the clubhouse?
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 7, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Jimmy Buffett's table?
Sorry, couldn’t resist. :)
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on May 7, 2010 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what I get for posting while listening to my iPod
Wasn’t actually listening to Buffett at the time, but I might as well 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 7, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I like
what BatCubFan says above. He/she is probably right and I’m probably wrong. Hard to believe it’s greed when a billionaire looks for $3 milliion in extra cash. But it is such a terrible PR move for the Ricketts family, and so boneheaded to make this a big issue in their first year of ownership with the team struggling. If nothing else, it represents them having a tin ear to the fans and the Wrigley community, which is not good at all.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
C'mon,
Just because you have employee’s it doesn’t mean you are disconnected with the business.
"The Cubs are due in sixty-two." - #14
I've had employees. And I let them do their jobs
I held them accountable, but if I was going to do their work, why did I need to have them?
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 7, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
But I didn't take over their projects
What do you expect the owner to do? Again – do you want him to make trades? Have a fit? Write a sternly worded letter?
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 7, 2010 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe a sign like this would help.
It certainly would send a nice message to the rooftop owners across the street.
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 7, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
It would be cool if...
…the middle cigarette moved up to that position after the other team hit a home run.
by daver on May 7, 2010 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nice!
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 7, 2010 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
WOAH.
I was under the impression this was 2.5 million YEARLY.
This is soooooo ridiculous.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 7, 2010 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Those are pretty words.
If only Randy Wells was the reason this team is struggling. Alas, the people who are really dragging this team down are operating under radio silence.
Cubs are fortunate to have Wells
I think his post-game response was about all you can ask for as a fan. The guy walked the first two hitters but the next two batters he made great pitches and they just happened to find some holes. Then, he made a couple of not so great pitches that got pounded. It was a little Wells last night, a little bad luck for him.
But as we know, once again a starting pitcher is going to get hammered. The story remains the offense which I think we’ve seen enough of this year to know that there are some good hitters in this lineup but as a unit, they are not functioning well. You’d also like to see some offensive resiliency. The Red Sox were down 4-0 after one inning but came back to win. The Cubs offense got down 5-0 and rolled over and died.
sorry, typo in my post
meant to say that “once and a while, a SP is going to get hammered.”
I've never had an easier time turning off a Cubs game.
Didn’t even hesitate. There are few things more shameful in sports than getting swept by the Pirates.
Follow me on Twitter: @brandonrifkin
This was the first time...
…in a long time I turned off a game. I couldn’t watch anymore. I usually have hope they can pull something off, but last night felt different.
My buddy (Braves fan) and I were having this discussion last night. What’s worse, getting no hit by the Nationals or losing 11-1 to the Pirates to cap off a sweep?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
As did I at the 7-0 mark in the game
After a while I couldn’t listen to Ron’s moans and groans any more.
by JFCubFan on May 7, 2010 8:52 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Got home lat from work.
Turned on the TV score was 11-0 Changed the channel within 5 seconds
"The doctors X-rayed my head and found nothing."
Dizzy Dean
Sounds like it was a good thing I missed the whole game.
Instead I watched 2 Lugnuts pitchers throw a one-hitter against South Bend. Maybe the Cubs need to check our some of these young arms. Too soon to help this season, but as we start to rebuild, well…
Not that I’m giving up on this season, but at what point do you look at a gas guzzling clunker that alternates between running GREAT (where you think THIS car is AWESOME!) and then sputtering at the worst possible time for long stretches and finally admit to yourself that maybe it’s time to shop for a new car?
I fear the window of opportunity is closing on this edition of the Cubs roster. The window isn’t closed and locked yet, but it’s coming I think…
"What can you do? Look, I don't know. I don't have answers for this."
- Lou Pinella, May 5, 2010
How Much Money in Revenue?
Does anybody have the figures on how much Bud Light pays to sponsor the bleachers? Do we know yet how much money Toyota would put up for the sign?
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
But not combined
Yet
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 7, 2010 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions
This might sound odd
But I’m glad Randy got rocked for a bunch runs than pitching 8 innings of good baseball.
At least in this game I didn’t have to see a good starting pitcher perform well and then see his team not give any run support/bullpen blowup.
That sort of game has been getting too frustrating.
I agree with you.
I have determinded that I would never have the patience and temper required to be a starting pitcher, probably on any team, but most definetly on the Cubs. The bullpen hasn’t been too bad, but they give up one too many wins IMO. And the lack of run support most days is sickening. This one was a disaster out of the gate. Glad I was extra busy at work and missed the whole thing.
"The only way to prove you are a good sport is to lose." Ernie Banks
We watched the whole game and the post-game commercials
that were interrupted only briefly by commentary by Len and Bob. How can we not watch? It’s the Cubs. If horrible teams and horrible games were going to make us stop watching, I wouldn’t have made it past 1958.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
I turned it off when the game was over...
… and sort of half paid attention after the second inning. But turn it off? No.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
There's always something interesting ...
Look at all the pitchers we got to see! And a second double by Soto!
One of Lee Elia's 15%
"How can we not watch?"
Community, Parks and Rec, The Office, and 30 Rock. I flipped back to evaluate the carnage every other commercial, the other half devoted to the Pens/Habs
Loves me some 30 Rock
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 7, 2010 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
What are all those things, Community, Parks and Rec, the Office?
Sounds like Chicago Park District stuff. Are they involved in the sign controversy, too?
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on May 7, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
If only
we could have won 2 of 3 from the worst 2 teams in the NL (bucs,stros) we would be 16-13. If we dont start beating the teams we should beat, we will be out of it quick when we have to play the teams that are supposed to play tough. I didnt see last nites game, but it was probably easier to watch than the 2 close losses that we could have won with a couple of hits in key spots.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
If, dog, rabbit...
So far, it seems to be the story of this season. There were more ‘IFs’ about the Cubs at the start of the season.
If this goes right, and if that goes right, and if so and so returns to form, and if so and so can keep up his good play, etc. They have little margin for error and I think they’ve used most of it up already and we only a week into May.
Sigh.
"What can you do? Look, I don't know. I don't have answers for this."
- Lou Pinella, May 5, 2010
yes but
the “ifs” seem to be coming through and the “sure things” seem to be struggling. Thats whats so frustrating.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
Mostly correct
Although the bullpen was an “if” and hasn’t done much.
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 7, 2010 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Unfortunately
Teams like the Astros and Pirates are saying the same thing about us.
As I stare out the window at a very cold, grey, rainy day all I can think of is:
"What can you do? Look, I don't know. I don't have answers for this."
- Lou Pinella, May 5, 2010
a redeeming factor
"I mean, if we can’t take Colvin after the spring he’s had, something is wrong," -- Lou
BREAKING NEWS
Enrique Rojas of ESPN Desportes is reporting that the Cubs have called up Starlin Castro.
Here’s the tweet.
my savior is here
Just kidding. But I think as posted yesterday it is worth a shot to see if he can be a sparkplug. Regarding Ramirez, I’m actually more troubled by his defensive regression than I am by his cluelessness at the plate. The guy is a veteran and either he’s letting his offensive problems spillover to the field (which should not happen) or something is physically wrong with him.
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 7, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
hah true!
but usually we get some random poster out there who posts random transactions that never come true
This is the year...
Maybe Theriot will play third!
(I am kidding.)
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 7, 2010 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
"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
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/37017632/ns/sports-player_news/
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Again, not confirmation, simply repeating the info from Enrique Rojas' tweet.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
awesome, so instead of solving the problems
they’ve decided to screw with a young phenom’s future.
I truly detest Jim Hendry. The damage the guy has done to this organization is going to be felt for a decade
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Crazy
“Screw with a young guys’ future”….how? By putting him at the level he belnogs at and seeing if he can play or not? Interesting….
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
exactly my point yesterday
These aren’t pieces delicate China that will break into a million pieces if they don’t hit .300 immediately upon callup. C’mon, give up this line of argument that giving a guy a shot will permanently stunt their progress.
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 7, 2010 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
And yet, 2 years ago, we bailed on Pie after 90 PA at age 23.
For whatever reason, this Cubs braintrust decided that after shepherding a 17-year old through the organization for 6 years, watching him adapt to and dominate every level, they were going to completely bail if he didn’t come out like gangbusters offensively in the first month.
At least we got Aaron Heilman and then flipped him for minor leaguers we released out of it.
Don’t underestimate the power of this organization to severely screw things up.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
So, you really don't see any parallel between the team losing three straight,
and them calling up Castro the next day? This isn’t about bringing up a guy who belongs here, it’s about attempting to deflect attention.
I simply do not trust Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella with this kid. They botched Pie, they’ll botch this.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 7, 2010 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/ has also picked up the rumor, but refer to the original tweet.
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/05/castro-likely-to-join-cubs-in-cincinnati.html
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
by eths on May 7, 2010 10:42 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
In other news....Emma Watson is now 20. You're welcome.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 7, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Who dat?
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
by eths on May 7, 2010 10:47 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
She be
part of the Harry Potter cast….
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 7, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
What dat?
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
by eths on May 7, 2010 10:52 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Muggle
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 7, 2010 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Because you didn't qualify for Hogwarts
(and yes, I set you up for the next one on purpose)
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 7, 2010 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I had a much better Lehrmeister, than the the third rate staff offered in Hogwarts
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Expelliarmus!
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 7, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
And if you peel it off, you get:
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Dang.
Cue BLou.
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 7, 2010 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
too bad
she has clothes on in that photo.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
Go to magazine rack at the drugstore and buy...
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Yep, here is the Castro article
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/37017632/ns/sports-player_news/
This is the year...
whos going
on DL or down to make room
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
These are strictly guesses
1) Ramirez to DL
2) Tracy released
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I wonder if the Cubs would...
…trade or release Jeff Baker. He really hasn’t shown much this season so far.
I would think
possibly baker or fonty trade or released. If this is really happening, at least it will spark some interest and hope again.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
Could they DFA Tracy?
If he goes to Triple-A, there’s a chance he gets at bats there.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Not that I'm for him taking away ABs from someone else.
(to be honest, it’s probably time for Darwin Barney to start breaking in a 3B and OF gloves, too).
Off hand, I wonder which is considered a “classier” treatment of a veteran – a straight release or a DFA?
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Who knows?
A DFA, at least, means they might try to trade him, which would mean other team(s) might be interested.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yeah, I was kind of curious
I think I’d have to go DFA – you get paid for an extra 10 days, too, I believe.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Maybe the DFA'd Lou and Castro is going to be a player coach!
The savior is among us!!!
Both?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Vitters just got called up to AA
Cashner to AAA.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Came from another tweet
(link)
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
It links to a page quoting the NBC, which refers to the original tweet...
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Sorry my bad - I looked at the wrong tweet by @Ben_Duronio (@MinorLeagueBlog)
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
Busy day on the roster front
Though, hopefully, it’s not change for the sake of change.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
That ones been confirmed
The Knoxville News Sentinel quoted Smokies manager Phil Dancy on Cashner being promoted, and the Daytona Beach News journal has the news of Vitters. Both articles were posted around midnight.
"He put up Nintendo-type numbers." -Oneri Fleita [in regards to Kyler Burke's season]
Sources
If this pushes...
Theriot to 2B and Castro becomes the everyday SS, then I’m all for this move. Fontenot/Baker have been lousy this year.
But if Castro is going to sit on the bench and rarely get playing time, then it’s an awful move.
Correct.
You cannot call him up unless he plays every day.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
100% agree
I’ve always been a Lou supporter but if Castro rots on the bench this move was pointless. Actually worse than pointless. Start Castro, bat him #2 and see what happens.
by BeltwayCubsFan on May 7, 2010 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd move Soto up 2 spots, bat Castro #8.
Theriot
Fukudome
Lee
Byrd
Soriano
Soto
Ramirez
Castro
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Kaplan...
…is the worst.
That being said, Castro should bat 8th, I like D98’s lineup, let’s roll with that for more than one game.
"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
Baker has been lousy
Fontenot has outperformed what I expected.
Baker or Tracy’s days are limited here I think.
except Fontenot's
power has disappeared this season.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
I'd rather see him getting hits
Than someone who’s getting none at all.
Subbing Theriot for Fontenot at 2B basically will add better defense in the field and probably more hits. If Theriot keeps it up he’ll have a good shot at being selected for the ASG by the managers.
I wouldn't mind keeping Fontenot as a backup infielder
He’s a least batting close to .300 right now.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
I don't think you're going to convince anyone of the upside to this sign, Al.
Sure it’s a small intrusion, but $2.5m in revenue over 3 years is peanuts. Not worth it. I can’t think of one player they would be able to get if they only had an extra $2.5m to play with. They sold out for peanuts.
They did $10 million this last offseason alone.
This sign isn’t paying for a new grandstand.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 7, 2010 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed. How many consumer impressions will that sign generate?
Toyota got a steal, not just in terms of CPM but the position! Location is everything in advertising. The only sign out there — unique, alone and very visible. 830,000 bucks a year??
One of Lee Elia's 15%
Even in MLB
2.5 million is NOT peanuts and this is the kind of thing they need to do for revenue.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on May 7, 2010 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Over 3 years? They got hosed by Toyota.
And what do they get out of it? A lot of bad publicity, a good percentage of their fan base upset and revenue that doesn’t even equal half the take from one game, less attorney fees.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
I'm glad everyone is finally coming around on this...
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 7, 2010 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Also in agreement.
You want to put something this massive and ugly up, it should make a bigger difference money-wise than this. Of course Al won’t see it unless he turns around. My seats are behind first. I’ll be staring right at the garish behemoth.
i will take your seats
if you want, and i’ll never see it because i’ll be watching the game.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
You showed me
Yes, I should really watch the game when I’m there. Instead I have spent 20 years and tens of thousands of dollars to stare at the very spot the Toyota sign will occupy. So you can imagine my disappointment when I found that this empty spot above the left field bleachers that I cherish so, will be ruined by an advertisement.
im just jealous
I wish i lived up there so I could go to more games. I get to see them a few games every other year. But next time I go, when I walk in, I dont think the first thing I will think is " man that sign just ruined my day". we will find out when im there in august.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
Advertising in baseball parks is practically old-timey.
I guess I just don’t see the problem. Back in baseball’s Golden Age, some park’s walls were made entirely of ads.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
You'll stare at the sign instead of the field?
Why?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
A precedent has been set
Seems to me it will be far easier for additional outfield signage to go up, now that the Toyota sign has gotten the OK. I’ll agree with those that say the $2.5M in of itself won’t help the payroll, but now that the advertising door has been opened even further it seems reasonable to expect other sponsors to be courted and come a’calling.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
I still think Ricketts
Has a shit load of Toyota stock that was over $90 a share in Jan and is down to around $75 today
"The doctors X-rayed my head and found nothing."
Dizzy Dean
My NL Central Conclusion
Cubs own the Brewers.
Brewers own the Pirates.
Pirates own the Cubs.
Conclusion: Cubs must sweep The Cardinals in every game!
Well if Castro is called up,
we immediately have a better defense up the middle with Theriot at 2b and Castro at SS. The problem is second base is not our area concern. It’s not going to fix the problems that we have now: 1b, 3b, and the bullpen. It’s just not going to help, but its a way to excite the fanbase
This is the year...
Well
It will do more than just shore up the middle infield defense. It will add another legitimate hitter to the linuep and finally allows one of the better players on the 40-man roster to be playing where he belonged on Opening Day.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
You seem awfully sure...
…that a kid with ZERO major league plate appearances is a “legitimate hitter.” I obviously hope you’re right, but…
most likely batting 8th
and seeing very little in front of the pitcher, so patience at the plate will be key to his success…much like soto batting 8th has lead to so many more walks for him
And, only six short days ago Hendry declared that Castro will not be called up "soon"
Here: http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/900/hendry-says-castro-will-join-cubs-in-10
This is the year...
I don't see the word "soon" in that article.
He just said he wouldn’t guess at a date. In his most recent live chat, Bruce Levine speculated that Castro could be called up as soon as June.
Wells may have laid an egg
but this kid has heart and busts his butt for the team. I’ll put money on it he gets a QS next start.
"I don't know what the big deal about Crackerjack is"
by theGraceyslumpbuster on May 7, 2010 9:43 AM CDT reply actions
At The Game Last Night
A-Ram looked lost at the plate and bad in the field. There was one grounder, I thought he’d cut off Theriot and throw the guy out at 1st, but he let it go, and Theriot had no chance.
Only Byrd and Soto looked good at the plate.
We were sitting by the Cubs dugout and we were hoping Lou was going to get himself tossed when he came out to argue a call at 1st, early in the game and the Cubs already down 5-0.. it didn’t happen.
Maybe a Castro call up will wake up the team instead
"It's gonna happen. And I'd love to see it."
-Mark Grace
Has Theriot even been working out at 2nd?
Knowing the Cubs, I’m afraid to hear the answer to this.
Never prepare for tomorrow
And when tomorrow gets here, say you didn’t anticipate this problem.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
I dont think
him transitioning to 2nd is a tough thing. going from 2nd to short is probably tougher. The biggest complaint about him is his range.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
I'm just hoping they as least had Theriot
practice turning a few double plays from second. This is an organization that gave Jake Fox what, one game at third in Iowa after ARam got hurt? And none before? Even with ARam’s injury history and no suitable back-up in the majors? I’m not asking this team to think outside the box. But I would like them to at least think of things before I do.
I think we all know how the Cubs handle these situations.
Always, always reacting to the latest developments – never getting out in front of any issue. The Cubs have spent the last couple of years attempting to build a roster designed to re-fight the previous year’s losses.
With Theriot – well, he’s been an MLB 2B before. I am sure he can hack it. But like you, I’m skeptical that he had any more heads up on this than you or I did.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Dave Kaplan is confirming on Twitter...
…that Castro has been called up and Chad Tracy is going to the minors:
thekapman I have confirmed that Starlin Castro will be called up today. He will start at short with Theriot at 2nd. Castro hits 8th. Tracy to minors.
Fontenot!
(Kidding again.)
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 7, 2010 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, Baker really hasn't done much of anything at the plate.
And he’s gotten about twice as many PAs. But I’d guess Tracy was simply the “first to go” guy.
Money?
Plus, Baker can technically play more positions.
"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
Castro
This seems like a panic move to me. First of all, they are starting his MLB service time clock. If they can wait until June to bring him up, they’ll have him for an extra year before he can enter free agency. Assuming Castro is here to play, is one month of Starlin Castro over Mike Fontenot worth that year of service time?
Maybe they can play Fontenot at third a bit until Aramis gets straightened out. I dunno, I guess they have to do something to shake things up, but losing that year of service time bugs me.
by The Healing Hands of Tony Garofalo on May 7, 2010 10:18 AM CDT reply actions
Yeah, I was going to say the same thing.
If Z to the pen wasn’t panic, I don’t know what is. This is another move that has me shaking my head.
"And away we go..."-Pat Hughes
Panic move pure and simple
if he wasn’t ready a couple of weeks ago, why is he suddenly ready now that the Cubs are self destructing?
Bringing him up like this…putting pressure on a twenty year old kid to save the season is further evidence of Hendry’s desperation and incompetence.
by bluekoolaide on May 7, 2010 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Not a good move. I would have let him play at least a couple months at AAA.
I realize the Cubs need a charge right now, but I don’t think the team is going anywhere this year, and I’d hate to see Castro’s career risked by making a panic move like this.
By the way, for everyone who thinks he’s the next Cal Ripken, Baseball Prospectus does not have him in its 30 top prospects, and says his talent projects an above average MLB player, but not a superstar. I hope they’re wrong, but it is a source I respect.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
Free agency clock has already been pushed back.
You are worried about the “Super Two” rule, by which he can be eligible for arbitration before hitting 3 full years on his service clock – i.e., at the end of the 2013 season. Frankly, I could care less about that — if he’s great in 2013, pay the man.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
considering
that with the current team we have, this is probably our last chance to make a run before a rebuild. its not like the cubs cant afford to pay this kid if he pans out so thats not a major issue as far as im concerned.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical." -Yogi Berra
Castro getting called up now all but
guarantees Cubs are World Series bound this year – so who cares about if he’ll need to be re-signed three or four from now!
It's going to be six seasons from the end of THIS season.
Even if Castro is a super-two, it won’t affect his FA timetable. He’ll just get that one extra year of arbitration.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I couldn't care less...
about service time or any of that. We’re not the Marlins or the Pirates. We have the money to pay if/when these top prospects amount to players worthy of big deals.
I agree
You think the Yankees give a damn about super-two?
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 7, 2010 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
This year is gonna be so fun....
as long as you have the attitude that 2010 is just going to be one long mulligan of a season.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 7, 2010 10:37 AM CDT reply actions
At least Wells is holding himself accountable!
Unlike our idiot manager and pitching coach who get free passes for everything. What the hell was Rothschild doing while Wells was screwing around in the pen getting all cocky and ill-prepared, having a martini with Lou?? That’s whats wrong with the whole Pinella era, Lou just sits back and expects these guys to be professional and get themselves prepared and then acts shocked and pissed at reporters when they ask him what the happened. I hate Larussa and the Cardinals with a passion but I knkow crap like this doesn’t happen regularly like it does here, there it happens once and shit hits the fan and if it happens again it’s hello doghouse or the minors.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
without sounding preachy...
TLR turned a blind eye in oak and stl for possibly the biggest PED drama ever…he’s a winner, but he too has his faults
In addition
I am so tired of Rotschild being the whipping boy for all that ails the Cubs. It is lazy and moldy, much like the goat / cat / foul ball story. It’s nonsense.
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 7, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
yep
randy had a bad game…hell, he’s been AWESOME and so beyond what any of us expected this time last year…
our (starting) pitching staff is solid…everyone’s gonna sprinkle in a 2 inning clunker from time to time
with no one in the central running away, (although i think the cardinals are gonna do it) i’m giving this team until june 1st before i “jump”…
there are pros and cons to the Z bullpen decision and calling up castro….let’s give it another month
last year we lost over 20 games by 2 or fewer runs...
maybe Z in the pen helps that number and starlin’s energy gives us the spark to win a few more of these 3-2, 5-3 losses
You have to be ahead for Z to help us get through the late innings
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
And Z's "2-inning clunker" is the entire reason he's currently in the pen
At this point I would put absolutely nothing past the Cubs.
Z to the bullpen? Sure!
Byrd leading off? Hell yeah!
Byrd not leading off anymore? OK!
Soriano back to 2B? Why not!
Soriano back to leadoff? Hey, why not give it a chance before you criticize!
Marmol to the rotation? Hey, he used to be a starter, right?
Z DH-ing in interleague games? This will be fun!
Reacquiring Kyle Farnsworth? Go for it!
If this Castro thing doesn’t work out, I shudder to think of what the next awesome strategy is going to be….
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
The truth hurts
Rothschild has done nothing but escape all scrutiny and blame as the main holdover from the previous regime.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
Whatever, Itchy
So he has had nothing to do with Dempster, Marmol’s 2008, Lilly, etc. The success is all on the players, and the failure is all on the coach.
Logic fail. But that’s ok – it’s not your fault. It’s Rothschild’s.
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 7, 2010 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Keep drinking the kool aid
Lou and rothschild are geniuses and it’s all the players faults. Wonder how our idiot Mgr. will screw up our lineup tonight? Keep changing it every day, Lou, that’s what all winners do, NOT!!
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
TLR
changes his lineup almost daily….It is fodder for the TLR haters in STL. I think most would agree that TLR is a winner….
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 7, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Why are you always so hostile? I'm serious.
I’ve been pretty consistent that I think this is a mediocre team. I’ve been very critical of Hendry.
What does Lou Piniella have to do with Rothschild’s ability? Honestly, I don’t know why I bothered to respond, because instead of actually thinking about what people are saying, you prefer to post these anger-filled comments and consider it insight.
Since I’m already typing this, I’ll point out that you still didn’t address the point – so I’ll make it a direct question. Why, when pitchers perform well for the Cubs, do you not feel that Rothschild deserves credit?
You seem to be the type of fan that thinks that this is an easy game and the Cub organization are idiots to a man for not winning every game. If it’s so easy, why aren’t you employed by MLB?
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 7, 2010 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You're doing fine, right up to the last sentence, when it hits the wall.
That’s the logic Dusty Baker would use to explain that his insane moves were not insane. “Well, I’m an MLB manager and you are not.”
Most of us aren’t employed by MLB because we studied in other fields, and went to work for other corporations and law firms and whatnot out of college.
The competence or incompetence of Hendry’s decisions is completely independent of whether that decision’s critics are – or are not – qualified to run an MLB organization.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
While I see your point, that's not exactly what I said.
Still, I could have expressed it better. No argument there.
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 7, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Eh, just a pet peeve of mine. Sorry for the aggressive rhetoric.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 7, 2010 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
No offense 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 7, 2010 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
TLR
gave a pretty long leash to Big Mac, Izzy, Chris Duncan, Ankiel when they were all sucking.
Your statement is probably true if it is a minor league call up but if it is an established veteran TLR is pretty much the same as Lou
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 7, 2010 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Lou tends to get himself in trouble when he tries to strategize – because he can’t do it. He’s better as a guy who just makes out a lineup full of reliable veteran talent, offers some hitting advice, and confines his pitching moves to going with his set-up men in the 7th and 8th and the closer in the 9th.
Granted, most managers would be successful if he had the talent of the Griffey-ARod-Edgar Martinez Mariners or the Nasty Boys in the bullpen. Maybe this is where the argument that managers don’t make a difference makes sense. So I guess this could be either a indictment or apology of Lou – he’s no better or worse than any other skipper. You’re only as good as your players, unless it’s 40 years ago and you’re Dick Williams or Billy Martin.
Sittin' on the ledge and sippin' Kool-Aid...
Bullpen
On the plus side, I did like the way Lou handled the pen last night. Pitching Grabow in the 8th inning of an 11-0 game seems like very good strategy, and definitely this pitcher is delivering on his multi-million dollar contract. I’m very glad to support putting a Toyota sign in left field if only it will pay to keep guys like Grabow on the roster and in their mansions.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
Grabow is delivering? Because he pitched a good inning in a 11-1 blowout?
Might be sarcasm I guess…Grabow hasn’t stunk as bad lately, but he hasn’t shown anything to me for sure yet.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 7, 2010 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Sarcasm
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
My bad lol
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 7, 2010 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I have posted a Castro-to-the-majors story on the front page, to continue that discussion there.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Link fail.
I keep getting a 404 page.
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 7, 2010 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2010/5/7/1462243/the-starlin-castro-era-begins-cubs
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 7, 2010 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Same with Al's tweet.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on May 7, 2010 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
I think this team could use a shake up
But I don’t think a shake up of the team would be possible that actually helped. Buyers and trades won’t be possible until at least June, so why not enjoy the ride until then…wheeee
Last night despite being a lifelong diehard Cub fan, all I could do was laugh uncontrollably.
Randy Wells may be holding himself accountable, but we will see if anyone else does that. Ah well. Seems to be a season of mediocrity for sure.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on May 7, 2010 11:06 AM CDT reply actions
I just pray that Lou
doesn’t assure us that he’ll try to find a way to get Castro into the lineup 2 or 3 times a week. Actually I would have preferred to see Colvin sent down rather than Tracey. He needs playing time not occasional pinch hitting opportunities against LHP.
That said, the real current problem is 1st and 3rd hitting in the middle of the ineup every stinking day. Until that is addressed, Castro is simply a diversion for the train wreck that is the 2010 Cubs. I shall forever think of Castro as Band aide. It seems Hendry and Lou are both in panic mode and rather than fixing the problem they prefer to divert our attention.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Just maybe....
it allows the Cubs to play a little bit of small ball at the end/beginning of the lineup. Since Soto is a station to station type guy, a team knew that it was going to take a string of multiple ABs to get him home. If they walk Castro (and he is patient to allow them to do it), he is more liable to score from second on one of Theriot’s dying quails to right field. Or he is capable of getting himself in scoring position should the pitching staff fail to do it. Adds a little bit more value to Theriot’s single’s capabilities….maybe…
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on May 7, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
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