Wells Blows Up Again; Crosstown Cup Game One To White Sox
by Al Yellon on Jun 11, 2010 5:49 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintThe most exciting thing of the day was the rumor -- unfounded -- that the Blackhawks would bring the Stanley Cup to Wrigley Field after their parade and rally this morning.
Turned out to be untrue, though the Stanley Cup will indeed be at Wrigley during Sunday night's crosstown game. The start of today's game was delayed 20 minutes, allegedly "due to rain", though the only rain fell for about 15 minutes after the game started, not even hard enough for the ground crew to come and stand by the tarp. At game time many seats were still empty; obviously, the Cubs were waiting for many fans who had attended the Blackhawks parade so they could see the first pitch.
They could have waited all day; Randy Wells had first-inning problems again, giving up four hits after getting the first two men out (and a clue should have been the fly ball that Juan Pierre hit to the warning track in right field; Pierre has hit only one home run since 2006 and generally can't hit balls that far). Wells settled down, only to get pounded again in the fifth inning, when the White Sox ran out to a 5-2 lead.
Alfonso Soriano's 300th career HR in the second inning had given the Cubs a brief 2-2 tie, but it wasn't enough and the White Sox beat the Cubs 10-5, taking the first game of the [We're Not Mentioning The Sponsor] Crosstown Cup series.
It's getting very late to be "early". There are 101 games left after today and the Cubs dropped to a season-low-tying seven games under .500 (last on May 15). Unless things turn around very quickly and very dramatically, maybe it will be time -- around the first of July, I'd say -- for major changes.
The crowd of 41,129 (fourth-largest of 2010) included a lot of red-clad Blackhawks fans, rooting for one or the other of the baseball teams. There seemed far fewer people in White Sox garb than usual and there were no incidents between north siders and south siders that I could see.
Carlos Quentin's eighth-inning pinch-hit home run landed in the aisle just to my left. It bounced around a couple of times and was grabbed by a White Sox fan (who had a Blackhawks jersey tucked into his waistband), which is why you didn't see it thrown back. That inning, off James Russell, put the game out of reach. Russell, who has been fairly effective most of the season, saw his ERA balloon to 4.71.
And isn't this the weirdest thing? Since Bob Howry was reacquired, in nine appearances (covering 7.1 innings) he has not allowed an earned run. He's allowed three of six inherited runners to score (admittedly, not a great ratio), and an unearned run charged to him yesterday pinned the loss on him. But not a single earned run.
There's also the little tiff between Lou Piniella and Sox broadcaster Steve Stone regarding Lou's use (or non-use) of Tyler Colvin (who hit a pinch-double today). From CSN Chicago, here's Lou's response, in which he says, among other things, "I'm not a damn dummy." (No comment.) Here's Stone's response to Lou's response.
My response: what a freakin' circus. Can't we just play baseball?
Finally, this FanPost posted during the game by Cubsfan Waveland suggests moving Wells out of the rotation and Tom Gorzelanny (who threw a scoreless inning of relief today) back in. I've heard worse ideas. Why not? Wells looks lost.
So is this team if they don't turn it around starting tomorrow.
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This tean just ain't right
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
that's what I was going for, he he
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
It's time for major changes, Al.
Nothing’s going to change between now and July.
You may very well be right.
But I doubt any will happen until then at the earliest.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I doubt anything major happens during the season
at least, as I would define “major” anyway.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
I don't think this team is going anywhere anyway
time to just “play out the string” I guess.
I just hope RIcketts uses this year to get his baseball people in line so that when the offseason starts he can have actual BASEBALL people running that side of it.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
I hope so too, Allie
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
the one positive thing about waiting til after the season...
…assuming things continue as they are, it really removes any doubt about the need for housecleaning.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yep
thats actually why I’m leaning that way. Ricketts seems like a very non-kneejerk guy. Making dramatic moves out of frustration will only lead to more frustration.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
there will be some trades
Lilly will be dealt somewhere.
Maybe
How valuable is an expiring contract in MLB?
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
To a contender?
The contract might actually make him more attractive. He’s a quick rental player in the stretch run who could make a dozen quality starts. If he doesn’t pitch well, he’s gone at the end of the year.
Makes sense.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Dear New York Yankees....
Please accept this lefthanded starting pitcher and give us something neato in return.
Thank you,
Jim Hendry
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Ted Lilly and Lou Piniella for Joe Girardi...
Oh wait.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Where should we throw him in? Belmont Harbor?
Dome’s presence on this team is starting to really annoy me.
After watching Colvin just lace that pitch into left center for a double… and watching Dome strike out in such a hilarious whirlybird manner… you come to realize that Dome isn’t just mediocrity personified anymore. His presence is actively hurting the future of the Cubs, in that it’s keeping Colvin tied to the bench.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
The trade has to be worth more than the draft pick
they would lose as he is an " A " FA.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
FYI the Elias rankings as of July 9
Have Lilly as an A which could be lost if he really messes up but I don’t see it and
D-Lee as a B though he could move up.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
How does Elias set the rankings
If they use W-L that could be tough – with this team Lilly could be a great pitcher on his own but not have Ws to show.
Plus, Hendry has to offer arbitration, right?
Actually I think it is kind of a secret
but if you go to mlbtraderumors.com they have an exclusive on the current rankings for players who could be FAs next year. I don’t think W-L is much of a factor for pitchers. FYI I meant JUNE 9 not July.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I am all for moving Gorzelanny back to the roatation,
Or let Cashner stretch out, he’s the ace apparent. Either way, Wells needs to go to the pen or even back to Iowa.
So, what is wrong with Wells?
Sophomore jinx, players figuring him out, bad luck , injury??
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
is that legal? he he
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
He's not locating anything well
I didnt watch most of the game today but my guess is hes leaving way to many balls up in zone.
Chicago Talk Radio
(according to my friends who called to tell me) is speculating that Mr. Wells is enjoying life as a major leaguer. I’ll let you connect the dots.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 11, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
he he
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Farsnworth-esque, allegedly.
Likes the nightlife.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 11, 2010 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
don't we all, he he
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
seriously, he needs to get off this road
because it leads nowhere.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
♫Nowhere maaaaaaaaan, please listen, pitch locaaaaaaaaaaaation your missin'♫
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Beatles fan I take it?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
All I know is I'm sitting on a cornflake
waiting for the van to come…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
The walrus was Zeke.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
There was a report on the postgame show on WGN...
… just so no one accuses me of making this up, that Wells was out till 3 am with the Blackhawks last night. Team says he was in bed by 9:30.
There’s no way of knowing who’s telling the truth here.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
In bed by 9:30?
Yeah… if you’re going to make up a story, Cubs, at least make it believable.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
They didnt' say he was asleep....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
or whose bed he was in.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
My unlcle always told me...
“If you’re not in bed by midnight…come home.”
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Man, that CubCam network is pretty extensive... ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
How do rumors get started?
Started by the jealous people and
They get mad seein’ somethin’ they had
and sombody else is holdin’…
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Well, if he wants to enjoy it for a long time, he had better get his act together
Or be enjoying the major league life in Des Moines!
score this am
Said wells was out late last night with blackhawk players
by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 11, 2010 6:29 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
WELL THE CUBS SAY HE WAS IN BED BY 9:30 AND THEY ARE WELLS' EMPLOYER AND HE WORKS FOR THEM EVERY 5 DAYS SO THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN SOME RADIO STATION THAT IS IN A BULDING THAT ISN'T EVEN CLOSE TO WRIGLEY FIELD.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Is the radio station close to the bars?
And tell Wells that in Iowa, red jerseys are Hereford cows…..
So if the radio station
“assasinates his character” with an unsourced report without proof, that is ok, but if Al does it, there will be a 1000 posts calling for his head. Just want to be vlear on the distinction. Where is Shawn Goldman to wax lyrical about journalistic integrity?
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jun 12, 2010 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Brenly says that Wells has a reputation of always being in the strike zone
And that he needs to maybe throw inside more, and not let the hitters get that comfortable in the batters box. I think there’s something to that. And it’s all part of the learning curve of a major league pitcher. The kid has a long career in front of him and I think he’ll be just fine in the long run…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Agree on Cashner or Gorzellany as starter over Wells
Gorzellany should have never gone to the bullpen. Wells needs to go there or AAA. I like Gorzo or Cashner as a starter. I hope Hendry is not stupid enough to trade Gorzellany. we need some youth on this team. They need to platoon Lee & Nady & go with a 4 man rotation in the OF.
That way Colvin gets plenty of at bats & playing time. It’s also a good time to look at Barney from AAA for 2b. Theriot & Fontenot aren’t getting it done. Everyone in Cubs Nation is waiting on change because it is desperately needed. It needs to start with Hendry. Ricketts is to soft as an owner. He needs to get more involved with the team instead of Wrigley & the bleacher bums. Silva definitely a surprise.
Mistake of the year: Taking “Big Z” out of the rotation.
re: Ricketts
Obviously, I have been calling for Hendry’s replacement for some time. Ricketts has decided, apparently, to let Jim try to “undo the messes he made” in 2009, here in 2010. I have come to accept that this is a reasonable path to follow.
I think we’re approaching the end of that path, however.
As GM, all of the ridiculous decisions that have piled up in the first half have to be laid at Hendry’s feet. He has the power to change or prevent these things, and he opts not to do so. I agree with most of your points here – and agree completely that the “Z to the bullpen” moment was a monumental error, which may have derailed Z’s entire first half.
I don’t think we need a 4 man rotation in the OF – we need Colvin starting every day, and Dome occasionally spelling Soriano when we want to get really really left handed. Dome means absolutely nothing to this team’s future, and the sooner we realize that, the better.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Once you start on that path, you can't stray from it
Ejecting Hendry right now isn’t going to do anything positive, certainly not positive for this season. Once you say “Hendry, I want you to spend 2010 fixing your past mistakes,” you give the guy the year. If he doesn’t succeed, and I think most would argue he hasn’t, you get him out on October 4th and wipe clean. Yes, we know where this season is going, but since it has been a collective effort at failing, just removing Hendry isn’t going to suddenly make this a .667 team.
It’s like a bird taking a crap in your coffee. Sure, you can take a spoon and get out a big chunk, but you’re still left with the liquid swirling around. Just suck it up, dump it out, and go brew another pot.
I think that Hendry's had his chance, and failed.
In all likelihood, we’re now looking at 2011. And I don’t want Hendry’s fingerprints anywhere near this NEXT re-building/re-stocking effort.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
+1
Absolutely agree…everytime i watch fuko, hes doing piroettes while striking out…how is that helping us?
by andyross1219 on Jun 12, 2010 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions
D98 - would you consider keeping 'Dome
as next year’s leadoff hitter, if he sustains his .360+ OBP over the course of the whole season
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Why wouldnt
a rotation in the outfield be acceptable? Dome is a good defender, decent at the plate (granted when he fails he does so in a goofy manner). If you rotate Colvin through the outfield it gets the regulars some time off, Colvin a bunch of plate appearances and great (if Colvin can turn into a successful major leaguer) flexability for the future. Now if you have a big FA right fielder and figure Soriano in left you would be able to slot Colvin in center no problem because of the experience this year. Or vice-versa.
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
With the season basically lost
I think the Cubs need to leave Wells in the rotation to see what they truly have.
Is he the revelation from last year?
Is he the up and (mostly) down guy from this season?
I have no issue with moving Gorz back to the rotation to see what he can be.
But to make a spot, the Cubs should deal a “veteran” starter – some how, some way.
by fsuapollo on Jun 11, 2010 5:55 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I'd rather
trade Gorz, who has considerable value on the trade market, from what I’ve heard, given his contract and handedness.
Someone posted here recently that Wells is actually pitching better this year based on his peripherals, he’s made a few bad pitches and had some bad luck.
DEJESUS!!!
I'd be OK trading Gorz, Lilly AND Silva ...
depending on the return. If we’re playing and trading for next year, that still leaves Z, Dempster, Cashner, Marshall and Wells for the rotation.
Hasn't Marshall been dramatically better in the bullpen though?
IIRC, he doesn’t fair well if he has to go through a lineup more than once.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
it's possible
The point is that we have five decent starters under club control AFTER Lilly, Silva and Gorzo.
I'm in total favor of trading any veterans, at this point.
If we’re going to retool, time to start getting younger too.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
You could argue that trading Gorzo goes against that.
But he won’t be dirt cheap next year.
Hendry could trade Lee, Ramirez, Soriano (LOL), Dome, Gorzo, Silva, Zambrano, Lilly, Wells, Dempster, Theriot (LOL), Fontenot, Baker, Hill (or DFA), and Marshall at the AS break...
and just call up the entire AAA roster and we’d probably win the same amount of games as the first half.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
The Mariners TRADED FOR MILTON BRADLEY.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
I know the point you're making ...
unfortunately, many of the guys on your list have NTCs.
Do they want to be on a team that's going to lose 90 games?
With little chance that the next year will be much different? At some point the NTC becomes moot when the team is as bad as this one is…WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO STAY?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
It's an interesting point.
But, often, players will only waive NTCs if they get something back financially. Plus, who would take Ramirez right now?
Not if he's hurt.
Though I know what you’re saying about the Cardinals.
See my comment above re: the Mariners and Bradley
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
That was either the exception that proves the rule ...
or an exceptional situation that won’t be repeated. Anyway, who trades for an injured third baseman midseason when the guy’s making $15 million per?
The Yankees, if they think the Red Sox might want him.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't see any situation ...
where the Yankees come to the conclusion that the Red Sox want Aramis Ramirez before July 31, 2010.
Do you?
If we could only get Bruce Miles to say it...
everyone would believe it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions
awesome non sequitur
Informative and incisive.
I know you're being sarcastic here
but there’s definitely a bit of truth in this.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Actually, I'm drop dead serious.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
which makes me sad.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
if only because its totally unlikely
to happen.
between logistics (of moving all those guys to make the room) and then lou actually PLAYING them in positions that makes sense…
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
who cares about playing them in positions that make sense....
it would be a BLAST to watch.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
It would at least be entertaining
:-P
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Hoff , Scales & DuBois
are not that entertaining.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Lee, Theriot and Dome are?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Two out of the three
are very good fielders. However if you meant entertaining as in balls dropping everywhere than sure Hoff, Scales & Dubois are better especially if Lou plays infielder Scales in the OF like last Sept.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Can Hoff hit better than .234? Can Scales get on base more than 30% of the time? Can DuBois stike out without turning 420 degrees?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions
no
no
and no
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
I love Patrick Kane, that ugly son of a biscuit.
"It's the Chicago Blackhawks, man"~JR
by jesus christos on Jun 11, 2010 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions
well I guess my dream is over then
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Imagine the buzz around baseball if we got rid of half our active roster by the trade deadline....
that’d be AWESOME.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
With all due respect that is kind of silly
The Iowa team would get slaughtered if it played MLB teams every day. It is not like you are talking about 25 young high achieving players. I would imagine Barney, Fuld and maybe 4 of the pitchers would match some teams bench & back end bullpen guys but if you think playing Scales, Hoff, DuBois etc is going to be better than the under achievers we have you would be in for a shock.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I wholehartedly disagree....
have you SEEN how this team plays baseball?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh believe me I have seen it
but try flipping them with 25 guys, 3 of whom are has been fillers, one is a MLB bench player, a couple of pitchers who might last a few innings and 15 plus guys who will never even see the MLB. It sounds fun to say this but there is not a chance in hell an AAA roster plays better than an MLB one. The pitchers alone would be giving up 15 runs a game.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Where did I say they would play better?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
You said as well.
Seriously guys , Cubs have a good farm system but maybe 3 or 4 guys who could play in the MLB now.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
As well =/= better.
The current active major league roster only has maybe 3 or 4 guys who should be playing in the MLB now.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
What?
Marmol, Marshall, Dempster, Lilly, Silva, Byrd, Colvin, Castro, Soriano are all playing fine in the MLB. And that’s just to start.
I hate this exaggerating-to-make-a-point crap, SWL.
Which of those players would you trade RIGHT NOW if you could get a decent prospect for them?
tell the truth….
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I would trade Sori for the money
The rest I would not trade unless one got one hell of a prospect or player in return.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Quit changing the terms of the debate.
You said the Cubs didn’t have more than 3 or 4 guys who should be playing in the MLB.
And I wouldn’t trade Marmol, Marshall, Colvin or Castro. I’d have to be blown away to trade Byrd or Dempster. I would trade Soriano to shed five years of his contract, but that’s not saying he’s a bad player.
I'd keep Castro, Colvin, Byrd and the bullpen catcher....
everything else is up for grabs.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Uh-huh.
You wouldn’t keep Carlos Marmol?
And way to NOT address the fact that you clearly overshot your mouth.
I'd trade Marmol tomorrow...
BANG!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Useful.
Thought-provoking and not ridiculously stubborn.
Just like our manager!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions
He's just been called up, so he stays.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope
He is a good bench guy for those skills everyone mocked me for wanting ( speed, defense, EXTRAORDINARY patience at the plate and hitting for contact) pretty much everything the majority of Cub players lack and he can provide them in small doses.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
NO I was NOT
That was AL. I was advocating Fuld over NADY to start the season because Nady was not healthy. I think the Cubs would have been better off with Fuld of Nady for the first 6-8 weeks of the season. Ironically it would have meant Colvin would have gotten more starts.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
He's batting 240 at Iowa
Spin it all you want. He’s 28 years old and not getting better. To the retread pile he goes.
That was true a few starts ago
But even his peripherals are declining the last few starts. I think he still needs to be left in the rotation to either work out what’s wrong with him or so that we discover that he isn’t the answer even as a 4th or 5th guy. I don’t see much of a point in flip-flopping him and Gorz right now. Hopefully one of the vets gets dealt and Gorz or Cash can move into the rotation later in the summer.
by JSB on Jun 11, 2010 7:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Wells problem
this year versus last seems to fall in two areas. The explosions come in the first inning which causes a terrible strain to our inept offense. And the meltdowns come almost on back to back pitches. As soon as Wells gives up a hit you can almost count on the next hitter going after the first pitch. It’s a predictable trend and that’s a very very bad thing.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Whoever started that
unsubstantiated rumor should apologize to the cup.
DEJESUS!!!
Unbelievable
This team almost rivals the crapfest that was 2006. Atleast in 2006 the team was full of rookies by this time and I expected less from them.
I think this team
has more young exciting talent than the 06 team.
DEJESUS!!!
agreed
And the 2006 young talent only came up because of loads of injuries (mostly to the rotation).
ok so then that was the reason I wasnt as frustrated in 2006
injuries gave me a solid excuse. The 2010 squad is playing like they feel sorry for themselves for sucking as bad as they do.
yep
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
In 2006...
… Theriot was with the team, but Baker wouldn’t play him. The only other good young player who developed in ’06 was Carlos Marmol; there was a cameo from Geovany Soto, but no one knew he was going to be that good.
The rest of the “young” players were people like Freddie Bynum, Les Walrond, Scott Moore, Buck Coats, Jae Kuk Ryu.
Man, it hurts just to type those names.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
OK, so there's Marshall.
That still leaves about six or seven never-were’s.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Rich Hill was fun to watch in 2006 and 2007.
Which ,,, was the point of the original post.
I dont remember much from 2006
just Furcal crashing into Lee, Marmols HR and Sean Marshalls HR into the rightfield bleachers.
Bordering on political talk
but this comment on twitter during the first inning had me ROFL…
@thewrigleyblog: I’m guessing Obama hopes The Sox lose the series. Last thing he needs is his team holding up a BP trophy.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
It's a shame that I can't look forward to a Hawks game anymore.
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
October...
…will be here before you know it. That is, unless you watch a lot of Cubs baseball, then it may seem like forever.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I think that it is safe to say...
“It’s over.”
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
So can everyone now agree Hendry needs to go??
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
He deserves another year to see if he can unmake the messes he's made
And a year after that to unmake the messes he’s going to make while trying to unmake these messes.
It’s very complicated.
But it’s going to be really f-ing expensive, so be ready for that.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Have you been messing with Hendry's Wikipedia page?
It shows his full name as Jim “Donuts” Hendry…
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
More junior-high humor.
I’m really tired of it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
agreed, but don't shoot the messenger
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
No personal messenger-shooting intended toward you.
I don’t have a Wikipedia account. Anyone here who has one, please feel free to change that entry.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I just don't see any reason to believe he can do that
Remaking the Cubs will take a multi-year plan and so far Hendry has been the master of the short-term response. The problem now is the logical consequence of his response to free agency, both with signings and potential FAs on the team roster. Putting together the contracts he did, this kind of pile-up was going to come. I see anything in his background the shows he can get out of it and develop a rational, planned approach to the roster.
Thank goodness the Hawks Championship HIGH
is compensating for these two recent wretched losses and this overall “blah” season.
not much consolation for those of us who really only love baseball.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
He wouldn't so it does not matter
Wish I could be in Peoria tonight. He is there and they are retiring his number.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Absolutely not
What makes you think he’d be a good GM?
by serbianking33 on Jun 11, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
they also released the bears training camp schedule earlier this week
so… theres that.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Good luck with that - his second year as starter is when Cutler really focuses in on the other color jerseys
Broncos fan – been there, see that.
I love Cutler!
of course I’m a Packer fan..
Favre-enfreude
The thrill of seeing an epic Brett Favre fail. Derived from schadenfreude - satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.
I hate Cutler
and I’m a Bears fan, lots of symmetry here
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
WELL GOSH DARN IT
the cubs are going to have to step it up to win this awesome prize!
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
I love Patrick Kane, that ugly son of a biscuit.
"It's the Chicago Blackhawks, man"~JR
No, but maybe they could use it to cap the spill.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Ship it down here
I’m tired of this crap being in the news.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
BP, Toyota. It was a wonderful day of endorsements from good citizen corporations.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jun 11, 2010 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
We need Daryle Ward and Randall Simon on this team.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:30 PM CDT reply actions
So let me get this straight...
…Randy Wells was wasted drunk last night while celebrating with the Hawks, kind of like Rich Harden was every start, and nobody says anything about it. At least he’s not walling himself off from the other players.
Harden
had a big reputation for being out late the nights before his starts.
by serbianking33 on Jun 11, 2010 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I follow the Cubs pretty closely, and I'd never heard that.
As for Wells, I didn’t hear the original report …
`Wells commented on it after the game and threatened to not give anymore interviews if these "rumors" continue.
"I’ve won over 1,800 games as a manager and I’m not a damn dummy. That I can tell you, OK? There are only 13 others that have won more games than me, so I guess I think I know what the hell I’m doing."- Lou Piniella 6/11/10
I saw that.
I’ll give Randy the benefit of the doubt. Actually, his struggles recently make me think he wasn’t out late.
Why give Wells the benefit of the doubt...
…and not do the same for the Latin’s that are “walling themselves off?”
by serbianking33 on Jun 11, 2010 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I give them the benefit of the doubt, too.
I had serious issues with that story from Jump Street. Check my comments yesterday.
My apologies
Didn’t know that was you.
by serbianking33 on Jun 11, 2010 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Bruce Miles never spoke of this....I call BS.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
we all know 1+1 = 4 on this site, so I’d say that both are true.
by serbianking33 on Jun 11, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
So did Grace but it never seemed to bother his play.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
if Wells was out with the Hawks last night ...
he sure showed that a late night bothers HIS play.
Apparently
I always play much better when I am hungover and was piss drunk the night before. Buts thats just me and I am not a pitcher on a MLB team.
I don't agree with that
Who knows how good Grace would have been if he’d taken better care of his body.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
Paging Doc Ellis to the substance abuse phone
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jun 11, 2010 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
That is to say, it is possible to throw a no-hitter while on LSD
So if Wells can’t pitch well when just hungover, shame on him!
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jun 11, 2010 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I don’t give a crap about hockey, nor do I give a crap about the NBA or FIFA. The most exciting news to me in the world of sports is the bottomless pit of Dan Beebe that has become the Big 12-0-???. This team sucks, sucks bad, and it’s only going to get worse in 2010.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I'm going to see the Padres play another team tonight...I don't even know who's in town....
I’m only going because I get to sit in a press level suite and eat and drink for free.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
The Royals are more enjoyable at this point.
They have a better team on the horizon in 2011 and 2012 than we do.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Good on you!
I was down in SD last weekend. The Gaslamp Quarter is one of my favorite hang-out places.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
I hate the Gaslamp...and all the idiots who hang out there.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
SWL hates me...and we never met in person!
:`-(
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Do you wear jeans and flip flops? Wear a hat with a "distressed" bill? Wear lightly tinted sunglasses only for "fashion"?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Phew!
:breathes gigantic sigh of relief::
I’m too old for that crap, and even if I wasn’t I still wouldn’t wear that.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Then you and I can be friends.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
but if your too old for that crap...
how can you possibly find the Gaslamp remotely fun?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Not a big fan of it either, he he
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
There's some nice restaurants
but best of all is the Ghirardelli’s Ice Cream Parlor on 5th Ave.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Awesome.
San Diego may be my favorite place in the world. And I don’t think I’ve ever been more underwhelmed by anywhere than I was by the gaslamp.
I mean, we’re talking about an area that has La Jolla. Why is anyone going to the gaslamp district?!
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
If you're eating in press level, that begs the question:
What information do you have about clubhouse atmosphere that you can share with the rest of us?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I'll report back my finding tomorrow.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 11, 2010 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
What was with al the stolen bases by the Sox?
Especially when they were up by 4 or more runs?
I feel a team should only steal when they are behind, tied or have a one or 2- run lead at most.
When you are up by a lot (4 or more runs) it is borderline “showing up” the other team IMHO.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jun 11, 2010 6:58 PM CDT reply actions
I don't have a problem with this
I’m not that old fashioned. If you want them to stop doing that, show you can stop them. Throw them out when they’re trying to steal. It will make the other team think twice about it. And would you expect less?
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
One effective counter-strike
Would be running on Juan Pierre’s arm every chance the Cubs get.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Don't let them get on base
And besides, with the Sox bullpen and the wind blowing out at Wrigley on a warm day, there aren’t too many safe leads.
All is well !!!!! We have the Sux and the rest of the NL exactly where we want them.
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
"My response: what a freakin' circus. Can't we just play baseball?"
No, Stones comments need addressing, it’s amazing to me that someone outside of the organization has the insightful solutions to some of the Cubs issues.
I wonder if you might be more open to Stones comments if they were coming from someone else?
I'm not a Stone fan...
…but it seems to me that the problem here is that our manager is so at the end of his rope that he’s attacking a commentator for his, IMO, perfectly valid criticism. Stone gets paid to give his “expertise”-it’s what commentators do-Lou’s been around long enough to know how it works.
by bluekoolaide on Jun 11, 2010 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions
And Lou is playing the role of the Goon
Why does someone need to have been a manager, or in player development or have been a GM to have the ability to make constructive criticism? I’m starting to see shades of 2004 with this team.
Dusty Baker made EXACTLY the same defensive statement in 2004
“hey, last time I checked I’m a MLB manager and you aren’t…” so criticism of my obnoxiously incorrect in-game strategy is out of bounds.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Didn't the Cubs fire Stone for criticizing Cubs management before?
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
In a nutshell, yes
But now he’s paid to do that, so you might say it’s a perfect fit for him
He wasn't fired, he was actually (begrudgingly) offered an extension.
Of course, the organization publicly sided with Dusty Baker and the moron players who had spent the prior season rhetorically and literally attacking Stoney… so…. yeah, it was kind of an “unvite” offer.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
ya know...
its one thing losing, but watching them lose to the sox and your birthday times worse. weak sauce.
If it was easy it wouldn't be the Cubs.
by Cubbinstrongsince86 on Jun 11, 2010 8:26 PM CDT reply actions
this has the same feeling as
It did right before Z punched Barret. Tomorrow could be interesting.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jun 11, 2010 8:58 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
This team just needs to be blown up
as much as I love some of the players (Derrek Lee, Ted Lilly) the whole team needs to be constructed over again. 2008 was our year to put it all together, but that year was more of the exception than the rule. We haven’t built a dynasty. We need to build one so we don’t have an inconsistent organization, which we’ve been having since I was born.
Starlin Castro, Tyler Colvin, Andrew Cashner, Jay Jackson and Brett Jackson need to be cornerstones to this organization. We need to start from scratch, and pick up some key free agents, that one, make sense from a money standpoint, and a team/organizational standpoint. We need to obviously wait to get a 1st basemen from the FA class of 2011 if Derrek is gone and we can’t find one through the organization, but we also need a 3rd basemen, and hopefully we can find a second baseman instead of having a revolving door with them every 2 years.
Let’s rebuild our minor league systems from bottom to top. We need fundamentally sound players, we need guys with the drive and determination to succeed. Because the last thing I want to deal with is watching another generation pass by “wondering” what it would feel like to celebrate a World Series Championship with my beloved Chicago Cubs.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
by Unique on Jun 11, 2010 9:05 PM CDT reply actions 6 recs
Can I Get a Witness?
This team is on the road to nowhere, which is more than forty miles of bad road with the Cubs payroll. Fire Sale. Rearrange the deck chairs. Let the kids play. Excellent post, Unique.
by Gabby Hartnett Where are You? on Jun 11, 2010 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions
The minor league system does not need to be rebuilt
is it the best shape in years.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 11, 2010 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions
No it doesn't.
It’s on the right track, but I hope the fundamentals are put emphasis on while our next breed of talent comes in.
The philosophy needs to be changed more-so than anything else.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
Those two statements are NOT mutually exclusive.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
They are in
the case of the Cubs – the farm system is improving – and if something is working and improving then we do not need to completely rebuild it…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
by hansman1982 on Jun 12, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
The person
bringing in the talent seems to be doing a nice job. The people bringing the talent along, making decisions about the roles for that talent, etc, need to do better. For example, if you want someone to be a starter, keep him as a starter, and only bring him up to the majors as a reliever if you are on a pennant run and need him there.
The decisions made on the talent we have in the system continue to be poor and short-sighted. If Wilkens keeps doing a good job finding talent the system will get better, but it will never be elite until we have someone making better decisions on developing and protecting that talent.
DEJESUS!!!
Aren't you the one who (correctly) pointed out the weaknesses in the Iowa roster?
Maybe talent is working up from the bottom, but the AAA cupboard doesn’t have a lot in it right now.
Don't tell Hendry we need a 2B.
Last time that happened he acquired like 17 of them at the same time.
Walker
Neifi
Hairston
Macias
Theriot
Bynum
Cedeno
Womack
And that’s just 2006.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Blow it up
Get some people in here to run the place who understand that a player’s mental strength and maturity is just as important as talent. Spending millions on precious arms attached to ten-cent heads is a good way to differentiate the Cubs from the Cardinals, who recently won a Series with less raw talent than many a recent Cub team.
In the meantime, I agree with SWL – bring up the kids and sell anyone worth anything.
Oh, and anyone remember when baseball was FUN?
I would expand the shopping list a bit
Free agency is the most expensive place to get talent these days. If a team only needs that one key player and he is available, it can work. Stock a roster from FA, and you get the Orioles of the past decade or, well, the 2010 Cubs. What seems to be happening is that budget-constrained clubs are moving players before they become FAs, even as soon as they hit arbitration. Then the new clubs sign these players to extensions for less than the full-on FA price and number of years (see Halladay, Roy).
So my plan would be: 1) Stock and develop young talent. Still the best way to build long-term and even if you stack up strong players at one position, those guys are trade assets. 2) Shop the arbitration/pending FA lists. Those young prospects tend to be attractive to financially constrained teams when they are facing big payouts to good players with major league experieince. 3) And last, look at the full-on FA market for the whipped cream and cherry on the sundae – the ice cream and topping come from 1) and 2).
Ricketts needs...
…to take a page from the Blackhawks and learn from what they have built in regards to a solid organization.
When McDonough was hired as President, the first thing he did was hire the best hockey mind in the history of the game, and great organizations all start with astute people who know what it takes to win and make good judgement calls.
Everybody makes a bad decision once in a while, but the head of the Cub’s baseball operations has simply made too many.
Mr. Ricketts, please recognize this glaring void and go out and get the best guy you can find to make good decisions about the future manager, trades, free agents and the overall baseball philosophy to make the organization strong from top to bottom.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jun 11, 2010 11:37 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
If you were in charge of doing that, who would you pick?
I know Sandy Alderson’s name has been mentioned. I’m not sure I’d be in favor of that because of his “my way or the highway” reputation, plus I am not sure he’s available.
Apart from Alderson, who would you pick?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What about
Jack McKeon? There’s been a lil chatter elsewhere of McKeon n Clint Hurdle… I’m not a fan of Bob B (figure if he was a good mgr, he’d already be employed as such) n I don’t wanna see Ryno manage this mess.
on the sands of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions, who, at the brink of the best, sat down to rest, and resting...they died. Author Unknown
McKeon is 80.
I think that’s a little too old.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What about Dallas Green
he’s only 75…. Only kidding. This is a good question. Everyone wants a new GM but who?
by LT on Jun 12, 2010 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
why not?
In a recent ESPN article much of the Angels success has been atributed to the players knowing that they are going to have a long term manager and with Sandburg coming out of our minor league system I believe (no proof or unnamed sources) he would play the younger guys more which is exactly what everyone is clamoring for. I say if the Cubs fire sale they have to fire Lou and put Sandburg in – it is now to the point where (I think) most Cubs fans wouldnt fault Sandburg for this season.
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
by hansman1982 on Jun 12, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
well I personally know
Sandburg and when he was a child he was pudgey and therfore referred to as the Hamburgler and has since then always wanted to have his name changed to U but his parents had already made Cubs jersey’s with the E and didnt want to break their hearts…something like that…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Someone...
….Who understands how to impliment a sound philosophy from the bottom of the organization to the top, understands the value of scouting, player development and knows how to assemble a roster that fits together.
I am not in a position to tell you who the best guy is, but hopefully Ricketts already has some ideas.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I understand all those reasons.
You don’t have a personal opinion of someone you’d choose?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Terry Ryan...
…could be had. He’s now in player development with the Twins after resigning as GM a few years ago. He knows how to build a roster.
As long as the Cubs don't get stuck in another McFail mess
McF had the rep from the Twins; didn’t deserve it.
Kim Ng?
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Anyone who spent time
under the tutelage of Paul Depodesta needs to be deprogrammed before becoming my GM.
Prior to that, she was under the tutelage of Brian Cashman/King George
and was instrumental in resuscitating the Dodgers’ minor league system post-DePodesta…
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Just Give me Terry Ryan and I'll
be a happy man. Considering the Cubs are going to be wearing financial handcuffs for the next few years, Ryan would be just the guy to navigate around those obstacles while at the same time finding a manager that will implement a more fundamentals focused operation.
works for me also
Anyone from the Twins’ organization over the past 10 years would be great.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
I see your Tigers Avatar
Jim Leyland would be great as a consultant. Kind of like a Scotty Bowman for the Hawks.
The Marlboro Man is an odd duck
When he has to manage – work the lineup and bullpen, lay down the law every once in a while – he does a great job. But when he chooses to be a push-button type of skipper like in 2008, he’s not so hot.
On the whole I like Leyland as a manager. Sure hope Dombrowski can supply him a C and a SS who can hit!
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Odd Duck is Right
but a great baseball mind. Leyland was always a better manager when he had speed and good contact in the lineup but he has a great eye for talent. Maybe when his time is up with the Tigers he’ll consider a consultant position.
I'd start with teams whose philosophies I admire/respect and see who made it so
Of the current teams, the short list would be Twins, Rays, and Rockies. Possibly Marlins.
Going back a few years, I’d look at the Braves.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Gerry Hunsicker
with the Rays is another guy I would consider. What he did for the Astros and now the Rays can’t be ignored.
Interesting.
And, look at what happened to Houston when he left.
If Pat Gillick were available, he might be a good choice, but he’s getting up there in age, too.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The Phillies gig may
have been the capstone to his career. What is he 73 now? He might be able but I don’t think he’s willing.
Wasn't Gillick the guy...
…that lead the Orioles to their last playoff appearance? Maybe he is a miracle worker.
That's an interesting suggestion Ballhawk (Marlins)
They sure seem to keep their system stocked with honest-to-God talent.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Al...
…I haven’t kept up with all the other teams to have a firm opinion of who would be best.
With that said, there are probably a number of guys who are capable of giving the Cubs what they need.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Anyone still around from the Dallas Green regime?
The big guy himself is still with us, but he’s 75 years old.
But, see, this is why I like the idea of Ryno becoming manager. And why I like Maddux as an assistant GM. Even though those guys didn’t work in Green’s front office, they did the next best thing – they played in the system he built. They were grounded in Green’s commitment to professionalism, pride, and winning. They saw playing for the Chicago Cubs as a privilege instead of a waystation until a trade or free agency set them free.
I like to think Tom Ricketts has this same sense of pride and wouldn’t hire anyone without it. Still, having a GM who feels this in their own heart would insure that it becomes a tenet of the organization’s philosophy.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
I think it begins with the GM,
although guys like Gardenhire and Bobby Cox have the player development people report to them. If their guys aren’t prepared to play in the ML with the proper fundamentals then they will never see the light of day at that level. You never hear or see any of the things that have happened on this Cubs team since 2004 on some of these other teams, it’s because it is simply not tolerated.
this season
gets worse every day.and i agree changes have to be made.wells started off 3-0 and has not pitched worth a damn since.do you take him out? it does not look like things will get any better by the deadline so we might as well start dumping some fat contracts.lily will be the easiest to deal im sure.after that i would like to see fukudome dealt.lee wants to stay and i would honor that just for the great job he has done since 2004.and lou?you can see the stress is starting to take its toll.
I'd ask Tony La Russa if he was ready to step upstairs.
He knows how to be build a team. He knows talent. And even though I like Rothschild, maybe Duncan and Pujos would come along with him.
Pujols might be looking
to get away from La Russa not join him with a new team. Besides La Russa is an Ass-Clown.
I'm with you
The amount of criticism here for LaRussa here seems in direct proportion to the success he has had. I’m not a big fan of his one batter bullpen use but he has been successful. With the amount of grief he takes here you would think he hasn’t won a World Series in some 100 years.
Sorry if I didn't
differentiate between his personal and professional life. Actually he’s been kind of a screw up in his professional life to. His feuds with Rolen, Edmonds, and Pujols just to name a few. His “awareness” or lack thereof of steroids being used by his most prominent players and then sticking by them once it’s revealed. His penchant for the drinky while driving.
We don’t need the likes of La Russa around this team, we have had enough of a circus the last decade. Fresh Blood is the way, Ben Cherington, Terry Ryan, Gerry Hunsicker are guys the Cubs could use to rebuild this franchise.
by troutfishin on Jun 12, 2010 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
A circus?
I’d take all the Cardinals playoff appearances and World Series appearances in place of the circus we have now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And we could achieve
that with the others I have mentioned. A World Series could be achieved without having to sacrifice character.
by troutfishin on Jun 12, 2010 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
It's very sad watching this team fail and fail again.
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
by eths on Jun 12, 2010 10:09 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
very sad
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
by lexmarklover on Jun 12, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
and I say this as an otherwise incurable Cubs optimist.
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
by eths on Jun 12, 2010 10:16 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Randy is going to be sent down to Iowa. Either him or Russell
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
Blow it up!
I just don’t see this team doing anything this season, so our new owner needs to take over, make wholesale changes and see what happens. Trade Lee, put Cashner in the rotation and put Wells in the bullpen, let Colvin play every day, etc. I’m as sad as the rest of Cub fans are and I see no energy, no sense of urgency from Lou.
by cubfaninplattsburgh on Jun 12, 2010 10:15 AM CDT reply actions
If the Baylor era
was known for it’s bunting excesses then it must be admitted that Piniella has developed a philosophy of unsuccessful bunting by the worst hitters with the worst runners on base.
How do you have Tracy, hitting 4th, try to lay down a bunt? Just what is the success rate of our team in bunting situations. It’s very clear that this team is fundamentally unsound in almost all areas. We can’t execute rundowns, we’re terrible at bunting, we don’t move runners along, we have our fastest runner hitting 8th where he can’t run, the hit and run has been eliminated from our playbook. Yet Lou reminds us of his history of 1800 wins. If Piniella isn’t gone within 2 weeks top, I’ll be shocked. This team is in free fall and the players are unhappy along with the fans and the manager. That’s a recipe for change since we don’t have Bradley to kick around this year.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
"How do you have Tracy, hitting 4th"
The more important question is “why would you have Tracy batting 4th?”
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