Afternoon Delight: Starlin Castro's Big Day Leads Cubs To 6-5 Win
by Al Yellon on Jul 24, 2010 3:55 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintThere were enough heroes and villains in today's 6-5 Cubs win over the Cardinals to last a week, so let's start with the heroics. (And a note that today's win brought the Cubs, finally, back to .500 at home at 26-26.)
Starlin Castro was 3-for-4, with a single, double and what we hope was the first of many Wrigley Field home runs; he scored twice and drove in a pair and raised his average to .308. He's 17-for-41 (.415) in his last ten games and was today's hero. Give a secondary hero nod to Tyler Colvin, too -- he led off the game with a homer for the second day in a row; his 15 HR put him in possible conversation about breaking Billy Williams' Cubs rookie HR record (25 in 1961).
On the villainous side, James Russell, brought into the game specifically to pitch to Aaron Miles and Jon Jay, gave up singles to both of them, putting the Cubs in a seventh-inning jam. (Incidentally, that has to be a different "Aaron Miles" than the one who took up space on the Cubs' roster last year.)
But Andrew Cashner came in and got out of the inning with only one run scoring, helped out when Geovany Soto threw Jay out trying to steal. But before that, in a matchup of strength against strength, Cashner threw four straight 100+ MPH fastballs to Albert Pujols (one registering 101 on the Wrigley Field board, which is usually pretty accurate), and got Pujols to fly out deep to Marlon Byrd. It scored a run, and Cashner gave up one more in the eighth -- unearned, because of an error by villain Ryan Theriot, who booted what looked like a routine double-play ball. Earlier, Theriot had been TOOTBLAN again, blunting a possible sixth-inning rally.
But Theriot made up for his gaffe by helping to turn an inning-ending double play in that eighth inning, and that set the stage for Carlos Marmol to face Albert Pujols with two out, both registered on strikeouts.
Marmol tiptoed around Pujols and walked him. It seemed as if Marmol was trying to rely too much on his slider when it wasn't working, which often gets him into trouble. However, it's always a good idea to not let the other guy's best player beat you. With Pujols on first, Marmol got Matt Holliday to pop up to... Theriot, who squeezed it and the Cubs had their second straight win over the Cardinals.
Which makes tomorrow's game a real turning point. Win it, you've got a sweep over the first place club in your division and stand eight games out... which is justcloseenough that I'd imagine that would slow Jim Hendry down in any trades he may be considering.
Lose tomorrow, slip back to ten games behind, and maybe the trade express picks up speed. Chris Carpenter is always tough and has already defeated the Cubs once this year, but Ryan Dempster has been consistent most of this year and except for the debacle in Los Angeles just before the All-Star break, the Cubs have saved some of their better games for ESPN's Sunday night affair -- and you will be pleased to know that you will not be subjected to Jon Miller and Joe Morgan tomorrow night, since both will be in Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame inductions. Miller is receiving the Frick award this year and Morgan will join other living Hall of Famers at the ceremony. Announcers for tomorrow's game will be Dan Shulman, Orel Hershiser and Bobby Valentine.
Given the 5-10 inches of rain that fell in various parts of the Chicago area overnight and into this morning, it's surprising they got this one in at all. It finally stopped raining just about the time the gates opened at 10 am and the field drained quite well -- you'd never have known it rained, there didn't seem to be any places where water was standing and players would slip. The toll was taken on other Cubs employees -- many vendors and security people never made it in due to flooded expressways. By the time a couple of innings went by, the sun came out and it got hot and sticky again.
Tomorrow night's game will be played in more temperate conditions as a cold front is supposed to go through the area tonight, lowering temperatures and humidities. Let's sweep these guys. This season still has a thread -- slim, to be sure, but a thread nevertheless -- of hope.
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How do you post a fanshot of a GIF?
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 4:01 PM CDT reply actions
New FanShot -> Image tab -> Post Image URL in IMAGE URL box
SBN does not host third-party content, so it must be hosted elsewhere like Flickr or Photobucket
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
STMFDT
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
that...
acronym….can’t be explained here …use ur imagination….
DT sorta equals RB
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I bet it’s something dirty…
Like, really filthy, nasty dirty. The kind of dirty where your mother wouldn’t even bother to wash your mouth out with soap, because she’d be so shocked that those words could fit together that way. Your father would have a stroke and that one uncle, you know – the one that sits in the corner during family reunions and nobody really talks to, yeah, that one – he’d laugh and tip you a greasy wink.
Dirty…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
lol
that made me laugh. I stopped wanting to play those acronym games long ago and had high school flashbacks reading ’equals" lol.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Boy, Always nice to beat the Redbirds!
I am loving the top of the order right now! Castro is really turning it on and Colvin is steady Eddy!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 24, 2010 4:08 PM CDT reply actions
Colvin's not a prototypical leadoff man.
However, he is now hitting .302/.375/.651 with 5 HR and 13 RBI in ten games hitting in the leadoff spot.
I think he ought to stay there for the rest of the season.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That's weird
because OBP is the weakest of Colvin’s skills.
Still, if it’s working, don’t fix it. But keep a close eye on it.
by Josh Timmers on Jul 24, 2010 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions
OBP Not Soriano's Best Stat, Either
Well, Colvin could end up getting on base more often as the Cubs lead-off man than Soriano did. That remains to be seen because we are dealing with a small sample size with Colvin.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Is it safe to say that...
Colvin is expecting to see fastballs in the leadoff spot… thus this run of leadoff HRs?
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Castro the last 23 games
has a hit in 20 of them with a .400 BA and .440 OBP. His speed has given him infield hits even though Lou doesn’t want him stealing with Lee behind him. Tell me why Colvin is a better choice to lead off?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
you are correct, Castro has the more apparent OBP skills
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
They posted this gem about Colvin on there...(a lot of funny ones with Fbombs as well)
Colvin blows no matter how well he’s done so far Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Sorry, should have said from VEB.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
What's your objection?
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
It was kind of sort of profane, and we don't need to pile on.
Winning is satisfaction enough.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
All right.
I’ll refrain from posting something with blows since you object. But “piling on”…come on this blog is filled with piling on our team and every other one. This was harmless…though I do want to avoid someone being offended by language.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmm are you meaning because it's a recap?
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes.
It wasn’t so much the language, as — what’s the point of posting something like that in a game recap?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I just thought it was funny.
Much like you thought it was funny to refer to Aaron Miles as a potted plant. I’ll keep from doing it, just wondered why you didn’t like it.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Why bring up something from the game thread that's gone?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Because I thought it was funny to read Al.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone could read it in the game thread.
Didn’t think it needed repeating.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I understand you.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks.
Didn’t want this to seem like a big deal, because it wasn’t. Just thought that wasn’t necessary, that’s all.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
No problem.
I wasn’t trying to argue this point with you just because I didn’t agree…I just wanted to know why so I wouldn’t repeat it.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Btw...
I wasn’t asking you that question again there…I did understand what you meant. I was referring there to asking you that before.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
the self proclaimed
best fans in baseball.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 24, 2010 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
There's no mention of today's game AT ALL in VEB right now
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
They combined the game thread with a post earlier.
That’s why you don’t see it…they never had a game thread title posted.
Every time I visit that site I appreciate BCB…their game threads rarely have overflow threads. And visit the Philly site, VEB seems fantastic…I could not get over how empty that site was for the defending NL champs during the last series we played against them. Had game threads posted as fan shots as an afterthought, very low numbers of posts and fans. Tiny amounts of fan shots. BCB is light years ahead of them.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
It helps that we have a huge, worldwide fan base to please
How does BCB compare to the SBN sites for the Red Sox or Yankees – that’s a better question.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Not even close...BCB hands down. More polite and we got Worf.
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
BCB: WE GOTS MOAR WORF THAN YOU!
lol..you’re right that we are a bigger market than Philly or St. Louis sure…I should look at the Sawks some time. Not going into the evil empire.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I admit...I lurk on other teams sites when the Cubs aren't on...for laughs...
as far as the Sox…95% of their posts are “Hawkisms” like…“He gone” and “put it on the boooooard”. It’s really quite pathetic.
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
And our game threads have nothing
of santo in them either.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
I was meaning the Red Sox
Because as Clutch stated they are a big market team and have a large fanbase. Nice to hear about the White Sox…I surely don’t need to read more Hawk slang.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah Thanks. It's the fbombs though that make it juvenile
I appreciate a well placed one better than anyone, but gratuitous ones are the stuff of unimaginative frat boy crap.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
And I appreciate everyone here keeping those to an absolute minimum.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What's your policy on foul language in general on the site, Al?
I’m just curious.
by Blue Heron on Jul 24, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Stated in the community guidelines but....
… I’ll repeat it here. Ideally, I’d like NO profanity at all. I understand, though, that in the heat of a game thread it can come out, and I accept that. Just try to keep it to as little as possible.
In other threads, it’s generally unacceptable. I’d like to keep this a clean site.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And I don't remember seeing a recap of yesterday's game, either.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2010 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions
They didn't have one.
Man slogging through 900-1000 post threads often is a hassle there. To fine the game thread today I just picked the post with 900 replies on the front page. Made me grateful ours has overflow threads you can find easily.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:51 AM CDT up reply actions
you know that was the first thing I noticed yesterday when I went over
and contemplated messing with Sasquatch, so I reviewed the VEB thread for Friday. It was absolute, utter hysteria. A pack of girls watching Justin Bieber on a soundstage would have more poise.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Especially after Castro's hit dropped for an RBI single.
I linked to that in yesterday’s recap thread.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 25, 2010 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
That thread was pretty incoherent.
I wouldn’t say all their threads are like that because I haven’t read their site that often…but it didn’t have many complete sentences for sure.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I see no "gems" in that
a fan of another is grumpy… so shocking and out of line.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
That's
hardly surprising.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
With a win tomorrow
They’d be 8 out. Give or take a hot streak next week the team could be as many as 5 games or 12 games out. Going to be to a tough spot for Cubs front office to decide if they’re sellers in that scenario.
About 10 weeks left in the season, just pick up a game a week and...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
That sounds too easy.
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm very proud to wear my Castro jersey everytime I go to the ballpark:)
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Thinking about getting one as well. They are on sale at Wrigleyville Sports
I’m worried he’ll get traded though and I want him to be with the Cubs for a long time if I’m going to get his jersey.
Do you or anyone else think it’s worth the investment?
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
He's cost-controlled for a couple of more years
I don’t think he’s going anywhere for a good long time. Go for it.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Cool. Thank you sir for the advice
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
LOL
So…you’re against the trade, right? :)
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
and....
Cabrera
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I'm sitting here....
…Happily admiting I was WRONG about Castro being calle dup so soon. WOOOOOO I love when I’m wrong like this!
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-cubs-wrigley-bound/
Yes, I was wrong about this too.
Happy to admit so. He still has work to do, but I keep reminding myself he’s only 20. He’s a keeper.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes he is. Told you so ;-)
And he’s posting the numbers I told you he should post. He’s a stud. Really older than his age and he’s going to be fun to build around for a long time.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
Agreed. Again, happy to be wrong.
What I’d like to see from Castro is over time, he’d increase his power so he could hit 15-20 HR a year. I don’t see him as being a speed guy and stealing bases; he seems to have only slightly above average speed.
But he’s definitely “ready”. I see improvements in his defense; credit to Alan Trammell for that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
He does have plus speed.
But he has a problem with getting good jumps for steals. He’s just as fast as Hanley Ramirez, if not faster, but his basestealing skills aren’t that good right now.
He could be a 15 HR – 20 SB guy at his peak, IMO.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
That's not correct imo.
While BA reports plus speed from what I’ve seen it’s slightly above average but stealing bases is more an art then pure speed. Also considering if his 20 year old body fills out he may be only average.
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-cubs-wrigley-bound/
Right.
Given his tools, I’d rather see him become a mid-range power hitter who hits for a decent (.280-.290ish) average.
Edgar Renteria has been suggested as a comp. I don’t think Castro will steal as many bases as Renteria did in his younger years, but if he can do the rest, that’d be great.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
perhaps its too high of a comp
but i think Jeter might be a decent comp as well. Great bat control, high contact rate, likely 15-20 HR power in his prime. At least from a tools standpoint i think there’s some similarities, the key will be Starlin developing some of the intangibles Jeter has specifically in the base-running department where Jeter provided a lot of hidden value for years
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jul 24, 2010 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
That comparison I agree with.
Castro’s best asset is his ability to hit for average.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
I'm more worried about his defensive fundamentals.
Think he’ll stop making so many errors? I hope so! Other than that, he looks terrific.
by Blue Heron on Jul 24, 2010 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions
He's going to make errors
because he’s better and can attempt more plays. But eventually he will learn to just “eat” some of them
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Let's hope so.
He’s been hanging on still to that tendency of hesitating before throwing to first and making plays closer than they should be. He’s got a lot of work ahead of him, but he has so much raw talent I do hope he gets there. He sure looks like he will be a great fielder as well as a good spray hitter with a little pop someday.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with that.
And i’m not going off of Baseball America — I’m going off personal reports. And that’s why I said Castro does not get good jumps — so as an result — his speed which is above average — is really irrelevant when he doesn’t get a decent jump.
If he gets help with his basestealing, his peak could be 20 SB.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
or....
I see improvements in his defense; credit to Alan Trammell for that.
maybe ur eyes just need to get used to a middle infielder that can get to some balls that routinely “went thru”….ith lesser talent playing on the infield
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
It's so very, very nice to have young, home-grown talent in the middle infield
As long as he keeps improving his baseball IQ, Castro will be someone the Cubs will want to hold onto for a long time.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
He is a keeper.
I wouldn’t say it was right to call him up so early though. He’s learning to field on the fly and it’s a painful process for him. More time in the minors would at least hopefully instilled better fielding and fundamentals in him and polished things like his bunting skills. It worked out better for the team this year to call him up, but I would say he was called up too soon. More time could have helped his career .
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
He's playing everyday against major league talent and hitting .300
I’d say he’s learning a lot more in the bigs everyday, than he would be learning in AA right now.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
by SackMan on Jul 24, 2010 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Y'all were.....
He should have been OD SSS
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I have to admit I was wrong as well
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Avoiding Morgan tomorrow is a plus no matter what.
I do hope Valentine doesn’t make my ears bleed.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 4:19 PM CDT reply actions
All I can say is ..
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Made this for ya
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
You are an anointed cherub
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
by cubnational on Jul 24, 2010 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions
VS Astros next week?
Damn, why can’t it be a first place team….
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)
by Fukudometer on Jul 24, 2010 4:23 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
If they get to 4.5 back of first by Aug. 15
And the Brewers are safely behind (remember, if the Cards and Reds collapse, the Brewers have just as much chance to pull this out as we do) then I will believe.
That may sound like an onerous condition, but at least I have hope now.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Wow I'm surprised you have (minor) hope too.
This team really pisses me off though, we tend to play down to our competitors (Pirates, Astros) — and play decent against good teams.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
It is infuriating to think that with a .500 -- .500! -- record against those guys
and we’d be in the thick of this — maybe on the outer edge of thick, but certainly not in the boonies like now.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
I wouldn't read into it too much
We faced a couple of pretty bad starters the last couple days. Let’s see how we do against Carp.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 4:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Thankfully, Dempster can probably keep the Cubs in the game.
I look for a low-scoring affair tomorrow night. it’s supposed to be cooler and less humid and the wind may be blowing in.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Don't know what you guys are getting
but Zeus is clearly annoyed with someone here in Springfield.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Thankfully, it stopped here.
Zeus got the Chicago area last night.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I heard about all the closed expressways on WBBM.
They didn’t affect me, and my flight delay out of O’Hare was not weather-related.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2010 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
And also,
As I flew out of Philadelphia, I saw Zeus was EXTREMELY angry with the area just west of Philly.
I remarked that it “redefined ‘light display’.” Inclement weather would be an understatement.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2010 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Glad you made it safely.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Not me...I predict a 20 MPH wind blowing straight out and the ballhawks busy all night...
chasing down Cub bombs. Carpenter has been un-Carpenterlike lately. And if Lou puts Theriot in the lineup tomorrow night, he needs to be beaten about the head and shoulders with a bat until comatose.
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
Hmm
Carpenter has been un-carpenterlike lately
What’s considered un-carpenter like? In each of his last two starts he’s went 8 innings and given up one run.
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I stand corrected...He has been good the past 2. The 3 before that, not so good, but, yes, the last 2 he's been lights out.
Let’s hope he returns to his form of a few starts ago.
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
We sure did do a good job against Halladay
let’s hope we can tee of Carp too.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
Just think....
if they wwouldda beat up that $h*t like they shouldda….
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Not you too?
I have hope that they might get to .500. That’s as far as it goes right now.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 4:34 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It's a small sliver
that could easily be stomped out by the second inning of the first Houston game.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
THAT is a tall order.
Gimme some of that Koolaid
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
by cubnational on Jul 24, 2010 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Someone please take Theriot off our hands
Now that Lou is done pretending that Theriot is a leadoff hitter, there is literally no reason for him to still be on the team. There has to be a team somewhere that will take him off our hands. His mental and physical errors are becoming too great for even me to take.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 4:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
There has to be a team somewhere that will take him off our hands.
Maybe, but then you say:
His mental and physical errors are becoming too great for even me to take.
If it’s too great for you, what about the 29 other GM’s? They have to be noticing this, too.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
is that you, Ozzie?
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
He's playing hide-and-seek with Jeff Baker.
They must’ve found really good hiding places.
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
I agree why Fontenot
and Baker see no time at 2b is odd. Maybe they have this brilliant idea of “showcasing” Theriot for the trade market. But as we can see that is not working.
Depends on how desperate they are
I’m not saying we will get anything for him. But before this year he was a decent MLB middle infielder. Maybe a GM out there is willing to take a chance that a change of scenery does him some good.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 4:40 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
singles hitters don't get many DH gigs.
I think it is clear that theRot is a one tool player.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
you mean he's a tool? :P
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 24, 2010 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I figure the Royals would take take him.
Rumor has it they want Jeff Franceour too.
I'd sure try it.
Otherwise he’s heading steadlily to being released. I have to think the only reason he starts everyday is indeed Lou being stubborn.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
They don't need to trade him to NOT play him. It's simple. Just say "Theriot, you suck" and put LBR in the lineup!
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
Have you met Lou?
Theriot is in the opposite of Lou’s doghouse. Apparently he forgets some guys are on the team and cannot look past others.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
A TOOTBLAN (what's the record, by the way?) and a botched, crucial DP ball...
Lou needs to sit his arse on the bench for a couple days/months.
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
I'm not sayin its right
I’m just saying its nothing new or surprising either Theriot’s performance or Lou’s insistance on him playing.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
I'm not keeping TOOTBLAN stats this year
I could run back through the game summaries, but I’d probably get to depressed around the second Pirates series. Forget it.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Don't hit me
but what does TOOTBLAN stand for again? I have a general idea.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
thrown out on the bases like a nincompoop
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
LOL Thanks
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Thrown Out On The Basepaths Like A Nincompoop
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
We were listening to it on radio
As soon as it happened, boyfriend uttered TOOTBLAN.
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions
You've taught him well, I see
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
well
I mention it many times, it’s not an off hand thing.
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions
He sounds like a wise man for MCF.
BB has the philosophy right…it saves a lot of time for both SO.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know what the record for TOOTBLANs is...
… but clearly, Theriot holds it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
How would meeting Lou help exactly?
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
There are several GMs in MLB who seem to lack a keen grasp of the obvious
Mabye Dayton Moore would give up that AAA 1B whom you like (and whose name I can’t spell to save my life).
Failing that, there could be a contender so desperate for a 2B they would pay the rest of Theriot’s salary and give the Cubs a couple of broken bats….
I know Al gave a "hero's salute" to Castro & Colvin
but I think Byrd’s defense and RBI double were just as critical to today’s win.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
I didn't mention Gorzelanny either...
… he threw six good innings. Also, Xavier Nady is thisclose to completely useless.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Nady has 31 hits
Which is two more than Aaron Miles had all last season. Awful close to utter futility, but still positive VORM
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
A potted plant would have given more value than Aaron Miles in 2009.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
just the fact that you are using the "Miles Bar of Achievement" says all we need to know
about Nady’s “suck-cess” this year.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
I bet Nady gets moved
Some contender will likely want him as a bench bat. At least that’s what I am hoping. I don’t think we are gonna get anything for Lee so we might as well keep him for the Arb possibility.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 5:25 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You meant Lilly, right?
I doubt the Cubs offer arb to Lee.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I did mean Lee
You might be right, but who do you think they will get to play 1B next year? Outside from making a run at Dunn, Lee makes some sense as a stopgap until they find a more permanent solution. Unless, you think they are just lookin to shave salary and go after a LaRoche type.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 5:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
HOFF!
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Colvin could play 1B.
Or, they could go after Garrett Jones, who is a Chicago native and hits great at Wrigley.
Derrek Lee has been a fine Cub for seven years, but I think his time here is done.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Again, if the Cubs are going to retool...
… why go after aging free agents?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't think it's possible for this team to retool...
As there are too many big contracts, Z, Dempster, Soriano, to name a few. I’m saying if you were going after a free agent first baseman, he’s the guy I would go after, right after the Cubs sign Cliff Lee of course! LOL
I don't want VMart
His bat is only slightly above average for a 1B and he is expensive and declining. Much better options exist than VMart. Including DLee for one year.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 6:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Everytime I hear someone say we should move Colvin to first, I want to scream
The kid played like seven games in his college career there, and he’s a GOOD defensive outfielder. Moving a young kid who can actually play defense is just damn silly
by HuskerCorner on Jul 24, 2010 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
You know...
… I saw him turn the wrong way twice on a fly ball today, and that isn’t the first time. He’s got a way to go before he becomes a “good” defensive outfielder.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I have to agree with you.
He’s not horrible but not exactly “good” to me either. Why move someone that is having trouble mastering a position to a new one right away. Whether he is average or good…either way he hasn’t shown an ability to adapt quickly to a position.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
By that rationale
the kid belongs at first base.
kidding.
I dream of Adrian Gonzalez over there for the next 7 years.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 24, 2010 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Moving Colvin to 1B is a bad idea
First, he hasn’t played the position except for sparingly in college. So no real advantage to moving him as compared to anyone else. Second, I don’t think he will ever hit well enough to be a 1B on a contending team. Doesn’t make a lot of sense to jerk a young player around the diamond. Third, and most importantly we maximize his value in the OF. Find another stop-gap option for 1B before we move Colvin there.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 6:40 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Colvin or Soriano at 1B?
Neither one is a good choice for 1B. I would prefer Colvin. I don’t see any other in-house options.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Is Garret Jones a free agent?
I wouldn’t trade for him. He isn’t worth what it would take to get him when there are players of his ilk available on the FA market every year.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 6:43 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Jones could probably be had for young pitching.
Well worth it, because he’s as good as that FA “ilk” but would cost far less money, thus freeing up dollars for something else.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't know why they would trade Jones
but if they would, I think he would be a very nice option at first next year.
You might want a RH platoon partner for him, but I think he would be a great pickup.
DEJESUS!!!
They'd trade Jones because their pitching is awful...
… and they could use some young pitching help.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't see it.
I don’t really see Jones as a huge upgrade on Adam LaRoche who I believe is a free agent and wouldn’t be very expensive. I surely am not giving up any of Jackson, Cashner, Archer or McNutt for Jones. If a package of lesser prospects gets it done, then fine. First basemen with an OPS between .750 and .800 are a dime a dozen. Actually, between the two I would rather have LaRoche. He is the more proven player by a long-shot, wouldn’t cost prospects and is only 2 years older. Not to mention he is outplaying Jones this season by a slight margin and likely could be had on a 1-year deal. If we are going to go the trade route, surely we should aim higher than Garret Jones.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 10:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Nady got a pinch hit today, didn't he?
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Struck out on 3 pitches
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I wonder what I'm thinking about then
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Kasper mentioned that the Cubs lead the league in quality starts
Gorzo is a big part of that.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
62 of 98 games
Have been Quality Starts. Too bad our offense has been wretched for most of the year.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
so you're saying if they'd
averaged 4 runs we’d be VERY good instead of a shade above awful?
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
We've averaged 4 runs per game
We’d need to average 5 to win with quality starts, which averages out to 4.5 ERA.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
A quality start is less than 3 ER
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Over 6 IP
Extrapolate out to 9 IP, and you get…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
a bear minimum qs is 6IP
but if you go MORE than that you still have to give up 3 ER or LESS.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Y'know - I had a whole couple of paragraphs written out in response to this
I should just BB it – “Yes, dear. You’re right. I’m sorry.”
Current stats (not counting today): 4.09 staff ERA, 4.65 staff RA, Avg. Runs Scored per game: 4.26. Our staff is pitching at a slightylbetter clip than the absolute worst QS ERA, but what games our lack of offense hasn’t lost us, our defense has.
And “bear minimum”? Really looking forward to football season? :P
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I'm looking forward to being able to wear
pants again without dying. :-P
I just get aggravated by all the belly aching over “quality starts” and how a “4.50 ERA shouldn’t be quality anything”. thats the ceiling. You should be able to win consistantly when thats the worst you’re getting.
I don’t know why I’d be looking forward to football though, its just going to be the same as always: the games our offense doesn’t lose for us our defense will.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
In both games, you have a third option
In football, your special teams can lose games for you by giving opponents a shorter field. And in baseball, your pitching staff can be directly responsible for your awful performance.
In the Cubs’ case, the offense has been good enough to overcome what runs are charged to the pitchers. The extra dollop of crap defense is the difference between a team that’s slightly over .500 and one that’s wallowing at 8 games under. It’s swung approximately 5 games from Ws to Ls. That’s pretty pathetic.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Just goes to show you that
I think a crappy defense and a mediocre offense are never going to be overtaken by a brilliant manager over the course of a season. And no, I’m not suggesting Lou has been that :P
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
pathetic is the word.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
And for the record
I’m not one of those people that thinks QS is a crap stat. I think it’s an easy way to quickly ascertain your rotation’s strength.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
But it is a pretty low bar
2 runs in at least 6 innings or 3 runs in 7 or more innings is much closer to real “quality.” But people who compile those stats would hate it, because it would be more work.
It would be a pain
Easier to do would be to take a starter’s ERA and compare it to a fixed number (say 2.75) and only count it as a QS if the starter completed 6+ IP.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Let's try that again
Easier to do would be to take a starter’s ERA on the day and compare it to a fixed number (say 2.75) and only count it as a QS if the starter completed 6+ IP *and had an ERA on the day of <2.75.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
That might actually be a little too strict
A starter who gives up 3 runs in 7 innings (ERA 3.86 if they were all earned) has put a team in a good position to average less than 4 runs allowed in that start. With a normal offense, that team should be pretty successful.
The 6/2 portion is based on the idea that a starter who lasts less than 7 is putting a higher workload on the bullpen and needs to perform better to be “quality.”
OK, make the par a daily ERA of 3.86
And 6IP needed to qualify. If you throw a CG, you still can’t give up more than 3 ER. Here’s the per inning breakdown in that scenario:
6IP – 2.57ER
6.1IP – 2.71ER
6.2IP – 2.85ER
7IP – 3ER
So no matter what part of the 7th inning you throw, you have to keep your number of ER to 2 or less. Once you get through 7 (and on until around 9.1IP), you’ve got to keep your number of ER to 3 or less.
Make sense?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I was told there would be no math.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I already did all of it :P
Seriously, this formula takes care of the “well, 3ER in 6IP isn’t really quality” argument quite well, IMHO.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Ya need an offense to do that
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Cub pitching ERAs are misleading as the Cubs
lead the league in unearned runs. That explains that horrible 4.65 runs/game (if I am reading your stats correctly), which can’t be ignored.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
I'm getting your drift here Clutch, and it does make sense to me.
However the problem I see with your use of stats here is our team seems to score 3-5 runs infrequently. We frequently score 8-12 runs then 0, 1,2, etc. Perhaps stats of those would show I’m wrong…but we do seem to have a lot of dry spells that are averaged into those.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
"Averaged in"
Is exactly right here. After 98 games, the “small sample size!” complaint is pretty well gone. Our average stats these days are a very good model of the present reality.
For instance: Cubs Win% is .459. Pythagorean Win%: .468 Awful close there.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Yeah that's what I meant.
It upsets me how opaque my sentences and thoughts can be sometimes. The mean is fine …but the usual? number of runs scored is awful. I bet Pythagoras would be irritated by this team.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions
If Pythagoras would be upset
imagine Newton’s would be flabbergasted by Theriot not understanding basic physics when it comes fielding. :)
(credit math geek boyfriend for that one)
he gives you a +1 on that even Pythagoras would be irritated.
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions
lol
I bet Newton would be upset. I’m doing some quick review of math lately, looking at changing careers and needing a refresher so I have run into some equations lately. I bet even Newton though would not be brave enough to have Riot shoot an arrow over his head into the legendary apple.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I am not the slightest bit a math geek
So all this sabermagician stuff, I am slowly learning bits of is really interesting to me.
We read Mathletics over the winter. Actually he read it, and would try and break down the baseball chapters for me. It was a lot of fun.
It’s how I finally turned him over to the dark side and really got him into baseball :)
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I haven't had a lot of interest in sabremetrics.
I find people getting so into them that a conversation has arguments that can be justified for and against just as easily for the same thing. Perhaps after finishing this review I’ll look more into them, couldn’t hurt to know more about what they mean.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions
The thing that any statistical model strives for
Is to accurately reflect reality in terms that are easy to understand and compare (and to make pretty graphs, but that’s really secondary). As each is introduced, it is done with the thought in mind that it models a piece of reality that hasn’t been modeled before or does it better than an existing model.
Advanced baseball stats aren’t difficult to understand, especially once you figure out what part of the game they are meant to model. The trick is to not make them mean more than they do. And to understand that just as soon as you’ve got your head wrapped around FIP, someone is gonna come up with xFIP within a week, sure as hell…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Well I didn't really mean to say
I couldn’t understand them. I have read over a few and understood what they do stand for…that’s not all that difficult. What is hard is deciding if that number really has relevance and how that statistic should be used. And that surely is where I get disconnected…as well as understanding there are a lot of them to use out there, one can be found for most anything I want to argue.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:25 AM CDT up reply actions
see median vs. mean
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
When ....
it’s done 14,0,0,1,1,2,1,2,1,3,4,27,2,1,2,3,4,1,2,0,0,…………..
2 becomes the median…which is far more telling than the “mean” or “average”
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
whatevs :P
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:42 AM CDT up reply actions
focus more on the median....
than the mean
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Indeed.
Never been a fan of the quality start term, but it does illustrate to a point how much our hitting has been a factor this year.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Right.
And one of the reasons for not winning, beyond the bullpen woes, is the fact that the Cubs ALSO lead the majors in unearned runs allowed.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That's something that has to change next year if we are to move into a winning direction.
As much fun as it is to laugh about our horrid errors is, it has lost many games this year. It’s hard enough to win when your team goes through long spells of RISP failure…and when you add to that giving the other team runs it becomes even more glaring and deadly.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I think emphasizing defense is a good idea
One reason why I didn’t want Adam Dunn on this team before, and still don’t. We need to keep improving this defense, not take another step back.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Plus Dunn will cost too much for too many years
And the only thing he will block is the Cubs getting a better 1B.
I'm watching the White Sox/A's game because it's the only one on right now.
Good heavens, these announcers are awful. Anyone who really wants Mark Grace in a Cubs broadcast booth must never have heard him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And another thing.
They have played almost two hours and they’re in the top of the fifth. The pace of AL games can be glacial.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Agreed.
One reason I love the NL and hope that it never adopts the DH.
Fans have to decide if they want shorter games or more offense
(note – this is not to single anyone here out)
If they want offense, then longer games are inevitable. But if their complaint is that the games are too long, will they have the patience for more 1-0, 2 hr long games?
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
For me close games are better.
And close, brisk, low-scoring games with good pitching, good fielding, and timely hitting are the best.
I’ve always felt high-scoring blowouts are kind of anticlimactic. They’re fun for an inning or two when the scoring is happening but then the rest of the game can be kinda dull.
I'm with you Cubsforever
I tend to enjoy a close nail-biter more than a slugfest…unless the Cubs are the ones doing all the slugging!
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Grace, good grief
They love to torture Sox fans by having Mark Grace broadcast Sox national broadcast games. I didn’t watch today and frankly he’s been a bit better the last couple times but Grace is like Dave Kaplan in that he turns everything into a Cubbie discussion.
Regarding the length of games AL vs. NL, I few years ago I looked at that upon hearing Santo moan and groan, well even more for him, about the length of AL games. There was virtually no difference. And I’d bet they’re very close if not about the same now.
"Don’t belittle entire fanbases or neighborhoods…simply because they are within proximity to some people who don’t operate (or look) the same way you do." - AndrewJStone 6/29/2010
From what I could tell
Grace was pretty decent about it today. His partner seemed to be want to lead him into it a couple of times – talking about Piniella, how Chicago was a big market, etc. – and Grace didn’t really rise to the bait. In talking about Piniella and his tirades, he stuck with “and you know, when he threw that base, I was playing at 1B that game.”
I only watched from the 5th inning (or so) on, but he seemed much happier to talk game mechanics and the AL Central race.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
nothing is worse than the White Sux announcers.
Hawk with all his silly one-liners.
Anything is better than those clowns.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
Myth Buster:
So, question for you, Sox vs. Cubs 2010, Who has averaged the shorter game time (excluding extra inning games)?
And the answer is…
* Cubs 166.2 minutes
* Sox 161.7 minutes
And the SOX WIN! SOX WIN!
So much for the common cry of complaint by Cubs fans that Sox games are slower and longer than Cubs games.
PS this figure does not include the 7/26 3 hr Cubs game and the 2 1/2 hr Sox game.
"Don’t belittle entire fanbases or neighborhoods…simply because they are within proximity to some people who don’t operate (or look) the same way you do." - AndrewJStone 6/29/2010
I'll still take Mark Grace any day over:
Joe Buck
Tim McCarver
Joe Morgan
Judd Sirott
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
That's kind of "and death is not an option" list, isn't it?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Basically.
But still…
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
Thom Brennaman, Al Hrabosky, Milo Hamilton,
A lot of announcers on there…although during a Cubs game…Grace heads to the top 3.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Mark Grace: "Bad enough they have to listen to us."
Amen.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I think the fact that they were broadcasting a White Sox/A's game just added insult to injury
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
make sure you underline that it's your opinion, otherwise AZJM will pop up
by HuskerCorner on Jul 24, 2010 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
lol
I heard he popped up a few days ago after saying he wouldn’t ever be back.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs' future was on display today
Castro, Colvin, Cashner, Gorzelanny, Soto
It’s great to see so much talent coming up through the system. But I really think that, now that the bats have woken up, there’s enough here RIGHT NOW to contend. Just read over the roster and there are a lot of impressive names there, especially position players. As far as selling at the deadline, I think Lilly is really the only one who would bring back any value and even then it wouldn’t likely be great value, so I say keep everyone and make a run at it. It’s not like our system is completely barren.
Our problem for the last two years has been that we haven’t been able to get any momentum going on offense. Now that we’ve finally managed to do so, let’s see if this team can play to potential and I think these guys really do have the potential to be a 90+ win, playoff-caliber team.
Nitpick.
Gorzelanny isn’t from the Cubs system — he was acquired in a trade.
Which, despite the lack of any contribution from John Grabow, was an excellent deal — the Cubs gave up virtually nothing worthwhile to get Gorzelanny.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
At good point.
At any rate he’s youngish and cheap could be one of the better lefty starters in the NL next year. A la Randy Wolf in his younger days.
Why did the pirates throw him in?
Was it a salary dump? Funny that Gorz may be the one who ultimately pushes Lilly out. You got figured next years rotation has Wells, Dempster. Gorz and silva probables and they probably give cashner the fifth spot.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 24, 2010 5:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't count on Silva yet....
and ould rather have Lily than Silva
The best defense is a good offense.....Lou Pinella...still hasn't managed the Cubs to a post season win. D. Lee still doesn't have a post seasson RBI for Cubs...ditto for Soriano
"It's so simple, it's unbelievable," manager Lou Piniella said. "When you score runs, you win."
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Grabow helped a bit last year.
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
True.
Even so, the real value out of that deal will come from Gorz.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Kinda funny how that worked
Grabow was supposed to be the center-piece, and I remember how everyone didn’t like Gorz when the trade first happened. I can honestly say I was very happy we got him. Wasn’t he an all-star just a few years back?
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
That deal is not going to look as good next year
When we play the “injury” game with Grabow for 4.8 million dollars. If we could have made that deal without taking Grabow…Hendry sure screwed up.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, but the trade, and Grabow being here next year aren't one and the same.
Jim could have simply let him wander off after last year
by HuskerCorner on Jul 24, 2010 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
it actually would have been a bettter deal if we hadn't gotten Grabow in that trade
which is weird to say you wish we had gotten less back.
by HuskerCorner on Jul 24, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
unfortunately "impressive names" also refers to lots of players tied up with
big multi-year contracts.
I hope the Cubs are successful in unloading one contract this year. And rid themselves of that liability known as theRot.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
What a fun game!
I imagine the atmosphere at Wrigley was awesome. I loved seeing Cashner go right at Pujols.
Win tomorrow and we’re 8 out. Assuming the Reds cooperate. With us going to Houston and the Cards going to NY, we could conceivably be within 6 by next weekend.
But...ummm.....we suck against Houston
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
Not for long!
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Let
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
Woops...Let's hope you're right!
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
OT
A coworker gave me free tickets to tomorrows game. They are far back in the 200s. Is it possible to upgrade my seats when I get to the park?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 24, 2010 5:12 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Maybe.
Check at the fan services window when you get there.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Okay.
I’ve never attempted to do that before. Wasn’t sure if it was possible and if so, how to go about it. The fan services window is right off the main gate, correct?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 24, 2010 5:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Correct, toward the 3B side.
They may send you somewhere else — IIRC, there are also ticket windows near there where you might be able to do that.
I’ve never done this either, and don’t know if it’s possible. Worth a try, though.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Thanks.
Anything back from row 10 in the 200s is my least favorite seats. I’d rather sit in the 500s.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 24, 2010 5:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
This is on the Cubs website FAQ page.
Ticket Exchanges: No refunds or exchanges are given for Cubs individual game tickets.
I don’t know if that means they won’t help you. It’s worth a try, especially if you want to upgrade. Problem might be seat availability. Isn’t it already a sellout?
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jul 24, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah I thought
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 24, 2010 5:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah I thought about that too.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jul 24, 2010 5:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Trust me there are empty seats in the lower 200s
That is where i sit. The guy who has the seats next to me (209 row 11) is often never there.
The ushers are non existant in the 200s so grab empty seats and if someone shows up , move to other ones. email me at Maddux2014 at gmail dot com. I can give you my cell and I bet I can scout empties in my section.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 24, 2010 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions
That's very nice of you.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Dear Cubs,
WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL YEAR?
Love, Mike
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
Dear Lou,
I’ve been on the bench 4 places down from you.
I even sent you a text yesterday that I wasn’t in fact at New Orleans as you said to Quade!!!!!
My butt has permanent splinters now. Thanks to you. I hope you explain that to maw.
Insincerely yours,
Mike Fontenot
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Dear Lou,
Hi, my name is Jeff Baker. I’m just writing you to introduce myself.
Take care,
Jeff
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
Dear Jeff and Mike,
Can you please send pictures? I cannot come up with faces to go with those names.
Forgetfully yours,
Lou
Good win today...
Off-topic: I was looking forward to seeing American English play in Algonquin today, but the show was cancelled because of flooding. :( Has anyone seen their show? I’ve heard it’s terrific.
First cubs game in 10 years
I say it was the best and most exciting game of the year. It had me on my feet retaliating against all the cardinals fans around me. But boy, Wrigley Field is the best ballpark ever..it has something unique that I just have not felt at Camden Yards or the Nationals Stadium.
Fun fact...
Starlin Castro has only struck out once in his last 10 games
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
nice
very nice.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 24, 2010 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
This season is over even if the cubs win tomorrow
If hendry stops trades becease “this team can win this year” he should be fired for GM malpractice.
I’m glad folks are happy that cubs won two in a row but remember have only won 3/5. Keep up that pace for the season and the climb back to .500.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 24, 2010 6:10 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Again, people like you must be real fun at parties
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
I recorded the game
and after reading the recap I’m excited to watch it now.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Warning: Skip past all parts when Theriot is on the screen.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
That's a given. ;-)
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Except the last time
That one was good.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
This one is quality...feels ...sooo gooood...Theriot!
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Boy oh boy oh boy
Amen and all that. What in the world has made this guy think he’s the sh!t, anyway?
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
he is the shit...
…oh, you meant something else…
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Isn't this the advice for all games?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2010 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Is Jeff Baker not an every day second baseman? Please say he is.
Because someone needs to steal Theriot’s bike to make sure he doesn’t get to the park.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
A Baker/Fontenot platoon would be better than Theriot, right now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Jul 24, 2010 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
careful piling on theriot
the supporters might come out and rail about how he’s the least problem on this roster… or whatever their reasoning is now.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
I think his fan base is eroding
I know I’ve defected, and so have some others. He’s mentally regressed and fallen in love with aspects of his game he has no business even liking a little, all the while developing a swelled head. Either he has a sudden epiphany and listens to the coaching, or he leaves.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
it's kind of sad....
a few years ago I envisioned him turning into a Pedroia…but then he moved to SS and the rest is history….
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 24, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Haha
His game is nothing like Pedroia’s and never was. The only thing they have in common is that they are diminuitive middle infielders. Theriot NEVER had the potential to be more than a slap-hitting middle infielder. Don’t kid yourself.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 6:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Not that hindsight is great or anything
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Yep, that's how it worked out
I’ll be sure to go back to the 2007 me and tell him to stop kidding himself.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 24, 2010 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
You should
Theriot never projected to be more than a slap-hitting infielder. You were kidding yourself if you expected Pedroia.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 11:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I said you are right
not sure what else you want to hear on the subject.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 24, 2010 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I bow to your awesomeness?
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Last person I heard, though I think there are still others, was Ace.
You can only go on batting average for so long until his mental errors and physical errors make his bloop single attack not enough at all. He has a lot of enthisiasm, perhaps even grit. Just no idea how to run bases or handle pressure. He might be able to be retrained by the minors or another team…but I think his time with us is coming to a close. It’s a shame because he seems like a really good guy.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions
he's not a young guy anymore, SET
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
I realize that and it's why it seems unlikely to happen.
I’d still hope for him though, he’s still in his “peak” years (What a scary thought!) so it’s possible in theory. It won’t work for him here, but like Fox, Murton, etc, I’d hope that he could elsewhere.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions
You're missing the point
The point isn’t that Theriot is any good. The point is that the difference between Theriot’s expected production and actual production isn’t the reason why the team has failed this year.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 6:46 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
No I got the point
If Theriot were what he could be (a brainy, effort guy who does little things to help the team), I’d really like him. But he’s not. He’s a dumb baseball player who is either incapable or unwilling to learn from mistakes.
Also, I find his face annoying and as much I respect the fact that he is always willing to give a quote win or lose (which is underrated), I wish I could find ONE team story without a quote from him. Which is exceptionally petty, but I’m nothing if not honest.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
by Allie on Jul 24, 2010 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He should really learn the difference between right-handed and left-handed pitchers
When I saw he was picked off of 1st today on BCB, I jumped over to Gameday to confirm that it was, indeed, by a LHP. Guess what, pal? That lefty – he’s lookin’ right at you! How tough is that?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
was that lefty giving him the stink eye?
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
We past the point long ago that it's Riot's fault he commits errors so often.
Lou knows what he has yet still trots him out everyday. He doesn’t seem to have the capacity to learn from his mental errors.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions
he could have been
David Wright.
Instead, he’s becoming Aaron Miles.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 24, 2010 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Are you serious?
David Wright has more talent in his pinky than Theriot has in his entire body. I don’t hate Theriot very much because I always thought he sucked. Anyone that envisioned him as David Wright or Dustin Pedroia needs to have their head examined. He isn’t some horrible waste of talent. He is an average player who is having a below-average year. That’s it.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 8:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You're still missing the point
At least my point. The Theriot-hating club is missing the forest for the trees. Theriot sucks but he isn’t the reason the team sucks. The team sucks because stars like Lee, Ramirez, and Z have woefully underperformed this year. Focusing on Theriot as the source of the Cubs woes is misguided.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 8:18 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
But it's easy
Because Theriot’s mistakes are out there in the open, for everyone to see. And they happen during games. Who knows why Rami couldn’t hit before July this year? Injury? Poor preparation? New bats? And Lee’s problems have been barely discussed – what are his issues? Big Z’s a head case, so it’s easy to dismiss his decline in those terms.
But how often do you see Rami’s throw to 1st be late because he double-clutched? How many TOOTBLANs does Lee have? It’s very, very easy to hate on Theriot not because he’s not meeting our expectations, but because he’s not meeting anyone’s expectations of what a major-league level ballplayer should play like. We have no answers for the woes of DLee and Rami, but we know why Theriot sucks and we are baffled as to why he’s still making the same mistakes over and over again.
Or if he won’t learn, then why he’s still trotted out there every day.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
True. And usually a shortstop has the sharpest skills in the infield.
Yeah, I realize he’s not playing his natural position nowadays, but you’d think he’d be doing better than he is.
It’s the getting caught stealing so regularly that drives me really crazy, though.
by Blue Heron on Jul 24, 2010 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions
His SB% is actually pretty high this year
Compared to the last 2, anyway. He’s making a hash of it on defense, though.
And AFAIC, 2B is his natural position, and it’s one he’s qualified to play.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Ah, I didn't realize he started out as a second baseman.
Thank you for the correction. I grew up in the U.P. and am a fellow Packer backer, btw.
by Blue Heron on Jul 24, 2010 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions
At least one of our teams has a shot at the post-season this year
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Yeah, I'm looking forward to football season.
by Blue Heron on Jul 24, 2010 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey, me too
Marquette
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
The team sucks
because EVERYONE sucks, from the “heart” of the order to the back of the ’pen.
But Theriot’s suck makes it feel even worse to me.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
Theriot is the least of our problems
That much is still true.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
and him improving would help the team zero.
His tootblans & his double clutches would if they would cut down may not help them get a winning record.
but defending someone who is making mistakes and is a pro player…. and not correcting those mistakes.
If any of us employed repeatly made TOOTBLANS
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions
would anyone say oh you aren't the reason the company is doing bad
No we’d be held accountable regardless of how the company is doing.
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Theriot's OPS is 627.
Xavier Nady’s is 630. That’s how bad he’s been, and he’s the starting second baseman. Every starter has an OPS at least 100 points higher than him. He’s most assuredly not the least of the the team’s problems. He’s a bad baseball player, and that’s a big problem.
His OPS is higher than yours
and he’s a better player than Nady.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Least of our problems?
How can a subpar player that is on pace to get 550 PAs be the least of our problems. Soto, Byrd, Marshall, Marmol are the least of their problems.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 11:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
We're nine games back
That’s our biggest problem. Aramis Ramirez not figuring it out until recently and Derrek Lee’s poor year has been our biggest problem. A player like Ryan Theriot is ultimately not the reason we’re nine games back. People pile on him like he’s the only reason the Cubs are so bad and they’d suddenly be winners if only Ryan was gone. Ryan’s season is definitely the least of their problems. He never was a player of the caliber of Derrek Lee, who is our biggest problem this year.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
It's like this:
If I have thousands of dollars in debts, a car that has become undependable in getting me to my job, a leaky roof, and a really painful ingrown toenail, the toenail is the least of my problems, and has no real bearing on my other woes. That doesn’t mean that clipping the offending nail won’t give me some immediate, noticeable relief.
In this analogy, if the thousands of $ in debt = a handful of bloated, immovable contracts, the undependable car = Lee/Ramirez, the leaky roof = the bullpen, then Ryan Theriot = the ingrown toenail of the Cubs.
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
Should bring back Mickey Morandini
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
Did they both die and the papers failed to run their obituaries?
Or does Lou think that Theriot is really Cal Ripken and he doesn’t want to break up the streak?
Prefered lineup for tomorrow night...IMHO...
Colvin LF…Castro SS…Lee 1B…A-Ram 3B…Byrd CF…Soto C…Fukudome RF…LBR 2B…Demp P…any complaints?
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
Nope
Since Sori seems to be cooling off a bit, let him ride the pine for a day.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Well, that's just about the best lineup Lou would ACTUALLY make so, no.
But if we we’re talking about any lineup to be made, I would change it.
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Let me guess...
you got Theriot and Soriano on your fantasy team?
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
Oh hell no.
I agree with the positions, and I do think Sori needs a day off, however I would have moved Rami and Lee months ago. If I were Lou, my everyday lineup would look something like this.
Castro
Byrd
Soto
Sori
Colvin
Ramirez
Lee
Baker/Font
Pitcher
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Months ago I'd have agreed...somethings clicking right now...bench Theriot FOREVER and rest Sori a game for now
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
I agree with the Sori thing
I said that would be a normal, everyday, type of lineup.
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
You know Ramirez has been the best hitter on the team in July
Maybe with the exception of Soto. If you want to swap Lee and Soto, that would be smart, but leave Rami where he is.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 6:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, the best hitter in JULY
And the rest of the season…
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
look at the calendar
It is still July. You are not very timely in your idea to move Ramirez down.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
I like the idea of trying Soto in the three slot
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
It only makes sense
His slugging would put him 16th among all major leaguers if he could qualify.
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 24, 2010 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Beating the Cards never gets old
The pieces are in place for this team to be real good.
My take on Theriot is he tries to be a player he is not. I still think he looks stronger, bigger than years past. How with 389 Plate appearances and only have 10 doubles and 1 HR? I am sure he is wonderful guy, and doesn’t deserve all of the bashing, but he needs to find the bench several days a week. Lou treats him like his son.
6-15 against the Astros and Pirates, the number that kills me.
The unrelenting Al Yellon:
“Which makes tomorrow’s game a real turning point.”
Turning point to WHAT?
You just do not quit, do you. Cubbie Miracles? How many in 100 years?
The team loses 8 of 10, “They are done.” The team plays a week of decent baseball, MUCH too late and too little, and now its, “…a real turning point.”???
Which one, Al?
Fools Gold! Fools Gold! Fools Gold!
Even with a sweep.
I have to agree
No decisions should be made on the basis of one game. Anyway, it looks like only Lilly would be traded among the Cubs better players, and they can replace one starter. Whether Theriot, Nady, Fukudome, or Zambrano are dealt will have little impact on this team’s ability to compete.
Somebody take Aramis' bat off the restricted list, please.
Well E-man
then just screw it, screw the rest of season, rest of our born life. Cubs blow and always will.
Goodness beat the Cards two games, just maybe some juice, some positive vibe.
Life is better when you just have a tad of hope. I have that hope. Stranger things have happened in baseball. Go ahead choose your doom and gloom, some people just rather be in the muck and mire.
You misinterpret
that of COURSE it is awesome anytime to beat the Cards. And, there are many positives – well, several positives that will make the rest of the season worth watching:
The three C’s
Seeing what move Hendry will make with Lilly, et. al., that will benefit the Cubs long-term
Seeing how close the team can come to .500, after not sniffing it since May 2nd
The development of Randy Wells and Gorzo
But, if you have been a Cubs fan as long as I have (1968), you would know that “Miracles” do not happen to the Cubs. Particularly when they have to jump FOUR teams and lose constantly to the Pirates and Astros.
You are happy to be as delusional as Al if you wish. Your choice.
But tomorrow’s game a “turning point”? I think not.
I still, however, will keep watching what is turning out to be very interesting starts of careers for three rookies. And Soto is coming on strong.
The 2007 Philadelphia Phillies would like to have a word with you.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 25, 2010 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
"Turning point to WHAT?"
I’d imagine the answer is “Turning point to whether we sell or stand pat.”
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
The amount of hyperbole on this site has been the most in history lately!
All kidding aside…yeah that’s all that Al meant. This year has been extremely frustrating along with downright embarrassing at times (Z I’m looking at YOU), and that breeds people overreacting. The only thing to do is to enjoy a game by itself cause pinning hopes on this team to be happy inside sure is a bad strategy.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Most in History Lately!
Hyperbole on this site!
;)
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 24, 2010 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions
never give up
never surrender.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 24, 2010 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
whatevs.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 24, 2010 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions
As said above...
… you must be a lot of fun at parties.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
No.
I am fun at parties. I just refuse to go around “hoping” to the point of absurdity when I believe that this team is just not that good.
This is a recent Al post:
“Sixteen men left on base. Good relief pitching from Sean Marshall, Carlos Marmol, Andrew Cashner and Justin Berg wasted.
And now, a combined record against the Astros and Pirates of 6-15 — which means the Cubs are 37-38 against the rest of the teams they’ve faced. Does that make any sense at all? Any? Bueller?"
So, because I point out the obvious, some want to say folks like us who do not believe in Cubbie miracles are “…not fun at parties”?
You might be fun @ parties
But no offense but I can’t imagine a fun Saturday evening being after the Cubs win, sitting on line being negative about them.
I agree that I don’t think they’ll make the play off. He’ll I’ll be surprised if they hit .500 but it’s a win against the Cards so I’m just happy for that
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
OK, don't believe in miracles.
That’s certainly your right.
But coming here and blasting those of us who want to hold on to some hope? Where’s the fun in that, Debbie Downer?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Of course that's your right.
But why rain on someone who has hope and admits it may be very flawed? What is the payoff here? Everyone is well aware of our team’s failures and the likelyhood of turning the season around. I just don’t get what the payoff is of ranting at someone hoping the team will win would be as a Cubs fan. You get to say you’re right later?
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions
So then he can come back and tell us he told us so
Ironically many (I’d dare say most) already realize it. )
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah I guess I already did.
Just seems strange.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Nope, sorry
Your second sentence eliminated any chance of you being fun at parties.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
You're right, E-Man, and I'm gonna stand up for you here.
There’s nothing this team did last week, this week, or will do next week to change this season’s outcome.
I know you enjoy the games and the victories and (especially) wins against the Cardinals—but to think this season has any sort of glimmer of hope is ignorant and silly. It’s over. It doesn’t make you any less of a fan to use common sense.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
that depends on what we're hoping for, though
a glimmer of hope at this point should be for a non-embarassing team who has a chance to score more than zero runs every game.
Thats all I want at this point of the year, and so far I’ve been getting that largely.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
+1
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
I don't believe in Cubbie miracles
The Cubs needed to win the series against the Astros in order for this series to mean anything. We should still be sellers.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
And what if that happens?
And the Cubs stand, say, 5 or 6 games out next Wednesday? Then what?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And what if they are still
9 or 10 games out?
Then what?
That's a really good question.
That far back? Probably selling time. But we’re not there yet.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Then I continue to watch
and hope the next game goes better and leave the big decisions to people who are in a position to DO SOMETHING.
Why does the fan always need to have an answer?
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
What if, if, if, the moon explodes and the earth goes into a crazy orbit???
Then what, huh? We’d all screwed, I’m thinking.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Sell sell sell
Make Ryan Theriot the manager for the rest of the season.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
His first directive to Hendry would be to get more Cajun-handed
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Hey
I’m a Cajun. I take offense to that jab at Ryan’s heritage.
And I want to play first base coach for a day.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
so is that why you are such a fan of his?
Did you watch him in his LSU day?
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions
see I try very hard not to be partial to Badgers in the NFL
Just b/c I loved them playing college football, doesn’t mean I will adore them as an NFL player.
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 24, 2010 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Owen Daniels, Jim Leonhard, and a few O-Line lived in the apartment next to us for two years.
Owen came over with Jim one night and played beer pong with us. Owen and I were teammates while we won three straights games.
God I was awesome.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
That's interesting...did not know that.
Do you have any pull at getting the other part of the Cajun Connection some playing time?
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Submit your application to
Human Resources
Chicago Cubs National League Ball Club
1060 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60657
Attn: Scrappy
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
They have a circular file
Already for that, I think mine have been filed in there for a long time.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Then you still try to trade any one of several guys
who aren’t making your team any better: Theriot, Fontenot, Fukudome, Nady, Zambrano. These are the guys Hendry is trying to trade, anyway. And, yes, you deal Ted Lilly, because his absence this year would cost you a game or two at most, and maybe not even that.
Somebody take Aramis' bat off the restricted list, please.
who are you projecting will replace him in the rotation?
I would expect that his absence would cost us more than that, because he will be replaced by somebody pretty bad (Atkins?). And if he only makes that much difference, why would any team trade for him? (I am assuming that their upgrade is roughly equal to our downgrade)
But I’m not saying that we shouldn’t trade him. I just think that it depends on what we would get out of the deal.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Will Cashner get a chance to start next year?
by Blue Heron on Jul 25, 2010 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he will get a chance in ST.
It’s hard to know right now if the Cubs will want him there though as we have no idea what the bullpen or rotation will be like next year. If the bullpen is a gaping hole, his chances are less given his successful year so far in the pen…if the rotation has holes then his chances increase a lot, etc. He will be in a better position than Marshall given Marshall has been a better reliever than starter and we haven’t seen Cash start at all.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
winning 4 of 6
Would be the same as winning Hou and St L series.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 24, 2010 9:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The ESPN story of the game
quotes LaRussa questioning the strike calls when Marmol was pitching. From here, the following quote:
“Their reliever … was treated like he was Greg Maddux,” La Russa said, referring to the former All-Star pitcher who regularly got off-the-corner calls.
I thought that arguing ball and strike calls was asking for trouble. Is Tony asking for a fine here, or does Selig’s office just let these kind of comments pass?
For the record, I was watching the game on Gameday, and the strikeout pitch on Miles did look like it was outside.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Bwahahaha!
And TLR always hated Maddux, too. He accused Maddux of altering the ball at one point.
The folks over at VEB seemed to think Marmol was getting a soft zone, too. But when I was watching Gameday, I noticed inconsistencies for both sides, especially when it came to Gorzo vs. Pujols. I decided to let it drop when there were equal complaints from opposing fans, but LaRussa just can’t help himself, can he? Gotta find some way to make the loss not his team’s fault.
What a whiner.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
A badge of honor or Maddux that TLR hated him.
The best was when Tony asked to see the ball for the SECOND time in a game complaining that Maddux was doctoring it. Nothing there of course and when Maddux was asked about it after the game , he said that Tony had asked to see it just after a double had been smashed against the wall so TLR was only concerned that being hit so hard , the ball might be damaged. Classic Maddux. I loved it.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 24, 2010 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions
LaRussa tried to send his mint-control vibes to Maddux and it didn't work
Maddux deflected them back and had TLR doing a chicken game during one game….
Is there any manager...
in the game that publicly bitches more than TLR? He’s so easy to dislike.
That said, his complaint on the third strike to Miles is valid. That pitch wasn’t even close to being a strike.
A weasel dipped in grease has more integrity than Tony LaRussa
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
what kind of grease are we talking?
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Define "weasel"
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:19 AM CDT up reply actions
if we sweep
do we get a thank you note from dusty? if we can build around castro,colvin,and cashner the future might not be so bad.and if we are gonna have a young team why not let sandberg run it?
Speaking of coolers...
I’m worried about what’s going to happen when the Big Z returns. He doesn’t have good velocity on his pitches so far, and if he’s sour about what’s happened…
by Blue Heron on Jul 24, 2010 8:28 PM CDT reply actions
One of the Des Moines
TV stations said tonight that Lou won’t let Z make any statements to the media until he apologizes to Derrek.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
That could keep things going quite a long time.
Lou is in the right here, but Z could be very stubborn about this. He knows with Silva failing or injured, with Lilly possible to be traded he could be needed soon and is making many millions. Man our history of coddling him is really going to make things difficult for us.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 24, 2010 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions
hooray for Lou
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Apparently, he has some trade value
That’s the way I’d move. See if I could get at least a bag of balls and some Scotts Turf Builder or something…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Let's hope the next Cubs manager won't pick favorites.
by Blue Heron on Jul 24, 2010 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
good luck with that
But I bet that you really mean that you want his favorites to be the same as your favorites.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
picking favorites is a pretty normal thing
i mean, everyone has people they prefer… but Lou’s habit of completely forgetting people are on the team is pretty inexcusable. If you’re going to call yourself a manager who plays the hot hand… stick to it.
I miss that Lou, even when I didn’t agree with him at least he DID something. This old sleepy man is sad. And has been for 2 seasons now.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
by Allie on Jul 25, 2010 1:18 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm not expecting any miracles here but...
I have to admit that I am a little bit giddy over the contributions made by the kids. Could it be that this might be the best Cubs’ rookie class since at least the late 80’s when Grace, Palmeiro and Maddux were developed in close order.
All I ask of the Cubs these days is to give me hope for the future and, right at this moment, I’m feeling better than I have in over a year.
pass the kool-aid, I had the same feelings
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
I keep hearing (on BCB) about how weak the Cubs farm system is.
It seems to me that the Cubs have a lot of good players that will be making contributions for the next 5-10 yrs. How else can you explain the successful record of all of the Cub minor league teams?
It seems that the Cardinals are much thinner in the minors given all the trades they have engineered over the last 2+ years.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
Was at the game today. Simply awesome.
My first Cubs game of the year. Couldn’t have been much better. I must admit, when I saw Albert hit that ball in the 7th, I thought it was long gone. The best thing about this team — the youngsters are contributing in a major way. Colvin, Cashner, and Starlin all helped this team win today. I’ll be there tomorrow rooting for the sweep! Go Cubs!
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." -- Alvin Dark
Man this season's over.
No mini-run is gonna change that. Every team loses 8 outta 11 or wins 6 of 7. That’s the ebb and flow of baseball. The longer we wait to dump salary and make trades the worse we get in 2011 and the future. Stop delaying the inevitable Jim.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I think Hendry is just waiting for the right deal for Lilky
As for the rest of the trade candidates, I am not sure anybody wants them.
by JSB on Jul 24, 2010 11:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Who is Lilky?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 24, 2010 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions
TWSS!
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 24, 2010 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions
what the heck .. we've blown enough money
blow the rest of it with Ted Lilly leading the late season run to respectability, if not the playoffs ..
BUT ANY OLD THING CAN HAPPEN
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
about salary dumps
I agree that we should trade if we could get valuable piece for the future, but what do I, as a fan, get out of a salary dump? I figure that I just get to see more losses.
So, unless the owner pledges that all dumped salary will go back to the pool for acquiring talent next year (fat chance) we had better pick up some parts for the future from any trades, and NOT just dump salary. Season ticket holders don’t get a rebate when salary is dumped.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
You brake them, we'll break them out
I keed I keed
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
That might be a little premature with Carp on the mound.
Sure hope we sweep ’em though.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 1:39 AM CDT up reply actions
not to worry .. Coolio and I will twirl tonight
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Correction
The Cubs could win tomorrow (today) and would be no better than 8 and 1/2 games and potentially 9 and 1/2 games out. That is the problem with chasing 3 teams.
I will continue to believe even if we don't sweep tonight.
I just read that Lou’s 1995 Mariners team was 12 1/2 games out of first place Aug. 15 but rallied to win the AL West.
Anything can happen.
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
I will too, but will feel really good if ..
1) this headline remains true the rest of the year: Lilly trade not imminent, say Cubs
and
2) we eat Houston and Colorado’s lunch this week, with minimal TOOTBLAN’s and maximal unclogging of the bases with RISP’s, Colvin and Castro staying right where they are and Theriot locked in a closet at Wrigley late tonight.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
FUNNIEST POST AT VEB
When posting at this blog, please follow the Golden Rule of blog posting: Before hitting "submit" to post your remarks, ask yourself: "Would I be embarrassed to say this in front of strangers who were physically present in the room with me and could respond to my face?" If the answer is "yes," then don’t put up the post. Sharp differences of opinion are welcome here; personal attacks, vulgarity, and other uncivilized forms of expression are not.
Well, I guess we know what goes for “civilized forms of expressions” among VEBheads, don’t we. THAT is one heck of a laugh for me.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
I don't see the humor
Posts on BCB aren’t any better at times than other blogs. I skip the game threads here for that reason.
no kidding.
Things work out best for those that make the best out of the way things work out - Coach Wooden
That is pretty ironic yes when you dive into that thread
and see a lot of fbombs. There is a vast difference.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 25, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
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