Cubs End Homestand On Low Note, Lose To Cardinals; Sell Mode Next?
by Al Yellon on Jul 26, 2010 7:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintOn the day when Andre Dawson's Hall of Fame induction speech included this loving tribute to Cubs fans:
"And from my heart, thank you Cubs fans. You were a true blessing in my life. I didn't know what it was like to be loved by a city until I got to Chicago. ... You were the wind beneath the Hawk's wings."
... the 2010 version of the Cubs decided to give their fans another summation of their season. And this time, it may result in the farewell to Chicago for some players who have been here for a while. The Cubs lost 4-3 in 11 innings to the Cardinals last night on a moonlit, pleasant night with the tropical humidity of Friday and Saturday banished to the East Coast, in front of the largest paid crowd of the year, 41,406; it seemed nearly half Cardinals fans.
And it included, as has been the case so often this year:
- Solid starting pitching. Ryan Dempster threw the team's 63rd quality start -- first in the major leagues -- and registered his 1500th career strikeout.
- Actually getting hits and runs off the Cardinals' Chris Carpenter. It was only the eight time in 19 career starts Carpenter has made vs. the Cubs in which they managed to score more than two earned runs off him.
- Good relief pitching from Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol.
- Some good defense from Marlon Byrd, who threw Skip Schumaker out at the plate in the sixth inning, keeping the game tied.
Looks good so far, right? But it also included the bad things we've seen far too often in 2010:
- Continued failure to score runners in scoring position. The Cubs left RISP in the sixth, ninth, tenth and eleventh innings and had the winning run on third base with two out in the last of the ninth and could not score.
- Bad relief pitching from the back end of the bullpen. With Andrew Cashner unavailable last night due to illness (he wasn't even at the ballpark last night), Brian Schlitter had to be sent into the tie game. He got out of one inning with a slick double play, but wasn't as good the next inning, allowing the game-winning home run to Felipe Lopez.
When the mostly-rookie bullpen was put together in spring training, many said this would be the team's downfall. I disagreed. Obviously, I was wrong. Of all the young relievers, only Cashner has been consistently good (with the occasional good outing from James Russell), and he wasn't even on the team until the end of May.
It was the Cubs' 22nd loss in 35 one-run games so far this season. If you take that 13-22 record and reverse the result in even five of those games, make the one-run record 18-17, which wouldn't be unreasonable for even a contending team (the 2010 Braves, for example, are 15-14 in one-run affairs), and the Cubs' record would be 50-49 and they'd be only five games behind the Cardinals instead of 10, and we'd be talking happily about a pennant race.
The one-run losses, two of which have occurred in extra innings in the last four games, are that summation of the season, and the failure to hit with RISP and the failure to have an effective bullpen are the primary reasons the Cubs had a 6-4 homestand instead of 9-1.
So now what happens? I'd imagine Jim Hendry is trying to sell other teams on the merits of Ted Lilly, Derrek Lee, Xavier Nady, Kosuke Fukudome, Mike Fontenot and maybe Carlos Silva.
But seriously, how many of those players are really dealable? Lee's having a tough year, though he's hit better lately. Nady's production has been down and he has started only three games this month (and none since the All-Star break). Fukudome is hitting .182/.341/.364 in July. Fontenot has to keep jumping up and down in the dugout to even remind Lou he's still on the team (he's started only two games this month and hasn't had a hit since July 5). Silva, who will start tonight in Houston, hasn't gotten out of the second inning in either of his last two starts.
This article says scouts were "buzzing" after Tom Gorzelanny's solid outing Saturday, but why would the Cubs trade a good, relatively inexpensive, relatively young (just turned 28) lefthander who could be a key part of the 2011 rotation?
So that leaves Lilly, who is still scheduled to start tomorrow in Houston (and I believe he will make that start). Bruce Miles reported on an interesting meeting with Ted yesterday:
GM Jim Hendry isn’t here tonight, but assistant GM Randy Bush spent some time this afternoon in the clubhouse with lefty Ted Lilly. Perhaps Bush was apprising Lilly on the ongoing trade talks concerning the lefty. I’d said it’s more a question of "when" rather than "if" Lilly is traded.
Or the meeting could mean something else, or nothing. We'll see. Yesterday's trade of Dan Haren to the Angels was unexpected -- at least in his destination, since he had been rumored to just about every contender except the Angels -- so the results of this final week before the non-waiver deadline on Saturday may lead the Cubs to unexpected places as well.
In the meantime, it would be nice to beat the Astros tonight... just because.
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Why would the Cubs even consider trading Silva?
Except for the last 2 starts, he’s been the nicest surprise in the rotation this year. Almost an All-Start too.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Why?
Because of the money he’s owed next year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Then who do we get to replace Silva, Lilly and Zambrano in the rotation?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Cashner and Gorz
are two of them right now. Probably Jay Jackson too?
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Yeah...
Hendry would almost certainly acquire at least one SP via trade or Free Agency to accompany Wells, Gorz, and Dempster.
Zach G. seems to not be untouchable, for example……………
Official MCM Pessimist.
Oh, I'm sorry; did I poke a hole in the echo chamber?
by The Jade Scorpion on Jul 26, 2010 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Let us answer who will replace Z, Lilly and Silva with more questions
Is Cashner a starter or Jubba Chamberlain’s clone? But if he is not a starter he is a good reliever.
I say Jackson comes up rather soon and we see what he has, possibly in September we see Carpenter, Archer or Coleman who all vie for one spot.
So either Cashner and one of the four above next year or two of the five plus an acquisition.
The thing is subtracting Z is a plus. Getting anything for Silva (hope he stones the Stros tonight) and thank you for the professional 3.63 years of TR Lilly.
Question will be who the Cubs get in return for Lee & Lilly this year (hope, hope, hope).
BTW anyone put two-and-two together that Rothschild primarily works with only starting pitchers and with Z relegated to the bullpen, does that mean Rothschild has washed his hands of Big Z who failed to listen and follow Rothschild coaching? Wonder the details of this subplot. Could go back a couple of years.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Hm, I must admit...
…that’s one angle on the Z thing that I hadn’t considered. I’ve wondered if some behind-the-scenes disciplinary issues were, at least in part, what drove the Cubs to move Z to the bullpen in the first place.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I have seen Jackson 3 times in Des Moines and have been unimpressed.
Of course I didnt think much of Geo either.
Drew
for real...history says he doesnt keep his start to 2010 going much longer
as its already headed downhill….
take the chance and sell him now if at all possible.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 26, 2010 8:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Except this is still pretty much a case of the Cubs
buying high and selling low.
If they wanted to trade him, they should have done it before he started to fall apart.
the buying low
was getting rid of MB and getting a lot of cash. And expectations were very low. Trying to trade someone in May doesn’t happen very often.
by LT on Jul 26, 2010 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
It's more accurately a case of buying low and selling not-quite-as-low
Selling high would have been about a month ago. More recently? He’s looking more like the guy we thought we were getting.
Except it takes two to make a trade
Silva had no market so the Cubs couldn’t sell high. No GM would take that contract after less than a half season thinking that he magically improved from the past couple of years.
That's a separate issue...
it may be that the Cubs merely couldn’t sell high. But that doesn’t mean that selling now is selling high.
I didn't say that
My point was to mic who commented that the Cubs should have traded Silva earlier as if there was some market for his services.
unless Hendry
can sell Silva on having a rebound and just having a couple of hiccups…every pitcher has occasional hiccups and hopefully tonight he goes 6-7 innings and has a good start so Hendry can say “see…he really has turned it around…”
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
I don't think silva is going to be able to keep doing as well as he did in the first half.
sell high, especially since we aren’t going anywhere
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
To who?
I love this. Sell high because the player isn’t that good. Don’t you think the other GM’s know this too?
Silva is going nowhere right now.
The question was "why would the Cubs consider trading Silva"
not “will Silva get traded.” And the reason why you’d consider trading Silva is because he’s almost certainly not as good as his results in the first half would indicate, and thus if it’s possible to trade him for more than his actual value, then we should look into it. Your point that he’s not going anywhere is an entirely separate issue.
I agree with you but my comment was to mjk83 who
commented with the overused “sell high” as if that is easy to do.
exactly,,its not
sell high right now with Silva…its just sell.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 26, 2010 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Because he's expensive, not overly talented, and has good YTD stats b/c of a string of good pitching and good luck.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I would trade Silva
in heartbeat, a nano second. All you have to do is look at his history, goodness, he was like Maddux the first 3 months, now he is Carlos Silva. Please a team out there take him, and his huge salary.
This loss...
unfortunately just officially ended the Cubs season. 10 games back? Sell.
And Al, what’s up with the weird formatting on this site the last couple days? The fan post area doesn’t start until you scroll down more than halfway through the page.
I've sent a message to support about the formatting.
I see it too. Hopefully, they’ll figure it out today.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Also, while we're on formatting,
Once I click on the jump or comments, the link to SB Nation on the left disappears. That’s the link I normally use and when it’s gone, it’s an extra click or two to navigate there, which can be enough to discourage me.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jul 26, 2010 8:04 AM CDT up reply actions
When I first open BCB there's a link to your Chicago SB Nation site under the bricks graphic and
“How do you feel about the Cubs” poll. Then when I click to go to “Continue reading this post” that link disappears.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jul 26, 2010 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Which link disappears?
The one to the SB Nation Chicago site? Or to the rest of this post? You’re commenting here, so somehow you got here.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The one to SB Nation Chicago. Actually, the entire left scroll bar. But I use the SB Nation Chicago often
and so I just noticed it. Maybe it’s my computer. I’ll check on my laptop.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jul 26, 2010 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Same on my laptop.
I only bring it up because with the launch of SB Nation of Chicago, I’ve found that I like to go back and forth from here, the comments section of BCB, to SB Nation Chicago. And it takes some clicking to do it and then come back here. Or I open a second window. Or use two computers. I’m just suggesting that it may be more convenient for visitors to be able to navigate between the two a little more easily.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jul 26, 2010 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Send a note to support.
I’m not sure exactly what you are doing. Me, I just usually keep the two sites in separate tabs of a browser window.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
What's it look like?
Is the right hand bar blank until way down the page?
I get that at WCG all the time and thought it was just my computer. It goes in spurts.
Yep.
I had the same formatting issue last night.
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 26, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Use any browser except IE
I don’t (and haven’t) seen that in Chrome – the right column appears properly formatted to me this morning, no gaps or empty spaces whatsoever.
"I knew there had to be a place where the game could be fun again. I found that place. It's called Wrigley Field. It reminded that if you love the game, it will love you back." - Andre Dawson, HOF speech 7/25/10
Same with me on Firefox
"All of us are in the gutter...some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde
I had that issue in several game threads last night.
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 26, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Where was Nady?
How come he wasn’t available to face Reyes? As usual, Fukudome looked feeble against the lefty.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Ignore this.
Bad Monday.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Hopefully, Nady will be facing American League pitchers soon.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And I'd have sent up Koyie Hill to bat for Fukudome.
He’d have had to go into the game anyway if the Cubs had tied it, because Soto had been removed for Jeff Baker (pinch-running).
Hill isn’t a very good hitter, but he’d have had a better chance against Reyes. If the Cubs had tied it, Baker could have gone to left field (yes, I know I haven’t been in favor of him in the OF, but he probably could have handled LF in an extra-inning situation), and Colvin back to RF.
Guess Lou fell asleep again.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Agreed, Al.
Hill is horrible, but I like our chances against the Reyes with him at the plate. Dome has consistently shown that he can’t make meaningful contact against LHP.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Dome is one of the worst MLB players I have ever seen against LHP.
Also, when you strike out to end the game on a pitch that bounces three feet in front of you, RUN TO FIRST BASE.
I know that Yadier Molina makes that play 999 times out of 1000, but I’d still like to see him make the throw. There’s no reason to stand there like a moron.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Boy
how could the Cubs and others appeared to be so wrong with Dome. He is brutal. He bails out now more than ever. His approach is just horrid. He will never get traded this year. Only maybe next year this time frame.
here is my guess, hope, hope, hope for waiver wire
I could see the following players being available for waiver acquisitions
Fukudome
Theriot
Ramirez
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Dome's only chance there was to draw a walk.
I guess he knew I had to work today and wanted to get the game over with.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
The real problem was
Lou burned Baker when he used him to run for Soto. Lou just doesn’t manage his roster well and again we’re left with either a bad choice for available pinch hitters or relief help. Last night he should have used one of the pitchers to run for Soto or not subbed him at all.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Wells would have been a good option
He is a good all round athlete and has decent speed. Of course it would have required Lou to think ahead.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Using Baker to pinch run was a real brain cramp
I was at the game with a few beers in me. When I saw Baker run out to first, even I had the sense to yell “No Lou, save Baker. Dome is due up 4th this inning, followed by Colvin, and of course LaRussa is going to bring in the lefty”. How can Lou and coaches be so oblivious?
by holy mackeral on Jul 26, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Been a long time since SRO was as crowded as last night.
We had a lot of fun during a beautiful evening at the ballpark, but that tenth inning was a killer. The Cubs were given 5 outs, IMHO, the Cardinals committed an error and hit Castro with a pitch, and the Cubs still couldn’t put the winning run across.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
Starlin Castro is on pace for....
141 hits in just 133 games (projected total)
And, he’s only struck out 1 time since the All-Star break.
Amazing.
"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)
Both Castro and Colvin should get ROY consideration.
Jason Heyward: .276/.387/.459
Tyler Colvin: .262/.318/.529
Lower BA and OBA for Colvin, but much higher SLG… and more HR, leading all rookies with 15… in more than 100 fewer PA than Heyward.
Starlin Castro: .307/.359/.445
SLG nearly as high as Heyward. 16 doubles ranks fourth on the Cubs despite having far fewer PA than the three above him (Byrd, Soriano, Lee).
Yes, I know there’s some guy named Strasburg who has good ROY credentials. But so do Castro and Colvin.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Rookies are good.
Let’s get more of them
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
what?
our farm system is crap – Hendry sucks………………………
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Hendry did a hilariously poor job with our farm system.
In fact, his terrible performance with the minor leagues prior to his promotion is one of the major reasons he’s failed as the MLB GM.
He almost certainly would have fired the director of MiLB player personnel upon becoming MLB GM, except for the fact that he WAS that guy.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
It's amazing...
…how many people forget about this all important fact, and that the Cub’s driest era of minor league player development was under his watch (94-02).
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Correct...
…it was Jim Hendry. After 8 years running the farm and 5 more as a GM, he finally got the right guy to start to do some good things. After that long, your bound to get some things right, if not by shear luck.
Hendry was a disaster in the job he had running the farm and than he was promoted. Now he is getting the chance to do something very few GM’s get to do who don’t win championships, or at least have sustained success while spending boatloads of money – hire his third manager.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
They definitely deserve to be nominated....
Strasburg will win likely the popularity contest…
Jaime Garcia, Mike Leake, and Buster Posey will also receive strong consideration…
Ike Davis is having a decent rookie season as well…
"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)
The Heyward vs Colvin battle is interesting....
As both are lefties playing the same OF position. But it should be noted that Heyward, like Castro, is just 20 years old.
Colvin should be the more developed player at this stage… at age 24, and having played college ball.
"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)
Age is (or should be) irrelevant in the RoY voting
Heyward is certainly the better prospect given his performance and age. But in terms of rookie voting, both are on equal standing.
Age is irrelevant to ROY
Just looking under the microscope
"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)
If the Braves make the post season, Heyward has a big advantage
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 26, 2010 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions
But post-season stats
don’t figure into the ROY voting. Hayward will win because of….his spectacular opening day, really (if Strasburg doesn’t)….and all the hype that he has picked up since the Braves are contenders.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 26, 2010 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
The Braves finishing first will help him.
Unless Colvin, Castro or, say, Posey, have better offensive numbers, it likely goes to him.
Or, maybe, Leake, if the Reds win the NL Central.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
they should
but thanks to ESPN Strasburg will win it even if he doesnt get another out…
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
This kid is a star in the making. He learns fast and seems to have patience
well beyond his young age. I don’t know if I agree with some projections that have him as a leadoff hitter. He may be better suited to bat in the 2 hole in the future. It’s good to have 2 potential starts at their ages playing every day. Reminds me of the days of Walton and Smith. Hopefully, this tadem produces for the Cubs a lot longer than that duo did.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 26, 2010 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Castro
He isn’t ready. He’s only 20.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
You know...
… most of us who said that earlier this year have already admitted we were wrong.
But you had to go ahead and post this gratuitious slam anyway. Totally uncalled for.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Hopefully Castro... and Heyward's success at age 20 this season
Can throw this whole “he’s too young, he isn’t ready yet” thing out the window, when we discuss other players in the Cubs system.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you have “it.” Unfortunately… the Cubs don’t seem to have any other young stars on the farm who have “it.”
We hope Jackson, Vitters, and HJ Lee will be next… but we’ve had our share of disappointments.
"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)
Well... yes and no.
Despite the success of Castro and Heyward, it is very, very rare to have a player come to the major leagues at age 20 and have that kind of success.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes... it is very rare...
It’s also very rare to find a guy who has “it.” They are one in the same.
Griffey Jr… A-Rod… Yount… they all had “it.” That’s why they were all in the bigs at such a young age.
"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)
The problem is that none of us know ahead of time if the player has "it"
So the odds are really good that the next player at 20 isn’t ready.
Actually... I'd look at it this way...
The odds are very good that if a player is in the majors at age 20… that he’s going to have a very good career.
Player Birthdate Debut
GAMBLE, OSCAR 12/20/1949 8/27/1969
ALLEN, LLOYD 05/08/1950 9/1/1969
VALENTINE, BOBBY 05/13/1950 9/2/1969
McQUEEN, MIKE 08/30/1950 10/2/1969
GULLETT, DON 01/06/1951 4/10/1970
MOORE, BALOR 01/25/1951 5/21/1970
BLYLEVEN, BERT 04/06/1951 6/5/1970
FORSTER, TERRY 01/14/1952 4/11/1971
PORTER, DARRELL 01/17/1952 9/2/1971
FRANKLIN, JAY 03/16/1953 9/4/1971
CHRISTENSON, LARRY 11/10/1953 4/13/1973
CLYDE, DAVID 04/22/1955 6/27/1973
YOUNT, ROBIN 09/16/1955 4/5/1974
CLARK, JACK 11/10/1955 9/12/1975
WYNEGAR, BUTCH 03/14/1956 4/9/1976
TEMPLETON, GARRY 03/24/1956 8/9/1976
MONROE, LARRY 06/20/1956 8/23/1976
GRIFFIN, ALFREDO 10/06/1957 9/4/1976
ROMERO, ED 12/09/1957 7/16/1977
TRAMMELL, ALAN 02/21/1958 9/9/1977
GREER, BRIAN 05/14/1959 9/13/1977
MORGAN, MIKE 10/08/1959 6/11/1978
Player Birthdate Debut
CONROY, TIM 04/03/1960 6/23/1978
SEILHEIMER, RICKY 08/30/1960 7/5/1980
DAVIS, MARK 10/19/1960 9/12/1980
VALENZUELA, FERNANDO 11/01/1960 9/15/1980
NELSON, GENE 12/03/1960 5/4/1981
MANRIQUE, FRED 11/05/1961 8/23/1981
NUNEZ, EDWIN 05/27/1963 4/7/1982
OQUENDO, JOSE 07/04/1963 5/2/1983
REYES, GILBERTO 12/10/1963 6/11/1983
SABERHAGEN, BRET 04/11/1964 4/4/1984
RIJO, JOSE 05/13/1965 4/5/1984
LEE, MANUEL 06/17/1965 4/10/1985
CORREA, ED 04/29/1966 9/18/1985
GARCIA, MIGUEL 04/03/1967 4/30/1987
JEFFERIES, GREGG 08/01/1967 9/6/1987
ALOMAR, ROBERTO 02/05/1968 4/22/1988
MARTINEZ, RAMON 03/22/1968 8/13/1988
SHEFFIELD, GARY 11/18/1968 9/3/1988
GRIFFEY, KEN 11/21/1969 4/3/1989
ALVAREZ, WILSON 03/24/1970 7/24/1989
AVERY, STEVE 04/14/1970 6/13/1990
Player Birthdate Debut
GARCES, RICH 05/18/1971 9/18/1990
RODRIGUEZ, IVAN 11/27/1971 6/20/1991
VanPOPPEL, TODD 12/09/1971 9/11/1991
NIEVES, MELVIN 12/28/1971 9/1/1992
GIL, BENJI 10/06/1972 4/5/1993
NEWFIELD, MARC 10/19/1972 7/6/1993
TAVAREZ, JULIAN 05/22/1973 8/7/1993
PARK, CHAN HO 06/30/1973 4/8/1994
VALDES, ISMAEL 08/21/1973 6/15/1994
RODRIGUEZ, ALEX 07/27/1975 7/8/1994
GARCIA, KARIM 10/29/1975 9/2/1995
RENTERIA, EDGAR 08/07/1976 5/10/1996
JONES, ANDRUW 04/23/1977 8/15/1996
CARUSO, MIKE 05/27/1977 3/31/98
WOOD, KERRY 06/17/1977 4/25/98
RAMIREZ, ARAMIS 06/25/1978 5/26/98
"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 an entirely different statement...
“he’s going to have a very good MLB career” and “he’s MLB ready” are not one and the same.
Exactly.
I count 59 players in a 30-year period. Two per season. Maybe half of those guys had a good major league career.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I recall posting something similar about 20 year olds
Every sport has players with exceptional ability and a far younger age than the norm, it is why they are exceptional. Most rookies are not exceptional, they are developed, some develop into very good players, some plateau and others are late bloomers, all learning their craft and perfecting it.
Castro was recognized being exceptional last year and I see why, he has that intangible ability to slow the game down in his mind and adjust, remember and adjust. It was seen last night when LaRussa challenged him in the double steal attempt and he nailed him at the plate by performing the run down perfectly. He didn’t panic like a rookie he anticipated.
HE has shown it at the plate by getting most of his hits later in the game after seeing how the pitcher is working him and seeing the delivery. HE will will continue to get better. Forget the idea of moving him to 2B if the next SS phenom comes up (Hak-Ju Lee), he will be the best SS in the NL and possibly MLB.
As for ROY it is a popularity contest. The importance is that the Cubs have developed three key players this year for 2011 and beyond, I am hoping one more is brought up and impacts the team. Next year I hope three or four more ascend.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
I'm still angry we traded Gamble
For washed up Johnny Callison. Believe it or not the Cubs were trying to get more left handed.
"All of us are in the gutter...some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde
Didnt mean to insult your avatar!
"All of us are in the gutter...some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde
I wish we could have had Gamble and Jose Cardenal...
in the same outfield for a period of years….the two most famous afros in baseball history in the same outfield….what might have been???
his name is krummy .... haha what do you expect
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
by lexmarklover on Jul 26, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep Al
it sucks when your right all the time, just ask him, he will be glad to tell you.
I think the board was close to split on whether Castro was ready or not. It definitely was not over whelming that he was ready.
Either way I am glad the Cubs have Castro, Colvin, Cashner to build on.
I think there were multiple debates on Castro's call-up...
Some felt he wasn’t ready. Some felt he was ready. Some felt that regardless of whether or not he was ready, it wasn’t a sound decision to call him up when they did rather than wait a month or so and get an extra cost-controlled year of his services (given that he wasn’t going to save the season).
I think it was perfectly reasonable to question his readiness. I think it was reasonable to be excited about his future. And I fall into the crowd that thinks it was a debatable organization move to call him up early and likely burn a year of cost-controlled value.
But yes, I’m glad that the Cubs have the three Cs. Hopefully more talent is coming up through the pipeline.
by SouthernCub on Jul 26, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
No
Your reply to my post was totally uncalled for. My original comment, meant entirely in jest, was definitely not pointed in your direction.
I’m going to stop there and take the high road here. “Your site” and your comments just don’t matter in the whole grand scheme of things. Neither do mine. Remember that.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
So how am I supposed to know that's a joke?
You and I had a lot of discussions regarding Castro’s readiness before the season started. It appeared to be a direct slam at me.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And
I also said Carlos Silva wouldn’t pitch meaningful innings this season. If someone were to point out that I was wrong in that regard, I could care less. I guess what I’m saying is perceived “slam”, perceived slight, grand slam, salami sandwich…no matter what it is, don’t take this too seriously. Life is too short for that no matter whose opinions are ultimately proven correct, incorrect, ignorant or entirely uneducated.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Unnecessary
Sarcasm (which it was) or not, it doesn’t matter either way. If Al doesn’t like it, too bad. Similarly, if I don’t like guys taking message board potshots at me, too bad. Either way, the reaction is meaningless.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Well, apparently it is necessary...
…because the comment seems to be causing a bit of a ruckus.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Wow, I didn't realize he'd struck out only once.
Starlin was billed as a good contact hitter and he’s proving that.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Caption
The Cardinals marvel at Castro’s ball levitation ability.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
The highest payroll in the division
And now the Cubs have to be sellers. If Jim Hendry gets to keep his job next season, Tom Ricketts doesn’t know what he’s doing.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
by Ace Venom on Jul 26, 2010 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Jim is keeping his job.
Tommy boy said so.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Source?
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Ricketts mentioned it when Lou announced his retirement
by LT on Jul 26, 2010 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Correct.
So far, Hendry still has a chance to clean up the mess he’s made. The jury is still out on whether that’s going to happen or not.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Unfortunately
This is why I have no faith in ownership.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
It's really bad business practice to keep around a guy who is wasting your money
It’s all about return on investment.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
I'm sure Ricketts will have no say in how JH spends his money
by LT on Jul 26, 2010 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
He does have the power to fire people, doesn't he?
It’s his business. He might not directly interfere with how money is spent, but he can always have a say about who spends his money.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
I don't agree that because Ricketts has given Hendry two thumbs up,
he is still running the personnel in 2011. Ricketts has no choice but to give Hendry a clear vote of confidence—for now.
If Hendry can pull off some magic this month and position the Cubs for 2011, he will likely be back. If Hendry can’t get the payroll down and improve the Cubs’ future, Ricketts may very well send Hendry packing. But Ricketts would be stupid to do anything other than what he did on the day that Lou announced he was leaving.
Just another view of things…
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
Rickett's comments...
…about Hendry were made very carefully.
When someone says; “he will start next season as the GM”, has to give you a little pause. If Ricketts said; “he will be the GM in 2011”, that would be a different story.
Also, we don’t yet know whether Ricketts will hire a baseball operations President or VP and let that guy decide who he wants as GM.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
maybe Rickettses are just buying time with Hendry, looking to find the right guy
They are new to the game, and had no baseball connections until recently. Maybe they want to establish some relationships around MLB, find out who they can trust, and THEN go ahead and clean house a year from now. They may feel that Hendry is not a part of the long range plans, but want to take time for find his replacement. Given that uncertainty, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Hendry hire Trammell to be manager-on a one year contract. No big name manager would come in under those terms, but Tram is already here. Just a thought….who knows what the Rickettses are thinking?
by holy mackeral on Jul 26, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
"maybe Rickettses are just buying time with Hendry"
Exactly and I think this is exactly what is happening. Again, there is a reason why Tom Ricketts said that Hendry is the GM “Going into next year” and that Kenney and himself will be overseeing the Managerial hiring process. There is absolutely no reason for him to mention this to the media. I have a strong feeling that Hendry will be closely monitored.
Hendry certainly wont be singing any players to monster contracts
by holy mackeral on Jul 26, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
In all fairness you cannot blame Hendry for any of the so called 'monster' contracts
1. Soriano was the best available free agent in 2006-2007. There are also rumblings that Tribune was also pushing him into that signing to make the team more attractive for sale.
2. Zambrano’s contract was really fair at that time. It’s a shame that Z fell of a cliff after that but no one was complaining when he signed Z.
3. ARam was signed below market value
4. Lee’s extension was completely fair and without looking up I am sure that Lee provided adequate value for that contract.
What other ‘Monster’ contract we are talking here?
The problem with Hendry is spending money on players like Neifi (Extension because he ‘saved’ the season, Really?), Womack, Rusch, Grabow (Where the heck is he?) etc
fukudome and the rightfielder now playing in Seattle
had “monster” contracts. on the “discount” side, you mentioned a few, and I will add Miles, Remlinger, Hawkins, Jock Jones etc. But that wasnt my point. I was just agreeing with you as we speculated about a short leash for JH.
by holy mackeral on Jul 26, 2010 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Who do we hire instead?
Jim Hendry is not the best GM in baseball but who do you want instead? Hendry makes good trades and rarely gets burned.
It is easy to say let’s fire him for Fukudome, Bradley, Zambrano and Soriano but many other teams were after Fukudome, he turned the Bradley situation around, many teams would have offered a similar contract to Zambrano at the time and he may be overpaying Soriano but look around the league at players like Matt Holliday at $17M a year, Ryan Howard at $25M a year.
He doesn’t get enough credit for Dempster, Lilly, A-Ram’s extension, DeRosa (signing and trading at the right time), Byrd, drafting talent like Marmol, Marshall, Wells, Castro, Colvin, Soto, Cashner, and trading for guys like Lee, A-Ram, and even minor trades like Fontenot and Gorzelanny.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
$140 million dollars
10 games back, having to be sellers. Also his various failures.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
You know, you can put the proper people in place
and if they don’t perform, there isn’t much you can do.
Do you blame Hendry, for example, for the Cubs not making the 2004 playoffs? He went out and got Nomar at the trade deadline, and they still couldn’t make it.
Unfortunately, baseball isn’t played by machines. Human beings don’t always produce the way you think they will.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
And that's a reason to not fire them?
“Boohoo. I’m a human being. I made mistakes. I’m sorry, mommy. I’ll do better.”
It doesn’t work like that in the real world.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Sigh, that really went over your head.
He was saying that the ball players are human and didn’t live up to expectations but Hendry put together the right parts on paper.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
If this was all on paper
We would be leading the division. Just because it looks right on paper doesn’t mean it is right.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
So you admit the team was put together well on paper
That’s all a GM can do. Thank you for providing my argument.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
This is pointless
Just because it looks right doesn’t mean it is. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong. You can’t give someone a free pass for wrong just because it looked right.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
No, the team was NOT put together well on paper.
Every projection system had us pegged for 78-80 wins.
That’s a pretty crappy “on paper” value for $145M.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
But you have to remember
When he signed this team he was making a run for it in 07 and 08. It’s obvious the players would regress due to age, but a few of them tanked faster than anyone would have guessed.
He didn’t sign this team last year. He signed them mostly in 06-07.
Jim went all out for 07 and 08 and we are paying for it now. What if the team didn’t choke in 08 and won it all? No one would really be complaining about Jim right now.
The GM can only do so much. There was little wrong with the 08 team and they still couldn’t do it. The players have to perform.
Given the nature of sports and how much of a crapshoot they can be
I’d prefer the GM who doesn’t bank their entire strategy on one year succeeding (remember that in 2007 we barely won a division with a record that would probably come in 2nd or 3rd any other year – we were not serious championship contenders by any means) but instead builds to give their teams decent chances year in and year out.
And for anyone who’s going to bring it up . . . yes, I know the Blackhawks mortgaged 2011 to win the championship in 2010, except I expect they’ll still make the playoffs with a decent seed this year, and by next year they should be ready to contend again (if not sooner – their core is getting better). The 2008 and 2009 Cubs are not really that close a comparison.
by madcow256 on Jul 26, 2010 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
We can't point to a cohesive plan to that direction.
The team was definitely built to make a run for it in 07-09. Salary has only continued to escalate since then.
It’s not as if Hendry was going “all-in” for just 07 and 08. He traded DeRosa for prospects after 2008 (we’re going younger!) – and traded our top prospect, Felix Pie, for (eventually) Aaron Heilman a couple days later. (we need vet relievers to win now!)
He signed Milton Bradley to play LF (win now!) and refused to tender arb to Kerry Wood, in order to pass the torch to Marmol and the youngsters in the pen (rebuild!)
There have been a number of random, contradictory moves from the front office. The only reasonable conclusion is that there is no overarching strategy, no long-term plan, but rather, that the team is constantly reacting to the latest crisis — constantly trying to patch holes in the roster with resources gained by digging holes elsewhere on the roster.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Jul 26, 2010 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Then you're looking for a psychologist, not a GM
You do the best job you can do, and the players have to do the rest.
Hendry has done that consistently throughout his Cubs career.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
And his best hasn't been good enough
Apparently we could do better because we’re still chasing that elusive championship.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Hendry's tenure has seen the most success
the Cubs have had in my lifetime.
You’ve got to crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run.
Methinks you’d be going through GMs like toilet paper if we held them to your criteria.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I highly doubt it
Again, this isn’t fantasy baseball.
I have my theories on why the Cubs can’t get it done on the field, but that’s not the point here.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
You have low standards
The Cubs have been terrible for most of your lifetime. That we’ve improved from that under Hendry doesn’t mean much, since the bottom line is we HAVEN’T WON A PLAYOFF GAME IN 7 YEARS!
Hendry may have had some positive years, but he’s the most inefficent GM in baseball. No GM gets less for more and keeps his job. Many GMs do more with less and lose their jobs. He didn’t have a successful minor leaguer to his credit until Wilkens took over. The team still does not seem to have any long term structured plans for it’s pitchers (see Cashner).
I think you need to raise your expectations. We are one of the most cherished franchises in sports. We have the largest payroll in the National League. We should be the Yankees of the NL. We should have excellence up and down the organization. What we have is mediocrity. We have older fans who are so used to that mediocrity that they cling to it like a security blanker, afraid to seek out anything better.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 26, 2010 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 11 recs
"most inefficent GM in baseball"
Omar Minaya and Ned Colletti would like a word with you, among others.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Omar maybe
but Ned has done OK
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Hendry
has the third highest payroll in baseball and I think we’re still on pace for about 70 wins.
I would trade rosters with the Dodgers in a nanosecond, so I don’t see how Colletti is un the discussion.
Minaya is probably in the discussion with Hendry for most inefficient GMs in baseball. So awesome, we might only have the second-most ineffecient GM in baseball. There will have to be some discussion on who is worst, so maybe we’ll luck out and not have the most inefficient GM in baseball.
DEJESUS!!!
Last time I checked
The players aren’t marionettes with strings attached to them that Jim controls. Players play the game. Our roster is as competitive as just about anybody-the players haven’t performed. I would say the only glaring gap we have is the bullpen……(this year).
Our roster was projected to be lousy.
This is not a team that has underperformed. It’s a roster that was projected to be below average, and which has performed somewhat further below average.
Let’s not pretend that Jim assembled some sort of on-paper juggernaut here.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I don't know where you find lineup comparisons...
Otherwise we’re basing off of opinions, but BEFORE the year started, we were in pretty good shape.
No, we weren't. Look at PECOTA, CHONE, etc.
We were projected to be a 78 win team before the season.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
This team stinks on paper almost as bad as they do on the field.
I can’t let this pass without comment - the 2009 Cubs are underperforming, but not THAT badly. On paper, they were a sub.500 team.
This isn’t like Hendry put together some crackerjack juggernaut roster and watched it fail inexplicably. They were, on paper, kind of sh*tty.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
You're neglecting something.
Hendry needs an opposite number in the real world in order to make deals. And those opposite numbers have their own ideas, and agendas, and sometimes we get OK deals, and sometimes we don’t.
And sometimes a player benefits from a change of scenery and does better then expected after a deal, at which point it’s great (if it’s for us) or crappy if it’s someone going elsewhere. Sometimes, someone falls apart after a trade, too. It happens. And Hendry, for all the grief he gets here, has really done no better or worse than many other GM’s out there. That’s a fact, and much like New Jersey, it matters little if at all how you feel about it.
Your concept of “the real world” verges on solipsism. Or on the miserable MTV show of a few years back.
by MN exile on Jul 26, 2010 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
What about his various success?
You are quick to jump on the negatives but give him no credit for the positives.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Did those successes involve a pennant or a World Series title?
Nope.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Correct
But it does include 3 post-season appearances and one of the organizations top 10 seasons, the first .600%+ winning season since 1945.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
I can't be accused of having low expectations
That’s aiming low imho. The 2003 and 2008 teams should have won the pennant. What a ripoff.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
What are your thoughts on Billy Beane?
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
So is it Hendry's fault that they didnt?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Not ridiculous if it's true
In my world, people are held accountable for their failures.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
I would not consider Hendry's tenure a failure
I guess that’s the difference (and I want to see them win a WS as much as you do).
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Should we have fired Lou right after 2008?
Traded or DFAed Lilly?
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
We should have fired Lou after 2008
I think so.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Yes, because teams fire 97-win managers all the time
Again, if you want a new manager and GM every year, AV, we’ll follow your template.
Then absolutely nobody would want to work for this organization.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't necessarily believe in firing GMs every year
I may joke about it, but I do believe people should be fired if the job doesn’t done. And I absolutely believed Lou should have been fired after 2008. It sends a message that we shouldn’t accept mediocrity.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
And not a baseball organization on earth
would have done it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Steinbrenner canned Dick Howser for less
And I believe that was the right thing to do at the time.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
also Grady Little, after 2003
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
At least in Little's case,
I believe there were extenuating circumstances (they weren’t all that satisfied with him in the first place, and the 2003 playoffs were icing on the cake).
Citing Steinbrenner to bolster your argument is hysterical.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
You are correct. They didn't ever win 7 championships with him as owner!
I would much rather have the Cubs record during the same time period!
Just like you do!
Steinbrenner became a joke in baseball
circles. It is only after he backed away from his heavy-handed mechanizations that the Yankees got back to their winning ways. Early Steinbrenner is not really a template for success.
"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
Many of his successes come from fleecing other teams in need of money.
He is a much better buyer than a seller.
I am looking for a blue chip prospect he has traded for……
Blue chip traded for?
Why do we need to have traded for a blue chip prospect? What’s wrong with getting guys like Castro and Marmol? What is wrong with Wells, Soto and Marshall coming late through the draft?
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess acquiring Nomar, Harden, D-Lee, etc.,
don’t count for anything in TJ’s bizarro world.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
Those guys really got us to World Series games at Wrigley Field.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Were you excited about getting those players
when it happened?
If you were, then you have no right to bitch about Hendry now.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I have a right to complain about anyone I want
I have free speech. Just like you have the freedom to say I’m wrong, I have the freedom to say Hendry failed.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
You also have a right
to show your arse, which is what you’re doing, IMHO, by continuing this line of argument.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Congrats, TJ!! You show you're an ass
at least 20 times a thread!!! You’re amazing!!! Not to mention a psychopath!!!
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
TJ is amazing!
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
by Ace Venom on Jul 26, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Watch out i am also a Psycopath for pointing out the truth about NOT Bruce!
NOT Bruce is an amazing Cub fan!
MAKE THIS GREEN!
LOL@NBF
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 26, 2010 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
You been flagged.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 26, 2010 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
For what?
C’mon, Internet tough guy, let me know. I’m all ears.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
How abou the fact that you start crap
like calling people Internet Tough guy and then just keep fueling it.
I’ve had enough and I’m sure I’m not alone.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 26, 2010 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually, I stole that line from you
if you don’t like what I post, don’t reply or go elsewhere.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
You're all something...
but it’s not ears.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Again, I consider the source
and that says everything I need to know.
Right back at you, SWL.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
The only difference between you and I Not Bruce...
is that I can easily admit that I’m full of shit.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, at least we finally
agree on something.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
You can't convince me I'm wrong
You’re wasting your time.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
by Ace Venom on Jul 26, 2010 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually I'm going to rec this and stop typing
We can’t convince you of the truth, what is the point.
Have a good one.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Congrats NBF
On getting TJ11 to drop his all-positive all the time persona. I like it.
"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 was wondering
what it might take. Glad to oblige, v6.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with NOT Bruce!
That changes are not needed and we are on our way to a championship season!
Extentions for JH please! We need him to stay!
I also agree with him that Bobby Howry isn’t hurting this team!!!!!
Cubs win big in 2010!!!!!!
no takebacks, TJ!!!!
"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
So basically
You were really really excited. Got it.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
As usual you miss the point....
I give him credit for getting talent when we are in a race.
But when we are sellers we don’t seem to ever get anything of value. Lilly is a nice chip to have right now. I do not believe we will get as much for him as we could.
why do you think that?
What examples of him selling badly worry you?
"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
Can we start with DeRosa?
Then there is Pie, Patterson, Farnsworth, etc. There isn’t a long list, but that’s partly because he’s had a never-ending budget to work with, and hasn’t needed to sell.
DEJESUS!!!
Not DeRosa again
And I don’t recall Hendry having a “never-ending budget” until, perhaps, 2007.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Huh?
Hendry got ARam to stay with the Cubs when he could have got more money elsewhere, Fans were extremely excited.
Hendry gave Z an extension and fans were jubilant.
But what good did it do?
That’s my point. I’m not content with looking back and saying, “He was a good player for us.”
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
I would like the GM
to be smarter than the fans.
Further, I don’t the the Aramis deal (aside from the moronic 16 million dollar player option) is one that has people upset.
DEJESUS!!!
From everything I've read in this thread
that wouldn’t take much…
by LT on Jul 26, 2010 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
It's called negotiation
Aramis took what was widely considered to be a discount to stay. That’s why you include things like $16 million player options. It isn’t necessarily an idiotic thing.
by JSB on Jul 26, 2010 2:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
What other 3B
Would you have liked to have that would have given us a BETTER chance to win at the same cost? Jim got a great 3B to stay here for LESS money-it’s up to Rami to then deliver, which he didn’t!
Very accurate statement!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Rec'd, and further...
Jim Hendry is not the best GM in baseball but who do you want instead? Hendry makes good trades and rarely gets burned.
The “Fire Hendry” crowd never mentions a possible replacement who is both a) better and b) available.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Why should we have to?
It’s not my job to find a replacement, but anyone can judge a bad job when they see it. I always find the “select the replacement” crowd to be guilty of wanting the status quo because they know nothing else. If $140 can’t buy you into contention, you need to look at the guy who spent the money. We’d have been better off being cheap and developing players rather than spending our way into this mess with backloaded contracts. It’s absurd.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
I'm not defending the backloaded deals, but...
… just to fire someone without an idea of where you’re going next? Not a good idea.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Better than keeping what you have because it's not working
If I have a car sitting on my lot that won’t start but maybe one day out of the week, I’m not going to keep it around just because I don’t have another car. I’m going to go out and find another car.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Right!
And most likely, you know what kind of car you want and what it will do for you before you go.
And most likely, you want a better car than the one you have.
That’s what the Fire Hendry crowd isn’t acknowledging.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If you hire someone
who is or has been a GM before, then you know what you’re getting. I acknowledge than this can’t realistically be done unitl after the season, so maybe it will still happen.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 26, 2010 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Problem is...
…rows and rows of good GMs aren’t sitting in a dealership lot somewhere.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
No
And you still don’t know what you’re getting with a new or used car either until you actually drive it for a while. For example, if I had known I’d have my new used car in the shop just about every month, I would have shelled out the money to replace the engine on my old one. Shame on me, but I’ll be looking for a new vehicle when I can afford it. That’s the risk you take.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Can you list the GMs you would rather have?
Give me a list of 15 or so? I’ll make it easy for you, they have to be alive. Forget even tampering rules or anything. There are 30 teams in the league. Only 10 would be above average, 10 would be average, and 10 would be below average.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
That is not my job
Would you rather have the status quo? I don’t have to offer up a new idea to say the old one isn’t working. Why is that so difficult to understand? People criticize things all the time without offering an alternative.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Well...
I don’t have to offer up a new idea to say the old one isn’t working. Why is that so difficult to understand? People criticize things all the time without offering an alternative.
If you offered even the vaguest shred of evidence that you have any ideas whatsoever, realistic or otherwise, it might add a bit of credence to your otherwise obviously uninformed opinions/rants.
by MN exile on Jul 26, 2010 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Turn this green, please
A tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, or some such thing.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
You might be surprised, TJ!!!!!
Maybe we can turn green a post that recommends your banning for using too many exclamation points!!!!
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
LOL! go ahead!!!!!!
NOT Bruce is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is calm!!!!
Wait until he gets excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I would rank
Hendry at the bottom of the middle list. So without going through every GM one by one, there are more than 15 I’d rather have than Hendry, if we’d be giving those guys the same kind of money Hendry’s had at his disposal the last 10 years.
DEJESUS!!!
Actually
Based on free agents alone $140 million probably isn’t enough to buy a World Series. The Cubs problem has been failure to develop young cheap talent (which they appear to have turned around). There is a good case to fire Hendry, but it isn’t as much of a slam dunk as some think.
by JSB on Jul 26, 2010 2:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm in the Fire Hendry crowd
and I would throw money at Jon Daniels, who can opt out of his contract with Texas after the season. Or I’d look into see if Walt Jocketty could be pried away from Cincinatti. Or maybe (I’m going to butcher the spelling of his name) John Scherholtz feels like being GM again and saving Chicago.
DEJESUS!!!
So we should break the rules and tamper?
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
It's only breaking the rules if you get caught
Or so they say.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
+1
Let’s break the rules everyone. Just don’t get caught. It’s the “Cubbie Way”. Heckuva a job you are doing AV
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
So basically what I've learned today is...
…that when Hendry makes a move that works out, it’s because he’s a good GM. And when he makes a move that doesn’t, it’s because the players didn’t perform.
I never realized before what a flawless GM he is. Ricketts should sign him to a lifetime contract asap
by bluekoolaide on Jul 26, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also...
You should never fire a GM unless you can immediately post a list of potential replacements who can’t be argued as unrealistic suggestions.
So until that mythical time comes when a super-GM just happens to be NOT under contract with anybody, we should just stay put. Why take the chance?
You may think Jim Hendry has done a job worthy of his firing; heck, you might think that he’s a downright poor GM. But doggone it, unless you can give me some better alternatives BY NAME, let’s just keep the status quo and pray that things change. No matter how bad a job you might think he’s done, you have to stick with him, because we must assume that the next can only be worse.
Imagine if we applied that logic to managers or players.
Oh, and no taking a chance on guys who haven’t been GMs yet, because that gets shot down instantly because they haven’t been GMs yet. So limit your list to experienced, successful GMs who are completely available. See? Now how can you talk about firing Jim Hendry?
Official MCM Pessimist.
Oh, I'm sorry; did I poke a hole in the echo chamber?
by The Jade Scorpion on Jul 26, 2010 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions
OK, at least you made some suggestions.
Schuerholz is 70 — not likely to want to be a GM again. There’s no way the Reds let Jocketty go.
So Daniels might be an option. But then again, his history is about like Hendry’s — some good, some not so good.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Who is Daniels farm director?
Texas farm system is a huge reason they are winning.
by JSB on Jul 26, 2010 2:18 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I refer you to this fanpost
I looked over the list and any of these folks sound good to me.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
at last
some recommendations. I thought that there had to be some out there.
"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
j.p. ricciardi
he’s available now. Toronto was a good team in a really tough division for years. ricciardi comes from the Billy Beane school of thought on evaluating talent. He did well with a smaller payroll in Toronto.
I'll third that no.
Ricciardi was an awful GM. People here would have the torches and pitchforks out for him in a few weeks.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Four reasons - Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan
Those were terrible contracts. Awful. Rios has redeemed his contract somewhat this year but after a hot start, Wells is still one of the worst contracts in baseball. And $47 million for a reliever?
Finally, he looks like a squirrely East Coast guido (I know this is a shallow reason but whatever).
I liked the list shown earlier, particularly the first 5 and Kim Ng. The guy from the Rockies seems interesting and he helped build a nice farm system and the guy from the Braves looks good too – their farm system looks unbelievable right now.
good to know
so what your saying is that espn made the right move in upgrading to ricciardi from phillips?
ESPN would think so
but they have ceased to be a reliable place for sports analysis for a long time. They’d rather show 2 hour LeBron James specials
That's a weak rhetorical device.
You can’t immunize Hendry from criticism by asking the critic to name his replacement and guarantee superior performance.
Hendry has sucked. He should be replaced.
There are literally thousands of people in the US who are more well-versed in baseball statistics and projection than Hendry, and who would do a better job in building the Cubs’ roster with $145 million dollars. Frankly, a sega genesis running “Tony LaRussa Baseball ’93” could make better roster management decisions.
It’s not up to the fan to provide a replacement GM in order to justify criticizing Hendry’s blatant failure at the position.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Jul 26, 2010 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I want someone...
…who makes better decisions and knows how to instill an organizational philosophy from the top down and get everyone inline with that – including who the new manager will be.
How often do you see GM’s get to hire 3 different managers on their watch without having sustained success?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Soto did pretty good behind the plate last night
That was good to see.
"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 26, 2010 8:21 AM CDT reply actions
More rooftop deals on Groupon today.
Some as cheap as $69. Just an FYI.
Follow me on Twitter: @brandonrifkin
Meh...
I have never paid more than 50 dollars for a rooftop seat. You just gotta haggle well.
by BadDecisions on Jul 26, 2010 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I have never been to the rooftop I don't know what the rooftops are like but
It seems like a lot of money to pay to sit so far awat
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Jul 26, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
It includes all you can eat food and all you can drink beer
Most packages do anyway
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions
A great deal for a beer-swilling glutton, if you know of any.
"I knew there had to be a place where the game could be fun again. I found that place. It's called Wrigley Field. It reminded that if you love the game, it will love you back." - Andre Dawson, HOF speech 7/25/10
I only know one and he looks at me in the mirror everyday
too bad my wife won’t let me hang out with him any more
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Jul 26, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Like I said in yesterday's game thread...
Lilly’s value may go up a little if he pitches another good game tomorrow. His value can also go down if he doesn’t pitch well. I say the Cubs trade Lilly now while his value is up after the 10k team.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
YMean remind DeeTroit
that they’re 2 out and their whole team is hurt? Riot and Nady for a A Ball pitcher with an ERA under 4.
or throw in Silva's contract, and
the kid’s ERA can be 5
Thrown if Dome
and the kid’s ERA can be 13
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
in not if
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
and Soriano and Z
and all I would need is a vacant house thats about to be bulldozed to be turned into farmground…
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
There's no particular reason to dump either...
…unless Hendry can snag a good prospect that really suits the Cubs needs. DLee’s contract is almost up and Theriot can simply be nontendered.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
by daver on Jul 26, 2010 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Because the return is likely to be negligible.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
No, I don't.
And I suspect the 29 other GM’s don’t, either.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I guess if Hendry could get anything for Theriot...
…he could go for it. But trading a nontender candidate for a marginal prospect may be a waste of time and energy when Jimbo probably has other things on his plate. Maybe he could get a live arm that would blossom into a middle reliever or something, but that’s a long shot. Also, last I read, the Tigers weren’t even interested in Theriot.
When it comes to DLee, Derrek has some say in if and where he goes. With a “legacy” player like him, Hendry may be better off just letting him play out his contract and then go from there. That said, if the Rangers are offering anything good, Hendry should listen.
But, again, “dumping” either player really isn’t necessary.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
The Rangers wanted Theriot? Am I reading that correctly?
I thought their middle infield was solid and they have Andy White as a backup. Why would they want Theriot?
No, there's been a report the Rangers are looking at DLee.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Photo Caption
“Brendan Ryan is ecstatic after touching 2nd base (while on offense) for the first time this season.”
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Just because...
In the meantime, it would be nice to beat the Astros tonight… just because.
…pick up a game a week and… oh never mind?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Seeing Silva...
go a nice 8 innings while giving up one run could certainly help his trade value……!
Official MCM Pessimist.
Oh, I'm sorry; did I poke a hole in the echo chamber?
by The Jade Scorpion on Jul 26, 2010 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I really hope he bounces back, if for trade value or not.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Conversely
If he gets hammered, that’s three straight bad ones, and his trade value is nil. Cubs would have to eat a bunch of $$ for next year to move him. Don’t think it’ll happen.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Right now...
….we’re working from the point that his contract probably prevents a trade.
A bad start changes nothing; another solid start might make the impossible possible.
Official MCM Pessimist.
Oh, I'm sorry; did I poke a hole in the echo chamber?
by The Jade Scorpion on Jul 26, 2010 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
If the Cubs
send the Seattle money with Silva, then he’d be a bargain priced addition, particularly for a team like the Sox that player in a hitter’s park.
DEJESUS!!!
Dempster
He pitched well, but that 3-1 pitch to Pujols was horrible.
This team is agonizing with runners in scoring position.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 8:44 AM CDT reply actions
Sorry
I meant to say he pitched “well enough”. Wasn’t great…neither was Carpenter.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions
MLBTR has the Rangers showing interest in DLee...
DLee’s avg has finally topped the .250 mark with a good start to the second half. I think the Cubs need to deal him if there are takers, as they’ll have to offer him arbitration to receive any Type A or Type B compensation. And… judging by DLee’s love of playing for the Cubs, he’d probably accept the arbitration and stay in Chicago.
"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)
The MLBTR report comes from...
… this tweet from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale:
#mlb #rangers The Texas Rangers are deep in conversations with Marlins for Cantu, taking close look at Cubs’ Lee, and want another starter.
“Taking close look” could mean just about anything. If they are “deep in conversations” about Cantu, I suspect they go for him first. He’s younger and cheaper.
Prediction: Lee’s not going anywhere.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Could be.....
But I bet the Marlins are asking for more for Cantu than the Cubs are for Lee right now….
Official MCM Pessimist.
Oh, I'm sorry; did I poke a hole in the echo chamber?
by The Jade Scorpion on Jul 26, 2010 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Probably so.
On the other hand, Lee has 10-and-5 rights and can veto ANY trade.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That "ANY" is probably the real problem.
Official MCM Pessimist.
Oh, I'm sorry; did I poke a hole in the echo chamber?
by The Jade Scorpion on Jul 26, 2010 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
There's always the option of saying he could ride the pine if that's his wish
It wouldn’t hurt me in the least bit.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
some season ticket holders might disagree with you
I’m not one, but I would want to see the best team that they could field, and not put up with head games like you suggest.
"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
but it would hurt
the Cubs in the eyes of future free-agents when the club holds a player hostage like that…which would make it more expensive to get players which means we pay $160 million to have mediocrity…
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
The Rangers will have Kendry Morales back eventually...
So… they’re looking for a short term fix… and possibly playoff experience.
Lee would be nice for them. At a more affordable price.
"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)
You're thinking of the Angels.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
The Rangers don't have an experienced 1b.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Ooooops.. Yep... Totally twisted my thoughts.
"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)
Maybe, but
since the Rangers are in bankruptcy, any team trading with the Rangers will basically have to eat all of the player’s remaining salary. The good part about this is that we’d theoretically get a better prospect.
I could see DLee being a fit for the Rangers, though...
…and I believe Texas still has a pretty decent farm system. If I’m not mistaken, the Rangers have an awful-hitting Chris Davis at first base right now.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I agree...he's not going anywhere...till the end of the season.
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 ?
Hoffpauir could put up the same stats the rest of the way and Lou could just bat him 7th....
Look a LH Batter! He could platoon with Baker!
DLEE in the lauching pad know as Texas could be fun to watch.
If the Rangers are going for it this year I would try to get Dlee. After all he’s played in the playoffs.
I think DLee should do it to to increase his Stats heading into free agency.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 26, 2010 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
It would keep Lou from batting D-Lee third in the order
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Lee & Lilly
I’d love to see them traded, just so they could go and play for pennant contenders. They’re both classy dudes, and I’d love to see either win at WS…unless it’s with the Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Cardinals…
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 8:58 AM CDT reply actions
I thank Lee and Lilly for their "Class" but ..
as if Hendry is offered good return and doesn’t trade them because of their “Class” I would be pissed. I don’t really care if they go to a contender or to the Royals.
Al, I think the Cubs did what they absolutely had to do this series
and that is taking 2 of 3 from the Cardinals sans the Carpenter game. If we had won last night that would have been awesome but it wouldn’t and is not a turnaround game.
The Cubs have to sweep the Astros if they want to pull something close to a miracle. There is no point in sweeping the cardinals and then loosing 2 of 3 to teams like the Astros and the Pirates. They have a chance to change the pattern this series.
That's entirely true.
The losses to the Astros and Pirates are completely mystifying. The Cubs are 6-15 against those two teams and 39-39 against everyone else. It makes no sense at all.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The Cubs appear to play to the level of their competition
and have these mystic brain farts against the bottom feeders. Maybe they are taking these games slightly or just leave that killer instinct in the club house.
Wait - which is it?
Yesterday Al stated that last night’s game was a “turning point” game for the team.
Now that they lost, it is (was not) not any longer?
I got that
he was saying that yesterdays game means nothing if the Cubs drop 2 of 3 to the Astros…I can see where you got what you did though…
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
In 2008
the Cubs were 33 games over .500 thanks to being 20 over vs. the Pirates, Atlanta and Colorado. For the most part we played the rest pretty even/a little better except for the Rays which swept them.
This year, the Astros and Buckos have our number, the only team we have owned this season is (you’ve got to be kidding me) the D Backs. But then again, who DOESN"T own them this year lol
I am basically saying that we played our division well in the past and rode that to the playoffs. They are18-28 within the Central this season, that’s why they are where they are.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Great defense in the field and two hits & one RBI, BUT
that strikeout in the 10th was one of the ugliest ABs I’ve seen all year by Byrd. Seems the entire ballpark deflated afterwards. To make matters worse for us ESPN-watching Cubs fans, they showed Franklin getting high-fived and the entire dugout celebrating when he walked in off the field.
"I knew there had to be a place where the game could be fun again. I found that place. It's called Wrigley Field. It reminded that if you love the game, it will love you back." - Andre Dawson, HOF speech 7/25/10
+1
I was thinking as he came to the plate “if he drives in this run, and the Cubs win, I may actually start to think they’re turning things around”. He looked pretty bad.
I have no doubt they’ll have a better 2nd half than 1st, and could finish at or close to .500. However, it’s a 162 game schedule, and all those horrible losses to bottom feeders (as mentioned by cubsnlinux above) are what killed this team. If Aramis Ramirez had played all year like he has since the break, the Cubs have a very different record right now.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Going 15-6 vs. Houston and Pittsburgh instead of 6-15...
… and you’re 54-45 instead of 45-54, and half a game out of first place. It really is that simple.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Jul 26, 2010 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
After the game some Cardinals fans with whom we stood and talked
commented that at least the Cubs were headed to Houston and could pick up some ground there. We protested saying something like, “It should be like that, but Houston and Pittsburgh have killed us all year!” They didn’t believe us.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jul 26, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Did you really, really have to remind us?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
The math is simple
It’s the fantasy that confuses me. We aren’t a .500 club and what ifs make me crazy. It’s not like 102 years haven’t taught me that we are what we are.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Fortunately my 21 year old wife makes me feel much younger
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Where is the bunting???
This team fails to put things together when its a tie game and late in the game. This offense becomes very limp and they choke under these pressure situations. I would of loved to see the offense try for a suicide squeeze play yesterday (especially when Colvin was on 3rd), but Lou simply keeps letting them swing away. IMHO every player last night should lose the privilege of swinging away in these situations.
You are correct.
There is a reason that the Cubs are making records in futility with their lousy W-L record in quality starts AND their record in one run games.
Nothing shows Lou’s stubbornness with continued “hope” of clutch hitting with RISP than these records (above). Just getting a new manager should help change things around, but its got to be a manager who has a reputation for being aggressive or a new & hungry manager (Sandberg).
Lou just sits there patting his belly and expecting our awful RISP hitting to turn around. He is the ultimate definition of insanity.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
I think I'm the only one here that actually likes Jim Hendry.
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
by lexmarklover on Jul 26, 2010 9:26 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
You are aware of the fact that cannibalism is a no-no. ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Firing Hendry might be actually a little more harder than we all think
I think Ricketts must have at least glanced at the alternatives. Remember there is a good chance that Wilken and some other good scouts would also leave with Hendry.
So firing Hendry without a good backup plan is suicide especially when there will be a new manager in town too. May be Ricketts see something opening up in 2012 or late 2011 if Hendry screws up big time next season.
I think Ricketts must be indirectly asking Hendry to do more with less this time around by not opening the wallet.
Thank You.
People are so fast to get rid of Hendry when we could possibly getting someone worse. I remember I used to have a boss who we all used to hate at work. She was absolutely terrible and everyone wanted her gone. We got our wish and ended up with someone who is completely worse. I want Hendry fired only if we have a better GM and Staff lined up and ready to take over. This needs to be well thought out.
by BadDecisions on Jul 26, 2010 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I want Hendry fired only if we have a better GM and Staff lined up and ready to take over.
Bingo! Exactly what the “Fire Hendry” crowd fails to acknowledge.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Isn't that a given
I’d expect we had a quality replacement available before we axed Hendry. However, I suspect Bush would be a capable interim GM. My concern is that Hendry has been largely responsible for getting us into the mess we’re in. I didn’t like the bankers fixing their mess and I’m not a fan of Hendry fixing his,
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
We don't know if he'd leave either
Baseball guys like him know it’s a business and seldom walk out in protest
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
At that rate
You may never have better people lined up. You have to take risks most of the time to reap rewards.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
"You have to take risks most of the time to reap rewards."
Agreed. But here the ‘risk’ is in keeping Hendry for one more year :-)
See the other side of the coin?
Really?
In the last seven years the Cubs went to the playoffs thrice and almost made it twice. The 2008 Cubs team built by the same Jim Hendry was arguably the best team in baseball. So five very good rosters in 7 years is not that bad.
I agree that Hendry has his down sides and I sure understand the argument that anything short of playoff success is a failure for the Cubs given their history. However NOW is not the time to fire Hendry especially with the new owners, new managers and all. If the Cubs stink in 2011 then I would be all for letting Hendry go.
Division titles sure ended our drought, right?
They really made people stop saying 1908 and talking about goats, right?
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
I'm saying we shouldn't have low expectations
If the status quo can’t get you over the hill, make a change. That’s all I’m saying. Jim Hendry has had enough time to build a champion and he’s failed at it.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
I think
Hendry has done an acceptable job getting this organization to the point where contention every year is expected and happens…
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Or, more accurately....
Hendry has gotten this organization to a point where they can spend their way to a 2-year window of contention, before backsliding in Year 3 and outright stinking in year 4. Rinse and repeat.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Every year?
What about 05, 06, 09 and 10.
Good organizations don’t have that many years where they don’t contend in such a short period of time, especially with the payroll the Cubs have had.
The Cub’s baseball organization is no where near as good as what you see from the clubs that contend just about every year and have ample financial resources.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Also the solution is not to treat the symptoms
but carefully finding all the loopholes and plugging them one after the other. Drafting was a huge problem for the Cubs. They rectified it by hiring Wilken. The farm system has been improving real good and we don’t have to hire the Neifis and the Womacks of the world or pay a zillion dollars to mediocre relief and mediocre 2nd base men.
Things are improving. You just cannot cure cancer in a day but changing treatments.
No question in my mind
that Hendry has brought in excellent guys to deal with the development of players. However, the misuse of all the money spent and committed by JH is a serious mistake. I can imagine what type of success other GMs would have had with that type budget and I cry.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Nope
What you are proposing is a pretty high risk idea. What is the alternative?
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Hire someone else
If it doesn’t work, fire that guy and hire someone else. I don’t see what’s so difficult about this concept.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
I'm not proposing firing people for one failure
But when failures add up, it’s time to make a change. That’s holding people accountable. If my money is being wasted by someone, I don’t want that person working for me.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Yes you have to make a change and I know Ricketts knows that too
But the time is not Now. You fire Hendry and let Wilken walk with him without a better alternative then everything will crumble.
At least he's trying
That I can respect. I can’t respect someone who sits on his hands while money is going down the drain.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
True...
Though in this case, you are.
That you speculate with extreme prejudice doesn’t make you correct, and that you can’t provide any evidence to support your assertions simply reinforces that.
You believe I'm wrong
I believe I’m right and thus believe you are wrong. See how much we’re going in circles here?
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Wait
who says Wilkens has to leave? Is that set in stone? I’d be willing to wager than whatever loyalties Wilkens feels about leaving with Hendry would be assuaged by a large enough paycheck.
You can’t keep an ineffective GM around just because you like the director of scouting who works under him. That is ridiculous. That’d be like keeping the BP CEO around because they think his assistant keeps him incredibly organizazed.
DEJESUS!!!
It is not set in stone but loyalties do exist in baseball no matter how much of it has become pure business
I don’t remember the sources but it was Ken Rosenthal among others who suggested that some personnel might leave with Hendry.
I am not suggesting that Hendry should be kept at all costs because everyone and the bat boy might leave with him. All I am saying is you cannot fire him without a proper plan in place to absorb any risks. Hendry is also on contract I guess for two more years and that money needs to be flushed if he is let go. There is a reason why Ricketts said that Hendry is the GM “Going into next year”. Ricketts is not stupid. If Hendry screws up 2011 then he would be gone.
We have no confirmation
that Wilken and others would leave if Hendry goes. Baseball people understand that it’s a business.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
We've had many reports that Wilken would, in fact, leave with Hendry.
In any case, Hendry’s staying. it’s already been made clear. So where is this discussion leading?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I've seen none of those reports
Can you provide source. And let’s be honest, how many times have we heard the " I have no intention of firing him" comment followed by " In the best interest of the club we have decided to go in a different direction".
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
I don't think Tom Ricketts operates that way.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
At this point
I have no reason to believe he’d deceive us either. He strikes me as a very decent guy. I hope he remains that way.
However, I do have the highest regard for Wilken, particularly after all those terrible drafting years. But I’m still looking for some source indicating he and others would leave if Hendry went. I know some people assume that but I’d like to see something definitive on the subject. Have you got any verifiable sources to that effect?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
again for the nth time..
Ken Rosenthal mentioned this a few days back. I feel like you are not going to be satisfied until Wilken issues a statement to this effect himself.
that seems like a lot of speculation.
Rosenthal simply states that they went to the same high school.
It’s not as if Hendry and Wilken have been joined at the hip throughout their baseball careers – in fact, it seems like quite the opposite.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I agree that it is all 'speculation'
I didn’t say that it is a fact and that Wilken personally conveyed this to Ricketts.
My point still remains that it would be unwise to fire Hendry NOW just for the sake of firing. If things don’t look up by 2011 ASB, there will be movement and it would also give Ricketts ample time to put a plan in place.
Let's be perfectly clear about this
I never read or heard that Rosenthal mentioned anything about Wilken. Here is the comment.
The dismissal of Hendry likely would lead to Wilken’s departureSo, despite the claim that numerous sources state Wilken would leave, we have only Ken Rosenthal’s column which is speculative.
Excuse me if I’m not convinced. Rosenthal concluded his column with the following.
But whether Ricketts retains Hendry or hires someone else, the Cubs will be in pretty good shape.My opinion is simply that Hendry should go at season’s end.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
This only worked for the early George Steinbrenner era
Yankees. As he matured as an owner, GS calmed down — he didn’t hire and fire the manager multiple times. Billy Martin was the obvious exception.
Hendry has 2 years on his contract, remember. Ricketts would have to eat that cash, too.
If Hendry goes, Wilken departs. We are beginning to see Wilkin’s work coming to Wrigley Field.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 26, 2010 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
It worries me that Ricketts can't see the forest for the trees
if he’s so worried about the dollars owed to Hendry. Keeping Jimbo on the job may well set the organization back even further.
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
I highly doubt he's worried about eating Hendry's contract
considering all the really high dollar amounts, backloaded contracts and NTCs that are handling the on-field execution part of the baseball team.
by Steven Schweickert on Jul 26, 2010 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
Ricketts has seemed quite concerned about the finanace side of things. I’m not ready to declare him a cheap owner yet, but I have some concerns. I’m just not sure if it’s an ability problem (he’s got way too much debt to spend any more money), or a willingness (he’s frugal). I’m guessing it’s the former, since he just laid down close to a bil to buy the team.
DEJESUS!!!
That's what I mean
He bought a team with a $140MM payroll for about $850MM, including Sori’s, Kosuke’s, A-Ram’s, Z’s, Silva’s deals among others. I don’t think Hendry’s piddly salary in comparison means anything in terms of how much money’s already at stake elsewhere.
by Steven Schweickert on Jul 26, 2010 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Just taking what I think and applying it here
it appears that Ricketts does have faith in Hendry and doesnt want to come in new to an organization and blow everything up just to blow it up. It appears he may be a patient man, which is what is required in baseball. I feel he may be biding his time and getting a good feel for the people that are around them and seeing what Jim can do with an imporved farm system and someone watching him a bit more…
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
I agree with you
But it worries me that your login name is BadDecisions
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Not his fault
ARam & Lee had dreadful first halfs. The only real issue I have with Hendry is the way he constructed the bullpen this year. Aside from that, the failures have been on the field. The farm system has improved vastly on his watch, and we may see the benefits of that for years to come.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
And Milton Bradley....
There is no way a major league GM should get suckered by Bradley with his history. Thinking that he somehow had changed and wanted to play for the Cubs was extremely naive.
Oh and one more, the Grabow deal. Two years at that price?
True that.
However, he did manage to suck the Mariners into the Silva swap. All GM’s have their black marks. Hendry’s no different.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Hendry has two years left on his contract, right?
I think that may also have some bearing on the decision not to fire him yet
Hendry's salary is chump change
as respects the overall budget.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Maybe.
But they don’t seem inclined to want to eat it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I've offered to work for zero salary
so it would be budget neutral.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Ironically the bullpen has taken shape
Now that Lou FINALLY got the 7,8 & 9 spots down. However having Howry in there and guys shuttled sometimes daily between Iowa- Chicago is not the best way to fill out the other spots.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
What bullpen are you watching?
There are still only 3 reliable arms. Cashner really shouldn’t even be in the bullpen either. He should be starting in Iowa. The bullpen is far from fixed.
by JSB on Jul 26, 2010 2:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
"This offense becomes very limp and they choke under these pressure situations"
I get this feeling too and it’s not just this season. More often than not the offense waits for things to happen than taking the initiative to make things happen. Lou has been a little more aggressive since the break but what about the first half? They lost one too many one run games either because they had been extremely unlucky or they just didn’t have a plan B or plan C or a combination of both. I think it’s a combination of both.
Teams like the Cardinals seem to do more with less season after season and the Cubs seem to do less with more year after year. Same story.
2-out hits
Castro had another one last night. Both he and Colvin seem to come through at least some of the time. There’s hope for the future!
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I was there last night...
…and, even though the Cubs lost, I still feel like I saw a pretty great baseball game. It had a little bit of everything: Good defensive plays (and a couple bad ones), stolen bases and caught stealings, a few (too little) clutch hits, and an Albert Pujols home run. Lemme tell ya, there’s nothing quite like the sound of the ball leaving that guy’s bat.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
ESPN
FWIW- I enjoyed the game crew last night. Orel and Bobby played well off each other I thought. Dan Schulman sp? is always professional. Why the Cubs ever pitch to Pujols is perplexing. I know pitchers make mistakes as Demp likely did on the 3-1 count, which is exactly why he should be walked there… and generally always.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
You pitch to Pujols becasue he makes an out 60% of the time
IBBs should be rare – not the norm
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
Dan Schulman and "Soup" Campbell...
are the best broadcasting combo ESPN uses….love it when they work together on radio in the post-season
Let's figure out a way to give Jon Miller and/or Joe Morgan an award every Sunday...
It's 106 miles to Chicago...
by BDR529 on Jul 26, 2010 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
rec'd
still had a few mute button episodes, but loved the absence of Joe
"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
The two recent extra-innings losses were at home
which makes them more painful and less excusable. If they could have won on a walk-off last night and swept the Cardinals it would have given great joy to the fans in what has otherwise been a dismal season. They just can’t seem to get it done in pressure situations.
I disagree, Daver
there’s nothing quite like the sound of the ball leaving that guy’s bat.
What’s better? The sound of his plane leaving O’Hare.
;)
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Reply fail - but I found it!
I knew there was no way the Cubs were getting through that series without King Albert putting at least one in the bleachers (or over them).
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Bootom of 10th - was Brendan Ryan pulled off the bag at 2B?
From Yahoo Sports:
In the bottom half, Fukudome led off with a single to right against Franklin and got forced on Tyler Colvin’s(notes) bouncer to the mound. Cubs fans booed, thinking the throw to second pulled shortstop Brendan Ryan(notes) off the bag, and Piniella came out for a mild argument.
I was in the right field corner and I thought Ryan got pulled off the bag too much for the out. I understand the in-the-neighborhood double play, but he looked like he got pulled into about zip code.
Did anyone see the play/replay on TV?
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
Surprisingly, he was on the bag
He just came WAY off it afterward. Hershiser and Valentine both changed to saying he was really out after seeing the close-up, and I have to agree.
Somebody take Aramis' bat off the restricted list, please.
Yeah, it definitely LOOKED like a bad call at full speed...
but it actually was a good call. And not even just a “neighborhood play” good call.
by SouthernCub on Jul 26, 2010 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Gentlemen
Now I can only be upset about giving up a homer to Felipe Lopez.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 26, 2010 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I love that Valentine says he'd love to manage the Cubs.
So would I, and I hope he has as much chance as I do of getting the job.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 26, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Please, no.
Not another aging retread. No Bobby Valentine. No, No, No.
Not another celebrity manager who would get more attention than the team.
Not a manager with a bigger ego than any of his players. No, No, No.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 26, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
but I could see a real value of Valentine as a bench coach for Sandberg
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Well, Joe Morgan was gone. So...
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 26, 2010 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Better to sound like one
than actually be one.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Fontenot
looked pretty listless in his AB last night. I was surprised that following Theriot’s miserable performance on Saturday, that Fontenot didn’t start last night. Any ideas as to why Lou has completely ignored Fonte, even when a pitching match up favors a lefty?
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
Lou hates his sideburns?
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
him and Montgomery Burns
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
No idea.
I was confused by it too. And the thread “moderator” was storming around blasting anyone who complained about Theriot last night.
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 26, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Hmm.
Unless there are personal attacks or profanity going on, that’s not right. Criticizing a player for his play, as long as it’s not personal or profane, is allowed.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Oh you should see what your golden boy does on a regular basis...
It mostly goes unnoticed because most of us don’t care either way, but yesterday he baited VCF and he just began to choke in his own [redacted].
A certain former troll who later became moderator.
And he failed to grasp the concept of it completely.
I really don’t care when he baits most other people, but Mike couldn’t be a nicer guy and it ticked me off.
one very small thing about being at the game last night
Not reading game threads. I had enough grief watching the game.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
You know, if you'd actually name a name....
… it might help me fix this issue. You don’t have to do it here if you don’t want to call out someone publicly. Email me.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
He's never been a troll.
But I agree he over reacted about the Theriot bashing. For the most part I think he’s done a good job moderating.
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
I've sent him an email.
I don’t have a problem with criticizing players here as long as there are no personal attacks, namecalling or profanity used.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And there was none of that.
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
Anyone? pretty much just you
Heated disagreements happen plenty of times and I wouldn’t categorize the exchange as anything other than that. I didn’t notice any abuse of “moderator” privilege, whatever that even may be. Two fans got into a disagreement – pretty simple. Happens all the time. Not sure why you’re tattling about it in this thread…but whatever.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jul 26, 2010 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't know either...
…but Theriot has been pretty brutal defensively lately. I wouldn’t mind seeing Fontenot getting a start or two.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
+1
Theriot needs to be relegated to the bench. His sorry defense and bone-headed baserunning can’t be overcome by his weak offense. Fontenot can’t be worse than this guy.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 26, 2010 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It is inexcusable that Theriot continues to play everyday
He is not Adam Dunn and his HORRIBLE defense and base running are not remotely enough to justify his bat with his dreadful OBP. At one point does Lou hold someone accountable for a near total lack of fundamentals.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know if Lou really cares much anymore. I know I am tired of
seeing Theriot run us out of rallies and fumble easy ground balls. Enough is enough.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 26, 2010 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Lou seemed a lot more into the game last night
He jumped right up after the force play at second to complain. He also was clapping after someone (Schlitter?) got out of a jam.
I don't think Piniella is responsible for fundamentals...
that’s an organizational problem. If these guys don’t have the fundamentals by now, they aren’t going to get them.
Blame the organization for (a) not instilling better fundamentals and (b) not identifying players who are fundamentally sound in their acquisitions.
by SouthernCub on Jul 26, 2010 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
then who does he play? the whole team seems to lack them
by SouthernCub on Jul 26, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
My guess is there are people like Fuld in this organization who can do the little things.
We have several who do not run out grounders.
Do not run out dropped 3rd strikes.
Bad baserunners.
Can’t bunt.
Can’t advance runners from 2b, let alone 3rd.
Yet they play everyday. Lou seems to be totally fine with this. So is JH and Tom Ricketts. I say this because nobody gives a shit. When was the last time you saw someone taken out for not hustling?
So fundamentals are more important than performance?
You’d rather play Fuld and lose than play Soriano/Byrd/Colvin and have a chance to win?
As I said below, I think it’s ridiculous that Theriot plays over Fontenot and Baker. But aside from that, the options are slim for choosing guys who can perform as everyday players AND have good fundamentals.
On this team, we largely have guys who are capable regulars or guys who have good fundamentals (or guys who have neither).
by SouthernCub on Jul 26, 2010 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Fuld should have been on the bench over Nady
but not starting.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
That decision has been largely irrelevant...
but I disagree with you. Nady was signed for a purpose that Fuld could not provide (RH platoon partner for Fukudome).
Ultimately, Nady hasn’t worked out. But Fuld wouldn’t have made any real difference either. As you said, Fuld wouldn’t have been starting anyway.
At least there was a chance that Nady could provide positive impact with his bat as a platoon player from the right side. He just didn’t work out.
No Fontenot & Baker are MUCH better
at fundamentals than Theriot. These guys should be platooning while Theriot warms the bench . 2B is NOT a position where Lou does not have options. It took him 3 months to drop stop batting Theriot at leadoff and it will apparently take the rest of the season for him to hold him accountable for his bad play.
Remember when Lou did not even know Theriot had drawn one walk in a month. This is not a man paying attention to something as trivial as stats.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Theriot is about the only guy that can be replaced with someone fundamentally sound...
And I’m fully on board that Piniella is dropping the ball by playing him. Everywhere else, he doesn’t have the choice.
by SouthernCub on Jul 26, 2010 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
nice pun
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Remember he was calling out Murton in his press conferences?
He did mention this quite a bit during his first two years. However Lou may have been resigned to the fact that this is a bigger problem than just one or two players.
I don’t see any vastly better alternatives over TheRiot. Fontenot is no Sandberg at 2nd either. But I agree that BakeNot should sub for TheRiot at least twice per week.
There's no good reason why Theriot is still the everyday 2B...
a platoon of Baker and Fontenot at 2B would be a huge upgrade offensively (especially now that Theriot no longer has the faulty “he’s our only leadoff option” to rely upon), and I don’t think it’s a substantive downgrade defensively (if it even is a downgrade).
My best guess is that Piniella long ago decided that Theriot is an everyday player because he was our only SS. So when Castro came up, he simply moved Theriot to 2B because “Theriot is clearly an everyday player and is capable of playing 2B” rather than thinking “well, maybe Theriot isn’t our best option at 2B.”
It was justified to play Theriot everyday when he was our only SS. But as soon as he stopped being our starting SS, his place in the lineup was immediately questionable. And it hasn’t gotten any less questionable.
by SouthernCub on Jul 26, 2010 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Theriot did have 2 hits, one being a triple,...
but I know what you mean.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Every once in a while, Toni Kukoc would block a shot too
sun shines on a dog’s ass from time to time
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Yes he has decent BA
but he is a very bad fielder and runner with a terrible OBP. He does not remotely deserve to start every day.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
He took a pitch on 3-1 last night because he was trying to draw a walk
and I thought that was the best opportunity he had too.
That’s when you bench that player for good.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember that pitch
It sure looked like he had the take sign on, because that was an awfully good pitch to hit. The ESPN guys thought so, too, because they had just been talking about Theriot looking to Quade for the sign.
"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
At the least,
The Cubs scored the flukiest run in this homestand.
On Friday, I saw it in person before heading back to Vermont.
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 26, 2010 10:09 AM CDT reply actions
I know it wouldn't have mattered, but I'd like to see Dome run to first after striking out on a bouncing pitch.
Especially when it ends the game. He stood there like an idiot while Yadier found the ball, ran up and tagged him to end the game.
Make them make the throw. ALWAYS make them make the throw. You never know, and Yadier was kind of all over the place in the late innings.
Just another strike against Dome, the worst MLB hitter we will ever see against LHP.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
That last sentence is hyperbole, no?
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I've never seen an MLB player look that bad at the plate.
He looks like he won a ticket-stub contest on the jumbotron and got to bat in the 9th inning.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
OK, because his career splits against LHPs are...
…well, they’re bad. But I still find it interesting that, in 242 PAs (which is still a pretty small sample), he has a little-bit-better-than league average OBP of .339. That’s why I said above his best chance last night would’ve been to draw a walk and let the next guy be the hero.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
It should also be noted that we're picking his spots vs. LHP.
He rarely, rarely sees a tough lefty.
I’ve never seen another MLB player strike out swinging while tying themselves into a knot and bailing 4 feet out of the batters box.
Well, that’s not true. I saw Dave Henderson do it once.
But I’ve never seen anyone do it twice. Except Dome. I’ve seen him do it like 100 times.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
So the Cubs got to Houston at 3 a.m.
Source. Means they got to the hotel around 3:45 and to bed around 4:15. That’s the part I don’t envy about pro ball players.
So who thinks Lee, Lilly and Nady will be gone by Saturday? I don’t. I think they’re all staying.
Regarding the arrival...
… at least they have a night game tonight — they probably don’t have to be at the park until 3:30 or 4, so they can get some sleep.
I agree with you regarding Lee and Lilly. Nady? Still a maybe.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I will be shocked if a move is made.
This team is amazing!
Jim and Tom know this team is right in the thick of things!
now that you have started to seriously comment on stuff
How about canning this crap? They don’t work well side by side.
"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
Hehehe
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
No, I think that's Tyler Colvin.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
You'll love making...
Zambrano’s 5 Alarm Chili Recipe
Fukudome’s Ahi Tuna Spinner Rolls
Soriano’s Mystery-Guess Casserole
Lilly’s Glove Slammers (mixed drink)
Lee’s Double pLayer Dip
Dempster’s Wilted Lettuce Salad w/ Long Balsamic Vinaigrette
Soto’s High On Honey Basted Pork Ribs
Colvin’s All-or-Nothing Creamed Spinach
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
What I didn't understand was using Baker to PR while we could all see Reyes warming up for Dome.
Everybody but Lou knows Dome is amazing vs lefties. So why not use a different PR. Even Hill is faster than Soto. Use him.
Lou was nice and let Tony outmanage him there!
Last night was THE GAME...
…to start to get serious about a playoff push. But the Cubs didn’t deserve to win that game last night…way too many missed opportunities with RISP. TIme to sell, Jim. And Al’s right…half of the crowd last night seem to be wearing STL red. Was a great atmosphere, too bad the Cubs weren’t able to get a clutch hit. Geez, seems like I’ve been saying that a lot this season…
"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
On the side of the offense,
It reminded me a lot of the game against Houston on Wednesday. In that one, though, the Cubs probably had more chances than they did last night.
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 26, 2010 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Argument for keeping Teddy Roosevelt Lilly
Let me preface this by saying that my understanding of the compensatory draft picks rules regarding free agents is imperfect at best. That said, here is my argument for keeping Lilly:
1. As I understand it, if Lilly plays out the season with the Cubs and signs with someone else for 2011, the Cubs would be entitled to one or two compensatory draft picks, esp if TRL is classified as a Class “A” Free Agent.
2. Depending on the trade value Lilly would bring, the draft pick package may be close to (or even possibly better than) the package a trade would bring. If the draft pick compensation is in the ballpark with a late season trade package, might as well keep Lilly, since any prospect package he would bring would be just as much of a crapshoot as draft picks.
3. What kind of contract is TRL likely to score in the free agent market? If it’s a 1 or 2 year incentive laden contract, the Cubs would be wise to consider keeping him. If it’s another 4 year/12 mill per contract, no thanks.
Obviously the Cubs need to purge payroll…But there are a lot of other contracts I would like to see the dump before Lilly’s.
I would be fine with keeping Lilly
unless you get a drop-dead offer for him.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 26, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd take Cano alone, stick him in the trunk of my car and drive 100 MPH back to Chicago.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Why are you guys so
attached? Lilly is not a MLB ace by any stretch, and assuming Gorzo continues his development combined with his cheap salary, it would be much more adventageous to trade Lilly now for solid prospects. The Cubs will be lucky to finish third, and Lilly certainly has value to a bona fide contender.
I am not talking about giving him away for a bucket of balls here, either.
Again, much depends on...
…whether the prospects gained in a Lilly trade would be better than the draft picks the Cubs could get from keeping Ted and offering him arbitration. Or maybe re-signing Ted for another year or two would be of greater value to the team than the prospects currently being offered.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I just don't get the obsession with players
It is beyond stupid and ridiculous. Cubs have the following -
1. Dempster
2. Wells
3. Zambrano
4. Gorz
5. Silva
6. Cashner/Jackson/Another AAA starter
If you are going to trade Z/Silva then by all means have a look at Lilly. But we absolutely do not need another middle aged starter.
I can only speak for myself.
But I don’t think anyone here is “obsessed” with Ted Lilly. We’re just saying that trading away a guy whose contract ends this season isn’t a simple decision.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Sorry, but I found someone here that is "obsessed" with Ted Lilly.
Moi
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
don't pencil Silva in next year's rotation yet
He may have turned back into a pumpkin
"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
Screw Joba. Just take Cano.
"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
I would agree.
Like DLee, Ted Lilly really isn’t a problem for the Cubs right now. Much depends on what other teams are willing to give up for Ted and whether it would suit the prospect depth that Jim Hendry is presumably trying to build.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
They are not a solution either
If Hendry gets atleast equal value for Lee and Lilly and still doesn’t trade them then it is inexcusable.
How could a prospect equal either one's value?
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Well, yeah.
These are prospects. None of them are going to equal Lee or Lilly’s value right now. Obviously, if Hendry can get prospects with a really high projected value then he should do it.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Plus......
If Lilly were traded then I could no longer impress bystanders with my Townshend-esque air guitar rendition of “Pitches from Lilly” every time he is announced as the starting pitcher.
It's more complicated than that
1. Lilly isn’t a lock for type A status, especially if he stays here and racks up losses because of poor run support.
2. Hendry isn’t a lock to offer Lilly arbitration if he stays. Hendry sometimes places his personal relationship with players higher than the team’s interests, and this might be a case where he’d do that. Offering Lilly arbitration as a type A player could prevent Lilly from getting a contract (see Jermaine Dye)
3. We don’t know what the compensation for Lilly would be. If the Cubs were willing to pick up much of Lilly’s remaining salary, the compensation could be terrific. We’ve seen two starters moved this season, and the hauls for those two were wildly different. Hard to say what to expect.
4. I think any season after this one where you sign Lilly is a huge gamble. He’s a soft-tosser, and eventually his velocity could drop enough that’s he’s all of the suddent not effective. You don’t want to be the team paying him $10 mil plus when that happens.
DEJESUS!!!
I don't think W-L record is a big factor in rating FA pitchers
Also I think Lily would likely signed by a team with a shopping list and I am pretty sure you can only lose one draft pick so if say the Mets, Tigers , etc signed another " A" free agent , they do not lose another pick for Lilly (Cubs I think would get sandwich pick or at least one of the two teams whose “A” FA is signed from would.
Part of me want Lilly traded so he has a chance to play for a contending team, but not for some “B” prospect.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
OT: Who said that Lou Piniella quote?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
OOPS my bad. Hendry
Will fix that. At the time I first starting using it about 3 weeks ago it was a fresh quote.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 26, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Supposedly W-L is still a big factor in the Elias rankings
and obviously is also a big criticism of the formula as well.
Then again, simple Googling hasn’t led me to anything conclusive.
I think
Gorz is our most valuable tradeable piece. I’m not saying I would trade him, but he would command the highest return of the players that have been discussed. The smaller-payroll contenders in need of a starter might be high on Gorz, who is cheap, left-handed and effective. I think the return on him would be even higher than the return for Lilly, who has money owed and doesn’t throw hard enough to wow a lot of scouts.
The Cubs need to decide who is going to be in the rotation next year, and go from there. Lilly should be traded regardless, since he isn’t going to be here next year and the season is over. Demp and Wells are a given. Zambrano is most likely in there as well. the organization seems to want Cashner in there (despite the fact that they are wasting this season using him in the bullpen). If the Cubs want to contend, they probably need to acquire another front of the rotation starter, either by trade or via free agency.
That means the rotation is largely set. If Gorz could be used to pick up some valuable young help, then in my opinion the Cubs should jump all over that.
DEJESUS!!!
A Gorzo and Lilly package would be gold for teams...
looking for a starter and reliever.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
OT:
What baseball guys in the know are on Twitter and are worth following now that were ramping up for the trade deadline?
Jon Heyman, Ken Rosenthal, Victor Rojas
You know, daver is my most reliable source. And I’d wait for him to answer to find out who are his sources.
Why thanks!
The pressure is on!
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
time to deliver!
how do I find you on twitter?
Just click on my user name and my Twitter ID is on my profile.
Thanks!
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
These guys are on my list...
Jon morosi, Bruce levine, paul sullivan, Ken rosenthal, Jon Heyman(this guy tweets stupid stuff), David Kaplan, Peter Gammons, Buster Onley, Phil Rogers, Carry Muskat, Victor Rojas
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Keith Law too
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
You can check out...
…my Twitter list of Cubs and MLB sources here.
Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to refer everyone to my sig line and invite you all to follow SB Nation’s regional Chicago site.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Yes.
Via baseball writer Jonathan Mayo’s tweet:
Just found out that #cubs prospect Josh Vitters broke his hand on Sunday.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
NOO!!!!!!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Oh my.
Hope he’s all right!
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 26, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
On an up-note...it means Hendry can't trade him.
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 ?
REALLY?!?!?! DAMN YOU CRUEL WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Zambrano is supposed to join the team by this weekend
It’s just like making a big trade at the deadline (ducks)
Out of all those one run losses...
I’d like to know how many times are 3 and 4 hitters (Lee & Ramirez) came to bat in the 8th inning or beyond, with runners in scoring position and failed. I know stats like that aren’t kept, but, I’ll bet they BOTH would be 1-2 in the league.
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 ?
Why do I even like this franchise? Sigh.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 12:24 PM CDT reply actions
Because it led you to all of us.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
No, I hate all of you.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Even dtpollitt? ;-)
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 26, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
It's a love/hate thing with dan.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Your comment says "hate"...
…but your eyes say something else.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Even this guy?
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 26, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Dome and Bobby V
That was the worst way to end a game with him vs. LHP; no way should Lou have allowed that matchup. I was thinking b.u. catch Hill also much better option. What was Pinella thinking? How did Kouske ever get such a contract with his approach vs. LHP? It’s pathetic.
Enjoyed hearing Valentine’s comments on Cubs and game even tho he did seem to be sucking up to the Ricketts and Cubs org just a bit. Not my first choice (Ryno!!) for mgr. but he wouldn’t be a bad one.
I caught that too
Valentine was doing some serious “apple polishing”, mentioning the Ricketts family all by name with flowery praise. Yep. I bet we get stuck with him, too.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
Oswalt
even though the Cubs aren’t going to contend this year I’d like to see them make a play for Roy Oswalt, even if it’s just to ensure that he doesn’t go to the cardinals.
I'd actually like the Cards to get Oswalt...
…if it meant further weakening their farm system.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
how much farm system would they need?
with a rotation that feature wainwright, carpenter and oswalt at the top.
by circuitclout on Jul 26, 2010 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Not much this season.
But I’m looking toward the future.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
sorry, but
for a franchise that hasn’t won a championship in more than 100 years i’m not sure i see the logic behind hoping the cardinals can become an elite team for the next 2 years, maybe more, in the hopes that they will finally be bad by the time we are ready to be good again.
by circuitclout on Jul 26, 2010 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions
the cardinals wont trade for oswalt
theres no way in hell theyd part with rasmus for oswalt
by jesus christos on Jul 26, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
i agree, but
i’m not sure they’d have to. oswalt has a lot of leverage in the situation and if the astros are dead-set on moving the money owed to oswalt off the books the return in talent could be far less than might be expected.
by circuitclout on Jul 26, 2010 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
The Astros have a history of having irrational expectations
And not making any trades at the deadline
"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're always weakening their farm system, and yet they always are still able to trade for elite players.
Every time they move to acquire a Holliday or an Oswalt we’re told that the Cards are mortgaging their future… and yet, they continue to be great, continue to develop a ton of players for their own roster, and STILL have enough left over to make the next big deadline acquisition.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Are you talking about the Cardinals or the Yankees?
They don’t have Oswalt yet and it’s starting to look like they may not be trading for him at all. I’m just hoping that if they weaken their farm system enough and tie up enough money in Pujols and Holliday, they won’t be as competitive by the time the Cubs put together a competitive lineup again.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Look at the Cardinals history of veteran acqusitions.
They got Jim Edmonds for Adam Kennedy and Kent Bottenfield.
They got Larry Walker for Chris Narveson and Jason Burch.
They got Scott Rolen for Placido Polanco and Bud Smith
They got Matt Holliday for Brett Wallace and some spare parts.
They got Mark DeRosa for Chris Perez.
And every time they do this, we hear that there is nothing left to trade and that their organization is now a scorched-earth wasteland after the MLB team. And then they produce a Colby Rasmus, a David Freese, a Jamie Garcia, a John Jay, an entire bullpen full of 2.XX ERA pitchers, and and and on….. and even after that, this year, they’re major players for Oswalt.
In the meantime, the Cubs continue to dick around with their prospects, changing their roles, shipping them back and forth to AAA and eventually dealing them for Aaron Heilman.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Jul 26, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wait...so you're saying someone in the front office AND in the scouting department knows what the hell they're doing?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes. But don't suggest that the Cubs make any changes whatsoever unless you can personally name the next GM and guarantee his success.
We’ve seen what Hendry can do, and over a very long time period. It is not enough. That’s where the Hendry discussion ends.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Jul 26, 2010 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Right, why is that so hard to understand?
Fire Jim Hendry and you could end up with a worse GM.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions
The status quo is unacceptable. Ergo, it must be changed.
If you’re willing to accept a less-than-optimal situation out of fear that you’ll make things worse if you try to improve the situation…. well, you’re guaranteeing that you’ll live your life in a less-than-optimal situation.
I can’t accept that philosophy. No one should.
Moreover, the burden is not on the fans to assemble a shortlist for GM replacements. Ever.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Facepalm
You must be AV’s sock puppet.
“Moreover, the burden is not on the fans to assemble a shortlist for GM replacements. Ever.”
Cav fans are jumping in joy that LeBrown left because he couldn’t win a championship, right? Status quo get out of here. Thick skulls, can’t get through them I guess.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you reply to the correct post?
Because that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
In fact, you seem to be participating in a completely different thread here.
I’m noting that while Cubs fans have been sack-dancing over the demise of the Cards’ minor league system ever since, oh, 1997 or so, they have managed to produce more prospects for their own use than the Cubs, even when you account for the dozens of “top” prospects they’ve traded away for elite talent.
I don’t understand your Cavs comment at all. It’s not germane to any point I’ve made here. Are you equating LeBrown James (sp) to Jim Hendry?
You do realize that the player’s (or, in this case, executive’s) performance can be measured, right?
Finally, “sock puppet”? Who the hell are you?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
We are on a completely different level, that's for sure
I directly quoted you, how could I be addressing anyone else?
You want to cut the ‘status quo’ but you have to acknowledge what we have might be the best that is out there. That’s all I’m asking. Hendry might be the best we can do. I’’m all for always looking to acquire the best.
This is the general manager who under his watch we developed a team with top players/prospects at C, SS, RF, CL, signed one of the best LFs, got a 3B to sign a below market extension, and has several good candidates for the starting rotation at the MLB level. Other GMs would kill for what Hendry has done and many have accomplished much less.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Now that's a solid reason...
…to settle for the status quo!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
If the status quo means
Winning some Central Division titles and producing some of the best seasons in the organizations franchise, than yes, the status quo is great.
Look if the next whiz kid GM is out there, let’s grab him. I fully hope and expect the Ricketts family to do that. At the end of the day there is a large chance Hendry is the best GM out there.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
You
have lower expectations than I do.
I think giving a GM ten years and more money than almost any other team in baseball is more than a reasonable chance to prove himself. If he can’t succeed under those circumstances, he probably never will.
I’m not in it to win a division once or twice a decade. I’d like to win at least one, and preferably multiple championships. As long as the Cubs enjoy a 2 or 3 to 1 financial advantage over many of the other teams in baseball, that is a very reasonable expectation.
Hendry has shown that, in that situation, every few years he can put together a team that isn’t a long way off from that. But it’s not there. And just to get close, he had to damn the franchise to several years of baseball purgatory with a huge payroll full of players who don’t deserve their contract.
If I were owner, Hendry’s time would be up. I’d thank him for being such a classy guy, but I’d let him know we were moving in another direction after the season.
DEJESUS!!!
Walt Jocketty is a very good GM
The current GM has not really impressed me. You mention the Mark DeRosa trade. Mark DeRosa sucked and they traded Chris Perez and Jess Todd to get him. Jess Todd has yet to impress but he is young and has posted good numbers in the minors. Chris Perez has been very good this year and is cost controlled for another 3-4 years.
Another trade was Khalli Greene for Luke Gregerson. Gregerson has been lights out. Greene is not with the team anymore.
They did acquire Holliday but then they signed him to a 7 year/$120M contract. His defense is left might be worse than Soriano’s and his numbers will be worse over the life of the contract.
Jocketty wasn’t perfect either. He traded Dan Haren for Mark Mulder.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
That's not the point. At all.
I don’t care how the acquisition of elite talent ultimately plays out, or how the prospects STL traded wound up. What matters is that they’re able to make these acquisitions of elite players at all.
People have been calling the death of the STL minor league system for the better part of the last 10 years, and yet they’re STILL able to acquire big names at the deadline whenever they need to, year in and year out – and without hampering their ability to generate a steady stream of MLB performers from their system.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
You have to admit the lastest transactions they have made have been clunkers
That’s all I was saying.
DeRosa trade, Greene trade, Holliday re-signing, Lohse extension, Penny signing($7.5M), etc. not good work
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, sure.
Of course, the Penny thing is a $7.5M, one year deal. Not really even a blip on the screen.
Gregerson for Greene didn’t work out – but again, that’s not my point. The point is that they had a Luke Gregerson available to trade away for what they hoped would be their starting SS – and they still have 4-5 more young arms in the pen succeeding at a Gregerson level at the MLB level.
They didn’t know that DeRosa was going to get hurt, but yes, his post-injury performance has sucked.
Holliday – well, that’s the cost of doing business when you are acquiring 140+ OPS+ players. At least they’re actually getting elite performance for their elite salaries.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
So basically
If the Cards do it, cost of business. When Hendry doesn’t get burned on trades and signs Soriano to a deal that is similiar to what Holliday got and then Holliday and Soriano put up roughly the same numbers under the contract, FIRE HENDRY NOW!!!
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
No, not at all.
I don’t think that you’re paying attention, or something.
The Cardinals have had a sustained era of consistent success. They do, and have done, almost everything better than Hendry has done, from drafting, to player development, to trades, to free agent acquisitions.
If you consider Holliday and Soriano’s numbers to be “similar”, I don’t have any idea what to tell you. Holliday is dramatically better than Soriano.
Holliday is a 134 career OPS+. As a Cardinal, he’s posted a 168 last year, and this year, a 142.
Soriano has one season (2006, with WAS, a 135 OPS+) that is as good as Holliday’s career average. For his career, he has posted a 113 OPS+. As a Cub, he has posted a 111.
There is no universe in which Holliday and Soriano are posting, have posted, or likely will post “roughly the same numbers”.
Their production has been markedly different throughout their careers, with Holliday better in essentially every season.
In fact, Holliday has never posted a single season after his rookie year (103 OPS+, age 24) in which he posted numbers as low as Soriano’s career averages, and for 5 years running, Holliday has been better than Soriano’s BEST season.
I don’t understand how you aren’t following this.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Yeah, they're a successful organization.
But I seem to recall a number of Cards fans screaming bloody murder when they made those Holliday and DeRosa trades – especially the DeRo one. Oh, and I forgot to add another factor in my Cardinals fail equation: Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan will have to retire eventually.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
All I'm saying is, don't get excited about the Cards "weakening" their farm system.
They’ve allegedly been weakening it for decades, and they still have enough prospects to fill out the majority of a winning MLB roster, with enough left over to trade for each season’s plum deadline acquisition.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Andrew Cashner may have been sick, but I was at the game and saw him run down from the bullpen to the dugout twice
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
he had diarrhea
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm going with hung-over
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by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 26, 2010 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope, it was throat problems.
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's scary. I hope he's alright.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 26, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Ha, yeah, I saw that, too.
I read he had a really bad sore throat on Saturday. Maybe he was getting a lozenge.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I figured it was the 3 innings he threw the last 2 days
I don’t believe a word that Muskat says. She writes what she is told to write.
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
by louslovechild on Jul 26, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
The sore throat
was reported on Sports NIte last night too.
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
Also, I saw Crain Kenney (sp?) after the game (in the crowd) and someone yelled
“Where was the Greek Priest for this piece of Sh&^#$@ season?”
He didn’t seem to pleased
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
good
"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 understand the thinking re Lilly. Starting pitching has been the Cubs one strength this year. Lilly has been a critical part of it. So now we are going to get rid of him — with Zambrano tanking — to rebuild? Then we will have to rebuilt the starting pitching staff as well. What sense does that make?
It’s not an answer to say that Lilly won’t be here next year. He wants to be. He won’t be here if the Cubs won’t pay him. But hey it’s a marketplace. Another starter as good as Lilly will cost just as much as Lilly does.
So really what we’re saying is that the Cubs want to downgrade the starting pitching staff — to make it as bad as the rest of the team Hendry has put together — with one of the bigger payrolls in the majors.
considering the cubs have gorz, cashner, diamond, and jjax to possibly replace lilly...
by jesus christos on Jul 26, 2010 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Will he come here
on a cheap one year deal, or do you want to sign a 35 year old, soft-tossing pitcher coming off off-season shoulder problems to a multi-year deal?
We should trade him because we’re going nowhere this year, we could get something for him, and if we really, really wanted him back we could re-sign him. Our first round pick will be protected.
DEJESUS!!!
Pitching in 2011
Starting pitchers for 2011
MLB Experience
Dempster
Wells
Zambrano
Gorzelanny
Marshall
Silva
MILB Possibilities
Cashner
Diamond
Jackson
Coleman
That’s a pretty good list to come up with 5 guys who can start. Nothing is ruling out the Cubs signing someone in the offseason either.
by IllinoisCubs on Jul 26, 2010 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Our staff isn't that good
We need and ace and neither Z, Dempster, Lilly, or Wells are aces. When and how are we going to get an ace on this staff?
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
How about a pair of kings and a pair of jacks?
"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 haven't read all the posts, so I'm not sure if this has been covered, but...
let’s hope these pitchers put that little bat flip of Lopez’s and the snicker from Franklin after hitting Castro in the ribs, into their memory banks.
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 another thing...
are pitchers little wussies nowadays? Pujols owns Dempster lately. Homered again last night and almost twice. Whatever happened to the pitcher that’ll put a guy on his ass now and then. Drysdale…Gibson…Ryan…Fergie. The nowaday pitcher afraid of spending a little cash due to a fine? Man up for God’s sake. Nothing wrong with a “purpose pitch”, is there? Maybe it’s what this team needed earlier this year…a bench-clearing, “I’m gonna kick your arse” brawl…to snap them out of it.
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 ?
by Easy Ed on Jul 26, 2010 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
They get ejected too fast
Or both benches get warned. And then even a wayward curveball can get the starting pitcher, or his reliever, ejected.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 26, 2010 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I suppose you're right. Gotta protect the millionaires.
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 ?
Or protect a human
being from a severe injury.
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
So, you don't agree with the brush-back pitch? Seriously? Nolan Ryan and Fergie and Gibson and Drysdale were just thugs?
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 ?
Yes, and Santana, Sabathia, Cliff Lee and even Greg Maddux have just been "lucky" all these years.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh good grief.
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
I'm going to rec this for my husband.
He’s been saying the same thing since that game where Pujols got the 3 HRs. He went on a lovely rant at that game. He’s still upset about it. I love to bring it up and watch the steam come out of his ears.
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
What a woman
Probably hand him a chore list just as he starts to calm down.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 26, 2010 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Things the teams needs to "snap them out of it"
Lou to flip out and get ejected
Lee to show some emotion
{INSERT SLUMPING PLAYER HERE} benched to send a message
Embarrassing number of empty seats in Wrigley
MORE PURPOSE PITCHES
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Per Ken Rosenthal on Fukudome
Cubs would pay part of $4M-plus left this year and “quite a bit” of $13.5M salary next year.
They want him gone.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 26, 2010 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Who wouldn't? He's stinks!
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
I don't know that he stinks
he’s just not worth the contract Hendry gave him, and he isn’t good against left-handed pitching.
He plays excellent defense in right field, is very patient, and is a capable, albeit not powerful, hitter.
If the Cubs eat enough of the contract to make him not horribly overpaid, then he’s not a bad guy for someone to have on their team.
DEJESUS!!!
Back to Lou: Let's assume Lou is afraid to play aggressive baseball against winning teams...
but why oh why do we keep losing 1-2 run games to Pittsburgh & Houston? Why does Lou not try squeeze plays and any other aggressive moves that puts pressure on the defense. To be a team 20+ games under .500 or more, you have to find many ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Yet Lou sits there and is reticent to be aggressive while hoping the Cubs crappy RISP hitting will suddenly find itself. This is the most perplexing thing to me about the Cubs and their awful record against ’stros & Pirates. It is as though Lou forgets who he is playing.
These teams that are awful have good reasons for being awful—but Lou makes sure that the Cubs play to their level of mediocrity. Ugh.
Good bye Lou. Enjoy retirement.
Carlos Silva lemonade: made from freshly squeezed Milton Bradley lemons. -- the Jim Hendry kook book.
by LAcarl519 on Jul 26, 2010 3:21 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
The Cubs.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 26, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
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