Ryan Theriot Homers. No, I Am Not Making That Up. Cubs Win, Too
by Al Yellon on Jul 27, 2010 7:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintWhich of these events that occurred Monday night is least believable?
- Carlos Silva throws five good innings and registers his 10th win of 2010, twice his win total of the last two years combined.
- Ryan Theriot hits his first home run since June 29, 2009 at Pittsburgh. (It was also his first HR in 700 at-bats, via tweet from Carrie, and only his 13th extra-base hit of the year. Thanks to Harry Pavlidis for this tweet which came before the Theriot HR for the reminder that Starlin Castro had, at the time the tweet was sent, double Theriot's XBH total in nearly 140 fewer at-bats.)
- The Cubs beat the Astros 5-2, only the fourth victory in 10 tries this season over the team from Houston.
OK, maybe those three events are all equally unbelievable, but they all happened last night in Minute Maid Park. The win also evened up the all-time record of the Cubs in the park formerly known as Enron Field, since it opened in 2000, at 41-41.
Theriot improved his July numbers to .286/.310/.393 (OK, not outstanding, but better than his May and June combined, when he hit .249/.293/.264), and he's had seven of his XBH this month (four doubles, a triple, and the dinger last night). The home run was off Nelson Figueroa, who tied the Cubs in knots last August 30 at Wrigley Field while a member of the Mets, and who had allowed only one home run in 29 innings this season prior to last night.
The rest of the Cubs offense had a good night against Figueroa, starter Wesley Wright and two other Astros relievers, pounding out 13 total hits, seven of which went for extra bases. This is the sort of thing the Cubs should have been doing against teams like the Astros all season. Regardless of the standing position, it's always nice to win games like this.
Which makes tonight's scheduled start by Ted Lilly even more interesting. If you watch closely, you should see quite a number of scouts sitting in the seats behind the plate watching Lilly's appearance. It's no surprise to me that Ted is still a Cub and is making this start, despite several breathless rumors like this one in last Friday's Sun-Times that said:
interest in Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly has stepped up dramatically and a trade could be completed by the end of the weekend, major-league sources said Friday.
Didn't happen, and unless the Cubs get the right return in the deal, I think it's possible that Ted will remain a Cub for the rest of the season. In this column penned by George Castle for SB Nation Chicago, which is about White Sox trading possibilities, I found this quote from Kenny Williams quite illuminating:
"I'm going to get all the information and all the possibilities," he said. "I'm going to sit down with my staff and my scouts. Sit down with everyone and get everyone's ideas. I'm going to tell them what the real possibilities are, not what the 'rumor central' possibilities are."
And that's absolutely right. Regardless of what's said here, on MLB Trade Rumors or other sites, trading -- any trading, not just Cubs possible deals -- come down to the GM's discussion with his own staff, and whether the trade will benefit his club in both financial and baseball ways.
Maybe the Cubs will find the right trading partner for Lilly and make a trade that benefits the team -- but they won't trade him just to do so. The same goes for Kosuke Fukudome. Ken Rosenthal tweeted yesterday that such a deal might be easier to make now:
Attention, Fukudome shoppers: Source says #Cubs would pay part of $4M-plus left this year and "quite a bit" of $13.5M salary next year. #MLB
But then again, Rosenthal occasionally says things that just aren't true, as shown in this information that I sent to Tim Dierkes at MLBTR. It's the silly season in baseball pundit land; the only thing we know for sure is that the non-waiver baseball trading deadline passes at 3 pm CDT this Saturday.
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Now if Theriot could only field and run
he might actually be a good player.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
he's hit a triple & HR
I’m going to pass on being anti Theriot for today.
"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 27, 2010 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions
was that a double clutch post by you?
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 27, 2010 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I prefer to call it "heel and toe"
In the sports car racing world, “double clutch” is a good thing…..
How could I forget thow.
My bad.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 27, 2010 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe that dinger is what gets him included in a deal?
I sure hope so. The second half can at least be less frustrating if Baker/Fontenot platoon at 2nd and somehow Soto is valued for his bat.
He is BRUTAL
even with routine fielding. At least he stopped taking throws in front of the 2B bag
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
A win is a win and win is a good thing.
Oh, how I wish the Cubs had started playing like this 6 weeks ago…
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
If Colvin and Castro were batting 1 and 2 six weeks ago...
They may have won a few series.
But, ARam has been the biggest difference.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
by SackMan on Jul 27, 2010 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
BTW: Al, I loved your Tweet
Theriot avoids TOOTBLAN by homering; #Cubs beat #Astros 5-2. Game recap @ BCB http://sbnation.com/e/1353956
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
He must hit more home runs
you can’t TOOTBLAN on a home run ( though he might find a way).
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 27, 2010 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I can picture Theriot missing second going around the bases
Can you be TOOTBLAN on appeal?
by Steven Schweickert on Jul 27, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I think that would be
TOOTBOALAN
"Every day when I show up, I try to provide a little laughter...some days when I pitch it gets pretty funny, too." -- Ryan Dempster, 5/2010
by CaughtInTheVines on Jul 27, 2010 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
WTH?
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 27, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Thrown Out On The Basepaths On Appeal Like A Nincompoop.
TOOT-BOW-AH-LAN
TOOTBOALAN
by Steven Schweickert on Jul 27, 2010 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Got it now.
Thanks.
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 27, 2010 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Theriot's boner?
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
@ El Borto
“is very small” would finish the sentance
not sure how you know that
but that is not what i meant
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
Mis a base, then get called out on an appeal.
He can ALWAYS find a way
by cubsfaninatl on Jul 27, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
See how genius his aggressive strategy is?
We never understood how smart it was hitting the ball right away or avoiding walks.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Al ...
I’ll bet you a Big Gulp that Lilly is gone by the end of the day.
Here's my thinking ...
the I-Cubs are nearby, so getting a starter to take Lilly’s spot would be fairly easy. Also, I think Hendry will try to sell Lilly now so a bad start in Minute Maid will lower his value.
Except that ...
Minute Maid is a launching pad, Lilly is a flyball pitcher and he’s coming off a very good start last week.
Launching pad or not
The Astros are 21-29 at home and average 3.54 runs per game. I’d roll the dice.
Why?
If a deal can’t yet be made because the return isn’t there, then a deal shouldn’t be made. But Lilly is coming off seven strong innings last week. It’s more than likely that he’ll pitch as well OR WORSE — not better.
Because the return we get back from Lilly needs to be more than average for it to not be worth
us offering him arbitration after the season to get the draft picks. I realize he’s not guaranteed Type A status, but nothing is guaranteed about the prospects we’d get back in a trade either. Maybe he stinks it up tonight and you lower the potential value of trading Lilly such that its a better decision to keep him the rest of the year. Or maybe we get an offer from a team dazzled by a good performance that goes above and beyond the 2 draft picks we might receive this offseason.
Also, we’re not talking about Silva circa the All Star break where his numbers were likely the best they’d ever be . . . Ted only has a 3.88 ERA and certainly has the potential to bring that number down a little further.
It would be really bad ...
if Lilly gets shelled tonight and the Cubs can’t move him. It might be an indication that he won’t finish the year strong, thus lowering the potential draft-pick return. And it would provide the Cubs no salary relief.
Wouldn't be the end of the world
Unless Hendry can do better for him than the Diamondbacks did for Haren, the draft picks may be preferable. Lilly should net less than Haren and the Dbacks certainly didn’t do well in that deal.
how would it provide no salary relief?
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
ok
I guess I was reading his statement as looking at next year…
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
by hansman1982 on Jul 27, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
perhaps the thinking from Jimbo is that
as teams struggle to get deals done and the deadline nears a team might get depserate enough for Jimbo to get a good haul…if not then we offer Liloly Arbitration after the season and we are in the same situation…
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
And...
… in six career starts at that launching pad, Ted is 4-1 with a 3.50 ERA in 36 innings. Yes, he’s allowed nine HR in those 36 innings, but four of those were in one game, April 8, 2009, and the Cubs won that game anyway.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It's still going to be hard for him ...
to pitch better than he did last week. So if coming off a good start is a consideration — and it should be if a deal is close — then there is logic to dealing him now.
You're assuming we have offers we want already
Other teams may be willing to wait a start to be sure of their potential investment, or to lower a few hundred thousand off the pricetag their team will have to pay for Lilly’s services.
Neither of us can really say what the situation is regarding his market right now. Guess we’ll find out in the next 8 hours to 5 days.
And you're assuming we don't have offers we want already.
You’re right that neither of us really knows the details — but I added that caveat to a post below.
I don’t think Lilly will be dealt today JUST to avoid a start tonight that could lower his value. I’m saying that if a deal is close — and I wouldn’t be surprised if one is — it makes sense to move today.
There are deadlines and then there are deadlines.
I’m not sure the waiver deadline is viewed by Cubs management as being a drop-dead deadline. To trade Lilly this week would look like a white flag move to the general public, to the fan who doesn’t follow the details of every transaction, or who doesn’t follow the game in the papers or on the web beyond checking the standings. To that fan, anything is still possible. That fan may still want to go to a game or two, especially if the Cubs keep winning more games than they lose.
I don’t think the Cubs want to look like they’re giving up just yet. They could still put something together for Lilly in August.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jul 27, 2010 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions
That's an interesting thought.
But, honestly, I’m not sure the general public knows who Ted Lilly is, and trading one pitcher (or one pitcher and an unproductive outfielder) is far from a firesale.
Fukudome would definitely clear waivers
And if another team claimed him, the Cubs’ response would be, “Thank you.”
Lilly vs. a waiver claim is not so clear, but since there are only a couple of teams that want the $/time tradeoff he offers, he would probably clear waivers, too.
Getting rid of Fukudome needs to be a top priority.
If losing Lilly makes that happen in a cost-effective way, get it done.
but what if it means taking a lesser prospect...
he will be gone after next season and he isnt hindering some other young outfielder at the moment – so unless you can free up enough money (that would otherwise preclude you from getting) a productive 1b, 2b or RP then why hurt Lilly’s value?
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
Because it vould mean shedding $14 million.
Possibly more. And THAT would be more valuable IMO in a prospect that might not end up being anything.
ok I can agree with you there
unless a team gets desperate when we get close to the deadline and is willing to give a Justin Smoak type prospect for Lilly…
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
by hansman1982 on Jul 27, 2010 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
In my experience, the general fan likes Ted Lilly a lot.
I chat with fans in SRO all the time and they seem to know him, know about him, that he lives in the neighborhood and seems like a nice guy and that he pitches really well. Maybe I need to get out of the North Side a little.
But, one of my granddaughters’ friends, a 4-year-old girl who lives in Brooklyn and whose parents are Yankee fans, fell in love with Ted, how I don’t know for sure but I think it had something to do with the preseason opening of Yankee Stadium last year. So she named her knees after him. Her left knee is Ted and her right knee is Lilly. Not that it matters all that much, but I think it kind of shows how much natural appeal Lilly has for fans, in his quiet way.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Jul 27, 2010 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Those must be strong knees
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
I think...
… you’re thinking too much in the MLB Trade Rumors mode, and not enough in real-life mode. They’re not going to do this for convenience sake, IF they do it, they will do it because a deal makes sense and they get a good return.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well, sure.
I guess what I’m saying is that if a deal is close, I think Hendry will pull the trigger today, given the things that I mentioned.
I’m not advocating, nor do I expect, Hendry to make a trade to make a trade. Is it me, or are you really sick of trade rumors? They DO actually end up happening sometimes, you know.
Yes, trades DO happen sometimes.
I’m sick of the rumors because 99% of them turn out to be nothing. Even the Dan Haren rumors never had him going to the Angels.
Again, Jim Hendry isn’t going to make a deal because of convenience.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I agree with your final sentence.
But Haren was widely rumored to be traded. Your point would be stronger had he stayed with the D-Backs.
I get annoyed with the fantasy baseball trade speculation by fans and BCBers that is based on almost nothing. But rumors don’t typically bug me — because players who are rumored to be dealt usually wind up getting traded at some point (Brian Roberts being an obvious exception).
Those are so many variable we have no idea about right now
That I won’t be surprised either way. I do think this off season, may give us a window into what Ricketts & company have planned.
"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 27, 2010 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions
My point wasn't that Haren wasn't in trade rumors.
Yes, he was. But the deal he was eventually included in wasn’t rumored at all.
And we know that Jim Hendry doesn’t negotiate in the media. So most Cubs trade rumors are… well, they’re made up.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Most are made up?
The Cubs came very close to dealing for BR and PV. They were rumored to be after MB for quite some time before he was signed.
True, there’s a lot of speculation, but that’s usually written in a way that reflects that. I don’t doubt that the Rangers looked at Nady, that they looked at Lee and that multiple teams have looked at Lilly. Do you?
The BR and PV rumors were two years ago.
I don’t doubt the “looks”, no. But we have no way of knowing if they went any farther than a two-minute phone call.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
But you said most of the rumors are made up.
And that’s a bold — and I would expect inaccurate — generalization.
IDK
Well the tons and tons of rumor and the lack of actual trades. I would think that isn’t bad statement. But I think the same can be said for the other 29 teams.
I think this happens every year, just the last few seasons we’ve been lucky to not be sellers.
"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 27, 2010 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Even the last two years...
… when the Cubs were buyers, were the Harden or Gorzelanny deals rumored?
People WANTED the Cubs to get Harden, but I didn’t hear any rumors about that deal before it actually happened.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
but people wanting it, often is how rumors start isn't it?
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 27, 2010 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Sure.
Doesn’t make the rumors valid or even worth paying attention to in that case.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Why wouldn't the rumors be worth paying attention to ...
when the deals actually happened? I’m all for cutting the speculation — someone would SEEM to fit the Cubs’ plans, etc. — but I think you’re being WAY to cynical about trade rumors, or you’re caring too much when one is circulated.
Maybe.
I suppose it doesn’t hurt to shoot the breeze about rumors. Just know that 99% of them are either made up or won’t happen.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I think you're right that the vast majority ...
are made or up OR they won’t happen. But I think it would be hard to prove that most are made up.
also ...
who cares if Peavy and BR were rumored two years ago? Those rumors would still be pertinent in discussing whether rumors ever come to fruition, wouldn’t they?
and a presence like lilly
would be positive if they are planning on bringing Jackson up in September, but I am thinking that Hendry might try to move a bigger contract by moving Lilly…but at the same token I dont think Hendry is too motivated to move players with the potential for a stretch run…
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
OTOH ...
bringing up Jackson would be easier if Lilly isn’t filling a spot in the rotation. I think you’re right about Lilly being packaged.
Stretch run? I hope Hendry knows better than that. 9.5 out, three teams in front of them and a team that has shown NO ability to win in streaks? It’s time to start planning for 2011.
we just need to keep playing the way we are
and there are now two teams currently that have helacious runs – the Giants and the Rays – you never know, if the deal isnt there dont force it, especially considering we are playing the best baseball currently as we have for the entire year…if the Cubs were .500 right now we wouldnt mind the game vs Houston and StL where we should have won in the 9th and 10th then lost – as much…
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
But we're NOT .500 right now.
I agree that we shouldn’t force a trade. But let’s be realistic. We’re relying on “stranger things have happened arguments” — and that’s not a good position to be in.
But we have been playing above .500 ball lately
I guess I am only willing to give up when September 30 rolls 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
by hansman1982 on Jul 27, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd be there with you if the Cubs had gone 9-1 or 8-2 on the last homestand.
But this team finds ways to lose more than it finds ways to win. It’s talented, but the parts don’t mesh very well together.
Anyway, playing .500 ball lately isn’t enough. There are 62 games left and we’re eight games under. This team won’t play 20 over .500 the rest of the way — and that’s what’s needed to make the postseason.
One start, good or bad, won't have an effect
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Sure it would.
If Lilly gets shelled, looks bad and makes scouts wonder if Lilly’s velocity is way down, it could really hurt his value.
Nope
First off, his value isn’t that high to begin with. Aside from that, they’d look at his velocity over the period of the last few months, not just a single performance.
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
That's ridiculous.
Of course, today’s start will have some effect! You can argue to what degree, but other than that …
I have to agree with lostinthevines
Unless there is a great variation in his mechanics/fast ball etc there won’t be that much of an effect. Scouts do not make decisions based on one start or one inning. Lilly is not some minor leaguer who suddenly found some spot light.
Well if we're gonna split hairs here,
No, I didn’t. But whatever.
One is an anomaly. Two is a coincidence. Three is a pattern. Scouts look at patterns. That’s 100% of their job.
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Your headline:
“One start, good or bad, won’t have an effect”
RIGHT!!!
You said I said “any.” That’s why I called it splitting hairs!
This is a little ridiculous.
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
We should probably agree to disagree.
I can’t see how Lilly getting torched tonight couldn’t have an effect on his trade value. You disagree. I’m good moving on if you are.
So if he threw another 1-hitter
teams would suddenly offer more than they would normally have?
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I think most big-league teams
have the book on Lilly. One start isn’t going to sway them one way or another, not when he’s been around this long.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
It's Jay Jackson's turn tonight
But the I-Cubs have left Round Rock and have headed to Albuquerque. So Jackson can’t get to Houston in 90 minutes or anything.
I think you’re losing a Big Gulp.
by Josh Timmers on Jul 27, 2010 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I still have five hours until first pitch.
:)
Please note that I have nothing against Ted. I just think it’s in the team’s best interest to trade him now, either to get a prospect or to help ditch a player we don’t want. Ted Lilly would go from awesome status to hero status in my mind if he helped the Cubs get rid of Kosuke Fukudome without the Cubs having to pay as much of Kosuke’s contract.
I'd much rather see the Cubs focus on trading Fukudome.
They could save more money — even if they have to eat some of Kosuke’s contract — and KEEP Ted Lilly, who actually helps the team.
The Cubs aren’t going to get any real good prospects for Lilly. Thus, I’d say it is NOT in the team’s best interest to deal him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Relating to what we discussed earlier ...
we don’t KNOW what the Cubs will get because (as you’re fond of pointing out) Hendry doesn’t negotiate through the media. I’ve said repeatedly that the Cubs should just trade Ted to trade him. But they shouldn’t hesitate to make a deal, either.
As for Fukudome, I don’t see how the Cubs are going to dump him without getting creative. Kaplan said yesterday that the Nats wouldn’t take him last month even though the Cubs were willing to pay much of his remaining money.
It's surprising that a team wouldn't take him if the Cubs would eat a lot of the contract.
That, supposedly, was the holdup when the Cubs and Red Sox discussed him.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't think it's that surprising.
Fukudome’s strengths — OBP, defense — mean significantly less when you consider that he’s a platoon player and when you figure he has no power and a reputation for fading (badly) in the second half.
He’s also not a proven pinch-hitter/bench player.
Really...your trade thoughts centers on the I-Cubs nearby..
and because a bad start would lower his value . Don’t think there’s much really to say to that.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
That's half the picture, Twin.
My trade thoughts also center on the fact that Lilly has reportedly been on the block for weeks and that the Cubs lost a game on Sunday that almost certainly ended any playoff hopes.
Given those qualifiers, I think Lilly will be traded. Given his strong start last week and my strong belief that a bad start tonight could lower his value, I think he will be traded before the game tonight. The I-Cubs part, admittedly, isn’t all that significant.
Fair enough.
There was too much to read under with all the posts so I didn’t read a lot more than that comment. I don’t really know if the two game swing will be the reason Lilly is traded if so, but sounds logical. I don’t think a bad start tonight would lower his value, he’s had a long career of success overall and one bad or good start …I don’t see that making a lot of difference, unless he were to show an injury or do something unexpected. He has been consistent this season.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I seem to be in the minority on this ...
and maybe I’m wrong. But if Ted Lilly goes out tonight and gets torched — at a time when it’s known that his velocity is down and not long after shoulder surgery — I can’t imagine that the scouts in attendance wouldn’t take notice. And if the scouts take notice, a team or two might bow out of the hunt for Lilly, lowering the potential return.
I don't know if you are in the minority.
Either way your opinion is as valid as anyone’s. I think for myself that means more with a guy who has been inconsistent or is young, someone they need to see a good performance from. Just my .02
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
The Castro hit parade keeps going.
He’s on a 6 game hitting streak, and still has only struck out just once since the All-Star break…
"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)
This just in
the kid is good.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Tip the cap to Matt Garza in the season of no-nos
"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)
Any word on Soto?
"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 27, 2010 8:18 AM CDT reply actions
Yes.
Catcher Geovany Soto left the game in the sixth inning after fouling a ball off his left foot earlier. He said it’s just a bruise in a ‘’tough area’’ and held out hope he might play tonight. Piniella, however, said he doesn’t expect Soto back until Wednesday or Friday.
With a day game tomorrow, resting him today would probably be a good idea. If he can’t play Wednesday, the Cubs have Thursday off — so he could have three days off and only miss two games.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
So it doesn't sound terribly serious
I hope they err on the side of caution & have him back on Friday. Lou does love playing Hill, so hopefully that will help in the decision making process.
"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 27, 2010 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Geo has started 12 of the last 13 games.
So he might have been due for a day off tonight or tomorrow anyway.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
They are in a stretch where they have both this Thursday and next Thursday off
not doing one of those 15-20 games in a row. Hopefully that also helps.
"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 27, 2010 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Damn. I sure was expecting and afraid of that.
Still better than it could have been…he rolled his ankle and put all his weight on his ankle before the ball hit it…definitely could have been worse.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Whoopie!!!
We get Koyie Hill for the next 2 days? There’s gotta be a better alternative. The bat-boy, maybe? Call someone up from a close by Little League team? Maybe a softball catcher from “The Little Sisters of the Poor”? Anything. I’m open for suggestions.
’
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 ?
He's a backup catcher
It’s not that big a deal.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Normally not
but Soto’s been hot. We’ll miss the bat, unless they play against the Astros as they’re capable of even without him
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I know, but
like was pointed out earlier, Soto is due for a day off or two anyway.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know what's wrong with the reply function
I had typed that he was due for a day off or two, anyway, but it didn’t post.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I see that post
just above this one I replied to.
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
It wasn't there before
Maybe I’m drunk or something.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I think SBN has
been acting really goofy the past few days.
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
BCB has.
It loads the main page slow and in odd ways at times. Always slower than it used to . Sometimes it freezes. Those new ads are slowing the processing down still…though I am glad it’s better than it was for a week or whatever.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
There was an issue SBN-wide this morning which really slowed things down.
They should be fixed now. Things are working normally for me.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
lol
Well it has had more problems than usual posting last night and today…which work fine on other sites. It has frozen occasionally this morning and yesterday, I am glad it’s working fine for you. I think the slower loading time is an inevitable result of the new ads on Explorer. I do give them credit at SBN for recognizing problems and working on them.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions
He's an automatic 0 for 4
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 ?
Now you've done it
Hill will go 3-for-4 and be the hero tonight, just for saying that. :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
That's cool...I have NO problem being wrong
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 ?
As long as we're in fantasy land...
Theriot is gonna steal 4 times and not get caught and field with no errors and no double clutches…
Roberto Duran to Sugar Ray Leonard - No Mas... No Mas...
-------------
Hicks: That's it, man. Game over, man. Game over, what the **** are we supposed to now, huh, what are we gonna do?
-------------
"Why people, who have not committed any punishable offense, listen to Country and Western music is absolutely beyond me" - John Cleese
Sure hope you're right.
You are wrong that he was due for a day or two off…just one day.now it may be three so that is important though necessary. Earlier in the year Lou seemed to do that a lot but I don’t think it was ever helping the Cubs. Here’s hoping Geo heals quickly. Watching Hill fail won’t be fun.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather have Soto start, of course
but complaining about a backup catcher is a bit of a waste of time. Catchers can’t play every day, anyway.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Unless you are Jason Kendall.
Kendall has started 93 of the Royals’ 99 games this year.
Yes, they are out of their minds.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Says everything you need to know about the Royals
in more than one way (why is Kendall on the team in the first place, and why is he playing so much).
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Same reason Hill is on our team and plays so much.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait...now you are beginning to lose me.
There is a difference between 1 day and 3 days on the team. Saying you will miss his bat is very true. Hill couldn’t bunt during his last attempt…he is pretty much a sure out. I understand Geo needs days off occasionally, but three days is different than spelling Hill for a day game.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm assuming one of those days
is the off day Thursday.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
No fair checking the schedule.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
take it Easy, Ed
A catcher needs regular rest
"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
Oh, I agree...usually having another competent catcher allows that to happen.
Ron Santo - 8,143 ABs, .277 BA; 342 HR; 1331 RBI = NO Hall of Fame?
Brooks Robinson - 10,654 ABs, .267 BA; 268 HR; 1357 RBI = Hall of Fame.
Any more questions ?
I think being merely competent is how you'd define any back-up position player
Ergo, Hill is the back-up
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
yes
The Cubs have had many years where the main and backup catchers were both Mendoza-line hitters. These are among the best of times for us at the catcher position.
"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
Exactly
It’s not like Soto’s being replaced as the starter by Hill for the remainder of the season. Competency is all you can ask of a back-up.
I don’t think depth of position is as important for catchers as it is for middle or corner infielders or outfielders.
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Good to see
the cubs finally swining the bats. Its amazing what a couple hit streaks can do for the entire team! Finally some 2 baggers to bring in runs.
Granted, this was against the ’Stros so cant be too giddy, but this has been a cumulation of finally some good baseball out of the cubs this past week.
I dont think we’re going to see any spectacular 15/17 game win streak to get us back at the top, but i do think we can continue to win series and bring our record up a bit – but will rely on a slip at the top by the reds and cards
Based on 2010 performance, beating the Astros or Pirates should provide plenty of gid
Which is what you consume to get “giddy.” ;-)
Seriously, half decent play against the two worst teams in the division would actually have the Cubs with some semi-realistic hope of contending now….
Which will be greater for Theriot at the end of the year?
TOOTBLAN + Caught Stealing or Total XBH?
(anyone know what the current count is?)
Check out the Video Blog I host: WebSmart TV
by digitalbenjamin on Jul 27, 2010 8:27 AM CDT reply actions
Maybe Al has a logbook
But Baserunning Errors must have a substantial lead. Maybe errors vs. total bases on extra-base hits would be a fairer match.
I don't keep count.
If anyone keeps a TOOTBLAN count, please post it here.
Theriot does have 16 SB and 6 CS so far this year. That’s a 73% success rate — ALMOST worth it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
To be fair to Theriot, I recall that the team has a number of CS this year that were failed hit-and-run plays
That may be a couple of his 6. Guys really need to hit the ball when that play is on. A little like needing to put the ball in play with 1 out and a runner on 3rd………
@ Clark Fan
Most of those occurred when Theriot was AT BAT!!!
Harry Pavlidis and Co. are keeping those numbers.
They published something the other night about it. Turns out, Theriot is not even close to the league lead. They said he has 15 TOOTBLAN, and the league leader—who’s name I forget—has 22.
I take that back. Here's the tweet:
I did some research… Theriot today with his eighth TOOTBLAN, but Nyjer Morgan leads MLB with 15 TOOTBLAN. Figgins, Kemp w/14.
I don't care very much how someone judges his performance
because they are using their own ideas about what is failure and what is being caught. It’s easy for me to know watching him this year he’s horrible at base running as well as making errors, whatever the exact number it is judged to be.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
This is the absolute definition of a "shit eating grin"
What is a horse shoe? What does a horse shoe do? Are there any horse socks? Is anybody listening to me?
It had to be the socks.
When was the last time you saw Theriot wear his socks like that?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
They don't call them "knock socks" for nothin' ;-)
What is a horse shoe? What does a horse shoe do? Are there any horse socks? Is anybody listening to me?
Starlin did it too
Anyone know why?
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 27, 2010 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
After the game they said they just decided to do it.
Theriot said he absolutely hated it and thought it was ugly, but was now forced to wear his socks like that again tonight since he hit a HR. He said it was worth looking bad for one more day.
I'm all for it then
I’d be happy for two good nights from him.
"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 27, 2010 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Last July
We talked about it. Search string: power socks
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
heheh
Just wait until he has to cover 2nd on a steal.
by jesus christos on Jul 27, 2010 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions
C'mon people...
It was the Crawford Boxes for god’s sake…that also had something to do with it. Yeah he still got it there…but he hit it barely above the line in one of the shortest porch areas in the league if not the shortest. If he hits that ball pretty much anywhere else in the park it’s caught for an out.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he pointed to there before he swung.
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 ?
lol
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Looks more constipation to me
;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Caption:
“OK, I’ve rounded second. What happens now? Oh, there’s Quade. He’ll tell me what to do”
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Theriot Error
The game was not on TV for me last night, did he commit another error on a missed catch? What happened?
Wasn't it last year...
when Theriot hit like 4 or 5 homers in a week or 2 span…including a slam?
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 ?
Uh oh...the rest of the league better be put on notice.
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 ?
Theriot
has been hitting way better since he was dropped in the order. Maybe he tries to do too much at the top. This is the perfect spot for him to hit in the lineup…that is, if he needs to be in the lineup at all ;)
Love Castro, Colvin, Cashner. No matter what happens the rest of the year, those three will make watching the Cubs more enjoyable.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 27, 2010 9:00 AM CDT reply actions
hopefully for several years
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
and hopefully they
can all avoid the sophmore slump – otherwise they will get traded for Theriot and Fukudome….
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
Last night 100th game. Brenley commented the Cubs would need to go
44-18 (.701 baseball) the rest of the way to reach 90 wins. We’re 9th in the wild card and 10 games out. The wild card leading Giants would have to go 34-28 the rest of the way to reach 90 wins and then hope all other teams perform as they have.
I’m not feeling very positive about this because I really feel this team dug too deep of a hole early. But, I like the way we’re playing right now. Things are heading in the right direction.
If, and I use this loosely, we are to get into the race to make it interesting, we need a win streak to get back to .500 and above. Then we need another long sustained steak. Somebody does this every year, I’m still holding out hope our team could be the one to do it. Not much hope BTW, just a little.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
If they end up @ .500 for the season
I would view that as an accomplishment for this team. There has been parts of the season when I thought this was going to be 06 all over again. I still think 75 is more realistic.
"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 27, 2010 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Me too.
Just for completeness, I’d like to see Lou leave Chicago with four winning seasons.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Last Cubs manager to do that: Leo Durocher.
And Durocher left on a bad note.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I posted last night, before the game, that they need to 45 -18 over the last 63...
now it’s 44-18…see how easy it’ll be? Theriot will put this team on his back.
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 ?
Forget the records
The most disconcerting thing about all this is how quickly the season is slipping away.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
NBF, I remember like yesterday when you said that it is still early..
that it is a marathon not a sprint, season is not won in April/May/June etc etc…see how quickly time flies away?
This is why it is very important to get a good start early on. All the games you threw away early in the season become “Must Wins” come ASB, August and September (If a team is that lucky) and it adds to the pressure.
It’s never too early to do things right.
Not exactly, CL
The season is so long that slow starts aren’t necessarily fatal. How many times have you seen teams start well and fade late? (We’ve seen a few of those on the North Side alone.)
In football, you can’t take that approach, because the season is so short.
I was referring more to the idea that the baseball season, which I love so much, is heading toward its final third, which means fall and winter aren’t that far away.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
agreed regarding the long season
but slow starts because of repetitive bad habits are not going to melt away anytime soon.
Repeated failures to hit with RISP etc are going to haunt you be it April or September unless you take corrective measures as soon as they crop up.
If people have track records of success,
you have to give them time to get back to that level.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
It's never too early to do things right...and failing early puts pressure on you later?
Those are obvious. Plenty of teams though have overcome them even when they continue to the AS break…and this is generalized a lot. Repeated failures with RISP will haunt you? of course. We all know what the problems have been with this team, but it’s just bad…and when you have your two big RBI men failing, it’s not easy at all to fix it.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions
It is when there are two other batters in the lineup hitting head and shoulders better than the two big RBI men...
what would have happened if Lou had batted Byrd and Soto 3-4 for those last 40 games before the break? Yeah, we’ll never know.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Pretty easy to say there's a magical solution
but we will never know. Yeah you can sub Byrd and Soto in the 3-4 spots…but who bats then at the end? I agree with you it should have been tried. I just doubt it changes it much more than a few games. The team is just bad. Lou isn’t holding them back from winning…he’s not doing a good job this season, but again, the team sucks.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe it's not a "magical" solution...
but it damn sure was the “logical” one. A few games in June could have meant we’re only 5 1/2 games out of first instead of 9 1/2 now.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Could have. and could also have meant 7 and 1/2.
Come on SWL, you know you agree with me. I agree with you it should have been tried…but you know the team sucks and they weren’t going to make the playoffs this season. You’ve said so before.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
The team sucks, and they won't make the playoffs....
but I really didn’t come to this conclusion in June when the team sucked but still had a chance to stay within sight of the Reds and Cardinals while our manager left the two gaping holes in the hull of the ship and napped as we fell further and further behind.
We totally agree about this teams future going forward this season, I’m just saying (once again) that even with this teams problems in the first half…a majority of the reason we’re sitting dead in the water right now is because of the criminal negligence of our current manager.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought like you that Lou
Should have moved Rami around, along with Lee during their abyssmal first half. He could have changed the batting order, should have platooned Fonty with Theriot, and moved him from leadoff long before now.
I don’t agree with you I guess that the manager would have made a large difference. The team is not good and those moves would not have put us in first place. How much…hard to tell as you say. Guess I should just shut up, it’s all conjecture on how much it would matter.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I never said anything Lou could have done would put us in first place...
but it would have made it a little less impossible to get there now that Aramis remembers how to hit baseballs.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I hear that...
I love my Cubs, but, absolutely HATE summer. Give me a 10 below zero day anytime over this 95 degree crap we got here in Central Illinois the past couple weeks.
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 ?
Not me.
I’ll take hot days any time over freezing winter days.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+1
If I had a choice between 95 and -10, 95 wins every day for me.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Jul 27, 2010 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
+1000
I hate winter…
Roberto Duran to Sugar Ray Leonard - No Mas... No Mas...
-------------
Hicks: That's it, man. Game over, man. Game over, what the **** are we supposed to now, huh, what are we gonna do?
-------------
"Why people, who have not committed any punishable offense, listen to Country and Western music is absolutely beyond me" - John Cleese
I'm with you on the weather
These last few weeks have been brutal. (BTW, where in Central Illinois are you? I’m in Peoria.)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
How far away from you is Starved Rock?
I went there a week ago.
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 27, 2010 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I grew up just outside Ottawa, VCF...about 45 minutes from Starved Rock
now, I’m about 1 1/2 hours south of there.
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 ?
Serena High School here
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 ?
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm hungry
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
mary kate and ashley are so jealous
That’s the difference between cut rate and high quality cocaine.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
About 90 minutes, VCF
Starved Rock is pretty cool.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow that's pretty cool.
I don’t know that many people who get out to see that pretty place.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Bartonville
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 ?
But of course
Pseudo-hometown of Jim Thome, whom I thought was a better basketball player at Limestone than a baseball player.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Ever get to a Chiefs game?
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 ?
Haven't been in a while
Those are always a good time, though, particularly at O’Brien Field. Didn’t care for the old place that much. You?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah...I usually get to at least one per homestand
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 ?
Sure, you say that now.
Reminds me of what my dad used to say: “You can always put more clothes on, but you can only take so many off.”
I prefer the summer because I hate feeling like I’m fighting the weather. When you can barely walk down the street because you’re being pelted by tiny ice crystals flying at 30 mph, that takes a lot of energy out of you. I don’t want to fight all the time. I’d much rather the weather take my strength by itself, where I don’t even have to do anything. That’s summer.
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
the season and the summer
they seem to go by faster all the time. its a little scary.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
It's called
getting old, I think. :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope that they manage this, too
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
You are not the only one with a tiny glimmer of hope - Keep the faith.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I too have the faith
but I think we may be seeing the Battle of the Bulge and not the Seige of Stalingrad…
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
Both were victories for the Allies and defeats for the Germans, so I don't get it.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
after I posted I realized that
and my only hope of salvaging anything is to say that rather than us being the Russians in my scenario and turning the tide but rather we are the Germans making one last push that will eventually prove futile…
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
by hansman1982 on Jul 27, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
don't worry about it and be happy.... ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
It's always about ARam and DLee
If they can hit .270/.320/.500 or so for the rest of the season, we might have a chance. They’re in prime spots in the order, and even they might tell you they don’t deserve them. So frustrating!
right now
the cubs best chance is to win the NL Central (which they should have a fair number of games against the Reds and Cards left) – The Cards dont have it in them to overtake the other two leaders
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
Brewers, right?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Germans?
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
You called?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
no fairs.
I’ve been dreaming of that draft beer ever since I came back to the states, and actually its the dark beer I miss the most.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I love the dark stuff too
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
That stuff is magical.
Sweet and dark and yummy goodness. Nice aftertasted. Sits in your tummy and makes you happy. Life should be like that more often.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
TWSS
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
by lostinthevines on Jul 27, 2010 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh God, that looks good
Good thing I’ve got some Kostritzer in the fridge.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
The GF of my ex-boss (and still good friend) works for Kostritzer - yummy yum yum yum
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Good stuff
The concept of a black lager is a great one, because it doesn’t have the heaviness of a typical dark beer.
A guy who owned a German restaurant here didn’t carry it because he thought they used “radioactive water” (because the brewery was in the old DDR). If that’s the case, I guess radioactive water makes for good beer.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I love how Theriot drops the bat and starts jogging
Almost like he was saying “Happens all the time.”
"Get up or GET OUT THE WAY!"
~Stacy King
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 27, 2010 9:17 AM CDT reply actions
Hey, act like you've been there.
Even if, y’know, you haven’t been there … very much.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Dear Mapmaker
We realize that and count on that during season like this. So that the seats still get filled and Cubs items still get bought. B/c we have to pay for these contracts somehow.
Chicago Cubs
"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 27, 2010 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Dear Cubs,
Thanks for the Fontenot and Baker sightings the other day. I was sure you were unaware they were still on your team or were in fact, drawing a paycheck. Does Mike have a bracelet around his ankle to let him know when he will be needed in a game and use the beard to pick up 4 foot girls with that crazy hot beard the rest of the time?
SET
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions
@ Sandberg's Evil Twin
Fontenot doesn’t pick up girls any more. His fiancee, who is taller than he is, would be pissed if he did.
I've taken 12 billion steps
In my 12 step program to quit the Cubs.
"All of us are in the gutter...some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde
I saw a writer on TV yesterday claim that 10 teams
are interested in Lilly. if that’s true then I expect that he’ll be traded but it will come down to the final hours or so.
That number sounds an awful lot
Like the number of teams Ted has a contract NTC for.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I agree I can't see 10 teams
Maybe 10 teams inquired but I doubt there are more than 3 or 4 with a solid interest.
Can someone talk about what would happen if we don't trade him, and he leaves via FA?
What are we likely to get draft-wise?
well if we dont offer him Arbitration
then I believe we get a over-hyped AAAA player called Jack Squat…otherwise it depends on how he does the rest of the season to determine the draft picks from there.
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
by hansman1982 on Jul 27, 2010 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
If the Cubs do offer arb
then they would likely get 2 1st round picks (he would most likely, though not certainly, be a type A free agent). Or if Ted agrees to Arb, then the Cubs get a proven, good to excellent starter on a one year deal. Both scenarios would be pretty good.
That is why they need to get something semi-good for a trade for Lilly now. The team that loses Lilly in November would get the same deal for losing him, which should help the price now.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
'good to excellent'?
I’d reserve a term like ‘excellent’ for someone who’s a Cy Young candidate.
Theriot's smirk
is hilarious, like a Three Stooges clip. You can almost hear him saying, “Nyuck, nyuck! Oh, a wise guy!?”
"I showed him the cheese then punched him out with the yakker." -- Eck
Milo Hamilton
has to be one of the WORST radio play by play announcers I’ve ever heard.
I was listening to the XM radio feed last night and Milo was talking with others in the booth for several minutes oblivious to what was going on down on the field. He does this regularly. Last night was not unusual.
For example, he said “Soriano coming to the plate”, then yammered on about nothing related to the game and then a minute later mentioned the count was 3-1 on Soriano. WTF?
He did this numerous times with numerous batters during the game. Just a terrible, terrible radio PxP announcer.
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
Milo is just a bad guy
The stuff he said about Harry Caray in his book, and his 30-year whining about how he thought he was “mistreated” in Chicago, is ridiculous.
He is also 80-plus years old, but then again, so is Vin Scully.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Milo is older than I thought he was.
He’ll be 83 in September. How he’s still got a job is beyond me.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Evidently he's a beloved figure in Houston
I think he does just home games now.
I suppose I can understand his bitterness a little, because his experience in Chicago is the second time he was “burned.” (He replaced Bob Prince in Pittsburgh; IIRC, Prince was unceremoniously dumped, and the fans took out their frustrations on Milo.) But he’s had a nice, long run in Houston, and he was in Atlanta for years before that, so all in all I think things have worked out pretty well for him.
Look at it from the Cubs’ perspective: If you had a chance to get Harry Caray, wouldn’t you have taken it? It’s not as if Milo had lost out to Thom Brennaman or anything.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course!
Milo had been in the business for almost 30 years when that happened. He should have understood it’s just the nature of the broadcasting business. Instead, he has harbored this grudge for nearly 30 MORE years.
He’s just a bitter old man. Even getting the Frick Award, which should have made him happy, didn’t seem to do much for him.
I believe he is the oldest currently working baseball broadcaster — a couple years older than Vin Scully.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That award just shows it is given out for longevity more than competence or skill at times.
He was awful in Chicago and now in Houston. I don’t know what he was like in Atlanta, but I’m just grateful I’ve not heard him much since leaving Chicago. He and Thom together are a black hole of broadcasting.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions
All the bitterness and bad blood aside, he doesn't DO play by play. So why is he there?
It might be OK if he was on TV because you could SEE what was happening. But on radio, you really NEED someone to paint the visual image for you. Either that, of they should just turn UP the crowd/P.A. microphones and turn his completely OFF. Mentioning the count (or bitching in his case) about every 5th pitch or so is pointless.
And I understand the irony considering many of us like/love Ron Santo doing ‘color’ commentary. There is a BIG difference between play by play and color.
Just my 2 cents.
But God, Hamilton’s bad…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
I still miss Vince Lloyd and Lou Boudreau
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 27, 2010 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Wish Jim Hendry a happy birthday today.
Maybe he’ll get a Cano or a Dunn for a present today.
People were talking about a “depressing win” during last night’s threads. I really didn’t understand the concept—unless Soto was badly injured—and still don’t get why some people got frustrated by a slow yet successful game. A win’s a win boys. It might’ve been long and annoying (with Theriot being “the hero”) but it’s always good to win.
I'll take the most depressing win of the season over a loss.
But not all wins are created equal.
What was so depressing
about last night’s game? I didn’t think it was anything unusual.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Slooow game
After a very exciting (long) game the night before.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Add to that
Errors and mistakes on both sides, plus for us the lingering sting of losing the day before and a two game change in the standings. It was painful to watch even though we won.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
It did seem slow to me but
like you said it’s always good to win.
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
Dumping salary
I don’t think they should trade Lilly to just dump salary.
Now, if they can swing a trade for Silva or Zambrano or Fukudome to just dump the salary; that they should do.
They need to sell high with Silva
If the Cubs really are thinking of somewhat rebuilding, they need to get rid of Silva. He’s had a great season so far but he’s not the future of the Cubs. Trade him now for a great prospect.
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
I would be more in favor
of trading Silva than Lilly.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Of course you would.
Who wouldn’t? “They need to” …that’s irrelevant. No one wants Silva and his contract.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd also rather eat food than dirt.
No offense, NBF, but this might be the most obvious statement on BCB in a while.
I would be more in favor
of winning than losing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
better than what we would have gotten for him at the begining of the season
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
What is the point?
I still don’t see the Cubs moving Silva without throwing in money. OK, they may get a better player than before the season started but he still isn’t returning a “great prospect”.
You gotta trade him if you're not re-signing him after this year
and I hope they don’t plan on re-signing him, he’s been a good pitcher but a 3 or a 4 at best and he’s getting old. Not worth the big cash any more.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
I don't think they have to trade him
They should only trade him if they get a good prospect in return. By instead trading Silva for as little as $.50 on the $1 the Cubs can save more money in total and the other team might have a serviceable pitcher for next season. The Cubs can offer Lilly arb. Lilly would probably decline arb in favor of a multi-year deal with another team.
by AboutTheCubs on Jul 27, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
"Trade him now for a *great* prospect."
More like, trade him Now for a bag of beans?
Caption
Johnson: Is that who I think it is? Wow. He’s never safe in this neighborhood.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
Hawk says 'no' to Ryno as manager
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
That link doesn't say "Hawk says 'no'".
It just says he might prefer Girardi to Sandberg.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Not exactly but it's not a ringing endorsement!
Sound like he really likes Girardi. That’s the only drawback with Ryno, no big league experience. Does it matter? Who can say? All I know is that I don’t want to be sitting in the same spot 3 years from now debating who are new manager should be, so let’s hope the get it right this time!
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
On that, you & I agree.
As I have said, IF Girardi is available, he is a better choice due to his major league experience. However, I do not expect him to be available, thus IMO Sandberg is the best AVAILABLE choice.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Big difference between No and preferring Girardi.
I’d prefer Girardi myself. Misquoting Hawk is wrong.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually, I think I agree with the Hawk, but it depends on the direction Hendry takes next year...
If JH cuts payroll and holds a fire sale on Silva, Z, Dome, etc., then trades Byrd and Gorzo (who will have some value), non-tenders Riot and LBR, doesn’t re-sign TRL and DLee (or sign someone comparable), the Cubs will officially be in “rebuilding” mode — even though that word is generally a profanity when uttered in a two-team market.
That would leave only Sori, Soto, Demp, Ramy, and Mármol as a core. Castro, Cashner, Colvin, Jackson, etc. would be the “future”. While Sandberg has worked with many of these guys in the minors, the inevitable losses would go on his ML record. If the turnaround doesn’t come as quickly as expected, the pressure to fire him will mount, and it could get ugly. This is exactly what happened to Alan Trammell in Detroit. I’m not sure if I really want that for Ryno…
OTOH, if Hendry re-signs DLee and TRL, and keeps Z, Byrd, etc., Ryno would have enough talent to contend, but would be hard-pressed to deal with head-cases like Z with so little experience. (Look at the situation in Seattle with Don Wakamatsu and Chone Figgins, and Wak has many more years of ML coaching experience than Ryno does.) It would certainly be trial-by-fire for Ryno, but he could certainly enhance his reputation if he succeeds. If he fails? Again, it could get ugly…
Trammell (or even Buck Showalter) might be a better choice for a re-building team, but how long will Ryno stay in AAA? Would he accept a coaching position under one of those two?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
He's been in AAA not even one full season yet
I think a coaching position with the big club would be just fine with him, considering how many of his peers never make it that far (or pay considerably more dues before they get there).
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess I don't have a feel for what he would do...
He took the minor league gig specifically so that he would be in line when the job opened up. If Hendry tells him “I don’t think you’re ready yet. I’d like you to be the bench coach under Tram.”, what will he do? Would Tram be comfortable with that?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
Good question
I really hope Hendry didn’t make Ryno any promises.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jul 27, 2010 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions
What are the odds the Yanks grab The Ted?
Pettitte is having groin issues and they don’t know when he’ll be back and they’ll need another lefty in the rotation.
I’m sorry if this was already stated.
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
I think low
The Yankees expect Pettitte will be back for the playoffs which pushes Lilly down to 4rd or 5th on their depth chart. They don’t need Lilly to make the playoffs.
I also suspect they want a RH setup more than a starter. Joba hasn’t been very good.
P.S. Celebration time: The Cubs beat the Astros!
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
My new blog/ebay auction site: http://mikessportscards.weebly.com/
Am I the only one who sees this?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 2:04 PM CDT reply actions
MLBTR talking about the Yanks trying to pry Joakim Soria from the Royals.
This has suddenly infuriated me.
Why on God’s earth would the Royals trade one of the best young closers in the game… who’s pretty affordable right now at $3 mil, to the friggin Yankees?
No wonder the Royals suck forever. Here’s a clue: when you find great young cost effective talent at premium value positions: keep the friggin talent! Morons.
"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)
But they're POOR!!! They've played the 'small market' victim for so long...
I don’t know if they know how to do anything else.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions
It's more a philosophy than anything.
Like with the Pirates. They try to keep around a few high paid vets as a concession to the fans. But they will give it up with most prospects like it’s a friday night payday. they don’t want to pay most of them long term. The evil empire will beat the rebels…
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
because the rebels, like most loosely organized rebellions, can be easily bought off and quit when given half a chance.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Not all of them can be bought off...
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I know...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions
He's using a giant squirrel to fight Nazis?
That’s so wrong and awesome at the same time.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
But not always?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
These players are so young anyway...
That the clock until FA is years away. Why the heck would you trade away your best young cost-controlled talent? That’s ridiculous. Keep the talent together as long as you can and try to win.
The Marlins and Rays have seemed to figure that out… why can’t the rest of the basement dwellers observe and learn?
"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 the Marlins and Rays do have a different payroll to an extent it is fair to say.
The Marlins in fact while hanging onto prospects, do go on spending binges to “go for it” and actually do have a larger payroll for awhile…then shed the aging vets.
The Rays pay more money but still are a franchise the Royals should try to model themselves after. It does require a lot of skill in forming a top level minors system to draw from continuously. I think it’s even more obvious with the Pirates they just have no ambition to do more than be a major league feeder team that makes money. Which is an insult to to the fans.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Careful buddy...your last two sentences almost describe the Cubs except for the part about being a feeder team.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions
We're not making money either...
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 27, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
This explains why we've kept Theriot and Fontenot on the roster all this time.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 27, 2010 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Just because the Yankees want him doesn't mean the Royals want to trade him
In fact, if they turned down Montero for him, they obviously recognize the value of young, cheap talent. The Royals have other problems, for sure, but calling them morons for something the Yankees proposed seems a little over-the-top.
Somebody take Aramis' bat off the restricted list, please.
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