Randy Wells' Seven Strong Innings For Naught: Cubs Shut Out Again
by Al Yellon on Aug 18, 2010 7:01 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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Print14-30 in one-run games.
0-for-7 last night with RISP.
I could quote more numbers, but I'm sure you've had enough of them this year. The Cubs lost to the Padres 1-0 Tuesday night. It was their first 1-0 loss since June 16, 2007, oddly enough, also to the Padres. You might remember that game better as the one where Derrek Lee and the Padres' Chris Young got into a fight after Lee thought Young had been throwing at him.
Lee missed last night's game with back trouble and Young hasn't pitched since April with shoulder trouble. Nevertheless, the Padres won last night not necessarily because of anything they did; they had only three hits and scored in the first inning on an infield groundout -- they won because once again, the Cubs could not score a runner from third base with less than two out, a situation they had in the fourth and eighth innings.
The eighth was particularly frustrating, as Marlon Byrd came up with runners on first and third with one out and promptly hit Mike Adams' first pitch for an inning-ending double play.
It's just one of those years. You know, if the Cubs had been going well, Blake DeWitt's long fly ball with two out and a runner on in the ninth would have been lifted by a stray gust of wind just a few more feet and it would have landed in the basket for a walkoff homer. But it wasn't.
And Randy Wells deserved better; after the first inning he gave up only a pair of hits and a pair of walks. He's had a rough year, but this game at least gives some hope that he can be a solid starter in 2011 and beyond.
A few more notes about last night, both at the ballpark and here at BCB. My post about Ed Lynch's trade of Jon Garland -- one of the worst in recent Cubs history -- was not in any way a "it could have been worse" or a defense of Jim Hendry. It was simply to remind everyone of the Garland deal, since Garland was last night's Padres starter. Yet many of you entered into your reflexive Hendry-bashing. Frankly, it's really unseemly.
Has Hendry made a number of bad deals and signings that have hurt the team in the last two years? Absolutely. Nevertheless, he's here, and staying at least long enough to see if he can dig the team out of this hole. When people here make constructive suggestions about the future, I'm ready to discuss. But when people are just "JIMHENDRYSUCKSOMGGETHIMOUTTAHERE!!!!1!!!"... not so much.
Last night's crowd, on an evening when it tried very hard to rain but succeeded only in sprinkling, was announced as 33,664. The bleachers were not even half full, and it appeared there wasn't more than about 20,000 in the house, with wide swaths of the back of the lower deck corners empty. It was the smallest paid crowd of the year and only one last year (33,299 at the second half of a day-night DH vs. the Pirates on September 30) was smaller. You'd have to go back to September 14, 2006 (31,361) and September 26, 2006 (31,932) to find smaller paid crowds. And while there were some under-30,000 crowds in early-season 2003 before the Cubs got involved in the playoff race that year, the last September crowds of significantly under 30,000 came on September 26, 2002 (20,032) and September 27, 2002 (27,637).
The last paid crowd at Wrigley Field of under 20,000 was on April 9, 2002, a cloudy, 45-degree day. Because of season ticket sales since then, it's unlikely any paid crowd will be announced that small. But it's entirely possible that one of the night games in the Pirates series during the next homestand, or the Astros or Giants series in September, will have fewer than 10,000 people actually in attendance, a cautionary tale for new ownership.
What's the answer, besides a winning team? I don't know if I have one. The Cubs, meanwhile, will try to score this afternoon. That'd be a start.
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Blake DeWitt: "One more biscuit for breakfast..."
But you almost knew that ball would die at the wall, right? Very 2010, these Cubbies…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
The most lifeless team in baseball
The Pirates and Orioles have more life and excitement than this sorry team.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Question: (I was listening to the game)
Did Xavier Nady have a play at the plate on that RBI groundout (with the bags loaded) that remained as the only run of the game??? If he had, then that’s completely unacceptable.
by braziliancubsfan on Aug 18, 2010 7:17 AM CDT reply actions
I didn't think so, no.
And in the first inning, who’s going to think that one run will hold up and win the game?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It looked to me, sitting in the low 200's above the Cubs on-deck circle, like he was thinking 3-6-3 or 3-6-1.
He looked toward second. A double play would have ended the inning. But then he turned to first and tossed it to Wells for a single out. Run scores.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Aug 18, 2010 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Again...
… in the first inning, you get the sure out. A run scores, so what, it’s 1-0 and you haven’t even batted yet. No one could have guessed it would end that way.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Right. I didn't see what was going on at second, but he decided to get the sure out instead of risking no outs.
And I think a play at the plate was very iffy, too. He made the right decision, IMO.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Aug 18, 2010 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions
ronnie on the radio was pretty insistent that he should have thrown home
by doofus cubs guy on Aug 18, 2010 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions
He had a better view than I. And replays to watch.
But I thought it was absolutely the right intension to end the inning with a double play. That’s pretty standard in this kind of situation. For whatever reason he decided it was too risky. By that time the runner on third was no longer an option. So you go for the sure out. A play at the plate in this situation is more of a late-game decision when the score’s tied and you’re on the road IMO. Of course, as a fan frustrated by this season in general, I was horrified that they scored because I felt one run could be insurmountable! But I never questioned his first thought of getting the DP.
If the Cubs had scored a run or two in the game, I don’t think this play would have even been discussed!
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Aug 18, 2010 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Pinella said after the game he thought he made the right play.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
well if the biggest moron in baseball thought so.........................
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions
I think comments like this are ignorant just like those made
about Dusty Baker. Obviously, Dusty is capable of winning with a good team, just like he did with the Cubs until Hendry puilled the rug out from under him. Lou does not win 1800+ games being the biggest moran in baseball. You’re as good as your players. Our players were not good this year.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Who is this "will" you speak of and is he pitching for the Padres today?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
No, he's not.
He is who he is. Many like him, some don’t. But he is most assuredly not “an idiot”.
Please refrain from this kind of post in the future. Thank you.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I thought Nady should have tried to go for the double play, actually.
If nothing else, he should have tried to get the lead runner.
and in that case
especially the 1st inning with no force at home you go for the sure outs
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 was a force at home.
The bases were loaded.
Again, in the first inning, as you say, you go for the sure out.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Boy, if he had a force at home that should have been the play
Unless he really couldn’t make it. Is Nady’s arm still bad?
What a naughty title
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
The stereotypical FIPSLAN
The eighth was particularly frustrating, as Marlon Byrd came up with runners on first and third with one out and promptly hit Mike Adams’ first pitch for an inning-ending double play.
FIPSLAN?
I got the “like a nincompoop” part. What’s the rest?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
FIPSLAN
*FI*rst *P*itch *S*winging *L*ike A *N*incompoop
What happens in the game threads
should stay in the game threads. :)
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
C.R.A.P.
Cubs Really Are Pathetic
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
I don't think we should trade on this too often.
I have the feeling it would be used against us.
News flash! The Minnesota Vikings have moved their practice facility to Waffle House!
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 Aug 18, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Just wondering
why they brought up Wellington Castillo to sit on the bench. We have already seen way too much of Koyie Hill. I thought this was about building for the future and seeing what some of our prospects can do?
Oh, Al, you really don't understand, do you...
What may have started as a simple attempt at performance art as a means to bring a little joy and amusement to our sad and bitter lives as Cubs fans this season, has taken an ugly and totally unexpected turn for the worse.
Yes, just as our mothers warned us (you make a face like that, it’s gonna stay that way) when we were kids, I fear TJ’s posting style has become permanent. He’s gonna be like this all off-season long and 2011 as well. He wants to bitch and moan like the rest of us, but he can’t help it. It’s like his emotional side has been botoxed – he has to “always look on the bright side of life”…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Actually, I hope you are right.
I think he’d end up being banned if he said what he really thinks.
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
Life's a piece of s**t, when you look at it!
News flash! The Minnesota Vikings have moved their practice facility to Waffle House!
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 Aug 18, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Randy Wells
is being exactly who is, a decent 4th to 5th starter. Nothing more…Nothing less. To expect more, is being unrealistic…IMO.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
Well, every team needs a solid #4 or #5.
At least we have that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Personally I can't recommend enough a solid #2
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
I agree..
In a recent post about the lack of pitching depth for 2011, someone wrote Wells=Garbage. I frankly disagree 100%, you’re exactly right. If he can pitch consistently between his 2009 and 2010 level then he will do a great job in stabilizing the back end of the Cubs rotation.
Wells has actually improved a lot
its just hidden in this weird issue he’s having with runners on base
He’s striking more guys out this year while keeping his BB and GB Rates basically the same.
Its just that last year he was a bit better with runners on and this year he’s been horrible. Last yr with runners on he was better .641 OPS vs. 701 OPS with bases empty. This year he’s been the same with the bases empty (.702 OPS), but far worse with runners on .802 OPS against.
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 18, 2010 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
CSN used the same
Garland being traded intro as well
D Lee Fight….almost want to see the Cubs get into a fight just to know they have a little life in them……something..anything.
How long
has it been since Colvin started? Seems like Lou’s been sitting him an awful lot. I know they’re giving Fukudome more time, but c’mon already….
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
Oh
Ok. I thought it was something that made COMPLETE AND TOTAL SENSE.
This organization….just….ugh….
"We are not equations with hats." -Dean Young
Look forward to Colvin being traded next year while Hendry makes the next deal
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Free BLou
They will need Colvin as bait to get someone to take Z or Dome contract off their hands.
Meanwhile we should not play him but once a week to completely throw his timing off, then Lou will be able to say he does not play because he isn’t hitting.
This is sounding familiar to me somehow!
I LOVE WATCHING HILL, DOME, AND SORIANO PLAY!!!!!!!!!
Lou said that Colvin was struggling so
the two options were to give him time off to work on some things (which they are doing) or completely sit him for a long stretch. I anticipate seeing him back in the lineup soon. It all has to do with how the league started pitching to his weakness and how he has to adjust. Castro on the other hand has made those adjustments.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Odd how he doesnt EVER do that with Veterans
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
But veterans know how to work through it
A veteran would never spend two months hitting.160 in cleanup.
So, I ended up going to the game last night.
A friend of my girlfriend texted me and said she had free tickets. I didn’t have anything going on last night (the GF had other plans) so I went.
Turns out, the GF’s friend’s brother-in-law works for Under Armour. He threw out the first pitch last night (to Thomas Diamond) … and we ended up sitting in the owner’s section. I met Crane Kenney, Lou’s wife and Tom Ricketts himself. I also sat five feet from the Cubs’ on-deck circle.
Note that I had NO idea this was going to happen. I figured that we would be sitting in the bleachers or something.
Anyway, I got a chance to talk to Kenney and Ricketts. I asked Kenney about Blago — I saw Kenney, Ricketts, Hendry and others eating lunch at Harry Caray’s in Wrigleyville a couple years back. I also briefly talked to Ricketts. I told him I was glad he ended up buying the team (and I am, at this point) he said that they had some work to do, and that things would get better “knock on wood.” He then knocked on the chair in front of him.
Earlier in the game, I had been BSing with another guy from Under Armour (not the guy who threw out the first pitch). He worked for the Cubs for several years — had to shovel snow on Opening Day ‘03 — and I guess I impressed him with my Cubs knowledge. Right before we left, another guy with the Cubs came by and handed me two signed baseballs — one by Castro and one by Marmol. Oh, and a ball used in last night’s game.
All of this was incredible. It might have been the only time where a Cubs loss didn’t bother me.
by elgato on Aug 18, 2010 8:21 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Cool story, bro
And I actually mean it!
That’s pretty awesome. I think I would have sat in awkward silence around them.
I told him I was glad he ended up buying the team (and I am, at this point) he said that they had some work to do, and that things would get better "knock on wood." He then knocked on the chair in front of him.
Unfortunately, the Wrigley seats are plastic.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Right. But there was no wood anywhere around.
I still got the message.
Wow. I watched all that happen! I was sitting directly above you in the low 200's.
I wondered who the big shot was hanging out with Kenney and Ricketts! I saw the balls being handed off! Hand shakes all around! Nice.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Aug 18, 2010 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, I was hardly the big shot. :)
I was just a hanger-on. But it was a fun ride.
Thanks for posting this
I was doubting that the story was legit after the whole “knock on wood” thing.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Free BLou
Really?
Dude, that kinda offends me. You think I would just make up such an intricate story?
It’s not like I revealed anything that interesting. Just that Ricketts knows there’s work to do — which he’s said before.
If it makes you feel any better,
I believed you right away and I can be pretty cynical.
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
It does, thanks.
But I’m kinda puzzled. Why would anybody make a story like that up? There wasn’t anything juicy.
I was kind of walking on air after last night, and I thought it was cool that Ricketts and Kenney were as personable to me as they were. Frankly, it’s something that helps dull the pain of this rough season.
What were you wearing? I took a picture of the Polish flag being presented. You might be in it.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Aug 18, 2010 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, the guys on the left look G-rated. Not sure about the musicians in red on the right.
See anyone familiar? Might still be a little to far toward home plate.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Aug 18, 2010 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
The dudes on the left ...
were sitting around us. But none of my group is in the photo.
Rats. I saw Kenney stand at one point, and saw that he was with a Ricketts,
but couldn’t tell at first which one. Toward the end of the game when they stood again and started shaking hands with … you?? … I thought of grabbing a shot of them, but couldn’t get the camera around in time. Kind of like Nady considering the double play in the first! If I had only known! But as with baseball criticism, hindsight is always 20/20!
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Aug 18, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I think those were the guys sitting right behind me.
They were friend’s of Kenney, I think.
The internets are serious business
Sorry? Wow. That might be my first BCB apology.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Free BLou
I've been posting here for a LONG time.
I wouldn’t just make something up like that. Again, why would I?
Well, it did kinda have a certain SWLesque flavor to it...
…vis a vis his boyhood recollections morphing into the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” post from awhile ago. But (un)fortunately, there’s only one SWL.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
LEAVE ME ALONE! THEY'RE MY MEMORIES!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 18, 2010 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Way cool story. I was able to meet Ricketts, what a nice guy and easy to talk with.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Great opportunity
for a real fan. Thanks for sharing
"I won't be like A-Rod" - Z, 3/17/09
by Ihatethecards on Aug 18, 2010 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Sure.
As I said earlier, the graciousness extended to me by both guys was really amazing. I wanted to share that.
Tom Ricketts is gracious to everyone.
As many of you know, I’ve met him and spoken to him on several occasions. He is a genuinely nice guy.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
yes, he's a good politician
He’s clearly learned a lot from his brother.
I’m still waiting for competence
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Has he not?
I am glad he was nice to you and seems like a good guy.
I just hope he starts to make his mark soon in a positive way for this team.
Maybe the best way it could happen
Sounds likea great night (other than the loss) and all the more fun by the surprise of it.
"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 Aug 18, 2010 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Besides a winning team?
A top caliber player worth watching day-in and day-out. This is a bad team without any really exciting players. I am a season ticket holder to the Nats and at least they have Dunn and can trot out Strasburg and the signing of Harper brings excitment and hope for the future.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
Castro is fun
But not the kind of player that excites the average or casual fan. Not any in the minors that I can see, either.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
I'm not buying what Kap's selling.
A couple weeks ago he could have gone anywhere, but chose to shut down any trade discussion with his 10-5 rights. Why would he change his mind?
Kap's blog says...
… that since the Braves are playoff-bound, Lee might approve this. I’m not necessarily buying it, either.
Also, the Braves are in town this weekend. How weird would THAT be?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Sometimes players change their minds on stuff like that
in fact they OFTEN do so. Maybe Lee realized he doesn’t want to be around this putrid pile of crap anymore.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions
The Braves...
…. obviously, are in a much better position than the Angels, to whom he rejected a trade.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Do not know why they would.....But since their is a rumor out there, why not comment?
Do you think Lee would go to a real contender?
Any mention...
of who the Cubs would get in return? Agree, seems unlikely, though.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
Probably prospects and salary relief.
With only six weeks left in the season, you’re talking about maybe $3 million worth of Lee’s $13 million deal.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
interesting if it develops
I would think that DLEE said he would approve trades to certain teams..
otherwise…Jim Hendry wouldn’t go down this road again.
by cozmotaylor123 on Aug 18, 2010 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Just a hunch.
Still trying to find out more info.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If Nady was gone as well, Would Lou play one of the Guys fom the minors at 1B or would he play Baker.
Remember when Dusty played Blanco at 1b late in the season everyday ahead of the kids in 2006…..
Lou and Dusty are becoming the same thing……Amazing!
I think it gets done.....
Atlanta is in the race
Angels are not and were not at the time.
by cozmotaylor123 on Aug 18, 2010 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions
and he doesn't have to move!
at least until Monday
by doofus cubs guy on Aug 18, 2010 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah - the back problems pretty well seal that
And probably rules out offering arbitration – if his health is in question, arbitration will be the best deal Lee gets for 2011.
Arbitration was never going to be offered
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think the Cubs would have run the risk of Lee accepting Arbitration
and considering his age, his injury problems and his declining numbers I think he would have
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Great, we coulda got something for him a month ago
now we’ll get nothing except saving a few million and we’ll be helping another NL team try and win a pennant. Thanks for waiting, Derrek
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
Derrek said he was not going because the Cubs were still in contention at 9 games under .500 at the time.
I wonder what the reason will be this time. He is not building a home in Atlanta like he is in LA. His sick grandpa is in CA. But he would not go there. So I really do not see him going anywhere.
He is comfy here and knows Lou will bat him 3rd and there is no pressure.
Yeah it sucks...
…but for what he’s done for this team, I’m fine with him calling his own shots.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
What has he done for this team?
I like Lee, he has been one of my favorite Cubs, but he hasn’t earned the right to keep the club hostage.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Actually, he HAS earned the right -- it's called 10-and-5 protection.
Whether it’s cool that he’s exercising those rights is another question.
well, CONTRACTUALLY he's earned the right
But that isn’t what I meant, and you know it.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I understand what you mean.
But using terms like “rights” is off the mark, HC. I was critical of DLee when he declined the trade last month. But as far as “rights” go, he was well within his.
yes, if you want to play semantics it is off the mark.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll turn it around, then.
How should Lee have earned the right?
to hold the club hostage?
I would say there are maybe a handful of players in today’s game that could claim they have earned the right to decide what’s best for their franchise.
He would have had to be here longer, put up more consistently eye popping numbers and led the team somewhere other than to a couple of good seasons and a couple of really bad ones.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
As I've said, I like Lee, and I'm not MAD at him for refusing the trade
But I don’t buy into the “He’s earned the right to hurt the club” approach
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
If you mean he hasn't been good enough ...
to get a moral pass for rejecting all trades, I agree with you. But I don’t think he’s holding the club hostage. The stakes aren’t that high. If he is dealt to Atlanta, it’s for a little salary relief (according to Kaplan). That money would be nice, but I don’t think that $3 million will mean the Cubs make the playoffs in 2011.
That said, I don’t think it said much for Lee that he rejected last month’s trade — because it indicated that he would rather get at-bats for a bottom feeder than go to a team on the fringe of contention. But if he approves a trade to Atlanta — and I think that Hendry probably checked with him first this time — it says to me he still has enough competitive fire. He just didn’t think much of the Angels.
Well for one thing...
…his contract disagrees.
What has he done for this team? Maybe not much this year, but are you really discounting all the years he gave to the team? Wow how easily people forget.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
For a fan base that supposedly has a long memory
Forgetting about what DLee has contributed to this franchise is mystifying.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 18, 2010 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
We all have been frustrated
with Lou’s construction of lineups, however my boiling point has reach a new level.
Why in the world does Lou treat Koye Hill as Carlton Fisk? Soto gets back off the DL and Wellington will have about 8 AB’s to show for his stay. His use of some players is baffling beyond belief. Colvin riding the pine is another issue.
I feel for Lou and his personal issues with his mother health, but his mangerial decisions have reached new lows. I know he is not solely responsibile for a 13-30 record in one run games, I get this. But his refusal to play certain players in large stretches this year is inexcusable.
And please Cub hitters, just keep swinging at the first pitch with runners on.
Agreed re: Castillo.
If you’re going to bring him up, sitting on the bench is the worst thing you can do with him. He’s got to play. Hill’s a backup, and may not be back next year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Aug 18, 2010 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Just Lou's way of doing things
Give more time to veterans and older players.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Free BLou
If Hill is back next year, something went wrong
Play Castilo. And when Soto gets back, send Hill to Iowa if that is possible.
NOT.GOING.TO.HAPPEN
Now, if we had competent management it would. We do not.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, he may not be back next year
but he won’t be going to Iowa, get DFA’d this year. Lou loves his inability to put most balls in play and throw out every 11th runner that attempts to steal
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep, I've also reached a new level of annoyance with the man
it’s absolutely ridiculous. Has NO ONE asked him why he’s giving Hill (who’s hitting a robust .208) all the playing time? Hill has even been bad on defense lately.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Familiarity with the staff?
Then again, Castillo probably knows the guys in the bullpen better.
If it were June, that would be an excuse
We are in full audition mode. Familarity with the staff should be about 15th on list of priorities
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, right, we reach audition mode and suddenly Fukudome & Nady are playing everyday
I know Nady is in now for hurt DLee, but this is beyond a joke. The Ricketts should be giving away free hot dogs and beer as a reward for watching this crap!!
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
I think we're all familiar with the staff.
There are days when you don’t need a catcher, because the ball won’t cross the plate. If that’s not the case, then it’s the other team that needs a good catcher, because that ball will do nothing BUT cross the plate.
It reminds me of that classic coin-toss game: “Heads, I win. Tails, you lose.”
Re: The Hendry Bashing,
Al – it is my opinion, and exhibited by the “body of work” (which has been presented in numerous Fan Posts/Shots over the years) that at best he is middle of the GM pack.
What is a successful GM track record? Consistency in winning. “Sniffing at it” year after year after year. Hendry clearly is not capable of this.
However, there are not that many that achieve this. Perhaps 6-8 in all of baseball. But somehow (well, ok, the Yankees and Red Sox have bottomless money pits – AND nice minor league systems as well) they manage to do it.
The Yankees are in a league of their own, but the Cubs are not that far in spending behing the Red Sox
So I think Boston is a fair comparison standard for the Chicago NL general manager.
It is no secret that with
Kenney’s influence, the business model is the BoSox. However, the club’s perfermance is definitely not! lol
That's the problem in a nutshell.
They have tried to sell the Cubs at Red Sox prices. However, the Red Sox have only been able to do this because of a decade of sustained success. The cubs don’t have that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
My problem is more with method
Red Sox management has approached the roster methodically, with an overall strategy aimed at producing a team that contends regularly and self-refreshes from the minor league system (or players acquired by trading propects). This has let them pick and choose in the FA market to fill selected holes and let players like Bay go. They have made their mistakes (Dice-K) but they have not been fatal to the team’s performance.
Hendry’s approach has really been more haphazard, especially the rush into the FA market to build the 2007 and 2008 teams. It is the hangover from that period that overhangs the club now. Did he jump or did Zell push him? Looks like he will get the chance to answer part of that questions this offseason – I would take another wholesale run at FAs for a 2011 “contender” and the future be damned approach as a bad sign…
they also value flexibility
a lot of the times they’re acquiring guys with prospects, its guys who only have 1 yr or two left on their deal
so 1) they don’t take a lot of long-contract risk and 2) they refresh the farm system with supplemental picks allowing guys to walk who are past their prime
i had that big post earlier in the year talking about the differences between the Cubs and the other big contenders and the cubs lack of appreciation for roster and payroll flexibility really stands out to me
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 18, 2010 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Right!
Middle of the pack — I agree with you. Thus, the bashing is off base.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Chicago Cubs Baseball!!!!!!
the pursuit for mediocrity!
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 18, 2010 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Year One: We suck but not as much as some other teams so shut up!
Yeah, that’s a team I can root for alright. Clearly those who actually want competence and success are just out of line
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
But you (we) understand
that as Century-suffering fans, do we not deserve better?
So there is frustration with that.
have no idea how old you are, but let's say 35
and even if you picked up your Cubs allegiance at the tender age of 5, that still only gets you 30 years of suffering. And there were several pretty decent years in the last 30 so it’s not even that.
I just don’t understand how fans assume this 100+ years of not winning it all as their own personal mantle.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Well, i have a few years on that
at 52. My first Cub game was in 1968. I have endured 42 seasons. How many championships? How many Division titles? How many Playoff wins?
Do not ever question me for expecting more from my team – particularly as a Season Ticket Holder.
Oh I wouldn't ever question that (expecting more from your team)
I’m also an Indians (and Browns) fan so I understand suffering. It’s when the “100+ years of losing” is thrown into the mix as a reason to personally suffer. That’s the part I don’t get. And I was speaking more to the greater fan base than you specifically. Your comment was just what triggered my thought.
And as an aside, unfortunately the way things are looking, you might be able to add another few years to your endurance. And then when you say “as half-Century suffering fans”, I’ll know not to question that. ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
it matters
granted i haven’t personally suffered 100+ years, but the Cubs are a family thing to me. I carry the weight of knowing my grandfather passed without seeing a championship and my dad has lived with a burden that was ingrained in me as a child. He’s now in his mid-50’s
Sure, the individual didn’t experience all that loss, but some of the residual carries over from knowing your family members didn’t get to see something and the pressure they put on it as you age.
I understand both points to the argument. But, i’m 28 and I dont think being a Cubs fan is the same as if i were say a Baltimore Orioles fan (who would’ve last won when I was 1 yr old)
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Aug 18, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
I’m 44… 45 soon and I can say I have about 40 years of misery. I also have 2 grandfathers, a father and a mother who were all Cubs fans who now no matter when they finally win it all will never see it.
I don’t have the same weight of disappointment as say my Grandfathers who would be pushing 90 if they were still alive or my parents who would be in their mid 60’s if they were still here. However, growing up as a Cubs fan you do inherit and shoulder a little of that weight with them.
When… and yes I still have not given up even if it sounds like it sometimes when I have vented here… When our boys in blue win it all I will shed tears of joy and a few of sadness cause they never got to have that weight lifted off them like it will be for me.
This Space Intentionally Left Blank in Silent Protest of Our 2010 Cubs
It's not that,
But at the same time, I have to know that my grandfather, who passed last May, did not ever witness a World Series title.
So this is also part of my thinking as I’d like the Cubs to win a World Series, not just for me, but for him.
News flash! The Minnesota Vikings have moved their practice facility to Waffle House!
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 Aug 18, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Century-suffering?
Just how old are you?
"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 Aug 18, 2010 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Give it a few weeks - abolute worst record is still in play
Just need a few more games with the Pirates!
Well, imo
“AT BEST” middle of the pack. You really have to look at his career when hired until this disaster.
Some incredible steals and some absolutely mind-numbing train-wreck trades. NTC’s.
Manager hires and firings. Overall records. Hiring of Wilken. Improvement of the minors.
There are worse GM’s. But many better ones.
what?
He’s mediocre to bad, you admit that.
And you think the bashing is off base?
Good god Al.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
We're arguing he's NOT bad, you're the one throwing other words in there.
That’s the same as me taking average as, “good to middle of the road.” It doesn’t work like that.
Hendry ranges on any given day from slightly above average to slightly below average. He my not deserve the Cubs GM position, but the amount of crap he takes on here from you and other people is COMPLETELY over the top.
Fine, middle of the pack, What a ringing endorsement!
and no, it’s not.
You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, but IMO he deserves every bit of criticism he gets. He’s done a bad job.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
AND YOU LET EVERYONE ON HERE KNOW
HOW YOU FEEL A MILLION TIMES. TALK ABOUT BEATING A DEAD HORSE.
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 think we can perhaps
all agree that this management deserves better now, though.
Much better.
I wonder how much Jocketty or Schuerholz make a year?
I think the bashing is boring
I open the wondow for my cat to look out each morning and she runs to the window. Much of the Hendry bashing sounds like this – pavlovian. And old, dull, rehashed, nothing new.
"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 Aug 18, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Yet you feel the need to jump into it
just to demonstrate how bored you are.
When I find a topic uninteresting, I simply ignore it.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Yet this thread, as well as every other one
Is also filled with Lou bashing, and Al doesn’t say a word about it. The double standard is absurd.
On field vs. behind the scenes
I don’t bash Lou, but I at least understand the bashing/questioning. Fans will always think they could have made a better line-up, pitching change, etc. It’s day-to-day, on the field, and you can see the results.
But fans have little to no idea of what a GM can or can not do on a daily basis. And yet they bash and rehash old information – you don’t make trades everyday – and usually don’t provide a solution.
"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 Aug 18, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Hendry can be judged for the organization as a whole
Since he’s also in charge of roster construction. While your point about Lou is valid, the guys shuttling in and out of the bullpen, for instance, are decisions Jim has made not only in putting them on the roster, but in having them in the organization to begin with.
It just appears repetitive without any new information
"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 Aug 18, 2010 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Complaining that Cashner, for instance
Should be starting or in the minors isn’t any more repetitive than moaning about Lee batting third everyday.
Good point
I was referring to more to the rehashing of the FA signings, trades, and bloated payroll.
"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 Aug 18, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I can understand that
At the same time, everyone is pretty upset this team sucks. When trying to figure out why, those type of criticisms come up. Unfortunately, this team is bad enough that there’s really not a lot to discuss.
33,664
Sounds like last night’s attendance is close to the Cubs season ticket count. Maybe 1000 less would be thew season ticket base?
"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
No....
… IIRC, total season tickets (including partial plans) is about 27,000.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
how many would you guess were there last night. It looked like 25,000 or something like that
"Matt Capps is more valuable than Albert Pujols."---by Doggie Stalker on Aug 16, 2010 9:35 PM PDT
by LouPiniellaIsRetiring on Aug 18, 2010 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Less than I thought
With capacity at 41K now, that’s 65%. Plenty of tickets for single game fans to get, which is good to hear.
"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 Aug 18, 2010 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully the NL Central race stays tight
Because the thought of 20,000 Cardinals fans invading Wrigley to watch a clincher in the last week of the season might be too much for me take, as much as I enjoyed doing the same in Cincinnati in 2007.
Meh.
The Cardinals clinched at Wrigley (IIRC) in 2005. It happens. It sucks while it’s happening, but it will be soon forgotten.
I'd washed that from my mind.
In any case, I don’t see either the Reds or Cardinals pulling away to be up the 7 or 8 games needed to clinch.
Now, the Padres could do it when the Cubs visit in the last week, which I’m sure their fans would enjoy.
by Bill Potter on Aug 18, 2010 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
If it stays tight, they will show up, too
Fans do that when their team is in a pennant race. And remember that every ticket they buy provides money to the Cubs.
Also true.
The Cubs will need the cash.
by Bill Potter on Aug 18, 2010 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Todays Lineup
what a f*ckin joke!!
lineup for wed is 2b barney, ss castro, cf byrd, 3b ramy, 1b nady, lf sori, rf baker, c castillo, p coleman
Where the hell is COLVIN?? WTF!!!
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
This is just getting weird
Lou has jerked Colvin around all season. I just don’t get it.
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I know! Why the hell isn't Colvin playing?
This is beyond ridiculous! Can’t one of these idiot reporters ask that question?
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
Maybe
the reporters don’t think it’s anything unusual.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 18, 2010 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
The same reporters that didn't think is was unusual for Lou to bat the coldest hitters on the team 3-4 for two months...
and give the same 3 non-answers to every question they asked him. Those guys?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 18, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
I really have to wonder if Lou does this to people to just mess with them.....It seems to happen often to players on this team.
I wonder how the manager next year will handle his roster?
All I know is that Tom and Jim approve of all of this!
Lou is getting on in years and may have memory issues
When he hasn’t written out “Colvin” for a few days, he forgets how to spell it. But he gets breakfast at the “baker” every day.
That doesn't really explain why he forgets Baker is on the team for weeks at a time
by HuskerCorner on Aug 18, 2010 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
He was having scrambled eggs for breakfast those weeks
And the lineups did look a little like a “garbage omlette.”
The Cubs lost?
And they didn’t score any runs?
Geez. That NEVER happens.
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
Blame it on Wrigley
USA Today speculates that The Friendly Confines might be to blame for Cubs’ championship drought. “Because of poor planning, the antiquated facilities for players, the day games or all of the above, very few Cubs teams have played exceptionally well at home.” But this is just another excuse, right?
by Cubs Fan Report on Aug 18, 2010 10:25 AM CDT reply actions
The GOOD Cubs teams have played well at home
and the BAD ones haven’t. The problem is not enough good teams…..
WHAT THE F ARE THEY
TALKING ABOUT?!!
There are NEW bathrooms! Troughs!
And a lovely new player’s lounge!
Championship caliber.
It's an old excuse
But one I think has a shred of truth. One has to wonder if they would have a better chance at winning if they were the Indianapolis Cubs and not the Chicago Cubs. But what can you do?
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Free BLou
Watch it!
He is an AMAZING GM!!!!!!
Tom Ricketts says so! If you do not believe me, have Elgato ask him the next time they are hanging out!
Jim Hendry is amazing!
At making TJ say he is amazing.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
Free BLou
Tom Ricketts never says anything!
Except where the next sign, statue, or unrinal through is being installed.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
What do you want to hear him say? Realistically, what can an new owner say after buying a team and the ensuing season be a disaster?
Besides “Wow, sorry everybody.”
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 18, 2010 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Sure why not just shrug your shoulders and say "what do you want me to do?"
instead of actually giving the most loyal fans in all of sports some insight into what the hell is going on with this franchise!!
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
Lou is staying in FLA the rest of the year
and, at the end of the year, Jim Hnedry is fired. Or how about, I sympathize with the fans and this is not going to happen any more.
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
He should weep openly.
Let him host a Blago-style press conference, drop to both knees, and sob uncontrollably as he begs Cubs fans for letting them believe their veterans wouldn’t age, that their shoddy bullpen would shut down other teams consistently, and that their bats would show up every single at-bat. He should then self-flagellate himself five times with a nine-tail whip for every one-run game this team lost, and promise the world that he will fire people with Steinbrenner-like impunity from this day forward.
Or he could put up another noodle outside the park and do his best MIke McCasky imitation
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
not yet.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 18, 2010 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I was wondering who was going to say this.
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Aug 18, 2010 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Attendance
When was the last time paid attendance was under 15,000? Or under 10,000?
I’d guess nothing under 10,000 since the mid-90s, but maybe not since 1986 or 1987.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
Attendance Promo suggestion!
Hire the Jetblue flight attendant to sing the 7th inning for the remainder of the season, mic in one hand and beer in the other. Cubs fans’ response to this frustrating season is similar to his response on the job—we can relate!
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