Colvin, Ramirez HR Lead Cubs To Sweep Cardinals; Big Z Talks Retirement Again
by Al Yellon on Sep 16, 2010 7:10 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintCarlos Zambrano wasn't quite as sharp as he has been his last couple of starts -- he ran a lot of long counts and issued three walks and hit a batter in last night's 7-3 Cubs win over the Cardinals.
Nevertheless, it was good enough for his sixth straight victory. Individual starting pitcher win totals don't mean as much as they used to, but Big Z has now equalled his victory total from 2009 and his overall numbers may wind up looking as good or better than last year's, despite his awful start and what turned out to be a really ill-advised bullpen stint.
So what does Z do to celebrate that and the Cubs' first sweep in St. Louis since 1988? Why, talk retirement again, of course. But here's the money quote from that link:
"Because I told you the other day, or last year, or this year, whatever, that this will be my last contract," he said. "So I don't think I will be playing any more... Life is short. Believe me. And sometimes you miss things with your family and very important people like my daughters. Sometimes you miss things in life because of baseball that you shouldn't miss, and I don't want to (miss) any moment for my daughter, any moment for anything that happens, especially in my family.
"Believe me, baseball takes a lot of time from us. So I think, depending on what happens in my career, I think this will be the last contract."
The last sentence is the key -- he gave himself an out. "Depending on what happens in my career." We know that Zambrano was concerned about a serious illness suffered by his nephew in Venezuela recently, enough that he traveled there between starts, and he has said this before about his family. Perhaps he'll follow through on this -- perhaps not. What we all do hope is that regardless of whether this latest promise turns out to be true or not, that Z shows the focus and determination he has shown since returning on August 9; whether you want to tag him as "ace" or not (and the answer "not" is likely the better one), he's certainly pitched like one, and the 2011 Cubs will be a better team if that continues.
Meanwhile, Z and Chris Carpenter were matching each other quite well until the Cardinals took the lead on a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning -- the first three runs of the game (one by the Cubs, two by the Cardinals) all scored on sac flies. But the Cubs got the better of Carpenter when Tyler Colvin slammed a three-run homer to give them the lead. The homer, Colvin's 20th, made him only the fourth Cubs rookie (Billy Williams, Geovany Soto, and Walt "Moose" Moryn are the others) to hit 20 or more homers in his first full major league season.
Then Carpenter gave up doubles to Koyie Hill and Micah Hoffpauir, scoring another run, and while Carpenter was backing up third base, he slipped and fell and suffered a hamstring injury that forced him from the game. Aramis Ramirez finished up the Cub scoring with his 23rd homer, which also gave him the team RBI lead with 75. Andrew Cashner threw an efficient eighth inning but then got in trouble in the ninth, forcing Carlos Marmol to come into the game; Marmol posted his 31st save. With three more saves, Marmol will tie Kerry Wood (2008) for seventh place on the Cubs' all-time single season save list. Marmol struck out a pair and now has 122 for the season, the most for a relief pitcher since 2004, when B.J. Ryan and Octavio Dotel had 122, Francisco Rodriguez had 123, and Eric Gagne had 157. The Cubs' team record for a pitcher who threw exclusively in relief for a single season is 129, set by Bruce Sutter in 1977.
I'm one of those who thinks, along with most of you, that if Mike Quade is going to give Soto a day off, Welington Castillo should start. Hill, however, had one of his better offensive days, with a single, a double and his first stolen base since 2004 (granted, he only stole it because of a high throw). Maybe Castillo will get a start this weekend in Florida, against a team out of the race.
The Cubs did a good job of sealing the Cardinals' fate this season; only four games over .500 now and eight games behind the Reds with 18 games remaining, they are likely done and the race could be over by the time the Cardinals come to Chicago next Friday. In the meantime, the Cubs improved to 14-7 under Mike Quade and could still set their sights on fourth place (3.5 behind the Brewers) or even third (five behind the Astros with three games yet to play against them). And yes, I'd like to see a strong finish, because many of the people playing well right now will be part of the 2011 Cubs. This team isn't as far from contention as they might have seemed a month ago.
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Astros
playing much better as of late. Good set of games with them. Quade has said that a call up would be hard ;pressed to start giving the nod to the guys that have been with the team. Highly unlikely to see Castillo or a Snyder for that matter to garner a start.
Go Cubs!
Why the hell would you not play callups?
I like Quade for the most part, but this is silly. Neither team is in a pennant race, THIS is when you play the youngsters for sure
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
So what "youngsters" would you play?
Snyder and Hoffpauir aren’t prospects. The kids who are going to contribute in the future ARE playing — Colvin, Castro, Barney. The only one who isn’t is Castillo.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yeah, the other rookies are playing...however it's more simple to me.
Until both Soto and Wellington are injured, Hill belongs buried on the bench. He shouldn’t be hitting for the Cubs again, ever.
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Good to see a win
and even better to see a sweep
by The_Rock on Sep 16, 2010 7:19 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
No longer going through the motions
As everyone commented earlier in the year, it sure seemed like Piniella was just going through the motions this year. That apparently rubbed off on the team as the Cubs seems like a different team now with him gone. They seem like they are actually trying. I still think there are too many flaws on this team but you have to wonder how this season would have played out if Hendry did his job and dumped Piniella in May or June when it was obvious that the season was heading for disaster.
I am so depressed for 2011 knowing Hendry is making the decisions. I have zero confidence that he won’t go out and give some stupid overpriced contract to someone. He knows his job is on the line in 2011 so he may be in full panic mode.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
it sure seemed like Piniella was just going through the motions this year. That apparently rubbed off on the team as the Cubs seems like a different team now with him gone.
It does seem that way. While it may be true that a manager can’t win or lose games, a team’s performance on the field can definitely be a reflection of its leader. Mike Quade may not get the fulltime gig next year, but he has done a good job in a small sample size of 21 games.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+1
I’ve never been one to blame player performances on a manager’s state of mind, but in this case, the results are telling. This certainly seems like a different team. I don’t know if it’s the trading of DLee or Lou’s departure, but it’s different. You certainly have to give Quade some credit. The “new manager bounce” usually wears off after a couple of weeks, the teams results have to be taken into consideration when judging Quade’s performance as the manager of this team.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 16, 2010 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions
It's a tough call.
Yes, Quade has done well — in mostly meaningless games. He’s certainly earned consideration, no doubt, but you have to discount the record, to some extent.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Al, you said last week that you wanted to see how Quade did against teams like the Cardinals
Teams who still had something to play for. Has that opinion changed? This series wasn’t “mostly meaningless” for the Cardinals.
True enough.
The Cardinals played like they were going through the motions. The Cubs played like a contending team the last three days.
Now, how much of that is Quade and how much of it is the players? I’d say a little of both.
Quade has definitely done a good job. I’ll give him credit for that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I will say this
When Quade was named manager I said, “Who?” (same reaction we all had when Sarah Palin was named VP candidate) - now after a month of managing I like him and would put him just slightly behind Ryno and ahead of Girardi on my managerial wish list
I said this two days ago.
I think removing Derrek Lee from the middle of the Cubs order is a big part of the improved play. I have a lot of respect for what Lee did in Chicago, but, this year, he was a middle-order hitter for a team that had a terrible middle of the order.
+1
As we all watched, Lee and Rami killed this team and that’s on Lou. Rami was still hurt and Lee was simply terrible and needed to be moved down in the lineup to let someone else that was hitting and driving in runs do the job.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I'm not saying I want Xavier Nady back next year.
But since he became the more-or-less regular 1B after the Lee deal, he is hitting .323/.353/.438 in 102 plate appearances.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If Dunn is too expensive ...
and the Cubs make some other move that uses the money that will probably be spent on Dunn … I’d be fine with Nady for a 1-year deal. In addition to his hitting, he’s played a pretty good first base.
Presumably, he'd be 100% healthy in 2011, too.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Nady would be a good No. 5 or No. 6 hitter.
The problem is that the Cubs have a lot of guys who, ideally, would hit fifth or sixth (Byrd, Aramis, Soriano, Colvin and Soto) on a good team.
Dunn makes sense because he’s a legit cleanup hitter who hits left handed and plays the one position the Cubs can fill (without making a lot of trades).
Which is why I think Dunn is a Cub next year and Nady will be gone.
Good points
Depending on other circumstances/pressing needs between now and next year, Dunn is a good fit. For the right price.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
One big problem ...
is that Soriano probably should be hitting eighth (maybe seventh) in any lineup the Cubs put together next year. But how do you do that when he’s making $18 million and he’s playing left?
Take a look at the Dunn and Nady lineups with Soriano hitting eighth (against righties):
DeWitt, Castro, Byrd, Dunn, Ramirez, Soto, Colvin, Soriano
DeWitt, Castro, Byrd, Ramirez, Soto, Nady, Colvin, Soriano
I have a feeling Soriano’s contract is going to continue to look worse and worse.
If the Cubs signed Dunn...
…. and Nady was willing to come back at a low price, he could be a suitable backup at both 1B and in the outfield, presuming he is 100% healthy.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Nady will want something in the millions.
If Boras was able to get him $3.3 million coming off surgery, I doubt Nady will take a big pay cut for 2011.
Then definitely forget it.
No offense to Nady, but I don’t think the Cubs should pay millions for any bench player at this point.
He is saying Soriano gets released before 2014
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
You guys are strangely obsessed with lineups
But I have to ask – why on earth would you give 2 hitters with a .700 OPS (DeWitt, Nady) more at bats than Soriano and his .800 OPS?
It makes no sense.
Well, two reasons.
DeWitt is a better on-base guy and arguably the best leadoff option on the team. And Nady’s OPS since he’s gotten regular playing time is around .800.
Better on-base guy??
Blake Dewitt’s career OBP is .008 higher than Soriano’s.
Over the course of the season, that’s about 2.5 runs difference, which is easily erased by Soriano’s higher SLG.
He's a better on base guy than Soriano.
Would you rather put Soriano back at leadoff?
Yes
You would score more runs with Soriano leading off than you would with Dewitt.
.008 better OBP can’t make up for a slugging that’s 100+ points higher, given the run expectancies involved.
Dewitt is a mediocre player who has no business getting the most at bats on the team.
OK, then put DeWitt in the eighth spot ...
And leadoff with Castro. Maybe hit Byrd second?
The general principle...
…is to have your sluggers (Soriano) have the most AB’s they can with runners on base so they can drive in runs.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
That's the kind of thinking that
…leads to making decisions like giving Ryan Theriot more at bats than Geovany Soto.
No it doesn't...
…because I wouldn’t put Theriot any higher than 8th in any lineup, because the guy doesn’t get on base enough.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Right.
The mistakes that have been made before have put “scrappy” hitters like Theriot at the top of the lineup when they don’t belong there.
The next manager, whoever he is, has to fix this.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I agree...
…as I was very confused with Lou’s lineup logic at times.
Maybe more important, it would also be nice to have players on the roster that are better suited for what you need in each hitting position.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Soriano's contract will actually look better and better
Because each year it will get closer to ending.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Sep 16, 2010 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions
As I said yesterday
eliminating the strike out and double play machine from the line-up (Lee) has played dividends so far, with Nady getting the bulk of the starts.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Sep 16, 2010 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Rami needed to be moved down, too.
I think Lou just got to the point as Cubs manager where he couldn’t believe all the “Cubbie occurrences,” and stopped being innovative. I can just picture him thinking to himself, “Now, Lee and Ramirez can’t hit?! What else can go wrong?”
Rami needed to be on the DL earlier in the season so he could heal his thumb properly
which really pissed me off because the season was still young.
If they would have DL’ed him in May and have him healthy the rest of the year, they could have dropped Lee in the order to get him going again. The 3 and 4 spot black holes for months wrecking their offense was this year’s Cubbie occurance.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I thought Aramis went on the DL in May.
Was it June?
I think it was June
but I would have to dig into it. He may have been on the DL in late May. For some reason I think June because we were all talking about him needing to be on the DL and Lou just kept sending him out there, watching his BA drop below the Mendoza line and points further south lol
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
It was June.
And since he’s come back from the DL, he has performed at his career level.
One thing about Lou — he deferred to his veterans about injuries unless they were so obvious you had to go on the DL (like Soriano’s hamstring pull while running the bases vs. the Mets).
Soriano got too much rope last year, too, when he probably should have gone on the DL in April.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
My guess?
Aramis was trying to play through it figuring he’d work his way out of the slump, increase his value and give himself the option to opt out after the season.
Lou, regardless of the contract situation, should have been more forceful with Aramis and benched him. At least in 2010, the Cubs had guys who could fill in at third.
Wasn't that the reason we got Tracy?
We know even a healthy Rami gets his usual hamstring injury every year or whatever. Rami gets hurt and between that and Lee sucking the life out of the offense, they are a sub .500 team.
Lou screwed the pooch because of that, and like Al said, Sori the year before.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Even without Tracy ...
the Cubs had Baker and Fontenot (who, because of 2009, had experience playing third in the bigs).
We saw Fonty @ 3rd
Sorry, that experiment didn’t work. But yes, we had Baker, too. Lou would simply be stubborn as an old goat and not try to fix the problem until it blew up in his face and that basically was one of the reasons they Cubs lost the season.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Actually, I think Fontenot was passable at third.
He was certainly good enough to be in a platoon with Baker for three weeks while Aramis got better. Hell, Fontenot probably got too much playing time last year and not enough this year.
What I don't get about this thread
Is that you guys actually seem to think that we could have been contenders this year, based on a little better play towards the end of the year, and a lot of hindsight and second-guessing about moves that were (or weren’t) made earlier in the year.
If I am mistaken, please forgive me, but this just seems ridiculous.
"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
Completely agree...
…because they simply didn’t have the right players to be competitive this year:
Ramirez has been injury prone and this showed up again this year.
Lee has been on the decline and it proved to be true this year.
Z has been very inconsistant and that proved to be true this year.
The pen was a weakness going into 2010 and this proved out as well.
Looking at this, it shouldn’t be a surprise the club was not competitive.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
One quibble.
Lee had the second best year of his career in 2009, so I think his performance this season was very surprising.
Correct...
…but you had to know with his age, there was a good chance his 2009 would not be repeated.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
That's not what I'm saying.
Regardless of whether this team could have competed this year, there were a lot of bad decisions made by Lou and a lot of disappointing performances by key guys.
....which made for a frustrating and semi-boring season.
I wonder if I would still be watching every game I could, if Colvin, Castro, Barney, and the rest of the new guys weren’t out there playing right now.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Sep 16, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Same here
If you check anything I said before the season started I said the Cubs would be an 85 win team but not win the division. If Lee and Rami had anything close to normal output early on, we may have stayed in the hunt even with the BP foibles. Lee and Rami magnified Lou’s shortcomings and the season was lost.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I didn't say that
My point was that they could have at least showed a major league level of play. Piniella didn’t care and it appears to have infected the whole team.
As I mentioned, the team was still flawed (for example, the bullpen) so I’m not saying it cost a division championship but sleepwalking through a season is unacceptable.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I totally concur
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
It is very common
for veteran players to go through the motions when the team seems unable to compete. Youngsters still give it their all because they’re not so jaded. In Lou, who enabled that behavior, they had a manager who had their back. How many times did we hear Piniella ask “What can I do”.
So we saw Lee and Aram and Theriot and Soriano all act as if “What can I do”. It was a disgusting display of attitude and lead to the terrible record.
Under Quade we see energy now. And while we still have many holes in the roster, the Cubs are once again fun to watch. For those who suggest a manager only causes 3-4 wins or losses a year, I would suggest that the 2010 Cubs are the exception to that rule.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
You & I have disagreed often lately.
But on this, I agree completely.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Law of averages :)
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Thanks Al
I totally agree. Lou’s mishandling of Sori and Rami basically killed the team’s offense. They had BP issues just the same, but scoring more runs would have given them a bit more leeway. When you can’t score AND the bp can’t hold a lead, the few times you get one, you’re screwed. Case in point, the 2009 and 2010 Cubs.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
How much of this is playing teams with no motivation,
Garbage games for the rest of the year? Yeah as you say the Cubs seem to be more motivated than the other teams to win meaningless games. But they are meaningless. You cannot translate this to mean that if they meant something this is how they would do. As you say, discount them to a degree.
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions
They may be considered meaningless, but if the team had continued it's pace from
the beginning of the year, then Quade would have certainly been considered a failure to this point. You have to give him some credit if the team wins, because he would definitely be getting criticism if the team was losing.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 16, 2010 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Before we crown Quade remember who we just played.
The Cardinals now have lost 21 of 31. The are a shadow of the team who looked unstoppable early in the season. The Cardinals have given up. They threw the ball around the ballpark last night and that is very uncharacteristic of LaRussa’s teams. Our pitchers shut them down or they shut themselves down.
We on the other hand, have a team that is for the most part rested due to DL stints, benching throughout the season (Nady) and some quality youth that are trying to make a statement they belong on the team. Players are playing for contracts.
I’m not bashing Quade. He has done a great job. I watched him manage in Des Moines and he is a good one. I just don’t think we can hand him the job when everything that is going on is factored in.
What is the long term goal of this organization and who can lead this organization through a 162 game schedule for a few years in a row? Who has the best plan? Quade’s plan for the final month has been a good one and outside of the multiple auditions that he is trying to satisfy, he has had few gaffes.
Let’s look long term and the strength of each candidate. I favor Sandberg. I can live with Quade. Let’s just not hand it to him after beating a shell of a team that knows vacation time is in a couple of weeks.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Sep 16, 2010 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
I'm curious, which is it? Do we discount the player's performances because it's "garbage time" or because
they are playing for contracts? Seems like a no-win situation to me. If a player does well now, you claim that it’s because he’s playing for a contract. Other’s have claim that these results don’t matter when no one really gives a damn because the season is over. Why don’t we just pack it in and everybody just go home?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 16, 2010 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
good point
You can rhetorically down-rate the other team and up-rate your team in any number of ways. Just when did the Cubs go from a team that was playing out the string to playing teams that are just playing out the string?
"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
Discounting and meaningfulness
These Aug / Sep games are more meaningful than spring training as far as assessing each player’s skills or ability to play-to-win is concerned. Spring training has the advantage of recency or being chronologically closer to the regular season’s games. Recency is more important when changes in physical condition impact a player’s abilities.
For this season, the first 85 or so games were meaningful and the remainder doesn’t mean very much, IMO. The goal has been realistically out of reach for about two months already and multiple changes were made.
They swept this series with the Cards and have a good overall record lately. They should just take-down whatever the players are doing to make this happen and the names of who is making this happen. If a player didn’t play well when it mattered, then I wouldn’t put too much significance on that only to say that being consistent is a good quality and less tough crap happens to a player who is consistently effective.
by AboutTheCubs on Sep 16, 2010 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Both are probably a factor.
And whether you agree with those factors influencing winning garbage games or not, no one is going to “pack it in and go home”….what tripe. Yeah we are playing when we could have given up. It’s commendable and nice to see, but doesn’t mean quite the same thing when the other team has given up. You can see potential in players, watch development etc….but don’t tell me these games are just as meaningful to anyone.
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Cardinals have quit
Now just 4 games over 500. i think they’ll end with a losing record – but then I’m biased.
"I won't be like A-Rod" - Z, 3/17/09
by Ihatethecards on Sep 16, 2010 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Biased?
One would never know.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Sep 16, 2010 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I think the Cards are having
some clubhouse issues that appear to adding significantly to their woes. A couple of weeks ago we saw Chris Carpenter climbing right up his shortstop’s (Ryan) backside. There have been plenty of press reports about Colby Rasums’ desire to be traded. TLR is likely a lame duck and may be losing his edge in much the same way the Lou lost his. The team we just swept may have been sweepable by anyone, although I’d prefer to think it was us, not them.
And so it goes.
I agree with 99% of what you said
but typically, the Cards/Cubs battles pay no attention to the schedule. A sweep of them on their turf says a lot to me. I didn’t see any of the games to get a view on how the Cards have mailed in the remainder of their season, but I have always said that Lou and his WDYWMTD attitude killed this team. The team kind of quit on him, he basically sealed it when he quit on them.
I have always said that Lou was fine when the team was clicking and healthy. When the veterans get hurt or they start playing less than their potential and Lou has to actually “manage”, he’s not up to the task.
It’s obvious this team is playing for Quade and he does have the advantage of having a healthy team. I will put out out there if Lou hadn’t retired when he did, you could book it that the Cubs would have been on the path to 100 losses.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Agreed about Cubs/Cards
But something has happened to this Cardinals team. We heard whispers and rumors about LaRussa and Rasmus or whoever earlier in the year, and after watching them recently, it seems that when the CIN series didn’t go their way, they collectively said “well, screw it” and mentally checked out.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
...could be another example of how much a manager affects (effects?) a team
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Sep 16, 2010 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions
True dat
and also the symbiotic relationship of the manager/team cosmos. The words may not be spoken, but I think the team/manager can feel when each other has given up and it kind of permeates the rest, except the true pros that battle and produce whether they are in a pennant race or not.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
i dont think anyone wants to "crown" Quade
But I do think his candidacy needs to be given more serious consideration. Regardless of the meaning of the games, he has this team motivated and playing well and finishing the season strong. I just don’t want the next manager to be given the job just because of his name. Don’t get me wrong I have nothing against sandberg, and truth be told he’s probably one heck of a manager. I just want the Cubs to take their time and honestly sit down and hire the best, most qualified for the job. We’ve had “names” for quite a few years now, and that didn’t work out very well. Time to try something new and hire someone who is motivated, and willing to do what’s best for the team.
by nmcubsfan on Sep 16, 2010 9:04 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
FOR SURE!
Let’s get the best man possible, that’s all I want.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
At first I thought you were agreeing with yourself.
Your screen names are so similar.
♪♫ Take me out WITH the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I NEVER get back ♪♫ Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer
Yeah that made me do a double take, too! LOL
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Not that it makes a bit of difference now...
but maybe Hendry will look into the rear view mirror (ie May – July) and realize that Lou WAS going through the motions and maybe he should have pulled the trigger on Lou before the season was completely lost. Should Lou have been given the benefit of the doubt no matter what – even if the season was going down the tubes right before our eyes?
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Except Hendry can go in the clubhouse
He can get a better sense than the fans if the team isn’t motivated. There is no way that this team was a 90+ loss team and if Piniella stayed, I’m sure it would have been.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
It might have been a 100-loss team!
The recent play, at the very least, guarantees that.
If Lou was removed in May/June
Alan Trammel would’ve probably been leading this team, and I don’t know that things would’ve been any different.
One way or the other,
I still miss Lou. Good or bad, he just rubbed me the right way.
That said, I have been really impressed by Mike Q. and would not be unhappy to see him get a chance next year. I can’t qualify why, but I have developed a good gut feeling about Mike W quad.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Sep 16, 2010 9:45 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
iPhone and typing = an adventure
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Sep 16, 2010 9:46 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Of course Pinella was going through the motions this year and should've been gone
the first time he said, “what do you want me to do? i’ve tried everything”, yet people on here kept saying “what good would it do to get rid of Lou now?”. Well, now it’s obvious what good it would do to get rid of a lame duck who didn’t care and had us on track for 100+ losses. At least we’ve been able to enjoy few weeks of decent baseball to end the year!
"Any player who gets the opportunity to play at Wrigley should welcome it"
It's an interesting thought.
The team has played so much better under Quade — albeit against some bad teams and with expanded rosters — that Lou looks like more of a factor in the team’s struggles than I and others thought he was. I also think getting Lee out of the middle of the order has helped immensely.
I still don't think...
…it would have done any good to get rid of Lou earlier this year because the main problem with the Cub’s baseball organization has not been the manager. Until the deeper issue is fixed, any manager who rolls in here is going to struggle to win consistantly.
I don’t debate that he checked out mentally, but you have to dig deeper to prevent this bad cycle from reacurring in the years to come.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
The point is ...
that letting Lou go earlier would have had more of an impact on the team’s success than we expected. They still wouldn’t have contended, but I think a record closer to .500 would have been more likely.
Attendance
dropping, new owner, and no longer the freedom to spend millions. A few reasons that I believe that Hendry does not have the luxury of screwing up. I have to think that he is on a very short leash with Ricketts in charge. One can hope.
I pity the fool who really thinks or wants A Dunn. Forget about it. First the dollars are too much. Secondly I have never foreseen Dunn on a champion team. Not sure why, but I think he is a player that year after year puts up the numbers, but never with a winner. His fault?
Go Cubs!
I have never foreseen Dunn on a champion team. Not sure why, but I think he is a player that year after year puts up the numbers, but never with a winner. His fault?
His fault? How can it be his fault that he was a great hitter on bad Reds teams, or that the Nationals never surrounded him with anyone good?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
One thing about Dunn ...
he’s never been a good hitter with RISP. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want him as our 1B at the right price.
Dunn's never been a big BA guy with or without RISP (career BA = .251)
But take a look at his OPS with RISP. Its +.900, so Dunn is walking a lot with RISP or slugging the shit out of the ball when he does make contact with RISP.
I’ll take that
There are many players I'd like
at the right price. However, I seriously doube Dunn is willing to take a two year contract for $19M per.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
He won't get 19 mil per year...
…I’d say closer to the 13-15 range.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
only if he goes to the AL - and probably closer to 13 than 15.
If he stays in NL, I don’t think he gets above 12….
…unless it’s backloaded with a NTC. ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
The one false thing about Dunn
is that somehow he is a bad guy. That was put out by Jim Bowden so it can be ignored. He is very well liked in DC and is considered a leader in the clubhouse. I’m not saying that means the Cubs should automatically sign him but just making sure the rumor that he somehow is a bad guy isn’t part of the decision.
As for signing him, it is still unclear what the Nationals are going to do. I’m surprised they haven’t worked out something after the trade deadline. Dunn apparently is asking for 4 years but I’m sure would settle for 3 years. He does want a no trade or restricted trade deal as he doesn’t want to be traded to the AL.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Just speculation
but maybe he is hoping for one more contract as a fielder before he moves into the Jim Thome stage of his career.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Good point.
If so, it shows that he likes to be the complete ballplayer. I like that he has the desire to get on to the field, even though he is a liability out there
Go Cubs!
What makes you sure?
Personally I don’t want him past 2011.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
You could make that same claim
about ANY of the Cubs Hall Of Famers, so why apply that label to Dunn?
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Sep 16, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
"I am so depressed for 2011 knowing Hendry is making the decisions."
Do we know this for sure?
Has Ricketts came out and said Hendry has a job next year?
by salparadise23 on Sep 16, 2010 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Not for sure...
…but if Hendry is still the “top baseball” guy with the club when the calendar turns to 2011, I believe Ricketts will be making a huge mistake.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I think I read somewhere on BCB...
That Ricketts had said Hendry would be the GM into next year…so he has at least until January.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Sep 16, 2010 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Z
First, you can’t take anything he says too seriously, especially when speaking of events several years down the road.
But second, why not retire? For some number of people, the competition is everything they want in life and they try to prolong it forever. But for others, it’s a means to an end. He will have made his money by then – more than he and his family will ever need – so why not retire and spend all the time in the world watching your kids grow up?
Those are good questions.
It appears Z goes back and forth on it. Maybe if the Cubs win the WS before his contract is up, he’d be more likely to retire.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
In that case
I hope he gets to retire!!!
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
Al
Do you have Z’s stat line since he returned in Aug?
Check out the Video Blog I host: WebSmart TV
by digitalbenjamin on Sep 16, 2010 8:22 AM CDT reply actions
Here you go.
Eight starts. 6-0 W-L record. 51 innings, 35 hits allowed, 28 walks (1.24 WHIP), 42 strikeouts. 1.59 ERA, and only one home run allowed (to the Mets’ Ike Davis).
Pretty impressive — you could arguably say he has been the best pitcher in baseball since August 9 (when he returned), and if not, he’s pretty close to that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
thanks Al
really impressive… where was this guy in April-June eh?
Check out the Video Blog I host: WebSmart TV
by digitalbenjamin on Sep 16, 2010 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions
The Psychiatrist
"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 Sep 16, 2010 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Still the worst move of the year.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Sep 16, 2010 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Worst move? Yes.
Worst non-move was to start the season without anybody right-handed other than Marmol in the bullpen who wasn’t a surer thing. That non-move prompted Lou to move Z to the pen.
Right.
It was definitely a reaction to having no one he could trust. In hindsight, it was absolutely the wrong move, but you can see the reasoning behind it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Both you and I tepidly supported the move, IIRC.
Frankly, it was the only creative thing Lou did as manager in two years. I’ve been attributing the Cubs’ ineffectiveness in 2010 to Lou’s “stay-the-course” attitude, but maybe he lost whatever creative abilities he had in past seasons.
I was willing to give it a chance.
Obviously, I was wrong about the idea. I’m glad to see Z doing well again.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I like moves that shake things up for underperforming teams.
The lesson, I think, is that the move also needs to make good baseball sense.
Can anyone say
that Z would have performed this well lately had he not gone to the pen?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
I could understand the thought process behind the move. Obviously, I aggressively disagreed with it.
As you say below, the move had to make sense on a baseball level. It didn’t – 4 starts in, 2 of which were good, 1 mediocre, and the first one awful, and you lose a job you’ve held for several years?
To make things worse, the stated rationale – Z’s stats being the worst of the 5 starters – was simplistic and belied an undue reliance on obvious box-score stats while ignoring what could be learned from peripheral and SABR stats.
I think that “moving the opening day starter to the pen after 4 starts” would be a bad move, even if the team was putting a clubhouse leader and a mental rock in the bullpen. When you consider the player that was being moved, it was just asking for a conflagration.
2009 was all about an awful offseason hurting a team’s chances to compete.
2010 was a fine offseason, followed by a season in which the entire organization seemed to intentionally take the worst possible strategy at the worst possible times – on-field and off.
Lou kept Rami and Lee in the 3-4 spots, and Colvin on the bench. Soto, for some reason, has been a part-time player despite being the best hitting catcher in the game. When the rookie relievers all failed, the team panicked and put Z in the bullpen, which embarrassed and infuriated Z, solved nothing, and led to Z’s horrible dugout explosion. Hendry’s initial response to Z’s blow-up was absurdly inappropriate, and had to be publicly reversed in a hilarious manner.
The past offseason gave me some hope that Hendry’s comedy of errors was being set right. Then, the season has been just a cavalcade of missteps, up to and including the decision to retain the architect of this situation.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Sep 16, 2010 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
I almost completely agree.
Though I think most of the missteps during the season were Lou’s or the players’, not Hendry’s — though I think Hendry is partly responsible for the Z-to-the-bullpen mess.
Otherwise, Hendry actually made some good trades this season. I think he fleeced Atlanta on D-Lee, and I like the Lilly trade.
I’m not willing to give Hendry a vote of confidence, but I don’t think most of this year’s nonsense falls on him.
Hendry's mistakes....
…have been a “slow burn” over the last several years that have come to a head.
The worst of his errors is not having a solid plan and every good organization has a good plan they follow with discipline.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I think you're right.
He didn’t make many bad moves going into 2010. The bad moves were made in previous offseasons.
Lou also kept Theriot at leadoff.
When it was clear to everyone that Theriot should have been batting around 6th.
Agree with everything else, though. Gotta rec this.
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 Sep 16, 2010 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
It was an absurd move
and many of us said so at the time. I don’t care how bad the bullpen was, Z was NOT the guy to fix it and moving him there after a a few bad starts and right after his best one was INSANE. Obviously it was a tough choice when the Cubs had 6 starters and a bad bullpen, but Z should never have been the one to go. Gorzo who at least had some bullpen experience and could have done LONG relief if Lou actually believed in long relief was the most logical.
Pretty much everyone except Cubs management and few posters saw this as the disaster it was.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Sep 16, 2010 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
The dumbest moves in Lou's Cubs managing career have been with BigZ
2007 and 2010. I’ll venture to say that the BigZ bullpen fiasco cost the Cubs at least 2-3 wins over the course of the season, if you believe that BigZ’s blowup at the Cell was at least in part a reaction to what I’m sure Z viewed as a demotion to the bullpen.
I think he's probably referring to...
… the early pull of Z in game one of the NLDS.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I was at that game
what frosted me is that Lou let him hit with the bases jacked and the game on the line. Mistake one. Then he doesn’t let him start the next inning. Mistake two. Game over.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Remember...
…what Z did that AB?
He hit a frozen rope the SS had to leap to barely catch. Z hit the bal real hard the bat previous, so Lou thought he had a chance to do it again and he did.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
And on such little things...
… playoff series can turn.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I can't disagree.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Probably referring...
…to taking him out of game one against the Dbacks when the game was tied. Granted, Lou was bringing in a very dominant reliever in Marmol, but some think Z should have remained in the game.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Yeah.
I wondered if magic was referring to the Z/Barrett incident, or something.
Could be...
…but I don’t think the Z/Barrett incident had anything to do with Barrett getting launched. IMO, it had everything to do with Barrett being a bad catcher and not a very smart baseball player (not good for a catcher).
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
All of that is true.
I suspect the Z/Barrett incident was the final straw that forced Hendry to deal him, though.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Probably true...
…because Hendry was in love with Barrett.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Right.
The 2004 Cubs probably would have been better off keeping Damian Miller, who the pitchers loved to work with.
Miller had a poor offensive season for the 2003 Cubs and that was the rationale for “upgrading” with Barrett, despite Barrett’s defensive shortcomings.
Naturally, Miller had a better offensive season in 2004, and he played in a mediocre hitter’s park in Oakland.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
This was when...
…I started to have serious doubts about Jim Hendry’s judgment (the 2004 season).
He got away from the balanced roster he had in 03 and basically had a softball team lineup with no reliable OBP at the top of the lineup. His love and reliance of Barrett was also glaring and was telltale that Hendry wouldn’t put the right value on the importance of what a good catcher provides for your team.
From this point, there have been flawed decisions/philosophy that carried on and was only temporarily masked by the Trib deciding to open up the vault.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Sep 16, 2010 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Those stats make it hard for the haters.
Still want Jake Peavy?
Wherever you go, there you are!
by Dan Serafini on Sep 16, 2010 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions
ZEAVY!!!!!!!!
Check out the Video Blog I host: WebSmart TV
by digitalbenjamin on Sep 16, 2010 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd say it is a tie
between Big Z and Cole Hamels.
Hamels over his last 8 starts 4-3 W-L record. 55 2/3 44 hits allowed, 10 walks (0.97 WHIP) 63 strikeouts. 1.62 ERA and 3 home runs allowed.
When Z is focused he is a very good pitcher and can get you 7 or 8 innings almost every start.
by Cubsfan Waveland on Sep 16, 2010 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Len and Bob kept saying first sweep at Busch since 1988
But this was really the Cubs first sweep at New Busch Stadium. EVER!!! (yell it like a 10 year old girl).
"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
+1
It was the first three-game sweep for the Cubs against the Cardinals at THIS Busch Stadium. I absolutely hated the old Busch Stadium because it was so darn hot in the summer. The stadium seemed to contain the heat.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
A non-breathing concrete floor in the sun will do that
Along with the heat and humidity of STL and too many people wearing jean shorts who never should.
And how about this:
The stadium is the third stadium in St. Louis to carry the name Busch Stadium. Sportsman’s Park was renamed Busch Stadium in 1953, after team owner Gussie Busch. The first Busch closed in 1966, and both the baseball Cardinals, and the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals moved to a new multi-purpose stadium, named Busch Memorial Stadium.
What? No sense of originality in STL? Are all kids born in STL required to have the first name of Busch and are therefore address by the middle names? Busch Tom, Busch Billy, Busch Cathy…
"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 Sep 16, 2010 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Little known fact.
When Anheuser Busch bought the Cardinals they wanted to name the park “Budweiser Stadium” to promote their beer. MLB wouldn’t allow it, so they came up with “Busch” to honor Gussie — then created Busch Beer, which did not exist before that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Those folks in St. Louis are so clever.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 16, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Is it true that
MLB rejected a similar proposal from the Wrigleys to rename Wrigley Field to Juicy Fruit Park?
"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 Sep 16, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Or better yet
Big League Chew Ballpark
"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 Sep 16, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL
You joke, but what I posted is the truth.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Wow.
I did not know that. Advertisers these days….
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 Sep 16, 2010 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Better known fact...
Budweiser man Harry decided after dealing with Gussie for quite awhile working for KMOX he would “honor” his wife in a much different way, leading Busch to drive him to Oakland for a year.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Sep 16, 2010 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Why now, Z?
Why does he have to say stuff like this now? There’s no professional courtesy of 2 years notice.
What Z has probably managed to do with this announcement is hamstring Hendry. Any team that had thoughts of taking on Z’s final 1 or 2 years, with the idea that he could pitch well enough to warrant an extension, might be scared away by (nearly) definitive statements about retirement.
I suppose that a team could still take on Z for the duration of his contract with the understanding that an extension isn’t possible.
Listen, I’m not even saying that with the way Z is pitching that sending him somewhere while eating some of his contract is a good idea, I guess I’m just frustrated with Z’s timing. If you plan on playing out your contract, they play it out and announce your retirement during your final year, there’s no reason to bring this up now.
Ditto for Badgerdano
"Hamstring Hendry"?
He has an NTC . The statement is just Z being Z.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Sep 16, 2010 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah, that's true
I forgot with all of the Z trade talk that it’s ultimately his decision.
I still don’t understand why he’s talking about it now, on the heels of 8 great starts. Maybe Z was prompted with a question on the subject, but I just wish he could just pitch, it seems like there’s always something newsworthy or noteworthy that has nothing to do with how he’s performing on the mound. I know, I shouldn’t be surprised.
Ditto for Badgerdano
Z being Z
He has always worn his heart on his sleeve and at times opens his mouth when he should just be quiet. This is something that he should only be talking with Hendry and the organization about, not the press.
He likes to be the center of attention and maybe this is him trying to get back in the spotlight again since his return to the team from all his earlier troubles.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
You know what?
Z has verbal diarrhea, but I’m used to it, and I think the team is, too. I don’t think his comments were smart, but I don’t think they were at all harmful.
No, I don't think they were harmful, either.
And he could change his mind in a week or a month or next year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Exactly what I was thinking when you said above he left himself an "out".
He needs no outs. It was just his thoughts at the time to begin with. He’s under no obligation to do anything. He’s obviously not worried a lot about what he says in public throughout his career to begin with.
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Z
Door. Ass. Don’t let one hit the other.
Amazing how Z shines when there is absolutely nothing to play for. If we’re going to penalize Quade for meaningless games, let us not put a halo on Z’s head for them.
We are in the “bringing flowers and giving foot rubs and taking out the trash without being asked 10 times” phase of the relationship with Z. About May of next year, he’ll be coming home with someone else’s perfume all over him and smacking us around for not having the turkey pot pie ready.
"It's all in the game, yo"
by Worf on Sep 16, 2010 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Thanks for the objective analysis, Worf. No one has "put a halo" on Z. The most
I’ve heard is he’s doing a good job. The numbers speak for themselves. If he was stinking up the joint, you would be all over his ass. Give us a break, please.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 16, 2010 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree completely.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 16, 2010 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Rec'd
It is amazing how he shines when the lights arent shinning and then brings up retirement so that everyone has to pay attention to him again since he is pitching well.
and I'm sure
Z flung himself in front of the reporters’ cars, too, in an effort to get them to pay attention to him.
He was asked the question. Why shouldn’t he answer it? He isn’t going anywhere.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 16, 2010 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
How true...
…as soon as Z was the top dog (when Prior and Wood were out of the picture) his productivity started to go south and that could be tell tale.
It is also interesting that his velocity is clearly not what it was (down 2-4 mph on fastball), but his movement may have improved a tad. Another reason to temper the focus on radar readings.
Z will be on the club next year, because they will not eat the dough necessary to move him. I will be very interested to see how he does when the games have signfiicant meaning again next April.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
But mommmmmmm I love turkey pot pie!
He’s having a good run. He’s done this before. Let’s see what happens when there is pressure on him like meaningful games and he strings together some losses, when times aren’t good. I don’t pay attention to him blowing rainbows and puppydogs or talking about retirement… he doesn’t know what he’s going to do from one minute to the next to begin with.
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Z has no filters
Sometimes I think he’s just really immature. He came to the organization very young. He has had cultural and language issues to overcome. I don’t go as far as Ozzie on that analysis, but, it is hard. However, I think at times Z is just a big kid who hasn’t grown up. He just doesn’t form out thoughts before he speaks.
And, he throws tantrums, still. We’ll see what we have next May and June. I don’t think he is tradeable right now. So, we’ll see which Z shows up next year when there is more to play for.
How many years have we been saying this?
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Exactly.....I am so tired of everything Z. Period
….endless excuses, tiresome acts and drama and most importantly inconsistent pitching.
Amen.
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Well I say "GOOD RIDDANCE" for one.
You know, I’m a stats guy. I like the clear-cut numbers and being able to analyze players quickly and efficiently. I like Zambrano’s WAR, his K/9, and sometimes his FIP. I don’t like that he’s a headcase that’s akin to dating a f-ing crazy chick. I don’t like that he has up-and-down seasons since 2008.
I had enough this season. A few good games isn’t going to change my mind. Some times you need to know when to cut the cord. It’s time. Let the guy walk and get picked up by the Mets when he un-retires next year. I’ve had enough, too much bad Zambrano too often. 2011 and 2012 are going to be very important years for rebuilding the core of this team; I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I do not want Carlos Zambrano thinking or acting like a mentor to our young staff. He’s due to make 17.875M in 2011, 18M in 2012, and 19.25M in 2013; that’s $55.125M over the next three year’s we would save. GOOD RIDDANCE.
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Pardon me while I stand and applaud
BTW, just finished episode 5 of Season 2 on the Wire. Freaking awesome as usual.
"It's all in the game, yo"
You're only on Season 2?
I’m envious. I would love to watch The Wire for the first time again!
You gonna change your ID from Worf to Stringer Bell?
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Sep 16, 2010 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I have a love-hate relationship with season 2.
We can talk about it after you finish it. Beadie is hot, FYI. In a blue-collar worker sort of way.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
My love-hate relationship so far can be summed up as follows
Love: Nick’s baby mama’s boobies.
“We don’t have time.”
“I know”
“Then why you grabbing?”
“They were staring at me.”
Hate: Ziggy’s penis. Getting REAL tired of that. CalCalendar was right to warn me.
Other random firings so far:
- When Stringer was putting the moves on Donette, I wanted to call the police. Idris Elba is one of those subtle giants, where you don’t realize just how tall and big he is until he shows you.
- Watching Bubbs school McNulty on how to tie a boat to dock was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.
- Next episode, Omar testifies. Can’t wait!
"It's all in the game, yo"
Omar testifying is one of the best scenes in the Wire.
Though I’ve only watched the first three seasons.
Wait til you see what Omar does in court. And wears.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Wait til you see what Omar does in court. And wears.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Wait til you see what Omar does in court. And wears.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
All fine and good.
But how do you suggest cutting ties with him?
I was speaking more to his talks of retirement.
I do not have any visions of grandeur of being able to rid ourselves of this cancer before the contract’s up. If he wants to retire—hell, let him do it now.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
What exactly is wrong about BigZ discussing retirement to spend more time with his family?
ARam talked retirement just a few days ago, DLee did it during his exit interview, Konerko has talked about it recently. BigZ is going to be 30 in 2011, he’ll be 32 in 2012 at the end of this contract. Lots of players hang it up around that time.
Once a player gets into his 27-32 age years, its natural to think about retirement. I can’t understand the hostility of some Cubs fans towards Zambrano. He was great last year and he’s been great this year (outside of 2 bad starts). Every single one of our starters has had at least 2 terrible starts this year, so why is so much hostility directed towards BigZ?
Some of you guys need to lighten up, IMHO…..
I don't have a problem with his discussing retirement.
In fact, I have so little of a problem with it I encourage him to follow through with it.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Well, all of your posts in this thread seem to indicate that you do have a problem with it
Or maybe you just have a problem with good pitchers. BigZ has been worth his contract and more since 2007
He’s been worth every dollar he’s been paid (more in fact) between 2007-09 according to fangraphs.
Who’s to say he wouldn’t have been worth his salary in 2010 if Lou had not brain farted BigZ to the bullpen twice this season.
But I guess the fact that BigZ’s performance on the baseball field and being worth his salary doesn’t matter does it.
I guess its his attitude that matters most, LOL….
Add I don't give a rat's ass about your opinion
thank heavens Worf and dtpollitt aren’t the Cubs GM. You’d be worse than Hendry, Ed Wade, Omar Minaya, and Dayton Moore. Those guys get rid of good players and/or make stupid moves all the time
When the game is on the line and the game actually means something
Zambrano is useless.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Support this with anything resembling a fact
Here are Zambrano’s September stats in the 3 close pennant races he was a part of. I’ll even use W/L and ERA so that it’s easier for you to understand.
2007: 4-2, 3.44
2004: 4-0, 1.01
2003: 1-2, 4.41
wait a minute....
What’s a red rat? And why is his pee worth so much? Just askin….lol
by nmcubsfan on Sep 16, 2010 1:13 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You're the one taking offense here, chief.
Just because I’m stating my opinion and you yours doesn’t mean somebody has to read or believe it.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
But my opinion is backed up with performance data, whereas your opinions have no substance at all
I’d say that’s a difference between our points of view
You know I love stats and use them all the time here, right?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Why is so much hostility directed towards Zambrano?
wow. bring out all the stats you find to support any opinion and you’ll just make me scratch my head with that statement.
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Just curious,
Does his contract come with a NTC? I for one hope it does not.
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 Sep 16, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
"when he un-retires next year"
huh? He said he plans on retiring after he plays his final two years out.
Ditto for Badgerdano
all well and good,
but he’s finishing his contract, he already said that.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 16, 2010 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Thank you for telling me something that was the point of this thread.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
That's what the bats in his skull are telling him right now
By mid-May of next year, the squirrells could have killed the bats and he could want a trade.
"It's all in the game, yo"
I know, he's awful! Unredeemable!
What kind of a crazy headcase thinks there’s something more important that sports? He can spend time with his family when he’s dead.
I don't believe him
There. I said it.
I don’t believe one god damn thing that comes out of Z’s mouth.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Who cares what you believe?
Obsessing over what athletes say is like obsessing over what supermodels read. It’s not what they’re here to do.
by Wreckard on Sep 16, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 10 recs
Rec'd!!!!!
Going green now.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
I am NOT talking about anything related to his family.
Did I mention family or anything of the sort in my post? No. We’ve already been down that road, it was called “Lou Pinella’s Retirement”. I speak only to his antics, both on and off field. I simply think Zambrano’s antics aren’t worth his WAR or contract. I am cognizant of his numbers. He’s like dating a crazy chick; that’s truly the best analogy I can come up with. Might be great in bed and a nice trophy to show you friends, but he’s not worth the drama and trouble.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Right...
Maybe we need to come up with a stat — Incidents per Win or something like that.
Then maybe they will get it.
No one disputes that this guy can be good or great.
He’s just not worth it.
"It's all in the game, yo"
And that's really where we disagree
I (and many others) believe BigZ is worth it. Milton Bradley, not so much.
It doesn’t really matter anyways, unless you can make BigZ’s no trade clause disappear, you might as well enjoy his performance on the field
I enjoy his good games
but I no longer expect them.
If he gets it together, hooray. The wins still spend the same.
If not, meh, whatever.
"It's all in the game, yo"
+1
Very well said!
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 Sep 16, 2010 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
How is this an antic?
This is an article about him saying he wants to retire young to spend time with his family. He did nothing else. No angry outburst, no poor performance in-game (in fact he pitched quite well), nothing other than a paragrph talking about retirement.
You responded to the diary calling him a head case, and that we should somehow let him go (even though he says he’ll play out his contract).
The problem with Z is he frequently thinks everything is important besides the game in
which he is playing. Like the umpire…his catcher…all the other players on the field…if he just made an error..if someone looks at him funny…if the manager said something mean before…he’s a time bomb and one good streak with meaningless games does not do anything to change that. Man he’s been doing this stuff for years, who goes ballistic when things are going well with no pressure? No one. He’s a selfish player that gets defensive when things don’t go his way. He’s been coddled by the team for years. How many years of him blowing up do you need before you realize he has serious problems and issues?
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
While I agree with cutting Zambrano loose
How would you suggest doing it?
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 Sep 16, 2010 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I went to Chipotle last night
during the seventh, and said to myself “I’m gonna get out of the car, and Tyler Colvin is going to hit his 20th while I’m inside and can’t hear it.”
Trufax.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
best guacamole in town!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Sep 16, 2010 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
hehe, I refer to the suburbs of.... :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Sep 16, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Lombard, specfically.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 16, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I've been to the Oakbrook Terrace and Elmhurst one.
yum :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Sep 16, 2010 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I think you have your stats wrong on Gagne.
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
I had the wrong guy.
Brad Lidge had 157 K’s in 2004, not Gagne.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'd really like to see them keep this up and finish strong too, Al
It seems like sometimes teams can carry a strong finish into the next year. That’s probably more the case in football than baseball but still. It can go the other way too, a bad finish can carry over as well.
Many thoughts
1st Colvin: More than merely the statistical milestone it was a BIG GAME SITUATION THREE-RUN HR! It was against an ACE, the rival’s ACE, in a rival game that emotionally the team really wanted this thing! He needs to improve his OBP but his power numbers appear to be in the 25-30 HR range if he plays full time 140-150 games next year.
Z: He is emotionally a sensitive player right now, whatever he says is what he feels but let next year play out.
Piniella/Quade: Piniella and his relationship with the team was broken last year. Certainly the veterans were mailing it in as they took their cue from the manager and…and….the GM. Players and teams definitely take their personality and their team performance from the manager or head coach….it is what human nature is.
DLee/RamirezResults matter. DLee emerged this year unable to hit the 92+MPH fastball and tried to live on hitting curves, sliders and off speed stuff….the same goes for Ramirez…he is a good breaking ball hitter so he is surviving on that….he is beginning to take FB’s to the opposite field or up the middle but he too is losing bat speed. This goes back to Piniella….he knew this and didn’t do a thing about it simply penciled in the lineup. Ramirez might have been hurt for 1/2 of the year, but if Piniella had to play DLee, Ramirez and Soriano ($44M in this year’s salary page) they should have batted 6th, 7th, 8th.
Finally Hendry: Back in the beginning of May this all was evident. Hendry made on move bringing up Castro…but he should have let Lou go then….what would have happened, possibly the Cubs being where the Cards are at now….but infinitely better.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Good points.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 16, 2010 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Key point on Soriano.
Soriano actually hit well in the first half. At that point, he was fine as the No. 5 or 6 hitter. Now, not so much.
I am very glad
That the Cubs are not where the Cards are right now. It does not seem like a happy place.
"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
Reminds me of where the Cubs were a year ago.
Our of it by mid-September after having a good first four months. Internal strife and a team that looks defeated.
Now, if only the Cardinals would continue that imitation next year...
… and be out of the race by June.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+1
Let’s knock him them out of the race June 3-5 in St. Louis next season.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Hendry has over 5 months to get
the team fixed and winning . I dont want to see another pathetic team on the field next June . Nor do the fans want to hear every excuse under the sun .
Had Ricketts dealt with matters earlier than later the club might not be in fifth place .
What should Ricketts have done, and when should he have done it?
I really don’t understand all the Ricketts criticism. I think the jury is still out on him, and I don’t really think he could have done anything midseason that would have changed much.
I agree...
…that when he didn’t bring in a new baseball chief last fall, there wasn’t anything he could have done during the season to change anything.
He made the decision to keep the baseball leadership status quo for the first year, and now we have to see what he does over the next several months.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Hendry is not going to fix the team in 5 months.
It took him years to create this turkey and it won’t be fixed overnight. I sure hope he moves in the right direction with the team since we seem to be stuck with him, but it won’t be going to the World Series with a debt laden team combined with a huge payroll and some key overpaid vets. It took us awhile to get into this mess. It will take awhile to get out of 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 Sep 16, 2010 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep.
When he’s on, that’s what Marmol does. He’s going to set a record this year for K/9 innings… no one has ever struck out 15+ batters per nine, but it looks like Marmol will.
More Marmol: he has faced 298 batters this year and struck out 122 of them — that’s 40.9% of all batters he has faced.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That Nasty Slider
Have you ever seen anybody with a nastier slider than Marmol?
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Whatever Kerry Wood threw in that 20K game was the nastiest pitch I've ever seen.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Wood threw...
…more of a hard curve ball back then.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
The "Tommy John Slurve".
I think I saw Strasburg throwing something similar this summer.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Sort of...
…true sliders don’t break all that much and the slider has morphed over the years to something closer to a hard curve ball.
An example of a traditional slider would have been Sparky Lyle and Steve Carlton and you don’t see these types of sliders much any more.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
My theory...
…is pitchers are more strikeout focused in today’s game, and they want their breaking balls to be hard breakers that meet that need. This is why you see so many of these so called sliders that are meant to hit the dirt rather than the catchers glove.
I think the strikeouts have become more of a focus because of the increase in the long ball over the last 25 years and pitchers are less apt to challenge someone with something that is more hittable. With that changing some, you will eventually see guys going to a slider that breaks less and is something they can control better and give up fewer walks.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
It's not just pitchers who are strikeout focused.
So are managers and GM’s.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
they were saying the same thing on VEB last night. teehee :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Sep 16, 2010 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think so.
It sounds weird to throw “best ever” adjectives around, but that slider is almost legendary when it’s working.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
It was really fun to see.
Even though the Cubs are out of it, it’s moments like these that keep you watching until the last out is made on October 3.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Sep 16, 2010 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Congrats to Colvin on his 20th homerun this season.
I just wish this team had played like this earlier in the season. It was just like everything clicked for them this series.
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
They were clicking for sure
clutch hits (by pitchers no less) and good bullpen pitching but I can’t help but think it looks like the Cards are playing absolutely dead.
And on the Breaking Ball no less
Good to see Colvin picking up that pitch from his first 2 ABs and then hitting it in his 3B.
"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 Sep 16, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Any word on Zambrano's nephew?
Hope he’s doing better.
"A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores." Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger
20 HR's for Colvin
When was the last time a Cubs rookie hit that many HR’s?
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
2008
Joe Girardi...2011 Chicago Cubs Manager...Book it!!
Adam Dunn..2011 Chicago Cubs First Baseman - 3 yrs/$42 mill with a club option for a 4th.
Geo With 23
He did win Rookie of the Year that year. Well, it doesn’t happen that often that a Cubs rookie gets to that 20 HR mark.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Especially a Left-Handed Hitting Rookie
You’d have to go back aways to find the last lefty Cubs rookie before Colvin to do it. I don’t know if you have to go back to 1961 for Billy Williams with 25 HR’s or not.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Only 4 times that I can tell
Billy Williams – 25 – 1961
Walt “Moose” Moryn – 23 – 1956
Soto – 23 – 2008
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Sep 16, 2010 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
yes...shitty
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 16, 2010 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually, I don't think I'd agree with your choice of adjective.
I was referring to THIS September.
apparently, an OPS+ of 110
doesn’t get you much these days.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 16, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I think SWL ...
thought I was asking about Kosuke historically in September.
yes Drew....we should totally fall in love with any player that can OPS+ 110 in 33 ABs over 19 days.
holy shit.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 16, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
it's funny
because I didn’t say anything at all like that.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Sep 16, 2010 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions
allright...how about this...an OPS+ of 110 over 33 ABs in 19 days...
will get you jack shit.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 16, 2010 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Prediciton: The organization will decide that Tyler Colvin has to "compete" to win a starting job in ST next year.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 16, 2010 1:45 PM CDT reply actions
yes, and Adam Dunn and Jeff Francour....or whoever else they decide should get a chance after they do something galactically stupid.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 16, 2010 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Can I has
him retiring Fuk and Sori with him?
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
In the heat of a game thread, people often miss the photos posted at the top of them
So I’d like to highlight this one:
Good pick, Al.
"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
We have to save this one for future use at Cubs-Cardinals games.
Probably will go into my “BCB Celebrations” album on Facebook, along with quite a few other photoshop jobs.
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 Sep 16, 2010 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice pick indeed.
I thought many of the camera shots of the empty seats in the stadium by the end of the game were great ones as well…demoralize, destroy, dishearten, knock your rival out of contention with a sweep…perfect!
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 Sep 16, 2010 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
it's funny how this great game goes sometimes
I would have never thought the Cubs would sweep the Cardinals given the position both teams were in. Plus, the Cardinals had their 3-2-1 starters going respectively for the series.
Also, how about Aramis coming back after the bad stretch he had the first half of the season!
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!"
Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!"
Len Casper: "Oh Baby!"
Bob Brenly: "Give it to a Kid!"
Ron Santo: "YES!", "All Right!, let's do it!", "Oh No!", "Oh jeez come on!" AND...
"This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Sep 17, 2010 12:49 AM CDT reply actions
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