A Guide To The Cubs And Cubs Fans For Theo Epstein
by Al Yellon on Oct 19, 2011 9:00 AM CDT
in Meta BCB
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Sooner or later (hopefully, sooner), the Cubs and Red Sox will stop their little kabuki dance, agree on compensation for Theo Epstein, and he'll start work as the Cubs' general manager. Or President of Baseball Operations. Whatever the title he's given, there will be a lot of work to do.
Since Theo grew up and has lived nearly his entire life in the Boston area, I thought he'd need a guide to some of the things that are most important surrounding his new employer. Recently, Paul Sullivan wrote a team history, mainly a list of team highlights (and lowlights) with a few of Sully's comments added. And at Baseball Nation, Jason Brannon made comparisons between what Boston and Chicago have to offer.
Theo needs more. I could make this a long list of area Starbucks, but he probably doesn't need that, either. (Hint: there's one directly across the street from Wrigley Field.) After the jump, my guide for Theo Epstein to the most important things he'll have to know when he finally has an office at Clark & Addison.
First, Theo, you're going to have to get rid of all that red team gear you have. Red is the color of two of the Cubs' biggest rivals, the Cardinals and Reds. Maybe you can have it shipped to Tony La Russa -- I hear the Red Sox are looking for a manager. You're looking good in blue in the photo at the top of this post. That's good. Get yourself some blue Cubs gear. Don't do this, though.
Yankees? Fuhgeddabout 'em. They're a team that comes to Wrigley Field about once a decade. The American League team you'll learn to dislike is the White Sox. Easy to remember, right? It's even got "Sox" in the name. It looks like you've made just three minor trades with them in your time in Boston, and the biggest name involved in those deals was Mark Kotsay. Get to know Kenny Williams better. Given the sorts of moves he's made in the last year or so, perhaps you can grab a good player or two from his roster. Also, the Cubs used to have a pretty good rivalry with the other team from New York, but that faded after the teams got moved to separate divisions. Your best bet is to just turn your back on the East Coast. Oh, and change your watch. We're on Central time here.
Speaking of trades, you're welcome for Mark Bellhorn, who you got from Jim Hendry in 2003 and who had a great year helping your team win the following year -- when you shipped us Nomar and got two players who also helped you win. The only other trade Jim Hendry made with you after that was sending Mike Remlinger over during the 2005 season; that was a bust for both teams. Remlinger posted a 14.85 ERA in eight games in Boston and you released him after 19 days. The minor leaguer the Cubs got in that deal never panned out. Feel free to raid your former team's roster. For anyone good, that is.
When you first step on to the field at Wrigley Field, look toward left field. (Try to ignore that big sign that advertises a car.) What don't you see? That's right, a big green wall. Our wall has bricks. And ivy. Well, at least in the summer it does. Try to get us some outfielders who aren't afraid of it.
Boston is near an ocean. When you drive up Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, you may feel at home when you see a large body of water to the east. But that's not an ocean. It's Lake Michigan. For most of the first two months of the baseball season, the wind howls off this lake into Wrigley Field. Plan your team accordingly, because some players (cough Carlos Pena cough) couldn't figure out how to hit home runs into that wind until June. And dress warm. That means putting on as many layers as you think you'll need, then adding two more.
We pronounce the "R" at the end of words. Please don't let us hear you say "Cash-nah", "Demp-stah", or pronounce the name of one of the few prospects we'll have left after your compensation is paid "Cleven-gah".
Speaking of letters, it's "L" in Chicago, not "T". (You probably won't be riding the train to work, but it's useful to know anyway.)
1975? 1986? 2011? Forget 'em. Key years you'll need to remember are 1969, 1984 and 2003, the years that sear Cubs fans' souls. And unlike the Boston failures, which seemed to drive their fans to mass depression, here's the Cubs fan reactions you need to know from each of those years:
- 1969: Lifelong love for every player on that team (well, except possibly Don Young)
- 1984: Ryno! Ryno! Ryno!
- 2003: Anger
Watch out for that 2003 anger, Theo. It's still around.
Speaking of Ryno, there's your next manager. In a word often used around here: GITERDONETHEO!
The greatest player in Cubs history is Ernie Banks. There's a statue of him right outside the door where you'll enter to go to work every day. Look at it (and the statues to other great Cubs, Ron Santo and Billy Williams, down the street), and be thankful that the Cubs honor their players in this way, instead of what happened to the greatest player in Red Sox history.
Forget that "Sweet Caroline" stuff. "Go Cubs Go" is played at Wrigley Field after every Cubs home victory. We'd like to hear the latter song more often, please. And quite a bit in October. Can you help arrange that?
Finally, if you run into someone who resembles this description, run away. Far away.
Seriously, Theo, good luck here in Chicago -- whenever you actually get here. It's a great city and Cubs fans are just as passionate and knowledgeable as Red Sox fans. You made the lives of millions of Red Sox fans happy in 2004; we'd just like one World Series title in our lives, just to know how it feels. We promise we won't run you and your players and manager out of town after you bring it to us, either.
And just in case you still need it, I thought this might be useful to you.
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Bellhorn was traded to Colorado for Jose Hernandez.
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
But eventually wound up in Boston!
See how great Theo is? He knew how great Bellhorn would be for him way in advance!
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by Al Yellon on Oct 19, 2011 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Truly a visionary!
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
The first thing Theo better do is hire Sandberg as manager
by TJ11 on Oct 19, 2011 9:12 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Correction
First thing he should do is fire Quade. The second thing he should do is hire Ryno.
No need to fire Quade.
He can spy on Larry Lucchino.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Nah, he can hire Sandberg first and Ryno can fire Quade personally!
That would be pretty funny…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Hey guy! Get the f#$! out of here!
’scuse me?
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
by Subterfuge on Oct 19, 2011 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Quade responds
but, but, but “I Get It” ( it worked in my favor last year)
"The standard is the standard" Mike Tomlin
Or it can make for an awkward moment.
Hire a new manager then both the new guy and Quade show up for spring training on the first day.
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions
would Quade try and give Ryne a new nickname if they were both on the staff?
by cozmotaylor123 on Oct 20, 2011 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions
If Theo does,
I’ll think much, much less of his baseball acumen.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
We all know how much your opinion is valued.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Oct 19, 2011 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Dan, if you don't value my opinion,
that makes me a heck of a lot more confident it’s right.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions
We already know how you feel.
Could you at least admit you might be wrong? That Sandberg might become a good major league manager?
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...and if you ever bring the Cubs to Munich (please, please, pretty please), this place has much better coffee.
I can recommend the large Cafe Latte with an extra shot.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
The stuff I clean out of my sink
is better coffee than Starbucks. Yet I still go there, which maybe says something about me.
I was traveling this summer and we needed a bathroom break and some coffee. So I said to my wife “Shall we stop at Starbucks?” My three-year old daughter heard “Star Books” and was very upset that there was only coffee and no astronomy books to look at. For a week she kept saying “I want to go to Star Books!”
by Josh Timmers on Oct 19, 2011 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Metropolis or Intelligentsia can't be beat imho.
But that’s coming from a Chicago guy.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Oct 19, 2011 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Julius Meinl is my personal fav
But beware the yuppies and hipsters.
Late in the season, in the midst of an inning and it’s just past the top of the hour so Pat mentions that we’re due for a station break. Ron kinda mumbles "Didn’t we just have one of those?" and without missing a beat Pat says "About an hour ago."
by Champaign Cubbies on Oct 19, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Intelligentsia & PTs for me.
Both are excellent. Buy *bucks only if you like burnt beans.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Oct 19, 2011 10:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Thank you for not mentioning
goats, black cats or Bartman. I wish you wouldn’t have blinded me with that picture of you know who though. That needs a warning label.
Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.
NSFW?
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 Oct 19, 2011 9:20 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
If that means
Not Safe For Wrigley, then yes.
Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.
by katie casey on Oct 19, 2011 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
You didn't actually have to click on the link.
Hovering your mouse over it would have told you who it was.
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Now you tell me.
Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.
And who does a Wiki page on him anyway?
Just how tanked is some guy to add him to Wiki?
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
by RiskyBusiness on Oct 19, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I hate to tell you,
but someone even wrote a book about him. I kid you not.
Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.
by katie casey on Oct 19, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll admit that I have his CD
I was younger and inebriated at the the time of purchase. But I have been offered a large sum of money by interrogators at Guantanamo Bay. Not even the enemy deserves that.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
by RiskyBusiness on Oct 19, 2011 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
A decent shredder can
fix that.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
It's a beautiful day in Chicago!
Let’s play 2!
And wisely per Al
That means putting on as many layers as you think you’ll need, then adding two more.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
Thanks for saying "Cubs fans".
I don’t like “Cub fans”. Probably being a bit too nit-picky.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Maybe.
I usually say “Cubs fans”, too.
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Nit-picky?
on the Interwebz?
Unpossible
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
You have no idea.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know how to have the sacrasm sign come up on here
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Hint Theo
Stay off the roads during rush hour. With construction and all it is running 24/7 daily.
Cubs 2011 59-103
Here, I fixed it...
When you first step on to the field at Wrigley Field, look toward left field. (Shield your eyes from the glare of the man in the blue jacket and shiny dome, and try to ignore that big sign that advertises a car.) What don’t you see? That’s right, a big green wall. Our wall has bricks. And ivy. Well, at least in the summer it does. Try to get us some outfielders who aren’t afraid of it.
may addition by subtraction be real
Maybe you should start removing it
In the top halves of innings.
"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
*shocked*!
From looking at your avatar, I never would have guessed you wear a baseball cap!
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Theo, when you move into your new house
there may be a guy out on the sidewalk holding a boombox over his head playing “In Your Eyes” really loud.
That’s just Quade. He may scare your son at first, but he’s harmless.
But just in case, maybe an apartment on a higher floor?
Don't forget to tell him how to pronounce "Chicago", too.
It’s “Chicawgo”, not “Chicahgo”.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Oct 19, 2011 12:17 PM CDT reply actions
What about Big Gulps, Al?
You’ve gotta make sure he lets these in the stadium. Paramount.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
I didn't know that you needed glasses.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
That's just "big"?!
That’s like a giga-gulp or tera-gulp, not even a mega-gulp. That’s the kind of drink someone needs to wash down a 5 lb burrito named the omega supreme.
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Theo, please give Quade another chance.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
by ronsanto10 on Oct 19, 2011 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
I can't decide whether you are being serious or sarcastic.
I’m hoping sarcastic.
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It's GREEN!~!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
knock off the namecalling!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
There is nothing in the "community guidelines" addressing that.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
physicall present i'd still say it...
When posting at this blog, please follow this one simple rule: Before hitting “post” to post your remarks, ask yourself: “Would I be embarrassed to say this in front of strangers who were physically present in the room with me and could respond to my face?” If the answer is “yes,” then don’t post.
So i you can give you can take it.
I didn't "post" or "say" anything I would be embarrassed to say in front of strangers. "It's Green!`!!!!" isn't that controversial.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
when referring to this
Theo, please give Quade another chance.
it is.
So i you can give you can take it.
Not buying it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Please remain this pissy about really unimportant things for the rest of the off season...
it will make things more interesting around here.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd hug Theo
not sure about the rest of you
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions
very good looking man
who could possibly lead the Cubs to promise land…
No brainer
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
right, i know who theo is...
my question, poorly phrased as it was, is the “not sure about the rest of you” part of your comment, is that referring to you not being sure that we would hug theo, or you not being sure that you’d hug us?
So i you can give you can take it.
I realize you know who he is
But I was explaining why I would hug him.
I tend not to hug people I don’t know so I doubt I would want to hug anyone else on this blog.
Does that answer your question?
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd give all of you a Hug.
Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.
I only wish the chocolate were still real...
They don’t make ’em like they used to (nor the other big candy companies).
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Seriously, much of the Cubs failure in 2011 was due to:
1. No clutch hitting.
2. Blown saves.
3. Bad fielding.
None of which are Quade’s fault.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Sure.
But Quade’s misuse of the bullpen and wacky lineups helped lead to the first of those two.
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Not to mention
his motto/stated mission at the start of the season was “to teach these kids the fundamentals”. #1, 3, and sometimes #2 come from a lack of fundamentals. Quade’s the best teacher, the kind the students can walk all over and get easy concessions from, like the one class I got over 125% in due to open-ended extra credit! They may/may not learn something from him, but they have a lot of fun in the class (which for the Cubs was held outdoors usually and involved field trips to several cities). Like I’ve said before, Quade taught the fun-damentals (err, fun-duh-mentals) not the fundamentals.
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Quade meant
Starlin Castro and several of the players who came up from the minor leagues. Though looks like Marmol and the ‘adults’ didn’t pay attention in baseball school either.
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
The reply function is your friend
Just sayin’
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Oct 19, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
RE: ronsanto10...
U are right about what u said about clutch hitting blown saves & poor fielding…but Quade never gave the Cubs a spark…they were near the bottom of the league in pitching….I really doubt Quade will back.the Players quit on him and the record proves it…yes injuries & poor play & defense…played a key role of how the season ended..but it boils down 2 the GM on Quade’s fate…
Are you posting from a Western Union Telegram Station?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Couldn't be.
No STOP included.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
I too use to suffer from ellipsitis
Please don’t poke fun. Its a painful condition where over-extended breathing while typing leads to excessive pause. Not really his fault… oh no.
Quade never gave 'em a spark?
No wonder their season never took off. You can’t start a fire without a spark, even if you’re just dancing in the dark.
Message keeps getting clearer
Television’s on and I’m moving ‘round the place
I check my look in the mirror
I want to change my team jersey, my hair, my face
Man this team ain’t getting nowhere
They’re in a dump like 5th or 6th
There’s something happening somewhere
Baby I just know that there is (in Milwaukee & St. Louis)
You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This arm’s for hire
Even if we’re just pitching in the dark
You sit around getting older
There’s a joke here somewhere and it’s on me
I’ll shake this team off my shoulders (year after year)
Come on baby this laugh’s on me
Stay on the streets of this city
And they’ll be carving you up alright
They say you gotta stay in the drought
Hey baby I’m just about longing for a win tonight
I’m dying for some action
I’m sick of sitting ’round here waiting for a world series
I need a love reaction
Come on now team gimme just one win
You can’t start a fire sitting ‘round crying over a lousy team
This arms for hire
Even if we’re just pitching in the dark
You can’t start a fire worrying about your little shot at a postseason falling apart
This bat’s for hire
Even if we’re just batting in the dark
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
No manager....
…would have won with the 2011 roster, no question.
With that said, sometimes it also matters, how you play the game, the leadership a manager puts in place for future years, that will ultimately pay off.
I’m sure Quade is a really nice guy, but IMO, he had absolutely ZERO business being a manager for a major league team; no leadership ability, no feel for the game and some really fundemental errors in judgment – the guy sucked!!!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I am fearful that Epstein will read this Post and heed your advice
When Esptein’s limo pulls up to Wrigley Field and HWSNBN starts to chase it, Epstein will remember:
run away. Far away.
“Driver, keep going! Yes, keep going and straight back to the airport! No, not even a Starbucks stop!!”
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
He probably won't repeat those mistakes in 2012.
Come on-give the guy a break. If management fires him, we still have to pay his salary anyways.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Not sure if you know, but
under the comments there is a “reply” button. It’s in blue to the left of the word “actions”. If you click on it, a box will appear and you can then post a reply that will go directly underneath the comment you are replying to. It makes it easier for people to know exactly to what you are referring.
Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.
by katie casey on Oct 19, 2011 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
And Marlon Byrd will probably learn to take a pitch in 2012!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
But, if he takes two pitches, the world will end...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
but not until December
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
He already learned to take a pitch
with his face this season. Ouch!
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
That would be...
…the best money Ricketts ever spent, to get him out of here.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Oct 19, 2011 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
remember in june when pujols hit a walk off HR
and in the postgame quade said he won’t make the mistake of pitching to pujols with a base open in extras, and then the very next game he did the same exact thing?
bad times
THEOOOOOOOOO
by jesus christos on Oct 19, 2011 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
The money doesn't come
out of my pocket so I don’t give a shit. He does not deserve to come back next season.
Great write up, Al...
…you had it going great until….the line about the manager. There goes your Pulitzer.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
I was wondering when you'd show up to post this.
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I got to keep it balanced somehow, Al...
…NBF left me twistin’ in the wind on this topic. It’s me against the world it appears. It looks as though Epstein’s very first move (when and if he ever shows up) will determine how well he’ll be liked/accepted here on BCB. I’m looking forward to it.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
Keep your friends close...
and your enemies closer.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope...Quade should probably go...
…but, I’d understand if they decided to let him stay. In all likelihood, 2012 is gonna be a bust anyway. I just think there has to be better options out there than Sandberg. I could name off a half a dozen names, but, there’s no reason to due to the fact that 99.9% of BCB wants Sandberg. I’m hoping Epstein has a plan…and his own candidate in mind. Like I said…his first move, or non-move, will be interesting…to say the least.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
YOU'RE THE 0.1 %!!! DOWN WITH MANAGERIAL DESIRE INEQUALITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
plus if I have to hear cutesy nicknames one more time......
I think it might send me over the edge
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Maddie.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Quade won't have good buddies Jimbo, Crane and Randy covering his ass now...
…if he comes back…and I’d give it less than 50/50 he does…he’ll be on a very short leash.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
I don't think Quade was Crane's guy.
It seems like the only person who likes Crane is Ricketts.
Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!
Yeah...you're probably right...
…I’m not all that up on info about Kenney.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
Quade was a Hendry/Bush crony.
Nothing more.
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Which begs the question: Why leave it to the new GM to fire Quade?
Far easier on everyone for the owner to let Mike go right after the last game. Unless, of course, the plan is to bring him back in 2012.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
Do you remember how long the Trib took after the '81 season...
…to announce the hiring of Dallas Green and Lee Elia? Was the announcement of both hires made at the same time, and did anyone bother to tell Joey Amalfitano to see Yosh and drop off his keys.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
I don't recall.
But that was 30 years ago. I’m not really concerned who fires Quade or when it’s done, as long as it’s done.
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If Q can serve an organizational purpose,
he should not be fired. I’d prefer him to hit fungos in minor league camp in spring training, and scout minor league games in the SALLY League to firing him.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Put him on celebrity meet 'n' greet duty in Mesa...
…the same thing Jimbo offered Sandberg at the end of 2010. I’m sure fans would enjoy the clever nicknames Mike could offer with every handshake or personalized photo.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
I think a demotion like that...
would be denied by Quade. His contract was for being manager…anything else he can turn down and still get his pay. Correct me if I’m wrong on this.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
As long as they pay him, I assume he'd take whatever job they offered.
No one else is going to hire him to be manager.
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Yeah, but he gets payed regardless, right?
He could take the year off and go fishing and still get his million (or whatever it is), right? That is, of course, they do fire him.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
Have Theo,
or whoever, ask him what he wants to do. Scout fine. Instruct in Mesa, great. Learn computer-based baseball skills, marvy. Have him perform a function. Seems like a nice guy. Maybe he can chart pitches.
But have the GM wean something out of him for a season.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Just like the Cardinals' season was supposed to be a bust?
after Wainwright went down in ST? What ever happened to the 2011 Cardinals anyway??
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
They had some guys like...
…Pujols, Berkman, Carpenter, Holliday, Freese, Jay…oh, and LaRussa and Duncan, to fall back on. 2012 Cubs don’t seem to have anything like that…well, ‘cept Castro, I guess.
Epstein’s a good GM…he’s not a wizard.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
by Easy Ed on Oct 19, 2011 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I haven't left you twisting, EE, I've just been on hiatus for a while
but trying to offer any alternative to Ryno never will get a fair hearing from most of the meatball chorus, I’m afraid, with some notable exceptions.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions
your life is so unfair...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Not true
There are plenty of posters with whom I have honest disagreements, and no insults are exchanged.
In this case, a lot of the supporters take positions they otherwise never would take if we weren’t talking about an all-time favorite Cubs player.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I never watched Ryne play ball.
I had other things going on in my life when he played so he was never my “favorite”. I do know he did a great job in the minors and I also think he can carry that over to the majors. That’s why I would like to see him get the mamangers job.
It does not matter why people want Ryne to be the manager. The point is Al does not allow people to insult others on here but yet you continue to do so.
by sue369 on Oct 19, 2011 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
I think it matters a great deal why people want him to be the manager
I only hope Theo has enough stones to stand up to them, if and when the time comes.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions
It matters to YOU
why people want him hired and if they disagree with you you feel it’s your responsibilty to insult them. So if Theo does hire Ryne will you insult him too?
It certainly will make me think less of his abilities
and of his ability to withstand the pressure from fans.
Davey Martinez would be a much better choice, IMHO.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions
yale educated meatball!
THEOOOOOOOOO
by jesus christos on Oct 19, 2011 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe Theo is Scandanavian
So when he says, “I went to Yale,” it has an entirely different meaning….
And your definition of insults
is extremely, extremely loose.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions
No, it's not.
I don’t want to read stuff from you like “meatball chorus”.
It’s clear you don’t want Sandberg. It’s clear other people do. People have different reasons for both. Can we just not leave it at that without the insults, and IF he is hired, see how he does?
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He should
refrain from serving up stuff like that. Sorry, I can’t stop the half-baked puns once I get rolling. I’m losing my mind trying to pasta time til this deal gets done.
Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.
I'm taking all of this with a grain of salt.
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And yet, we continue to read it
Al, with all due respect…
I’ve met you personally, I enjoy talking baseball with you, I like the blog. I’m certainly no angel.
But why NBF is allowed to continually insult anyone and everyone who disagrees with him in any shape or form . . . I don’t get it. Nothing gets through to him. Reason, treating him the same way he treats other people, nothing.
Why does it continue?
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Oct 21, 2011 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions
There's something that people who have been banned consistently did and NBF doesn't.
Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!
You forgot to mention...
doing whatever he can to get rid of the guest conductor for the 7th inning stretch. I don’t know if that falls under the GMs purview or the President of Baseball Operations or the President of whatever.
Steps I see:
1) Fire Quade
2) Hire Ryno
3) Find quality tape of Harry or even Ron singing the 7th Inning Stretch
4) Win games
5) Profit??
WTF....winning games should kinda be a bit higher on that list.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Like -10
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Is #3 really that much of an issue?
I’ve noticed the football players/coaches are the worst, followed by basketball players, followed by hockey players. Random other people sometimes can make it bearable, some are just as bad as football players, but hey, it’s campy! The 7th inning stretch is to Cubs games like those old B-movies are to watching movies. The cheesiness is part of the experience.
by ddoubleheader on Oct 19, 2011 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Like the wave.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
It wasn't...
a priority list, but more of a chronological list. You can find the tape in the off-season. Then win the games in the regular season and post season.
or @ the very least
Stop interviewing them during the 6th unless you are a Cubs HOF. I really don’t care about your new movie, song etc.
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Will the managerial rating system be
WAQ
as in wins over what Quade would win with the same team?
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Wonder if the Cubs offered Zambrano to the Red Sox.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
That was right after Lucchino
requested Garza and Castro
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
I wonder
If Theo REALLY knows what he’s getting into here. I’ve seen some pretty strong personalities come in here with alot of vinegar & leave very quietly. Boston had several real good teams that even won pennants over the years, so it was not as monumental of a re-build as this will be. I always felt that even a pennant will be something that might be a minor miracle.
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
That is exactly what the Boston press is saying.
When Theo came in, Boston just missed the WS because of Aaron Boone’s homer off of Wakefield’s first pitch. That team won 93 regular season games and the core basically returned the next year (Nomar, Pedro, Schilling, Varitek, etc.). I would say the Cubs core is Castro, Garza, Demspter and maybe Barney. Everyone else should go.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
I think Ricketts sold him on the long term vision.
Still, while Cubs fans may be patient (out of necessity), we’ve got no problem bitching when things don’t go well relatively soon.
Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!
It depends on how it is being done.....
We would have been a little easier on the Cubs I believe last year if we saw development taking place. But we didnt. The Cubs wasted time with washed up players and vets that got them 5th place.
If we had seen the kiddie lineup 3-4 times a week it may at least have been building for something. Like what the Astros did.
Instead Quade played his boys. Complete Waste of time.
There is little chance the kiddie lineup could have done much worse.
Well, maybe you wouldn't have complained about the kiddie lineup.
But plenty of people would have, since the “kiddies” weren’t very good either. But yes, last year was a complete waste of time.
Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!
Speak for yourself...
this past season did so much for Dan and I. Our relationship has never been stronger.
Preemptive Al Post
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I've overcome my fear of abandonment....
my heart will go on.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Guess you won't need that room after all.
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Is that like a zombie thing?
Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween Night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents.
at least Theo got them over the hump...
for whatever he did for that 2004 team…the Red Sox never really had a problem getting to the World Series…they just couldnt close it. once a decade since the last time the cubs were even in it!
So i you can give you can take it.
The Red Sox were perennial contenders who almost always made the playoffs.
The Cubs are hit or miss. I say the next 4-5 years are a miss.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
True
But I am slightly more tolerant of players who although bad, don’t have contracts that are larger than GNP of some 3rd countries
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 2:54 PM CDT reply actions
I blame players for their performance, not their contracts...
I blame the Front Office of a team for contracts.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
True
If someone said I’ll give you 130 million dollars for what I do I won’t turn them down.
But Tony Campana screwing up bothers me less than Sori. We are dealing here with lessor of two evils.
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
As he endures baseball's longest suspension at Alcor,
Ted might agree that the greatest player in Red Sox history spent most of his time with the Yankees.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
baseball’s longest suspension at Alcor
LMAO
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1981
I don’t want to come off as a guy who thinks this is hopeless. When I look at what Dallas Green inherited in 1981…a complete mess from top to bottom, and in just 3 yrs. he had a vey good team that SHOULD have won at least a pennant, and a solid up & coming farm. (Moyer, Maddux, Grace, Carter (good trade bait) Raffy, Dunston, etc. ). I believe it’s at least possible we can reach the ultimate goal of a WS.
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
We already have a SS that doesn't know where his throws are going half the time....
so maybe history can repeat itself.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
A couple of pieces of that team had been put into place before Dallas Green came in.
Both Leon Durham and Jody Davis were acquired by the previous regime.
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And there are a couple of pieces there now
Garza, Castro, maybe Soto, with a “let’s see” for Jackson.
Nice job with this, Al.
My only minor quibble/question would be this:
1975? 1986? 2011? Forget ‘em. Key years you’ll need to remember are 1969, 1984 and 2003, the years that sear Cubs fans’ souls.
Doesn’t 2008 deserve a spot as well? It does for me, anyway.
Baseball is pitching, offensive production, baserunning and defense.
Well...
… it could, but I wanted to choose three from each team. The three Cubs years were the biggest heartbreaks/collapses. 2008 was like a gunshot wound.
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Of course some of us
still worship the 1977 Cubs. We listen to Giants games just to hear Mike Krukow. We watch the Yankees just to say “Isn’t that Steve Swisher’s kid out there?” We watch “Curb Your Enthusiasm” just to see Bill Buckner. We watch the 2011 Cubs just to see Ivan DeJesus wave guys in from third.
by Josh Timmers on Oct 19, 2011 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I wasn't around for 1969
But 08 had an advantage of over 03. It was short, so still painful but after game 2 I didn’t think they’d have a short. Where as all the way though the NLCS in 03 I did.
by Madison Cub Fan on Oct 19, 2011 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Could Theo be hired during the WS and not have an announcement?
I think that MLB just doesn’t want any major announecements. They can’t prevent a deal from being finalized.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Boston media would keep it quie...
naaaah.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Nothing definite, but most baseball people believe now that it will be hoyer, not byrnes, who goes to #cubs w/ theo. #padres
http://twitter.com/#!/SI_JonHeyman/status/126805338635771905
please dont give up a lot for hoyer
THEOOOOOOOOO
Wait...what about Bill
Mueller? Theo didn’t thank us for him either?
How about, “We don’t drive to the Hamptons, Vermont, Martha’sVineyard, Providence, The Brookshires, or the Cape for weekends. We go to New Buffalo or Wauwatosa.”
"Wauwatosa"?
A Milwaukee suburb?
About Mueller, the Cubs traded him to the Giants; he then became a free agent who signed with the Red Sox.
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There are reasons besides Ryno being one of the Cubs all-time greats to hire him:
1) Ryno is a winner. As a player he was one of the best 2B ever. Hands down, no question(s) about it. Much like the younger crowd here watched Jeter revolutionize the offensive game expectations for SS, Sandberg did for 2B. All the while playing stellar in the field because his fundamentals & baseball smarts are impeccable. Ryno has shown himself to be a winner as a manager as well; moving up the ladder quickly & winning PCL manager of the year. I’m sure he can translate this to the ML level, as he has worked with many of the players he will see in coming years.
2) People are over the top on Theo & the possibility of hiring Sandberg b/c he is the undeniably obvious choice. The reason that he is the obvious choice is stated above in #1…
3) (THIS IS PERSONAL). After the debacle of hiring Quade over Ryno last year it seemed that the Cubs may have run off Sandberg for good. I was extremely disappointed & frankly pissed at the organization unlike ever before. So, am I over the top overjoyed at the possibility of bringing Ryno home? Hell yeah I am! The possibility of seeing Ryno run out of the home dugout at Wrigley & toeing the foul line on opening day again almost brings me to tears.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Oct 19, 2011 8:58 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Exactly a meatball-type response, alas
I’ll be in tears if he’s running out of the dugout, too, albeit for a different reason.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Not an insult, sue
Nothing personal was said. Nothing. No matter how hard you try to spin it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly a douchbag-type response, alas
I like to spin a yarn or two myself, too, albeit for a different reason.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Well played, SWL
You should come up with some original stuff, however.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions
You first.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 19, 2011 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Since I'm one of the few around here who hasn't chugged the Ryno Kool-Aid,
I do believe you are mistaken.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 19, 2011 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
KNOCK OFF CALLING PEOPLE MEATBALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW MUCH MORE CLEAR DO I HAVE TO BE?
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I don't need you saying "meatball" in any sense here.
Your meaning was clear. Knock it off.
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I swear to God, NBF...
If you keep talking about my favorite swedish treat in a negative context… I really won’t give a care and don’t get why the BCB police do.
Oh, that totally is the typical pro-ryno-because-he-was-awesome-sauce-20-years-ago post.
Chicagoan in the Lou.
So it's a metball response...
Whatevs. Call my reasoning what you want. It’s not drinking Kool Aid to want a winner as a manager. Maybe you should tell Theo, the Phillies org. & the former teammates & managers who agree with the meatball chorus. I don’t drink Kool Aid, but I was born on a freeway & raised on a mayonnaise farm. You fuckin’ a.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Oct 20, 2011 3:30 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Since when is Ryno a "winner"
Last I checked, he played for the Cubs his entire career, meaning he never experienced winning. And if you mean his winning as a minor league manager, Mike Quade has that too. How well that’d work out?
Chicagoan in the Lou.
The Rock Says: Don't even go there, you little jabroni!
by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Oct 21, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Since he came into the MLs with the Cubs.
The Cubs won the division in ’84 & ’89.
10 time All-Star selection (1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993)
9 time Gold Glove Award winner (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991)
7 time Silver Slugger Award winner (1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
1984 NL MVP
1990 Home Run Derby Winner
PCL Manager of the Year
Mike Quade NEVER had the success that Ryne Sandberg had, even in him 17 plus years of being a minor league manager. Quade should have never been hired, career long minor league managers of 15 or more years typically stay minor league managers for a reason…
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Oct 21, 2011 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Winners win championships
Quade’s actually done that.
That’s not to say I like Quade, but to pretend Ryno is so much more qualified is a joke.
Chicagoan in the Lou.
You should try and develop a genuine counter-argument.
It would benefit your position.
Theo! Good job, Tommy Boy!
"You're all idiots, just like Sandberg" isn't a counter-arguement?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 20, 2011 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
how
disapointed will we be if ryno does’nt get the job.i think with this new regime there will be no sentimentality involved. that can be good and bad.
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