SB Nation's Rob Neyer Answers Your Questions
by Al Yellon on Feb 18, 2011 1:01 PM CST
in Interviews
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PrintAs promised, Rob Neyer, SB Nation's national baseball editor, will be here from (approximately) 1 pm - 2 pm CST today to answer your questions. Be nice and maybe he'll stick around a little longer...
And yes, I put that photo of everyone's favorite backup catcher here on purpose.
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Rob, are you here?
(That’s not really the first question, just checking.)
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Should the Cubs trade for Lind?
"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
by Clutch16 on Feb 18, 2011 1:02 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Lind.
I don’t see a whole lot there. We’re talking about a born DH who’s had one good season in four. There’s obviously some talent there, but I don’t think he’s really worth taking a flyer on unless you’ve got a DH slot for him.
and just like that...you crush BCB hopes and dreams.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:05 PM CST up reply actions
Let's say it's December of 2011
and you’re the Cubs GM. What’s the biggest offer you make to Pujols before you walk away from the table and say he’s not worth it?
Rob, first time questioner....long time reader...
What is your favorite kind of soup?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:03 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Would it be mnore beneficial to the Cubs
for the Cardinals to sign Pujols to a 10 yr $300 million contract or for the Cubs to do so?
Baseball is back!!
Cashner
Was Cashner maybe rushed a little bit? Also do you think he has the stuff to stick in the rotation?
Is Garza better than a middle-of-the rotation starter in the NL?
by JSB on Feb 18, 2011 1:06 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
At ESPN.com, I could sort of lurk in the weeds. I’m sure there were people who visited ESPN’s baseball page every day and didn’t even notice I was there. That’s not really possible at SB Nation’s baseball page. This is both exciting and terrifying.
We're really happy to have you here on SBN
and thanks for coming by BCB :-)
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
by Emelie on Feb 18, 2011 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Two questions...
1. If you were GM of a new franchise and could pick any one pitcher and any one position player currently in baseball, who would you choose (factoring in cost)?
2. Did Harold Reynolds ever try to hug you?
Of the Cubs SPs scheduled
to start below AA, who intrigues you the most?
zOMG Rob Neyer.
From a Jayhawk in KC:
1 – Why does it seem like there aren’t as many prototypical leadoff hitters anymore?
2 – How are we going to become better at evaluating defensive skills?
3 – Is a stolen base worth it?
4 – How far are the Jayhawks going in the tournament?
5 – What’s your favorite KC BBQ?
6 – If Tony La Russa never started the micro-managing of bullpens, would we even have LOOGYs?
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Here's a more general question
If you were named commissioner of baseball, what would be the first three changes you’d make to benefit the game?
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I would schedule more doubleheaders (thus shortening the season), I would alter regulations covering the bats to cut down the breakage and encourage slap hitting, and I would come up with a workable expansion of video review.
by robneyer on Feb 18, 2011 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Regular doubleheaders?
Would owners go for that? They’d lose revenue. Are you talking split doubleheaders?
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Oh, I thought you were giving me unlimited powers. The real Commissioner can’t really do anything that I want to do.
Of course.
I’d much rather have YOU have unlimited power than Bud Selig.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
If you have unlimited powers
I think you should drop to 140 games and have more double-headers. 162 is too many, and april to november is too long. I’m know that’s blasphemy to some, but with half the teams out of contention in august, it’s just too long.
A lot of money would be lost on that plan though.
DEJESUS!!!
I think MLB could understand how to use Flip Cams...
…that’d be better than what they do now, which is nothing.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Trouble children
Do you think baseball should be more proactive in helping players like Zambrano and Bradley with rage issues? What would you recommend if MLB came to you with that question?
"I'm a Cubs fan. I'm very, very patient." -- from a Shoe cartoon.
by No Southern Belle on Feb 18, 2011 1:11 PM CST reply actions
There’s only so much that MLB can do. Actually, I think a better question is whether the Players Association should do more, right?
Players assoc.
I think MLB needs to set some guidelines on the issue with input from the Player’s Association. That’s JMO. Thanks.
"I'm a Cubs fan. I'm very, very patient." -- from a Shoe cartoon.
by No Southern Belle on Feb 18, 2011 1:37 PM CST up reply actions
Colvin
T Colvin’s future is a hot topic among Cub fans. Are you a believer or do the OBP/unsustainable ISO questions worry you too much?
by Mmurton on Feb 18, 2011 1:11 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Would the Cubs have been better served trading for Greinke instead of Garza?
And given your affliction, err I mean affection for the Royals, were you happy with the haul they got from Milwaukee?
Would you have rather had what the Cubs gave up for Garza?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
This will be the highlight of the BCB 2011 season, I can tell.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Also...
looking at your user page, I see you’ve posted a lot of articles (which are great, I subscribe to your RSS feed. But, you very, very rarely respond in the comments. What’s up with that?
Do the Cubs value sabermetrics as much as some other orgs do?
If not, do you see that changing? Thanks Rob-I enjoy your work
I do see it changing, and particularly if the Cubs don’t fare well this season. I can definitely imagine the owner going after a new GM who pays more than lip service to modern objective analysis.
by robneyer on Feb 18, 2011 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Do the Cubs value sabermetrics as much as some other orgs do?
If not, do you see that changing? Thanks Rob-I enjoy your work
Question on preference for WAR
Rob,
Do you prefer production based WAR liked baseball-reference or peripherals-based WAR like fangraphs when measuring players?
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:16 PM CST reply actions
What do you think is going to happen with Samardzija this year?
by jerry morales rules on Feb 18, 2011 1:17 PM CST reply actions
Koyie Hill is far underrated, do you agree?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
by Cubbiegoon on Feb 18, 2011 1:17 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:19 PM CST up reply actions
I asked just for you
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
I asked just for you
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
Not really sure if you’re kidding … His Triple-A numbers do suggest he’s a somewhat better hitter than he’s showed in the majors.
He's kidding.
Hill’s been kind of a hot button here. Like I said, I posted his photo here for a reason.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
This typically means that the player belongs in AAA...
not given an extra $150K to keep not showing it in the majors.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:24 PM CST up reply actions
You are reaching new lows.
Did Koyie do something to you personally? Serious question.
The Cubs pitchers (who are being paid big bucks) prefer Koyie. So it’s easy for you to sit behind your computer and say Koyie sucks, but I’ll trust their opinion. Not yours.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Feb 18, 2011 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
When did you ever hear
of a pitcher say negative things about one of their catchers? The metrics tell us he ia a terrible investment. Personally, I agree with that assessment.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Besides Z?
Not many.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 3:03 PM CST up reply actions
Metrics only tell you so much.
I’m not a numbers guy, but how many teams have a good backup?
The Cubs had Blanco and everyone complained we paid him too much.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Koyie sucks.
Career Numbers
- Batting Average = .215
- OBP = .276
- Slugging = .302
- OPS = .578
- WAR = -2.1
Koyie. Hill. Sucks.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Back up catchers suck.
Can they call a good game? Do their pitchers trust them? These are intangibles.
I’m not picking on you. Nor am I defending Koyie. But getting upset about a backup catcher on a team that has a payroll of $144MM is silly. Silly. Silly. Silly.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Feb 18, 2011 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, we should be more upset that a team with a payroll of over $120 million can't win a single playoff game.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
At this point I'd be glad if the Cubs made the playoffs.
Let alone WIN a playoff game.
I understand your payroll concerns. But I think directing them at a backup catcher is silly.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I don't know how many times I've said this...
it’s not so much about the backup catcher as it is about the dumbness of overpaying and retaining terrible players that can be replaced by cheaper and possibly much better ones. Hill is simply the latest example.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 3:34 PM CST up reply actions
I get what you're saying.
I honestly do.
With that being said, Hill is not the worst example one can give for this teams payroll concerns.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
as compared to performance over compensation he is...
there is no rational explanation for the team avoiding arbitration with Koyie Hill…none.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions
::edit::
I meant to imply most recent performance over new compensation
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 3:45 PM CST up reply actions
The pitching staff all came out and said "By golly we just LOVE Koyie Hill" without being asked?
Because I’m pretty sure this whole “the pitching staff says good stuff about him” is a straw man. I’m going to ask you what else they would have said when asked to comment on him…they weren’t going to say anything other than “nice” stuff….“Koyie Hill? Yeah, he’s a great teammate…calls a good game, east to throw to.”
The premise that Koyie Hill had to be signed to a new bigger contract and avoid arbitration because some of our pitching staff said they liked him is silly. Silly. Silly. Silly.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Trust the opinions of SWL.
Or the opinions of ACTUAL ball players. Hmm that’s a tough one.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I'll never tire of arguing about the merits of paying Koyie Hill $ to play baseball.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 4:20 PM CST up reply actions
FWIW
I totally agree with SWL
By all that's holy, I am going to attend the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp.
VCF's agree!
I think it’s pointless to argue about someone getting as little of the payroll as Koyie Hill is (as I point out below), but I would much rather see Wellington Castillo be the backup.
I’d like to know who SWL wants to see as backup.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 9:53 AM CST up reply actions
it may be pointless but SWL is right
we have Beef wasting his time on the bench while Hill wastes his time in the lineup. Then we reward his futility with more money.
By all that's holy, I am going to attend the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp.
FWIW
I totally agree with cubswynn.
"For when the One Great Scorer comes / To write against your name, / He marks-not that you won or lost-/ But how you played the game."
Grantland Rice-1908
No, you're wrong.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
Simple Honest Question:
If you were the GM for the Cubs, what would you have done regarding Koyie Hill this off-season?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 4:25 PM CST up reply actions
Easy.
Yes, if my pitching staff told me they prefer him over beef. The investment of starting pitching is worth protecting a backup catcher.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
and by..."protecting a backup catcher"....
you mean give him an extra $150k?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 4:34 PM CST up reply actions
Absolutely.
The investment in the starting rotation is large, so you have no other option to do what they say.
I’m still waiting to hear what backup catcher you’d like to have…
Over the last 10 years there have been very few catchers to put up positive WAR’s, which again, makes your argument silly. Silly. Silly. Silly.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
...
The investment in the starting rotation is large, so you have no other option to do what they say.
And also…about backup catcher WAR….for last year…This, now try again.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 4:46 PM CST up reply actions
Actually most of the pitching staff DID come out
and say we love Koye Hill without being asked. I was at the convention and most of the starters at least said this in the context of other discussions. They were not in fact specifically asked about him, they brought it up.
I have mixed feelings if that justifies keeping Hill, but it was pretty clear that the pitchers love him and a few told stories about how he had helped them during games when they got in trouble, again without being asked anything specific about Hill
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Feb 20, 2011 6:10 AM CST up reply actions
Maybe not the worst.
But surely the most recent.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
This team has a payroll of over $120 million,
And you’re complaining about a guy making $150,000? $150k is less than one tenth of one percent of the payroll.
If you want to be angry about someone, how about you direct it at someone who makes more money? That would be the logical thing to do.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 9:08 AM CST up reply actions
Numerical comprehension is your friend
I believe he’s complaining about a guy making $850,000, not $150,000. The $150K reference is the amount of raise Hill was given for 2011.
As to complaining about someone who makes more money – most of those guys make more money because it’s in their guaranteed contracts. At this point, there’s not much the Cubs can do – they have to pay them that money. They did not have to give Hill a $150K raise.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Ah, this makes sense.
I really do need to learn numerical comprehension.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
There needs to be a dumb signing to complain about every year
Of a low talented player that Hendry, for reasons unknown to most, overpays for. Koyie Hill has stepped into that role this year. Last year was Grabow, the year before was Miles. It’s all cyclical.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Yep.
I’ve seen the arguments about this both ways. As indicated above, I would much rather see Castillo catch instead of Koyie.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 3:12 PM CST up reply actions
You think a winning season will mean a new contract for Jim Hendry?
Or is he doomed? Or is he going to be renewed regardless of the outcome of the season? Thanks.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Aram
I’m almost inclined to think the Cubs should pass up Aram’s option next offseason, regardless of his offensive #s this yr . His defense is becoming a major liability. No?
by Mmurton on Feb 18, 2011 1:21 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Does the Carl Crawford contract remind you of Soriano's contract?
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
It does not. Crawford’s got a broader base of skills than Soriano had (or has). I think the Red Sox did their homework and the Cubs did not.
I don't know that the comps are so different
What’s Crawford’s broader base? Both had speed. Crawford’s career OBP is only .339. Soriano’s defense was quite good by UZR before the leg injuries, and has no injury flags before the signing.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
age is a big difference as well
Soriano is entering his age 31 season, Crawford his age 29
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:30 PM CST up reply actions
was
not is
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
"Walk the dinosaur..."
“Boom! Boom! Aka-lacka-lacka-boom!”
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 18, 2011 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Not that big of a difference
Soriano was also projected to come down from a higher peak. Soriano was projected to be a ~5.5 WAR player going into 2007. Crawford just over 4.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
in terms of an 8 year deal
its a huge difference its 2 extra years in peak or near peak than 2 yrs of decline
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
it is 1.75 years to be exact
Opening Day 2007 Soriano was 31.25 (31 yrs, 3 months)
Opening Day 2011 Crawford will be 29.5 (29 years, 6 months)
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:38 PM CST up reply actions
They're both past their peak years, which are 27-28. Or even earlier depending how you calculate it
The bigger point is that Soriano’s decline is starting from a higher point. The aging curve is more or less constant past the peak.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
peak years
is a broader range than 2 years, its generally been considered 26-31 (from what i’ve seen)
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:38 PM CST up reply actions
From Tango's aging study
(http://www.tangotiger.net/aging.html)
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
link didn't work for me
so i couldn’t tell the pink from the blue lines
you’re right pink line looks linear around 26-27
blue line looks like linear regression begins closer to 31 with choppy regression during 28-31
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions
The linker included teh right parens for some reason - just chop that off
The pink line is the aging curve based on all data, the blue one is with the last seasons removed.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
You mean the last season of a player's career?
Why does that move the line so much?
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Well, sure.
You wouldn’t think it would move the line that much, though.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Generally because players last seasons are that bad
And if you’re talking season-to-season data it’s not a lot of datapoints
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
Another thing to remember is that there are 'last seasons' seeded all through that dataset from ages 32-40
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
Crawford is 30 on opening day 2011, Soriano was 30 on opening day 2006
If Soriano’s contract was only 7 years, we would still be complaining about it.
You're last sentence is going to be someone's signature.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
I don't see that
If Crawford has leg injuries isn’t his value basically zero? Soriano at least has power to fall back on.
future GM candidates
Rob,
Who do you think are some names of the brightest and best future GM candidates out there working in baseball operations today? There’s a lot of talk around here about replacing Hendry, but few seem to have an idea of who an appropriate candidate would be? Can you throw some names out there?
Also can you discuss where you think Hendry ranks amongst GM’s? Consensus here seems to be somewhere in the middle, closer to the lower 3rd
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:22 PM CST reply actions
Serious catcher question.....
Even though Hill will 99% make the team, who has more upside Wellington Castillo or Max Ramirez?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
My guess is either Wellington Ramirez or Max Castillo has more upside.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 9:59 AM CST up reply actions
Crazy talk
they gave Hill $850K because of his UPSIDE!
please note the sarcasm font
By all that's holy, I am going to attend the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp.
by VegasCubFan on Feb 19, 2011 10:00 AM CST up reply actions
I see it.
On many other SB Nation sites, this is the sarcasm font.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 10:02 AM CST up reply actions
On this site, everyone is welcome to use this
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
The Cleveland Indians have embraced bloggers
this year by allowing them more access than pretty much any other team. They’re also encouraging the use of social media such as Twitter with their players and staff with their manager actively tweeting.
These things seem like a no-brainer for teams to use in their marketing and community outreach initiates. What is holding teams back?
Baseball has an aging fan base if you believe the polls. Can embracing social media and other new technologies reverse this trend or does more need to happen?
Baseball is back!!
Note to Rob...
… don’t forget to scroll back up, there are still a few unanswered ones left above
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
hint...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
...
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 9:14 AM CST up reply actions
Organization of the decade
Rob,
you’re doing a lot of work on individual position players over the next decade and how they rate. I’m wondering who your top 5 organizations of the next decade will be?
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:24 PM CST reply actions
I think that’s very difficult to know, unless you can have a pretty good idea about who’s going to be running the organizations for the rest of the decade. The talent levels at this moment matter, but the nature of prospects suggests that most of today’s exciting young players won’t become good major leaguers. You gotta like the Braves, though, with Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman and all those young pitchers.
Carlos Zambrano to the bullpen:
Great failure, or greatest failure?
"All right, you ragtag bunch of misfits! You hate me, and I hate you even more. But without my beloved ringers, you're all I've got. So I want you to remember some inspiring words that someone else might have told you over the course of your lives, and go out there and win!"
by Lord Palmerston on Feb 18, 2011 1:25 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
History question
and I loved Baseball Dynasties, btw.
Why do you think there’s been a 102 year gap between WS for us? I mostly blame PK Wrigley, bad luck and the Tribune Corporation, in that order.
History question
and I loved Baseball Dynasties, btw.
Why do you think there’s been a 102 year gap between WS for us? I mostly blame PK Wrigley, bad luck and the Tribune Corporation, in that order.
Podcast?
I’m sure you’re very busy with your recent employment changes, but have you ever considered starting your own podcast? It would be a must-listen.
I have, and I appreciate your support. I might dip my toes into those waters this spring, especially if I can get a good handle on everything else I’m supposed to be doing. A National Baseball Editor has a lot of responsibilities, you know!
awesome! i’ll definitely keep an eye out for it.
by StankyDankster on Feb 18, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions
Just don't name it Cubscast...
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Feb 18, 2011 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Favorite Prospect Analyst?
Rob,
Obviously the coverage on prospects has expanded in recent years. Which prospect followers are your favorite to read and whose opinion do you find yourself agreeing with the most?
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:28 PM CST reply actions
Holes
Hey Rob,
what are the biggest holes you see in the organization and how would you fill them?
I thought this was a PG chat.
"All right, you ragtag bunch of misfits! You hate me, and I hate you even more. But without my beloved ringers, you're all I've got. So I want you to remember some inspiring words that someone else might have told you over the course of your lives, and go out there and win!"
by Lord Palmerston on Feb 18, 2011 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
Technical difficulties on SBN
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
SBN seems to be lagging
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
Weird.
I see the questions, and your answers. Apparently there are some 503 errors on SBN. Try reloading the page.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
It was lagging again late last night.
I had to refresh BCB at least three times before I could get it to load.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 9:10 AM CST up reply actions
They had some site issues around 9 pm CST.
They were fixed within 30 minutes.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
That's exactly when I was having trouble getting BCB to load.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 9:13 AM CST up reply actions
Fielder
Would Fielder, given his well-documented shortcomings, be a good option for the
Cubs on a 6-7yr deal next offseason? They need some difference-makers with the bats.
by Mmurton on Feb 18, 2011 1:38 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I'm a huge fan of Fielder
but even I wouldn’t go longer than 5 years. Most of his comps hit a wall around age 33
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
So much of the time you & I disagree.
I’m with you on this one, though.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Just curious
why is it every time you agree with something someone you don’t like says, you preface it with “you and i don’t agree often…”?
DEJESUS!!!
Because it's usually a person he frequently disagrees/butts heads with?
Sorry, I’ll let Al speak for himself.
It's sort of an odd verbal (is it really verbal on the internet?) tic
I don’t get why you use it so often either.
Because sometimes I get into contentious debates with people
… and I want people to know that doesn’t mean I can’t be civil and agree on things.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Where have all the prototypical leadoff hitters gone?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I think there have never been as many of those guys as we thought. That’s actually an interesting question, and I have a book that would help us answer it … Maybe a project for next winter … Yeah, you’d love to have the fast OBP guys, but they’re rare and I think they’ve always been rare. Only so many Richie Ashburns, Brett Butlers, and (especially) Rickey Hendersons to go around.
OMG A ROB NEYER REPLY
I CAN QUIT BCB NOW
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
...
"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
The question I have is
whether or not that type of player can be consciously developed. It’s one thing to get a guy with great speed. It’s another thing to teach him to take walks, steal bases, and make smart baserunning decisions. Conversly, you may have the Nick Johnson’s of the world who have great plate discipline, but no speed. In that instance, there’s not much you can do to make him the “prototypical speedy leadoff hitter.”
Obviously it’s hard to teach plate discipline, but surely there is a way to teach kids at a fundamental level as they are learning the game the value of patience and taking a walk. I get the impression this just isn’t stressed that much because people assume walks are supposed to be the pitcher’s fault. I guess the question is whether it is a systemic thing that could change over time with different coaching techniques/emphasis as people start to properly value getting on base as opposed to just getting hits.
Mr. Neyer....I notice you dont' yet have an SBNation avatar...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:41 PM CST reply actions
I'm surprised you're not offering a shopped pic of him riding a unicorn over a rainbow.
Surprised, and disappointed.
Let's not scare him off on the first visit...
I’m starting off with the easy things first….like soup.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:44 PM CST up reply actions
I think they’ll still be in the hunt for the Wild Cad in July. Which doesn’t necessarily mean they should trade prospects in that pursuit.
by robneyer on Feb 18, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Rob...
…any thoughts on why Ricketts didn’t bring in a President to oversee the baseball operations who than could have started the proper evaluation of Hendry and his work from day one Ricketts bought the team?
I ask this, because right now, you basically have an owner with no baseball experience, evaluating something he hasn’t a clue how to evaluate.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Replying to those last comments on the page is always tricky.
That ‘post a new comment’ box is just so tempting and inviting.
That's why it says "POST A NEW COMMENT"
and not “POST A REPLY”
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Nice snark.
"All right, you ragtag bunch of misfits! You hate me, and I hate you even more. But without my beloved ringers, you're all I've got. So I want you to remember some inspiring words that someone else might have told you over the course of your lives, and go out there and win!"
by Lord Palmerston on Feb 18, 2011 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
When did they bring BCB over to SBN 2.0?
Years ago? People still consistently do this. I don’t know if I’d go as far as saying it’s a design flaw, but it definitely could be improved.
One person to oversee an organization (in a GM role)
who do you want?
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 18, 2011 1:47 PM CST reply actions
Gosh, I don’t think so. He’s got a .335 OBP in his career, with 6 steals. Talk about non-prototypical leadoff man…
We won the division with a non-protoypical leadoff man a couple times already.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:51 PM CST up reply actions
That's just winning in spite of something.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
Then those division championships are even more spectacular...
we did it without a leadoff hitter AND SS.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:52 PM CST up reply actions
Ricketts
My theory is 2 fold! Since Hendry was signed to an extension before he bought the team, that Ricketts is broke and didn’t want to pay 2 GM’s. (look at the contracts of Pena and Marmol for evidence of ‘broke’)
secondly, as mentioned, Ricketts doesn’t know the business, so by keeping Hendry, he’s able to look over his shoulder and learn the business. If he were to hire Sandy Alderson right out of the gate, he wouldn’t be able to look over HIS shoulder.
Besides, Hendry’s fault aren’t trades, it’s free agent signings. So Ricketts doesn’t allow him to do FA signings, taking away Hendry’s biggest fault.
After this season, Hendry’s gone, since its easier to eat one year of his salary with Silva and Fukudome (among others) off the books.
And then sign Pujols for 7/$220.
How do you learn the business...
…if you are looking over the shoulder of someone who has clearly made some very poor decisions and hasn’t had a clear long term plan for the organization? Seems backwards to me.
This is where he should have talked to people who know baseball and hired someone who was his guy and he could use his experience to make the right calls. Ricketts could look over someone’s shoulder for years, and not know 5% of what an experiences accomplished baseball man would.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Do Silva or Fukudome have any trade value?
by jerry morales rules on Feb 18, 2011 1:49 PM CST reply actions
I'm interested in your thoughts on Fukudome, too
He’s probably as close as we have to a “leadoff hitter” these days, at least against RHP!
"Every day when I show up, I try to provide a little laughter...some days when I pitch it gets pretty funny, too." -- Ryan Dempster, 5/2010
by CaughtInTheVines on Feb 18, 2011 1:50 PM CST up reply actions
Colvin
Earlier question on him lost in the thread. What do you think of him? His future is a hot topic of debate amongst Cub fans- can he susustain power and pick up OBP pts etc.
by Mmurton on Feb 18, 2011 1:50 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Any guesses why the Cubs continue to waste Geo's OBP in the 7-8 spots in the order?
Would love to see him hitting second or third.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
Uh, no. Except he’s really slow, right? Managers don’t like slow guys “clogging up the basepaths” and there’s actually something to be said for that. Couldn’t he also hit fifth or sixth, though?
I mean, he's not fast
But I don’t think I’ve ever seen any Molina comparisons. Though that’s a pretty low bar to clear (laughing)
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. -- Bruce Bartlett
That's the first time the phrase 'cloggin up the basepaths' has been used here without mocking Dusty.
Unless you were. In which case, you just fit right in.
Yeah, I know it sounds sorta ridiculous. But a long time in a state far far away, I tried using Mike Scioscia as my leadoff man because he had the best OBP on my Strat-O-Matic team. Drove me nuts and I had to stop after about two weeks.
I did the same thing!
And had the same results
by Josh Timmers on Feb 18, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions
Most of us believe he could hit 5th or 6th...
but Lou and Quade seem to be under the impression that it’s against the rules.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:54 PM CST up reply actions
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Same here
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Feb 18, 2011 3:14 PM CST up reply actions
Gosh, Dusty Baker has returned to us?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 9:11 AM CST up reply actions
“Who is Mike Quade?”
Obviously, there are gaps in my knowledge.
by robneyer on Feb 18, 2011 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 9 recs
This is the best comment so far on BCB in 2011.
rec’d.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 1:55 PM CST up reply actions
I love this so much.
SWL, we have a new FanPost title.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Feb 18, 2011 5:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Let me know when this one is coming.
I can’t wait to see how much fun you two will have with this one.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 9:12 AM CST up reply actions
We have three in the hopper.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Feb 19, 2011 10:38 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Oh my....
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUPER BOWL XLV CHAMPIONS!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Feb 19, 2011 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
How Will Carlos Pena Do?
Is .230/.350/.470 a reasonable line for Pena? Should the Cubs re-sign him if shows that type of production, if Pujols and Fielder are deemed too expensive?
2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.
What About Kerry Wood?
Is he going to pitch like he did at the end of the season with the Yankees or pitch like he did for the majority of two seasons with Cleveland? I’m thinking his performance will be somewhere in between. Is Wood going to be a dependable set-up man for Marmol?
2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.
Can we get you to come back again after ST maybe?
We can’t quit you.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 2:01 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed, thanks a bunch.
Don’t be afraid to come back. We promise, no more questions about soup.
OK, maybe 1 or 2 questions about soup. But that’s it.
just one question man....it's was just one
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 2:03 PM CST up reply actions
I laughed at "It had a picture."
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Feb 18, 2011 8:19 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Thanks to Rob for his time...
… I hope we’ll be able to do this again later in the season.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Good stuff -- thanks to Rob.
Al, is this the first time we’ve done a live chat like this on BCB?
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I did one with John Sickels of Minor League Ball about 3-4 years ago....
… but that was before the threaded autorefreshing comments that make it much easier to follow the conversation.
I’m going to try to do this again later in the season, and maybe with other people, too.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Koyie Hill live chat during ST?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 18, 2011 2:06 PM CST up reply actions
why stop there - how about during a game at Wrigley Field?
everybody chip in towards an iPad – put it in the bullpen and Koyie can pass it around. That’d be awesome if the players could see the game threads as they happen.
BOOM!
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yeah.
I can see the evil stares at me in the LF bleachers now.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
There's a typing joke here...
…lemme find it…
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I give a thumbs up to more chats!
Baseball is back!!
by cowsarecool220 on Feb 18, 2011 2:10 PM CST up reply actions
Do you or do you not watch THE WIRE?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
If you were casting THE WIRE
with only people in the Cub organization, who would play Omar?
by Josh Timmers on Feb 18, 2011 2:24 PM CST up reply actions
Actually
that’s a dumb question. I mean it would have to be Zambrano, right?
by Josh Timmers on Feb 18, 2011 2:27 PM CST up reply actions
I like Omar.
I don’t like Zambrano.
Carlos Zambrano is more like Weebay. Smart enough to get by, but really, really stupid.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I think Stringer Bell
would have to be Albert Pujols.
Oops. Guess we can’t shoot this until next season.
by Josh Timmers on Feb 18, 2011 4:23 PM CST up reply actions
Z is Avon. Derrek Lee is Stringer.
They were like brothers. And when they turned against each other, one was sent to the cooler and the other got whacked.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Don't. Mess. With. Z.
You will be traded.
"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
Oh, and, umm, Byrd?
He’s the only one who is intimidating.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Feb 18, 2011 3:17 PM CST up reply actions
Marlon Byrd has to be Wee-Bey Brice. He's a doppelganger.
Stringer was probably Derrek Lee. For a while, the unquestioned leader who seemed destined for great things. A little too “intellectual” at times.
Carlos Zambrano is Avon. He’s the leader, he’s hotheaded, and his fight with Stringer resulted in Avon getting put in jail and Stringer sent out of town.
Carlos Silva is Prop Joe, on account of size.
Starlin Castro is Marlo. The up-and-comer who didn’t wait his turn, and didn’t have to.
Alfonso Soriano is Cutty. He used to be a heavy hitter, but the game just isn’t in him anymore.
Aramis Ramirez is Freamon. Totally awesome in every way for quite a while, rescued from oblivion (in Aramis’ case, from Pittsburgh) to the big time, and then inexplicably going completely off the rails last season.
Tyler Colvin is Broadie. He’s destined for great things, right? He’s making a name for himself! He’s not a pawn in the larger game!
I’m thinking that Omar is Carlos Marmol. He has theme music, he’s the most dangerous player on the team, and no matter how many fastballs you see in a row, he always keeps one more slider in the chamber, in case you’re pondering.
Dempster is McNulty, and Soto is Bunk. Just because.
Tom Ricketts is Tommy Carcetti. Seriously. Look at them!
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Feb 18, 2011 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Wow I’m going to need a few to process all this. The Broadie, Bunk, McNulty, and Omar defended are off. I love the Carcertti / Ricketts connection. But I hate giving Zambrano anything higher than Weebay. He doesn’t deserve to be Avon.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Feb 18, 2011 8:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
slight OT
Did you see the pictures of Byrd’s arm compared to Soriano? Byrd looks like the Hulk
By all that's holy, I am going to attend the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp.
by VegasCubFan on Feb 19, 2011 10:05 AM CST up reply actions
Or do you watch better shows like The Shield?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Feb 18, 2011 3:16 PM CST up reply actions
The Shield = Greatest Series Finale ever
The Wire = Greatest TV Show ever
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Feb 18, 2011 6:01 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
The Shield finale was awesome, not doubt!
Newhart was still the best finale ever
By all that's holy, I am going to attend the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp.
by VegasCubFan on Feb 19, 2011 10:04 AM CST up reply actions
In a month, this thread will be like fangraphs
“Not according to Rob Neyer! Not according to Rob Neyer!”
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
Well, you're only 2 hours and 25 minutes late with this question.
But maybe someone else can answer it.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Question for Rob:
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Feb 18, 2011 8:20 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Did the top fall at the end of Inception?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Feb 18, 2011 8:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
A follow up to that:
At the end of Shutter Island, did he know who he was or did he regress back into his mental illness?
A follow up to the follow up...
Will DeCrapio still look like a little weasel of a kid when he’s 60?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
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