Cubs 3, Athletics 1: Whither Carlos Silva?
by Al Yellon on Mar 23, 2011 6:23 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintMESA, Arizona -- It's performances like this that have to drive general managers nuts.
The Carlos Silva we saw in today's 3-1 Cubs win over the Athletics looked a lot like the guy who blew through the first two months of the National League season in 2010. He gave up three hits -- two in the first inning, leading to a run -- and of the 18 outs he recorded, six were on ground balls and three on strikeouts. He didn't walk anyone and threw 78 pitches, 51 for strikes.
If I thought this version of Silva would stick around all year, I'd say the Cubs have their fifth starter. But there's no guarantee of that. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times tweeted Mike Quade's reaction:
Q on Silva's stellar outing: ''The plot thickens."
cst_cubs
cst_cubs
Indeed it does, Q. Carrie Muskat's game recap says the decision is between Silva, Andrew Cashner and Braden Looper and will be made by Sunday. Now, Cashner hasn't been stretched out and might be better served at Iowa. Looper threw poorly in his last outing. Does that mean Silva has the job? There were scouts watching him today. Will those scouts go back to their GMs and tell them they should deal for Silva? And in that case, how much money would they be willing to take off the Cubs' hands?
On a day of unlimited sunshine and pleasant temperatures in the mid 70s, 9,061 showed up at HoHoKam Park to watch an efficiently played game that took only two hours and 10 minutes, and might have been shorter if A's manager Bob Geren hadn't pulled Gio Gonzalez after he'd just turned a double play in the sixth inning (likely, he hit a pitch count). The Cubs matched and bettered the run that Silva gave up in the first inning with three hits and a walk of their own in the bottom of that frame, leading to a pair of runs, with RBI from Geovany Soto and Alfonso Soriano. Reed Johnson hit well today, with a pair of singles raising his spring average to .231 -- still not great, but better than Fernando Perez, who went 0-for-3 and who is now hitting .147. Barring something really unforeseen, looks like Reed has the job.
Casey Coleman was let out of whatever doghouse he was put in to throw a scoreless inning; Marcos Mateo did the same, and then to cheers as he walked in -- shades of 2008! -- Kerry Wood got a save opportunity, and induced three groundouts to nail down the win. In the bottom of the eighth, when the Cubs tacked on an insurance run, Geren did something you almost never see in spring training -- he issued an intentional walk to Scott Moore with Johnson on second and two out. That backfired when Brad Ziegler then walked Welington Castillo to load the bases and then hit Soriano with the first pitch he threw to him to force in a run.
Jessica ("Doggie Stalker" here, to those of you who don't already know) showed up today for the beginning of her annual spring training jaunt. We had quite a discussion about Silva and she claims no team would take on more than a small fraction of his salary. I disagree. The Yankees might; they are starting the season with Bartolo Colon in their rotation, and he hasn't been an effective major league pitcher for any extended period since 2005. Colon, admittedly, has had a pretty good spring, and of course Silva hasn't. The Yankees, though, could afford Silva. Most other teams would probably expect the Cubs to eat most or all of the contract.
So what would you do if you were Jim Hendry? What would I do? Honestly, I don't have an answer for that right now. Do you?
Notes: the 9,061 in attendance today raised the Cubs' spring total to 113,431 (average: 8,725) with four dates left. Tomorrow's game vs. the White Sox is sold out; Matt Garza takes the mound against the Sox' Phil Humber, who is one of several candidates to replace the injured Jake Peavy. The Sox asked for and were granted permission to use the DH (as the A's did today); Garza will bat. Important note: tomorrow's game begins at 4:05 CDT, an hour later than usual, at the request of ESPN2, who will televise the game nationally.
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Silva's not dead yet
He definitely kept himself in the conversation today, I would say its between him and Cashner to the wire.
If i were Hendry
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
that is what you would do with a time machine?
not sign aaron miles?
by hansman1982 on Mar 23, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'd go back in time so that *I* could invent the time machine.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Mar 23, 2011 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
but then you would have to freeze yourself
to travel into the future so you could use a Crank Prank Time Phone to call yourself in the past to tell yourself to never use the time machine…
by hansman1982 on Mar 24, 2011 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, no.
I wouldn’t sign Bradley, then Kosuke and THEN Miles.
But I thought the Miles line was funner. :)
well i would go back in time
and remove the a, r, o, n, m, i, l, e, s keys from your computer – how dare you blaspheme against the better half of the Ambiguously Short Duo
What about MB, Kevin Gregg, Aaron Heilman, Joey Gathright...?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
hell at this point..
go even further and trade Hill, Pie, and Peterson while they had blue chip trade value
by BadDecisions on Mar 23, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Is that Rich Hill or Koyie Hill?
Also, who is Peterson?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Rich hill and Corey Patterson...need to improve on my typing
by BadDecisions on Mar 23, 2011 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
It's okay.
I had a feeling “Peterson” meant one of the Patterson’s, but I wasn’t sure who it referred to.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Oops, not sure what happened
Anyways, if i were Hendry, I think I’d cut Looper, either stretch out Cashner in minors or use him to solidify the bullpen and put Silva in the 5th spot.
I think we’ve got an slim shot at winning the division, but I think you cross your fingers that lightning strikes twice and Silva repeats the beginning of last season to start the year and you get a team to eat the majority of him salary. Worst that happens is you see a couple bad outings and outright release the guy.
Of course, if you get a legit offer now, you take it smiling and you give Cashner a shot.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Mar 23, 2011 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Easy...Use a Time Machine
And Go Remove a Certain Someone from a seat at Wrigley in left field in Oct. of 2003
WRONG
Had anybody else playing short that inning is the correct answer. I mean, anybody besides Alex Gonzalez including many high school players would have made that play, a double play, and nobody cares about a die hard Cub fan trying to get a foul ball in a playoff game.
??
Alex Gonzalez had the best fielding percentage of any shortstop that year…10 errors in 150 games..i dont think id trade that for a high school player
Well to be fair
Gonzalez messed up a routine DP and I do hold him far more responsible for what happened than Bartman
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 24, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Bartman holds no responsibility
in what happened…it is an absolute crying shame what has happened to him
by hansman1982 on Mar 24, 2011 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
No responsibility?
I’d question that. He should probably get mentioned as a footnote after Alex Gonzalez, Dusty’s bad managing, the Cubs’ bad performance in Game 7 and — if you want to take it a step further — the collapse of the 2004 team.
Bartman absolutely gets way, way too much of the blame. But I can’t completely absolve him.
Watch your attitude.
This was a fun aside in this thread. Saying “WRONG” and barging in the way you did will make you no friends here.
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WRONG
DEEEIP IS MY FRIEND, And ALEX GONZALEZ IS A TERRIBLE MI ITS ALL HIS FAULT (runs away crying) - AL, YOURE JUST A BIG MEEEEEENIE, you big mean-meeeenie mcmean so much man…
Actually...
…the correct answer is “pulling Prior earlier” that inning. Let your bullpen win it.
Prior started and had thrown 7 great innings, but he was cooked
I remember noticing on TV that his pitches had flattened out – no downward break any more. The Marlins were going to get to him, it was just a question of when. And Dusty left him out there to die…..
Or outlaw towel drills.
"What do you think, I just dunked my whole career?" Jordan asked Henderson after making a 3.
"You’ve got to miss eventually," Henderson told him.
"That’s what Cleveland said," replied Jordan
If I'm going back to that game, I make Dusty send out another pitcher for the 8th
And Bartman would be able to continue living and unknown life. The problem wasn’t the foul that dropped, it was that Prior was done (slider lost its bite) and the Marlins started to hit him harder.
Agree.
Joe Torre often used Mariano Rivera for five-out saves. Dusty should have brought in Joe Borowski after the incident. You win that game, you’ve got four days off.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Agreed
I remember the Marlins bringing in their starters for an inning or two at the end of that series and was begging Dusty Baker through the TV to throw in Matt Clement and his glorious beard
Baker brought in Farnsworth, who was pretty decent in '03.
But he could have brought in Clement. If necessary, he could have brought in Z in Game 7.
The pen that year was pretty weak. Borowski was great, but Veres? Alfonseca? Guthrie? Yuck.
Cubs baseball on TV tomorrow!
And Quade is right … “The Plot Thickens”.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 6:34 PM CDT reply actions
nonsense...release him now
eat everything while there are a few more meaningless games left…hopefully Hendry is on the phone asking every team out there how much the Cubs have to pay to move him
Agreed.
But I’m worried that Hendry will now think Silva deserves a spot.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm scared to death Hendry
gives Silva a shot. I was trying to think of a similar situation as it would apply to hiring a “normal employee” on the basis of one good performance…but drew a blank…
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
He was still pretty good the first half of last season.
If he wasn’t so good I’d be all for cutting him now, but I’m up for giving him another shot (during the season). They don’t seem to have another real solid option for the 5th spot. Might as well stretch Cashner out in AAA and make him the first option once a starter goes down or Silva fails terribly.
Paul Kilgus and Shawn Estes
The Cubs have won with bad 5th starters before….Jason Marquis was ‘good’ compared to most 5th starters, most fans knew that at the time but he still got alot of flack.
Silva should at least get 3 or 4 starts in the regular season if Quade chooses to, it won’t make or break the season.
Really? What did today prove other than..
…that even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. This is a farce.
perfect quote!
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Yep.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions
So you'd cut him after a good performance?
Man, I’d hate to work for you.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I'd have tried to trade or cut him after he showed up to camp overweight...
…considering his health issues last year, that indicated to me that he could care less about his conditioning or his craft.
and, there is the health issue...
that’s being fair to the “human being” part of a player
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
No Jeff, On my job I have certain things that are expected...
…of me, show up on time, well dressed, and perform to the best of my abilities. Silva had a health scare that would put most non-athletes in self preservation mode, he didn’t. By the looks of it he actually gained weight and for someone that is making 10 million dollars a year that shows me that they don’t care about the themselves, the employer that they are working for, nor do they care about their craft.
We agree
I (sadly) stated my point poorly. I would be forced to let go such an “inconsistant employee”. I couldn’t afford to explain his/her “up & down performance” to my supervisors.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
That's cool, I'm glad we agree...
…I can’t stand incompetence, that’s why Silva would have to go. I guess that’s why I also hate guaranteed contracts in baseball.
I justify Silvas presence
by (fondly) remembering what we “lost” to get him! :] Have a great nite. Gotta run. (I agree, it’s safest to make Silva go away).
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Golf Clap for Trout
This is a business. If you are getting paid $10 million, then you better believe that there are some responsiblities and high expectations to live up to. And if you can’t live up to it don’t cry about it and take the money.
Honestly how hard is it for Silva to maybe workout 3 days a week and eat healthy. I’m sure that alone would make him look WORLDS BETTER.
by BadDecisions on Mar 23, 2011 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions
So if you're done bashing him for his weight...
… it’s clear that weight issues alone don’t mean you can’t pitch. CC Sabathia, Bartolon Colon (when he was good), many others.
The fact is, Silva had a decent first half last year and was just as overweight then.
So if you’re going to bash him, let’s hear something else.
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Rick Reuschel
who was one hell of a pitcher as well.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 23, 2011 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Nonsense.
He was a terrific athlete who could hit, and ran the bases well — was used as a pinch-runner. His weight did not hold him back in any material way.
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rod beck
didn’t rod beck say he never heard of anyone going on the dl because of “strained fat”?
Yes
…then he died young, in a trailer, as I recall.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Beck died at age 38, but not in a trailer.
He lived in a trailer while pitching for Iowa in 2003
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Mar 24, 2011 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions
No, I actually watched Reuschel play.
Further, I can read his stat line. Can you? He was a good hitter and an excellent baserunner and fielded his position well.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I saw Reuschel play, too
He was a heck of an athlete, which you wouldn’t expect simply by looking at him.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Mar 24, 2011 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
You know what's nonsense?
The idea that you can become a doctor without the proper
educational training or you can become an athlete to the best of ones abilities without proper physical training.
Rueschel could pitch, but he could have been better.
The fact is
many pitchers have been successful despite being heavy. Reuschel’s weight did not hold him back in any material way.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
What did you not understand about what...
…I said earlier, if he had been in shape he probably could have been even better, so for you to unequivocally say that “weight did not hold him back in any material way” is simply false.
by troutfishin on Mar 24, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
No one said
Rick Reuschel was a great athlete. We said he was a great baseball player. There’s a difference.
Herschel Walker is a great athlete. Can’t pitch worth a damn.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 24, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Athlete -
“A person possessing the natural or acquired traits, such as strength, agility, and endurance, that are necessary for physical exercise or sports,”
Athlete is not solely defined by someone that can run and cut. To be a MLB pitcher requires a certain amount of strength and if you’re a starter…endurance.
Just ask Kerry Wood or Ryan Dempster how loosing weight and getting in shape helped their careers.
by troutfishin on Mar 24, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
We'll have to agree to disagree here.
Rick Reuschel was one of the more durable pitchers when he was with the Cubs. He had rotator cuff surgery — that’s what derailed his career. That had nothing to do with his weight.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
It could have something to do with his weight.
Many players have said when they are out of shape it messes with their mechanics.
I think I’m with trout on this one. Being in better shape will always give you the opportunity to be better at sports.
In other news ...
water is also wet.
Sorry, husker — couldn’t resist. I’m in a shit mood.
Haha
I’m actually suprised that I even had to post such a comment. It should already be common sense to everyone here…
It IS a little different in baseball.
As David Wells famously said, you can’t pull fat.
But I do agree with you that a player with heart and other injury problems can’t really be excused for showing up to camp with extra weight.
Whoa
Obviously there are some Fat pitchers who can pitch, but this whole “fat” thing isnt working out for Silva. He has sucked the last few years, and couldn’t finish out the season due to injuries and that heart condition…Maybe being in shape prevents that…it certainly doesnt hurt any.
by BadDecisions on Mar 23, 2011 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
"Bashing"? Are you serious?
Again, let me be clear, Silva had HEART ISSUES last year. He comes to spring training as big as ever and that indicates to me that he cares little about himself, his employer that’s paying him 7 million dollars and his craft. BTW, he’s been fat his whole career and it hasn’t worked out very well.
You cite Colon, how much longer would the prime of his career lasted if he had taken care of himself? Sabathia might be an even better pitcher, he might be hall of fame caliber it he would take care of himself.
You keep citing the first half of last year for Silva, the might be the best 3 months of his career and he’s already 31. Three months does not a career make.
by troutfishin on Mar 23, 2011 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
agree here
Every athlete should try to get themselves in the best possible shape, sure some have had success at higher weights, but its generally the other way around.
And as I pointed out above some of those with ...
….the raw talent to put up the kind of numbers they have would probably be even better is they were in shape, Colon, Sabathia, even Rick Sutcliffe would have benefited from strength training and a diet plan.
I
''"I always thought I was the most competitive person out there. I never thought I'd find anybody more competitive until I met him.'' Ryan Dempster talking about Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 23, 2011 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow
Anyone whose been here a while would remember there use to be a guy here Blue Mike was one his screen names. He hated Sori with a strange passion. You would have thought that the guy had personally done something to him. He would get online and bash and bash. Tell us when he played college ball he was in better shape than Sori. Then he would bash anyone who tried to say anything remotely positive about him.
''"I always thought I was the most competitive person out there. I never thought I'd find anybody more competitive until I met him.'' Ryan Dempster talking about Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 23, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I assume there's more to this.
However, it’s been up for ~20 minutes and no reply yet.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course not, you're much nicer than he was IMO. :)
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions
CC did lose weight though
while Silva looked like he put on more weight
IMHO
that’s the difficult part. Would you be “letting him go” after one good performance, or, releasing him after several terrible outings?
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Are you honestly saying that despite the fact that he's sucked for about 8 months
since he had one good spring start, he should stay?
I’d LOVE to work for you.
I knew you were going to do this by the way. You’ve been advocating for Silva to be cut loose but the minute he has a good start “we should give him a chance”
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
Bovandy- I don't recall
being on Silva band-wagon? Stalker did make a point about my Mets Cuts comments that made some sense. No Sir, I’d like him gone.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I am willing to give him a chance
because he just showed that he can still do it…so until he blows it again I am willing to give him one more chance…
Ideally I would love to see a Cashner/Coleman shared #5 starter role – slate one of them for innings 1-4 and the other for 5-8/9 - this way we can stretch Cashner out – he will have to run through a lineup twice at most so he can work on pitches and maybe get away with more things.
This would also give the bullpen a day off every ten (assuming that one of the Cash/Cole duo gets rocked every other start and makes it 2 innings) helping them to stay fresh and then we dont have to have that 12th pitcher that blows.
I would also like
to have someone give me $100,000 but I think we both know thats not going to happen…
by hansman1982 on Mar 24, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
It's Silva's to lose
To be obvious. I don’t see this organization being daring and cutting him. Too much money, and he doesn’t have any extreme baggage. Cashner can be used many other places and ways. Looper goes bye-bye.
I’d love to have seen Coleman get more of a shot, but that’s what you get when you have a high dollar guy that you can’t trade. I hope he is the Silva we saw early last year, but, I have my doubts. And, if comes to parting ways, they won’t do that until well into the season. Silva will get the chance to fail in Chicago.
He doesn't have any extreme baggage?
How about the fact that the guy’s season ended last year because of heart problems and the slob can’t even put the fork down long enough to lose weight before spring training. How about his problems in Seattle, when he called out his teammates lackluster play while he was sporting an ERA over 6 or his incident with Aram at the beginning of camp.
Silva has locked up the 5 spot.
I’am slowly coming to terms with this. I just pray to god the Cubs’ Brass gets smart, and sends Cashner to the minors to log innings and get stretched out. WE are doing this kid a disservice to put him back in the rotation. And people bitch and wonder why Spellcheck is as bad as he is….Jusy saying.
Your username makes me want to not agree with what you say
"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 agree with you
Thats been my thought is hope that Silva can be effective enough to last a month while Cashner gets stretched and make the move in may
by Jason Matheny on Mar 24, 2011 6:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Completely agree
Send Cashner down and stretch him out. Even if Silva is somehow effective at the beginning of the season, he will likely wear down and we will need Cashner to step in.
I think the ideal situation (keeping in mind that the team doesn’t want to eat the payroll) would be for Silva to have ten or so decent starts while Cashner is in Iowa. Then, innevitiabely, Silva will wear down and Cashner will be ready to go. This allows the team to get some value out of Silva’s contract while also limiting Cashner’s innings. He’s not going to be able to start every fifth day all season.
Well.
I, for one, completely forgot that Bartolo Colon was still pitching at any level.
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Wasn't someone talking about
them taking Z off our hands?
"What do you think, I just dunked my whole career?" Jordan asked Henderson after making a 3.
"You’ve got to miss eventually," Henderson told him.
"That’s what Cleveland said," replied Jordan
Al no one will pay much of anything for Silva
for all the reasons he gets bashed here. The idea that the Yankees would pay millions for him is a fantasy. Personally I still think he can be serviceable 5th starter and the Cubs have little to lose letting him start a few games. It is not like Cashner has been that great. Time to accept Al that no one is taking on Silva or Dome for much more than league minimum if that so you might as well keep them.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
Darn it Stalker!
I’m no Silva/Dome fan, but would you quit makin so much sense?! I agree, I heard nothing when Dome was (supposedly) shopped and unless we could get something for Silva… arrrgh. Sometimes I think you need to get certain players (Silva) “out of the way” so the Mgr dosen’t get tempted to use them, hoping against hope, they somehow improved. (Like Hendry w/ Hieleman)
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Jessisa is correct: anything that the Yankees would pay beyond the minimun would be found money
if Silva is released and signs a ML deal elsewhere, that team would be obligated to pay the $400k minimum, with the Cubs paying the remainder. But if the Yankees were willing to take on say $600k or $700k, well, that is better than $400k, and Hendry should grab it. I find it highly unlikely that any team would absorb $1 million to have Carlos Silva.
The Cubs are on the hook for approx $7 million regardless of whether Silva stays or goes. The only question is “will another team relieve the Cubs of any of this obligation?”. I believe that the answer is “yes, but only for a very small amount.”
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Mar 24, 2011 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Can anyone tell me about 2B?
Do the Cubs go north with Darwin Barney starting with Jeff Baker as a backup? Or is that too much to wish for?
I'd rather see Moore starting at 2nd but that's just my opinion
I think it’s split between DeWitt and Baker. Is Quade starting to look like nothing more than a figure head?
Moore starting?
He’s played 40 professional games at 2B and you want to give him the starting job?
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Moores career numbers at 3rd and 2nd show...
…that he would be a defensive upgrade over Blake DeWitt.
lets see
Moore 2nd base: .979 174 innings 3rd base: .966 142 innings
Dewitt 2nd base: .979 1236 innings 3rd base: .961 803 innings
Looks like its dead even to me, with Dewitt having been the much better major league batter. Moore 223/370/640 202 PA Dewitt 259/378/713 970 PA
I’m no huge Deweitt fan but Moore is AAAA type player.
Not much of a sampling for Moore but when you look..
…at his career minor league stats, they’re much worse defensively, Ouch. Eh it’s going to be a lost season, let him play anyway.
I can see Moore making the team as a backup.
But give him the 2B job? No.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
It would really be cool to start Hak Ju Lee at second base..oh wait..
by BadDecisions on Mar 23, 2011 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
No
Lee hasn’t played a game above the Midwest League. And in the field, he’s erratic. There is no way Lee plays in the majors this season.
I’m critical of the Garza trade, but there’s no way Lee is a major league second baseman in 2011. Barney is the way to go.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 23, 2011 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I think you have to let Silva try to be effective in the regular season.
Keep him on a short leash. Too much money involved just to cut him outright at this point.
I say this assuming he isn’t causing trouble in the clubhouse anymore. If he is, cut him and don’t think twice.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
That's the tricky part...
if Mets could drop 2 players and eat 18 million, couldn’t Cubs eat 7.5 million?
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Because Perez and Castillo had been awful for two straight years
Silva was good for half of the year he was with the Cubs. He is worth taking a flyer on to start the season. The Cubs can eat the money but at this point there is too little gain in doing it.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Mar 23, 2011 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions
ok, ok
you’re right…but that’s what makes this so dangerous
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I don't really see it being dangerous.
You try him out for 3 starts or so. If he blows, he goes.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Again, he was awful for all but three months of the last four years
how is that any different than Perez and Castillo?
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
correct
if you put his Ms numbers in there… they were thrilled to dump him.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
WHY? Why do you HAVE to let him try?
Because of his pricetag? The guy has been AWFUL all spring. He’s had one good start, suddenly we’re back to letting him suck in the regular season?
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
Because it's financially stupid.
I love how someone like you can sit behind your computer and say, cut $7 million. But it’s not that easy.
He was pretty awful last Spring and he was able to have a good first half. You give him that same opportunity this year. If he sucks during the first 3-4 games, you cut him. No questions asked.
Cashner isn’t ready to start in the majors. There isn’t a clear favorite for the 5th spot.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Actually, Silva was pretty good last spring.
He had one bad start but the rest of them were pretty good.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Was it the first start?
I think that’s why I associate the other ones with it.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
As part of that someone needs to realize the best be would be to send Cashner to Iowa
Let him work on his #2 & #3 pitches, then bring him up to start. Working out of the bullpen in Chicago another year would make it really hard for him to develop as a starter.
He did make things interesting didn't he
I am struggling with the idea of Silva as the 5th starter but if they do that I would like to see Cashner go to Iowa and start. If the Cubs start well and have a chance to make the playoffs or a starter gets hurt they can bring him up. Ugghh I can’t believe I am saying that.
Ugh...I can't believe you are either
or that I tend to agree. i-f I thought Mike Q would bring up a replacement as quickly as needed.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I guess if I
trusted Cubs Mgt more…but the past speaks badly of that… I’d be up for seeing Silva start 4-5 and then decide.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I agree with lack of trust of management
We watch It’s a Wonderful Life every year. Each year I remember that it’s not that great of a movie but we watch it each year.
''"I always thought I was the most competitive person out there. I never thought I'd find anybody more competitive until I met him.'' Ryan Dempster talking about Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 23, 2011 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions
5th starter
Anyone who wins the most games, I don’t care. I do know if someone wants to trade for Silvia I would do it. Immediately.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Mar 23, 2011 7:10 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I say give Silva 4-5 starts this season....
…..and then make a decision.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
hopefully he pitches pretty well
and another team will want to pick him up
by BadDecisions on Mar 23, 2011 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Rumor has it Mets/Yanks
could aalready be interested… I think Yanks are “panic buyers” at this point (after Lee plans failed)
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Cuz we've seen
all ST Silva starts!!! :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
because we are rebuilding and are not winning the WS this year..
I rather use the starts to develop a young pitcher like Cashner
by BadDecisions on Mar 23, 2011 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions
True indeed
“We”, collectively, just need to admit to ourselves (as does Jim H) that 2011 is better served as a rebuilding year vs a truly competetive year
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I think 2011 can be a truly competitive year
The rest of the division doesn’t scare me.
No major-market team EVER should write off a season before it even begins. EVER.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Mar 24, 2011 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, Hendry isn't writing the year off.
His ass is on the line. If the Cubs aren’t at least contenders, he’ll be done at the end of the year.
I think the write-off-2011 crowd misses a key point — in a large sense, it would be impossible to write the year off and play the kids. I’m in the camp that says the Cubs should ditch Hill and Silva, but the other overpriced veterans are about the best bet we have.
At this point, I really think a lot hinges on the offense. The rotation looks solid, and the bullpen is improved from last season. But
Agree totally about Hendry, eg
If the Cubs crash and burn this season, he’s gone. Probably deservedly so.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Mar 24, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
If the 2009 season hadn't coincided with the ownership change ...
Hendry would be gone already, IMO. I know you’ll defend the moves that offseason as ‘unlucky’ — and let’s not get into that again — but GM’s should be judged by results, not intentions.
I sincerely hope that the team competes this year. If the Cubs win 70 games, that Garza trade will look worse and worse, even if Garza has a good year.
The Garza trade never will look bad, IMHO
He’s someone you can use now AND use later.
I don’t get how people can’t see that. Stubbornness is the only answer I’ve got.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Mar 24, 2011 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't want to open that can of worms again, Bruce.
But come on — you think stubbornness is the only reason at least half of the regulars on this site have serious concerns about that deal?
This is a case where reasonable people can disagree. I don’t hate that trade, but I’m not sold on it either.
I think reasonable people can disagree, eg
I also think A LOT of the people who were opposed to this trade stubbornly wanted to play I’m-the-GM, just because they think they can do a better job than Hendry. Plus they are part of the write-off-2011 crowd, too.
I’ll take known, young quantities over unknown, young quantities any day of the week and three times on Sunday.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Mar 24, 2011 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Not Chicago-bound
I assume?
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Same old story
aka Wellington Castillo.
After he threw out the basestealer in the 8th, I went to baseball-reference.com and checked his statistics. Not a great average hitter nor an onbase machine, but his CS rate is 40% in the minors which is really surprising to me. Hopefully he will be back some point of the season.
I would love to see him get the experience at the mlb level
two starts or so a week would be enough to keep him fresh and get him the experience he needs. You reading this Jim?
If he happened to show he could hit at the major league level after a few months up
I would certainly give either him or Soto some starts at 1st base just to get their bat’s in the lineup.
His arm has never been an issue
His issue is blocking pitches and handling a pitching staff.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 23, 2011 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather have Chirinos but that's gone
I’m not defending Hill. I’m just explaining what problems Castillo has.
by Josh Timmers on Mar 23, 2011 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, I know that, Josh.
Wasn’t directing my comment at you.
Haha, when I saw this, I really did chuckle a bit
I liked what I saw from Silva last year. Hopefully, he’ll regain the first half of last season’s form
by braziliancubsfan on Mar 23, 2011 7:41 PM CDT reply actions
I said I liked
He’s been terrible except for this outing
by braziliancubsfan on Mar 23, 2011 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Hello BCF
Long time no see. I think we all liked the beginning of Sillvas 2010… but the end, the heart problem and his spring are cause for concern.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Hey Jeff
Yeah, it is. It all started that Dodger game before the All Star Break. He lost his cool, got ejected, and it kind of all spiraled downward from there. This start is encouraging, but next start is gonna be the real test. Of course, we wouldn’t be discussing this had Cashner taken advantage. And I’m not huge on Looper. I still dont get why did Hendry choose Gorzellany/ We wouldn’t be discussing this, because Gorzo was very efficient last yera
by braziliancubsfan on Mar 23, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I've been off the Hendry band-wagon for years now
Too many things he does baffle me. Lilly gone, to be “replaced” with Garza? Hill? Silva? Looper? And aaaallll that money for an unproven Jeff Smardjamacallit?! I won’t even mention the real reason we have Carlos Silva… I still think we’ll miss T Lilly before 2011 is 1/2 over. Gotta go. Hope to seeya soon. JS2
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I already miss Ted Lilly
''"I always thought I was the most competitive person out there. I never thought I'd find anybody more competitive until I met him.'' Ryan Dempster talking about Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 23, 2011 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not holding my breathe
But Ted Lilly was one of my favorite Cubs over the last few years. I wasn’t quite as bad as the girls who ran the Ted Lilly Fan Club but I did like the way he played the game.
''"I always thought I was the most competitive person out there. I never thought I'd find anybody more competitive until I met him.'' Ryan Dempster talking about Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 23, 2011 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Looper is a no-strings move.
Otherwise, you’re totally on target.
If Silva looks just as good in his next start, bring him north in the five slot,
send Cashner to Iowa as a starter, and hope for a repeat of early 2010. If Silva and the Cubs both do well early, we’ll have a solid #5 through June. If the Cubs stumble and Carlos still does well, we can expect some decent return for him when he’s traded at midseason. By that time, Cashner should be ready with a record at Iowa of 8-2, 2.89, 72K, 31BB.
"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
According to this article, Silva says he would accept a bulpen job if he misses out on the rotation.
That's it!!!!
Now he’s threatening us?! :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
by jeffstorm2 on Mar 23, 2011 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
wow
Had me on the edge of my seat there :) lol….I really don’t understand how a major leaguer could ever have the mindset that they would NOT accept whatever role they are asked to perform. Even Z went to the bullpen against his will, he didn’t refuse.
Let's get real on what to expect from a #5 starter
These guys competing for the #5 spot are doing so for a reason – they are all on the fringe of barely being passable to be in a ML starting rotation. Fantasies of a #5 starter posting 12 wins and having a sub 4 ERA are just not backed by stats. In 2009 the average record of teams’ #5 starters was 5.75 wins and 8.06 losses. Their average ERA was OVER 5. The problem here isn’t the numbers one of these guys will post, it is the salary committed to Silva for what will likely be terrible numbers.
Or to the regular #5 starter.
Even though his ERA wasn’t that bad, I often dreaded the days Jason Marquis would pitch while with the Cubs, just because he had a streak of wildness in him while he was on the mound.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 23, 2011 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions
That's why it may be worth a flier to give him a shot
if between him and Cashner they have an ERA between 4.50 and 5.00, and a .500 record that will be fine. A possible strength could be the BACK end of the rotation from 3-5 we match up with anyone outside of Philly and San Fran.
We should be more thankful each and every day to Randy Wells!
Can you imagine the chaos, if he wouldn’t be simply amazing during spring training?
Agreed, I think he may have a huge year
for a number 4 pitcher. Most under rated pitcher on the staff.
Wells is a reason for hope.
We’ll be pretty good 1-4 if Garza is half as good as Hendry thinks he is and if Z can keep his head. I’m worried we won’t score enough, and an injury to Wood-Marmol-Marshall could be crippling. But our rotation will be pretty sound.
But at least there is three of them,
losing one for a period won’t cripple the team if the other two can step up. Those three are a strength, it is getting through the 7th inning that has me very nervous. For some reason I think this team will compete, I am not saying win the division, but at least hold our interest into September.
It'll help ...
if we don’t blow 10 starts on Carlos Silva, IMO.
Depends on which Silva shows up
similar to Good Rex or Bad Rex Grossman. Maybe we can do a poll before each start to see which one will rear his ugly head.
Not to get off topic but I hated that "good Rex, bad Rex" crap...
…he put up some amazing numbers for the better part of that year and people seemed to not realize that the offensive line he played behind was almost as bad as last years.
I'd give the underrated title...
….to Zambrano. You should see how low he’s going in fantasy drafts, which is remarkable since he was damn-near unbeatable late last season.
I know he’s a head case and needs to put together a full season….but Zambrano has #1 potential as the #3 pitcher on this staff (and, if he’s REALLY on his game, Cy Young type stuff).
That being said, your general sentiment is quite correct — Wells stands to be a very solid/respectable and even potentially great #4 on this staff.
He's been outpitching his periphs for awhile.
Not that he can’t do it again this year, but compounded with the fact that he’s crazy and inconsistent and he likes to swing big lumber more than he likes to pitch…I believe it when I see it from him.
Potential is wasted if you can’t put it together, a once super bright future as a permanent Cubs ace has dimmed a bit.
it’s to the point that I just want a complete season from him.
"What do you think, I just dunked my whole career?" Jordan asked Henderson after making a 3.
"You’ve got to miss eventually," Henderson told him.
"That’s what Cleveland said," replied Jordan
Trading Silva
obviously would be the first option, and to me the second option is put him in the 5 spot and give Cash innings in Iowa. This season everything is going to have to fall into place for this team to win 85-89 games, so give Cash the innings and experience in Iowa for a couple of months.
I just hope "Beef "goes north, and not north to Iowa.
There is not a team ...
that would trade for Carlos Silva and pay even 10 percent of his salary. We need to all accept this.
I'm not saying we should accept him as a member of the Cubs.
I’m saying we should accept that no team will trade for him. Not now, anyway.
right now I agree
That no team is going to take Silva and pay his salary…way too risky and I don’t blame them, however, if he pitches well into June or so, that will change. The pitching market can get thin during the season.
Well, sure ...
but what are the odds of Silva — who made all of three starts after last year’s ASB and who was hammered all spring before today — pitching well into June?
1 in 100, I’d say.
I'll bite
Carlos Silva’s MO is that he pitches to contact. In Wrigley, until late June sometimes, Wrigley plays as a big ballpark. Those crushing blasts he gives up tend to fall as outs on the warning track.
I’m not a Silva fan, and think Coleman would do a better job. But Silva has a 10-15% chance of being a decent fifth starter until the weather starts hitting the 70’s regularly.
Yes
Coleman, today, has a better three pitch arsenal than Cashner. If AC develops, he could have three pitches, and be well on his way to being a #2 starter. As of now, I think Cashner would struglle mightily in the rotation. Coleman would usually battle through five or six innings, saving the Pen.
I think the 5th spot would be a good place to hide...
…some of Cashner’s deficiencies while at the same time giving him the experience he needs in the big leagues. He’s already 24, and beyond a miracle the Cubs probably will wind up near the basement in the central.
I'm sure I could find this somewhere
but maybe some else knows or has time to look it up. How many starts does the 5th pitcher normally make it year.
It normally seems like a lot but I’m not sure if that’s b/c we remember the bad outtings or if they really start that much.
''"I always thought I was the most competitive person out there. I never thought I'd find anybody more competitive until I met him.'' Ryan Dempster talking about Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 23, 2011 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions
you are super cool
You should make a fan post of that article. That is some really interesting stuff.
Interesting that the Cubs were one of the only teams that did.
''"I always thought I was the most competitive person out there. I never thought I'd find anybody more competitive until I met him.'' Ryan Dempster talking about Ted Lilly
by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 23, 2011 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs
do typically have one of the better (and if not better then deeper) staffs in the big leagues.
Our 1-2 might not stack up well but our 1-4 is easily top 5
Agreed, Cashner will be there
it is just a matter of when. He will be an above average number 5 also. Plus I think the team will finish closer to first than last.
I wish I knew...
but to definitively say that no team will pay 10 percent of his salary (a paltry 1M) is quite the reach.
I agree with this.
There were a number of people who said the Cubs would never, ever be able to trade [name redacted] to anyone.
And yet, it happened.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Sigh.
It happened because the Cubs took on one of the worst contracts in the past 10 years … which belongs to Carlos Silva.
We traded the most toxic asset (Bradley) for the second most toxic asset (Silva). That was the only reason the Bradley trade was even possible.
Also, the Mariners figured that Bradley was one season off a career year and that he might flourish in a quieter environment. What other environment might Silva flourish in? Seriously.
by elgato on Mar 24, 2011 1:55 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-MEN
Every time this tired “Hey we traded Bradley!” meme is trotted out, WHO we traded him for is oddly absent.
"Oh Crap"
-Famous Last Words by General George Custer
Doesn't matter.
He was traded. That’s a fact. Despite the fact that many here said he could NEVER be traded for ANYONE. Yes, Silva was also a “toxic asset”.
Incidentally, there were some other rumors at the time that MB might have been traded for Pat Burrell, although the Rays didn’t want to take on the extra $. Burrell, at the time, was thought of as a “toxic asset”.
How’d that work out for the team that got him?
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
True.
Still. To say it’s “impossible” to trade Silva is just wrong. Extremely difficult? Yes. Impossible? No.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Again, that's a different situation.
Hundley had been good in LA before, so there was reason to think a change of scenery would do him good. Plus, IIRC, Hundley was being paid over two years, while Karros and Grudz were being paid about the same amount in 2003. The Dodgers got payroll flexibility for a season out of the move.
It does matter, because the comparison isn't that valid.
The Mariners looked at Bradley as a guy, one year removed from a near-1.000 OPS, who might revert to previous form in a quieter environment. In other words, there was some logic in thinking that Bradley would be more valuable in Seattle than he would be in Chicago.
Silva doesn’t have anything like that. He’s had one good three-month span sincer 2008. Plus, there’s no reason to think that Silva will pitch better anywhere else than he would in Chicago — other than sending him to a pitcher’s park. And the teams reportedly scouting Silva don’t play in pitcher’s parks.
I know what you’re thinking, Al. Silva was good with Rothschild last year, so maybe the Yankees would look at him. I’m sorry, but I don’t think Brian Cashman would acquire a pitcher who’s performance against the Red Sox and the Rays would be endless fodder for tabloid headlines.
You and I have disagreed on this kind of thinking before: The Cubs are 15 out in June, but the Astros came back from that kind of deficit in 2005! The problem with that is that there might be nothing about the Cubs when they’re 15 games back that is similar to the 2005 Astros (or the 2003 Marlins). Same with the Silva situation now and the Bradley situation after 2009.
Oh, and the Burrell logic doesn’t follow. The Giants signed him to a non-guaranteed minor league contract. Why? Because the Rays couldn’t find anyone to take him. My guess is that Silva could get picked up in a similar manner — but I don’t see any way a team will pay more for Silva than the league minimum.
Should Silva surprise us all and pitch well for two months … then maybe somebody would take him. But the whole reason we’re grasping at straws is because we know the chances that he’ll pitch well for two months are extremely low.
Yeah, this is probably true.
So. What do you do with him if he sucks in his next outing?
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I'd probably waive him, honestly.
There is one thing I’ve been kicking around the past couple days, though: Would Cashner be more valuable in the pen than as the fifth starter. After Marmol-Marshall-Wood, I’m not that hopeful about the pen. A bad pen — and a lot of blown leads early — can have a bad effect on momentum.
If the Cubs think Silva as the fifth starter and Cashner as the No. 3 righty in the pen would honestly be the best thing for the team, as opposed to Cashner as the No. 5 starter and Shark as the No. 3 righty reliever, maybe Silva in the rotation to start the year won’t be a disaster. I kind of think it will be, but I am a little worried about Daycare Bullpen 2 in 2011.
But maybe that’s the kind of thinking that put Z in the pen. I don’t know. What I do know is that Carlos Silva will be damn near impossible to trade until he puts four or five good outings together. My guess is that he’s starting April 5 against the Diamondbacks, and I’m really hoping the wind will be blowing in.
Milton Bradley put up those numbers in an extreme hitters park.
no one should have thought that a move to cavernous SAFECO would have done him any good.
"What do you think, I just dunked my whole career?" Jordan asked Henderson after making a 3.
"You’ve got to miss eventually," Henderson told him.
"That’s what Cleveland said," replied Jordan
He hit pretty well in Oakland.
That was a pitchers’ park. And if OBP is your biggest weapon, the size of the stadium is less important, isn’t it?
He did it in Oakland for less than a season.
He never had impressive plate command, and it was clear that he was losing his grasp on the strike zone during his season in Cubbie blue.
That was a I HOPE THIS WORKS move rather than a prudent “his OBP is high!” move.
I’d rather get fast line drive guys that walk in that park…
"What do you think, I just dunked my whole career?" Jordan asked Henderson after making a 3.
"You’ve got to miss eventually," Henderson told him.
"That’s what Cleveland said," replied Jordan
Well, maybe.
But there was also the fact that Mariners were desperate to ditch Silva.
Because the Cubs...
don’t want to eat millions of dollars in hopes that he can improve his value?
You’re usually one of the more level headed posters on here, but your stance on this is absurd.
Hey remember when Lou Pinella quit on the team last year?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
The Cubs are in a tight spot here...
If they keep him and he sucks, the money is wasted…
If they keep him and his health goes south like last year, the money is wasted…
The only good out come is if A.) He pitches well and B.) He can stay healthy
Now as someone else mentioned earlier he’s a professional athelete and there
are certain physical requirements… In shape and able to do his joke well…
So at this point if I was management I’d pull him into a meeting and tell him
from this point on he is going to be working with the team nutritionist and
the trainers to get his weight down and get in shape.
If he balks at that requirement he gets released right then and there…
I’d also have Cashner in AAA stretching out and ready for a call up if/when
Silva pitches lousy and gets released or he breaks down and is out of action
R.I.P. Ronnie Santo... you will be missed...
If it were a different team
different situation then I would have to send Silva somewhere else, release him, anything just to get him off the team. Given what the Cubs have, I would say that they need to let Silva get at least 2 or 3 starts in as the 5th man in the rotation. In the meantime you send Cashner to Iowa to get stretched out a little more. If Silva has not done well then you might release him, move him to the bp, or trade him. If Silva does well then you obviously keep him or trade him when his value increases. Cashner will always be around to be called up in place for Silva. Besides what will it hurt if Cashner stays in Iowa 1 or 2 more months if Silva is pitching well? Nothing. If anything he will be able to throw more pitches in a game and could be more dependable.
I’ll use this senario though. What if you have Looper in the pen as the long man and he sucks it up? Then IMO you send Silva to the pen in place of Looper, release Looper, and put Cashner in place of Silva as the 5th guy. If Looper does well as the long man then you keep Cashner in Iowa as the 6th guy and wait for someone to either get injured, traded, or just do poorly. Everyone will be able to tell how Silva will compete for the rest of the year after 2 or 3 starts. I think everyone needs to respect the guy, let him compete, and let it be his job to lose.
by alabamacubbie on Mar 23, 2011 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I'll split a hair over baggage
He doesn’t have any extreme baggage? How about the fact that the guy’s season ended last year because of heart problems and the slob can’t even put the fork down long enough to lose weight before spring training. How about his problems in Seattle, when he called out his teammates lackluster play while he was sporting an ERA over 6 or his incident with Aram at the beginning of camp.
by troutfishin on Mar 23, 2011 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
By today’s standards that isn’t extreme baggage, which is what I said. And, even if he had done a Miguel Cabrera this Spring he’d still get the 5th spot. Yeah, he’s overweight. We know that. The Cubs can’t force him to lose weight. As far as I know there is nothing in his existing contract to do this. They are stuck owing him a lot of money. What the Cubs will do is start the season with him on the 25 man roster and hope for the best. I hope they let Cashner start the season in Des Moines so he can be ready to go. No team can expect to go a whole season without a starter going down for a few games. And, if the Cubs are lucky maybe they can trade Silva for salary relief if he looks decent in the early part of the year. If you can split the salary out between three teams I’d be all for that trade.
That's a lot of if's
you make a good argument for non-guaranteed contracts.
by troutfishin on Mar 23, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd be with you on non-guaranteed contracts.
But since we have them, the Cubs have to try to make the best of this bad situation.
He’ll start again, likely on Monday vs. the Indians. If he’s bad then, what happens? If he’s good, what happens?
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I'll tell you what happens...Hendry will do what he was always going to do in the first place...
flip a coin…and if it’s heads he’ll put Silva on the active roster and tell Quade to put him in the rotation as the 5th starter, and if it’s tails he’ll do the same thing but he’ll also order two large supreme pizzas and he and Silva will have a pizza eating race on the last day of camp.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 23, 2011 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
hehehe
"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
Niiiice
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 24, 2011 7:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Is it possible that you could be nice just once here?
I’m still waiting.
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Using your "Carlos Silva Logic", If I'm nice ONCE....
will that make up for all the times I’ve been mean?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 24, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
You know that's not a reasonable analogy.
But since you asked, in your case the answer is “no”.
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you ride the Silva train
as long as it holds up, then you get a ticket for another train. This isn’t rocket science.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
Well that train may not leave the station
by troutfishin on Mar 23, 2011 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions
oh, he'll get at least a few starts.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2011 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions
And that is why the people who run this team are almost as silly as the fans that think they should get to keep running the team.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 23, 2011 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Isn't the definition of insanity ...
doing the same thing that has failed over and over?
Why even dump Silva at all? We could get value out of him.
Value as a starter… or value as a trade piece.
However… we get zero value for him, if we just flat out eat his salary, which was what everyone wanted to do after the so called “fight” earlier in the spring.
Build him up… and move him at the right time.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
I'm telling you ...
no one will look at ONE good start after three terrible ones and take this guy on.
Best case scenario for silva
His next game in at he pitches great. Goes north and goes 3-0, and the yanks take on his contract. We bring up cash, and he goes something like 8-8! Very wishful thinking!
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