Killer C's: Starlin Castro, Casey Coleman Lead Cubs Over Rockies
by Al Yellon on Apr 17, 2011 7:45 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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Well, look at that.
The Cubs now go into Sunday's game with a chance to actually win a series over the Rockies in Denver for the first time since August 3-5, 2004, when they swept a three-game set. The recent bad performance by the Cubs in Denver is unusual -- they're 7-14 there since '04. When the Rockies franchise was first created, the Cubs actually played them better at Coors Field than at Wrigley Field; they went 23-19 there from 1995 through 2004.
Saturday night, Starlin Castro had a career-high-matching four hits, including his first home run of the season, and the Cubs beat the Rockies 8-3, exploding for a season high 17 hits and evening up the team record at 7-7. Castro's big night raised his batting average to .397, which, pending the end of Saturday's Cardinals/Dodgers game, will rank either fourth or fifth in the National League. Casey Coleman went into the sixth inning and allowed just one run before being taken out as a precaution after a line drive went off his leg. It ended a seven-game Rockies winning streak and was the first Colorado loss of the season in nine innings (their previous two defeats were both in extra innings).
Even more miraculous, Koyie Hill had his first hit of the season -- a beautifully placed bunt. Hill later scored on Castro's home run. Coleman also had a hit and it strikes me that perhaps he could fill the old Jason Marquis role on the team, being able to pinch-run and maybe pinch-hit once in a while if needed.
Len & Bob spent a fair amount of the telecast extolling the virtues of fried Twinkies. You could probably gain weight just looking at one of those. But that's the kind of fun you can have when your team is winning. Alfonso Soriano also homered Saturday night, his fifth of the season; in all the major leagues, only Lance Berkman and the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki have more. And the Cubs have held "Tulo" down pretty well in this series; he did triple and score a run for Colorado in this game, but his home run streak was halted at four.
James Russell threw just two pitches on Saturday night, leading to speculation that Jeff Samardzija will be the individual starting the "College of Pitchers" when it goes Tuesday night against the Padres at Wrigley Field. But two pitches shouldn't rule Russell out, either, nor should it be felt that management couldn't come to its senses and put an actual starting pitcher on the mound on Tuesday evening. Who should that be? Does it matter? The Rockies need a starter on Sunday and they're starting Alan Johnson, a seven-year minor league veteran who has made 148 minor league starts without even sniffing a September callup and who hasn't posted an ERA under 5 since 2007. Why not just throw a dart at the Triple-A Iowa rotation and call up whoever's chosen?
Oh, and one more thing. Jason Giambi is 40. He looks a lot older. He can still hit, but he's a statue in the field.
Anyway, with Ryan Dempster going Sunday, this gives the Cubs a decent shot at winning the series (caveat: the Cubs' history when seeing pitchers like Alan Johnson who they've never seen before), which would also give them a winning road trip and two consecutive winning series. Nothing wrong with that. Sunday's game preview will be up at 12 noon CDT.
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CASTRO FOR PRESIDENT!
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
by Reddevil on Apr 16, 2011 10:33 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Fastest post-game recap ever!
Cheers, Al
GO CUBS!
Meet Keith Moreland! Click here for more information or email me!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
And wow I did not realize that the Cubs hadn't taken a series from the
Rox in Col since 04
Yikes
Meet Keith Moreland! Click here for more information or email me!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Fastest recap ever, Al?
Coleman is continuing what he started last season. I think he can be an entirely serviceable No. 5.
And Castro … what can you say. Kid’s gonna be a star, methinks.
So much for the pregame predictions of doom. We’ll see about tomorrow.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 10:41 PM CDT reply actions
After this, Coleman really has to stick with the Cubs after Wells and Cashner come back
Getting work in is all well and good, but he is clearly better than at least a couple of guys who have been in the bullpen.
the colorado rockies are the best at hitting other team's pitchers
With Derrick Rose on the other team, no. It’s like a crazy stalker ex-girlfriend. Everytime you tell her you don’t want to talk to her, she’ll show up at your door again. ~Danny Granger
by jesus christos on Apr 16, 2011 10:41 PM CDT reply actions
What a nice win that was
Scored a lot of runs and a nice stress-free 9th inning, I would like more of these please.
Also, you’re right Al, Giambi looks closer to 50 than 40.
The gray beard
doesn’t help. He needs to hook up with Walt Frazier and Keith Hernandez and get himself some Just For Men. He looked horrible on that ground ball by Dewitt that got by him.
I hope you just died a little inside
I know I did.
"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
i really like what im seeing out of this team...
im not just saying this by being a prisoner of the moment either…
i mean that…i like the attitude, and the “want-to” factor of these guys. they seem to play for the team, rather than themselves
I just want to win...
The other day I was searching for "positives"
Nice that I’d have to search for negatives after tonite! If it wasn’t for our past history of making debut pitchers look like Cy Young…I’d be excited about tomorrow! Demp is due though.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
and SORI deserves some serious props for his start to this season!!
I just want to win...
by bilbosbuttons on Apr 16, 2011 10:47 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
True that!
(and I’m guilty of some Soriano griping in the past!)
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've been pleasantly surprised by Soriano
I thought he would rebound somewhat, but he’s been stronger than I thought.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Soriano is doing his share
so far. I think he is easy to criticize because he is so frustrating to watch at times. Hit a home run in one at bat and then swing at three sliders in the dirt to K the next time up. He’s feast or famine and very streaky. He does look much better than last year so far.
Except for the fact that like Giambi,
“He’s a statue in the field.”
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Don't forget
the nice play by Pena with the sliding stop.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Apr 17, 2011 7:59 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
except he's not
he’s made several running plays this year so far. He’s even diving for the ball on occasion.
He’s not the all-star he used to be, but he’s proving he deserves to be in the starting lineup.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 17, 2011 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe "statue" is a bit strong
But Soriano is still an extremely horrible defensive player and I think that’s the point of the comment as much as anything else.
That being said, I’m very happy with the start that Soriano has had. He’s a good dude and good teammate. I hope that this continues so that the Cubs could trade him to the AL where he wouldn’t have to play defense. That would allow him to concentrate on his offense and finish his career well.
by jerry morales rules on Apr 17, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
If he keeps hitting homeruns like this he will be an all star.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 17, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
He's essentially a DH who's just good enough at the plate that his brutal fielding are offset by his offense.
He’s let balls go through his legs and fumbled one- and two-hop line drives. And my comments have nothing to do with his salary.
That said, runners wisely still won’t test his arm – he’s still got that going for him.
by stuartscottslefteye on Apr 17, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I did cringe at his tag-up with nobody out
I know he was trying to be aggressive with the pitcher coming up next (make the Rox think about a squeeze, maybe), but with Castro coming up after that I thought he should have held up.
But all in all, if Soriano hits 5-6 HR each month, he and the team will have a surprisingly good year. They have more than enough guys to substitute for defense in close games.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2011 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
He started last year well, also
But I think he wore down as he played every day and was dragging through the summer. When he cools down, Quade should give him a couple of games off to keep him fresher.
Not homerun wise, he didn't.
And his job on this team is to hit homeruns.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 17, 2011 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
And to not smile too widely on the 15th and last day of every month
by stuartscottslefteye on Apr 17, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
i was looking a little ahead...
looks like we could run into some rain at home monday and tuesday. If we get a postponement, that could really work out in our favor (as far as starting pitchers go), correct?
I just want to win...
Actually it could be messy
It would very likely mean a DH on Wed as the Padres do not come to Wrigley again and double headers for rainouts seem popular these days.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 17, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes, that's probably true
… as the Cubs have Thursday off, but the Padres don’t.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
They'd need rainouts on both Monday and Tuesday to save a starter
I don’t see that happening. The White Sox played yesterday in absolutely miserable conditions – it was snowing out in the western suburbs at the scheduled 3pm start time.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
The Sox did wait till it stopped raining, though.
If it rains hard enough that they can’t even start…
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Whoops.
Thought I fixed all of those while I was writing.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
The one thing that bothers me
is that starters need to go deeper into games. Would be nice if Dempster could pitch seven Sunday.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 10:54 PM CDT reply actions
Well, Quade might pitch him seven.
Whether he should or not.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
That's what I mean
It would be nice if he had some efficent innings and pitched into the seventh.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions
You would think that having Greg Maddux around
pitchers would gain that knowledge. Greg was the epitome of efficiency.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I don't think
Maddux has the ability to make pitchers throw fewer pitches, tho.
Demp’s having a rocky start. Hopefully he can settle down and the BABIP Gods will look on him favorably.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 17, 2011 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Two things.
Excellent defense by Barney and Pena today. Coleman can really run fast too.
But in regards of the pitcher(s) on Tuesday.. why in the world won’t the Cubs give Chris Carpenter a shot. If you want to use multiple pitchers, why not use Carpenter a couple of innings instead of Russell or Samardzija?
And does anyone know where the hell Jay Jackson is at?
Tyler Andrew Davis - Born 4.5.11
A Cub fan forever more... just like his dad.
carp is a reliever now and jjax is hurt
With Derrick Rose on the other team, no. It’s like a crazy stalker ex-girlfriend. Everytime you tell her you don’t want to talk to her, she’ll show up at your door again. ~Danny Granger
by jesus christos on Apr 16, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I know Carpenter is a reliever
but so is James Russell. Even moreso than Carpenter.
Tyler Andrew Davis - Born 4.5.11
A Cub fan forever more... just like his dad.
i personally believe
the cubs should stop shuttling pitchers with actual talent between the BP and rotation
With Derrick Rose on the other team, no. It’s like a crazy stalker ex-girlfriend. Everytime you tell her you don’t want to talk to her, she’ll show up at your door again. ~Danny Granger
by jesus christos on Apr 16, 2011 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions
This is a different situation than Spellcheck or Jay Jackson, etc...
Carp has had injury history, and has shown much more promise in the bullpen than as a starter. He could be up with the club this year and be a much needed power arm that can get some big outs.
Love games like tonights.
There is just not much more you can say about Starlin. The kid is money. Good job Casey too.
Hope they can get a win tomorrow.
I don't always block shots, but when I do....I block yours.
Kyle Korver is open as soon as he gets out of his car at the UC. -
Stacey King
Nice game!!
Hey – Coleman sure answered the bell tonight!
KHill with a hit???!!!
You know things were going well!
Pena even had a couple singles!! OMG!
I am hoping Dempster can make it at least through the seventh with a low pitch count, and Quade finally learns to finally pull him before the game gets out of hand.
He would've beaten it out, had he run through the base
He made a bunny-hop. I think Blue called him out on principle.
"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
I am impressed with Barney
in the early going. Not too impressed with Grabow, send this guy down to AAA and make him earn his 5 mil by riding the bus
I hate to jinx this
But I swear every time I see Castro in the batter’s box, I think Jerome Walton.
Is it just me?
Okay, whew
It honestly is that batting stance – front leg out and step in as the pitch comes in
Less jewelry...
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
I hate to be...
the guy that brings up a negative in an all around great game, but man does John Grabow stink. Warning track fly out, followed by a walk and a HR, and then two more walks. His ERA is now over 10 and his WHIP is approaching 3 (!!). The guy just quite simply cannot get people out. Between him and Samardzija, our middle relief might be the absolute worst in baseball. Which is a shame, because the back end of the pen might be one of the best when the season is all wrapped up.
I don't know what Grabow's deal is
His last few seasons in Pittsburgh were fine, and he did a decent job here in 2009. Unless his knee still is a problem, but it shouldn’t be by this point.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions
He never was very good even in Pittsburgh
His lifetime WHIP is 1.48. Another brilliant Hendry move.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Grabow Grabow Grabow
What about Sori trying to tag and advance to third and getting beat by 10 feet? Or Dome not tagging and advancing on the same play? Kind of a head-scratcher there.
"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
I think Soriano can be excused
Fowler had to make a good throw to get him. With the pitcher batting next, they probably figured if Sori could get to third and Coleman gets a fly ball or makes other contact, they could get a run.
Dome I have no explanation for.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
This.
It took a near perfect throw to get him, and as you said, the pitcher was coming up, and if he’s safe he could score if Coleman makes contact, if not, Coleman is retired and the next inning starts with the top of the order.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 17, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Understand the reasoning, but
With Castro batting leadoff and Coleman showing he actually can get on base more than Hill, I’d have rather taken my chances with Starlin coming up with two on and two out.
Still, I like the aggressiveness on Soriano’s part – he’s actually paying attention.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Soriano is secretly 45 years old and can't run anymore.
In an ideal world, he’d be a DH.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
You obviously haven't seen Will Ohman pitch this season.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
You're right about that.
Grabow’s horrendous inning gave the Rockies the chance they needed to get back into the game. What exactly his problem is, I have no idea. But you’re right … he was horrific last year, and he’s been terrible again this year.
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 Apr 17, 2011 7:39 AM CDT up reply actions
He enever was any good.
His lifetime WHIP is 1.48. Go back to 2009, he walked 40 in 72 innings.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Cubs now 2-0 when Koyie Hill starts.
Sorry but it had to be said.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 16, 2011 11:10 PM CDT reply actions
This is almost a more beautiful feeling than
looking at pictures of Emma Watson.
"Keep pushin' til' it's understood. And these badlands start treating us good."
She's also
old enough to be my daughter.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Dude..
Inappropriate comment of the night award there.
LOL
She’s old enough to be my daughter, but she isn’t. So I guess it’s OK. :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
That's like a Starlin Castro grand slam to win the pennant
That is
"Keep pushin' til' it's understood. And these badlands start treating us good."
At least she wasn't 'going commando.'
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Just one less guy in my way
"Keep pushin' til' it's understood. And these badlands start treating us good."
In other news, Superman Fuld went O for 3 today and is now batting .341.
Not too shabby.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
Define just missed?
Like a foot short?
Or 350 feet short?
Bounced just below
the top of the wall in the power alley in left.
Predictably, Theriot was out trying to stretch it into a triple.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
He's actually batting .311 but I still don't miss him.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
Ill take
Ill take Barney the dinosaur or Barney Fife or Barney Rubble over Theriot along with young Darwin.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Apr 16, 2011 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions
He also has 4 errors at SS
to go with a weak arm, average range and no power at the plate. And he’s making a couple million to do this. Enjoy Redbirds.
Did he get a cookie was not able to do anything with it?
One of the more irritating Hawkisms
by stuartscottslefteye on Apr 17, 2011 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
It is a huge W
as Cubs had both good offense and defense . Rockies have a good club this year . This is their first loss in a 9 inning game .
James Russell will start Tuesday against the Padres.
The Cubs were deciding between Russell and Jeff Samardzija for the opening, and it sure says something about the club’s confidence in Samardzija that he wasn’t picked. Russell made a relief appearance on Saturday night but is still getting the call.
Source: Carrie Muskat on Twitter
Samardzija never will amount to anything
unless he develops another pitch. I’m assuming the Cubs are trying to get him to do that but it isn’t succeeding.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 16, 2011 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I say it is totally Chicago sports that the 2nd best wide receiver on a Chicago roster is a Cubs pitcher who stinks at pitching.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Apr 16, 2011 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Do the Bears have anyone capable of throwing middle relief?
Maybe we could do an inter-league trade…
Maybe we could convince Pittsburgh to take him then!
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Apr 16, 2011 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
This sucks.
As does Russell. Why can’t the Cubs just call up Ramon Ortiz already and actually start someone who can give us 5 innings?
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Given that it's the Padres
and they have Orlando Hudson batting 3rd, I’m not too worried about the marginal differences between James Russell and the corpse of Ramon Ortiz.
Now if they had Ramon Martinez or Junior Ortiz, I’d say bring them up.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2011 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Haha,
Ramon E. Ortiz? The master of the sac-fly? And I haven’t heard or seen a Junior Ortiz reference in years, well played. I think I still have his 1991 Donruss card somewhere.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Laugh at Junior Ortiz if you will.
But the man has a World Series ring.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
The perils of early write-ups
And the Cubs have held “Tulo” down pretty well in this series; he did triple and score the only run for Colorado in this game, but his home run streak was halted at four.</blockquote
"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
And I see it's already been covered
"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
And....
…. I fixed it. I had a couple other things like that as I was writing. Missed that one.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Never let it be said that BCB's ombudsman is asleep at the wheel
"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
I don't think MLB will make this rule
effective until after the end of the season. They don’t like implementing new rules during the season, however, they did implement replays mid-season. At least there is a chance!
Castro rules!
And Coleman is a quality arm.
Was forced to watch this game on the Rockies broadcast… flat out horrible. They show more camera shots of the fans and concessions and the ballpark, than they do of actual game itself.
"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)
by SackMan on Apr 16, 2011 11:29 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Well, as far as production values
go – and Al will attest to this – Denver is still bush leagues.
Small market look, and small market talent.
Can’t hold a candle to LA, Chi or NY.
Geeze, and if they are doing backdrop shots, they do have the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains to work with
Fans and concession? Please….
Today
Today in the afternoon I saw a star continue to rise as he is already a star in Derrick Rose.
And tonight we’re watching a star being born in Castro.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Apr 16, 2011 11:51 PM CDT reply actions
Anyone like me
Anyone like me not necessarily all that happy with how the season has gone so far but not really unhappy either?
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Apr 16, 2011 11:55 PM CDT reply actions
I'm kind of 50-50 on it
"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
Which is what we pretty much figured this team will be
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Ive been behind for a couple of days
Was involved in a wedding last night so am behind on news.
Anything new on Cashner or Wells? Hope at least one comes back very soon as I think Coleman can hold the fort down capably for one spot.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Apr 16, 2011 11:59 PM CDT reply actions
Trying to stay away from politics
But a quick thought – please keep a wonderful lady, Chicago’s first lady Maggie Daley in your prayers. No matter how you feel about the Mayor Maggie is one of the finest people I have ever met.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Apr 17, 2011 12:10 AM CDT reply actions
Fun game to listen to tonight
I wish we had most of a team full of Castros and Barneys with a Pujols thrown in for good measure. Oh, and find somewhere to hide Grabow.
I have PMS & a GPS -- which means -- I am a bitch, and I will find you.
by cub in louies nest on Apr 17, 2011 12:57 AM CDT reply actions
one minute
this team looks flat and lifeless. the next they look like playoff contenders.if this team ever jells watch out. and how lucky did we get with castro? no wonder they kicked theriots ass out of town.looks like we found a nice 1-2 punch up top.and like i said before if you score coleman some runs you have a good chance of winning. now where to play jeff baker?we know dewitt is in no mans land. do we even have room for him?
Impressive outing by Coleman...
….I’m liking this kid more and more.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
One thing.
I know people will harp on Grabow’s ERA, but the Cubs hammered one of the better middle relievers in baseball, Felipe Paulino. Paulino’s ERA last night went from 1.59 to 9.00 as a result of all the Cubs runs scored.
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 Apr 17, 2011 7:40 AM CDT reply actions
ERA's jump up/down by significant numbers early in a season...
…Paulino’s only thrown 6 innings, so a 1.59 ERA isn’t as nearly impressive after only 5.2 innings, as say, in July when a bad outing won’t jump up your ERA by 7.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Apr 17, 2011 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
great game to see
Coleman very encouraging, offense clicked, anytime you can beat a good team on the road is impressive.
On side note — come on VCF, grabow is terrible.
Page up.
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 Apr 17, 2011 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions
...
You’re right about that.
Grabow’s horrendous inning gave the Rockies the chance they needed to get back into the game. What exactly his problem is, I have no idea. But you’re right … he was horrific last year, and he’s been terrible again this year.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 17, 2011 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve edited this to remove the sig line in that comment, but it’s earlier in this thread.
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 Apr 17, 2011 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Play of the game was Tulo popping up a 3-0 pitch that was right down main street.
The rest of the game was a thing of beauty. I’ve lived in Denver for 25+ years now and I just can’t stand the Rockies. Coors Field is a nice place to see a game, but I BCB, baby!
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Coleman>Cashner
great game, the Cubs played a sweet game of baseball last night. It was fun to watch :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
why not say ba-bye to Shark and Grabow and put Cash back in the bullpen?
…or is that silly?
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Apr 17, 2011 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Cashner has a ceiling of a 2, Coleman is likely a 5, maybe a 4.
The best situation is if Cash is healthy to start him for about 130 innings and then move him to the pen to limit his innings. At that time, have Coleman come up and finish off as the 5 starter.
I'd rather have Cashner start.
He’s got a much higher cieling than Cashner, let’s see if he can develop into a front-line starter.
If Cashner's shoulder is OK, he really needs to start
Time to fish or cut bait with him. If he can’t get through a lineup enough times, then bullpen.
I only followed the game in the game thread and on Twitter
but it was pretty clear our boys in blue had the mojo going last night. This is going to be a roller coaster year, for sure.
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
More like that one please
Good game all around. Cubs actually engaging in situational hitting…Coleman making big pitches when he had to…even Quade’s bullpen management wasn’t the trainwreck it usually is. And what can you say about Castro other than, could it actually be, that the Cubs finally have a prospect who might actually live up to (or even exceed) expectations?
As for Coleman: he doesn’t come with the high expectations of Cashner but, from what I’ve seen so far, I think he’ll be fine as a fifth starter for the time being.
I'm still pessimistic about this team.
But I’ll say two things that are optimistic:
1) The Cubs are better this year because of the continued development of Castro — and he makes the team a helluva lot more fun to watch.
2) This team has more pluck than the 2010 squad. I don’t see the April 2010 Cubs coming back after a CG shutout in Denver and scoring 8 runs.
yep. Point 2 is the key. 2010 was a painful, frustrating year to watch.
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
If we can hang around .500 until Cashner and Wells come back ...
and IF they’re effective when they return and IF the top three can be better, well, we might have something.
The offense needs a little oomph from somebody who’s not currently providing it — or somebody who’s not currently on the roster.
Right field is probably the place.
If the Cubs are in it in July/August, I bet they try to deal Colvin and prospects for a right fielder.
Colvin has plenty of time to turn it around.
Although, I can’t believe he still swing at those sliders moving away from him. Strikes him out EVERY TIME!
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 17, 2011 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm a big Colvin fan.
I see him as being a key to 2011. We know Kosuke’s upside. We don’t really know Colvin’s. Granted, the first two-plus weeks haven’t been kind to Colvin, but if he emerges … well, this team could be interesting.
I'm afraid Colvin's start of 2011 has looked like his end of 2010
He needs to make adjustments to the league, because the pitchers have adjusted to him.
Minor complaint
Why was Marmol in there in an 8-3 game? I thought for sure, with an ealry game today, that Mateo would get the ninth. If Marmol is needed today, and has poor control, I’ll point to last night.
Other than that, wicked game!
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Apr 17, 2011 9:30 AM CDT reply actions
He hadn't pitched since Wednesday
He threw 21 pitches last night – not a little, but not a lot, either. I think he’d be available today, if necessary. I agree, though – by all means, warm him up, but send Mateo out there to start the 9th. It seemed more like a cruise-control reaction by Riggs and Q:. “Marshall-Wood-Marmol, that’s how it’s supposed to go, right? We tried to get Grabow some work, but that blew up, so let’s stick to the known commodities.”
Bob made an interesting comment about one of Marmol’s sliders that didn’t slide – he said at that point that the pitch looked like a change-up. I really, really want Marmol to develop a change-up at some point, because if batters start laying off sliders to sit on fastballs (as has happened in the past), a change could become the deadliest pitch in his arsenal.
"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
Question-
if by the trade deadline Soriano has 21 homers and Zambrano has 8 wins, will the Cubs be able to move either/ both to the Yankees who may need both by then? Furthermore, if the Cubs are still remotely in the division or wild card race, would JH move either/ both if presented with the option? My blustery Sunday Morning dream.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
Would JH
pull the trigger if the Cubs are w/in 4 games of the division lead?
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
doubt it.
That’s acquisition time, not divestment time.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 17, 2011 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Depends on how many teams are in front of them.
Also, whether they have a shot at the Wild Card.
Here's my thinking.
If the Cubs are 4 out but in fourth place, out of the WC hunt and under .500, I wonder if Ricketts would keep Hendry from adding rather than subtracting. I know I might if I were Ricketts.
Does attendance at Wrigley
play a role in the decision making at that time?
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
Yes.
My guess is that a sub-.500 team that’s four out won’t be drawing many fans. If the crowds are small anyway, I doubt Ricketts will want to double-down.
If the crowds look good, and the Cubs are pulling a 2007, I could see him tripling down.
I wonder who they
would triple down for? This is where the 100 years drought really hurts them. This is a team that should sell, especially the unmovables if possible, but can’t necessarily b/c of what it implies to the fanbase.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
Corner outfielder with a power.
MAYBE a starter
Shoot, Werth could be on the market
I don’t think that is a smart move, but it would be all Hendry….
If they're in it, they shouldn't sell
That would send a terrible message. And it also wouldn’t be the right thing to do. Take advantage of those things when you can.
If they are out of it by double digits at the deadline, then you sell.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 17, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Great win
I guess this is why the Cubs are 7-7, look great one day and look bad the next. Lets hope Colvin and Pena will start to hit and join the rest.
This team has some hope. Starters must get better and I believe that will happen.
I just like Casey Coleman, not overwhelming stuff, but can pitch. Constant movement on all pitches. Hope they find a spot for him when Cash and Wells come back.
I think this is what you get with a team composed of guys who are at the ends or beginnings of their careers
Without a lot of mid-career leaders. Feast or famine…..
Pretty much defines a retooling year
75-80 wins, with a roster of young promising guys mixed in with serviceable veterans and warm bodies.
The guy who's really been a disappointment ...
is Soto. This is his fourth season (not counting callups before 2008). He’s mid-career and should be more of a contributor than he has been. And I don’t think this is an issue of Quade messing up by not hitting him high enough.
Soto is the mid-career guy who should be helping to lead the team.
Instead, Soto looks TERRIBLE with RISP, and he’s basically looked terrible across the board. I like Geo, but I don’t get what the heck is going on with him.
Slumping to start the season?
Or maybe he just doesn’t play well on odd-numbered years? I dunno…
"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
I don't think he does well in RBI situatons.
IIRC, Soto’s OPS with RISP is consistently lower than his regular OPS. I think Lou and now Quade have figured this out, which is why (rightly or wrongly) they bat him low in the order.
Soto
unlike Castro, Barney, and even Sori, Soto has tried to pull everything- especially w/ runners in scoring position.
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
Coleman, Barney and Castro
Coleman looks like a very good 12th pitcher to have on the team. He works the plate and his strength, provides game situational advantages, when Wells and Cashner return someone needs to go.
Barney is not a starter but is a good platoon/utility IF’er and somehow makes things happen offensively.
Castro is natural—-to bad Cubs don’t have a Sandburg or Bowa around to tutor him on defense, game situations—-he is an extraordinary talent, far more than people realize—-reminds me of a young Yount, simply above his competition at a very young age.
Funny how Soriano is settling in to his role in the 6th hole.
Big game today for early season locker room…win a road series and road trip…beat a first place team—-go Dempster give us 7 full innings!
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
They have DeJesus to tutor Castro on defense
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Apr 17, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree to some extent
I like Barney more than you. I want to see what 500 AB’s can do with him before we label him " Utility player"
Starlin Castro makes watching Cubs baseball fun
He is really really good at baseball. His upside may be Hanley he’s that good. The only flaw I can think of right now is the fact that he needs to take a walk, as he swings at virtually anything thrown up there. But his contact skills are incredible.
by Bad Midget on Apr 17, 2011 11:33 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Actually, he did pretty well at taking some pitches last night.
If he’d learn to walk, he’d be one of the best players in the game.
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"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
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