James Russell Leads Cubs To 4-3 Defeat By Rockies
by Al Yellon on Apr 27, 2011 7:30 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintWhat's been happening with the Cubs regarding the fifth starter position since Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner went down with injuries doesn't make sense on any level.
If you think the Cubs still have a chance in a weak NL Central -- and I'm among those, considering the Cubs are only two games behind the first-place Brewers, even as badly as they've played -- giving a game away every fifth day by starting a pitcher who can't give you more than four innings makes no sense whatsoever.
If you think this is a transition or rebuilding year, starting a pitcher who was not good at starting in the minor leagues and whose development as a situational lefthander might be stunted by starting him also makes no sense whatsoever.
Three starts by James Russell. 9.2 innings pitched. 18 hits, four walks, and six home runs allowed, and an 11.17 ERA. (That's a 2.275 WHIP, if you're keeping track.) This not only screws up your bullpen on the day that he starts -- because for the third time, the pen has had to go at least five innings -- but it messes it up for the next day, too. The scorecard looks like it would on a split-squad spring training day.
The headline isn't technically correct. It's not really Russell's fault -- he's not going out there trying to fail. It's Jim Hendry and Mike Quade's fault, because they should have understood, as it seems just about every other observer of the situation does, that someone who's actually qualified as a starter should have started these three games.
It seems as if three home runs is the limit for Quade; this is the second time Russell has now been yanked after the third dinger. Watch for those two claps Quade makes as he trudges up the mound to take his pitcher out. (It's not only Russell who appears to have that limit; Ryan Dempster also looks like he's on a three-homer limit, by which time his starts are almost irretrievably lost.)
The Cubs lost to the Rockies 4-3 Tuesday night, and for once, don't blame the bullpen. In fact, the pen is starting to look like a strength, while the rotation is in tatters -- that's exactly the reverse of what we thought when the season began. Last night, after Russell's failure, four relievers kept the Cubs in the game by throwing five shutout innings and giving up only four hits (and no walks) and striking out four. Props to Justin Berg, Sean Marshall, Kerry Wood and John Grabow for a job well done.
But the Cubs offense, for the second straight night, took a first-inning lead and then died. From the second through the eighth inning, the Cubs managed just six baserunners and only four hits, all singles (the other two runners were on a hit batsman and dropped third strike). Only one runner, Starlin Castro, made it past first base during that time, on an oddly uncontested steal of second base in the second inning. Alfonso Soriano woke up the remains of the crowd in the ninth with his seventh homer of the season, which landed about eight rows below us in the left field corner, but that was it off Huston Street, who posted his MLB-leading ninth save.
The announced crowd of 38,261 again included at least 20,000 -- and maybe closer to 25,000 -- no-shows, and even most of the 13,000-18,000 who showed up departed around 9 p.m. to watch the Blackhawks game on a night that originally threatened rain, but instead wound up seasonably cool (temperatures in the 50s) and not as windy as it appeared at first. None of the Rockies' three homers were wind-aided, but as pointed out on Twitter last night by Bruce Miles, that didn't even necessarily matter last night:
This is third game wind has blown out at Wrigley. Opposition now has 7 HR in those games. #Cubs have 0.
That cannot stand if the Cubs hope to win games. The Rockies are a very good team -- probably the best in the National League -- but the Cubs hung with them. Hanging with them, obviously, isn't enough, but they would have given themselves a better chance with an actual starting pitcher. There are some hints in this cubs.com game recap that maybe they'll do that next time. Jay Jackson. Austin Bibens-Dirkx. (Oh, how I'd love to write that name on a scorecard.) The still-being-stretched-out Doug Davis. Even Thomas Diamond or Ramon Ortiz. Seriously, anyone who's stretched out and capable of starting. Please, stop giving away games, Mike Quade, just as you said after Monday's loss:
"If you're going to get beat, you at least would not like to gift wrap the [darn] thing for the opposition," Cubs manager Mike Quade said.
This afternoon's -- all together now, "weather permitting" -- game preview will post at 11:30 a.m. CDT.
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Perfect recap, as always, Al
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I really enjoyed the preview.
Found it more entertaining than the game.
♪♫ It’s a beautiful day for the ladies, so throw all your dishes away. ♫♪
i do enjoy Al's Recap's
living in nashville, I dont get to see the game unless it’s on WGN…so it helps to know what happened without the tribune or cubs.com blowing smoke. also i read the recap to know what people are going to be arguing about when i get to the comments.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Now 3-8 against teams with a .500 record or better.
The main reason I think this team has zero shot of winning anything
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
There are only five teams in the NL with a winning record.
Two others are at .500. This is a league full of flawed teams. In the NL Central, yes, this team still has a chance.
But they have to stop starting James Russell.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
and 5 of those 11 games
are against one of the best in the league…hopefully as the weather warms the bats can warm as well and our offense can actually do something…wait this sounds awfully familiar…
Hey Hey! Is that you posting from the grave, Jack Brickhouse?
I ask because Brickhouse used to talk about the Cubs’ power hitters’ back muscles getting loose when the weather got warm. Even as a little kid I couldn’t understand why the other teams could hit when it was cold but the Cub hitters had especially weather-sensitive back muscles.
I disagree
This team has no chance. They’re not going to stop starting Russell.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
by Ace Venom on Apr 27, 2011 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
OK, if they have no chance...
… then why waste starts on someone who’s not a starter? Get a prospect up here, if that’s the case.
Like I said, this “experiment” makes no sense no matter how you feel about this team.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I never said Quade or Hendry were competent
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
found this Quade Gem today...
“One thing about Russell that I’ve seen that I hadn’t seen when he pitched out of the pen is when he makes a mistake, they don’t miss it very often,” Quade said.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Dear Mr. Quade...
…that is precisely the reason most relievers are not starters, they get exposed the more pitches they throw and when they go around the order the 2nd time.
This is baseball 101 and it has been this way for a long long time.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Oh jesus, he's dumber than I thought.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Or he's just saying dumb things in a bad effort to "be positive."
I know that’s not a much better scenario.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on Apr 27, 2011 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
how is that comment "positive"?
He’s basically saying “Russell isn’t as good a starter as I thought he’d be”
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm just saying that ...
Quade is trying to look for positives in his public statements about Russell. Chill, Nunya.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Ok, but that doesn't make any sense
what he said wasn’t a positive
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
It was his attempt to couch a negative, then.
I’m just saying I don’t think Mike Quade is so stupid to actually believe what he said about Russell is a positive. He’s grasping at straws in an attempt to back up one of his players.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I think you're trying to hard.
Because again, saying “Russell is worse as a starter than I thought he would be” isn’t backing his player up.
This kind of comment reminds me of when people in leadership positions think those they are talking to are as dumb as they are. They feel the need to explain why something went wrong, when everyone they are talking to already KNOWS why it went wrong. They believe they are the ones to crack a mystery no one else was having problems solving.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
You're putting words in Quade's mouth.
He’s saying, “He’s not as bad as the numbers imply. He’s made a couple of mistakes, but teams have really capitalized on those.”
But read it as you will…
Quade on Russell and 5th starter options...
Cubs manager Mike Quade said he wasn’t sure if Russell would get another start. He doesn’t have many options.
“They change every time someone makes a start somewhere else [in the Minors],” Quade said. "The options for me right here at home — you could do [Jeff] Samardzija. That’s something I’m really not interested in doing, but if we need to do it, we’ll do it. He’ll do anything we ask.
“You keep looking at the people in Triple-A and anybody who can give you length and quality, and if no one is ready to do that, then we’ll do something from within again,” Quade said. “I haven’t given it an ounce of thought.”
by shadyglennbeckert on Apr 27, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
good gawd...
"I haven’t given it an ounce of thought."
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
And people...
…gave Piniella a hard time for some of the things he said.
This is clearly a huge issue for this club right now, and he hasn’t given it an once of thought?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I guess...
…he should start giving it some thought, don’t ya think?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
And Pena Byrd Colvin and soto need to start doing
something, anything, maybe a semblance of an iota of offense.
In reality
James Russell just isn’t very good. It doesn’t matter what his role is or how he’s being handled…he just isn’t very good. If this team is to contend, they need better pitchers than him no matter if he’s brought in as a starter or to face just one guy.
Marlon Byrd cannot continue to be employed in the No. 3 spot in the batting order if this team has any hopes of drifting back towards .500. This team isn’t going to contend no matter what division it plays in…it just doesn’t have the offense to sustain reasonable winning streaks. But we know that already…we’ve seen this same version for the past three seasons now. But my goodness, Byrd not only doesn’t belong at No. 3 but he probably is at the end of the line as a MLB regular.
You can keep the faith only so long before reality sets in and determines for you that this club just isn’t very talented. .500 would probably be looked on as a modest accomplishment for the clear-headed although the salary structure sure will point to that goal as falling short. Either way, this team just doesn’t have the players to contend. It’s that simple.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Russell actually could be a useful LOOGY.
But he’s not being used that way, and starting him like this isn’t helping him develop in that role.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Russell is a decent pitcher
he did a decent job last night in a role he shouldnt be in…only 1 run through the first two innings and the 2nd was 1-2-3…if you keep him in the pen as a loogy he will do ok for a 5-6th bullpen option
Please, just give the Cubs ONE manager who understands numbers
As in, you don’t put 1-out relievers in as starters, or hitters with a .300 OBP and sub-.700 OPS in 3rd in a batting order.
The job of a starting pitcher is to keep your team in the ballgame and that's what Russell did...
Yes, Helton hit a bomb to CF, but he also hit an off-balance, one-handed, wind-aided HR off the end of the bat. I don’t blame Russell for that. I blame the Cubs offense for not being able to do squat after the first inning, even with the wind blowing out 600 mph to CF.
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Russell isn't the worst pitcher in the world.
No one thinks that, even though if you skim through what is said here — one would come to that conclusion. However, Russell just isn’t a starter. Yes, the first Helton HR was a cheap one, but regardless of the fact — Russell just isn’t suited to start for a major league team.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
There has to be changes
not only the the #5 starter spot but also to the lineups. As I’ve mentioned before — there is very little cohesiveness with this group of players. We cannot continue to have 0 power from our #3 and #4 hitters.
Maybe Brett Jackson can be a solution, but on the other hand, we still need run producers. I dunno what’s up with Ramirez, Pena, Soto, and Byrd in regards of power. Maybe this team needs to shift some parts because if we are going to be this anemic on offense, something has to be done.
Please either call Jay Jackson, Bibens-Dirkxs, or Dolis from the minors. This James Russell project needs to be over. NOW.
Tyler Andrew Davis - Born 4.5.11
A Cub fan forever more... just like his dad.
We've got Scott Moore down in AAA
I think he could provide better power than what we are getting from 1B right now.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Apr 27, 2011 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions
I think for now you have to
put Peña on the 15 day and send him to Mesa to relax and just start letting the ball come to him. Put Baker at 1b and let his hot streak run its course…
Sounds like a good plan.
Bring up Moore and let Baker be the main guy at 1B for a while.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Apr 27, 2011 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions
No chance that happens.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
absolutly
but doesnt mean it shouldnt happen…honestly, and I have said this before, I am beginning to think I could run the team better some times…
I think we all believe that.
But Pena needs to get some ABs and hopefully get out of this thing before it’s too late.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
I think he may be
starting to press some and having 0-fer days and no homers is only going to exacerbate(sp?) the situation. I think if you give him 2 weeks to just go, clear his head, take BP, rest and heal his thumb he will come back a better player…if not, you didnt lose anything
They should have done this 2 weeks ago
It continues to be amateur hour when it comes to the running of the Chicago Cubs.
I am a traveler of both time and space to be where I have been. Robert Plant 1975
Not if he is hurt
If his thumb is still bad, every AB just postpones the day he is healthy.
Please, God, let the Cubs get ONE person in management who has a clue!
I listened to the audio archive this morning - Kind of depressing.
After roughly 15% of the regular season played, I still think, with a dollop of luck, the Cubs have a real chance of sneaking into the playoffs. But I suppose I shouldn’t be (too) surprised if they end up in fourth or fifth place.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
well unfortunately
the guy that we were hoping to come back early is still having pain in his throwing arm…and when you have 3 guys who should be hitting 20-35 homers a piece failing to do much of anything its going to make for a long summer
Do not like
…still having pain in his throwing arm…
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Your talking about Wells?
I know Cashner said he feels fine but the team is just being extra cautious with him.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Cashner might beat him back.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Here it is
said that he felt good when he threw on the 18th but on Friday he felt a twinge…
the good news is that Cashner has no pain…
Anybody that can throw 90+ pitches
is a better option at this point. This experiment has to stop. As for the offense Marlon Byrd needs to hit in the 7th hole with Carlos Pena following him in the 8th hole if they have to be in the lineup. Right now I think Reed needs to start in CF against lefties at home since the outfield is smaller at Wrigley and Colvin can start CF against righties and let Fukudome get most of the time in RF with Reed maybe getting a spot start against lefties there if you want to play Byrd or Colvin in CF. Aramis needs to move to the 3 hole against lefties with Soriano & Soto in the 4 & 5 hole. I’m fine with Fukudome hitting in the 3 hole against righties and Aramis hitting 4th with Soriano & Soto following in any order.
by Cubsfan Waveland on Apr 27, 2011 8:01 AM CDT reply actions
Add Kevin Millwood to the guest list
read somewhere that he has an ‘out’ in his deal with the Yankees – if he’s not on the big league club by May 1, he’s free to look elsewhere. With Colon and Garcia pitching well, it comes down to Nova or Millwood. And supposedly Millwood’s looked good in his minor league starts, but obviously SSS and facing minor league talent has to be factored in.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Heard about him last night
reports are that he is only throwing 85mph right now. He still has a low ERA, for whatever that means.
We have to get somebody, because I think it will be a while before Wells or Cashner will be back.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Apr 27, 2011 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Rather give someone like Jay Jackson a shot.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Three games could decide this division, and Quade/Hendry are essentially throwing away these three games
There is honestly no one better than James Russell who can pitch 5 innings or more a game? Ridiculous. If this team were the Yankees, management would have been constantly criticitized in the media.
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
You're telling me that Chicago media is too soft on coaches and GMs?
That’s a new one.
"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
There's less pressure than their is in NYC.
Also, I was thinking the other day how Quade isn’t getting much attention — but I think that’s because the Hawks and Bulls are taking up the collective oxygen. Also, the Sox have been worse than the Cubs.
I did hear the guys on ESPN 1000 bad-mouthing Quade a bit yesterday.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Well, no more Hawks
And a middling-to-bad team ain’t much fun to talk about, I guess.
"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
That's right.
Quade isn’t doing things that are so objectionable/laughable that non-baseball geeks would care that much. We might be outraged by Russell starting, but if you’re doing a show for a broad-based audience …
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The NY papers would be skewering Quade and Hendry for the Russell experiment.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
For the most part...
…the media that have covered the Cubs have been soft on the critique of the club for several years. They have been especially soft on Hendry and the ownership without question.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Russell clearly isn't a good option.
But the Cubs didn’t lose last night because of him. They lost because this offense isn’t very good.
I am very concerned about the upcoming St. Louis and Cincinnati matchups. I would be less concerned if I thought James Russell wouldn’t be starting two of those games.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on Apr 27, 2011 8:15 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Was just going to say this
Russell is being made the scape goat when the real issue is the lack of offensive production. Two more runs and last night’s game is a win. Russell had a better outing than some of our real starting pitchers this year.
It's true about the offense.
But Russell gave up the lead after the offense scored two runs in the first inning. The starting pitcher did not give his team a chance to win the game. It’s really that simple, in all three games Russell has started.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Right.
Russell went 4 innings gave up 5 hits, 4 runs, walked 3 and struck out 4. If Garza did that this whole recap would be filled with comments about him being horrible and that he didn’t give the team a chance to win.
Fact of the matter .. the bullpen gave this team a chance to win. Sad that our offense didn’t take advantage of that.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
I think we're in agreement that James Russell is not worthy of starting.
In fact, I KNOW we’re in agreement. However, I’m far more worried about the offense, because this is gonna be the offense we have going forward, and Russell’s days in the rotation are limited, even if one more start is too many.
This team simply cannot compete for the NL Central if Byrd, Pena and Soto don’t get a lot better and if Ramirez (who’s been OK) doesn’t show some power. The only thing I have confidence in is that, once the weather warms up, Aramis will start hitting home runs.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I hope he (Ramirez) does.
More worried about Pena, Soto and Byrd.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
To me it looked like Soto was looking at the flags during his AB's
He had quite the uppercut going on last night.
He hit some balls hard.
But he just hasn’t hit for alot of power.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
As noted below ...
that seems to be a constant issue for Geo.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Of the three, I have more hope for Pena.
I could be WAY off on this, but Pena looks like he’s in a terrible slump, one which I just can’t see continuing all year. He’s in a bad place, and he’ll get better.
Soto does draw some walks, and he’s certainly better than most catchers offensively. But I’m underwhelmed by his performance with RISP and his approach. He seems to regularly have a high BABIP. For the stat folks out there: Is it common for players to have high BABIPs (or low BABIPs or mid-range BABIPs) throughout their careers?
I’m just wondering if Soto will always have the “he doesn’t hit them where they ain’t” defense.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm not a (total) stat guy
But a consistently above-average BABIP would indicate a singles hitter to me, ala Tony Gwynn Sr.
"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'm getting my stats mixed up.
Soto (IIRC) has a low BABIP.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
last night on Baseball Tonight
Kruk was dissecting Pena’s swing and showed his stance in the 2009 season and his stance now…wasnt Rudy supposed to be Pena’s hitting savior?
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
lord almighty
what a terrible idea
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
nice argument....
way to get your point across
I just want to win...
Poster formerly known as Wrigster.
by bilbosbuttons on Apr 27, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I didn't think I had to lay out an exhaustive response
considering the idea is to take a guy who has never been a hitting coach at any level, has no idea how to correct problems other than point them out after the fact and is widely regarded as the comedic relief for the show he’s on. The idea of course comes after ONE time where Kruk points out something he agrees with.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Takes balls to go on national tv and try to show people you're a better hitting coach than Rudy J.
(heh… heh… heh…)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Ballhawk, FTW.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
See, without Mitch Williams
Kruk may be dead, and you wouldn’t be able to make that joke. Thanks, Mitch Williams!
"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
Hitting coaches...
…the most overated phenomenon in the history of baseball.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Someone really needs to explain why they think Pena is just going to snap out of this
It’s like people just FORGET that he has a CAREER average around .240.
Yes he usually has some power to go with that low average and high strikeout total, but it’s not always prodigious. It seems like Pena is living off of two REALLY good seasons and quite a few that make him comparable to Rob Deer.
This is not a particularly talented baseball player. If you’re expecting him to suddenly break out, I think you’re fooling yourself.
I will give you credit for consistency El, you claimed last week Pena was “about to heat up” and you desperately want that to be true.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions
i desperately want that to be true...
do i think it will happen…nope.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
However.
He’s not hitting close to .240. I’d settle for his career averages, which are .239/.350/.485. You’d think he’d revert to the mean eventually.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
However
He hasn’t hit .239 since 2008. The mean you’re looking for might not be something he CAN approach anymore.
You keep discounting 2009 as being that bad because he was hurt. His start this season may be illustrating that the league has simply figured him out.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions
2010 was bad because he was hurt.
In 2009, he hit .227/.356/.537 and led the AL with 39 HR. We’d take that.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Do you understand what he would have to do to get to 39 homers?
Waiting for him to get back to those numbers is going to have you waiting forever
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes, I understand he might not hit 39 HR.
But he certainly could match the rest of those. Maybe not the .537 SLG.
I’d still take .230/.360/.450 from him.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
so would I.
I don’t have any expectation that we’ll actually get that.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
But what gives you any kind of confidence that he'll be able to do that?
Do you think he’s one of those “just flip the switch” kind of ballplayers?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
There are a lot of players who get off to bad starts and have good seasons.
Do I know this will happen? No. I still have hope that it will, though.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
but why?
I know you don’t know – no one knows what’s going to happen. But is there anything about Pena specifically as a player that gives you hope that it will happen? Or is it just because it has happened before with other players…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Traditionally poor starter...
.216/.318/.424 career line in April
.239/.350/485 career line…
I’m trying here, I really am.
Might as well just wait for some pie
You won’t get disappointed by pie.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
Who cares about his batting average
It’s not nearly as accurate a statistic as wOBA or OPS. He is a high OBP and high SLG player. If he does that stuff, his low BA won’t be a concern.
by JSB on Apr 27, 2011 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
“as accurate a statistic” – that’s some inaccurate English. BA is the main component of the fashionable wOBA or very old version of “getting on base.”
Really.
Batting average is the main component of wOBA. Could you explain further, please?
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
It's not even close to the main component of wOBA
It’s obviously a very large part of OBP. But, by itself it doesn’t tell you more than either wOBA or OBP, making it a less accurate statistic.
But the letters B and A are *right there*
They make up 50% of wOBA. This is irrefutable!
"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
Read up, it's pretty interesting.
wOBA is not the same as OBA at all, it’s a linear OPS.
here
The said part is...
…you would think coming from a real tough division in the deeper American League would allow him to have some initial success, but it has gone the otherway.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Speaking of power, it's pretty funny that the only player who has more than 1 home run
other than Soriano is a guy who has gotten a total of 10 at-bats since April 15th.
This team is bereft of power right now. Hell, even Soriano isn’t hitting UNLESS he’s parking it in the seats.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions
also...
Sam Fuld has more homeruns than Pena….had to get him in here…
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
That is fuld of mist.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I agree
I love Colvin and think he needs to play consistently to break out of a slump. I dont think 10 ABs in 2 weeks will get the job done. And hell, he at least hits the ball out of the park.
But if Quade is gonna let him rot on the bench, send him to Iowa so he can play at least. geeze.
serious question...
being tyler colvin would you rather go to Triple A and start raking every day or get 3 at bats a week and have .100 average in the bigs?
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
It shouldn't be up to Tyler.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
im asking hypothetically if you were tyler colving what would YOU rather do?
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
why does it matter?
Of course he’d rather stay in the bigs. Who’s going to answer they wanna ride buses every day in the minors?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
He needs to be playing.
End of story. and frankly i think if they can move Byrd, you do it. Plug Colvin in center until June, and then bring Jackson up (assuming hes ready). Let Colvin hit his way out of the slump. He’s no good to anyone sitting on the bench doign nothing,
I don't disagree but that's not what epsilon was saying
In fact I don’t understand the point of epsilon’s question AT ALL
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
i would.
personally i’d rather play every day and get my swings and work on my defense if i were tyler colvin’s age and had his status in the majors. now if were an aging veteran there’s no way i’d go down to the minors…
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
I don't think you're being truthful
or you truly don’t understand the situation. What if Tyler struggles once he goes down? What is this was HIS SHOT and he gave up on it?
I think if you asked 100 young kids would they rather play once every three days in the majors, or play every day in the minors EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM would say they’d rather stay.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Absolutely.
and if they don’t then they need to find a new profession.
right i get the DESIRE to be there
but if it helps your overall career to be in the minors for a few months…i’d be okay with it.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Again, you can say that because you've never been in their shoes
and don’t really understand the situation.
We can all say “hey, if it made me a better player in the long run, I would totally wish to be demoted.”
We’re all lying.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
i see your point...
I THINK he has better stuff than just a cup of coffee but it’s also not helping him to get in a slump, only get up against left handers in must hit situations and only dribble a soft grounder to second base. and if Fukudome is gone sometime this year, or byrd is gone sometime this year, it’ll be a matter of time before he’s back up…nothing serious, just a fun hypothetical.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Fair enough.
I see your point, but frankly he should just be like “despite how much i’ve struggled Q, i’m 2nd on this team in HRs” hahaha.
its so sad, its humorous.
Baker is playing 2B batting third
Colvin is in LF batting 7th today.
If the opponents "only" score four runs, then the odds aren't good but also aren't that poor.
It’s not like they didn’t have a chance. We need more of a Du hast keine Chance, aber nutze sie! frame of mind from the Cubs’ offense.
Translation: You don’t have a chance, so use it. In other words, no matter how bleak, you just shouldn’t give up.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
He went 4 innings!
Four runs in 4 innings is not good if your a starting pitcher.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Oh, I'm not saying he is good, nor do I think he should be starting.
He pitched as expected. The offense IMHO lost the game.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Eggggzactly
Nobody expected at 120 pitch shutout from Russell. Nobody asked for it either. Russell, just as any pitcher who might’ve been called up, is expected to keep the damage to a minimum and give the offense a chance to win the game. Russell did that.
No one is blaming Russell - this is Hendry's and Quade's fault
Russell is just taking the ball when told and trying to do something he is not suited to do (ERAs > 11 don’t need further explanation). It’s the Boy Geniuses above him who can’t seem to come up with a better solution.
At this point...
…I don’t even blame Hendry or Quade, it is Ricketts fault for maintaining the status quo since day one of his ownership.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Really....
It’s Rickett’s fault James Russell is starting? I give up…
Think a little deeper...
…and you will understand what I mean.
Who was it that allowed Hendry to keep running the baseball organization?
Answer – Ricketts
Who was it that allowed Hendry to hire his third manager?
Answer – Ricketts
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
It is strange how the Cubs' offense has been sputtering,
but (up to now) they are showing more spirit than last year’s team. I’m fairly optimistic that the Cubs will start scoring more runs, eventually.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I used to agree with the spirit part
until it was pointed out that we may be comparing this squad to the July squad of last year, which isnt a fair comparison…
I've been going back and forth on the spirit/heart/fight/pluck thing.
What hans said is on target. I also think that we’re overly impressed — as far as drawing conclusions about the whole team — with the performances of Castro and Barney. They’ve been such a breath of fresh air that we might be ignoring the rest of the stench coming from the lineup.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Eenie Meenie Chili Beanie
The spirits are about to speak!
"All of us are in the gutter...some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde
Congrats to James Russell
he will be attending the All Star game festivities this year…
In an overwhelming show of support, every hitter with a chance to compete in the Home Run Derby has requested he be the pitcher.
This is my first post to this site, and unfortunately it is out of frustration.
Marlon Byrd looked like he was waving at flies at the plate.
Pretty much what you get with him.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Welcome to the Show That Never Ends...
There will happier days and happier postings.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Thanks eths.
I know there will be, but it just gets irritating being in the middle of Cardinal country.
Now I have that ELP song running through my head...
…and I thank you very much. Awesome tune to help overcome this rainy dreary morning.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
We're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside
I agree. Much better than most earworms I get.
"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
Remember when you could describe going to a game at Wrigley thusly?
Come inside, the show’s about to start
guaranteed to blow your head apart
Rest assured you’ll get your money’s worth
The greatest show in Heaven, Hell or Earth
You’ve got to see the show, it’s a dynamo
You’ve got to see the show, it’s rock and roll …
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Well...
Well the music is your special friend
Dance on fire as it intends
Music is your only friend
Until the end
Until the end
Until the end!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
We're having our first thunder storm of the year right now...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
At least it's 31 cent scoop night. :D
A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!!!
GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Apr 27, 2011 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
with this team
who cares if we make the playoffs? yes, we COULD get hot and some how by the Grace of God himself win the World Series. but if we make the playoffs and get swept by the rockies, that really only hurts us, because then Hendry made the playoffs again…and he gets and extension. bah! (sorry, i’m really curmudgeon today)
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
*overpay
you forgot a few letters there…
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Something else that's totally ridiculous...
we got Castro and Barney getting on base at a pretty good clip and yet we keep the ONE guy who’s hitting the long ball batting 6th or 7th. Soriano needs to move up in the order to 3rd or 4th. Byrd needs to drop to the 8th spot and I’ve said this over and over…Hill needs to be DFA’d and one of those other 2 catchers brought up because Quade knows Hill can’t hit and can’t play him and Soto needs a break because he looks beat.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
I've been against this but it's clear to me,
Sori is our short term option right now. With guys on base in front of him he should see more pitches to hit and would like to see him get a chance. He is our only current power threat in the lineup
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
He's having a really decent year going...
he’s not gonna hit .300 but he’s got the long ball thing going on and it seems when he hits them, he’s the only one scoring. They’re wasting him. Someone needs to start managing this team.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
He's got an incredibly mediocre season going
He’s hitting home runs. He’s doing very little else. He’s 5 for his last 32 (Compared to Byrd’s 9 for 32) but you’re OK with him because three of those five hits were for extra bases.
5 for 32 is still not a 3 hitter’s caliber of hitting.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions
The problem is that Soriano isn't ver good with RISP.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=soriaal01&year=2011&t=b
As I mentioned below, Soriano makes his mark by hitting fastballs really far — which he sees when he leads off innings. His lack of patience at the plate, though, hurts when pitchers are throwing breaking pitches away — which they’re more apt to do with runners on base.
At the moment, he might be the best option. But there are reasons why Soriano has never been a big RBI threat for a good team.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Couple of things
First of all, Soriano is currently batting .176 with RISP. He’s also ONLY hitting home runs. I suppose we could get lucky and one of those homers would drive in Barney and Starlin, but he wouldn’t really be all that big an upgrade in the 3 spot.
I agree with the Byrd thing. He’s just not a starting player on a contending team and he’s proved that consistently since the beginning of June last year. He’s a 4th or 5th outfielder and a great bat off the bench for a deep team.
The Hill thing seems to be yet another bizarre decision by the Wrigley “braintrust.”
I expected Hill to be getting more playing time than this, mainly because the only redeeming qualities for keeping him on the team Hendry and Quade could come up with was the pitchers liked him and he called a good game. If you’re going to play the backup catcher once every 10 games, what’s the point of having a guy like that on the team?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Team leadership, or some other nonsense.
And Hill likely get the start today.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
wow
before the season people were freaking out because they were worried that Hill was going to play too much…now youre freaking out because he isnt playing enough…
by hansman1982 on Apr 27, 2011 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
You're definition of freaking out and mine are apparently VASTLY different
I think it’s odd to keep one of the worst position players in baseball, when you had better options, just to be black hole in your lineup.
And for the record my complaints were ALWAYS that he was going to be on the roster PERIOD. He’s still here, thus I can still complain.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
ok let me rephrase my comment
before the season people were COMMENTING because they were worried that Hill was going to play too much…now THEY’RE COMMENTING because he isnt playing enough…
If Peña, Soto, Byrd were hitting like they are capable then Hill isnt nearly as big of a factor and Quade would have played him a time or two more…most backup catchers see 5-6 starts a month and they usually arent as good offensively as the starter and they will RARELY pinch hit so if he really is that good with the staff I dont really care…
by hansman1982 on Apr 27, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
And let me just REPEAT my comments
The problem with Hill (for me anyway) is that he’s on the roster at all.
He’s still on the roster, therefore the complaints remain.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions
More like freaking out because the team was wasting a roster spot on Hill
And this team does not have a roster spot to waste….
Are you really complaining that Hill isn't playing enough?
Things like that make me wonder if people don’t just like to complain.
I'm not sure how many times I have to say the same thing in one discussion so I'll just say
read my other responses about this.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
You really want Hill to play more?
I kid. I kid.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
on the Roster!!!!
~~~BLARGH brain hurts!!!!!~~~~
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
SSS alert
.176 RISP in 25 ABs. For his career he is .252/.325/.466. Below his career marks of .276/.325/.509, but not by much.
by JSB on Apr 27, 2011 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes. Right now, he's struggling.
Career stats are nice in finding out what kind of an all around player he is.
His statistics as a snapshot in time show that Soriano is struggling badly RIGHT NOW meaning it would not be a particularly good time to move him into the 3 spot.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
You missed the point
A small sample size like 25 ABs has very little predictive power in telling us what Soriano will do tomorrow if he comes up to bat with RISP. His career marks tell us more, or even his entire season tells us more given that traditionally he hits comparably with RISP and without.
The best solution to the Russell problem might be postponing today's game.
That way, everyone gets pushed back a day and this problem can be kicked another few days down the road.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Ugh.
For some reason, Quade would still find a reason to start Russell.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
* see major league resume for examples
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Actually it would only move it one day.
The Cubs don’t have an off day again until May 5th. So even if today’s game were postponed and you moved Coleman in ahead of the “Russell spot”, that would put Casey on Sunday in AZ with Russell on Monday in LA (instead of the scheduled spot on Sunday).
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
He posted that before Sori's AB
Was correct at the time.
No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.
by cubzfan on Apr 27, 2011 8:55 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I noticed that Fielder and Braun have something like 45 RBIs between them already...
do the Cubs have 45 RBIs as a team yet?
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Very funny.
Cubs have scored 95 runs, have 87 RBI.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
That's actually quite surprising.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Maybe bb-ref broke or something
I find that hard to believe.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
Soriano has 16.
Baker has 9! which is nearly half as many as he had last year. So we have that going for us, which is nice.
"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
Random
Did anybody else hear Judd Sirot’s interview of Glenallen Hill on the pregame last night? Possibly the worst interview of any athlete whose native language is English. Hill was really arrogant and trotted out every cliche in the book.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Did the roof-top homer get mentioned?
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
That was the lead question!
And Hill totally crapped on it. “I’ve hit lots of home runs.” “Most of them weren’t measured.”
It was HORRIBLE. The worst part was that Sirot asked about Hill’s first stint with the Cubs — what it was like playing with Grace, Dunston, Sosa, etc. Hill said something about not being impressed by anybody.
When he wasn’t being an arrogant jerk, he was spouting “Bull Durham”-style crap. It was funny because it was SO bad.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
He still must be ROIDing up.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
OTOH, I am glad he was arrogant
Most of the questions were horrible and I am glad Hill didn’t toe the company line by saying that the team was amazing, Wrigley was a heaven and hitting home runs at Wrigley Field was very different from anywhere on earth.
Really?
I mean, Sirot’s not good. But he had to ask about 20 questions in three minutes because Hill was being such a jerk. And, really, Hill could have been more interesting/engaging without toeing the company line. That would have been boring, too.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I mean why in the world do they have to frame questions around the darn
Wrigley experience whenever they interview former players. Most of these questions don’t have anything to do with the interviewee nor have any depth.
I am personally getting sick of this Wrigley experience which seems to have taken a hot seat with this new ownership.
I agree.
But, again, I think Sirot was desperate to fill time, so he was reaching for questions. Anyway, Hill did give love to the fans at Wrigley. He was just kind of a jerk to his former teammates.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Winning leads to strong bonding with ex-teammates
While Hill was with the team, Cubs have been good in ’98 and they have been abysmal in ’99 and ’00 finishing last in the division. All that losing might have to do something with that ire.
Us fans have been so good for so long for a franchise that’s arguably one of the worst professional franchises in pro sports.
The question was about Hill's first run with the Cubs.
In the mid-’90s. But I get your point.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Absolutely the worst thing I've heard since I listened to student radio in college.
It was like the meeting of two potent scumbag atoms, causing unconstrained fission. Sirott’s laugh was diabolical and Hill’s one-word answers were appalling. WGN should submit the recording to the Museum of Broadcasting so future generations listen to the worst interview ever carried by a national network.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Move Soriano up
I agree with moving Soriano up in the lineup. It’s been said many times here, that Sori is a streaky player. On a hottish streak now. Take advantage as long as it lasts.
She said, "I know a town where real life's a game
Baseball's all that's real
At night all the faces light up
As the players take the field"
-Widespread Panic
by DallasCub on Apr 27, 2011 9:00 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Not disagreeing
but the hottish streak is just HR’s as he is still only hitting .235.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Right.
It would be nice to see him draw alittle more walks and get some more hits.
But he is just as qualified to be moved up as much as anyone else in the lineup.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
It's worth noting that Soriano's home run in the ninth ...
was in a spot where Street’s main goal is to avoid putting a runner on base. I didn’t see the at-bat, but I’d guess that Sori hit a fastball or something over the plate.
That’s part of the reason Soriano was a leadoff hitter for so many years — he can hit fastballs, and leading off means you’ll see more of them. A handful of times this season, Soriano has shown willingness to go the other way, but generally, I’ve been disappointed when he hits with RISP.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Looks like a hanging curve on the outside third
See for yourself: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14194369&topic_id=8878834&c_id=chc
"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 you're right.
It wasn’t a fastball. So either Street completely blew the pitch and Soriano took advantage, or Street was throwing something over the plate (even if it was a curve) to avoid a walk.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
0-1 count on the lead-off hitter
I’m going to assume that was a mistake – looking to put Sori in a hole and completely blowing 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
Well, I get why managers are hesitant to put Soriano in RBI spots.
But, right now, he’s a better option than Pena or Byrd.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
He is 5 for his last freaking 32
He is not on a hottish streak. I wish people who would say things like this would actually,……..LOOK to see if what they are saying is remotely true.
You THINK he’s on a hot streak because of those five hits, three have been for extra bases. But he’s actually ice cold.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Baker has been hot....There is no reason not to start him at 1b today.....
He has taken the job from Pena and if they made the same money, Baker would be the starter right now.
I agree that Baker should start again while he's hot.
But Pena’s got two other things going for him. He’s better defensively than Baker and he’s left handed. You really ought to consider those two things more when making this point — which you’ve made repeatedly — about Pena.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It does not matter if he is LH if he is hitting .170
He can come in for defense late if they ever have a late lead…
It changes how the opposing pitchers work.
Brenly was talking about this on Saturday with Lilly. If a SP is facing nine right handers in a row, he’ll get into a groove. It also helps because (theoretically) an opposing manager will use up his bullpen more if there is a lefty-righty balance.
I agree that RIGHT now, Baker deserves the time. But Baker will cool down and he’s not historically that good against righties.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Understood but I'd rather go with the hot hand
Brenly’s point makes sense in theory. And it certainly made sense to Lou and Hendry when they made it their mission to get more left-handed going into ‘09. But the reality right now is that Pena is a rally-killer. I’d try flipping Sori and Pena in the batting order to see if that could possibly get him (Pena) going.
Oh, I agree.
I also think that Baker should have a short leash.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Baker will cool down, I think that's a given
This all shows you how much maneuvering Q is going to have to do. He’s really going to have to pay attention to filling out his lineup card given the lack of a reliable #3 hitter, Soto’s lousy RISP, Soriano’s free-swinging ways….
I made this point the other day:
I’m beginning to understand more of why Lou was so reluctant to break up Lee and Ramirez last year. Aside from any malaise he had personally, he figured that unless those two guys hit well in the heart of the order, the Cubs were dead, anyway.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I remember that discussion too
As much as I believe Lou was distracted last year, that could be why he kept a struggling Derrek Lee in the #3 spot.
I know he's not hitting much at all this year.
But I kinda miss Lee alittle. Of course I don’t miss the horrible season last year — but his tenure as a Cub was under rated by many.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
we had startng pitchers
but we let them go, lilly and silva
by Mike the ex cub fan on Apr 27, 2011 9:14 AM CDT reply actions
Silva let himself go.
And Lilly, really? We weren’t going to resign him anyway, so talk about a completely moot point.
well this is the team
that traded Josh Hamilton away so talking about Lilly is completely fair…or how about trading Derouick Leah away?
Thanks for adding that last part...
I couldn’t tell if the Hamilton thing was for real…
Derouick Leah
That’s the Canadian spelling, right?
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 27, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Sam Fuld and Josh Hamilton...
now if we can only work Felix Pie and Ricky Nolasco into this thread… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
casey mcgeehee
I just want to win...
Poster formerly known as Wrigster.
by bilbosbuttons on Apr 27, 2011 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Let me help out with the Attendance from last night
I was a no-show. I was there Monday night and had a work conflict last night. A buddy of mine also did not make it last night.
OK, that’s 2. Anyone else want to fess up so we can have an accurate actual attendance?
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
I did not purchase a ticket
Nor did I sneak in.
"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 fell asleep at the end of the first inning.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
It was about 2:30 AM here.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
At the **bing** it is 4:43 PM CEST
bing
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I always thought that Central Europe should have a more colorful abbreviation for their time zone
"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
like a little Flamenco dancer?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
CEST = Central European Summer Time
It is kind of boring…
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Apr 27, 2011 11:01 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Central Unified Time
Abbreviate that however you want
"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
Senorgato?
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Some guy gave me two bleachers last night - said he had a work thing as well.
needless to say, I did not go in, so that’s two more.
Or less as the case may be.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
wind was hauling out most of the night - I *thought* there'd be at least one street homer.
Clearly I was wrong…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
besides, I think I'm gonna see how many free tickets I can collect this year.
I’ll turn them in to the Cubs at the end of the season – maybe I’ll get a secret decoder ring. ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
This might take a while
I’d better warm up the abacus to get this right.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 27, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
The truth is most of you are right.
Russell is not a starter. The offense, although 2nd in the NL in BA and has the 2nd most hits in baseball, is 19th in runs scored. They are 22nd in ISO, a power stat. They are struggling to score runs because the middle of the lineup is not showing any power and is poor with RISP. So what does the manager do? He has the guy with the second most homers in the league bat 7th.
The pitching is 29th in ERA. So it’s not just Russell. And we all saw the defense blow a game the other night.
So to recap. Pitching bad. Offensive production bad. Defense bad. Managing the lineup and pitching staff bad. Upper management problem solving bad.
We all knew everything had to fall into place and go right for the Cubs to compete. So far, it has been just the opposite.
This team is alot like last years
Coming back at times, but then again coming up short. That goodness the NL Central is the weakest division in baseball.
It's April and we already know that Quade has a 3-homer limit for starting pitchers
That’s sad to know this early. I would have like that mystery to last until June or July.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
Guys, I already have too many musical projects going on.
So if anyone else wants to take “Three-Homer Limit” as their band name, please feel free.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
by daver on Apr 27, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I claimed Premarital Teenage Sex Clinic at one point
But I’m not using it. Consider it back in the “available” pool, as well.
"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 their #1 hit single comes with it - "D'oh! D'oh! Hawk!"
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Band members for Three-Homer Limit?
James Russell (obviously)
Carlos Zambrano (2009)
Ryan Dempster (2011)
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 27, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Works for me.
A band with a name like that should be a power trio.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
need more
James Russell on lead vocals and lead guitar
Carlos Zambrano on moody bass guitar. Until they break out into some latin jams and then he’s lead vocals.
Ryan Dempster on drums with additional comic relief.
Mark Prior (4 HRs 1 game 2004) on cow bell.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 27, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Prior stumbles on stage...
…wacks the cowbell a few times then suddenly drops it and staggers off gripping his shoulder in pain.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
The next show
He’s whacking a stationary cowbell with a towel. The audience boos him off stage.
"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
he's not looking so good here
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 27, 2011 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I love the optimism but this is not a playoff team
I know the division as of now is even and all of the teams have flaws but look at this Cubs team, they’re just not very good. I think we’re all hoping (and maybe expecting) guys like Ramirez to find the fountain of youth but it would take a miracle (and this organization’s not exactly known for those) to make a playoff run.
What I’m focused on is how this team competes this year and what some of the decisions are regarding player call-ups and other management moves. So far, not good.
big question...
if Ramirez continues his trend of this year and last year, do you exercise the option?
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
well
how much of the year do you get last half Ramirez? If you honestly think you can add 2 legit power bats to the team then you might want to take that risk, or a Fukudome style player that is hot the first half and blows the second half so they can swap with Ramirez
If they exercise, the effective 2012 payroll would already be over $100M
That would be a real crimp in FA activities.
Trust me...
…you will start to see seperation in this division in the next couple of months.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
This team has no chance to contend for anything.
None, not even in the lackluster Central. Start getting rid of veterans starting in June and get busy rebuilding this franchise instead of letting the village idiot Hendry waste money on talent on crappy veterans that NO ONE wants!
"Go Cubs!"
Hendry can't do that
That’s not part “saving his job”. The Ricketts ownership scares me. After all, they were approved by Selig.
Who would've thought we'd be better off with basically no owner?
What Cub fan would’ve taken over this team and not fired Hendry and village idiot, Cran Kenney?
"Go Cubs!"
I give credit to whoever posted this yesterday
He/she said they feared Ricketts is only in it because he (Ricketts) thought it would be fun to own the Cubs. I’m getting worried that’s the case myself!
That was my post, btw, Eagle
And it’s one of those times I’ll truly hate it of I’m proved right.
Observing Ricketts’ ownership so far reminds me of a quote I once read by an owner who came iin in late 70’s/early 80’s. When asked why he wanted to own an ML team he replied; “Because I’m rich and nobody knows it.”
Fear the future, kids.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll never get tired of hearing stories about Ricketts living in Wrigleyville above a bar and apending his summer in the bleachers
It’s so heartwarming. Someone shoot me. Have the started offering $5 bleacher tickets yet?
"Go Cubs!"
But that means he's a "real fan" and he "gets it", remember?
Actually, I think the part he “gets” is how much fun it is to drink beer in the bleachers and go bar hopping afterwards.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
I have seen nothing to show he is a real fan of the team.
I would LOVE for Al to get him to do a live interview on BCB!!!!!!
He would never do it though, answering questions from real fans would be much harder than answering his sheep beat reporters.
Be proud, Blue, that one of your posts touched me ;-)
It reminded me of what I read about P.K. Wrigley when he hired Leo Durocher. As indifferent about the team’s performance as P.K. was, things got to the point where even he wanted to see better results. The Lip was already 60 years old, but he had won pennants with the Dodgers and Giants and won the World Series in 1954.
The Durocher Era didn’t lead to any pennants or World Series championships. In fact, it ended in dissension between the players and the manager. But it also meant six straight years of over-.500 baseball and a frustratingly close call in 1969. So who knows? After another season or two of 74-75 wins in front of a half-filled Wrigley Field, maybe Tom Ricketts will be motivated to bring in an actual baseball expert to preside over the team.
Fair enough Eagle
You’ve given me a flicker of hope on a cloudy day.
I came in at the tail end of the Durocher era but, as a small child, I do have hazy memories of it being a pretty exciting time to be a Cub fan.
Ricketts reminds me of Wrigley in several depressing ways. Let’s hope that he emulates one of Wrigley’s few good moves-sooner, rather than later.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
When does the media hold Ricketts accountable?
They haven’t really gone after this guy at all. His ownership really has been a disaster in the last eighteen months. The team has been absolutely dreadful, he’s made no serious changes within the baseball operations department which is a complete and utter failure. I don’t know how he can possibly believe Hendry has this program on the right track. When does the media go after this guy? By the way, what other owner in sports where’s a name tag around the ballpark? Unreal.
Baseball operations have been a serious letdown.
But when criticizing ownership, it’s best to focus on their complete failures on the business end – ticket policies, public relations, and so forth.
While they’ve done literally nothing to remedy the situation, the baseball ops errors, to a sizeable extent, predate Ricketts & Co. – but they’ve given plenty of ammo to their critics over the last 8 months on their own.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
That's the reason why I'm truly depressed
I could take one or two bad seasons if I was convinced they were sincerely building for the future but NOTHING about the new ownership shows that they have any clue let alone a coherent direction to move in.
That Ricketts would come in here and, after a sale that dragged out interminably, have no plan but to keep the status quo firmly in place is mind-boggling.
Anyway, Jerry Reinsdorf got what he wanted: a clueless, lachluster owner on the north side of town.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Reinsdorf...
…is loving every minute of this, believe me.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Or maybe we'd be better off with a "College of Owners"
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
At this point I'm actually missing the Tribune Company
If that’s not a depressing thought then I don’t know what is.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Or maybe...
…a College Class of Owners. There’s got to be a MBA program in the Chicago area willing to take on this project.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
well, I hear NIU turns out all-conference 2nd basemen every now and then...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Can there be more than one idiot per village?
I mean, sure, more than one idiot can inhabit the same village at the same time, but I tend to think of Village Idiot as a title of honor granted to the biggest idiot. Like, if Kenney was the second-dumbest dude in the village, he could look down at Hendry and say, “I may be an idiot, but that guy there – he’s the Village Idiot. Glad I’m not him. I wonder what that smell is. Am I on fire again? I hate it when that happens…”
I may be overthinking this.
"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
LOL-you just reminded me of an old Woody Allen movie...
…where he gives a ride to someone on his way to a “Village Idiots Convention”.
Personally, I’d vote Ricketts in as Chief Idiot, with Kenney, Hendry and Quade as his able lieutenants.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Several years ago...
…I interviewed for a Summer job in a small office in Lakeview, The friend who recommended me gave me a head’s up going in that the owner was a big Cubs fan and so we’d probably get along, etc.
I walked in and he was actually wearing a Cubs’ cap which I thought was a good sign. During teh interview though, when I offhandednly mentioned teh Cubs, he didn’t seem to pick up on it at all.
Anyway, long story short, I got the job and it became quickly apparent to me that this guy had little or no interest in the Cubs (never commenting on a game, checking a score, etc.) beyond how much fun it was to go to Wrigley Field and drink beer.
Everytime I think of Ricketts, I’m reminded of that guy.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
That is exactly what I think of Ricketts....
If he was a true fan and cared what was going on there would be changes.
I do not see him going after Pujos either.
What would be the point of going after Pujols?
The core of this team is aging and expensive. Why compound that by throwing more money towards Pujols?
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
greatestrighhandedhitterinhistoryyoudontpassupsomethinglikethatwargarrble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2011 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I know you're likely kidding around
By all accounts, the Cubs need a lot more than a future Hall of Famer to play first base. That money can be put elsewhere to address a slew of needs. Do the Cubs need power from the first base position? Sure. But they also need pitching and production from other positions as well. You’re not going to get that with just Starlin and Darwin.
Now if the Cubs were just one piece away from contending, I’d say break the bank for Pujols. The Cubs are about as far from contention as you can imagine for the next few years. They missed their window of opportunity from 2007-2009 to do anything. Now they’re stuck until they can lather, rinse, repeat.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
I'm guessing it will play out like the Mike Hampton Sweeptstakes
when And MacPhail was ready to pay a fortune but lost out to the Rockies and the reputation of the metropolitan Denver school system.
If they're going to sign Pujols,
don’t give him a 10-year deal. Six or seven would be about right.
Personally, I’d give Fielder a five-year deal and be done with it.
You have a chance to get a player of this caliber, you take it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 27, 2011 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
He's probably a true fan
But he’s also probably not at liberty to lose money. Unfortunately a $750 million investment trumps fandom. And it would for me too.
Amen TJ
No way can I watch a guy spend almost a billion dollars on a sports team and then let him get away with crying poor mouth.
We live in one of the largest, most lucrative markets in pro sports.
I’d love to hear how excuses like that would go down in New York or Boston.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
If the cubs ever win the world series
wouldnt the value of the cubs blow up?
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
That is exactly what Zell was trying to do
He gave Hendry a blank checkbook (almost) to construct a team that could win now! That way he could spin off one of his assets at an inflated price. That is the one of the reasons we are in this back loaded contract mess.
"All of us are in the gutter...some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde
Even old New York
Was once New Amsterdam
"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
You can't call for Hendry to be replaced unless you can name a successor and prove he would be an improvement.
Also, Hendry deserves one more year to clean up his mess.
And can you imagine how much turmoil there would be with new ownership and a new front office? It would take years for the new guy to get his plan up and running.
(What’s the statute of lims on these sayings? If my Yellon Barometer is working properly, I think that the wind is starting to shift w/r/t Official BCB Rhetoric on Hendry.)
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Kim Ng and I are one, but we still haven't walked in the glow of each others' majestic presence
"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
Who was at the Dupont Pavilion? Why was the bench still warm? Who had been there?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 27, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorr but that doesn't cut it
When the Tribune Company bought the Cubs in the Summer of 1981, the first thing they did was bring in Dallas Green to completely rebuild the organization. Within three years, they went from, arguably, the worst franchise in the NL (with a completely moribund minor league system) to within ONE GAME of the pennant.
The idea that it’s somehow damaging to take over a franchise and make big changes-and replace teh people who’ve shown over and over that they can’t do teh job, is absolutely ludicrous.
Also, the sheer level of Hendry’s ineptitude over the last few years shows that he deserves nothing.
by bluekoolaide on Apr 27, 2011 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I've kind of led that charge around here.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
You and me both!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
What???????
…give him one more year to run the baseball organization?
You have got to be kidding me!!!!!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
He's regurgitating the tried and true lines usually used
He doesn’t actually support them
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
You mean he's pulling a TJ????!!!!
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
(Did anyone make it to the last sentence of my post?)
I need to use fewer words.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Vision became blurry, excess blood rushed to the brain
And the last line become “blah, blah, blah.”
Happened to me the first time I read it….
I called this a year ago by the way
As soon as it looks like Hendry will be the next to be shown the door, Al will get behind the move so as to maintain the Cubs company line.
Hell, as soon as it looks like Ricketts will be forced to sell the team because of the debt burden, he will probably get on the Ricketts sucks train too.
Even though he seems...
…to not be involved, papa Ricketts should start to have some serious concern about the direction of his ample investment.
I really think the Ricketts family underestimated the work they would have to do to assure their product was going in the right direction and employing their own hires (loyal to them) who can help see this through. It appears they thought everything was “peachy” and the core product was just fine and fans would just keep coming no matter what.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Their core mistake was in believing they were buying a turn-key operation
They apparently believed that business was booming on the Northside, and all they needed to do was maintain the status quo.
That's called arrogance!!!!
Thinking you have the insight to determine whether the core product is sound and is headed where it needs to head. Why a family would invest 850 mil and not at least bring in there own “baseball guy” is just beyond belief. Especially, when simple due diligence would have revealed ample issues such as; poor decision making, unproductive use of resources, a flawed baseball philosophy, etc. etc.
It is going to end up costing the Rickett’s family tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue and the lost time this could have been put on the right tracks if they would have made this simple decision almost 2 years ago.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
On the plus side, TD Ameritrade went from 15 to 21 over the offseason.
So their prime investment, which makes up the vast majority of their holdings, is up 50% since October.
They’re doing fine.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
They also have very little equity in the venture
Most of their investment is actually in debt held by the Cubs, a separate corporate entity. They could sell the Cubs and while the debt held by their private trust may lose some value, it’s still not the same.
Nirvana fallacy
Plain and simple
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
The weak NL Central
I still think people are underestimating the Brewers. They started the season without their starting catcher who is back. Corey Hart has been activated and Zack Greinke should be back in early May.
They started the season 0-4 and are 12-7 since then.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I think a lot of that is based on past history with the Brewers and with this division
I expect them to compete for if not win the division outright and have a pretty good record in the end.
Agreed.
Sadly, they remain my pick. Once Greinke is back and that rotation settles in, they could be really good.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Looks like he has a sprained thumb and is day-to-day.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
78 % chance of rain at gametime today.
http://www.wunderground.com/sports/MLB/hometeam/Chicago:Cubs.html?st=1303914000
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Why couldn't it have rained yesterday?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 27, 2011 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
The rain is moving out of the area now.
The sky just got a lot lighter in the last five minutes, although it’s still raining. I get a feeling this will be played, maybe even on time.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
I suspect the Russell experiment is over
but it was the result of very limited options. My money is on Ortiz for teh 5th starter.However they lost the game last night for lack of offense.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
Yeah, I have a feeling Ortiz may get the first shot.
Josh noted in his minor league wrap today that Jay Jackson may not be at full strength yet.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Wouldn't surprise me
You can’t gift wrap a game. Just hit a lot of home runs to give Russell that W.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
I suspect that Hendry/Quade view last night as a major step in the right direction for Russell.
He was still on the mound in the 5th inning. If this trend continues, he’ll be throwing complete games by June. Granted, giving up 10+ runs, but still.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Quade's most important moves
Aren’t with Russell but to get Byrd and Pena out of the top half of the lineup. They are atrocious with RISP. The lineup needs an EQM because right now you have a team getting a lot of hits but not enough runs.
I also agree Brewers will start pushing away once Corey Hart and Greinke get back
by BeltwayCubsFan on Apr 27, 2011 10:12 AM CDT reply actions
totally agree
this division is so winnable and the russell situation is so indefensible. my gut tells me the cubs can’t win the division anyway, which is frustrating because it’s such an average division, but i think the only way they do win is if wells and cashner get back sometime in may.
April 31
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
Quick, April needs an extra day!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Apr 27, 2011 11:08 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Meh.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Can Quade and Hendry just get the vote of confidence already?
Please?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Apr 27, 2011 11:23 AM CDT reply actions
Ricketts would eff it up and the vote of confidence would ACTUALLY be a vote of confidence and three year extensions for both
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't be surprised...
…if that doesn’t come from “McRicketts” very soon.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
As much as I don’t like Russell as a starter, the guy did better than I thought he would last night. We have been ‘in’ both games with one of the hotter teams in the NL.
It’s the lineup that’s killinig us. It’s been said ad nauseum. Sad thing is we can only have one 9 hole hitter at a tome when we have about 5 on the team. That might not be a bad idea. Have Pena bat from the left side and Byrd from the right at the same time. Doesn’t this double their chances of hitting the ball?
Speaking of Byrd, how many times does this guy swat at low balls he has no chance of hitting? They’re already half way in the catcher’s glove before he swings. Guy’s atrocious.
And if anyone honestly thinks Colvin would rather ride the bench here than get consistent ABs at Iowa they’re delusional.
MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT ALREADY. THIS GAME IS ABOUT ADJUSTMENTS.
Sooo...you think Colvin would prefer to be in Triple A?
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
Sigh
And if anyone honestly thinks Colvin would rather ride the bench here than get consistent ABs at Iowa they’re delusional.
Ask him. In fact, ask every single player currently in the major leagues what they would prefer. Apparently you’d be surprised by the answer
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
also
MLB groupies >> minor league groupies
by sanshokubento on Apr 27, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Don’t have to. To most of us it’s obvious. You seem to have a difficult time wraping your head around the choice of a player wanting 20 ABs a week as oppossed to 2 or 3.
Only thing I’m surprised at is your inability to think logically.
MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT ALREADY. THIS GAME IS ABOUT ADJUSTMENTS.
by MaTheMeatloaf on Apr 27, 2011 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Why is that he isn't thinking logically
and you apparently are? Has it occured to you that you may not be thinking logically. Just because it’s your own opinion, a flawed one I might add, doesn’t make it logical and automatically make a dissenting opinion illogical.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Apr 27, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
jeeez...
Are you really that dense too?
Your line of thinking, and I use that term loosely, is along the lines of it making sense to keep a player at the major league level just to ride the pine. It’s so obvious that he would get more playing time, i.e. ABs at AAA. This point can not be argued. He simply WOULD get MORE AB’s. Still with me?
So, to continue, ask yourself if he’ll more likely IMPROVE his skill by getting more ABs or just sitting on his azz?
If you still need help maybe I can draw you a picture.
MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT ALREADY. THIS GAME IS ABOUT ADJUSTMENTS.
by MaTheMeatloaf on Apr 27, 2011 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
CUBS lineup:
Fukudome RF, Castro SS, Baker 2B, Ramirez 3B, Peña 1B, Byrd CF, Colvin LF, Hill C, Coleman P
did someone say rain was a possibility today?!?!
"I’m not going to say a lot, because if you say the wrong the thing to me, then you (hanley) might wind up on the floor on your rear end," Dawson said with Tony Perez standing by his side in a coach’s office at Sun Life Stadium
Byrd and Pain(ya) and we're praying for rain?
"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
Man, I'd love to see Colvin
bust out of it in a big way today. He could really be a boost if he starts swinging it like he did last season.
I'll say this.
I sure as hell never expected the 2011 Cubs to be in a position where Jeff Baker would hit third against a right hander.
How high’s the water, papa?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
5ft high and risin'
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
My god. 5-9 are automatic outs.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 27, 2011 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
It's full of stars...
"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
New complaint department: Now Open
"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
If you can't be a quality SP in the majors
at least learn how to bunt. Ridiculus.
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