Bad Carlos Marmol Ruins Matt Garza's Cub Debut, Cubs Lose 5-4
by Al Yellon on Apr 3, 2011 5:18 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintMan, I don't really even know where to begin with this recap of the Cubs' 5-4, come-from-ahead loss to the Pirates this afternoon.
So instead of bitching and complaining about Carlos Marmol's blown save -- because those are going to happen -- let's talk first about some of the good stuff.
Starlin Castro is just outstanding. His two triples today, his first two of the year, left him with a batting average of .615 after three games (since he also singled and walked, an excellent showing for a leadoff man, since the walk led off the Cubs' first inning).
Carlos Pena nearly hit a grand slam, hitting a ball just below the RF basket below the bleacher boxes, where a fan spilled what at first appeared to be a beer, but the telltale neon yellow cup showed it was a Mai Tai, on right fielder Garrett Jones. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle came out and argued -- about what, I'm not sure, since it clearly wasn't deliberate -- but the real issue was some wacky baserunning that left Aramis Ramirez on third. The ball bounced far enough away that all three runs should have scored. Do that and maybe we're still playing baseball today.
Tyler Colvin made a bullet throw to the plate in the eighth to nail Jason Jaramillo with what would have been a tying run. The entire team seemed fired up after that... too bad that didn't last.
Alfonso Soriano got booed for his first two at-bats but then cheered for his (and the team's) first home run of the season, that gave the Cubs a 4-3 lead.
And Matt Garza had one of the strangest pitching days I've ever seen. He gave up 12 hits -- all singles -- issued no walks, and had a career-high 12 strikeouts. Since 1919, there have been only two other pitchers in the major leagues who have had games where they did that and threw at least seven innings: Todd Stottlemyre for the A's vs. the Angels on Sept. 20, 1995 and Curt Schilling for the Diamondbacks vs. the Marlins on April 25, 2001. Both of those pitchers won their games. Garza should have won this one.
Unfortunately, we got Bad Carlos Marmol today. He didn't have command -- threw only seven strikes in 13 pitches -- and walked the leadoff hitter. After a single and a sacrifice, Marmol got Pedro Alvarez to hit a dribbler that went about 70 feet; Marmol slipped and couldn't handle it and two runs scored. Personally, I would have thought about walking Alvarez to set up a force play -- and the next hitter, Matt Diaz, hit into an inning-ending double play.
Then, in the last of the ninth, ex-Cub Ronny Cedeno tried to do his old team a favor by throwing a potential game-ending DP ball hit by Darwin Barney into right field after Castro's third hit. That put the tying run on third base -- so why did Marlon Byrd swing at the first pitch? He ended the game with a DP ball, when all he had to do was try to loft a ball into the outfield, which would have tied the game.
So the Cubs' playing victim to the Pirates continues this season. However, as I noted, there were a lot of good things to be taken out of this defeat (other than the defeat) and if the Cubs keep playing this way, they'll win their share of games... hopefully, more than their share. There are plenty of teams that were expected to contend that lost two of three this weekend or even got swept (Rays, Red Sox, Brewers).
Attendance was announced as 30,857, but not more than about 20,000 were in the house on a day that first seemed as if the wind blowing out would lead to multiple home runs; shortly after game time it shifted off the lake and the temperature dropped. That's the fourth-smallest paid crowd since 2003 and the smallest on a weekend since Sunday, April 13, 2003, when 29,558 paid to see the Cubs defeat the Pirates 4-3. That makes the average for the first three home games 35,999, and it's likely going to drop over the next three days when the Cubs have three weekday afternoon contests against a non-draw opponent, the Diamondbacks, with iffy weather. And it won't go back up unless this team starts winning.
Which I still believe they can do. Despite this brutal loss, I found some good things in this game, which I hope the team can build on. Tomorrow, Randy Wells makes his season debut against Arizona's Barry Enright.
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Did the MS walk today in Pasedena
then lunch and just in time for a roller coaster of 2+ final innings. Yuck.
Oh well – the future sure is bright for young Starlin. He continues to impress me.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Just makes me sick, Al
Every single freakin’ year
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Also
I am positive a winning and successful team does not have Marlon Bryd hitting 3rd.
No offense at all – he just needs to be moved down. Now.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
But who bats third then?
Soto? Soriano? Someone else?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Ugh no thanks...
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Indeed, Soto
as the team’s best hitter. That’s the Bill Jame’s spot.
I want Ramirez
Soto and Byrd have not been hitting. Pena 4th, Soto 5th, and Byrd 6th.
I knew that would be a follow up
I just do not have an answer honestly.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Me either.
I hope we can find someone soon, though.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
You've hit the nail on the head
Hammer.
There just isn’t another option. And that’s bad.
Still, next season we’ll have a spiffy new slugging first baseman named Prince. Either Prince Albert or Prince Prince.
Prince Fielder....
DO. NOT. WANT.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Depends on the contract for me
I wouldn’t sign him for six years, but four with an option would be good.
I know about the contract,
But the question is, would his body hold up for that amount of time?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I think so
He doesn’t turn 27 for another month. I think his body can hold on until 32 or so.
After that, I’m in complete agreement with you. I don’t think he can play into his mid-30s.
And I said "Do. Not. Want."
Knowing the fact that Hendry will probably hand out a huge contract for multiple years, complete with a NTC.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd do it IF it were only 4-5 years.
Not more than that. Otherwise, head for Pujols Country.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
From your keyboard to Jim Hendry's mind.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Sigh....
We all know Fielder is gonna want at least an 8 year contract.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
But will he get it?
The Red Sox and Yankees have no room for him. The Mets and Dodgers are broke. There’s no way the Angels give out a contract that long.
Maybe Texas steps in and gives out 8 years, but I doubt it.
Yeah...I don't think he will get it
but Boras is his agent….we know what that means.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
I think we have had good luck dealing with Boras
Still would not give him more than 4 year contract.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Boras finished his playing career with the 1978 Midland Cubs
I don’t think that affects his negotiating any, but it’s an interesting fact that most people don’t know.
A closet Cub fan??
Who’d a thunkit?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
what was the scouting report on him?
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Apr 3, 2011 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
...but he made $6MM/year and had a complete no-trade.
It was an unusual deal for a minor leaguer, especially in the ’70s, but he was just an excellent negotiator.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 3, 2011 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha ha
but seriously, the guy was no prospect and he knew it, which is why he got a PhD in Pharmacology and a JD, intending to be a pharmaceutical lawyer, which he was for several years.
What happened was he played in Midland with Bill Caudill (remember him?) and when Caudill was going into arbitration, he called him up and asked him to represent him because Boras was the smartest guy he knew. Boras got a rather pedestrian reliever a five year, $7 million contract and the rest is history.
Caudill now works for Boras.
by Josh Timmers on Apr 3, 2011 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Who would give him a contract that long?
Nearly every team would balk at that over worries about how long his body would hold out.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
We will...
all it takes is Fielder explaining to Hendry how he’s “in the best shape of his life” over a nice dinner.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 4, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Sigh...
Like usual, you’re right again.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 4, 2011 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd head to Pujols country
no matter what Fielder wanted.
I’m just not completely convinced he’s leaving St. Louis.
I see your point about...
… not being able to afford to let him go.
But there’s probably a dollar amount above which they cannot go.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Where would he go then?
The Cubs would be the best fit because they’ve got the money (I think) and the roster spot, but I’ve heard he doesn’t like Wrigley. Would the Cubs improve their facilities just for him? What are his other options?
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
He's not going to turn down a contract with the Cubs
just because he doesn’t like the locker room at Wrigley.
He’ll have enough money to build his own locker room.
Well, hopefully we'll get him
Him and Castro would be a great 2-3 threat (if Castro isn’t leadoff). I don’t think Rammy would be back if Pujols signed with us
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Rammy is gone
no matter what we do with Pujols.
I think this is his last season with the Cubs.
I agree...
…and if they actually landed Pujols, it will be at the expense of compromising other positions they need to fill, you can bet on that.
I don’t agree with spending that much on one player, especially when this managment has proven they don’t know how to put a balanced roster together.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
This player is Albert Pujols...
which is a big plus in his favor.
His asking price is going to...
…keep all but a few, maybe 3 or 4 teams with a shot at him.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
So that's why the Cubs need all that state money.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
He may leave the Cardinals, but, I highly doubt it...
…but, even if he does, does anyone on BCB think that Tom Ricketts would put up a quarter of a billion dollars for him? I know I don’t.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Ricketts is going to need to make some sort of splash
Or else the park next year will be empty.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
by shoemile on Apr 3, 2011 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Correct!
Pujols is a once in a generation player. If you have a chance to get him, you do it.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
If Pujols...
…is likely to put you over the top, you do it. If not, it is really a stupid move that may limit what you can do finacially for years to come.
Spending 30 mil per year on one player is a gamble, but it would be a huge gamble that is likely to blow up in your face with the current brain trust filling out the roster around him. Also, Pujols is not spring chicken, and he has shown signs of being injury prone and that could only get worse as he ages.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Although 180 million dollars should be enough,
players don’t enjoy the day games and the history of not winning. No-trades allow Hendry to get stuff done. The Cubs losing and the 50 games that start before other teams are awake tie Hendrys hands .
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
by louslovechild on Apr 3, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
fielder is a boras client
he can give less of a crap about winning
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Apr 3, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
If the Cubs keep losing to the Pirates, Hendry won't be negotiating that contract
His successor will….
Prince Fielder would blast 50 at Wrigley
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions
And commit 25 errors at 1B...
No thanks.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Hey eswan
when has Prince committed 25 errors?
heh....
let me rephrase that…Castro would commit 25 more throwing errors due to his (lack of) defense.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Who's got better defensive numbers at SS
in the minors between him and Castro?
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't like to look at defensive numbers
in the minors because there are just so many variables there. And Castro really didn’t spend enough time in the minors to really make his fielding numbers worth while.
But the scouting reports would be that the Castro has better tools and Barney has better results.
umm then who is the SS?
Barney??
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
SS?????
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I do, but not hitting 3rd
Against RH
Fuke, Byrd, Castro, Ramirez, Pena, Soto, Soriano, Barney
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
by louslovechild on Apr 3, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
What's your suggestion then?
If Pujols re-signs with the Cardinals, who else is available? We’d pretty much have to stick with Pena in such a case.
I don't know.
And I mean that seriously. I get the feeling the Cubs will go all-out for both of them, in case one of them resigns with his team.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I understand what you're saying
There just isn’t a slam dunk answer, other than to just open up a bank for Pujols. And even that’s not without risk.
Exactly.
Holy moly, we agreed on something here! ;-)
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Not sure we can rely on Pujols being available....
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
You sure about that?
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Hitting the nail on the head
I am good at my job.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Well, you are a Hammer.
;-)
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
There's a ball peen joke in there somewhere...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
What's a "ball peen"?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you know -
There is a Hammer museum in Alaska?? Supposedly around 1200-1400 different kinds. Some pretty cool too I heard.
Will be 1401 when I visit.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
by Hammer on Apr 3, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
LOL
Where’s Emelie to confirm this?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL.
You’d be right at home. :-)
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not sure about that.
Soto really seems to press in RBI situations. Failing to do anything with no outs and men on second and third today — right after Pena’s double — was terrible.
Fair enough, but based on past performance 3-4-5 ought to be some combo of Soto, Pena and
Byrd just doesn’t get enough extra base hits to bat 3rd and his OBP is too low.
Elgato batting seventh?
Hmm…what side of the plate you swinging from?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
You don't bat Reed Johnson agaisnt a rightie top of the ninth
especially with Fukudome on the bench
Fukudome .374 OB% vs righties
Reed Johnson got on base vs righties at a .252 last year
ITS really simple
by Hookers or Cake on Apr 3, 2011 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
+1. That was aburd. Reed Johnson cant hit RHP, and Fukudome available.
Mind boggling
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Apr 3, 2011 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Good point.
Anybody know if Quade said why he did that? Reed looked TERRIBLE in that at-bat.
He said something in the postgame remarks...
… about Reed being “gritty” or some similar word, and wanting to give him the shot at it.
It was the wrong call.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Considering DeWitt had a big pinch-hit YESTERDAY ...
Kosuke could have nursed a walk, Reed is terrible against righties and Hanraham was throwing ABSOLUTE gas … it wasn’t just the wrong call. It was a TERRIBLE call.
Exactly...
isn’t Soriano usually replaced in the OF in the 9th of a game they’re leading by moving Colvin to left and bring ’Dome in to RF? What the hell was he saving ’Dome for?
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 don't know.
Even if Kosuke was unavailable, Quade could have pinch-hit with DeWitt, and put Baker in left had the game gone into extras. Maybe I’m remembering this wrong, but doesn’t Barney have some outfield experience?
Quade has the right attitude, and he’s clearly more open to trying new things than Lou. But I’m not impressed by Quade the tactician.
Jesus. My opinion of Quade just dropped big time
GRITTY?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
He's been calling Q that since Spring Training
Just an FYI
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Oh save us, not another manager who loves "scrappy"
How about, just for once, hiring one who knows what the numbers mean????
I thought Quade's rep was that he does know what the numbers mean.
I guess not today.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I'm gonna make a guess ...
that Quade is using that as a dodge and not as a real reason. I bet Fukudome is hurt, and Quade doesn’t want the Diamondbacks to know that coming in tomorrow.
Either that, or there’s another, less obvious reason. Quade made the wrong call, but I can’t believe he did it based on grittiness.
by elgato on Apr 3, 2011 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'd wondered that, too. I hope your guess is correct.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe he thought Reed could do well against a righty who threw heat?
Or maybe he hoped Reed would lean into one. I did notice Reed right on top of the plate to start the at-bat.
Get in there, Dorn, and lean into one!
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Some other thoughts.
Is Reed a better fastball hitter than DeWitt or Kosuke? I don’t know if that would matter enough …
Also, after Reed was put into the game — admittedly, a mistake — could Quade have thought that he would have hit a guy throwing 99 better than a guy coming off the bench?
Yeah, I’m reaching. I don’t want to believe that Quade would make such a decision on grittiness.
This isn't hockey...
…where they hide player’s injuries.
If Fukudome was hurt, Quade would have had no problem bringing that up.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Like I said ...
I’m not sure that’s the reason. But there’s more than “grittiness” in play. There’s just got to be. The decision makes no sense based on convention.
Maybe...
…Quade just made a bad choice, because he wasn’t thinking clearly. Maybe the pressure of managing games that matter and the importance of getting off to a good start has clouded his judgment.
Again, if Fukudome was not available, there is no reason not to just come out and say that.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Sure, maybe.
But I’m going at least entertain the thought that something else is up. It was the wrong decision — but I don’t think he made it based on Reed’s grittiness.
God, I hope he didn’t.
Uh-oh.
If our new manager is actually making crunch-time decisions based on perceived grit, this could be a long summer.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Does it really surprise you...
that a guy that spent 19 years in the minors before getting a gig in the bigs is making poor decisions early in the season? Fukodome started today, (why, I have NO idea) so the injury conspiracy is long gone. As is stated further down, Reed Mantle had no previous at bats against the pitcher (although Quade would have you believe otherwise). This was simply a very bad “gut call”. Is it too late for Ricketts to show up at Sandberg’s door on his knees with a dozen roses?
Trade me right f@#$ing now!
Yeah I missed that as well
What was Quade thinking?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Should
Have put Dome in right and moved Colvin to left to start the inning. Better defense and if the pirates happen to take the lead their right handed closer is coming in
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on Apr 3, 2011 6:37 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Kosuke would have been an ideal choice, too.
The Cubs needed a baserunner, and the one thing Kosuke has a better-than-average ability to do is lead off innings and draw walks.
Should
Have put Dome in right and moved Colvin to left to start the inning. Better defense and if the pirates happen to take the lead their right handed closer is coming in
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on Apr 3, 2011 6:37 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I didn't get that either...
…and I agree Fukudome was clearly the best choice in that particular AB.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Reasoning was:
“Reed’s numbers are good against Hanrahan,’’ Quade said
I can’t find Reed’s career totals against Hanrahan. Anybody know?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Yes, on baseball-reference.
Yesterday was his first PA against Hanrahan.
So I’d like to know what Quade was drinking.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 4, 2011 7:05 AM CDT up reply actions
...
This is for Reed vs. Hanrahan specifically, the other is for all pitchers Reed has faced.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 4, 2011 7:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Between citing Reed's grittiness and his good numbers against pitchers he's never seen....
….it’s probably best if you stopped talking for a little bit, Q.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
That is literally exactly what he said, per David Haugh in today's Trib.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
There's a lot of misinformation in these replies
1. Quade did NOT say Reed had good numbers against Hanrahan.
2. He never called Reed “gritty”, however, he did call him a “gamer”, but that was not his main reasoning for leaving Reed in.
His reasons were, first, he said Fukudome did not have good numbers against Hanrahan, and second, that Hanrahan had better numbers against lefties than he did against righties.
We'll all miss you Ron.
He said, literally, "Reed's numbers are good against Hanrahan".
I mean, I don’t know how much more wrong you can be on point 1.
As for point 2, I’m just going by what Al reported. I didn’t see that quote.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I listened to the post game remarks, so unless Haugh had a 1 on 1 conversation, he did not.
I advise you listen to them yourself on cubs.com and make your own conclusion
We'll all miss you Ron.
So... you are accusing David Haugh of fabricating a direct quote in the Chicago Tribune?!
You know, Quade may have spoken to the press on more than one occasion in the last 12 hours. Maybe even in the locker room!
The idea that Haugh is making things up whole cloth is borderline insane. It would get him fired.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I'm not accusing anybody
I’m saying maybe he misunderstood or misinterpreted, I have no idea. But I heard a post game press conference where, when asked whether he second guessed Reed in that situation he said nothing of the sort. I could be wrong! I’m not saying I’m perfect, I’m just saying what I heard. And it would certainly make a lot more sense than Q just pretending he has statistics that he doesn’t have.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Nor do I have the capability right now to further research.
I just looked at the presser video on cubs.com, I will be able to look into it in like 15 or 20.
We'll all miss you Ron.
there's no further research needed! It's a direct quote in today's Trib!
The link is right here!
Haugh has more access than you and I. He doesn’t just watch the presser and go home. He probably went to the locker room, talked to Marmol, talked to Q.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I realize he has more access and I understand he would not purposely fabricate anything.
I made my original post based off of what was said in the press conference when asked about the decision. I don’t think his reasoning would change, he said Fuke’s numbers weren’t good against Hanrahan, and Hanrahan was better against lefties than righties. I wouldn’t have minded seeing somebody other than Reed hit there, but I find Quade’s reasoning to be reasonable in this circumstance. Did Quade say it? I don’t know. That is the first time I saw the article to be honest. But I don’t think it’s crazier to think Haugh may have misunderstood something than to think that Quade just tried to make up a statistic that doesn’t exist and fool all of the media and all of the fans. If it did happen, maybe Q misspoke. I don’t know. I based what I said originally off of what Q said when asked the question.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I'm assuming Q misspoke, or misread a chart, or something.
It was an obvious error in the 9th, regardless of the motivation.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Fair enough
Thanks for having a reasonable discussion though, I know some people get out of hand sometimes.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Stop it right now!
I have heard this more than once and it has to stop. There is only one “Q” in Chicago, and he is not on the northside blowing calls, he has a ring on the westside. Untill Quade wins something and earns the “Q”, even then, be original with the nickname. Don’t piggyback the Blackhawks, that’s kinda lame.
Trade me right f@#$ing now!
Noted....
I get frustrated when I have conversations lately that start with “Did you see that crap Q pulled yesterday” and I am thinking “wtf, the Hawks did not play last night, or at least I don’t think they did, did I miss a game? Wait a second, let me look at my pocket schedule….. nope, no game, did he do something at paractice? Did somebody get hurt again at practice??? Dammit, how may more guys have to get injured. I bet it was Toews. We can’t afford to lose Toews, we are so screwed. Wait, where did everybody go?” HEY WAIT UP GUYS! Then I look silly….
Trade me right f@#$ing now!
Understood
Hopefully he’ll make better decisions, and then you won’t have to worry about it. If he doesn’t, you may not have to for long, anyway…
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 5, 2011 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I won't be jumping off any ledges yet...
And I want to see if Byrd can handle the 3 hole. Give him 15 games to see if he can do it.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Funny you mention ARam not scoring on the double, Al.
I was sitting watching the game with my daughters and when they didn’t score after having two runs in, second and third and no one out I said, "I’ve seen at least part of thousands of Cubs games and that will come back to bite them.
also, a pitch got away from the catcher, and Ramirez held at 3B.
if I recall correctly. So that really was a lost opportunity
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Apr 3, 2011 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
The pitch that got away...
… did not get far enough away for him to score.
But he should have scored on the double.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Now you're just begging for a TJ/Husker debate.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
LOL
Those do have some entertainment value — emphasis on “some”.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
My question exactly was "Why didnt he score?"
DeJesus has been questionable so far over at third, but we have not seen enough of him yet…..ARam being a lazy runnerm we have seen plenty of…..
So which was it? A bad move Ivan? Or did he have no choice because it too forever for Aram to get there?
of course there were no outs after that Pena double
Soto and Soriano both popped out. 3 failures today with man on 3rd and less than 2 out.
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Apr 3, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Am I wrong ...
or does Soto seem to press badly when he has the chance to drive in runners?
I thought that in the game thread today.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Not doing anything after Pena's double was just terrible.
Maybe that’s why Lou was reluctant to hit him higher in the order?
I have no idea.
But you’re right … we should have at least scored one more run that inning.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
The only time Byrd has remotely looked like a #3 hitter was 2009 in Texas
And, well, there should be lessons learned in Cub-land about taking big seasons in Arlington too seriously.
Good point.
Note, also, that even when Byrd was at his best with the Cubs — first half of 2010 — Lou didn’t bat him third. Now, you could say Lou was too worn out to make any big changes last year, or maybe Lou realized that Byrd’s ceiling isn’t high enough to be in the most important spot in the order.
Only after Lee was traded did Byrd hit third.
This game is more evidence
that the Cubs have good pitching and poor hitting. They couldn’t put the Pirates away when they had the chance. The pitching is going to keep us in a lot of games, but we’ve got no margin for error. Today Marmol came in, had trouble throwing strikes and got a couple of bad breaks on balls put into play.
The point isn’t to say the Cubs were unlucky, although they were, but that good teams have enough margin for error to overcome bad luck.
Still, it’s early. I don’t know where the offense is going to come from, but maybe someone will step forward.
by Josh Timmers on Apr 3, 2011 5:24 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Rec'd
The Cubs are leaving too many runs on the bases and not cashing in. Every game this series, including the win, the Cubs had ample opportunities to score runs. They are getting leadoff runners on base and stranding them at first, runners in scoring position, and not cashing in.
Its just not a great offense… to many guys who are feast or famine.
+1
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
And the "feast" guys
Aren’t bringing much to the table very often.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Thats what happens...
…when a team really isn’t very good. They have some talent, but much of it doesn’t jive well together in the lineup.
In summary, you saw two teams play this weekend that are likely not very good and will lose more games than they win.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
What the Cubs have is a bunch of "good" 6-7 hitters
3-4-5 hitters are still pretty scarce on the North Side…..
Not only that...
…but you can see that several of them are already pressing and trying to do too much.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I know I'm saying this right now becuase he is hot
but Castro leading off may be the key. He looked pretty impressive out there today. His pitch recognition seems to be getting better.
by Don't Fear the Reaper on Apr 3, 2011 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Nuts ...and we just stocked up on voodoo dolls...
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Ugh.
ESPN just showed a clip of Juan Marichal vs. Johnny Roseboro. Damn.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:26 PM CDT reply actions
Well it only took 3 games
to have another maddening loss from this team.
Sure some wonderful bright spots, Garza’s 12 K’s. and Castro. However this is a game a good team gets. Early, yes, but these games count also.
Byrd swinging on the first pitch, I wanted to toss the TV.
I think I rode the emotional roller coaster
of what to expect from the season from these past 3 games
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 5:30 PM CDT reply actions
A couple of things irritate me:
Marmol has to stop putting the first guy on. He will never be a reliable closer or an elite one.
Byrd should be batting 6 or 7. Bat Ramirez third.
Garza did have a interesting afternoon—but I’m still concerned that he’s not as good as Hendry thought he was. Forget the strikeouts, 12 hits (albeit singles) is not good when you are facing the Pirates. I won’t judge him wholly right away. But along with his spring performance, he’s not off to a great start.
A couple of those singles...
… were perfectly placed on hit and run plays where the infielder would normally have been in position to field it. Give the Pirates some credit on those. Of the 21 outs Garza recorded, 12 were K’s, six ground balls, only three fly ball outs.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I curse
the BABIP gods, do you hear?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
You make your own luck.
Luck is for players that aren’t good enough to get the job done on their own.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 4, 2011 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Some luck involved, too
I mean the dribbler just past Marmol??
Gimme a break.
He did not lose the game for the Cubs, though.
With A-Ram in the hole, Byrd put up a miserable AB for a “vet” and a guy Quade is counting on.
Blech!
I don't understand why it's so hard to hit a fly ball with a guy on third less than 2 outs.
They couldn’t get the runner in all last year. Today looks like more of the same.
That run should be AUTOMATIC.
by mic on Apr 3, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
The one-run game
losses are the continuing trend. We will have to see how this progresses (declines) moving forward.
To me The Pirates outplayed the Cubs the entire series. And today, their best player was out.
Not very encouraged.
Koyie could have done that!
It’s not that hard to lay off the first pitch and find something you like. You can’t tell me Byrd liked that crappy pitch. It was inside, he doesn’t hit those!
by alabamacubbie on Apr 3, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions
2007 Lou would have put on the squeeze.
And it would have worked awesomely.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I loved 2007 Lou
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Why no squeeze in the 9th, then?
The spectre of the game-ending double play was demonstrated in rather stark relief one batter earlier. Q’s 9th inning was rather intensely badly managed, in both the top and the bottom of the frame.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
But the zero walks
are more promising than the 12 hits are depressing.
A lot of those hits were just seeing eye stuff. Placed in perfect position. It was bad luck.
The 12 ks and 0 BB shows some real skill. More than I thought he had. But it was the Pirates.
The BABIP gods were certainly not smiling on him today
"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
Hopefully, during his next start,
They relent.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
No quality ABs
This team really isn’t putting up many quality AB’s lots of first pitch swinging and wanting to do too much.
I’m not very positive about this loss. Seems like its just about who this team is going to be.
This game was
so maddening as are the Cubs! When Byrd hit the 1st pitch I was spittin’ nails………argh.
I agree with eswan, give Byrd 15 more games max in the 3 hole, then move him down. Though for the life of me, I don’t know who the hell I’d put there.
This is going to be a long maddening season again, I fear. I’d like to be wrong but I’m not an optimist.
As for the first part of your last line
aint it grand.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
If Byrd flops in the 3 hole
we will have a better idea who can handle it…Castro, Rammy, maybe even Colvin.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
dear god
no to Castro in the 3 hole – he needs to be leadoff – Soto 2, Ramirez 3, Pena 4, Colvin 5, then the rest of the mish-mash
Loved Colvin' s throw
I’ve seen the cubs blow that play too many times. That was nice. Finish: bad.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 5:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I just wish they had done that last July...
July 17, at Wrigley Field against Philadelphia.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Al, about teams which are supposed to be contending,
Weren’t the Red Sox swept this weekend in Texas?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:38 PM CDT reply actions
Also Brew Crew swept by Reds
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 3, 2011 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
There were some remarks made on Acme Packing Company about that.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Texas is a contender, too, tho.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Looks like they will get over losing Lee
Amazing what a good minor league system can do for a team…..
Now, speaking of that.
The Cubs are more homegrown than I can ever remember. Barney might not turn out to be someone who should start every day, but he’s not a moron like Ronny Cedeno. Castro is Castro, Colvin is a good ballplayer — who will be cheap in right next year to help negate Soriano — and some of the younger veterans (Soto, Marmol, Marshall) are from the system.
The brighter spots — and the ones making fewer mental mistakes — are guys from the org. And that gives me some hope.
I mentioned the Red Sox
… and Rays, and Brewers.
Although, the Red Sox and Brewers were swept by other contending teams.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I agree, Byrd is not our best hitter, get him out of the 3 spot.
So far it’s been Castro, but he doesn’t yet possess the power. I also happen to think Soriano isn’t going to get enough good pitches in the 7 spot. Until Geo comes around he should bat at least 6th.
He is the eventual 3 hole hitter. We are going to need to be patient.
Our 3 hitter is tomorrow’s 2 hole hitter
Our leadoff man of the future is in AAA
Our fourth hitter plays for another team
This is going to be a long year.
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
by louslovechild on Apr 3, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
One of the better
analyses I’ve read all year.
Not only that,
But half of the guys in our regular starting lineup flail away at everything, no matter how close it is to the strike zone.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
its very odd
watching Pena hit – someone who actually takes some pitches…Fukudome isnt even like that
It seems to me that these guys are pressing WAY to hard and I think that is Cubbie Culture – it seems that in the fan base its a win-now mentality that is worse than the Yankees. I think Castro and Colvin’s success depends on their youth and not being fully aware of that pressure.
They are probably better off with another #3 hitter
Even with 15-20 HR pop, Castro looks more like a Sandberg-style #2 hitter.
Colvin could win himself a job.
My hope against hope is that our lineup (by the ASB) is Fukudome, Castro, Colvin, Ramirez, Pena, Soto, Byrd, Barney.
I don’t see it happening — Colvin just isn’t THAT good — but if it did, and if he could make the case to bench Soriano … this team could be dangerous.
I am against Soto
In the three hole. IMO, u need a guy in that spot who the manager can write in the lineup everyday. Soto being the catcher makes that impossible
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on Apr 3, 2011 6:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Castro is an incredible talent.
And as I said when we were leaving the game… I predict Starlin will own MLB’s longest hitting streak of the year in 2011.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
I only drink the Kool-Aid when Starlin's at bat.
It’s pretty strong stuff though.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
BCB needs to organize a mass high five for hendry
thank god he didnt deal him for granderson
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Apr 3, 2011 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
it really is amazing that Castro wasnt traded as a minor leaguer
the other GM’s should be kicking themselves in the ass for not figuring out a way to heist him from Hendry after the ’09 season
ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.
by holy mackeral on Apr 3, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought you said he would have...
… the CUBS’ longest hitting streak of the year, which I agreed with.
The longest streak in MLB? That’d be real nice. And I could see him doing that, too.
The team record hitting streak (post 1900) is 30, set by Jerome Walton in 1989.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
What was Ron Santo's hitting streak?
I thought it was 30, or something around there
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
If it didn't roll off the tongue right... I meant MLB.
He’s reminding me of Luis Castillo’s 35 game streak when he was 22 or 23. Except the two are not really comparable at the plate. Castro will become a real good run producer as he matures. Castillo was just always plate setter and base stealer.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Now if he could learn how to field
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
He'll get better with more reps
He’s kept that incredible range from last year, and it looks like the game is slowing down for him somewhat, but his throwing blunder in the 9th was still a kid’s mistake.
OTOH, as I mentioned in the Game Threads, he saved Colvin’s bacon twice on throws into the infield. No knocks on his glove at all.
"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
Also...
… that guy who sang the National Anthem… don’t let him back in the ballpark, please. That was terrible.
by dmlichte on Apr 3, 2011 6:25 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Haha, I heard that
I was like “what was that??” I could do better
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I forgot to mention that.
That was the worst I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard some bad ones.
If only the Cubs could get Jim Cornelison to do it every day. Even once a homestand would be great.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Who picks these singers?
Not that is the the million dollar question.
I heartily agree about Cornelison. He brings mojo with him too plus he’s a former opera singer and has some great pipes!
I really like Messmer
Cornelison is great, too, but there’s something to me about Wayne Messmer doing the anthem at Wrigley that is just a perfect fit.
Messmer's been a tradition at Wrigley for more than 20 years...
… maybe that’s why. But if they could get Messmer & Cornelison to do most games, that’d be perfect.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Messmer was the perfect fit at Chicago Stadium...
where he became famous staring with game 3 of the 1985 Campbell Conference Finals.
Sure he’s good at Wrigley and AllState. But there was something about that voice, in that barn with that 3,663 pipe organ that made that Anthem experience unmatched.
Yeah, I’m biased on this opinion…
Just win the next game...!
I was listening on the radio
and he took forever, need to put a time limit on national anthem!
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
As GJ so eloquently put it
Unless you’re being paid 6 figures to sing it…keep it under 1:30.
"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 a spring chicken anymore
He’s at the 30-ish year mark doing this and after having been shot in the neck in 1994 [near the UIC campus] he’s not quite the same but still THE MAN for THE ANTHEM… IMHO.
Just win the next game...!
Just bad luck. You can make the argument that Castro shouldn’t have thrown to first wildly. You can make the argument that Rami should have scored on the double.
In 2008, we did this to other teams — winning at the last second on bone-headed plays. Remember the game against the Reds that put Griffey on the DL?
Oh, well. Coulda, shoulda, woulda. Screw the Pirates; take out the DBacks.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
This wasn't bad luck, Drew.
A host of mental errors did in the Cubs. Castro shouldn’t have thrown to first in the ninth, Ramirez botched a sure DP earlier in the game (and the Pirates got a run out of it), Rami should have scored on the double, Quade shouldn’t have had Reed Johnson hitting against a rightie — let alone a rightie who can get to 99 on the gun — and Byrd should be freaking suspended for swinging at the first pitch.
And Byrd needs to move down in the lineup. Hit Ramirez third, Pena fourth and Byrd fifth.
by elgato on Apr 3, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
Oh, and Pena nearly blew it in the eighth with his error ...
and Soriano and Soto really screwed up when they didn’t follow Pena’s double.
After those two screwed up, the Pirates just walked Colvin and faced Garza.
This wasn’t bad luck. There were some positives today — Castro, Barney and Colvin, mostly — but a lot of mental mistakes and failure to perform from veterans who should know and do better.
I'll disagree.
Bad luck. All those squib singles. Marmol slipping. But in the end, it doesn’t matter.
And I agree with you about Byrd.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, Drew.
You CAN be critical of the Cubs. It’s allowed.
I do. In the game thread, I brought up that
Castro shouldn’t have thrown to first, and we were lucky when Barney was able to hold on to the ball when Rami nearly threw it away. I didn’t think about putting Dome in over RJ, but in hindsight, it was certainly a mistake on Quade’s part.
But look at the BABIP numbers for the Bucs today. Just crazy, all those little singles.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree those seeing eye singles where ridiculous
Garza pitched well and kept the ball down. For the pitchers side we unlucky but the miscues by Ramirez running, Soto, Byrd, and Sori’s hitting gaffes were on us.
Ramirez made a huge defensive mistake too.
He blew a tailor-made DP. He still got a force out, but it allowed the Pirates to score an extra run.
Ramirez hitting third,
Pena forth. It really doesn’t matter after that with this team.
Though I will say people wanting Geo batting third confuses me becasue he has been dreadful so far batting 5th, leaving lots of LOB and not putting in any quality ABs.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions
make it Pena batting "fourth" while I'm at it...
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Why was Byrd swinging at the first pitch a bad thing?
The situation called for an aggressive AB. If we needed base runners then he should probably try and take a few, but he was in an RBI situation. He got a pitch he thought he could hit so he swung, I have no problem with that. I’d rather him swing at a first pitch fastball then get in a hole early and have to chase a breaking pitch.
By the way, in the 4th inning, if Soto or Soriano do what Byrd did in the 9th, we’d have been in extra innings. Somehow, they could only hit shallow popups.
We'll all miss you Ron.
The pitcher
was wild. He should have waited.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 4, 2011 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Disagree...
…for several reasons:
These late inning power pitchers can get wild, so you have to make them work. When you are down a run, it is always a good idea to take a strike (unless you are Albert Pujols). Lastly, the pitch he swung at was one he couldn’t do anything with if he swung at it 100 times and he was clearly over anxious. By making a guy take a strike, it can calm them down a bit and take the edge off and also put them in an advantageous count. If Byrd takes that first pitch, the count is 1-0.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Ramirez had a bad day defensively.
Not sure what inning it was, but he botched a pretty easy DP. He got the force out at second, but it appeared that the runner (whom he could have tagged) threw off his concentration. The throw to second was nearly late (and wide) and the Pirates got an extra run.
That extra run, of course, mattered a lot in a 1-run game.
The ball was coming to him slowly
Without the runner, he could have charged it, but as it was, he had to not interfere, field, and try to start the DP. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t in that situation. OTOH, I was wondering why he didn’t try to tag the lead runner – that, or flip to Castro who was running to cover the hole and then 3B.
"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
Good point about tagging the runner.
There were ways to get a DP in that situation. It wasn’t an easy play, but it was one that could have been made.
The other point that was made
during the broadcast was that the shift was on and thus throwoff the timing of the entire play….not sure how often the work on turning DPs with your second basemen sitting in shallow right field
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on Apr 4, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
On the bright side of today, we learned a lot about Hot Dogs
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Why were they booing Sori already?
God, some Cubs fans are so stupid.
And today was the perfect example of why Marlon Byrd should not bat 3rd. I like Marlon quite a bit – love the way he plays the game. But he’s league average.
Albert Pujols hits 3rd. Josh Hamilton hits 3rd. Adrian Gonzales hits 3rd. Marlon Byrd hits third. WTF.
They were booing Soriano because he only tied the game yesterday.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Byrd should be hitting 6th or 7th.
Maybe this will be the start of better lineup construction.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
So, have Rammy bat third?
I would be OK with that.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
Nail on head
This team has a dearth of talent which barring a miracle will result in a crappy season and dismal attendence. We might as well get comfortable with mediocrity because nobody seems motivated to enforce accountability. How many GM’s could take the 4th largest payroll in MLB and parlay it this no hit, no field collection of misfits and still retain their job?
I'm wet nurse to a last-place, dead-to-the-neck-up ball club, and I'm choking to death!
I have your answer...
…exactly one!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
If Tom's dad is the boss, does that make him Clueless Joe?
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Indeed. Although if Clueless Joe is the boss...
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Did you note the "Grade AAA Trouble"?
Because this is a AAA ballclub….
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Niiiiiice
n/t
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Also...
why the F was Reed put in for defense over Fukudome? I get that you want to play your whole roster, but in a one run game, how do you NOT put in the far superior defender? And then allow Reed to hit against the RHP rather than PH-ing Fukudome?
I know it’s a long season, and every fan is going to disagree with the decisions a manager makes over the course of the year. But unless I’m missing something here, there is no defense of this move.
The only way it's defensible ...
is if there was a high likelihood that the Pirates would bring in a lefty in the ninth.
But the ABSOLUTE opposite was true. The Pirates closer is right handed, and he is an absolute beast.
Putting Reed in for defense was a small mistake. Allowing Reed to hit against Hanrahan was just ridiculous.
Garza's pitching
Garza’s outing was strange. With disrespect to the Pirates, Garza gave-up 12 hits. That’s too many. On second or third thought, against a better team he would have been clobbered and probably wouldn’t have lasted 7 innings or gotten the 12 strikeouts.
Don’t know what to think of this Cub team, but their were positives this weekend and at least they are going going all out to try to win.
Whoever said the Pirates were a bad defensive team made the right call. They are a young team, so they sort of have an excuse.
Bird swung at the first pitch in every at bat. Rudy teaches them to be aggressive early in the count.
I hate that approach. And why are Reed Johnson and Darwin Barney batting against a righty when you have two lefties (Fukudome and DeWitt) on the bench. Starting to wonder about Quade.
Not pinch-hitting for Barney is more defensible.
If the game had gone into extras, and if Castro had gotten hurt, the team would have had no shortstop. We would have seen something like Jeff Baker at short.
But Fukudome AND Baker can play left or right. I even think Barney logged some time in the outfield in the minors (although my memory might be off). Regardless, Quade really messed up today. There’s just no reason to a) put Reed in for defense and b) allow him to face Hanrahan.
Well, yeah. But if Castro gets hurt it's kind of Disaster Time already.
At that point, no one will care who’s on short.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
When you are down a run...
…late in the game, it is a fundemental baseball rule to wait for a good pitch to hit. In fact, a lot of managers would have guys taking a strike before they swing (unless you are talking about a stud being up).
Byrd swung at a 95mph fastball off the plate inside that he couldn’t do anything with if he had 100 chances. That is why you have to make the decision for these guys, and make them take a strike.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
What about putting down a bunt?
I don’t think this Pirates team would have any idea what to do with it.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
You have to weigh everything...
…and make the best decision you can.
The element of surprise is always good and I think they would have had that on their side. The pitcher was overpowering, so you factor that in to determine what Byrd’s chances were of getting the run in by swinging away.
I get the feeling, Quade wants to show guys early on that he trusts them (keeping Dempster in too long, letting guys swing away etc.). Thats all fine and good, but a manager needs to understand what a players capabilities are (and tendencies) and make the call that is best for the team.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Yep, he's struck me as a player's manager from Day 1.
The thing is, you can be a player’s manager without allowing the players to run the show. I’m not seeing that from Quade. Couple that with his idiotic “Reed is gritty and so that’s why I made a very poor decision in the ninth” comment and I’m falling off the fence towards the “holy god Jim made yet another mistake” side in regards to our new manager.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
a manager needs to understand what a players capabilities are (and tendencies) and make the call that is best for the team.
isn’t there also is an educating factor here? if the manager doesn’t tell his players what should be done, or what he wants, there may be an inconsistancy in the development of his team thinking as a unit.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
I'm not sure...
….I understand your question.
At the end of the day, the manager needs to digest all the information at his disposal and hopefully make the call that gives the player the best chance to succeed.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
They fielded Pena's surprise bunt earlier very well
I was shocked that Alvarez ranged, picked, and threw him out – that was some nice defense, especially from him.
"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
barney
should never bat 2nd. i’d much rather see baker or dewitt play, both are much bigger threats at the plate.
Based on what?
Baker’s complete inability to hit righties, DeWitt’s terrible spring or the fact that neither of them are close to as good defensively as Barney?
We didn’t lose this game because Darwin Barney hit second.
Think about it again...
maybe we did lose the game because Barney hit second… and Castro didn’t, reducing the chances for our best offensive player to come up with runners on to nil. Even if it’s just Barney in front of him, it would end up non-nil. Barney over Baker, DeWitt, Ojeda, whoever, doesn’t matter. Castro needs hitters in front of him… not pitchers.
The opportunity for Castro to drive in runners (he had 3 hits, including TWO triples… drove in nobody) and get driven in (he was on base four times in 5 at-bats… and scored only once) will determine the Cubs chances to get to 75 wins this year instead of 65.
As much as I don’t much time caring about the lesser of two evils, I’d still rather have 75.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Apr 4, 2011 4:25 AM CDT up reply actions
But the argument isn't about Castro leading off.
The original poster said that DeWitt and Baker would be better choices than Barney to play at all — and I strongly disagree with that.
hahaha
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Apr 3, 2011 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions
this team
plays like champs one minute.example the 8th inning.and chumps the next.example the 9th. what a wasted pitching effort. i saw things this weekend i liked and things i didnt. i know its early but letting the other team draw first blood will not play out well in the long run. consider this our 1st 1 run loss.
By the way...
Unfortunately, we got Bad Carlos Marmol today.
We also got bad Kerry Wood today, too.
Bullpen is lights out one day and horrendous the next. This trend can NOT continue or we’ll be 20 games out by the break.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Woody
got out of the inning without any runs scoring, tho.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions
And Woody ...
had to deal with the Pena error on a DP ball.
Right.
Wood’s outing was fine. Marmol’s, not so much.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Let's not go nuts...
it was one walk, a weak single to right, and a fluke infield single that somehow scored two runs, followed by an inning-ending double play. Carlos Marmol didn’t lose the game today. He shouldn’t have to go out and strikeout the side on 10 pitches to get the Cubs a win. The game was lost as soon as Mike Quade finished writing out the lineup.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Apr 4, 2011 4:32 AM CDT up reply actions
...
wow.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 4, 2011 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I don't buy that, either.
There are any number of non-luck reasons why the game was lost. But it wasn’t lost before the first pitch.
The walk is all Marmol's fault
Walking the leadoff hitter in a save situation is an unforced error, plain and simple. All the other things that happened needed that walk to come to a bad ending. So, yeah, the loss is on Marmol.
I disagree slightly on Wood
Colvin bailed him out in that inning with that laser strike to Geo. He looked good on the K, but everything else was pretty mediocre. IMHO, of course.
"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
His inning should have gone K, weak hit, solid single, doubleplay.
It wasn’t his best inning, but it wasn’t all that bad either.
And Colvin’s play was so awesome that I can’t believe the team fell apart immediately after. That looked for all the world like a galvanizing moment.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
and start talking about firing him
Ha ha, I kid…
But only a little.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
I'm not sure I understand.
I’m not saying we should dwell on his 24-13 record last year but to only judge him on the first 3 games of 2011 isn’t fair. 25-15 overall as manager is still pretty good.
how did he do in the first 3 games after Lou left?
By all that's holy, I am going to attend the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp.
What would that have to do with anything?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Accually
Byrd hit a knee high, inside part of the plate 98 miles per hour first pitch fastball, with 1 out, club’s fastest man on 3rd, in the bottom of the 9th, down by one. That is what I call mind-blowing. Seriusly. I like Marlon a lot. But what was his goal going to the plate? Make contact? Attack early? Or maybe, just maybe, wait for a high pitch and get the run home? On the first pitch… I’m still shaking my head to this minute.
He is not a run producer, so get him out of there.
This team’s biggest problem is that it has a couple of good 2nd hitter (Castro, Fukudome, Barney, Baker, Byrd, maybe even Colvin) and a bunch of 5-6th hitters (Pena, Soriano, Soto, Colvin), but doesn’t have a leadoff or no 3. hitter (and Aramis is the only good looking cleanup btw…).
I don't believe the lead off hitter...
…is as important to a team as the middle of a lineup. Castro needs to be in the 3 hole, if not then his potential production is just being wasted.
What do you think of a squeeze in this situation?
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I like a hit and run more...
Followed by a possible delayed double steal if Byrd misses and the catcher throws to second. But really that isn’t the Cubs style. Base to base and lots of disheartening DPs are on the horizon.
Have the Cubs gone first to third yet this year?
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes.
Castro.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
He goes home-to-third pretty well, too
"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
yeah,
more of that can’t be bad.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 4, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Lou called a ton of late-inning squeeze plays in the early going.
I remember one working like clockwork at Comiskey with Theriot scoring standing up.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I don't like any gadget play when the no. 3 hitter comes up...
He “simply” should had been a little more patient, wait for a better pitch to elevate. The momentum had just shifted, they were nervous after a mental gaffe, the games was on the line.
Marlon Byrd is a hustler, heck of a good baseball player, one of the few good acquisition by Hendry. But he is not a run producer. Never was, never will be. Don’t have that kind of mentaity. Can you imagine Derrek hit that very same first pitch in this situation? I can’t.
I would hate to see Starlin as a no.3 for the same reason. He is a contact hitter (already a very good one), perfect for the 2nd spot. Maybe put Aramis in the 3 hole, and Soto/Pena switching as a no. 4. All in all It’s not a healty situation, and going to be an issue all year long.
by Gio on Apr 4, 2011 5:43 AM CDT up reply actions
It's a pretty high-percentage gadget play.
It’s not like advocating a straight steal of home or something. If Byrd puts the ball on the ground, Starlin scores a very high percentage of the time.
And Byrd really isn’t a #3 hitter. He’s a #7 hitter.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Actually, I can see 2009-2010 Derrek Lee
Doing the exact same thing. This is not a recommendation.
"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
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 4, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
WE ARE ONLY 1 - 2!!!!!
Our 21 year phenom is 8 for 13. We watched an actual Cubs starter strike out 12 batters while walking ZERO!!! Not striking out 0 and waling 12. The Pirates had some of that baseball luck on their side today. Some of those hit they couldn’t have thrown out there any better, including the game winner.
Another bad baseball team comes to town tomorrow. Hopefully the Cubs don’t play down to their level. Plus, we get to see what Cashner has to offer.
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
Cashner pitches Tuesday.
Not sure if you were talking about Monday or not.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
Even Better
I’m going on Tuesday. My boss doesn’t know that yet, but I am.
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
by louslovechild on Apr 3, 2011 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Outbreak of Blue Flu predicted for greater Phoenix area
Alert the CDC!
"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
"Hopefully the Cubs don’t play down to their level"
Did you see todays game? They’re already at their level.
I have zero expectations
for Cashner, so if he even makes it through the 5th inning I would be satisfied. Hope I’m wrong, but I think he is going to have a rough season as a starter.
Can't remember a game of
so many highs and lows. Can’t wait to see what all Castro has to give us this season.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
I'd rather see his two triples and single...
…in the 3 hole, the best hitter on the team needs to be in the 3 hole not Byrd.
Marmol is not 62 for 75 (82.7%) in save opportunities...
hardly elite
by Asul on Apr 3, 2011 7:40 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Boston fans after the past decade of success...
…no longer tolerate mediocrity. I wish we could get to that point.
Or you could move to Boston
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
by louslovechild on Apr 3, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Of these blown saves that
you speak of, how many of them came before his was a closer…i.e. blow the lead in the 6th, 7th, 8th. I am pretty sure you get a blown save for that. If that is right, I really think you need to wait a couple of more years before you declare him as an elite or non-elite closer.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on Apr 4, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
yr absolutely right. i hate saves as a stat anyway:
xFIP leaders 08-10 (120 IP in relief min)
1.Wagner 2.57
2. Thornton 2.67
3. Broxton 2.69
4. Rivera 2.71
5. Gregerson 2.82
6. Kuo 2.95
7. Adams 2.96
8. Nathan 3.00
Marmol comes in at #55 at 3.81
On this team Castro should be batting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
So all we need is two more Castros.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 7:48 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
this whole thing about batting order is masturbatory at best...
esp. when you consider the only move that might have significant impact on run production is to move Soto to the 4 or 5 hole.
It means more in the NL...
where you damn sure should have your best hitter(s) as far away from the pitcher’s spot as possible. It’s why LaRussa batting the pitcher 8th is genius… most of the time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Apr 4, 2011 4:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I know I'm dreaming but..
Next year wouldn’t it be amazing to have a real leadoff hitter and a real number 3 (Pujols). Who could we go for leadoff? Who’s available and plays in a position we have “open”?
by bleedinblue76 on Apr 3, 2011 7:52 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Our leadoff hitter is in AAA right now.
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
by louslovechild on Apr 3, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Brett Jackson
"It was a perfect situation for the Brewers," Hill said. "They had a guy up there at the plate [in Counsell] who takes a lot of pride in what he does and he practices those situations, so when it does come up, he gets the bunt down to the right side of the field. They have the perfect guy on first base [in Gomez], who is one of the fastest guys in the league, and they had one of the worst fundamental teams on the field, so it was a perfect situation for them."
by louslovechild on Apr 3, 2011 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions
but is he ready next year?
He looked pretty bad in the OF.
by bleedinblue76 on Apr 3, 2011 8:05 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Next year?
I wouldn’t be suprised if we see him mid-June. Actually, knowing the Cubs, mid-May. If he’s hitting at all in Iowa that is.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Arizona is a tough outfield during the spring.
By all accounts I think Jackson is athletic enough and has a plus arm, so his defense shouldn’t be an issue.
Castro didn't do bad today at the leadoff.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on Apr 3, 2011 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Someone please explain to me why we didn't walk Alvarez with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out.
This sets up two things:
1.) If there is an infield hit (like there was) it gives them a shot for a throw to home to get the force.
2.) Hard ground ball to the infield gets the DP. Inning over.
Am I saying that we would have for sure got the out at home? No. But we would have had a play on it. Instead we throw it around the infield for 2 freaking runs on a lucky hit.
#10 You will be missed.
Yeah, I'm with you on that one.
Alvarez is a better hitter than Diaz. It was kind of a no-brainer.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
i thought so to.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on Apr 3, 2011 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Quade seemed to miss quite a few no-brainers in the late going today.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
He seems to have missed a quite a few no-brainers so far this season
Maybe this gets turned around, but his managing so far this season has been as bad or possibly even WORSE than Lou last year. And considering I thought Lou did possibly as bad a job managing as I’d seen last year, that’s saying something.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
agreed.
Bad call on Quade/Pitching Coach’s part.
I dunno what I think of the new pitching coach. He doesn’t interact much during the games.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I haven't seen him make too many visits.
I think Dempster could have used one opening day.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on Apr 3, 2011 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions
totally.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I asked the same question in the game theread
Force on every base, and Alvarez was crushing the ball today
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 3, 2011 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
no,
I think that it was. Without all those frakkin’ singles, the errors don’t matter as much.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions
There was bad luck involved. No argument.
But to Josh’s point, a better team has a better margin for error, and isn’t as susceptible to bad luck.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions
absolutely.
That being said, we can still win 84 games this year. And I wouldn’t say no to Brett Jackson being called up if he’s producing well enough. I like Byrd, but he’s clearly struggling.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, it's only 3 games. I'm not ready to give up on Byrd yet.
But I do think Jackson might arrive sooner than later.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Byrd is just not that good of a baseball player.
He’s not terrible, he works his butt off and he’s good defensively. But we’re not going to win 84 games with him as the No. 3 hitter — a role for which he was never signed.
Byrd was initially going to hit fifth or sixth, remember? It was going to be Lee, Ramirez and then either Soriano or Byrd. Now, obviously, Lee is gone. But there are better choices on the current team for such a key spot in the lineup.
Better choices, yes
But better is a relative term. I know, we’re saying the same thing.
I don’t agree with Drew that the Cubs are going to win 84, but they could. And yeah, Byrd isn’t a #3.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
No, we totally agree.
This team is saddled by the fact that we have two players — Soriano and Fukudome — who are making a combined $32 million — and who aren’t even the best or second best outfielders on the roster. As a result, they have no resources to spend on better bats, and really, few places to play them.
It’s amazing that we don’t trust two of our three highest paid position players to hit in the heart of the order — and that the Cubs would be best served if one of them were a reserve.
Unfortunately, I think what we saw this weekend is going to be a recurring theme
Solid pitching, little offense, and mental lapses.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm hoping the mental lapses ...
and the managerial decisions get better. The young guys can get better with experience, and I can’t believe Quade is as dumb as he looked today.
Hoping for Soriano to become a smarter baseball player or for Ramirez to hustle all the time are lost causes, though.
The mistakes by Quade bother me
He’s been around long enough. I stopped paying a whole lot of attention last year, so I can’t really say if it’s an abberation or not. But he’s been a manager long enough, although in the minors, it’s more about developing players.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I said this above.
I think Quade had another reason for using Johnson, one that he’s not telling us. Like, maybe Fukudome’s hurt, but Quade didn’t want to say that so the Dbacks don’t know about it going in?
I’m not saying that’s a good reason, either. But I can’t believe Quade is making decisions based on grittiness.
Maybe Koyie Hill is the grittiest son of a gun in baseball.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I'm thinkin' that's comin' tomorrow.
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 hope that's true. I guess
But thats still making yourself look like an awful big idiot, just to hide some information for 18 hours.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
And a team that doesn't make so many mental mistakes ...
isn’t as susceptible to bad luck.
Anyway, this “bad luck” argument is one that’s often used to defend some of Hendry’s worst moves.
Yep. Didn't pay as much attention to today's game
But Castro never should have thrown to first in the ninth. And it sounds like Ramirez had more than one goof.
The Hendry issue, well, that’s another topic (that we’ve pretty much agreed on all the time).
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
That is Quade's call to make.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Why Not Intentional Walk?
Often a good move, but not with Marmol on the mound when he doesn’t have good command. There was a good chance he would have walked in the tying run.
"All I'm asking for is what I want." -- Ricky Henderson
true
I think in the situation that is worth the risk though. I can see your point though.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on Apr 3, 2011 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I am not a big fan on how Quade has managed
these first couple games. Long season though, and I love watching Starlin Castro play. If Brett Jackson can play to his talent, the top of our lineup could be relentless.
On another note. Someone please tell Marlon Byrd to work counts please. He swings at the first pitch almost everytime. And for those who say we don’t have anyone to bat third, I would argue almost anyone for the exception of Soriano and Barney/Baker is a better fit for 3rd in the lineup. I’m a Byrd fan but he is just not someone I believe is our best hitter in any way, shape, or form.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
Jaramillo preaches aggresiveness.
In a way he’d be a perfect fit with Dusty Baker. They aggresivness pays dividends with a natural talent like Castro who seems born to hit, and Byrd has heaped praises on on Jaramillo as well. The approach seems horrible when Byrd grounds into a DP to end the game, but no one was complaining when DeWitt swung at the first pitch on Saturday.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions
If your trying to make a point between DeWitt's AB
and Byrd’s ABs … that’s comparing apples to oranges.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
Maybe but not really.
Obviously if Byrd hits one out of the park on the first pitch no one would be complaining about him swinging at it.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, sure.
If it works, great. But when you fail miserably by going against convention — worse, by doing something that isn’t particularly smart — you deserve large helpings of criticism.
I don't think the criticism is fair without even mentioning the benefits.
Especially since it happened the previous day without any praise.
That being said, I am not a huge fan of Jaramillo’s approach for everyone, or even as a team approach. It might make for a quicker paced game, thus making the game more entertaining, but the goal should be winning. If we are talking winning percentages I prefer wearing down other team’s starting pitchers, and keeping the defense standing on the field for as long as possibe.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions
How did it happen the previous day?
Byrd swung at the first pitch against a guy throwing absolute gas. DeWitt swung at a guy (Meek) who was really struggling — and pinch hitters are taught more than position players to go up hacking.
Byrd swings at the first pitch a LOT of the time.
First pitch is first pitch.
Either you’re swinging or not.
And if it is Byrd, he’s swinginging. Do I wish Byrd was selectively agressive like mentioned above? Of course. Ninety-seven MPH or not, if he throws it over the middle of the plate, you swing. If he throws it low, increasing your chances a double play, you take. I really don’t know enough about Jaramillo’s philosophy to know if he breaks it each AB down situationally or not. One would hope, given the salary he is paid. But the over-riding theme is aggressiveness, and Byrd is a big subscriber.
Wondering why Byrd is swinging at the first pitch is kind of like wondering why the Cubs don’t steal more bases. They simply aren’t built that way.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions
OK.
Then the lineup shouldn’t be built with him hitting third.
With what the Cubs have now, I'd like to see Ramirez hitting third.
But not if he hits .260 or lower. It should be Castro, and I think they should plan on it being his in the long-run, but who gets the possible 700 ABs apiece in the first two spots if they bat Castro hird now? I shudder to think.
Our third place hitter just might have to be whoever is swinging the bat best at that moment in time. Sometimes that might be Byrd.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions
No, first pitch is NOT first pitch
there are qualifiers, Elgato laid out a pretty good one.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
The weakest part of every team is their middle relief.
So, good teams like the Yankees and Red Sox preach making the starter work. They try to get him out by the fifth so they can attack the weakest pitchers the other team has. Cubs did this in 2008. They actually led the league in OBP. They won alot of games too.
Who would you be more pissed of at?
A) Bryd ending the game, swinging at the first pitch in today’s situation? B) Jake Fox swinging in a 3-0 count, in the same situation, but eventally ending the game on a groudout like Byrd’s? Both piss people off, but I was just curios to see what people would say.
by alabamacubbie on Apr 3, 2011 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd need more details.
Is Fox swinging at a guy who throws 99? Does Fox habitually swing on 3-0 counts?
Same situation, but he pissed of Showalter in ST on that crap
by alabamacubbie on Apr 3, 2011 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Weren't the O's up by like, 10 runs when he did that?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Something like that.
It was in the FanShots recently.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I think so...
and he eventually drew the walk, but I was just placing someone with that type of problem in today’s game. Just asking who you’d be more upset at?
by alabamacubbie on Apr 3, 2011 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd be more upset at swinging when it's 3-0.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
there was a story about that a few days ago. He’s been having problems with swinging in 3-0 counts.
by alabamacubbie on Apr 3, 2011 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Correct. And scouts know you swing at the first pitch and throw to your weakness.
So they jam Byrd and he grounds into a weak DP.
Absolutely.
If as a pitcher you know someone is always going to be aggressive you really are one step ahead of them.
Has anyone ever employed an ex-pitcher as a hitting coach? Maybe Maddux should be talking to our hitters as well.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Apr 3, 2011 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather he preach batting well with 2 strikes
Seems like the fear of having 2 strikes and then strking out forces players to look for a pitch to hit earlier in the AB. Pitchers key off that and use the fear against those players.
Situational hitting: DeWitt’s swing was so much more going away with an outside pitch that he had less risk than Byrd’s AB. But the key was he was batting in a tie game, B8. Byrd was batting down 1R, B9 with a runner on 1st & 3rd and only 1 out. At home especially you play for the tie first, then the win. WIth a force play and GBDP a potential, pitch selectivity must be paramount. Byrd did not do that.
Just win the next game...!
In that position, I'd like to see the manager take the DP out of the situation.
Put the ball on the ground. Make your own luck, go win the game that’s in front of you. That’s how 2007 Lou did business.
At least if it fails, you can say that you tried something cool.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
How does a mgr do this?
There wasn’t a hit-n-run… plus its not often done with a runner also on 3rd and only 1 out. Couldn’t be straight steal cuz he swung on the 1st pitch. And again runners were on 1st & 3rd with one out B9 and down a run. That is almost never done unless you have 2 absolute speed demons on the basepaths.
Cool things are not tried when you’re down 1 with 1 out B9. Try cool stuff on the road in a tied game. Play for the win in the 9th on the road. Play for the tie [first] in the 9th at home.
Just win the next game...!
Suicide squeeze.
I don’t think they would have been able to turn 2 – especially with Barney on 1st. That’s playing for the tie, and it’s a pretty high-percentage play, relatively speaking.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Thats balls for sure...
and cool too. Not sure if I’d try it down a run though.
Just win the next game...!
Two things
The last game I came to prior to today Marmol blew a save against the Braves. I had horrible thoughts running through my head as soon as the leadoff man reached first. Second, not a fan of Matthew Santos that sang before the game. I can do without someone mispronouncing “America”, and prolonging words beyond any musical usefulness.
Absolutely agree on the singing...Sing the song the way it was meant to be sang...
or don’t sing it at all.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
The mystery is solved
It was a Light Beer, not a Mai Tai, according to Garrett Jones via Twitter. Says he tasted it as well.
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08
Reminded me of Shane Victorino the first time I saw it on highlights.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions
If it was
then they were drinking a beer out of a Mai Tai cup.
by LT on Apr 3, 2011 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah
why would they pour it into a mai tai cup???
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Wasn't that where the non alcohol section is?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
No, it used to be on the LF catwtalk before the bleacher rennovation
Now I think it’s in the UD down the LF line
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know what Clint Hurdle was doing today.
He might be trying to light a fire under the Pirate players, but some of that arguing was ridiculous. I like Hurdle, but he was a freakin’ idiot today.
agreed
I’m curious if 1st base ump told him he missed the bag anyway
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
"Bad Carlos Marmol Ruins Matt Garza's Cub Debut"?
That’s our goat? Really? He gives up a walk, a single, a sac bunt, then a shitty grounder that bounces off the plate leading to an awful throw by somebody else. Then he induces a double play. Boy, Marmol sure blew that.
Castro made an unnecessary throw yesterday too (but without consequence) and Brenly pointed out that things like that can be dangerous in certain situations, and that young ballplayers needed to learn when its better to hold the ball. Unfortunately not learned fast enough….
Reed Johnson OPS vs. RHP = .696
Fukudome OPS vs. RHP = .793
Just terrible decision making
Uh
Your star closer shouldn’t be giving up a walk and single in the bottom of the 9th (against the Buckos nonetheless)
Marmol deserves the majority of blame for putting them on in the first place
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
If this is a problem, then he shouldn’t be the closer. Anointing him “closer” doesn’t mean he pitches differently, he’s still the same Carlos Marmol: Mind-boggling strikeout numbers balanced with an unfortunate amount of walks.
That being said, he is definitely the best bullpen pitcher the Cubs have, and one of the best in MLB.
Even though pitchers should be “ahead” of hitting at this point in the season, I’ll chalk it up to not hitting his spots. Not worried about his ability to close games though. Too easy to put a magnifying glass on every game right now
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
Marmol's gonna be fine.
He’s gonna be a very good A- closer who has days like today. He got beat by a dribbler hit up the middle.
He did have a bad day. But the team has far greater issues.
Castro's quote that I read in the DH article makes it sound like he didn't learn much, either.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions
what did he say?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions
"I saw the ball and thought in my mind that Marmol would catch it," Castro said. "I feel good because I did my work and did my job, but I don’t feel good because the team lost."
Now, maybe that’s out of context, but Bruce is pretty good. If it isn’t out of context, he probably doesn’t realize that he goofed — and he’s got to learn.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully, someone talks to him about that.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
hoo boy.
Well… what are the chances of that happening again? :D
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Also, remember that Marmol is describing the situation in english.
Baseball is back!!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 3, 2011 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Paron, I meant Castro.
Baseball is back!!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 4, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
At his age every game is a chance to learn something. I think it’ll be okay.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Apr 4, 2011 1:33 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He only learns something, if someone tells him what he did wasn't right
That quotes doesn’t make it sound like anyone has YET.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
I think he knew
he messed up…the WGN cameras followed him off the field from the top of the 9th and he was yelling sweet nothings into his glove.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on Apr 4, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
He knows the throw was bad
Does he know that it never should have been made in the first place?
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 4, 2011 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I was gonna give Byrd a chance in the 3 spot
1. The guy had a stellar first half in 2010 and Aramis was struggling
2. I read at another blog that really go spring training stats indicate a break out year 2/3 of the time
But now that Ramirez looks back into form and Byrd looks like he cant take a pitch. I think im done with the idea.
One thing's for sure ...
Quade’s honeymoon is over.
He's already
made two pretty big bad decisions that just about everyone in the ballpark knew were bad calls—first leaving Demp in well past when he should have, and second using Reed when Dome was a far better option.
He has endeared himself to the media, but he hasn’t endeared himself to me with his decision making thus far.
Yes, it’s April, but someday I hope the Cubs will be in the playoffs, and when they are, he can’t be making bonhead decisions like these.
DEJESUS!!!
The Dempster decision was wrong, but somewhat understandable.
I’m hoping the Reed decision today is backed by reasoning I don’t get. But otherwise, it’s just moronic.
Also, really weird not to walk Alvarez in that situation.
I suppose he was worried about Marmol walking in a run with Diaz, but it seems like a much better idea to play for the force at home, and to avoid Alvarez.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Shortest one since Britney Spears married a guy for I think 48 hours.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 3, 2011 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Fukudome...
Quade just benched him against the Pirates based on 10 PAs worth of data. There’s the bold, new-age thinking savior we alienated an icon for.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Apr 4, 2011 4:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Did he bench him?
I figured he just wanted to get Colvin a start …
Potatoes...
He said he didn’t play Fukudome yesterday because he hadn’t performed well against Ohlendorf, who he had faced a total of 10 times. Why he put Johnson up there in the 9th is still a mystery to me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Apr 4, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I`m so glad
I missed the game, I wasn`t ready for a loss.
"The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime."
All I have to say is that I hope
either Quade and Jaramillo get Soriano to use a lighter bat, teach him to be patient, get a shock collar for every low and away breaking ball he swings at or Ricketts flashes his deep pockets and they cut him…
Seriously.
I keep hoping that he’ll retire. I know that’s terrible, but he’s not good now. How bad will he be in 2013?
by elgato on Apr 3, 2011 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
you know
for how healthy he is reported to be he just looks like he is 53 years old as opposed to 35
LESSON LEARNED JIMBO???? probably not…
Whoa, Hans.
Somewhere, Cubbie-Tim just bolted upright to tell you that Jimbo is not responsible for this because the Tribune gave Soriano (almost certainly) one or two more years than Hendry wanted. Never mind that Soriano has looked ridiculously overpaid for years three, four and now five of his current eight-year deal.
Still, I’ve been told it’s NOT JIM’S FAULT!
Classy.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
does it matter that much to you?
we miss Tim :(
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Well, I didn't think it was a big deal to bring it up.
I guess I was wrong. Sorry.
+
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 4, 2011 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Calling him out in here
like a middle school girl, yes.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Fine, Sue.
I’m sorry if I offended you — though I think you’re overreacting.
Whatever. I’ll drop it.
No I'm not but I agree
you need to drop it.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Also, completely accurate.
Tim’s refusal to comprehend EG’s point during that discussion was either willful or hilarious. And he got so mad about it.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I'm sorry I brought it up again.
It was a mistake to do that. Let’s drop it.
I don't care if he was accurate or not.
To call a person out by name to ridicule him was childish.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
D98 replied to me so
I responded to him.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Might be nice if you acknowledged my apology.
Just sayin’.
Tim is the one
you need to apologize to.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
We're talking about the guy who writes "the Hannies", right?
I mean, do you think he’d have such a thin skin about a poster’s name being referenced when he’s not around?
Sue, I get that you don’t like to see conflict, but this is pretty weak stuff. EG didn’t make fun of Tim. He just referred back to Tim’s high-profile blow-up where he quit the forum forever rather than take the time to understand EG’s rather simple point about Hendry and Soriano’s contract.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
you guys dont get it....you're both doing the same thing..."I'm right and you're wrong"
that’s the only thing that is upsetting with this sight IMHO, saying “let’s agree to disagree” is one thing but doing it is another. I’m not mad at you cat, I just feel bad this happened is all.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Apr 4, 2011 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
No, I'm done with this. I've been trying to remove myself from it.
I’m honestly shocked at the reaction. Never again will I reference this issue or that particular poster. I’m sorry I did it last night.
Book closed.
I'm not really "agreeing to disagree". It was obviously between EG and CT.
I’m saying that it’s not really Sue’s place to act all offended on Tim’s behalf.
Especially when the cited “offense” is just some joking around that was so minor it was practically an attempt at reconciliation.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I don't want to speek for sue but the way I feel is...
Cubbie-Tim will be a great loss to BCB in my opinion, cuz he is one of the few posters who will take the time with us non-experts, make us feel like we belong here, lightens up a game thread, he will be sorely missed.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Apr 4, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I hope you know ...
I never sought out to make anybody leave the site, coolio.
I know that...
and I would feel the same if you left too
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Apr 4, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks -- and the feeling is mutual.
I feel really stupid about posting what I did last night. I didn’t think it would be this big of a deal.
Same here, eg.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 4, 2011 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
There's more to this
than you know. I’ll leave it at that.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
You said you were done
above. I was responding to a comment that D98 addressed me in. I have the right to make a response to him. That’s all I did. Please stop responding to my comments to other people.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
This was brought to my attention Elgato by a BCB poster, and it is sad.
First of all, I have been wrong and have admitted such, more than once on here when I was posting on a regular basis. I have also been right and told i was wrong by YOU after providing you with facts and links, which you then did three things with the links
1. replied to the links saying “thanks i didn’t know that”
2. then said you had never seen such links
3; (when I provided the comment with the links and your reply to it from the past) then said you didn’t read the links.
Do you see your inconsistencies here? Which is true? It cant be all three, since they do not match up in reality.
I also didn’t have the childish attitude to send an email to you at home taking it off the board, where you went on to tell me how wrong I am, how i know nothing and that we should stop talking to each other (of course, this was after you ranted and raved to me by email, and yes I am paraphrasing), including a threat to complain to Al about me, which in my reply letting you know I was done I copied Al for you, as I had nothing to hide from it.
Do i hate you, no not at all, but i hate how you feel that you need to talk down to people and that you are right, even when proven incorrect. You are not consistent either as i show above.
You have a lot of knowledge, which gets lost when you decide that you need to one up people.
It is not only because of you I had stepped away from BCB, but for a few reasons (the main ones below)
1. the over all attitude on BCB that if you have a difference of opinion, you deserve to be attacked, and belittled.
2. the constant bitching and moaning, over anything (look at the thread complaining about Go Cubs Go, really?). Even good things have become a reason to argue on BCB
3. Watching others on here being attacked by posters, showing me that is it not an isolated incident here, and it is not isolated to one poster, its slowly becoming the norm here and has been going that way for a while.
These type of situations reminds me of a bunch of young kids on mlb.com or yahoo sports who would prefer to argue and believe it makes you a “real man” because you think you one upped someone on-line, instead of allowing someone else to have an opinion and express it. Not everyone agrees with me, and not everyone agrees with you, hell no one agrees with anyone else all the time. Did emailing me at my home telling me how to be and what to do make you better? Did you think telling me how wrong I am to have formed my own opinion based on actually reading and researching, and you telling me how we will handle it make you feel better? Maybe you should think about that yourself.
And you accuse me of arguing with everyone? Really…..I would love to see you show me where I argued with a third of the people on here, that alone would be impossible. I have disagreed with people in the past, but some, unlike you, have been able to hold an actual debate and conversation regarding it.
I have also told you and others on here in the past that Hendry is not 100% innocent, just asked that he is hung for what he deserves, not for everything under the sun, but so be it.
I never said that you are wrong for wanting to blame Hendry for his faults, that is where you cannot open your eyes and take into consideration actual facts that I have presened to you multiple times over a few month period.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 4, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tim, good to see you again.
But once again, EG was completely agreeing with all of the facts you cited. Multiple sources now say that McDonough added 1-2 years at the end of the deal Hendry had proposed.
EG’s argument is that even the deal Hendry proposed (6-7 years at ~$18M per) would have been a pretty serious mistake. That mistake was exacerbated by the team President, who extended the deal even further.
Your conclusion, based on these facts, was that Hendry cannot be blamed for the Soriano deal at all. EG’s conclusion, based on these facts, is that Hendry cannot be blamed for years 7-8 of the deal, but that he’s still on the hook for the years he’d proposed.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
you too didnt read the links previously provided
which said that Hendry was told from the get go to sign him, by McDonough and that he was told to offer whatever it took, it was NEVER his decision, but again I could care less anymore, I am asking Al to please ban me, there is no point in coming here to deal with this bullshit
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Tim, one of the "links" you used to support your claims
Was a conclusion some anonymous poster in the comment sections of a Bruce Miles blogpost came to. He had no sources, just his uninformed opinion.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
FWIW
since December, I have provided close to a dozen differeny link, feel free to go ahead and look thru the prior comments about this with Elgato, and you can see the other ones as well. Today Elgato changed his story et again about my prior links, saying he went back to read them (along wih others) and they disagree with my opinion of various links, which is funny since one of the original links I provided him in December (you know, the links he never saw, never read, yet replied to saying thanks for the information he was not aware of) had been archived. I would like to know if he got access to that sites archives, and if so when that happened.
Bottom line. it is an opinion of his, an opinion of mine, an opinion of yours, and so on. Not a single one of us truly has all the details, and any articles wont have every specific minor detial about it. We are all playing arm chair QB. It is easy to judge from the sidelines and proclaim an opinion based on part of the details is fact (which elgato has done) and even easier to do so when side stepping insight from the opposite view point (which elgato has also done) regarding this topic.
We all have opinions, that is the problem. Proclaiming opinions are fact when the facts likely are somewhere in between our various opinoins is what some cannot accept as reality, leading to issues.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
I'm not even sure what we're arguing about anymore.
This all pretty silly.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
how is it that one opinion cannot be right, but an opinion of another has to be right? does anyone else see the contradiction in that?
and I am not arguing, i am pointing out his ability to jump others, pull me into it after i walked away, and his continued ability to ignore anything that does not support his opinion.
you decided to get in the middle and thats fine, i have no issue with telling you the same thing and point it out as well. now go and look thru the comments from december and february where i produced multiple links, and mulitple sources that supported my opinion, which give me and others a valid reason to have our opinions, which according to Elgato is wrong of us.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Tim, for GOD's sake.
How many times can I apologize for bringing this up again? How many times can you ignore that?
I am trying to walk away, but now YOU keep dragging me back in. You didn’t need to bring me up in response to shoemile, and he was responding to your response to D98.
I am trying to walk away.
Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back 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
What's happened between you and EG is none of my business, really.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I will address a couple points.
I actually emailed you to try to calm things down. I clearly had the opposite effect, though I did apologize for that, too, in a later email. I was not trying to be childish when I emailed you, and I don’t think I was childish — even if my method completely sucked. You were using some VERY strong language on the site about me — and yes, if you used it again, I was going to mention it to Al.
I don’t really want to get into the debate with you again, Tim. Seriously. But, at one point, I said I had not read the links you provided. I apologized, read them and then found that I didn’t think they supported your argument. I still don’t. I’m not alone in thinking you’re very wrong on this.
I don’t hate you, either. And where on earth did I accuse you of arguing with everyone?
All that said, I am very, very, very, very sorry I brought this up again. That was dumb of me. It served no purpose. I hope you don’t leave BCB because of me or anybody else. I also want nothing else to do with you.
This will be the last thing I saw on the matter. I wish you the best, but I don’t want anything more to do with you. I’m guessing you feel the same about me.
I am willing to walk away from this RIGHT now. More than willing. I’m dedicated to doing it. Good-bye.
FWIW
this quote actually does support what i have said about the spending wild and the signing
I know what you’re thinking, I’m a dope. Soriano is overpaid and overrated. He got that big deal because John McDonough was eager to make a splash as the team president and the Tribune Co. was finally willing to pony up the big bucks, because they knew someone else would pay most of the freight.
and about Zell.Trib spending with backloaded contracts so they can get out of paying the players, as i have said, well here is a good quote about hat concept, feel free to make your own opinion
In November 2006, the Cubs and the parent Tribune Co. were looking to win quickly, raise the team’s sale value, get out in a blaze of glory and let the new owners worry about the bills later. The announcement that the Cubs were up for sale came on Opening Day 2007.) None of it came to be except that part about letting the new owners worry about the bills.
just a few more links i have provided about it, that you will come to a different conclusion than what is actually being said. You are welcome to your opinion, but it is that and nothing more, an opinin, just as my opinion is teh same. you need to learn that just because you have an opinion that does not make it fact, that is what caused you and I to but heads on this, you basically telling me I am not allowed to have my own opinion since you are right and there is no chance of you actually being wrong.
as i have said, Hendry has his own faults that he deserves to be called out for, but he was also hand cuffed by the Zell/McDonough team, who after losing out on Beltran/Furcal, were willing to over spend for Soriano and do so in a manner that the next owner (Ricketts) would pay for. Along withi the following back loaded contracts. That IMHO is also why Hendry was retained to allow him the true chance next off season, which IMHO is the make or break one for him. This is the opinion I have stated multiple times, and the same opinion that you have gone out ofyour way to tell me I am wrong for.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
you cared enough to bring me into this and take jabs at me
after I had walked away from BCB. Yet now, after I once again provide (different) links showing that your opinion just might not be fact, and that your continued bashing of Hendry might be misdirected in certain cases, you do not care, not much of a shock to me. I would not be surprised if in a week or two you are again bashing Hendry and avoid any of what the links say, since that way you can claim you know none of it and continue on in your quest.
Well, if it makes you happy, more power to you, and best of luck always.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Wow.
I’m sorry I brought it up. I’ll say that again, for about the 10th time. Clearly, I wish I could rent a Delorean, go back in time and take it back. I don’t know how many times I have to say that. I wish you’d actually take something from that, too.
And if you think this horrible, awful, ridiculous, stupid, pointless and darn right galling exchange with you has made me even the slightest bit happy, you’re wrong. I’m sorry if I started it last night — I truly, truly am — but I had no idea what it would ignite. Now, I’d say you’re the one who will not let this go and is extending it well beyond where it needs to be.
I really want to walk away from this, but each time I try, you throw some other crap at me — right, Tim, I have a ‘quest’ against Jim freaking Hendry.
I might ask Al to ban me, at this point.
Guys, please.
Just forget about it. It’s clear you’re not going to agree on this.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 4, 2011 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Dude. I'm trying to.
I’m not arguing the Soriano thing anymore. I haven’t for SEVERAL hours.
I'm to blame for it continuing on.
So apologies for that. I had a pretty big issue with Tim using a comment on Bruce Miles blogpost to support his claim back when that thread happened, and I never got a response from him.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I started this and (one more time) I apologize for that.
I hold you in no way accountable for this, shoe.
It's really not.
This has been extremely ugly. I truly didn’t think I was letting such a nasty genie out of a bottle last night, and I don’t know what else I can do to diffuse it. I feel like everything I’ve done to try to repair the situation has backfired or been ignored.
The whole thing kinda makes me sick.
I dunno, I think people are making this more dramatic than necessary.
It’s a blog. People argue.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I'm not sure who you mean by 'people.'
I could be accused of the same thing, I suppose. Whatever. Onward and upward, right?
I just meant people are going to argue on a blog.
I don’t think it turned vicious or anything.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
FWIW
And I know I have no dog in this fight . . . but if you really want to walk away, just walk away. Don’t respond to any other postings on the topic, including this one.
Take it from someone who has learned the same lesson.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 4, 2011 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
FWIW
All due respect I was gone, and had walked away. I lurk and was happy with that alone. I will continue to not be a part of the community for the reasons I have outlined in the thread.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Tim, I have no issue with either of you
And I didn’t take the time to read most of this.
Whatever happened is none of my business.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 4, 2011 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Stick around, man.
You’re a solid member of this site.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
One poster??? You can't handle a disagreement with one guy?
I take breaks when I get fed up with stuff here..but to just say “I quit.” over something like this is….well….bizarre.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 5, 2011 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
You're not the only one eh?
… get Soriano to use a lighter bat…
Dropping a good 2-3 oz from the barrel would be just fine with me.
Just win the next game...!
I thought
the bat he was using yesterday looked different. Any way to confirm?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 4, 2011 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
L&B commented on it during his first AB
Said it was still the same log he’s been using – I think Bob would like to see him go to a lighter bat, too.
"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
Of course, weight isn't the only thing
I’d imagine a guy with such a long swing may have to take a different approach with a lighter bat. I for one would like to see him take shorter stroke with a lighter bat and quicker swing, ala George Foster. While Sori’s build is not quite as slight as George’s was, I don’t remember someone [George] with such prodigious power generate it with a moderately sized body and such quick barrel speed.
Just win the next game...!
Wow.
Cheaper to go to Wrigley than to get a tall coffee at Starbucks. Year Two, indeed.
Well not if you add the fees
Then it becomes double mochachino/ frappe with 6 shots of Godiva or whatever costs
$6.50
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 3, 2011 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't understand why you
don’t donate tix to the charities of your choice?
I do.
Contact your rep if you do not have the time to hunt around.
Tax deduction, plus good karma!
Big Brothers Big Sisters are always looking for donations.
Baseball is back!!
by cowsarecool220 on Apr 3, 2011 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I will give a Tuesday ticket for FREE
I just want the Starlin Castro bobblehead. One of my friends is getting one, I may have her go in get the bobblehead, leave and come back with the other ticket, but if anyone wants a free ticket let me know.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 3, 2011 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Your boy Sam Fuld made a highlight catch today.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Actually I think it was one highlight catch
and one highlight THROW ( really two)
I am VERY jealous of you Christin. Wish I could have been there. My guy in Florida said Maddon singled him out in the post game press conference. I am thrilled he is on a team that seems to know how to give him a chance and use him right.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 4, 2011 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
and for once TJ you don't need a sarcasm font.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 4, 2011 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Prolly the only great thing about a crap team. When you’re a nonticket holder anyway.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Apr 3, 2011 10:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Allie,
Its been a long time since Bear season, and I have not seen your name on here….I again wished to say I am sorry for the insensitive comment I posted on that site. It was a figure of speech that did not work out at all. Honest to God, I had know idea you are blind.
Somehow it completely slid by me.
Again, my apologies….
Accepted. Moving on .,, :)
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Apr 4, 2011 1:31 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
After just under 1,9% of the season and one series played
I have very mixed feelings, and really don’t know where this team isheading. I doubt any of us do.
Moments of absolute brilliance and sheer incompetence is how I would briefly summarize these first three games.
But let me just mention how good it is that baseball is back.
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 4, 2011 1:02 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Now my KoolAid tastes sour.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Looks a lot like last year, except the bullpen should be better
Starting pitching should be OK, not lights out, but enough to keep games close. Bullpen will blow fewer leads setting up Marmol, but he will still have days he can’t find the strike zone. Offense will be inconsistent and struggle to score enough runs to win.
On balance, probably a few games better than last year, but not enough to contend.
You know I'm a hopeful
person but I’m finding it hard to see a lot of hope for this team. I’ll watch the games and cheer them on but I know there will be many days ithat will be hard.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
It's only 3 games Sue...
How ’bout we talk (rant) after 33 games?
It will be difficult for me too but there’s more positives this season than last.
Just win the next game...!
Oh I'm willing to give
them time. I just might not enjoy it as much as I would like. :)
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
well
remember what happened with Rich Harden? Took him three tries to get his first win.
That was 2008.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 4, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
You bet I do.
I’ll hang in there with my buds on here. :D
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Glad to see Garza's breaking ball actually break now
And here’s to hoping Marmol starts going after hitters instead of nibbling. He looked like a nibbler on that 1st 9th inning batter.
And any time Mr. Byrd would like to take a pitch or two when the opposing pitcher is in a bit of a bind would be just fine by me. 1st and 3rd, one out and he goes after the 1st pitch; eeesh. This after an ex-Cubs player wanted to try to give the game away.
Woody seems like he’s already in stride and can Castro really be that good a hitter? Wow…
Now go out and beat the snakes.
Just win the next game...!
and you got ramirez coming up
i would of wanted him to work a walk considering his early struggles
Sure, anything...even a WP
Plus with only 1 out a 300’ fly ball wouldn’t have too bad either.
Just win the next game...!
Frankly I found the bottom of the 9th far more upsetting from the Top of the 9th
Blown saves happen, closers are terrible all across the league. The bottom of the 9th was more indicative of issues that were deep and intractable last year, failure to hit smart given the situation, take a pitch, get the ball in the air, all that stuff the offense was so terrible at last year reared its ugly head once again.
Garza The Ace
I live in Florida I seen Garza pitch Many times for the Rays…… Him behind Dempster and Z …… What a Joke…………. This guy is Way above their ability day in and out
thoughts and opinions please.
What does this team look like next year? Do we still have Rami at 3rd? Who our outfielders? How long are we stuck with Sorry_ano? Will there be a fire sale mid season? Noway we lose Colvin or Castro right?
by bleedinblue76 on Apr 4, 2011 10:46 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
who knows, waaaay to early
Rami? I hope not, not for $16M.
OF’ers? Byrd (last of 3yr deal), Colvin & Soriano…which leads tothe next question. At $18M per, how they ever gonna get rid of Soriano w/o taking some horrible contract back in return?
Fire sale ?!?! Only if they’re 20-under mid-July. Then again, who they gonna sell?
The 3 C’s should be here to stay.
Just win the next game...!
Aramis at $16 million.
I could live with it if he has a decent year in 2011. Might be $16 million, but it could beat giving $50 million to a guy for a 3-year deal.
I think Rami's on one-year contracts for the rest of his career
No matter who he plays for
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
The next preview thread is up, but hasn't found its way to the front page
Maybe Josh or Shawn could promote it. In the meanwhile, JUMP!
"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
Mobile unfriendly jumps are very irritating on an iPhone.
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 4, 2011 11:47 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I was on the bench most of ST
I forgot – sorry :(
"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
Don't worry about it. No harm done...
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 4, 2011 11:54 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Don't worry about it. No harm done...
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 4, 2011 11:54 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Few things
It is the 3rd game of the season and so many people above are talking about off-season moves…Fielder vs Pujols. Not a bad thing, just funny. Here is my quick take, I’d rather have Fielder at 4 years $100 million with an option for a 5th, than Pujol at $30 million per and 10 years, or 8 or 9 for that matter. Pujols is hands down the better player, that goes without saying, but to allocate 20% of your payroll to any guy, seems like stupidity to me.
I just wish Marmol would throw strikes. I felt the game was over after the lead off walk.
I wonder how long until Colvin is starting over Fuku?!?!
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
one other thing
why is Ramirez batting 4th? I don’t like that.
Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air...
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