Wet, Cold And Ugly. That's Cubs Baseball Today: 6-4 Loss To Diamondbacks
by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2011 5:02 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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I was trying to figure out some way to make everyone feel better about today's 6-4 Cubs loss to the Diamondbacks, put some positive spin on it, so how about this:
The Pirates won their series from the Cardinals and have won both their series on the road so far this year after tying an expansion-era record for fewest wins on the road last year.
Well?
Didn't work, did it. It's hard to put any positive spin on today's game, played in sprinkling drizzle, temperatures that didn't get out of the 40s, and a Cubs team that played shoddy defense, making three errors. Add that to the news this morning that Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells were both headed to the DL with arm woes, and it was an entirely lost day for the Cub franchise; 3-3 isn't exactly what a team with any hope of contending should have done on this season-opening homestand.
Nevertheless, there are other teams that were supposed to be contenders this year who have also got off to lousy starts -- the Red Sox are 0-4, the Rays are 0-5, and the defending champion Giants are 1-4 and have played almost as bad defense as the Cubs did today. So I won't pass judgment on this Cubs team -- yet.
The Cubs really should have won today's game. Ryan Dempster blew through the first two innings easily, then gave up a pair in the third, one unearned after Alfonso Soriano couldn't handle a triple by Chris Young and he wound up scoring. It seems to me, after watching Soriano run in the outfield, that his legs are pretty much gone, even for a left fielder, who doesn't necessarily have to be as mobile as the other OF positions. We are, unfortunately, just going to have to live with that. Soriano sort of made up for hit in the seventh with his third home run on the homestand, after Aramis Ramirez had hit a two-run jack of his own in the fourth; but the three-run pounding Dempster took in the fifth, giving up three runs after Ramirez's shot tied the game, put Arizona ahead to stay 5-3. The teams traded eighth-inning runs and that was it.
Regarding the DL time for Cashner and Wells, a forearm strain for Wells and a rotator cuff strain for Cashner, neither has any structural damage and surgery won't be necessary; hopefully, this is just a case of being really, really cautious and they'll both be out no longer than the 15 days. Casey Coleman is apparently going to be recalled to start in Wells' place on Sunday. Dempster, who will be on four days' rest, could start on Monday in Houston -- but then the team will need another starter to go in Houston on Tuesday.
Who could that be? Mike Quade suggested James Russell could start, but that, in my opinion, would be a really bad idea. Russell wasn't a good starter in the minors and hasn't been stretched out. To me, the next logical choice would be Chris Carpenter, who is in the Iowa rotation. Calling up two starters from Iowa makes their rotation thin -- but then, the point of having major league ready guys in Triple-A is so that they can be available for things just like this. They can be replaced by pitchers from Double-A. (And no, don't even think about Carlos Silva. Because I'm sure the Cubs aren't.)
The announced crowd was 32,272; about half that many, maybe 15,000 or so, were actually in the ballpark. That makes the attendance total through six dates 193,600, an average of 32,267. For the first six home dates last year, the total was 236,165, an average of 39,360. So the average is down 7,093 per game, or 18%. Now, last year the Cubs opened against the Brewers in a weekday series, which is a much better draw than the Diamondbacks, and later in April. Still, this is definitely a warning shot fired across the bow of the Cubs marketing ship. And if they can't right the on-field ship and play better than this... that 18% drop could become season-long.
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flashback
Flashback to the ‘bad old days’ of Wood and Prior being hurt and ‘if we could only play .500 until then’ lol
Missing Wells and Cashner are going to hurt pretty bad, for a team who’s never going to score tons of runs. All you can do is hope that those who replace them don’t completely fail.
At least the JUMP's were good today.
And oh yeah, about today’s game…
"It’s hard to put any positive spin on today’s game… – Al Yellon
"there’s so much good you take out of these things…" – Mike Quade
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:11 PM CDT reply actions
What good did Quade find today?
Well, Soriano & Ramirez hit home runs. That’s good, I guess.
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He didn't elaborate, but those were my guesses
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Is it "so much good"?
The fact that two of our power hitters managed to hit HRs is, well….not unexpected. I don’t see how that’s “so much good” we can take away from the overall poor performance today.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Quade.......the only way he can
Unless Mike wants to come on BCB
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
I'm not arguing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with you.
Which is why I wrote
It’s hard to put any positive spin on today’s game…
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I know Al...I just found it funny that the manager made the almost exact opposite comment about the same game.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
To say vacuous things after bad performances?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions
You're the second person to say that, and I still don't understand it
I get that he’s not going to point to each player and say “Holy crap you suck!” But I’m not sure its part of a professional manager’s job description to paint over a poor performance with nonsensical excuses.
This isn’t little league. “Trying” isn’t the most important thing.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
We didn't execute and we certainly could have played a lot better
hell, even:
“There were a few positives, but we need to get a lot better.”
His comments came off as pure saccharin.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Oh no, I'm repeating myself...
If he’d just said, "We really struggled on defense and situational hitting today and it put us behind the 8 ball a little bit. We need to tighten some things up and stay focused on our game plan at the plate. We’re going to work on it. We’ll get better."
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
LWDYWMTD
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I honestly would have preferred that to what he said
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
"Reed Johnson's numbers against Hanrahan are pretty good."
Oh wait….
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 6, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
That he's somehow getting paid to be a major league manager?
"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)
SackMan's quickly replaced Doggie Stalker as the resident manager hater
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I can't wait to see
how the Cubs play against good teams. Seriously, 3-3 after playing the Pirates and D-Backs? 3-2 was probably the high-watermark of the season.
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Apr 6, 2011 5:12 PM CDT reply actions
Probably
Anyone know what BLou has to say about this? I take that back. I don’t want to know.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
He hangs out at the Daily Herald blog
I don’t remember the name he uses, but it’s pretty easy to figure out who it is.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 7, 2011 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I think after the next series in which we play a good team...
you’ll be able to wait to see the next one.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It is true that...
… sometimes teams play better against better teams. We may find out this weekend.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
3-3 at this point is better than I thought
But that’s not really the point.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
At least
Demp walking the bags loaded and giving up the granny, and Marmol blowing it are the only reason we aren’t 5-1. I don’t think this team has played overly poor, but definitely not to it’s potential. Any takers that the O’s finish with a better record than the Cubs?
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Apr 6, 2011 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I would take that action...
if the O’s didn’t play in the AL east.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions
The only bad team in the AL East
Is Tampa Bay. I think the Yankees finish 3rd in the East this year, behind Boston (who has to play better than this, right?) and possibly Toronto.
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Apr 6, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
1,000,000 BCB points
Says the Yankees finish top 2 in the AL East
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
You're on
I bet they finish 3rd, at best.
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Apr 6, 2011 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Then the game is set, good sir.
Good luck, and have your BCB checkbook ready!
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
The O's
Finish ahead of the Yanks but behind the Sawx & Jays. That would put the Yankees in fourth by my reckoning.
I have PMS & a GPS -- which means -- I am a bitch, and I will find you.
by cub in louies nest on Apr 6, 2011 8:41 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
How strange
The only 2 winless teams are in the AL East, and both made the playoffs last year. Baseball is a funny game.
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Apr 7, 2011 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
It's April 6
for cryin’ out loud. No, I wouldn’t bet on us playing in October this year, but at the same time the best teams in the league have 3 and 3 homestands during the season. Baseball Prospectus ran a column last spring (I think) on how April performance, whether by teams or individuals, sets the tone for the way in which they are perceived for many months thereafter. That’s why Kosuke got elected to the all-star team his first year here: we knew he was sucking by the middle of May, but most folks had internalized the idea that “he’s having a great year” based on his April.
That said, pitching injuries = nervousness
"It is history that teaches us to hope" -- R. E. Lee
But Lee wasn't a Cubs fan.
by TPM08 on Apr 6, 2011 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
heres the problem with comparing the Cubs to say...
the Brewers, Red Sox, etc…
They have more than one hitter that they can point to and say – “He will probably hit over .300 this year”
They have a legitimate Ace
They have guys who will play better as the year goes on
we have
Castro
Fukudome, Byrd, Hill, Ramirez, Soriano, Zambrano are not spring chickens and most likely (outside of Z) will play their best ball in April
Frankly the Cubs need to come out of April 4-5 games over .500 if they want to contend…
I would say so
not one guy in this rotation i would be excited about taking the mound for a game one of a series all are mediocre to good with garza the only one with upside
by Jason Matheny on Apr 7, 2011 6:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Soriano
Pretty much NEVER plays his best ball until it gets warmer, same with A-Ram. I’m praying that Sori’s form right now is not a mirage
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
My dad agrees with you
His pet theory is that Soriano’s BA follows the game day temperature. As the average goes up, so does his average.
Try not to think of what happens after August, though.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I am worried
about Dempster. Two poor starts right out of the gate. I know he did not have much help today from the defense but hes got to be able to put up a better performance then that. I am happy to see him get through 7 though. Only two innings out of the pen today and the day off tomorrow. With the AAA rotation on the way it will be important to keep those guys fresh.
I'm worried about him too.
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
Where's the props to Mateo? He worked himself quiet nicely out of a jam that he didn't create
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 6, 2011 5:18 PM CDT reply actions
The DeWitt error wasn't his fault
… but the pop fly single was.
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Are you talking about Mateo here? I was sure that I heard him come in after the single
And he retired all 3 men he faced without giving up a run, even with runners at 1st and 3rd with no outs
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 6, 2011 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
And retire the 3 men he faced with no outs and runners at the corner
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 6, 2011 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, right.
Yes, you’re correct. Sorry — the runners were Grabow’s.
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Oh, I missed that part
I know that we don’t like him, but does Quade feel the same? I don’t think he’s been using him much early on
by braziliancubsfan on Apr 6, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
He's used him in two straight games.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
I wasn't able to watch or listen.
How did Colvin look at first today?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Just fine.
He looks pretty natural there. He was about the only one on the field who didn’t make a fielding mistake today.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Really?
I came in late, and didn’t even notice who was playing first til he came to bat. I thought he looked very comfortable there
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Soriano looks aweful
I agree with you,his legs are gone. too bad he can’t play first because Colvin can run. And I am sick to death of seeing him strike out with terrible approaches at the plate with RISP. terrible approach, terrible outcome.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
good to see Jim Mclennan from snake pit venture onto our boards just in time for us to be loosing
NOT
He's batting 6th in the lineup....
so expect that to happen more often than not.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Why are 1 through 5 incapable of getting on?
Or less capable of getting on than any other part of the order?
We'll all miss you Ron.
Clearly his fault.
"All right, you ragtag bunch of misfits! You hate me, and I hate you even more. But without my beloved ringers, you're all I've got. So I want you to remember some inspiring words that someone else might have told you over the course of your lives, and go out there and win!"
by Lord Palmerston on Apr 6, 2011 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wrong
If Soriano’s career OPS+ is 100, than his OPS+ with men on is 97. Or almost exactly the same.
The point is you have no evidence to back up your statement.
I can remember plenty of go ahead or game winning hits he’s had as a Cub.
Baseball, in case you didn’t know, is a game where you are lucky to fail only 70% of the time.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
OK fine, we'll make it with the Cubs only
(again, make Soriano’s career overall OPS+ to be 100, then this number will be his relative OPS+ with men on base)
2007 – 83
2008 – 98
2009 – 120
2010 – 126
So yeah, pretty much the same or better.
by BrooksMarlin on Apr 7, 2011 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Sounds like Cashner
is going to miss more than 15 days. I think Hendry said on the telecast that he’d miss “significant” time, or words to that effect. Here’s hoping he only misses a month.
Sounds like Wells is less serious and he might just miss the minimum.
A rotator cuff issue...
… sounds much more serious than “forearm strain”.
Let’s hope that’s all it is for both of them.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I think Cashner has to rest for two weeks
And then evaluate from there. If he’s good after two weeks of rest, then he’d probably need 10-14 days to get back into throwing shape.
Awesome.
The trouble with this team is that we needed pretty much everything to go right to contend. We’re less than a week in, our manager is making some really odd choices (I could care less about what he says postgame) our No. 4 starter is out for a couple weeks, and a guy who was looking suspiciously like more than a No. 5 gets hurt in the sixth inning of his first big league start.
The season is far from a lost cause. But things certainly aren’t breaking the right way.
Very true.
Personally, I was really excited to watch Cashner pitch. Hopefully, I’ll get to see him throw again by Memorial Day.
I think you're right.
That will be blunted if Wells is back in a couple weeks.
It's very, very odd...
… that neither pitcher seemed to have any issues at all. Cashner seemed fine the entire game until he left. Wells had no issues at all and this was a total surprise.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Mark Prior also had the best mechanics in the history of baseball :)
stuff happens, just plain bad luck it seems.
He also had a "minor rotator cuff strain, with no structural damage".
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2011 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I wonder if there might be some connection between the injuries and the cool damp April weather.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Tim Leary (no, not the LSD one)
He was a very highly-touted rookie back in 1981, so much so they were calling him “the next Tom Seaver”. His very first ML start was at Wrigley on a cold 46-degree April afternoon. Seven batters into the game, he felt a searing pain in his throwing elbow and didn’t pitch again for 30 months. While he did eventually win 17 games for the Dodgers in 1988 (with a 2.91 ERA), Leary never regained the electrifying stuff that made him the 1980 Texas League MVP.
"Forearm strain" is a common precursor to "moderate elbow ligament sprain", which leads to TJ.
I’m not saying that’s the case here, but it’s a pretty common sequence of news stories.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2011 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Chris Carpenter isn't a starter anymore.
He’s taking his mandatory bullpen test.
"All right, you ragtag bunch of misfits! You hate me, and I hate you even more. But without my beloved ringers, you're all I've got. So I want you to remember some inspiring words that someone else might have told you over the course of your lives, and go out there and win!"
It's the new minor league approach the Cubs have instituted...
pitchers get one season to become a starter…and then they have to try and become a reliever…and they have to go back to trying to start after that. Ask Shark how the full schedule works…it’s kinds complicated.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Lord, how long is it going to take this franchise to repair the damage Hendry has done.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
This is so ignorant and stupid
Carpenter started for three years in the minors. He was reasonably successful, but he had arm problems in college and it when he relieved in the AFL, he was able to add 5 mph on to his fastball. It was worth it to try him as a starter, and he was a starter in college. But the injury factor combined with the improved effectiveness in relief and the Cubs needs in middle relief dictated a move to the pen.
But never let the facts get in the way of snarky cynicism.
by Josh Timmers on Apr 6, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
heh...along with ignorant and stupid...it's also a joke.
calm down brah
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Ignorant and stupid??
A little harsh for someone making light of a situation.
Never let your view get in the way either.
People have the right to criticize an organization that has been run poorly for a long time.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Sure.
But making up something like this, just for a “joke”?
It wasn’t funny.
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Well, that settles it...
Al’s opinion counts more because this is his site…
Official BCB Ruling: NOT FUNNY
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
That's only the official ruling from me.
Anyone else thinks it’s funny, go right ahead. I didn’t.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I remember when I could still make you laugh Al...
let’s get that back, don’t let this thing slip away.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions
::cue outro, roll credits::
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Somebody just said this, I assumed they were referring to you as the tough judge
<blockquotethe Lithuanian
judge is being tough tonight…>
Lithuanian high five retracted..
We'll all miss you Ron.
Sorry Al
I wasnt referring to you – meant to be a joke…your ruling on funny/not funny? And when did you get a job at TBS?
Between Shark, Jackson, Cashner, Carpenter and Z, we were doing a lot of "mandatory bullpen tests" last year.
I think it’s kind of a funny observation.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2011 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Because that's what smart teams do to their top pitching prospects.
"All right, you ragtag bunch of misfits! You hate me, and I hate you even more. But without my beloved ringers, you're all I've got. So I want you to remember some inspiring words that someone else might have told you over the course of your lives, and go out there and win!"
by Lord Palmerston on Apr 6, 2011 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Any top-ranked minor league prospect can throw 6-7 quality innings every five days.
The Cubs need to know if he can do it one inning at a time. We’re trying to win games here.
"All right, you ragtag bunch of misfits! You hate me, and I hate you even more. But without my beloved ringers, you're all I've got. So I want you to remember some inspiring words that someone else might have told you over the course of your lives, and go out there and win!"
by Lord Palmerston on Apr 6, 2011 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Um...I've been watching this organization pretty closely these last few months...
We’re trying to win games here.
I’m not sure this is correct.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually
SWL is right and Josh is dead wrong. The Cubs are totally backwards when it comes to our pitching prospects and the “bullpen test” is a sadly, all too real thing.
Cashner was a top pitching prospect, we wanted him to start and he was doing great. Then he had to take the bullpen test come up and be a RP on a terrible team for reasons……………………………….Then we decided to re-strech his arm out this spring. Instead of wasting time in the pen last year he could have been building his arm up all of last year. It was a stupid, stupid thing to do.
Jay Jackson was starting and doing well, then we gave him a bullpen test then we re-stretched out his arm. Now his arm hurts and he isnt pitching. Kind of like Cashner.
How many times have we pulled F7 around between starting and RP?
The Cubs have no freaking clue what they want our young pitchers to do and thing constant switch between SP and RP back to SP in a matter of weeks is not good on the arm and is stupid.
by CalCalender on Apr 7, 2011 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Do you think...
the Cubs are the only team that does this?
I seem to remember this working out ok with Wainwright.
you can make
the transition between RP and SP but usually teams stick with it one way or the other.
Jay Jackson went from a SP to a RP to a SP in about 2 weeks last year.
or you have the Cashner situation where he was made a bullpen guy because………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Because Hendry and Piniella were desparate
And didn’t understand the 2010 team was bad top to bottom, not just losing with a bad bullpen.
A few things wrong....
1. Many, many prospects are given their first tastes of the big leagues in a relief role and then later become a part of the rotation. Johan Santana/Adam Wainwright/Francisco Liriano/Big Z are all guys that were starters in the minors but got their feet wet in the bullpen. It’s a pretty well-established method, actually.
2. The Cubs wanted to introduce Cashner to the bigs, while keeping his innings in check. Too big of an innings increase, and you risk harming your young arms. Putting Cashner in the bullpen assured his innings would stay low.
3. The organization has a MUCH better idea as to the future potential of these prospects than any of us do. If they think Carpenter’s future is as a late-inning reliever, and that he could help the team out very soon in that role, why not put him in the role right now? He is way down on the list of guys to be called up to make a spot start or two, anyway.
by RynoRooter on Apr 7, 2011 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I would say
you would have a case for this if this was August 7th and he had just pitched his 130th inning…but 6 innings into the year and your point is not valid…just more organizational bashing
Yes, and speaking of bashing...
it’s bad form to kick someone/something when they’re down. I am sorry.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2011 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes
stop beating that dead horse – geez, first you show me up in picture posting now you are complaining about the GREAT Jim Hendry
its one thing to point out flaws, like Hendry’s bad contracts…its a totally different thing when everything that goes wrong gets blamed on the org…to say that Cashner’s injury is because of being a starter now is off base
Wha??? I said what?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
just venting in general…sorry I didnt post this:
SWL has never said 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 7, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
I accept your apology...
and just so we’re clear…I blame Cashner’s injury on Koyie Hill. He’s the one calling the pitches that Cashner threw when he got hurt.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2011 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
HOW DARE YOU BLAME HILL!!!!
he’s like a 2nd manager when he plays…and he keeps Quade’s spot roasty-toasty for mound visits…
F7 == Spellcheck
In (most) Windows apps, anyway.
"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
On my Mac,
F5 == Keyboard light dimmer, F7 == Rewind.
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 7, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Because Hendry
is about as useful as Selig. Its a joke and Id rather give the job to his secretary.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
I keep seeing comments that he's not starting anymore.
But I can’t seem to find any proof of this? Link anyone?
by Dcr18 on Apr 6, 2011 5:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Byrd
While his attempt at defensive heroics was a great effort, it hurt the team today. He could have let that fall for a single, but instead he dives for it and a run that ended up crossing the board may very well have not. The outfield D hurt Dempster today, as, again, did runners stranded on base.
by dmlichte on Apr 6, 2011 5:35 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
So did Dempster getting hammered
He was leaving everything in the zone.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Look man...after Young took those first two hits away from us to start the game...
THE GAUNTLET HAD BEEN THROWN DOWN.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Dude is scrappy
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't feel I am exaggerating when I say
Young single-handedly beat us today. The guy took away three hits, all likely to be XBH. Then, the cherry on top, turns a single into a freggin ITPHR. with a little help from our D, that is
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree - he was a one-man band
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
Man Young was pissing me off
If he wasnt playing way over his head and we didnt have those errors then things could be diffferent.
I believe he took away a triple, and 2 doubles away. Man can we catch a break.
I knew
On those first two plays that this wasn’t going to be a good day. It felt like the wind was taken out of the sails.
I have PMS & a GPS -- which means -- I am a bitch, and I will find you.
by cub in louies nest on Apr 6, 2011 8:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Let's not forget
the stolen base that put a man on 2nd. If he hadn’t stolen, Byrd probably makes the safe play and holds him to a single.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
I have a reccomendation
People should stop paying attention to what the manager says. If the team is losing, nothing he says is going to make you feel better.
If you have to evaluate Quade, please at least do it on his moves, not the crap he tells our feckless beat reporters.
by JSB on Apr 6, 2011 5:38 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 5 recs
Oh man, that doesn't help at all.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
giggle
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I have a recommendation as well
Stop worrying so much about how others choose to follow the team.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
The 2nd week of baseball and it goes all Lord of the Flies up in here
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
What did you expect?
This place is really, really getting disgusting.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
AHHH GEEZ
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Come on, Bruce.
This was a bad day for the organization. You can trot out the that’s-why-they-play-the-games and it’s-a-marathon-not-a-sprint truisms if you want, but you shouldn’t expect everybody else to feel good — or even OK —after today.
I don't feel good or bad
I’m just not going to be suicidal after six days of a 27-week season,.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Nor am I.
Nor are a lot of people around here. I think you take too much stock in what the folks in the extreme wings say. Just my opinion.
But today was a bad, bad day.
It wasn't a good day
But I’d rather it happen six days in than in June or July.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Problem with that silver lining ...
is that it’s pretty hard to spot. When the only consolation is that two big-time injuries happened earlier rather than later …
We'll see how Coleman/TBA
do for the next 3-4 weeks.
I think there are a lot of people here who never see a silver lining in anything, ever.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah! Dumbasses think its a problem we lost 40% of our rotation in one day!
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Over reactors and fear mongers
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Guess you weren't around in '85
But I digress.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, if it happened once, almost 30 years ago
then clearly we don’t have a problem.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Just curious.
Why are you consoling yourself with thoughts of what happened to the ‘85 Cubs? It’s not like they made the playoffs despite all the injuries …
I"m not consoling myself, eg
Just reminding that this happens sometimes.
And I thought you were signing off. :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
No they collapsed
35-19 with a four game lead became 35-32 and 4 1/2 back and eventually 77-84. Am I worried, yes if they miss significant time. If Wells comes back then not as much. This is why I hated the Gorzo trade.
Man, those were the days
All through 1984 and April-May 1985 I expected the Cubs to win almost every day… and they did. Closest thing I ever felt to being a Yankees fan.
It was good times until the pitching staff went down,
1984 was a special year, we can only hope that will happen again soon.
Silver linings are hard to see ...
when the sky has been falling for 100 years.
I’m glad we have some depth with Casey … but there’s no way he and James Russell can do what Cashner and Wells are capable of. And, please, please, don’t say that’s why they play the games.
If you weren't here for all 100 of them
you have no more right to complain than a Mariners fan does.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
The Mariners suck too
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I've had my fill of contentious BCB for the week.
I’m signing off. Given where I see this thread heading, you might want to do the same, Bruce.
Respectfully.
I'm getting real tired of the negativity here, too.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Really, I'm going to sign off.
But it was a bad day … no one should be writing off the season, but being down is understandable.
I really thought Cashner and Wells might end up being more than run-of-the-mill 4s and 5s this year. I kinda doubt that will happen now, at least, not with Cash.
Not so fast, eg
Time really will tell. I can see Wells coming back pretty quickly. They should take their time with Cashner.
Be good, sir.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Reread my post.
I think we agree. Wells could return this year and be quite good. Cash … I think they’ll be cautious, and probably rightly so.
All due respect, but even you said there wasn't much good about today
So unless you were hoping for no one to make a comment………
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
No, of course not.
But man, people are jumping off the ledge en masse.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
There isn't much to get excited about this year
But anything can happen and I’m going to watch all 162 like I do every year.
I don't see the ledge jumping as much as I see...
an initial “OH F*!K” from alot of people over the injuries and the re-emergence of the bad defense.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
and strange decision making from the manager
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Well, that too...
but I was specifically speaking about the stuff being said in here.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
winning is the cure...but...
Losing is a disease, as contagious as polio.
Losing is a disease, as contagious as syphilis.
Losing is a disease, as contagious as bubonic plague…attacking one, but infecting all. But curable.
Now, I want you to imagine you are on a ship at sea…
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not saying everything should be seashells and balloons, Al
Cubs fans have been accused of irrational optimism for years.
Now I think a lot of them suffer from irrational pessimism. We’re not even one week into the season and it’s already at a fever pitch.
I agree losing Wells and Cashner isn’t great, but at least it’s early and at least it’s not for the season. The whiners complain about not playing “the kids.” Well, now you’re going to get your chance for a little while.
I thought this was supposed to enhance my enjoyment of the Cubs, Al. I’m not sure it is anymore.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you'd try and spend more time really talking about the team..
instead of attacking and insulting other people here, you might be able to enhance your enjoyment.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Does it enhance your enjoyment
to bitch 24/7? If so, you must be a pretty miserable person.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm quite happy...
and again you whip out your broad brush and paint the entire picture one color. I’ve complained about things, but I’ve also been quite positive about other things.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Where?
I don’t recall seeing anything.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Starlin Castro...no explanation...
Soriano’s approach at the plate so far this year.
Fukudome’s offense (getting on base)
Colvin’s performance at 1b…so far
You are the guy that hears his neighbor yell “SH!T” after he hits his thumb with a hammer and then tells everyone…“That guy has a cussing problem, all he ever does is use foul language.”
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Well, point of order....
we have no idea how long either of them will be out.
Cashner WAS one of the kids and Wells wasn’t much older. Those guys were two of the guys I was looking forward to watching this season.
And as El Gato pointed out, have your optimism, but losing 40% of your rotation and losing a poorly played game may not be the best day to expect everyone to just be shrugging the loss off.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Probably not as long
as we think. (Forget about Wood and Prior.)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
You're basing that on what exactly?
Honestly NB, I hope you’re right, but you don’t have any more information than the rest of us.
Just because you choose to ASSUME they aren’t hurt that badly and others start to sweat it doesn’t mean those who disagree with you are automatically wrong, or enjoy the fact that the team could suffer
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
3-4 weeks at max is what I've heard
I can live with that. Sounds like Wells might be back even a little sooner.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Here is
a recent story. It doesn’t say for sure that they’ll be back within a month, but it certainly leaves room for optimism
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions
From the last few lines of that story
MRI exams on both pitchers did not reveal any structural damage.
“Any time you go get an MRI, you get nervous,” Cashner said. “To be out for two weeks, it could have been a lot worse.”
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Either Sirott or Kaplan
said it on the postgame show today.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
He hasn't even had his MRI yet has he?
How would ANYONE know the time frame yet?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
They dont really
Hypothesis is my guess.
Expect empty seats to bookend this season.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
So, were they saying someone from the team told them this
or were they relaying what they thought?
I mean, if he had his MRI and the club is saying 3-4 weeks at the most then I’ll be the first to say “HOORAY!” but I would think the team would be working a little harder to get that news out there
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
That could easily be a nebulous comment ...
especially from Sirott.
They aren't going to touch a baseball for 2 weeks.
They’ll be reevaluated at that time.
Best case for each would be more than 3 weeks.
Worst case is obviously much, much worse.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2011 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Right
because he wasnt here for all 100 he has to be positive about a team.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Well, that's not what I said
but whatever. Go jump on the third rail, I guess.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow.
Could you explain this concept to Jesse Jackson?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I've never understood this, NBF
A fan like me has read a ton of books on the team’s history going all the way back to Three Finger Brown and Roger Bresnahan. I have a replica Charlie Root jersey in my closet, and a copy of “This Old Cub” in my DVD rotation. Doesn’t that count for something?
NOPE...union rules per the CBA...
seniority dictates privilege.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I honestly think
a lot of Cubs fans take pride in their suffering, EE. They shoudn’t.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Now this is something we can agree on
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
ok, now I getcha
I’ve known Red Sox fans that way, so if that’s what you mean then I understand now.
Silver lining??
After opening up the paper today?? Really.
Oy. Oh and Castro streaks of 35 straight no swing and misses counts. Just ask Len. But he is unavailable because he is making dinner for Hendry.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Exactly
And yet we won the series. That’s all I ask: win series against weaker teams, don’t get swept by the better ones. Do that and you’ll be fine. The Pirates series was dissappointing, but all and all, we took care of business this series, and darn near swept the D’Backs. 3-3? Not too shabby all things considered
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think the pessimism would be so strong ...
if we had only lost the game. We also lost Cashner and Wells for an indeterminate amount of time.
Agreed, but we have no clue what Cashner was going to be
Purely devil’s advocate, but he looked pretty hittable in the pen last year. He looked good against a pretty mediocre Arizona line-up, but people are acting like we lost an Ace or something. There’s no reason to think Coleman won’t do just as well as Cashner would have
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
The good news is....neither is anyone else
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
If you don't think this team suck then you are delusional
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
......................discussing the team?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Well, I think he's said his peace
Now he can just go away, I guess.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's all take a deep breath ...
and stop criticizing each other for how we root for and watch this team.
by elgato on Apr 6, 2011 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Starting with you, eg (with all due respect),
and a lot of others.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
No YOU hang up first!
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Apr 6, 2011 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
This needs to be green.
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 6, 2011 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Because everybody
loves a whiner.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
About as much as everyone loves the overly agressive guy
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
I totally think i've got the hang of this now NotBruce...
10 enter thread
20 insult poster(s)
30 make broad generally untrue accusations
40 ask rhetorical question
50 GOTO20
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
ITS GONNA HAPPEN
There is a house on Kenmore with NOT inserted on the sign. This season is not going to either.
I can see them up 1 down 1 all year and probably reaching 79 wins.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
annoying you?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
waiting till next year?
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Trying to figure out when Andres Galaraga almost threw a completel game?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Waiiiiiiiiiiiiiit..............I was told it was Andres Galaraga
and he did it from the front seat of a cherry red corvette with a woman named Joyce sitting next to him.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Joyce DeWitt?
The plot thickens…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I too pine for the days of yore...
when wisdom flowed forth from every FanPost and higher ideas and concepts flew hither and yon as fireflies at dusk on a summer eve.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
wait...maybe you're just talking about the boob jump pics???
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
dick joke
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams
by Fat Punk Kicker on Apr 6, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
You can't just say it
You actually have to type in the whole joke. Sheesh.
"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 internet and cellphones have ruined the younger generation. They have shortcuts for everything now.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I suppose so...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Ok seriously though, I hadn't heard this about Carpenter
Has there been any official word as to why we’re trying to move him to the pen?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
He's agoraphobic...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
this is also a joke Josh.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
WHEN DID I WANT THIS? WAS I DRUNK TEXTING YOU AGAIN? CRAP.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
So, here's a thought.
I think Kevin Slowey is still looking for work …
Kevin Nealon? At least he'd be funnier than Dempster.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think Jim is going to spend any more money this year.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
And took away his iPad
No more Angry Birds for Jimmy
"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
Al...not much to say about the game itself?
How ’bout Dempster needs to stop sucking??!! Admitedly, he is out of place as a #1…but he should not be starting 0-2 at Wrigley Field in the place he used to own. Fans booed Soriano when he dropped that tough ball against the vines..but they should have been boo-ing Dempster for giving up yet another bomb. I lose confidence in him, everytime he takes the mound since the beginning of last year. Your thoughts?
how does this answer...
Dempster…just not answering the call??
time in , and time out.
give me the other teams #1 or #2 guy…a GOOD TEAM…. in a halfway meaningful game against Dempster….a game where you know the Cubs are going to get less than 3 runs…and I guarantee, Demp will not hold them to less than whatever the other team scores. Simply put…he is NOT CLUTCH….AND NOWHERE NEAR AN ACE.
AND NOWHERE NEAR AN ACE.
congratulations on figuring that out
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Apr 6, 2011 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs this season
Are like a game of Scrabble when you swap your tiles. Of the 25 tiles you have you would probably keep less then 4.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip
Help needed
I botched the calculation for when they need a 5th SP. This is bad especially if both pitchers are out for more than 15 days. Still think they should go to the minors for another pitcher instead of expecting Russell to start.
For today’s defense and 6 hits we got what you usually get. 3-3 on this home stand wasn’t that bad. I wonder what is going on with Soto.
Batting 7th
Why 7th in the batting order? Soriano should hit 7th against RHPs.
Wow, we won the series 2 games to 1 and
should have won the Pirates series were it not for the Marmol BS, and everyone is weeping and crying here.
What a bunch of wusses.
It's not just about the game today.
You must realize that.
You would think he'd also realize no one is weeping or crying
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
The important thing now ...
is that ONE of those guys returns within a few weeks. I think we can get by with Coleman as a fifth starter. But if Coleman is (in effect) our fourth starter …
Yes, except Cashner was hurt YESTERDAY
Unless there was a clear and complete tear they wouldn’t have been saying that today anyway.
I’m not saying he WILL miss the season, but the absolute certainty that some are trying to claim that “its not that bad” seems premature.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
He had his MRI yesterday
He said on postgame today he didn’t even get to shower after the game, he went straight to the hospital.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I think u can pass
Judgement on the defense. It is not going to get markedly better no matter how many games they play. Castro is the only one who has the opportunity to still get better. Everyone else has peaked with their glove work.
"All I want is food and creative love" - Rusted Root
by TheRiot Police on Apr 6, 2011 6:22 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
The errors I saw today were more due to the players brains than their gloves.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions
From what it sounded like when Hendry was in the booth today
Wells will be missing some short time just till his forearm feels better, but
Casher is going to be missing some more “significant time.”
Hendrys words not mine, but with Cash I wouldn’t expect him to return before May.
Shoulder injuries + a young pitcher.
They won’t rush him. Nor should they.
Agreed.
Again, if Wells can come back in two weeks, this might not be so bad.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Well - I thought Hendry said neither of them would pick up a ball for 2 weeks
For Wells, that may mean he is back shortly after that. For Cashner, the progression will probably be more conservative.
Yeah, I heard Hendry's comments
which is why I find it a bit odd that NBF is so certain it’s gonna be less than a month.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
I'm going by what I heard
Probably 3-4 weeks at most, Wells back sooner than Cashner.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
This would be ideal.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 6, 2011 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Indeed
I could be wrong, or it could be wrong, but that’s what it sounded like.
Like I said, Cashner already had an MRI. They also said Wells’ strain appeared to be strictly muscular.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 6, 2011 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Rotator cuff tears tend to be muscular.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2011 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Never mind. I thought you were talking about Cashner.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Our Ace lost to a #5... BARF.
"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)
Oh, who cares?
That kind of thing happens occasionally, and it’s not like our ace is Cliff Lee.
Not just a #5
but also a guy who was DFA’ed by his last team and who was epically bad during Spring Training.
And this type of loss will never happen to any other team right?
Yankees will always beat the Royals, and the Phillies will sweep the Nationals? It’s baseball, c’mon. no one beats everyone they should
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions
It's a missed opportunity
Nobody said it never happens. In point of fact, it is one of the things that defines good teams from not so good teams.
The Cubs with their #1 on the mound, at home, against a team that figures to be a bottom feeder with a reclamation project on the mound is a game that figures to go in the win column for the Cubbies 8 times out of 10. So, it’s a missed opportunity. You string together enough of those, and you have a season down the drain.
It has been said that in the end, all teams will win 60 games and lose 60 games. It’s what you do in the other 42 that defines the kind of season you will have.
let's just hope
We can take 2 of 3 from the Brewers. That would be a great series win. I want to see if we can hang with an offensive team.
by bleedinblue76 on Apr 6, 2011 6:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I'm out, peeps.
Sucky day today. Really sucky day. But hell, it beats any old Wednesday night in January, right?
See you Friday. :)
You too.
I’ve been getting a lot of overtime this week, so I can’t guarantee I’ll be around for the start of the game Friday. But I’ll make sure to visit in the game threads.
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 6, 2011 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions
At least no one got hurt
I think.
"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 thing Glenallen Hill isn't on the team anymore
we’d all have to worry about Spiders.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Hold on here
I remember someone trying to tell me that Soriano was in better shape than Ryan Dempster. And now I read this.
It seems to me, after watching Soriano run in the outfield, that his legs are pretty much gone, even for a left fielder, who doesn’t necessarily have to be as mobile as the other OF positions.
So how does Soriano supposed go from having a tremendous work ethic to his legs are pretty much gone?
I don’t get it. Something is not adding up.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
Because he is past his prime?
He can work as hard as he wants, he is not goint to be as strong and fast as he used to be. That’s just a sad fact of baseball players over 33ish
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Because the injuries to his legs in 08 and 09 were really devastating?
I don’t know that for a fact, but it may explain the pretty rapid decline.
by jerry morales rules on Apr 6, 2011 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I said that
And I stand by my statement. The fact that a guy in his mid-30s doesn’t have the same legs he used to have doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not he is working hard to stay in shape.
by JSB on Apr 6, 2011 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions
But you don't go from
“he’s got a great work ethic” to his “legs are pretty much gone”, as Al said. That’s too big a gap for me. Something is missing in the equation.
Maybe he’s focusing too much on strength and not enough on flexibility.
I don’t know, but it doesn’t add up.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 6, 2011 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Fine - just stop saying he has great work ethic
or that he works out very hard. It’s just doesn’t lead to a logical conclusion of “his legs are pretty much gone”.
I would expect that if he was working on his flexibility and leg strength, that he could maintain enough speed to play left field. We’re talking about left field here, where at most he needs to run 150 feet.
Maybe for Soriano “great work ethic” = working on his batting swing.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Age
Pure and simple. This is no longer the steroids era when players are effective past 40. Soriano can work as hard as he wants but he can’t beat nature without help.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Soriano is only 35
And this rapid decline in speed has been occurring for the past 3 seasons. Age, I’m sure, is a factor but I don’t think it explains all of his decline.
Maybe my eyes deceive me though. I don’t have data as to how slow he’s gotten, but just looking at it, he seems A LOT slower than, say, his year in Washington or his first year with the Cubs.
by jerry morales rules on Apr 6, 2011 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Several players have declined since then
He was in Washington in 2006 correct? 4 years is a TON of time for a player in his mid-30’s. Especially one that has had several leg injuries since then.
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, but I guess that's what I'm saying
It’s not just the age factor but also the injuries. Which one is more important in that decline of Soriano is not something I know.
When it comes to speed, he won’t ever get that back, but if it’s injury and not just age, I think he might be able to have healthy legs in order to be able to hit at an effective level.
by jerry morales rules on Apr 6, 2011 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Fair enough
and for the sake of the 2011-2013 Cubbies, I hope you are right
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 6, 2011 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions
No disagreement
Injuries have played a part as well as age. I was just trying to comment that it may have nothing to do with work ethic, he can work as hard as he wants but he will in all likelihood never get back what has been lost.
He is a cautionary tale in this post-steroid era. It should also be a cause for consideration for those that say the Cubs should give Albert Pujols $300 million or whatever it takes to get him to Chicago. Pujols is also on the wrong side of 30.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Problem is, that's not what was reported
Al stated that “his legs are pretty much gone, even for a left fielder”. Maybe there’s some rhetoric from Al there.
If not, I just can’t reconcile this formaula – great work ethic – leg injuries = legs are pretty much gone.
And don’t worry about 1B in 2012. At this rate, that will be the only place that Soriano’s legs will allow him to play for the Cubs.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
We seem to be going in a circle
Obviously no one here really knows Soriano’s work ethic but I still think age and injuries have taken a toll on him. He may be healthy but that doesn’t mean he can ever get back his 2006 form even if he works harder than anyone. “His legs are gone” may be an exaggeration but the bigger point is he is not the player he once was. Personally, I don’t think that has anything to do with his work ethic either.
In addition, Soriano was never had the best baseball skills. He got by on great athleticism. For example his swing is far from picture perfect. He doesn’t use his whole body. He uses his strength and wrists.
Regardless of the reason, I don’t see him aging well. I doubt anyone will disagree with that.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I would never expect a return to his 2006 form
And I agree that what may appear as shot legs, could be less than stellar baseball fielding skills. There’s a reason he got moved from 2B.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't expect a return to 2006 form either
but I don’t understand why he can’t still swipe 10-15 bags minimum. Base stealing isn’t so much about crazy speed as timing pitchers and getting good jumps. It seems like he’s just given up on that aspect of his game and no longer really cares to try.
I don’t know, maybe pre-2007 Soriano really only stole on raw speed, and was never really great at getting good jumps in the first place.
We'll all miss you Ron.
He may be afraid of hurting his legs even more
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Soriano has never done the "smart player" things
Like ripete said, he has gotten by on pure athletic ability to offset his playing IQ. That included stealing bases on raw speed. Which he no longer possesses.
Is there any reason why
he can’t be moved to RF?
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
No reason, but he would be worse in right field
You usually don’t put your outfielder with the least range in right field.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought thats where you put your aging, power hitters
that cannot play infield
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
You put them in the AL at DH.
Or, if you literally can’t move them, LF.
RF, especially at Wrigley, is one of the more difficult positions to play.
Maybe if you don't have a better arm
RF requires the best arm in the OF to get a runner going from first to third.
Look at Adam Dunn. Mostly played LF and a little RF and 1B in 2008. Then he played 1B for Washington in 2010. Now he’s a DH.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Right, but we have an aging, power hitter
that can’t play outfield
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 7, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Mostly, yes.
but I would think more hits are hit to LF by a dominately righty-hitting league. Less chances to screw up in RF, but, again, no arm. NL needs DH, imo.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
There is "working hard" vs. "working smart"
At 35, if Soriano is not keying workouts to flexibiity he may not be getting much out of the work he does.
I agree
And especially when he stood next to Marlon Byrd for the “Gun Show”.
I will box up my Wii Fit and ship it off to Wrigley Field. Soriano can do the yoga workout with the female instructor.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
You sure he's 35?
There have been Dominican players born after Soriano whose ages proved to be pretty fluid (record checking has gotten better since). And because the MLB scouts won’t sign anyone older, all Dominican players have been “16” when they first signed.
Soriano's age has already been adjusted.
After 9/11, players’ ages were double checked. He had come to MLB with a 1978 birth year. It was adjusted to 1976. I do believe he is 35, yes.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Wasn't Maddux just saying that his legs are finally healthy, for the first time since he joined the Cubs?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2011 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions
But they are still 35 year old legs.
Yes, he may be healthy but he is 35. He may have a better season than last year if he stays healthy but anyone hoping for the 2006 Soriano is going to be disappointed.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Soriano needs to be dealt to the AL
If he has a really good year offensively hitting HR’s, I think there’s a chance for that. I can’t see the Cubs getting anything much in return, unless they want bad paper. While a trade with Texas isn’t a great fit, someone like Michael Young would be a best case scenario.
I can’t claim to speculate as to what Soriano thinks about this, as he would have to wave his NTC, but I would hope that he’d see that it may very well be the best thing for him going forward.
by jerry morales rules on Apr 6, 2011 7:51 PM CDT reply actions
I'm really talking about after this season
IF he has a good season this year. That would mean 3 seasons that would be left on the contract. I don’t think that 35 HR’s and a .280 average is out of the question. IF he can do that, it puts him in rare company. So, I do think it’s quite possible the Cubs could deal him and not have to pay too significant of an amount on the contract.
I recognize that the Cubs are not in a position of strength here, but Toronto wasn’t either and they were still able to deal Wells. They even got some decent return on that too. I do know, however, that if his defense gets even worse than it is now, it might not be sustainable in the OF.
by jerry morales rules on Apr 6, 2011 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, a big IF
I think it is a valid argument that Soriano’s past few bad seasons have been because of injury. He may be past those injuries now. His speed is gone, for sure, but maybe the fact that he’s got healthy legs underneath him will allow him to hit HR’s near the way he used to.
by jerry morales rules on Apr 6, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Texas is obviously not going to happen.
They had to work like crazy to get RID of Soriano.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Days off always feel better with a win in front of them.
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 6, 2011 8:10 PM CDT reply actions
Cubs won their first series!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
I hope Cashner and Wells
heal quickly and Dempster finds the strike zone again……soon.
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
Dempster had a really good spring.
These two starts are mystifying.
Although, the first one was decent — he was just left in too long.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Yes I agree
about his first game. I just hope this was a little glitch that he gets fixed soon.
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
thank you
please stay on message from here on out and we wont have to send any union, communist, anarchist thugs to your door…
Just be grateful you are not a Rays fan
Sam Fuld went 2 for 3 today to raise his BA to .333 which ties for the team lead with Upton. Now of course that is on the very small sample size of six at bats so it shouldn’t mean anything EXCEPT only 2 Rays players ( Upton & Zobrist) have MORE than two hits and one other player (another bench player) has two hits. The rest of the roster including Manny, Damon have one or none. Of course their top hitter is out, but still that is really, really bad.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
The Rays aren't goin' anyhere this year...
I don’t get why people think they’re all that because…they aren’t. Boston may be 0-4 but they have a team that can run off 15 outta 20 at any time. Cubs can’t do that. It’s just gonna be a season of no long winning streaks and no long losing streaks…that’s what will keep them right around the .500 mark all year…hopefully.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Make that 0-5 for Boston
I thought the Rays would be pretty good this year. I don’t think Boston has the pitching this year but it may be a far more wide open division than people expected.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 6, 2011 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
The Rays have one helluva organization
They lost a lot this off-season with Crawford, Pena, Garza, and Soriano…. but they are deep in talent. They will be back to compete with NY and BOS pretty quickly.
"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)
Well if your team had Chris Archer, shouldn't they win the world Series?
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Archer is in AA
but in 3 years when Garza leaves the Cubs Archer and Lee will be great players on the Rays
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 7, 2011 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
We'll see
I’d expect the Cubs to sign Garza to a long term deal. It would be par for the Cubs executive course.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Apr 7, 2011 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Pretty premature to claim they'll be "great" players.
They have potential, nothing more. They still have a long way to go and a lot to prove.
No, Jess is certain
And had Archer and Lee stayed with the Cubs, they would have been awful.
Garza, if he’s good, won’t be leaving the Cubs in three years.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 7, 2011 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions
No I am not "certain"
and I assume you are kidding about Archer and Lee being awful if they stayed in the Cubs organization. I just think it was far too much to give up for Garza and Hendry gets a little bit of rope because it will be a hard trade to judge until they make it in the MLB
In the meantime I will watch Fuld finally get the chance he did not with the Cubs. I am NOT sorry they traded him, I still believe Hendry knew as a lefty he would not make the team and tried to land him somewhere he would have a chance.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 7, 2011 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
The Manny/Damon signings were hard to understand
Unless they were just to pump ticket sales with “stars.” They’re both done.
Boy, you guys could cause me to go into deep depression..
Calm down — we are 3-3. Got a long way to go and have Casey Coleman who can fill in for Wells, and can find someone to fill in for Cashner eventually. You guys act like we lost Garza and Dempster.
Tyler Andrew Davis - Born 4.5.11
A Cub fan forever more... just like his dad.
by Unique on Apr 6, 2011 9:33 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd.
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 6, 2011 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep.
Ironically, Tyler Colvin hit a big HR on the day he was born. :-)
Tyler Andrew Davis - Born 4.5.11
A Cub fan forever more... just like his dad.
Looks like his favorite player has already been chosen.
Congrats.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Congrats on your Tyler!!
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
Congrats, Unique!
You should get a photo of Colvin’s HR for your young one :-)
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
my niece was born the night the ball went through Bucker's legs
one Christmas I gave her an autographed photo of the play – it’s one of her most treasured possessions (she’s Bostonian and one of those rabid Red Sox fans)
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -J.R.R. Tolkien
It only concerns me because the back end of the rotation was our strength
Wells was gonna give your quality starts and Cashner looked liked he was gonna be a quality starter.
So now we have 3 quality starters and garbage at end( well coleman might be alright but he aint wells)
Well, Casher and Wells had pitched BETTER than Garza and Dempster
And they are the future, unless these injuries turn out for the worst.
Look on the bright side! We have.... someone.... who can take Cashner's spot!
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 7, 2011 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Personally I have a problem freaking out much about Andrew Cashner
who, up until now, has merely been a promising pitcher-nothing more.
Wood and Prior were 100 times more painful because each of them had already achieved on the ML level. I still remember the feeling of being kicked in the stomach, the day Wood went down in Spring Training in ’09.
Cashner, by comparison, is not nearly as big of a deal. Worst case, Hendry has to find a back of the rotation guy to eat some inning for a couple of months.
Now, if something should happen to Castro…then I’m jockeying for position on the ledge…
Too much KoolAid after the Game...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Sober up, eths.
And stop being a cat. It’s unbecoming.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Cats are cool.
Which unfortunately the Cubs were not. I’m looking forward to seeing how they do on their first road trip.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
They will win every game.
Now and forever.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
by shoemile on Apr 7, 2011 3:27 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Quade quote
As posted by SWL at the top of this post:
“there’s so much good you take out of these things…” – Mike Quade
Here’s the FULL quote:
There’s a lot of good to take out of what I saw this homestand, but I’d like to have taken all the good stuff and (finished) 4-2."
A little different meaning there, wouldn’t you say?
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Definitely
I’m afraid the eternal pessimists and Hendry/Quade haters will completely disregard this and hear what they want to hear and believe what they want to believe.
We'll all miss you Ron.
yesterday sucked.
but we won the series. Win the series at home, tie on the road, and you go to the playoffs.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
It's illegal in nine countries...
Yep, it’s made with bits of real panther, so you know it’s good.
"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball."
It has a pungent scent
burns the nose
By all that's holy, I am going to attend the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp.
With regards to Cashner
I think if he had been lost before the start or had a mediocre start no one would be losing their mid over swapping Coleman for Cashner. Obviously his good first start skewed the perceived impact. Now Wells is a different matter, the dropoff from Wells to Russell is gigantic and will have many reverberations, not only from what will likely be more runs surrendered but also what will likely be shorter starts thus taxing the bullpen further.
With all due respect -
A #1 draft pick, who tears his way through the organization, makes the MLB rotation, and then immediately suffers a rotator cuff injury… people would be very upset about this no matter how he’d pitched this spring or this week.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Not losing MY mind...
…I think Coleman shoulda been the 5th starter anyway.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Question
I think I know the answer, but any chance they’d bring up McNutt if Wells/Cashner are out for an extended period?
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
NO!
He is NOT ready.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 7, 2011 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I figured as much
I wonder if he could be a Sept. callup. I guess it depends on his progress.
"They found a delivery in my flaw." - Dan Quisenberry
Are we missing Sam Fuld yet?
Batting over .400 and already has 3 SB in today’s game along. I find it somewhat hilarious in a franchise that has lacked a leadoff hitter for several years that we give away the ones we do have in the organization.
If Fuld finishes the season batting .400 with 92 SB, come talk to me.
Otherwise you’re talking about the person who would’ve been our 4th OF, let’s not pretend he’s the next coming…
Last year's 4th outfielder hit over 20 homers.
Lets not pretend that we couldn’t use Fuld’s speed and defense on this team.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Oh. My. God.
Now begins the Sam Fuld pining. I guess we’re all tapped out over Casey McGehee.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 7, 2011 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Can we start missing Jake Fox and Micah Hoffpauir, too?
I can’t wait ‘til someone brings up Fonty – he won a WS ring, y’know!
"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
Bring Back
Matt Murton!! He’s killing the Japanese Leagues
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 7, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Meh...our current RF'er used to do the same thing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2011 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Sarcasm was intended
sorry I failed to get that across
by thebluecrew1908 on Apr 7, 2011 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
dude...everything is sarcasm....
on the internet
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2011 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not pining for Fuld
But his skillset could have come in handy.
And I don’t understand why he was included in an already one sided trade.
This will likely be the last time I ever mention him. I’ll point out I’m not the one who brought him up
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
I honestly believe Hendry was trying to give him a chance
Sadly he had almost no chance to make the Cubs roster unless somehow Dome were traded. They just were not likely to keep another left handed OF. I think this is pretty stupid but that is how they look at it. He was out of options and there is no way to know if he would have cleared waivers.
As I have said I was happy Fuld was traded because he would have a chance to make a roster and play , though I had no clue that he might actually get a chance to start games on a regular basis which given the situation in Tampa , he might.
However I agree that is disturbing that his skill set was not valued by the Cubs. The lack of plate patience, smart and speedy base running and defense should concern the Cubs, but it does not seem to be a priority.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 7, 2011 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions
It's not like someone would pick him up on their Fantasy Team or somethin'.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Funny you should say that
I just dropped someone and picked him up. Normally his is not a skill set for Fantasy leagues, especially mine which counts limited stats and no credit for walks or OBP, but I really need stolen bases and someone who is likely to get them with a decent BA & not strike out is good. I did not draft him initially because I assumed he would have very limited playing time
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 8, 2011 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Tampa is missing Matt Garza a lot more than we're missing Sam Fuld.
And don’t get me wrong, I really liked Fuld when he was with out club.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Fuld is not good
Why can’t people get this through their heads. Also, they already have him on the team. He’s wearing a Reed Johnson jersey.
You might tell that to Rays managemnent and fans
Fuld is VERY good, the Cubs just never figured out how to use a player whose assets were defense, extreme plate patience ( as in drawing more walks than Ks at ever level he played at and that is no small achievement) and hitting for contact. Fuld has very little power and is left handed ( this would normally be an assett but not in the Cubs current OF) so the Cubs wasted him. Tampa Bay is in love with him in less than a week. I always assumed Fuld would make a terrific 4th/5th OF, but the situation in Tampa is so dire he may well play everyday.
In any event you are dead wrong that he is “not very good”
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 7, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I would happy to make a bet on that
figure out some goal numbers. I am not saying Fuld will be an everyday player but he will at a minimum be a very, very good bench player.
Again the stat about Fuld I always loved and could never understand was not more appreciated was more walks than strikeouts in both minors and majors. This and his outstanding defense and speed is exactly what the Cubs need but don’t have.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 7, 2011 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
OK, Rays management and fans
Sam Fuld is not very good. Sorry.
I’m sure you could use Matt Garza more than you can use Sam Fuld.
C’mon, Jess.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 7, 2011 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
This has NOTHING to do with Garza
Fuld was a throw in. If you don’t think Fuld is good or that the Cubs could not use him now than I can’t help you but you might watch a few Rays games. Fuld now has 4 stolen bases, the Cubs as a team have ZERO.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 7, 2011 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Why should I ?
Hmn my big “obsessions” Lou was a bad manager. ticket sales were going to tank and Sam Fuld would be a great bench player if given an option,
I am pretty sure those are the 3 topics I posted thousands of times on so I am perfectly happy to have been “obsessed” on those topics.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Apr 7, 2011 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, yesterday I was, anyway.
And since you brought it up, of the 193,600 total attendance, maybe 2/3 of that number was actually in the park. The attendance on Friday, Saturday & Sunday vs. the Pirates was pretty close to the announced totals.
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, all three days, maybe half the announced total was actually in the park. So really, the Cubs may be down 25% or more, because a year ago, at least early in the season, there were a lot fewer no-shows.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Then Steve Bartman happened?
That writer’s a moron.
The last two years happened, the Ricketts retained Hendry and the roster doesn’t look real exciting. That’s why attendance is down
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
Pretty much.
Either his transition is poorly written or he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Bickley used to work for the Sun-Times.
Presumably, that makes him think he’s an expert on Chicago sports.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
I like how the comments are panning him
for talking about Chicago sports. They have a point, but you can’t swing a dead cat in Phoenix without hitting someone from Chicago.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Apr 8, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Be sure to notify Jessica as well!
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 7, 2011 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Somehow this just seemed fitting
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
You'd think a Wesson Cobra
Would carry a .38 Special. How’d that one get its tail on a Luger?
"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 Giants' defense
Everything that I read in my morning paper tells me that the Giants care not a whit for defense.
- They have Miguel Tejada playing shortstop, backed up by Mike Fontenot!
- When they brought up a prospect to play first base, they did not hesitate to move Aubrey Huff to right field. Right field at AT&T park is cavernous.
If the Cubs manage to have worse defensive stats than the Giants this year, it will sadden me greatly.
"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
Brett Jackson walks
And so begins the minor league season
Steve Clevenger doubles in Matt Spencer
Smokies lead 1-0
Who the hell said Jackson sucks?
I and others think he was in over his head in the spring and he’s not ready for the majors yet. I don’t think anyone has said he sucks.
Are you taking notes from Not Bruce about overusing hyperbole?
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
What kind of OBP are people projecting for him at the MLB level?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Ryan Flaherty singles in yet another
4-0. DJLM to the dish
What's with all this offense from our minor league team?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Smokies ought to be good.
Lots of sticks in AA
Yes...Albert Pujols will be a great role model for these young guys in the clubhouse.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2011 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
you're mean
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 7, 2011 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
It could be worse.
We could be the Red Sox. 0-6, taking on the New York Yankees this weekend.
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 7, 2011 6:20 PM CDT reply actions
The janitors at ESPN are highly-trained
They’ve already lined the floors with Puppy Pads for the inevitable accidents.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
And I just photoshopped this together for the occasion.
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 7, 2011 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, as long as we end up victorious in the WS.
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 7, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Hayden Simpson fans two in his first inning
gives up a hit, but no runs
Rubi Silva (Cuban import)
runs through a stop sign and scores. Chiefs up 1-0
Al, if you need some optimistic note to bring your hopes up:
The Cubs are only a half game out of first place in the wild card race!
Also,
GO BULLS!!!!
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 7, 2011 8:59 PM CDT reply actions
BULLS WIN!!!!!!!!!
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 7, 2011 9:38 PM CDT reply actions
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