Things You Could Have Done Instead Of Watching Today's Cubs Game
by Al Yellon on May 27, 2011 6:00 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
Email
Print
As a public service, I am presenting this list of things you could have been doing Friday afternoon instead of watching today's 4-2 Cubs loss to the Pirates, in which even the sun got bored and went away around the sixth inning; virtually all of them would have been more fun.
- Balance your checkbook
- Have a root canal
- Have your back waxed (legs waxed if you are female)
- Skydive naked (presumably, after back/leg waxing)
- Get a tattoo or body piercing (that would have been less painful, for sure)
- Write a 25-page paper for a college class you are auditing
- Take a few garbage bags and clean up all the trash on Chicago's lakefront
- Sit in traffic on the Kennedy Expressway for three hours and 15 minutes (the length of today's game)
Things are getting worse, seemingly, by the day at Wrigley Field. Friday afternoon, it was once again the defense deserting the Cubs; the inability of Doug Davis to make a simple play on an attempted sacrifice by Ronny Cedeno, followed by an error by Aramis Ramirez on a play he has made literally hundreds of times. That led to two Pirates runs. The other two runs scored because Doug Davis issued three walks and hit a batter in the fourth inning, followed by an infield single.
Everyone at Wrigley Field might as well have left at that point, because there really seemed no chance at all that the Cubs could come back. Kevin Correia -- who leads the National League in wins, somehow, with seven -- shut the Cubs offense down into the eighth inning on only five singles. When he walked Kosuke Fukudome in the eighth to put two runners on base, that was enough for Clint Hurdle. Jose Veras, Correia's replacement, walked the bases loaded.
Up came Ramirez. How many times over the course of Aramis' career have we seen him come up in those situations and drive in a couple of runs with a gap double, or even hit a grand slam?
Not this year. He hit a weak popup to second base and is now 1-for-22 with one RBI in two-out, RISP situations. He has one HR and 17 RBI. He used to be an RBI machine; now he has fewer RBI than ... Ryan Theriot. That's a scary thought, isn't it?
A little bit of credit is due to the Cubs bullpen; Casey Coleman, Jeff Samardzija, Scott Maine and John Grabow kept the Pirates to just three hits in the last 4.1 innings, keeping the game "close", even though the Cubs never actually seemed close to doing anything. Somehow, Alfonso Soriano woke up the very small remnant (maybe 3,000 of the 34,105 announced crowd, of which maybe 24,000 showed up) of people still awake in the cold at Wrigley Field by smacking a two-run homer in the ninth inning, cutting the deficit to 4-2. However, all that did was make Hurdle call on his closer, Joel Hanrahan, who struck out three really overmatched hitters (Tony Campana, Koyie Hill and Blake DeWitt) to end it. Campana got another start after his good performance yesterday; his 0-for-4 might put him back on the bench tomorrow.
I don't know what else to say; this team is maddening, one day putting on a nice offensive show against the Mets, the next, not being able to touch a league-average starter in Correia. This afternoon we learned that on Monday, Rodrigo Lopez will start against the Astros. Honestly, he couldn't really be any worse than Davis or Coleman has been so far this season as a replacement starter. It's truly unfortunate that the Cubs have not been able to find suitable replacements for the injured Randy Wells, Andrew Cashner and now Matt Garza, because according to Len on the WGN telecast today, their replacements have made 16 starts and gone 2-11 with an 8.04 ERA.
With even slightly better performance, the Cubs could have gone .500 in those games and be three or four games over .500 instead of five games under. Sad to say, it didn't happen.
It is what it is. Wells is listed as tomorrow's probable starter at cubs.com. It'd be nice if he could come back and pick up where he left off in spring training.
253 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
It still only May?
That’s all I got.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:07 PM CDT reply actions
You could have been like me,
teaching class till 3:30 on the last day of school with the cubs on. Would have rather been watching the cubs, no matter how bad it waa.
Why can’t the cubs beat the pirates?
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on May 27, 2011 6:07 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Why can’t the cubs beat the pirates?
I wish I knew.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
You mentioned how they do better on the road.
When do we play them at PNC?
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 May 27, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Because the gap between the Pirates and Cubs isn't as big
as it once was.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Or like me,
Waiting for X-Ray results to come back re: the hip bone I landed on when I slipped and fell on a stone floor.
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 May 27, 2011 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Ouch
I hope you’re ok
It never gets to be easy.
Why the fuck doesn't it ever get to be easy?
by chitownhawkeye on May 27, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks.
I’m doing better and should be walking normally by this time tomorrow.
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 May 27, 2011 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I want to see you in the bleachers this summer.
Hope you are ok.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on May 27, 2011 6:39 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You will ... June 16 and 19 if you can make it.
Looking forward to meeting you again.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on May 27, 2011 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
hope you are ok
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
Because the Pirates are better then the Cubs.
It’s not that big of a mystery.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Can we please just stop playing the Pirates?
I can’t believe I have to say that. And luckily, I was driving in to and starting work. So I only heard through the first 2 innings. Which was more than enough
It never gets to be easy.
Why the fuck doesn't it ever get to be easy?
Can we please bad Aramis Ramirez anywhere but 3rd or 4th..
or even sit the guy…
Either he is injured or he no longer gives a crap..I would say he has to be injured in some sort, could be the hamstring as mentioned earlier.
haha your right
I guess there was some truth to that typo
we can't...take this up with our "manager".
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Nobody will stop you...but good luck.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Funny, that those were my thoughts too re: today's game
I was watching it via computer at work, and basically stopped following the game around the 5th inning…and never came back.
This game was really boring.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on May 27, 2011 6:10 PM CDT reply actions
The way this season is going, I'm kind of expecting Wells to blow up...
Not his arm, mind you. All of him. I picture it going like this…
Len – “Wells into the windup, and here’s the first pitch…. just misses for ball one and… oh no…. Wells has exploded.”
Bob – “Crap.”
Len – “Things just not going well for the Cubs here in 2011. Not much more that you can say about that.”
Bob – “Crap.”
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
That would, at least, be entertaining to watch
This game wasn’t.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Like the drummers in Spinal Tap...
…there will be but a small, green globule left on the pitching rubber. Or will it be blue?
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on May 28, 2011 9:13 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Aramis Ramirez looks terrible this year.
His defense has never been great, but it’s a problem when he isn’t producing in either facet. I just don’t know what has happened to him.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Good thing we traded Gorz...
that really came back to bite us in the ass, didn’t it?
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on May 27, 2011 6:17 PM CDT reply actions
::bangs head on keyboard::
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
pointless is the word i was thinking
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
not as much as not hanging onto that slugging center fielder with the arm tattoos when we had the chance....
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
wow, i cant believe you actually said that
and away we go…
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
I liked Gorz when he was with us.
When the Cubs had lost four times when I was in attendance, he was the winning pitcher in the Cubs’ win over Roy Halladay and the Phillies which broke my personal losing streak.
He didn’t really keep the Phillies nailed down—that is almost impossible—but he got enough run support to make his job easier.
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 May 27, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
What would Sloth have done?
Light a fire under this team’s ass and get them hitting? We couldn’t overcome a 4 run deficit against the freaking Buccos. That’s on the offense.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 27, 2011 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Da Gorz just hit Da DL.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on May 28, 2011 9:15 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
...
I don’t know what else to say; this team is maddening, one day putting on a nice offensive show against the Mets, the next, not being able to touch a league-average starter in Correia.
This is exactly what bad teams do.
Also, the Mets are bad, so it's not like we hung a ten spot on the Phillies.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
The Last 10 Games: L-W-W-L-W-L-W-L-W-L
This team is as mediocre as mediocre can get. Nowhere near great, nowhere near horrible. They are just sitting there taking up space…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Look at the roster.
Aside from Starlin Castro, Matt Garza, Carlos Marmol .. and to a certain extent Darwin Barney and Carlos Zambrano, the team is below average.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Agreed - there is some legit talent on the roster...
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just trim the fat and get MORE GOOD PLAYERS to play alongside the ones we already have? Why is that so damn hard to accomplish? Wait, don’t answer that…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Well hopefully we just have to bite the bullet this year..
And hope Brett Jackson continues to look impressive, and we get a smart FA signing in the offseason.
I’d for one would like to start seeing some veterans moved if we continue to look mediocre, and see some of our propsects get a long look (Flaherty, Dolis, LeMahieu).
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
I tend to agree with you...
but the Cubs have always been about “playing hard” through the end of August, roughly 5-8 games back in the division and waiting to put together a 12 out of 15 streak. But it never comes…
When Rami came up with the bases loaded today, I was 1,000% he wasn’t going to do anything. And I’m sure most of us felt that way…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
with something like $70M coming off the books this off season
we will see a much different team next season
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
Yes, but will "different" mean BETTER?
Of course adding Pujols or Prince would make the team better. But then what other moves do they make?
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
only one way to find out
and that is to wait and see what happens. we can all sit here and bitch until our ears bleed and we cannot breath, and it wont make a damn difference until we see what they do. I am not saying you are botching, just talking in general.
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
I know what you mean...
and that’s what makes 2011 so much fun – the fact that we’re all just hanging out and waiting to see what happens. It’s like a movie that’s not that great, but not quite bad enough to get up and walk out on…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
or that God awful one you flip to hoping to fall asleep watching it
and then get into it and cannot sleep, only to kick yourself later as it wasnt that good anyway
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
There's plenty...
add another power arm to the pen… or two to help Marmol and Marshall.
Bring in two OBP heavy players, even if it means re-signing Fukudome at a significantly reduced salary (Jackson could fill one of these roles).
At least one top of the rotation starter (might need two depending on whether they are able to trade Zambrano at some point this year).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on May 27, 2011 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
No to Fukudome
the guy is worthless. He has 4 RBI! Who cares about his OBP if he can’t produce anything else?
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on May 28, 2011 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions
With Jim making the decisions.....
Why would you expect any different results? He’ll just waste it on hitters past their prime and mediocre pitchers
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Until what?
I find myself counting the days until opening day (during the offseason) but I am so bitterly disappointed when they actually play.
til the Hawks start up?
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
You got that right!
but also counting until we no longer have the tired, old, non productive, lazy players………..looking at you Rami. Ya I know we’ll have Sori for a few more years, but nothing we can do about that for now.
Maybe Hendry will be gone too ……wishful thinking, but a gal can dream…….LOL
If Ricketts wants to energize and wake up the team....Some cuts and changes need to be made.....
He may have to eat some money.
Until then I assume he is fine with everything,
Any news...
on if Soto will be back in tomorrow?
There is a doubleheader out in Tennessee tonight..
I doubt he will play both games, but one would assume he would return Saturday or at the latest Sunday (Smokies are off).
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
I think the only thing to do
just try to enjoy each game and not think about the last one or the next one, or it’s just too frustrating. However, there is no 14-game losing streak in this team, I think.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 27, 2011 6:23 PM CDT reply actions
That's a great goal for us this year...not losing 14 in a row.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions
They're making it hard to enjoy each game
It never gets to be easy.
Why the fuck doesn't it ever get to be easy?
by chitownhawkeye on May 27, 2011 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Try enjoying each inning then.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
If that doesn't work...just try enjoying the break between innings when they're not playing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
You could DVR the game and just fast forward through the actual game
sometimes the commercials are pretty entertaining and not as stressful
You had to say it didn't you....
:)
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Team's terrible, weather's terrible.
Maybe it’ll improve once the weather gets nice? (wishful thinking)
by braziliancubsfan on May 27, 2011 6:28 PM CDT reply actions
my first game...
…this year and it was a snoozer.
The highlight of the day was meeting Al, and it was all downhill after that.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on May 27, 2011 6:29 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
did you get his autograph?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 27, 2011 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
he refused to sign.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on May 27, 2011 6:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
BCB NEEDS TO TRADE FOR A MANAGING EDITOR WHO SIGNS AUTOGRAPHS
It never gets to be easy.
Why the fuck doesn't it ever get to be easy?
by chitownhawkeye on May 27, 2011 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
rec'd
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
LOL
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 May 27, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
does Al have a NTC?
let me check
Al Yellon LF Bleacher STH
8 years (2005-12), plus 2013 SBNation option
• Option vests if traded, or Cubs win less than 70 games in 2012
• selected as BCB manager 2005
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
So does that mean you will have a cute lil nickname for him?
And call him garbage?
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
LMAO
If I signed, the paper or baseball I would have signed would have become less valuable.
Nice to meet you, MPH73 — hope to have further conversations.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
I could have slept in today, yet chose to go to the game.
Horrible decision.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
I went scuba diving instead
didn’t miss much, I see.
"We're young and dumb and ready to go throw strikes." James Russell
I didn't even watch the game.
I usually don’t watch the games. I follow them later in box scores.
By the way, I’ve been trying to make a fanpost but when I try to publish it says that the body can’t be blank. Can anyone help me with this?
That's one for SBN tech support
Be prepared to tell them all about your browser.
"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
Ricketts once again acting like a minor league owner
for the second straight day the owner of the Cubs was walking around Wrigley thanking fans for coming. What was once the hottest ticket in Chicago has not become a total and utter joke. A product that is now worth about five to ten bucks from scalpers and you can basically sit anywhere you want in the 200 section with those tickets. Hey, Tom, why not ask the manager why the team didn’t show up today and why the defense is so awful? That’s a lot more important that shaking Jow Blow’s hand and signing autographs.
I have no confidence at all in this guy, he’s 97-113 as owner and the product is totally unaccetpable right now. A team that hasn’t won more than three in a row after 50 games? Are you kidding me?
by MikeJW on May 27, 2011 6:58 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Really?
97-113 as an owner? We are doing that? Ricketts has not done a good job in many areas but the teams record was something that he walked into, not something he caused himself.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
what year does he become responsible for the record?
please, 2014, 2015?
Once he gets some of these contracts off the books.
One thing I want to see is improvements to Wrigley field. Drastic improvements. Not just a bandaid over a gunshot wound.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Drastic improvements? With whatever money he has left?
So 7500 people can watch another season down the pipes?
Win first, then renovate.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 27, 2011 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Why can't the two coincide?
Is the Triangle building project on hold again?
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Ticket prices too high.
Concession prices too high.
Build the triangle building.
Drastic improvements.
Buy the buildings across the street and put up a big screen.
Spend on Pujols.
Cut Silva.
Cut Soriano.
Buyout Ramirez.
etc.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 27, 2011 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Seems pretty straightforward...
when it’s not your money. Like injuries, a lot of these contracts the Cubs will have to play through. Will it be pleasant or easy? Not at all. If the Rickettses were to spend irresponsibly they’d be in similar straights as the Dodgers and Mets. Am I happy with the product we have on the field? Not in the least. But the reality is that the team is saddled with awful contracts and overpaid for the team. That Tom goes out of his way to be a gracious host and owner is great. If it were me, I’d probably would be ready to jump of the Toyota sign!
You do realize that Silva's contract was just this year, and the buyout is going to SAVE money right?
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Please explain how money is being saved?
or, if you will, “SAVED”?
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 27, 2011 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Because the Mariners gave the Cubs money...
to further offset the difference in Bradley and Silva’s contract.
And then there’s the matter of not having to pay Silva’s extensive feeding bills.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on May 27, 2011 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Hahahaha
another fat joke. Touche, salesman.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 27, 2011 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Not on hold but limited funds means he can only afford a Straight Line building now
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
It's on hold.
Ricketts tried to pitch the Triangle Building project as what they’d do “for the community” in exchange for the taxpayers renovating Wrigley for him.
We said no, they withdrew the proposal, nothing is in the pipeline for the Triangle Building.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on May 27, 2011 8:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Partially agree...
…but he also could have made some proactive moves to prepare the brain trust for when those contracts are off the books.
I truely think he thought the park would be full regardless (didn’t papa Joe even say he said this?) and he didn’t dedicate enough attention to the onfield product and how to assure he has the best leadership that put the players on the field.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
And I repeat.....
You don’t think Jim will just load the book up with more bad contracts?
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
next season
when some $70M frees up with contracts coming off the books
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
I don't see
how publicly behaving like an ass would make things better.
Nor do I see how behaving like a gracious host makes things worse.
The last thing we need is an owner who behaves like a mouth-breathing sports talk radio host. I hope he’s not happy with the way the team is playing. I also hope he makes his displeasure private.
by Josh Timmers on May 27, 2011 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
During the first homestand this year, I watched a fan shake Mr. Ricketts hand and tell him to "go fuck" himself for not hiring Sandberg.
This guy, Tom, buys the team he was a decades-long fan of, as we all pretend we could. The first two years don’t go well, and he gets publicly humiliated. He makes a bonehead comment about the financial situation around his team and coming to the ballpark, all while his team bleeds. Now, as the PR front for his family’s investment, you call him a joke when he walks around in 40 degree weather, personally handing out souvenirs to people in the stands and subjecting himself to Joe Everyman’s belligerent anger.
SO, YOU ALL WANT HIM TO DISAPPEAR BEHIND CLOSED DOORS SO YOU CAN PRETEND THAT HE’S DOING EVERYTHING YOU’D DO, THE “IMPORTANT” STUFF?
I think he’s better than that.
Happy belated 48th birthday this week, Mr. Ricketts. I wish you nothing but success in your future.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 27, 2011 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 7 recs
I'd rather he spend the time...
figuring out how to fix the organization from top to bottom rather than shaking hands with fans… the few who are showing up. It costs too much to go to the games and the product sucks… a handshake doesn’t fix either.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on May 27, 2011 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
You're right.
Fixing the organization from top to bottom is a reasonable, measurable goal.
He’s probably only at the stadium for the three hours that a ballgame is going on, and he just wastes all of that time being the figurehead of the organization.
With his extensive background in baseball, the time to win is now.
Miserable.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 27, 2011 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions
No it doesn't.....
But it also is leading by example and showing the entire organization how he expects his employees to “behave”….. and hopefully he is seeing what the problems really are
I applaud him for that. You have to be out there to see what is going on. Hiding behind closed doors doesn’t fix anything.
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
i wish i could rec this 3 times myself to make it green
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
Problem solved
It never gets to be easy.
Why the fuck doesn't it ever get to be easy?
by chitownhawkeye on May 27, 2011 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
btw I believe Val Capone of the Windy City Rollers would rec this
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
I'm sure she would.
She and I commiserate on a LOT of things.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 27, 2011 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Too many jerks like the "FU" guy in the Cubs fanbase
I can’t green this post enough.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 27, 2011 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions
That "fan's" behavior was far, far out of line
In addition to being just plain rude, it’s not like Sandberg could have done anything with this roster, either. One advantage of Quade as manager is that he can be fired readily, unlike a team HOF icon.
ps- at least one of balls handed out yesterday was autographed by Billy Williams.
I think our owner “gets it”
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on May 27, 2011 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
i think it is some of the fans who dont get it
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
Huh?
Gets that people like autographed baseballs?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I'd like an autographed Williams ball
It would look real nice sitting next to my autographed Fergie Jenkins ball.
"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
For sure, rec'd
I don’t get that at all. And while at this point, I would much rather have Sandberg getting experience as manager of this losing team, in the end it doesn’t matter and Tom certainly doesn’t deserve that kind of behavior. Sometimes fans like that should think that our owners could be like the McCourts or Wilpons of baseball, and realize that we have it pretty good comparatively.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on May 27, 2011 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I am sorry a fan was so rude to Tom Ricketts
and he seems like a nice guy but going around the park shaking hands and hiring the Wal-Mart greeters to ask everyone if they are having a good time does not exactly impress me. I am constantly told that since we can’t see the books or know what goes on in meetings, we can’t say bad things about how the team is run because there really must be a secret plan and finances we can’t possibly understand. I can only understand what I see and what I have seen is an organization focused more on marketing than substance, convinced its devoted fan base will put up with most anything and shocked when they don’t. I am not condoning any of the stupid name calling that goes on at BCB towards Ricketts etc, but I also don’t think that his walking around the park and greeting fans makes up for the incredibly poor decisions in both the front office and the marketing folks.
I am not going to recite again how badly I think the Cubs have blown the good will of fans in the last 2 years or so but their basic belief that they could get $81 for a bleacher ticket against the Marlins in July and sell packages that forced fans to buy roughly 3 very crappy games to get one good one , pretty much sums up both their attitute towards fans and their very poor grasp of the situation.Mr Ricketts and his family have been in charge so the buck stops with him. He is not responsible for bad weather, injuries or the inability to hit with RISP, but he is responsible for the arrogance of the Cub organization from a very poor plan to try to get tax breaks from the city to being upset that fans were not spending money on a very bad team.
I am not gong to criticize him for mingling with fans, but I am also not going to let a nice gesture make up for the reality of how the team is run.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I agree with this completely....The fan was out of line... I do not have a problem with him being out their watching his team, (He should be),
there are many other things that should be happening that he can control but is not doing.
Also insulting fans, for not having money like him to watch a crappy boring product is downright stupid.
You and I don't often agree, but on this we do
especially this part:
I can only understand what I see and what I have seen is an organization focused more on marketing than substance, convinced its devoted fan base will put up with most anything and shocked when they don’t.
This I agree with, too.
It seems they’re finding out the hard way that you can’t just open the doors to Wrigley Field and sell out every game. It turns out we Cubs fans actually do care about winning, and seeing a good baseball team. This shouldn’t surprise them, because all fans in baseball want to see a winner on the field, but for some reason it does.
I’d much rather see money invested in the product on the field and the Cubs as opposed to the toilets and the Triangle Building.
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 May 28, 2011 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
As someone who met Ricketts last weekend,
Telling him “FU” for not hiring Sandberg is something I could never do. I sure hope the guy who did this felt terrible afterward. 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 May 28, 2011 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Add being friendly to the BCB list of complaints...
We'll all miss you Ron.
by alkappy on May 27, 2011 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If I were the owner of the Cubs
I would give John McDonough a blank check to come back as president and ask him to save me.
Now that is too funny
and ridiculous. Do you really think McDonough would come back to the Cubs? Why would he leave the Blackhawks organization pray tell?
Now I know that Hendry and Kenney both need to go but who knows when that will be…….hopefully, sooner than later.
Do you really think McDonough would come back to the Cubs? Why would he leave the Blackhawks organization pray tell?
I wonder. He might relish the challenge. Remember that anyone associated with the Cubs WHEN they finally win will be part of a group remembered forever.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
so you want to bring back the President who
signed Soriano and has cash strapped the Blackhawks (salary cap) much the same way the Cubs got cash strapped also under his watch?
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
Is Stan Kasten working anywhere right now?
"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
Not in baseball.
Had forgotten about him, and thought he was older than he actually is. He’s 59.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
McDonough...
….was in full “marketing mode” with the Cubs and that is why your baseball people need to be very strong in dealing with that.
Cash strapping the Hawks was certainly more on Tallon, when he didn’t get the offers in on time after 2009 to several players. That cost the club an extra 4-5 mil to sign those guys and meant they couldn’t keep 2 or 3 of the key guys they had to launch after they won the cup. Tallon identified some solid talent, but he also mismanaged the payroll, which is crucial with a hard cap.
I also think McDonough learned from his short stint as Cubs President, and what he learned was to hire a “guru” like a Scotty Bowman to help with important decisions. This is something the Cubs don’t have.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Notable McD achievements:
Beanie baby day
Extra 2 years of Soriano
That’s the guy you want back?
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
I watched Rookie of the Year this morning.
Al, do you make any appearance in there as an extra ever? I was looking for you.
No, unfortunately.
Although, I was at the game where they filmed the scene where Henry comes into the game for the first time.
I’ve told this story before but will post it again. It was between games of a doubleheader on September 19, 1992 against the Cardinals. The director came out and asked everyone to chant “Henry! Henry! Henry!” while the kid walked in from the bullpen.
So we did that a couple times, they were satisfied, and game 2 started. The Cubs started a middle reliever named Ken Patterson. The Cardinals started pounding him hard and people started chanting “Henry! Henry! Henry!”
One of the funniest moments ever at Wrigley.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
LMAO
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 May 27, 2011 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Descriptive statistics
45% of the games the Cubs have had at least 1 error, which matches their winning % .
20% of the games the Cubs had 2 or more errors.
14% had 3 or more.
They’ve only been shut out one more time than they’ve had 4-error games (4-3).
For those more familiar, do the defensive metrics bare this out (UZR, etc.)?
The DEFENSE is OFFENSIVE. hahaha. No, it just makes for boring baseball.
I don’t see them turning this clown car around.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
Another Stat - 98% of today's game sucked!
The 2% positive goes to Soriano for his HR. BTW, you would have thought by Sori’s reaction that he hit a grand slam to tie the game instead of the 2-run HR that he actually hit.
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
He admired it a bit
But that was a no-doubter. The thing was that it came with 0 outs. Of course, what followed him up to the plate was no match for Hanrahan’s stuff, but cutting the lead in half with no outs is still a fine accomplishment.
"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 pirates
grooved that one to set up a save situation
by Roman the greek on May 28, 2011 6:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Not only have the Cubs not won 3 in a row
The D-Backs have won 9 of 10 and a 1/2 game back in the division. I mean really the D-Backs?
I have to put some blame in management and Quade/and staff. Why in the world after Sori just jacks a 2 run bomb Campana is not trying to bunt to get on. No one can run like him down first and he doesn’t even attempt a bunt. Campana catches a fly ball in front of the warning track, runner on second and he looks around as the runner is going to third. Would have he got the runner:? Probably not, but his preparation and set up to catch the ball was JR. High level. Mental errors, Physical errors, not knowing the strike zone, station to station baseball it just goes on and on with this team.
There is a lot of players in there 30’s on this team I get it. They should no how to play the game, well they don’t. Come August I sure hope there is some new young faces.
Seemed to me that Campana tried to bunt every other time and failed.
Not sure that the 4th time would have been any better. So many people want to see the kids, now you see one. He is a very limited player with even less power than Theriot and Barney.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
He is not the kid we wanted to see.
"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)
Sorry I've seen enough of him already.
As painful as Soriano and Fukudome are, they should start over Campana. If Campana got any real playing time, he would hit .150 if lucky. See Sam Fuld who is now down to .224.
The outfield will come halfway in with him at bat.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Dome can play as long as he is not in a slide....
MAYBE just MAYBE the HR today starts Soriano into another hot streak….
I just like watching a guy try all the time…..We have players everyday who don’t.
I understand your point.
I just think talent needs to come first.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
It is possible to have both - nothing about talent excludes effort
Except tor the “talent” on the Cubs….
Colvin could've started in Boston
And would be starting now. But our so called manager mismanaged him into a slump from hell. And then we sent him down.
"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)
Colvin wasn't handled well
but I’m still not convinced he is a major regular regular until he improves his plate discipline. He needed to play somewhere in any case to try and improve it.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
The kid hit 20 HRs as a rookie... without being an everyday starter.
He made his adjustments last season, as the year went on…. no major slumps that I can remember as pitchers adjusted to him. And, those adjustments must continue for any player to have sustained success. Pitchers and scouting reports will adjust to hitters series by series. All of the hitters in the major leagues have the physical talent to be there. But not everyone has the mental makeup to adjust weekly to the competition and be mentally tough enough to come out of slumps.
I think Colvin has the talent and mental makeup… I don’t think our manager did him any favors by very limited playing time, and sometimes even asking him to pinch hit vs a lefty (yes, I witnessed that).
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
I disagree on adjustments as the season sent on
First half OPS: .844, Second half: .787. in nearly identical PA’s.
I think pitchers did adjust and he needs to adjust. Players who strikeout a lot and don’t walk, rarely succeed in the long-term. He needs to stop swinging at nearly everything. He has power but he needs to get more to his game.
Regardless, he needs to play somewhere and not sit on the bench.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
20 HRs doesnt mean anything if you have the plate discipline of a 4 year old
flippity floppity floop
by jesus christos on May 27, 2011 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Only if MAYBE just MAYBE Soriano keeps facing lefties who sling in pitches on a flat-planed silver platter...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Thats fine
But the one time he really needs to lay down a bunt he doesn’t even make the effort.
I am not saying Campana is a fixture I believe we understand what he is, 4th or 5th OF. I would like to see Brett Jackson, Ryan Flaherty, DJ LeMahieu and Carpenter in August. I believe they could be part of the future.
You may see him as 4th/5th outfielder that he is but not everyone.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I want to see Flaherty playing regularly at 3rd this year.
As opposed to the DeRosa role we have him playing now.
"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)
it won't matter
they all come from a farm system that is devoid of basic fundamentals
by Roman the greek on May 28, 2011 6:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Facing the Cubs twice...
has a lot to do with getting Correia to 7 wins before any other NL pitcher.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
Well, except for the 5 other games he's won.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
He's 5-4 in his other starts...
with no hard-luck losses on his game log. There wouldn’t be anybody talking about Kevin Correia if he hadn’t spend 18% of his starts (29% of his wins) with the Cubs making him look good.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on May 28, 2011 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Things I beg from this ownership/management
1. Please pay Soriano to play somewhere else.
2. Please buyout Ramirez for $2mil when the season is over.
3. Please try to facilitate some trades of Fukudome or Byrd (if healthy) at the deadline.
4. Please entertain trade offers for Soto.
5. Please hire a real 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)
no way Rami is here next season
to keep him we would have to pay him $16M, no way in hell I see that happening
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
I am 99% with you....I have seen the Cubs do strange things though....
If he finishes strong and remembers its a contract year you never know what they might do.
I agree it should NOT happen.
If Hendry tried to, it wouldn't surprise me to see Tom veto it.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Worst case scenario they buy him out and then offer him a smaller contract.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Quade is here for at least 2 years
That is my opinion. They have enough egg on there face with other moves. Firing Quade after one year they would run out of eggs.
...
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
by Ace Venom on May 27, 2011 8:03 PM CDT reply actions 9 recs
Where are NBF and the rest saying we are ledge jumpers?
The season has a long way to go.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
He's a passive aggressive bully but he's not crazy.
And only a crazy man would defend this team after a game like today.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on May 27, 2011 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Green this.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
LOL
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 May 28, 2011 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions
It is with a great amount of shame
that I can confess the above pic is now my wallpaper on my ’puter…
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I think Correia is above average
but regardless, any pitcher going against the Cubs will look like Sandy Koufax
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
The end of today's game was so predictable
Bottom 8th – The Cubs had 2 on and Castro had a 3-1 count. I looked at my buddy and said “I hope he walks so Ramirez can hit a pop-up to end the inning.”
Bottom 8th – The Cubs had 1 on and Soriano at the plate – “We’ll get the 2-run homer, then 1 runner, and the 3 outs.” OK, I was off there. We didn’t get a runner on after the 2-run homer.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
Bad news.
Robert Whitenack, who has been spectacular this year, made a pitch in the third inning – bent over and called for coaches. Don’t know the extent of the injury quite yet.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Whitenack is a prospect at AA for those who don't know.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
someone will find a way to blame Hendry for it
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
And Ricketts.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
if the Cubs signed Ryno this would not have happened?
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"
Ah, crap
I was hoping to see him in September, too. Hopefully, it’s nothing major and he can return to form quickly.
"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
while winning cures many ills
This team seems completely devoid of energy. What that reinforces is that a team can bring in a younger, more “high energy” manager but ultimately it is the players that fuel the fire, and this team is suffering through a bunch of old, declining, tired, end-of-contract players who often seem to be going through the motions.
Losing does that...
…but I have to admit, I watched Ramirez very closely today and his body language just screamed; lethary.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Plus the errors
and just playing poor fundamentals zaps the juice out of the game. It seems 2 errors a game is the norm.
To the point of the post
I felt cheated after watching this one. Just a God-awful waste of time. The only good thing is I didn’t buy tickets and drive to Chicago to see it. I did that two weeks ago to watch a split with the Giants in terrible weather. We are clutching at straws here if we think Ramirez starts to hit with better weather, Doug Davis is any kind of an answer, or Rodrigo Lopez for that matter. I consider myself an above average baseball fan and I was sitting here saying “who”?
Funny how I was thinking a few weeks ago that Ramirez was going to have a huge year in order to get a big deal this offseason. I am now guessing after the Cubs are out of hit he hits a bunch of meaningless homers and ends up with 90 RBI’s somehow.
It is with a heavy heart that I chime in
that this 2011 edition Cubs Team is one of the most frustrating I ever recall. Don’t mistake me, I’ve seen worse teams in my time. But, I do not recall a more underachieving team in recent memory! I didn’t expect the Cubs to win the division, but I sure as hell didn’t think they’d be fighting it out with Houston (HOUSTON?!) for last place coming into June. This team is so bad/disappointing/frustrating/hopeless on so many levels that this will doubtless become even more painful as the season progresses. And, what shall we do when this teams SP Staff is at “full strength” and we still embarrass ourselves? As always, I’ll continue to support/be hopeful for my (Gawd forgive me) chosen team…But, Ricketts/Hendry/Quade and company can sure test a mans (or womans) loyalty.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I dunno.
You can’t predict injuries, but overall, nothing has shocked me thus far. Sure, Ramirez hasn’t been all that good, but Barney has exceeded expectations. There’s some good and bad going on.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Ok Shoe... I'll give ya the fact
that some good has come out of this…along with a great deal of bad. Yes, I’m happy that Castro/Barney are doing well, Soriano is having a decent year, unless you take into account 18million, Fuke has a better OBP than I expected and our bullpen is fair to good. However, Demp and Garza (Garza not so much his fault) are about 21 million of what? Certainly not “#1 SPs”. And Z… at 91.5 million…an “Ace”…hardly. We both know that we’re just trying to find light in the dark…again.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Throw in injuries are causing the Cubs to start AAA pitchers in 2 slots
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I hate the injuries "excuse".
They happen. They happen every year. The Cards, Reds and Brewers have all had them but they don’t look like a team of 80 year old men.
The Pirates have been one team that has been healthy.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
2009 Cubs called.
They would like a word with you.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on May 27, 2011 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions
As you might have noticed
I’m no fan of Hendry or his Demp/Z deals. I won’t mention the loss of DeRo as (in retrospect only) it fortunately turned out for the best. Into this mix I’ll throw our apparent inability to find real, usable talent. For our Castros, we’ve had Pies’. Our Barney? A Patterson… There’s very little sign that this team is beyond doubt headed towards certain improvement. Lastly, we saw the entire 2009 season…we’ve just had a 2 month glimpse at this teams “potential”.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Good point on certain improvement
There are potentially only 3 or 4 players on this team (Castro, Marmol. Garza and maybe Wells) that are going to be starting in the next 2-3 years. Where are all the replacements coming from? I don’t see all from the minors. Many prospects flame out. Can Hendry spend the Cubs back to respectability? That answer is obvious.
It’s not a pretty picture.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I've said this since 2009.
The cohesiveness of the team is horrible. We have alot of “ok” players on this team. Starlin looks like he going to be great but overall – the team just isn’t that good.
And even if we did get lucky and contend, we would have to overachieve. I don’t want to overachieve, I want a dynasty – a well oiled machine.
The 2009-2011 Cubs look like a rusty machine put together with WD-40 and duct tape.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
^THIS^
Altho I’m not ready to let TJ11 “invite me over for drinks”… I find myself more and more wondering, even for all his snark/sarcasm exactly how wrong he is. Honestly, under the current leadership, there’s little to really get excited about. (No insult intended towards TJ11…and thanks for the kool-aid delivery!) :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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 May 28, 2011 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
And you V C F...
What are you laughin’ at?! We gotta do something better than watching every game!!! :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Don't fret...
I’m just playing hard to get!!! :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
You mean like Red/ Green?
I guess if we look at it as a PBS comedy, it become somewhat funny & far less frustrating.
I have PMS & a GPS -- which means -- I am a bitch, and I will find you.
by cub in louies nest on May 28, 2011 12:16 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Cubs pitching
Worst in the league in ERA, worst in WHIP, worst in defense independent ERA ratio, 2nd worst in opponent OPS, 2nd most walks and 2nd most Pitches per Plate appearance.
Almost 1/3 of the way through the season and it is not a pretty picture.
wait till you see June
at Stl for three, at Cin for three, at Phily for four, four with Milw, three with Yankees, three at Sox, three at Royals, one with Colorado and four with the Giants. That’s 28 games, Cubs would be lucky to win 10 of them if this type of play continues.
And I'll confess to being
happy that Rothchild was gone. The “last vestiges of the old regime”…the “Lou leftovers”… man…if I’d only knew… But hey! What about Rudy J?! He’s really got us raking the ball, uh? IIRC, that was a 7million deal… our clutch/situational/RISP ABs are no less than embarrassing/predictable.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
And yet...
This line of thinking ignores the fact that Wells and Cashner have been out with injuries almost the whole season. You can’t really use these stats when you consider the Cubs were essentially throwing every fifth game by starting Russell. And now Garza’s on the DL, too.
How would we have done with a healthy rotation this year? You tell me.
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 May 28, 2011 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Unless Wells and Cashner could have driven in some runs at the plate...
…..I don’t see much difference in W-L record.
And you CAN use those stats that azjazzman posted, because those are the facts/results. They don’t have separate stat lines for “teams with depleted pitching staffs”.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 28, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
So the fact that Cashner and Wells are better than Coleman and Russell doesn't matter?
I don’t care what the stats say, if those two hadn’t gotten hurt (hypothetical, yes), this season could be better than it has been. Surely, one of them won’t go 0-5 with the ERA Russell had.
Since you’re assuming those two would be as bad as Coleman and Russell, it’s okay for me to assume they would be better.
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 May 28, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
That's a zing.
Good point. The Cardinals’ rotation hasn’t missed a beat without him.
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 May 28, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Cashner has exactly ONE major league start....
…so there’s no way of really knowing.
And Wells, was wildly inconsistent last year. Sort of like………Casey Coleman.
But my point was better hitting would have made more of a difference to our W-L record than no injuries to the SP. We score 2-3 more runs in many of those ball games Russell starts and we win.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 28, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Cardinals are gonna run away with this division
anyone notice their run differential? by far the best in baseball, it’s time for the Cubs to start rebuilding now, this season is over. Bring up Colvin and play him everyday over Fukudome who should be gone now, start spot playing Soriano and Ramirez too.
No I think Dome
has to play. If he keeps his production up into July, he becomes a pretty good trade chip.
don't think so
he will still be owed six million and nobody is gonna pay him that for three months, plus the guy only has 4 rbi’s all year, I don’t think anybody wants him. I would just release him by July 1st if we can’t get anything.
Fukudome...
is left-handed, gets on base and plays good defense. It’s not going to be hard to convince a contender with some injury problems in the outfield to take him for the last two months (or one if it’s a waiver deal). Hopefully the Cubs will send some money over to acquire a better prospect, especially from a lower revenue team like KC or Cleveland. I think the Mariners would be a great team to target since they’re on the cusp of competing, have a huge void in LF and already have a huge Japanese tie-in.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on May 28, 2011 1:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Then how do you convince Fukudome to waive his NTC?
I do think that any process of trading him should start sooner rather than later. And any goodness he brings to the Cubs is pretty much beside the point – those pluses are wasted on this team.
I didn't address that...
because it doesn’t have any impact on whether a team will want him. First a team has to want him for what the Cubs will accept in trade and/or cover in salary, then you worry about NTCs. Since he’ll be a free agent anyway, I highly doubt it will be hard to get him to waive a NTC to go to a contender. I have no problem thinking he’d waive it to play alongside Ichiro in Seattle. The only reason I want to trade him at all is to get value from trading him since the Cubs won’t and shouldn’t offer him arbitration. It’s not like he’s a cancer to the team and I care not about saving this organization a few million dollars which won’t go back into improving the team.
I want the team to trade all of their “tradeable assets” for what the maximum they can get for them, as soon as they can get that. That went double for Marlon Byrd… oops!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on May 30, 2011 3:26 AM CDT up reply actions
If there was ever a quote that nailed it....
Aramis Ramirez says what he thinks. He told reporters "I got nothing" before walking away from his locker.
Hit that right square on the head, A-Ram…you got nothing.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
OTOH
Cubs (esp. mgt) has been imfamous for decieving the fan-base, and here we find Aram tellin the truth…hard to find fault in that. :]
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
But he will bat 4th tomorrow....
Quade said in the papar yesterday, it isnt time to move him…..
WHEN WOULD THAT BE?
Yeah, total cringe moment when he said that at the presser...
…..maybe it’s because he really doesn’t have another option…but he sounded clueless
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on May 28, 2011 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
TJ11- why is it
that time and time again, you insist on using facts/sound opinions to make your point!? How bout you start playing fair and belly up to the Cubs Pity Bar???
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Was the game really that bad. I only managed to see the bottom of the 9th
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on May 28, 2011 2:31 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
why is ramirez in the lineup?
if it is to make hendry look good then fire Q to save money and let hendry field manage his overpaid prima donnas
by Roman the greek on May 28, 2011 5:57 AM CDT reply actions
I'm sick about our so-called "sluggers"
I have already given up the fact that they are not gonna walk a lot (other than Fuk and Pena). But you (yes, Mr. Ramirez and Soriano) should make a difference between a good 2-0 pitch, and a pitcher’s/ball 2-0 pitch. Just like they teach you as a kid (even in Hungary): on a 2-0 count you are waiting for 1 pitch at 1 exact location. Other than that, you take it.
If they can’t do that what are we expecting?
castro
should be batting cleanup. but unfortunately in this game you have to deal with egos and bruised feelings.and we dont want to upset mr ramirez do we? i guess the experts were right about this team. i told a friend i had bought a 2011 cubs calendar and he commented that it was the only calendar that ended in june. funny but true. already feels like a lost season.
do we
have any decent pitching in the minors??i see the cubs signing all these over 35 pitchers to try and stop the bleeding. next year we need to reconfigure this rotation and get some pitching. as we are all seeing right now a team is nothing without good pitching.
Cubs minor league pitching is thin compared to position players
which is actually a change from the past. Cubs do have some good pitchers but nearly all of them are one to three years away. There is no one realistically that could be brought up to start at this time. Depending on if Wells is really healthy and how long Garza is out expect more starts from Russell, Coleman & Davis and the only other person you might see is Ramon Ortiz or Lopez
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Related FanShots on Bleed Cubbie Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
