Cubs Lose To Astros 7-3: A Rant
by Al Yellon on May 31, 2011 10:30 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintThink about this for a moment: The Cubs have just lost to the Astros 7-3, blowing a ninth-inning lead after coming back with a nice rally in the bottom of the eighth.
And what do we hear from Mike Quade in his postgame remarks? Platitudes and more of his nonsensical high-school nicknames ("Marm", "Z", "Demp", "Cassie", even one for Astros manager Brad Mills -- "Millsy" -- when someone asked about whether Quade was surprised at the intentional walk given to Carlos Pena in the eighth inning).
Those of you who have read this site for a long time know I am an eternal optimist, always trying to find the good side, always hoping things will turn for the better, not one to be part of a torches and pitchforks mob yelling and screaming for everyone to be fired every single day. I don't usually do rants well.
But damn, Mike Quade, can't you get angry when things like this happen? Don't you show your frustration with the way things have gone? Can't you just once say something like, "We were awful in that ninth inning and we can't do that any more, we've got to change things around here"? Show some emotion?
Yes, the Cubs have had unusually bad luck with injuries lately -- the DL move of Alfonso Soriano and recall of Tyler Colvin makes 15 roster moves in the last five days. But eventually, the players you put on the field have got to produce. Tonight, we saw the worst game from Carlos Marmol since he became a full-time reliever in 2007. Was he tipping his pitches? Or was everything just flat? Marmol just got pounded. What IS it with this team? Can't they even enjoy one single game against the worst team in the league where they make a nice comeback and win? Or maybe "worst team in the league" isn't the right appellation for the Astros, not after the last two days.
Carlos Zambrano threw a really nice game, and it's a shame it got ruined. He made only one mistake -- Brett Wallace's home run that made it 1-0 going into the last of the eighth -- and didn't walk anyone. He broke another bat over his leg; I wish he'd stop doing that silly stuff. It got a rise out of the crowd, but seriously, what's the point?
Jordan Lyles, making his major league debut, did what pitchers the Cubs have never seen before usually do -- shut them down for seven innings. He got into trouble in the eighth, at which time the game time was about 1:50, and then "Millsy" slowed things down with three pitching changes while the Cubs were fashioning a nice three-run rally which included timely hits from Darwin Barney and Aramis Ramirez and a nicely-placed bunt from Colvin which eventually scored pinch-runner Brad Snyder when Sergio Escalona threw the ball into left field.
That really should have been enough. Look, I know closers have meltdowns every now and then, and this one certainly isn't the manager's fault. But how much more of this can we all take? Every single day, something else goes wrong. What more? Is this what it's going to mean to be a Cubs fan, now and forever? Loss after loss, year after year? It's getting frustrating and frankly, not very much fun at all. I would like to see hope down the road, but right now, there doesn't appear to be much.
I debated long and hard about whether to do this recap tonight or wait until morning, and decided to get it all out now, before sleep softened what happened at Wrigley Field on a gorgeous evening. I'm still not part of the torches and pitchforks mob, but it does appear to me that Mike Quade is totally overmatched as a major league manager. Either that, or he's decided to cash in the season already.
Why else would you start Blake DeWitt in left field when Tyler Colvin is in the ballpark? Regardless of whether this is a move to see if DeWitt can handle the outfield (and he slipped and fell again today, making a catch anyway, but don't tell me it was the "wet field" -- it wasn't), you don't make these types of decisions in May. You do them in September, or in spring training. Doing this in season game #53 is waving the white flag, and why would a manager do that? The Cubs haven't played anyone with this little power in left field since Todd Hollandsworth played 107 games there with a .689 OPS in 2005. And there wasn't much point to that, either.
If the season is indeed cashed in, why not find out what Colvin can do on an everyday basis? These decisions are mindboggling, and more of them appear to be being made -- every day.
I'll probably get up in the morning and feel better; the sun will be shining, and there will be another game at Wrigley Field. I love baseball and the Cubs, and off I'll go for an afternoon at the ballpark. But something's missing from that scenario, and right now I'm wondering if the Cubs can ever get back to the point we all were, five outs away in 2003, and past it into the World Series. It seems very, very far away.
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I said before the game blame me.
Now 0-7 on the year. That’s hard to do.
Did anyone else think Marmol was warming up too much?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on May 31, 2011 10:32 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I'm 2-10 lifetime man. I hear you.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 31, 2011 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions
2-0
Walkoff 3-run blast by Ramirez in 2008 and a wet, cold dreary day last fall against the RedBirds…
by hansman1982 on May 31, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Seriously?
I mean, I’m not one who says you can’t have fun at the ballpark even if your team is losing — but not the team’s manager in that particular situation. That’s just… well, no words for that.
I really have to go get some sleep.
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Who knows?
These days, it could be just about anything.
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Seriously?
Who cares if the manager has nicknames for his players, and who cares if he laughs after a game like that. It was something to laugh about.
The team finally plays well then the closer blows it? Kinda typical of this team lol
See I don't have a real problem with that, unless it was the reason Gibbon Jockey said it was
There are plenty of times when I’m so effing pissed off, that instead of screaming or throwing things, a laugh escapes me. Sometimes I laugh hard.
I pray to GOD that is what was going on with Quade. The situation was so ridiculous literally all he could do was laugh.
NOW…if what Gibbon said, if Quade FORGOT he was supposed to be sending in signals, and instead was just staring at the ground, and this was EMBARASSED laughter? That’s a whole different (another way to prove Quade’s incompetence) kettle of fish
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on May 31, 2011 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions
How could someone theorize Quade forgot to send in signals?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Because this is exactly how it looked on television -
Standard shot from centerfield at pitcher and batter, Koy HIll has his head turned to the left waiting for the pitch, cut to closeup on Quade who is staring at the ground with his arms folded across his chest, when he looks up towards the batter’s box, starts smiling and chuckling, then gives a sign.
Cut back to the standard shot and Hill is still looking towards the dugout, then turns to look at the pitcher and give the pitch sign.
If anyone wants to revisit the tape of that to confirm, then fine, but that’s my recollection of exactly what happened.
Q giggling, to my interpretation, was a function of him being so stunned as to have forgotten he needed to give a pitch to Hill and being surprised when reminded rather than some sort of weird losing dementia.
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jun 1, 2011 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
This would seem to also really underut the whole
“Koyie Hill calls a good game” meme that so many Quade defenders like to use if true.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
by Nunyabidness on Jun 1, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
We saw it and I still cant
beleive it . So I am in a terrible mood but he is laughing . There is nothing to laugh about . Well I guess you laugh at me . ( I spent hundreds on tickets to see this train wreck )…..
I wish they would play someone in left field
who, you know, is an outfielder. This is not little league. I know Quade is all about earning playing time, and that has its merit, I suppose, but that should not apply when it comes to guys who can play a position and guys who can’t.
by Mulhollandmania on May 31, 2011 10:36 PM CDT reply actions
I
I agree completely with Mulhollandmania; You have to start to wonder if Q knows what the hell is is going on. First he tries a reliever as a starter after not working for 4 starts, the organization/Q brings in . these retreads; Q and Management did you see what Houston did tonight; they brought up a young guy to look at their future!!!!! and he did great!!!!!! What a revelation. We get guys like Lopez and Davis who will not be on the team in another year; Bring up one of the college pitchers like Sampson or Whitesock to be the fifth starter; another baffling mind boggling move Q .plays infielders in the outfield???!!!!!!! you have two outfielders in left and center who between them will probably not hit 5 HRs for the season; for pity sakes the wind is blowing out tonight get someone with sock in there who can take advantage of the wind: Colivn and Snyder would have been the better choice tonight. Ok Marmol had a bad night; I give him a pass, and Z was good again. I was all for Q when he was hired, but I have to begin to wonder about the coaching decisions that continue to be atrocious!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the best, Al
Neal
Oh my lord this post is full of awesome.
I definitely think we need to go younger. DFA Lopez, Russell and Coleman and bring up Captain Kurcz, Whitesack and Sampson – maybe even Goliath???
DFA Soriano, Fukudome, Ramirez, and Pena and bring up Golden girls, HA, and Jockson with a side of Szczur dressing. Dont forget Ryan Flatulentcy and Josh Vitriols.
GO CUBS!
doubts about Quade
I was appalled by Quade from the very first game of the season, when he pitched Dempster for way too long – 114 pitches – on a real cold day. 114 pitches is way too long for a pitcher just coming out of spring training. Demp is now 1-3 and had a terrible start to the season. I’m tempted to blame that start on the first game and the effects it might’ve had on his arm. I’m sure Dempster would say otherwise, but he would say that regardless.
by fossilhippie on Jun 1, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I am really out of words to describe how I feel.
Just play the kids. Start to get rid of the contracts. Even if this team finally wins 3 straight, it’s pretty obvious that this team isn’t constructed to contend.
And oh, please Mr. Hendry — find a real manager.
"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"
by Unique on May 31, 2011 10:38 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed, if they are going to lose, do it with youth.
See who can be legit players and start building for the future around them. Who cares how much someone makes if you lose you lose. I am so glad I did not see the collapse tonight.
No effing way.
If Hendry is allowed to hire his fourth manager I will go to Wrigley and vandalize the seats.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
by shoemile on May 31, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hendry's the problem...
not the solution
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"
Fire Jim Hendry
I’d prefer someone ELSE be the GM that finds a new manager. Jim Hendry is a moron. Not that it absolves Mr. Clean from the pathetic job he’s doing as the field manager.
A side note: there really aren’t many prospects worth bringing up to the majors. All of the young pitching that’s been up is an Epic FAIL, another indictment to the incompetence of Hendry and the Cubs’ scouting. I’ll give Cashner a pass because (1) he’s injured and (2) was not handled well last year. For those who blamed former pitching coach Larry Rothschild for the poor performance of the pitchers from the farm system, Rothschild isn’t around this year, and if anything they are worse.
“Play the kids” sounds nice but it isn’t a realistic solution. This is Jim Hendry’s team. He built it and he should go down with it. To borrow a line from Mark Cuban, I wouldn’t hire Hendry to manage a Dairy Queen.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 1:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Mr. Clean
Saw that somewhere on a Cubs forum but cannot remember where.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 1:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Your first mistake:
Those of you who have read this site for a long time know I am an eternal optimist…
This will be the third year in a row the season ends way before it should. This is the earliest of the three.
Think of this Al – for the amount of all of the Season Ticket money forked over to this regime, and this terrible management, is it REALLY worth it?
The best thing would be a statement from the owner – finally!
You know, your site has so much power now, where this site could possibly help to forge the future and I just wished you would rally the faithful here to help you exercise it.
by The E-Man on May 31, 2011 10:39 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
with great power comes great responsibility pet--er-- AL.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
You know, I'm not really even mad any more.
And that’s happening earlier than ever. Mike Quade is quite simply the worst Cubs manager I’ve ever seen. Despite living through some bad baseball teams (I’m 35) this is the first one I’ve seen that just appears to be in complete disarray. And that’s what has gotten me to the point where I’m indifferent earlier than ever before.
The leadership of this franchise has honestly never looked more incompetent. Top to bottom, there seems to be little to no direction.
I’ve got enough crap going on in my real life to get more than just annoyed with this dreck.
I’ll continue to root for them so please save the “see you next year then!” nonsense. But my god. What a terrible, terrible team, manager, and general manager we have on our hands.
I guess I'm just a worrier, that's why my friends call me whiskers
I agree that this team is an unholy mess
but I prefer the generalized incompetence to the pointless nastiness that was Dusty’s last year with the team. That was embarrassing play and behavior by the team.
by ForTheLoveOfBiitner on May 31, 2011 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
2006 was much worse than this
That was a trainwreck all the way around. Dusty always had to have a bogeyman.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions
After Lee's amazing 2005
I thought they were kinda screwed when he went down. This team never really had any hope.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
i never pictured this team as good
but i thought they’d at least not be horrific.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Every Cub team has the potential to be horrific. Every single one.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I just wanted a team that was a fun diversion
from an otherwise dull summer.
This team doesn’t even have that going for it yet.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Soon enough they may be on pace for 100 losses.
Will that qualify as a fun diversion?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Only if those 60 wins are sorta fun
And so far they haven’t even been memorable.
Or they start scoring more runs. Following a 100 loss team is meh, whatever… but low scoring losses bore me to tears.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
If you completley take all expectations of winning out of the equation...
this team AND manager are both exceptionally entertaining.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:49 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
i think that you hit it spot on...
if we have no expectations of winning then we cant be disappointed in the outcome win or lose. i saw the cardinals look flat tonight only to come back and win 3-2, i saw the brewers kill the reds, i watched the cubs implode against the astros…and i maniacally laughed. expectations are gone. hopes are gone. play the kids. bury Ramirez and Soriano on the bench. ship pena to the AL.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
i agree
i started rooting against them til hendry ramirez, wood and soriano are gone. i was really bummed last night til the stros came back
by Roman the greek on Jun 1, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Wood? Seriously?
Did he punch your kid in the face or something?
you are unstable
"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
With this team's history, isn't anything above 500 good?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Everything was going pretty well until that injury
And, as luck would have it, Furcal helped cause it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 12:57 AM CDT up reply actions
You know, I wonder.
It’s just June 1. This could wind up worse than 2006, which, I agree, was a train wreck.
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Or it could end up like 2007
Or it could end up like neither. That’s the beauty (well, sort of) of it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Man, I tell you..
I’m really trying to wrap my head around your optimism, but it just escapes me. The 2007 team had good talent, reasonable health, and a top-notch manager. They just got off to a slow start. Not unusual for a team with so many new faces.
The 2011 team can’t catch, can’t field, can’t hit, can’t pitch, and looks like a M.A.S.H. unit. And while I hope that Quade settles into the job (and I think he will), he’s hardly distinguished himself so far.
I honestly can’t see one thing that the 2011 Cubs do good, let alone well. Can you?
by Damen Jackson on Jun 1, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions
This is the problem with citing the 2007 Cubs/2005 Astros/2003 Marlins.
It doesn’t take into consideration how the current team is playing — just that other teams (in totally different situations) came back after notching similar win totals early on.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
EG, you're smarter than this
I think you know what point I"m trying to make.
See the big post I wrote below if you’re still confused about it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
You misunderstood.
I know the point you were trying to make earlier, and I saw your caveats. I was making a larger point about citing these teams as examples.
You were saying, rightly, that we don’t have much cause for optimism, and the sliver of hope we have is that teams have recovered in similar situations. But you were correct in saying that there is only a faint sliver left.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
piniella top notch?
the only thing he did the last 2 years was fill out the lineup card badly, all the while taking 8 million and didnt finish his contract and lied about the reason for leaving. you have very low expectations, being a cub fan explains it
by Roman the greek on Jun 1, 2011 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
you are a despicable person
"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
No, it couldnt end up like 2006.
This time they at least have young players to bring up to make it worth watching.
No this is the worst team you have ever seen......
Not Quades fault.
in TJ's fevered imagination
"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
The sad part is I don't think Sandberg makes a bit of difference.
You can’t shine a turd.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 31, 2011 10:42 PM CDT reply actions
IS that anything like
Putting lipstick on a pig?
exactly like it
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 31, 2011 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
B &I
I put that in an email this afternoon.
I’ve been around here off and on for almost 4 years and been a Cubs fan about 20 years. I’ve seen some bad teams. (Not as many as many here have seen) but seeing Al this disgusted has to be one of the lower points of Cub fandom.
by Madison Cub Fan on May 31, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course not.
The team has had it’s problems staying healthy, and the team just isn’t very good.
"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 you're also seeing
why the Cubs decided to not go with Ryne Sandberg as a manager for the Cubs right now. In the future if he continues his success coaching in the minors (I am assuming the Phillies AAA team isn’t doing too shabby right now), I have a feeling he will be a manager for the Cubs. He will be when the organization thinks he has a chance to win. Can you imagine if the Cubs were doing this under him? Sure he might light a little more of a fire under this team, but let’s say it doesn’t work and this is who we thought they were: a bad team. Can you imagine despising Sandberg? A HOFer getting stomped in the media and in the stands because his team is as bad as we thought they would be.
"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth
Completely disagree.
I really don’t think Hendry picked Quade knowing this season was going to be a disaster and his own job would be in jeopardy. I think Hendry actually thought he was the best man for the job.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
You're probably right.
Although seeing Sandberg go through what Trammell had to in Detroit would be pretty sad. Someday we’ll laugh about the days when that Quade dude presided over an effing terrible Cubs team.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I agree.
And, once again, our GM misevaluates talent. And I was in the Quade camp in the offseason, for which I apologize. :)
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
i apologize as well
its all my fault, guys. can you ever forgive me?
flippity floppity floop
by jesus christos on May 31, 2011 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions
You're probably gonna have to die for all the Cubs sins first.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
i dont know about that
flippity floppity floop
by jesus christos on May 31, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Well then the Cubs will be losers for all eternity.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
i apologize in advance for that, then
flippity floppity floop
by jesus christos on May 31, 2011 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Is JC replacing that smelly goat?
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
My choice was Ron Roenicke
I’m still sticking with that choice. Since the Cubs won’t win it, I’m rooting for the Brewers.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
thats what hendry
gets for thinking, thinking is a subject he is unfamiliar with. how in the world did he get this job? seriously i’d like to know
by Roman the greek on Jun 1, 2011 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Hendry Hearts Quade
Jim Hendry isn’t smart enough to pick a manager knowing he will fail. He actually bought the finish to the 2010 season when nothing mattered any more.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 1:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Yup.
Shining light in 2012, and real headway in 2013.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Right.
At this point, I wonder about everything connected with this franchise.
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I'll be okay with not competing next year if it means
A) Hendry is gone and his replacement is feeling things out
B)we have to wait for some super free agents and/or some kids come up to compete
C) Quade finishes his massive two year agreement and is back to coaching third
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
by epsilon on Jun 1, 2011 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I cannot take another year of Quade.
Fire Hendry, then Quade and hope to God next year isn’t this year.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
This one isn't on Quade.
But he’s not the right guy for this team, and these players (by and large) aren’t either.
Also, Rudy Jamarillo has been a gigantic waste of money. The Cubs have to be the absolute least patient team in the league. The fact that they were swinging at so many pitches early in a count against a rookie whom they had never seen before? Astonishing.
I know that Rudy, like Quade, can only deal with the players that we have. But a pitching coach and a manager have the authority to tell hitters to be more patient.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on May 31, 2011 10:48 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Agreed
This game wasn’t Quade’s fault. Sometimes you just lose. But I can’t see him or Hendry coming back next season at this point.
by Josh Timmers on May 31, 2011 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree completely.
"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"
Rudy?
Indeed – can anyone see any difference between Von and Rudy??
91 pitches, complete game by a Pirate pitcher???!!
Team BA is up
and we’re 5th in runs. I still believe that our veteran players aren’t very baseball savvy and that the entire philosophy of the organization is poor. JH has now been around 17 years and his approach permeates the entire system. he hires and fires. He’s too damned comfortable in his position and his friends support him and his decisions.
Right now he writing his spin of this year and you heard it from Quade already.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
3 playoff appearences in 17 years?
How far would that get the Yankee GM? Cardinal GM? Red Sox GM? Phillies GM?
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"
Well, he's only been GM since 02
And the Cubs did make the playoffs in 98.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
It's totally on Quade
Marmol was done after giving up those 2 runs to blow the save. So obvious. What happened? Typical Quade, leaving him in to blow the game wide open. The guy sucks as a manager.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
This is basically how I see Quade when it comes to the fanbase.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 10:49 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Mike Quade at the 2012 Cubs Convention.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
12 Balls In A Row
I never want to see that idiot that threw 12 consecutive balls in the game last week. Horrible. Should never happen to a professional pitcher.
He should be the poster child for Hendry’s incompetence.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 1:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Acutally, Berg did it
But don’t let that stop you.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I really am at a loss
This team is something else….I mean they honestly find a new and extremely heartbreaking way to lose day in and day out.
And I have to wonder what Quade is truly thinking. Dewitt in left again??? I mean seriously play the kids that you call up that are actually outfielders. I have stuck up for Q all year, but this guy is even more frustrating than Lou was. Get your head out of your tail and start to coach this team.
You will never move forward by looking back....
by By Santo's Grace on May 31, 2011 10:49 PM CDT reply actions
I'm surprised nobody on here has figured out why Dewitt is in left...
It’s to showcase his versatility and build his trade value. I don’t know what team would seriously think that Dewitt has value, but I’m thinking the decision is coming from the front office, not Quade.
And every time he goes into LF, DeWitt's trade value DECLINES
As he clearly answers the question, “Can he play OF?”
He needs some longer spikes on his shoes!
Slipping when trying to catch the ball isn’t cool.
front office is hendry
maybe we can trade dewitt for lilly
by Roman the greek on Jun 1, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Al steps out on to the ledge.
Seriously, I’m not usually part of the torches and pitchfork crowd except for Hendry who I think is incompetent.
However, Mike Quade really does seem to be a little league manager in the major leagues. Every player does not need a cute nickname. Cassie? WTF is that? Is Darwin called Barn? I’m glad I’m out-of-state to miss these press conferences.
No need to get into the whole Dewitt discussion, Nothing left to add there.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
More on how BCB might affect change
1. BCB Boycott the Cubs Day. Instead of “meeting in the Bleachers”, how about NOT going and leaving seats empty.
2. A petition letter drive to fire Jim Hendry, Crane Kenney, or both, and replace them/him, with better baseball personnel
3. A Dear Tom 2012 ticket price reduction letter campaign.
4. OR a letter campaign requesting management to price tickets per their performance level.
5. A monthly “state of the Cubs” conference held by Tom Ricketts and his yes men.
Just a few ideas BCB could help. I am sure some of you can come up with many more…
by The E-Man on May 31, 2011 10:50 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
You can forget about the monthly conference idea.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Just brainstorming...
nothing more.
There has to be thousands registered to this site or SB would never have ponied up to by this site.
Ricketts took care of #1 for you already.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on May 31, 2011 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I like your ideas
Relative to #1…………..more fans need to stay away in droves to get the message out to RIcketts and his cronies and NOT for just one day.
Fans need to start making noise big time otherwise it will be the S.O.S.
by Swoosie on May 31, 2011 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Since this is a post-game thread
If Marmol doesn’t blow the save, I’m betting you wouldn’t have posted this boycott stuff.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
RELEASE THE KRAKEN
flippity floppity floop
by jesus christos on May 31, 2011 10:50 PM CDT reply actions
Can we promote Marlon Byrd to coach?
I didn’t know too much about the guy before he joined the Cubs, but seriously, he seems to be WAY more competent and capable than the ****** we have right now.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
He could start tomorrow.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Coaching...not playing.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions
What's Quade's nickname for him?
Marlee?
"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"
Lenny
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Koy's nickname
is pumpkin.
"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"
spelled it wrong...
pun’kin
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Byrd's guilty of the Jamarillo "aggressive" approach.
Byrd’s pretty sound defensively, but hitting-wise, I wouldn’t want him as a coach.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm not talking hitting.
I’m talking common sense and knowing what the hell is going on—like when to take Marmol out.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
No...that's not Quade's fault.
Every manager ever in the history of baseball would have left their closer in for 6 ER.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Shut up.
A monkey got loose in KC tonight, which is awesome.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I liked this better when we could blame the weather.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Army of the 12 monkeys?
Maybe they can manage the team. Or … are they already?
I went to a minor league game tonite.
it was the Irorpigs@braves. Ryno should be in Chicago not Gwinnett Ga.
Oh also, I didnt have to suffer through the cubs game.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Positive:
At least we don’t have Joakim Soria, who just got demoted, and is basically the worst closer in MLB at the moment. Before this year, Joakim Soria was baseball’s best kept secret; if he was on a east coast team he’d be like Mariano, only younger.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Another Positive:
There are only 109 games left…and they could still get rained out.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Rained out?
No, we don’t do that on the North Side of Chicago, even when lightning hits the ballpark. Twice.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Al, I'd suggest getting a slip of paper and writing "The Cubs aren't good" on it.
Bring it to the games and keep it in your pocket, and every time you get frustrated by some stupid move or play, just take out the piece of paper, read it, and relax.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I don't see that helping much.
I mean, Al knows the Cubs aren’t good at this point. He’s not spouting 2005 Astros talk.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
You know what we should all get behind?
The firing of Rudy Jamarillo. I can’t see Quade or Hendry getting canned midseason, but a hitting coach? It’s been done.
And the Cubs’ approach to hitting is so bad.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That will take the pressure off of everyone for exactly 34.7 hours.
Then they will lose another game and everyone will be pissed off again.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, I'm not doing it for PR purposes.
I truly think Rudy is hurting this team with his focus on aggressiveness. I’m starting to fear that he could do lasting damage to Castro, who is a first-pitch hacker (albeit a successful one).
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Jamarillo also looks like a corpse on the bench
he is awful, no gameplan EVER with any of his hitters, the guy doesn’t get his ass off the bench the entire game.
He does all his best work in the cages and the video booth.
I hope.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah i dont ever see him go to the batters box and talk to his hitters....slacker.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
I'm not sure if he has a gameplan.
But if he does, it’s clearly high on aggressiveness and low on OBP. And that is very old-school and backward thinking.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
And who is first in walks?
The Cardinals. People always wonder how they continually challenge for the division. Smart baseball. Funny to say that with Theriot on the team but right now he has his best OPS+ since 2006.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Shocking what good coaching will do.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Is it simply the coaching or is it the organization?
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
I think we've seen enough managers crap out to assume it's the organization at this point
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Dusty's success in Cincinnati is especially telling.
Dusty was a bad manager, but the Cubs lack of fundamentals while he was here — particularly after the losses of Miller, Karros and Lofton — obviously played a bigger role in HOW bad he was than we realized at that time.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I really do not know how to properly evaluate Dusty Baker.
He succeeded before the Cubs, and succeeds after the Cubs.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
The Cubs happened to him. They happened to Lou Piniella too.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Dusty's guys
I hate to say it, but the guys who are the most hard-core “Dusty Guys” like lofton, D-Lee, etc. were pretty sound baseball guys.
Dusty’s failing, in my mind, was about being such a players manager that some bad eggs were able to run the clubhouse into the ground.
Eamus Ursuli!
That was the problem in 2004.
He also clung to players like Neifi Perez, who was not a sound baseball player. Dusty made a TON of mistakes, it’s just that I’m beginning to think the 2004 team was derailed as much by Dusty’s incompetence as Hendry’s moves to acquire players (or develop them) who had poor fundamentals.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
its probably both
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 31, 2011 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
It's also the guys our GM signs.
Barrett instead of Miller, etc.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Err, the guys our GM acquires.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Both
A good organization stresses the little fundamental things: base running, defense, throwing strikes (in effect all the things the cubs have refused to address in my lifetime).
And good coaching capitalizes on all the things an organization stresses.
You succeed with both.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
I think it's a rule within the organization that everyone has to fly by the seat of their pants.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
And that they swing at the first pitch.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Larry, where are you?
When the team ERA is 4.76, 28th in the MLB, games like this shouldn’t be a surprise.
Who knows if he could improve things but
I always thought he was better than many gave him credit.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I liked Larry
but I think his guys walk too many hitters.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Better than the current coach whose guys give up too many runs.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
stunning logic. You should be our next manager.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm interviewing this weekend.
Tell me your three least favorite players so I can start them everyday.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Peyton Manning
Drew Brees
Derrick Rose
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Ryan Leaf
Allen Iverson
Bobby Bonilla
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Whatever, I'm sending Castro to Iowa.
Augie Ojeda’s coming up.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
In hear doug drabek is looking for work.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jun 1, 2011 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm interviewing him for bullpen coach next week
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Awesome. I knew you were the right guy for the job.
Any cool sayings like:
Look what do you want me to do?
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jun 1, 2011 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm gonna go with....
“Hey, have you ever managed a major league baseball team? No? Then shut the f**k up.”
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I would literally shit my pants if a Cubs manager ever really said this to reporters.
And then I would name one of my children after him. I would have to use the courts because my kids are 13, 11 and 9…but I would RENAME one of them.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions
That would be the most gangster ass response ever
I would fully support it. Why not?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I posted this on game thread...
….but I was surprised quade didn’t have another guy warming up so he wouldn’t have had to waste marshall down by 4 runs. Also, why in the world campanass swung at the first pitch in the 9th down by 4 runs is beyond comprhension.
I got a kick out of the post game, when quade said he didn’t. Like carlos breaking bats over his leg. Someosone askedx him if he told carlos that and he said; “no, I don’t have to tell him”. Later on, carlos said he didn’t care, he would break the bats anyway.
When quade said health was part of the problem, that was it, you never make that excuse as the leader of the team.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
(imaginary discussion)
Quade: Hey Z! I was talking to Riggs, Rude, List, Donner and Blitzen, and we agreed that, you son of a gun, you should stop breakin’ bats like that. I mean, ‘Bats.’
It’s just not the Cubbie thing to do, you know? I mean — why get angry when things are going wrong?
Z: Who are you, again?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on May 31, 2011 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Listening to Z...
…on the postgame, I think you summed up his feelings pretty well.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
He basically said...
…if he doesn’t like it, thats the way it goes.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
C-dawg
You have to spell it right.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jun 1, 2011 12:45 AM CDT up reply actions
What happens if Matt Camp gets called up?
Who’s Campy then!? damnit this is a conundrum…
If Campana...
…swung on his own, he should be benched.
If Quade didn’t put the “take a strike” sign on, he should be ashamed of himself.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Hopefully...
…he read him the riot act, because that was blantly stupid. It is even more stupid if Quade didn’t put the take on and expected him to do it on his own.
Don’t know how legit this is, but I heard Sam Fuld had the following comment about how he was taught to approach pitchers in the Cubs organization; “swing hard and be aggressive”. Well, if it was a young power hitter, I would say that is terrific, but not for a light hitting guy with speed, who should be taught to bunt for hits and to take every walk you possibly can.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I'm no big Quade fan
But Fuld’s comment is exactly why some of the managerial complaints are a tad unfounded. The org screwed up players before they even made it to the show.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
The only positive is Ricketts is gonna have to fire everybody
I just can’t see anyway Kenney, Hendry or Quade are back after this season, we’re heading for 90 to 95 losses and Ricketts is gonna be forced to cut bait or the seagulls will be the only one’s left at wrigley.
I think Ricketts is just fine with everything...
I will be in shock if they spend money in the off season
I doubt he will stand pat if this team is as bad as it looks.
"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"
He will have no money to spend.
He’s lucky we might have about $60 mil coming off the books… because he’s gonna lose a crapload of money this year.
"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 hope your right.
He needs to make a move NOW. Get rid of hendry, make a statement that nobody is safe. Let it be known out there that we are looking for a GM. And if we dont start competing, Q should be next. I can handle losing, but this is embarrasing.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
agreed, Hendry should be gone tomorrow
quade is gonna finish the year out but he’s done as soon as the season ends….we need to start looking for a GM right now.
That's alittle bold.
This isn’t the Yankees.
"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"
maybe thats the problem
we need a little fire instead of accepting, well i was gonna say mediocrity, but thats being generous.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
If this team was mediocre...
Hendry would automatically get to stay next year.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions
You can't fire Hendry now.
The available replacements will be limited. At this point, ride out the season. A new GM now won’t do anything.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Depends on who they want
If the Cubs want someone like Andrew Friedman, they will have to wait until after the season. If they’re happy to hire someone like Kim Ng or Rick Hahn, they can make a move.
I do think there is a benefit to making the move now, though. Bottom line… I don’t want Hendry making any more moves. He’s screwed this up enough as it is.
Wait until after the draft
Firing Hendry before the draft would be far too much upheaval. There is no telling what members of his staff will stick around. That being said, its time for Ricketts to start moving forward on a new front office. My preference is to get rid of Hendry after the draft, but before the end of the season. Put a new GM in place who can
1.) make the trade deadline moves that will help the team over the long term versus Hendry saving his job and
2.) start evaluating players, coaches and staff.
Um...Who is going to do those two things?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Depends on who Ricketts wants
If Ricketts wants to hire a GM who currently is GMing elsewhere, he’ll have to wait until the end of the season. If he is happy to hire someone in a lesser role, the move can be made in-season.
I think I’d still prefer to have an interim GM over Hendry at this point.
I don't want a rush hire though.
For that reason, I don’t care if Hendry rides out the season. I’m not sure how much trading he could anyway. He’s going to be sending cash with nearly every deal.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I hope ricketts has been thinking
of replacements for hendry, and kenny since the day he bought the team. He should have a president in mind also. If it would really be a rush decision we have a lot to worry about!
I don't want Hendry making those trades - he has developed a talent for turning MLB players over for nothingburgers
Lilly and Theriot for DeWitless
Gorzelanny for 2 low minor quasi-prospects
anybody BUT Hendry
I
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Put in an interim with instructions to not hurt the long term future of this club
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Folks, I'm afraid Hendry is the only baseball guy Ricketts knows...
and firing him is going to leave him hiding under the covers trying to figure out how to keep the money machine working…albeit at an impeded rate. The whole Ricketts family needs to network and get some good counsel from someone other that Jim Hendry. Dunno if Randy or Gregg are too beholden to Hendry to give Ricketts any sold advice. Someone in an earlier post suggested Ricketts hire a President of Baseball Operations. He definitely needs someone outside the rat den or a differential diagnosis on his WHOLE organization.
Hire Maddux as GM...whats the worse that could happen.
by BadDecisions on Jun 1, 2011 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions
He could spend most of his time on the golf course instead.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Worst thing...
He could be an under the radar GM, just when gets to be good though the Cubs would decide he was replaceable and he would sign with Atlanta and lead them to a decade of dominance…
Oh, never mind…
Eamus Ursuli!
A couple things
I don’t feel asamed or embarrassed admitting a few things after this loss. First of all I will never ( and haven’t for a few years now) spend another dime on anything Cubs until they win it all. Including taking my family to Wrigley.
Secondly, my kids are Brewers fans now (based on where we live) and I didn’t discourage them at all. I mean why steer them towards this horrible organization just so they can be disappointed over and over again.
by Mapmaker on May 31, 2011 11:09 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Don't blame you...
But are the Brewers really the team you want them looking towards for a successful franchise?
I mean, dont get me wrong, they’re looking head and shoulders above the Cubs, but the Brewers are just…. the Brewers.
It's based on where we live and their friends, etc.
I’m not pushing them to it but I’m certainly not pushing them towards the Cubs.
haha
Its funny to watch cubs fans be losers. So go ahead, tell your kids to be fans, I enjoy watching all you act like this lol
Obvious troll is...
a jerk.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
There isn't anything you could possibly say to me on the internet that would upset me.
Unless you were telling me that “Say Yes to the Dress” was going to be cancelled.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
You didn't hear??? Oh no...
It’s being replaced with a double length episode of pregnant in heels.
I'd almost be excited by that.
Bravo is either the smartest commentary on the wealthy in America today or the most ridiculous station ever, either way it’s my favorite guilty pleasure.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
i hate to be the one to tell you this...
flippity floppity floop
by jesus christos on Jun 1, 2011 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Last thought before I go to bed.
There’s no reason now not to put the For Sale out for this team. Most of the good deals won’t happen until July, but that doesn’t mean Hendry shouldn’t start dealing.
I don’t think there’s a guy over the age of 30 on this team who shouldn’t be made available.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on May 31, 2011 11:16 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
This is the most correct post I have seen all night.
I would add, I would like to see someone else making these moves.
Well, naturally.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The only guys who shouldn't be avaliable ..
are Castro, Garza, Marshall, and Marmol. Marmol and Marshall are only avaliable for a steal.
"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'd hang onto Wells, too.
Just because he’s cheap and relatively young. He can be a low-cost No. 4 starter who can dull the memory of Coleman and Russell.
The one guy I can’t decide on is Soto.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Hitting Catchers are rare..and he calls a decient game..It would have to be at the right price..
by BadDecisions on May 31, 2011 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions
He might be more valuable as a trade chip than he is as a member of the team.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
you mean
than he is as a member of your 15-Day DL Roster
by hansman1982 on May 31, 2011 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Wells is catching now?
That’s f’ed up!
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jun 1, 2011 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I forgot about Wells.
And I agree.
I really don’t know about Soto either. I wonder about his durability also. Not a huge fan of his defense.
"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 would actually throw
Barney in there. He seems to be the only player on the team who has been well coached. Heck maybe we should give osu a call and see if there manager is available?
I hope they hang onto him.
He’s a gamer.
I like him long term as a MI backup.
But who the hell makes their pretty good backup MI untouchable?
Castro's the only guy on that list for me
Not a Garza fan… at all. Can’t believe we traded for him on purpose.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
He's been our best pitcher and looks like a legit TOR starter...
Any reason you don’t like him?
Never have liked him
No real reason, I guess… just something about his pitching style isn’t right.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
A CALL TO ALL FANS!!!
No matter what the optomists and Hendry appolgists say, this team has been in a steady decline since 2008. I’m only 24 mind you, and I have not nearly been through enough heartbreakers as most of you, but watching the cubs for the past two decades has been miserable….I’m embarassed, dissapointed, angry…and Ashamed to be a Cubs fan right….
I made a vow not to buy as many tickets to a game since 2008. I went to 23 games that year ( alot of a kid in college only working a parttime job). I vowed not to support the trash that the Cubs were selling. We need to start becoming like Sox fans…Stop showing up to the field…Stop buying Jerseys….Hold the manager and owner responsible for this bullshit…Quit making f**king excuses for this team..WE HAVE DONE THIS FOR OVER A 100 YEARS!!!!! We have a minor league coach as a manager, a Owner who wants to enhance the “Wrigley Experience” rather than the product on the field, and an failure of a GM who has had one of the biggest payrolls of all of MLB and has instead put us in a deeper hole…Lets get it together and make a stand and stop supporting this garbage…RANT OVER!!!
I kinda doubt there's much Kool Aid drinking happening tonight.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Unless its spiked.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
They are part of the problem...When people ask me which fans I find most annoying..Its not the Sox or Cardinals fans...its "other Cubs fans."
by BadDecisions on May 31, 2011 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
They have to be running low of the beverage at this point.
If the Cubs can’t beat Houston and Pittsburgh at home, what is going to happen in June?
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
The weather will heat up...
along with Ramirez and Pena’s bats…and our rotation will finally be healthy…and Soriano will get back to hitting HR’s and playing adequate defense…and the Cubs will go on a 23-7 run and get back in the thick of the hunt for the division!!! It’s gonna be a great summer in Chicago everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions
"back to playing adequate defense"?
when did he do that?
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
At least in his first couple of years he could run.
He almost seems incapable of an all out run at top speed now.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
When he gets off the DL, he will run on his hands and catch with his feet...
it should fill the stands AND be. Marked improvement to his game. Side benefit? Fewer hammy problems!
When does the team become idiots
bigger ones than they already are, to win the WS?
And why is our manager Creed from The Office?
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Umm, Creed from the office is an upgrade....
I’d love to see that one. “Leave it running.”
HA HA HA HA HA
The worst part is a smaller version of this would be the nightmare scenario, where everyone gets deluded for a month that this team isn’t terrible and we don’t trade a bunch of people we need to…
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
My last packet of kool-aid
ran out in the pirates series
I said I was going to bed, but whatever.
I have tickets to two more games this year — as part of a package my dad bought. We’re going to the Sunday nighter against the Yankees.
Other than that, I don’t think I can rationalize paying money to see this team. We’re right back where we were in August last season.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
just don't buy the buffalo while you're there
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 31, 2011 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait. Why not?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
don't the Ricketts own buffalo ranches?
.I was just kidding…bon appetite :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on May 31, 2011 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions
This is my favorite paragraph from Verducci's latest:
The Cubs are so bad that they have played a third of their schedule without ever winning three games in a row. They are 6 games under and 7 games out of the wild card. They have little speed, they don’t take walks, their pitching is atrocious and they are next-to-last in the league in defensive efficiency. This sums up their ineptitude: They have taken the fewest walks in the league while giving the most, resulting in a net deficit of 71 walks in 52 games.
Here.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on May 31, 2011 11:30 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
So you're saying the only way to go is UP from here?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Rudy Jamarillo needs to be gone.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Weren't we FIRST in MLB in walks like three years ago?
Two years ago?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
We used to be good. That ship has sailed.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Is Gerald Perry still avaliable?
"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"
In 2008, IIRC.
Gerald Perry was fired in 2009, and Von Joshua was brought in. But a lot of the guys who were part of that patient 2008 team — Lee, Ramirez, Theriot, Fontenot, Soto, Kosuke — were around for at least part of Rudy’s time with the Cubs (from 2010 on). So unless Mark DeRosa or Jim Edmonds was the key to the Cubs’ patience in 2008 …
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
My god I hated and then loved Jim Edmonds so much.
It was like my 10th grade girlfriend, that flame was bright, then nothing. ::Sigh::
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Totally with you.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I didn't mention Soriano or Kosuke from the 2008 team ...
because Soriano has never been patient, and Kosuke (for as much as I think he’s overrated) has had a pretty decent and steady OBP throughout his career.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
that was Gerald Perry's...
…fault, that’s why he was fired.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Someone help me answer this...
Are we past the point of no return?? An organization like the Cubs should constantly be in contention and put out a team consists of solid FA signings and a producing farm system…Has Hendry handcuffed this team with his heavy FA signings?? Can we bounce back next year?? Or do we rollup our sleeves and say look " we are gonna let this shit show run its course and until the contracts expire..and build this this up the right way when its over…
But can the Cubs even afford that?? Or do they continue with terrible FA signings that put as fringe contenders, but never a WS winner??
2012 - Contracts start coming off books
2013 – All contracts sans Soriano’s off books
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Right. Plus, we have some young guys who look promising.
It’s not much to hang our hats on, but it’s all we have.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I keep telling myself this over and over and over.
Also, the Royals are going to win the World Series in 2014, so we could be meeting KC in a few years.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
But the Cubs prospects are not at the KC level.
The Cubs need a competent GM who can build a team through trades and FA’s.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Preaching to the choir.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The answer to this question will vary based on who you ask...
some of us want them to basically burn it, burn it all and start over with a basic core of players. Others proclaim that Chicago is a “large market” and therefore cannot ever truly undergo a total rebuild. Either way, things are probably going to get worse before they get better.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
The contracts will start freeing up next year
but there will be lots of holes to fill. Next year COULD be better than this year but I don’t see a 90 loss season being changed to a 90 win season in one year. They may get a Fielder but that still leaves a potential hole at 3rd. What about RF? Soriano will be another year older. Soto will still be fragile. Who will be the ace?
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Just read a report saying that the Mets might trade David Wright in the offseason.
"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 keep preaching that getting him is more important that Pujols or Fielder.
by BadDecisions on May 31, 2011 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Stress fractures in the back could be a recurring problem though.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Sounds like the kinda guy Hendry would acquire.
Can he play center and lead off?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
No player is worth a contract of 10 years...
Pujols is great, but he will not continue to be great….Plus this team is no where to being in Contention again…Especially with the rise of the Reds. 5 years into his contract the Cubs may be good again…but what will Pujols production be like then?? Fielders too?? Its a gamble.
by BadDecisions on May 31, 2011 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions
It's all a gamble but the Cubs have to show something.
I’m on the Fielder bandwagon for hopefully 5 years and no more.
Pujols for 10 is crazy.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
If I knew...like a solid guaranteed lock...that Pujols would be the player that got us a WS trophy...
I would give him 20 years. Now, since I live in reality…I don’t want any player given a contract longer than 6 years. Ever. For any reason.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought Fielder wanted 7?? I would sign him for 5 though.
by BadDecisions on May 31, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
5 years....
with a mutual option for the 6th and a player option for the 7th.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Switch the 7th year to a team option
and you got a deal.
"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"
No, you see...the 6th year is mutual...so we just say "bye" and he goes away....
and we only really signed him for 5.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course.
I’d sign him for 6 if I had to. No more than that though.
"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'm just not sure who will give him 7 years.
The Cubs should go higher per year but fewer years. With all the money freeing up, they could afford it.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
He's so fat, I just can't get past it.
I can’t.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
He's really good though.
And swings really hard.
"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 never bothered you when it came to chicks.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I like this...
baseball players should be kinda fat and sloppy and not give a fuck.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Aramis is not fat, sloppy, and im sure he gives a fuck.
so he’s not close. It’s funny to see you people turn on him.
Fat Bastard..
No way in hell he is a vegetarian…God imgaine what he would look like if he ate a meat.
by BadDecisions on Jun 1, 2011 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Pujols isnt getting 10 from anyone but the Cards
by hansman1982 on May 31, 2011 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Hendry will throw 10 years at him...an attempt for him to keep his job.
by BadDecisions on May 31, 2011 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions
The fact that Ricketts may let this happen...
is terrifying to me.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions
If ten years is what it took to land the best hitter in baseball...
it’d be worth it. Pujols is a legendary player.
who will
go into the hall as a cardinal, have his number retired as a cardinal, and after his playing days are over be some ambassador for the cardinals… even if for some reason he signs with the cubs he will never be a true cub, it will only be a paycheck for him.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Who will
(hopefully) slowly regress into a good player. Albert Pujols of 2008 is worth 30 million a year. Pujols of 2016 likely is not, even adjusted for inflation. The problem with a long-term deal to Pujols is that a team continues to pay him based off his peak years, long after they have passed. And let’s not even start on the accumulating nagging injuries.
I’ve enormous respect for Albert, but the notion of paying him 45—50 million at the age of 42 should be enough to scare most front office white.
by Damen Jackson on Jun 1, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
A 10 year pujols deal
is only slightly better than the soriano deal by the end of it. Ditto a long term deal for Fielder.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
what I think about Fielder and Pujols....
I’d take either one….but I’m afraid Hendry or whoever may have to give them obscene contracts in order to get either of them to play for this horrible team
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
So the alternative is ... not signing either one
and the team being even worse?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
no the alternative IMO, is for Ricketts to take the organization in a direction
that everyone is pounding on the door to be a part of our team, I don’t see that happening. I see these ridiculous contracts as a persuasive measure to acquire quality players to come to Chicago and play. As in “if I can’t get a ring at least I’ll be rich”! I think it’s going to be like that for awhile no matter who the GM is. I’m probably wrong, I hope I am, but that’s what it looks like to me.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
BRIAN ROBERTS WHERE ARE YOU
WE NEED YOU
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
ADAM LIND WHERE ARE YOU
WE NEED YOU
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
The Cubs might as well try doing the "college of coaches" experiment again.
Just kidding.
What if Sandberg was the manager right now? Would it be much better?
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!"
Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!"
Len Casper: "Cubs Win! Oh Baby!"
Bob Brenly: "Give it to a Kid!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on May 31, 2011 11:42 PM CDT reply actions
The decisions would be less maddening.
The Cubs might have another win or two.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Instead of splitting the anger 33-33-33 (Quade, Hendry, Ricketts)
It’d simply be 10-45-45.
St. Ryno would heal this club
They might even be raptured right up into the sky.
Which would spare us watching them play.
"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
JOSH HAMILTON
YOU COULD HAVE BEEN OURS
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
JAKE PEAVY
COME TAKE A TRIP TO THE NORTH SIDE
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
CARLOS BELTRAN
YOU COULD HAVE SAVED US
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:43 PM CDT reply actions
MARK PRIOR
WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
RAFAEL FURCAL
WHY U SO GREEDY?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:44 PM CDT reply actions
ALBERT PUJOLS
WHY DID WE PASS ON YOU!!!
(is this ok guys? I mean you arent mad I did this?!?!?! Am I COOL now?)
Honesty compels me to say,
if Santo was still alive, this debacle right here on May 31, 2011, may have done him in….Rest in peace Number 10…..
by deadcatbounce on May 31, 2011 11:46 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
OMAR INFANTE
WHY DID WE EVER LET YOU GO. YOU WERE A GREAT CUB
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on May 31, 2011 11:52 PM CDT reply actions
Sam Fuld had a .159 AVG in May.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Jake Fox out OPS'd Aramis Ramirez in May .798 to .668
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on May 31, 2011 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
True but he had twice as many home runs (2)
and nearly twice as many RBIs (13) as the Cubs clean up hitter and a lot of game saving plays to go with it.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions
In April.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Um no those were his May numbers
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions
I was talking about the "game saving catches"....
his On Base Percentage for May was .178
there aren’t enough balls hit to the entire outfield in the month of May to make up for all the outs he made in May.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions
There were 3 I saw
However the point was that despite hitting for crap he still had twice as many home runs and nearly twice as many RBIs as Ramirez
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Is that a question Dan?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
I think she's saying she wishes Fuld was our 3rd baseman.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
No I wish A-Ram was our left fielder
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions
OK genius...then were is DeWitt going to play then?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Center Field of course silly
Isn’t that were all infielders move to?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions
We already tried putting a 2nd baseman in center....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions
And then TOTALLY REDEEMED OURSELVES
by moving him to left.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
pfft
Left Field…Lineup for June 1
Fukudome 3b
Barney P
Castro 1B
DeWitt LF
Byrd C
Ramirez LF (to instruct the youngsters)
Soriano CF (while riding a Rascal)
Soto SS
Zambrano DH
Peenia 3rd Base Coach
Colvin Car Washing Detail (he missed a spot last time he was up – lets see if Iowa taught him anything)
Campana Clown Car
DJ LM I mean comeon – isnt it obvious with a name like DJ? 1st Base Coach
That is all – the position of P will be replaced by a tee…
I think you forgot Hill at 2B
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Did I hear on CSN after the game...
that Garza’s return is being pushed back?
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Wait...really?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep...unless I was hearing things
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Whats next really??? Castro has AIDS and is Dieing?
by BadDecisions on Jun 1, 2011 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Hold on...
I just checked and it said, as of yesterday, he should be ready by June 5th. I know I heard something today about that being pushed back tho.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981
Highly unlikely the Cubs would underestimate how long it would take a player to recover
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I for one, would be SHOCKED....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
How bout
Why ruin the guy when the season is done for a reason? After all rushing Wells back worked so well.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Al, what else is new?
“Jordan Lyles, the Astros’ 20-year-old rookie, held the Cubs scoreless on four hits through the first seven innings in his major league debut.”…..
Just another indictment of the Cubs advance scouting staff?
It seems to be a familiar headline
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"
Whoa Don't go knocking the scouting staff..
Haven’t you heard, we serve buffalo wings now and Dag’s pizza..its all good bro.
by BadDecisions on Jun 1, 2011 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow I could be wrong here
But I think there is not a single soul with any kool-aid left. Even alkappy, and nbf seem to be giving up!
Has NBF reported in?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:38 AM CDT up reply actions
nope
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:38 AM CDT up reply actions
No SenorGato or lj too
thank Christ
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions
and just like that...POOF...he appears
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Spoke too soon
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I am sure Senor will tell us what a great success DeWitt was in LF
No errors
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 1, 2011 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm sick of him
lj too
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
But I admit, it is difficult these days.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Even I am not going to have this sort of optimism.
This season has been nothing short of disaster.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
It's a hard job, but somebody has to do it, I suppose
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Al, I feel as if i should give you a hug or something.
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Officially done with Quade
Gave him plenty of chances. I’m sick of this guy. I was joking with a couple guys in front of me that Quade wanted to make sure the Astros had at least a 3 run cushion before Marmol came out. Whaddya know… it ended up being 4.
This season is a bad joke. I hope they lose 100+ games. Shit needs to change ASAP.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
They'll take 2 of 3 from the Cardinals and you'll change your mind.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Theriot will make 2 critical errors...one fielding and one baserunning....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Quades fault!!!!! Always!!!!!
Screw this guy who has a terrible team to define him!!!! lol you guys are funny.
this is a picture of a guy who's slowly realizing he should have done things differently.....
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
I see it as a picture of a guy who realizes he's got hard work ahead
and is steeling himself up for it. Or he’s dreaming about pie.
Fasten those seat belts...
I see this as pic of a guy who's suddenly been hit over the head by the realization...
…that he has no idea what to do or where to start.
And so he’s focusing on a nice piece of pie before bed. First things first.
by bluekoolaide on Jun 1, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Have you ever tried to make huge business decisions without pie???
It’s horrible.
Hopefully though, that look is “I REALLY need to get someone that knows baseball operations, because Kenney may be good at ordering my take out, he really doesn’t know shit.”
The Cubs are like having a relative
with a terminal illness. They have mostly bad days but every so often they seem to be getting better. You hope the doctor’s prognosis was wrong. But at the end of the summer they’ll be gone.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
They have Alzheimer's...
but at least they don’t have Alzheimer’s.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I hate this version of the team.
So much so, I’m embarrassed to call myself a fan. SWL said it best a week ago when he mentioned that this club is the only one that actively trolls its fanbase, or something to that effect. This team is terrible and there is no other way to look at it. Whether if we have 100, 150, 200, or however many games left, it isn’t enough for us to suddenly get better. We are shitty. Rudy, our pitching coach, Quade, whatever the hell our pitching staff is, Pena, Ramirez, Soriano, DeWitt, Turd Blossom, Jolly, Smitty, Kimbo Slice, etc., etc. They’re all fucking awful. I don’t get angry often, if at all, because it kinda violates who I want to be and who I am, but I’m angry at where we’re at. What a sad, sorry state of affairs for this team. Nearly everything is poor and I can’t stand it. And as more and more stop coming to watch, or stop tuning in, when is a change made and what is the change. At this point, I’ve seen far too much failure after too little success to ever believe change will happen for the better. For now, to me, this season is over, and really, it’s been over for awhile, but I’ve bottled this up for far too long. Sorry.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:38 AM CDT reply actions
On second thought
NBF makes a lot of sense. I still hate this version of this team, but, he makes some sense. Quells my frustration a bit.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, this team can only frustrate you as much you allow it to.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Nighty night all
I need a few days off.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
Peace
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Also
I was right, the pre game thread was the highlight of the day. Lets get back to that.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 12:44 AM CDT reply actions
On June 2, 2007, the Cubs were 22-31
Zambrano had just done battle with Barrett, and it looked like the ship was going to hit Davy Jones’ locker.
Then the Lou blowup happened, everything changed and the Cubs went on to win the division.
Now, am I using this story to say the Cubs will do the same thing this year? No. Not at all. I am using it to say a lot of the wailing and gnashing of teeth I"m reading here about “this is the worst” and “this team is unbelieveably horrible” might just be a little overwrought.
So is the talk about firing a first-year manager 50-something games into his first season. I guarantee you nobody would be bothered by Quade’s nicknames if this team were .500 or better. People didn’t like Lou because he appeared half-dead at his news conferences; now they don’t like Q because he doesn’t appear half dead?
Listen, tonight’s game pissed me off, too. Unfortunately, closers blow leads sometimes. Ask White Sox fans about that.
I’m not asking anybody to believe it’s all seashells and balloons and make wild predictions about winning the division. I just think it’s good to take a step back and realize things never are as bad as they seem, nor ever are as good as they seem.
Tomorrow is another day … and as bad as the Cubs are playing right now, I’m still looking forward to some baseball. (And yes, I believe the next few years have potential, too.)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 12:55 AM CDT reply actions 9 recs
Ok...NOW things are getting weird.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I don't really know how to respond to this.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
It's the reasoned, well articulated comment sans the pointed jabs that have us off our games.
You win this round NBF.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Who even knows
i also have no idea how to respond, so I guess on that front, bravo. I don’t know what to even say, so that’s a step in the right direction. Then again it’s 2AM. Even still, rec’d, I suppose, for reasons I don’t know.
You’re only doing this because we all prefer you over The Others. That must be it :)
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 1:01 AM CDT up reply actions
In light of the Others taking over, I now find NBF practically charming.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I've read his inital comment 5 times now...
it’s the most spot on Al Yellon impression I’ve ever seen.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions
So then NBF should write the next game preview?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
This is a FABULOUS IDEA.
Someone email Al.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Why the hell not
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Nobody can preview a game like Al
Even being mentioned in the same breath with The Master is enough.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 1:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe it was c&p'd
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions
It's late, I"m tired and I'm a little frustrated
Sorry, i’ve got no vintage NBF tonight. Sounds like some others are picking up the torch (and possibly burning themselves with it).
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions
They stuck the torch right in their face
and when Nunya or anyone else tries to point that out, they argue instead.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions
And responded to their own comments three times in the process
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Not good, not good at all
I scanned some of it and my eyes started to bug out, so I quit.
The other thing you’ve got to remember about 2007: That low-water mark came after the Cubs had hired Lou AND spent boatloads of cash getting Soriano, Lilly, Marquis, DeRosa, etc. So that really was a perilous moment that could have changed the course of the ensuing three seasons, and not for the better.
This situation today isn’t as dire.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 1:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah NBF
as much as I understand your optimism, this team is much, much worse than the one in 2007. And Lou in 2007 is a million times better than Quade is now. Keep the hope alive, we’ll keep gnashing our teeth I suppose. No matter what stance you take, it doesn’t help anyway, which may be the most frustrating part.
You’re as optimistic as they come, and all this club does is abuse your faith. The rest of us want change, and so they troll us with moves like putting DeWitt in left, keeping pitchers in far too long, etc.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions
In 2007 ...
we could look at the team and say ‘they have to be better than this.’ I don’t think we can say the same for where we are right now.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
And unfortunately
we’re 2 hours into “tomorrow”, so I think it’s time for sleep. Again though, yeah, recd.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions
It's not that Q "doesn't appear half dead"
… it’s that he talks like a rah-rah high school coach.
He is WAY over his head here.
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by Al Yellon on Jun 1, 2011 6:59 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Who cares how he talks?
I’m sure if they had a few more victories, everybody would find Quade’s nicknames cute and endearing.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree with this.
Quade’s nicknames are kind of goofy. But it’s not like his propensity for nicknames has anything to do with our wins and losses.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It's an attitude, not just the nicknames.
He talks like a high school coach. This ain’t high school.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Fair enough.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
And Lou talked like he was comatose, and Dusty talked
like he was the player’s buddy, and ….
C’mon, Al, that’s also a slap at high school coaches, many of whom are some of the finest people I’ve ever known. Quit it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
very eloquent reply...
that coupled with your extensive facts and logic to back up this statement are almost overwhelming.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
i hope he writes a book on this discovery
flippity floppity floop
by jesus christos on Jun 1, 2011 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
It would be pretty easy reading,
you must admit.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
It would read..
“Cubs fans are idiots” that sums it up lol
you just lost a customer
good day to YOU
flippity floppity floop
by jesus christos on Jun 1, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
All right, this made me laugh out loud
Take it from me, LJ; watch the cussing and back up your ideas just a little. It’ll help.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It doesnt matter
When these people make up their mind, it’s over. They never back up their ideas anyway. When they do, I do.
I've made up my mind. The new Lady GaGa Album isn't as good as her first one.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
You make a great point
And sometimes simple and direct is the best way to go. Depends on who you’re dealing with.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Successful (WINNING) baseball teams know how to "put it all together"
And I’ve resigned myself to the fact that the 2011 Cubs can’t and won’t put it all together.
They lose two starting pitchers and the replacements stink up the joint.
Byrd gets hurt, Soto gets hurt, Soriano gets hurt, Garza gets hurt
We get offense (like Monday) and we give up 12 runs.
We get a brilliant performance by Z (like last night) and our lights-out closer has a bad night.
And certain guys are having poor starts – Aram, Soto, Pena
Not to mention Quade’s questionable decisions…
CAN the Cubs overcome all of this? In theory, yes. WILL they overcome all of this? My gut says not a chance…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Jun 1, 2011 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Please stop with the 2007 Argument..
It is old and tiredsome…That team was stacked with talent in a weak division. This team has a poor decision making coach, veterans who are former shells of themself, and a few kids. In addition the Division is highly competitive again with the Brewers, Stl, and Reds punching it out for the division title. Any appologist who wants to drink Kool Aid, I will bet $100 to any Cubs Charity that the Cubs do not win the divison nor make it into the playoffs….
Nice cut-and-paste job
Reading comprehension is your friend. Try it sometime.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Slow down before you start the personal attacks again.
Please.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
by Al Yellon on Jun 1, 2011 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fifth
They may have a hard time finishing fifth if they cannot even beat Houston at home. Dead-last, 90 to 100 losses will all but guarantee the front office changes fans are demanding. That will guarantee lots of fans disguised as empty seats as the Cubs play out the string in August and September. That’s a lot of money not being spent in an already-sour economy.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Yikes! Brett Myers on the mound for HOU tomorrow!
Perennial Cub killer…ruh roh!
Sweep!
By the last-place Astros. At home. Epic FAIL.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Force truth serum on Piniella!
The first two years Piniella took over, the Cubs were great! They won two division titles. They were the ones to beat. The team just needed to be tweaked a bit. Jim Hendry acquired Milton Bradley (aka satan) and let Mark DeRosa go. And it has been a downhill slide. I am in Houston a lot. That first year that the Cubs tanked after it was thought they would win it all, the Astros sportscasters couldn’t believe it. They talked about it a lot! Since then, they have continually named Jim Hendry the worst GM in baseball, even though Ed Wade is, well, not well thought of either.
I have concluded since then that Hendry is either the dumbest, most incompetent gm employed or he’s on the take. I have long wondered exactly who he is working for. It’s called double-dipping. And I think the same about Mike Quade. I wanted to like him if no other reason (selfishly) than we went to the same high school. (Go you Knights, fight!) But he is either the most incompetant, dumbest manager employed or he made some sort of deal to get his job. (If you are toiling in the minor leagues for decades, perhaps there’s a reason!)
I would like to get a hold of Piniella and see what the hell happened. What does he know about what is going on in the front office, because you could tell that he just gave up after a long and prosperous career, playing as well as managing.
Something is really wrong somewhere.
Tonight, for instance. Carlos Marmol is great. But, like everyone else, has his off-nights. After he gave up two hits in a row in the 9th, PULL HIM! And the fact that Quade thinks it’s funny to blow three games this year to the worst team in the National League? The Astros know they aren’t any good. They know they’re several years from contending. They have no one in their farm system. But at least they have a good manager and if their gm is inept, at least he’s just incompetant.
I say bring back the ghost of Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis and find out what’s going on. Because management is throwing games. There is no other word for it. Starting James Russell five times! Putting Blake DeWitt in the outfield. How about not pulling Marmol tonight? It is not even subtle.
I think that the team itself is great. I read the BCB blogs and someone is always griping about some player, but really the team is just fine. That would be: Soriano, Byrd, Fukodome, Peña, Castro, Barney, Ramirez, Baker, Soto, Wood, Marshall, Marmol, Zambrano, Johnson. Coming around: Dempster, Garza. Back-up: Hill. Untested: Campana, Montañez. Everyone else–out you go!
The Ricketts family did not get to be billionaires by suffering fools. At some point – soon I hope – they do the right thing and boot Hendry and Quade out the door and have a fire sale with the group I didn’t name. The Cubs need pitching and – real management which they really haven’t had since the days of Dallas Green.
Im sorry
I rarely post but I’m gonna have to tonight. I’m gonna give up my season tix after this year. I can’t take it and I would rather get back in the back of the line than lose thousands of dollars a year for a team like this.
A brief history for anyone who cares. I wasn’t a cubs fan until I got season tix. Weird huh? I had a friend who was a cubs fan that got fired from a job back in the playoff years and the company that he was fired from left the cubs tickets in his name. He was starting a family so he didn’t want them. So i became a season ticket owner overnight.
I knew wrigley was a good time and there was always nice scenery there so I was like I’ll take them off your hands, you come to opening day and I’ll take the rest and go to a few game, give some to clients, and sell some. Remind you I wasn’t a cubs fan at the time. A Chicago fan, and I liked them more than the sox, but not a diehard. But since I had these tix, I became one. Maybe for monetary reasons or for bragging rights bc I had the hottest tickets in town, but nonetheless I became one.
I started coming to this site, became familiar with the ppl that posted on this site, started to know the entire roster and even some of our minor leaguers. I became a fan.
And I also started to hear, see, smell the cubs “curse” and didn’t want to believe it like so many of you do likewise. But I just don’t know anymore. I just don’t know.
I don’t know wat to do anymore. If I give up on this team I’m giving up on baseball bc I am not just gonna start liking another team.
Please do something, anything to keep me as a fan. You already lost me as a season ticket holder, but keep me liking this team and organization.
That is all. Lets get one tomorrow.
I encourage all STHs to cancel.
That way, I can get a sweet upgrade next season.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Really? "Sweet upgrade"?
What team are you gonna start backing instead of the Cubs? :)
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
The game was lost because the closer blew up
I couldn’t care less how many player nicknames the manager has and I don’t really care what he has to say after the game.
The Cubs just aren’t a very good team. It’s not really that surprising, because everything had to go right for them to be contenders.
The most interesting part of the season will be the draft and international signing period. Will management really make a commitment to put the cash into adding legitimate young talent into the Cubs system (which I maintain is the biggest advantage a large market club has over small market clubs)? Or are we going to be fed a bunch more lines about finding talent that other teams overlooked that just so happens to be cheap and signable
I’ll always be a Cubs fan but whether or not I choose to closely follow them in the future is going to depend on what I see from management this season.
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 1, 2011 1:31 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
You HAVE to care that Quade might have smiled and has nicknames for guys.
If you don’t, then who will?
The man is f’n unbearable. He could have MANAGED Marmol to victory, or at least came up with a better GAMEPLAN. Just…he doesn’t get it. He just doesn’t.
ROTFLMAO...
They blew tonight’s game?
What a dump…Just play LeMahieu and let him and Castro lay waste to the mainland.
Hey, Spring Training 2012 is only about 259 days away...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I really wish they'd start winning for people's sanity
Alfonso Soriano, hated and joked about by the fanbase for being a defensive liability goes down, and we replace him with a guy who (since then) has gone 4 for 8 with an RBI in two games. No, that’s not good enough. We should be playing Brad “Never learned to hit ML pitching” Snyder or Tyler “Hit my way OFF the team a month ago and made Koyie Hill look competent swinging a bat by comparison” Colvin.
The manager’s at fault for staying too long with his starters, until he goes to the bullpen who proceeds to self-medicate with dynamite, and then even when we admit it’s not HIS fault that the players are terrible fundamentally and can’t hit with runners in scoring position and his starting rotation blows two tires and he’s reduced to starting That Other Guy and Whoever We Signed Last Week and his bullpen outside of three guys isn’t very good but everything else in the minors is worse and THEN the closer decides today’s the day he’s going to have his worst performance as a professional…
…it’s still all his fault. Because we don’t like his nicknames. And because he hasn’t summarily executed Justin Berg for pretending to be a major leaguer. Makes me long for the days when we were going nuclear about our backup catcher.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Jun 1, 2011 2:43 AM CDT reply actions 5 recs
This team, um, SUCKS!
I’m over going to a Cubs’ game this year — I’m goin fishing on Tower Road!
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
The Cubs are one of the worst teams, if not the worst, in baseball.
But alot of this conversation is overreaction. The Cubs lost tonight because Marmol had nothing. His slider didn’t break. Not one of them. Before this game the Cubs were
19-1 when leading in the 9th. If this is a blip for Marmol, it"s not s big deal, just a bad beat.
If Marmol has a normal night, this recap is all about Z’s great performance and the way they came back in the eighth inning. Unless something is wrong with Marmol physically, everything that was true before the game, is true after it.
like
everyone else i dont know what to say.they held their own for a while but all these injuries are bringing out the quit in this team. PLAY THE KIDS they seem to be the only ones giving 100 percent. castro-barney-campana. pena you got 10 million dollars of nothing and garza 1 win in 2 months.i thought these guys were really gonna help.and bad news guys quade wont be fired because that would be admitting you made a mistake. remember riggleman lasted 5 yrs.
on june 2nd
2007 the cubs were 22-31. well if anyone thinks quade can turn this snakebitten team around is dreaming. the players were afraid of pinella. quade is a marshmallow and i think the days of the players going the extra mile for him look to be over.quick honeymoon. you blew it jim.
Top of the 9th now playing on the audio achrive - I feel sick.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Why in the world would you listen to this?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
they're going to pull it out this time!!!!
"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
Good v. Bad
You hear this said about winning teams: “everyday, there’s a new hero coming through”. Well, the same can be said of bad teams: “everyday, there’s a new goat”. I just worry that winning players like Castro and Barney are being exposed to this garbage, especially from the vets, and it’ll be a bad influence on their careers.
Yes, the Cubs have had an inordinate amount of injuries, but so have the Cardinals, and look how that’s worked out. No Wainwright for the year, Chris Carpenter a shadow of his former self, Holliday and Berkman doing DL stints, no real closer, Pujols hitting around .260, and Ryan Theriot at SS. Oh look, they’re in 1st place.
Blow it up. Kenney, Hendry, Quade. Gone. Maybe they need to be historically bad this year for Ricketts to be embarrassed into cleaning house, with no other option.
Yikes. Sucked in by Quade’s good couple of months. Only the Cubs!
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jun 1, 2011 5:59 AM CDT reply actions
And apparently turned off
by Quade’s bad couple of months?
Some of the stuff I’m reading on these threads is ridiculous. I realize people are upset about last night (as am I), but … only in Chicago, I guess.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Holy Chit! If I'm reading this now...
That must mean…the game really did happen!!! Man, I’d been praying it was just a nightmare. Well, I hope the team got a good nights sleep…you know the guys, Z-zie, Blakey, Byrdie, Penny, Domie, Starry…ugh. Funny Cubs have these PASS1ON Tee Shirts…but our “Manager” has none. So, so glad that I passed up freebie tix for todays game. I refuse to do it to myself in 2011.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
It's sad, I fell asleep with CSN on and woke up during the "Encore"
Bottom of the 8th… I prayed I fell back asleep before the top of the 9th.
How incompetent was Hendry to hire Quade?
IT reflects a lot more on Hendry than Quade, Quade would not have had one interview in baseball after the season, not one. The Cubs could have hired Eric Wedge, a proven big league manager who has turned around 100 loss Seattle from last year, instead they hire a a guy who I wouldn’t want around a high school team….with his soft approach and stupid nicknames he would never get any respect, he’s just one of the guys. The guy is a total joke and is worse than the last guy who was this far in over his head as Cubs manager, Jim Essian.
By the way, Ramirez and Castro din’t even run to first last night, shows the lack of respect they have.
I’m serious, Jim Hendry should be gone today for what he has done or the first minute after the draft.
Healthy too...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Look at the bright side of last night.....
Zambrano lowered his ERA, he did great and he could win the Cy Young like Hernandez with the Mariners last year despite a crappy record. At least we have something to look forward to. Zambrano should be proud he did so well.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
You're joking, right?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yeah, fuck Zambrano, he doesnt "get it" right?
He needs to be off the team. Right? lol
I was merely saying ...
that taking Z’s good performance as a positive in last night’s loss is a little like saying I’m happy I didn’t get hit in the chest when I was shot in the head.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm going to today's game at Wrigley.
Maybe I’ll bring them some luck today.
Let's look at the list
Denial– Plenty of time left! May 1Anger– What the hell is wrong with this team?! June 1- Bargaining - If we can just squeak out a series win on the road against the Phillies, it’ll give us some momentum. July 1
- Depression - Why do I do this crap year after year? I’m an idiot. Where’s the Robitussin? August 1
- Acceptance - At least we’ll get to see the kids play. September 1
"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
by Clutch16 on Jun 1, 2011 7:30 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
...
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 Jun 1, 2011 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You know what he is thinking?
“How did I get myself into this? I thought this place would be full with the new pottys we put in. Now, dad is all pissed at me and I thought this was going to be fun.”
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
He's thinking, "Stay calm Tommy...
…soon the kids will be out of school and it will be vacation time and the park will be packed and dad will realize i was right all along. Just stay the course….."
by bluekoolaide on Jun 1, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Addition
Not sure where to put this but …
Double Facepalm – When the Fail is so strong, one facepalm is not enough.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Z and the broken bat
Sorry guys, but it was the best part of the game. It got the crowd going because its fun. I remember when Bo Jackson did it, and it is still cool. and having tried it in my games, its not easy.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
thats crazy talk...
Z does not need to do anything that will hamper his pitching…what if he was off by an inch of two and breaks his kneecap, or bruises his thigh, then we have 4 of our 5 starting pitchers on the DL…
"There had to be a place where the game could be fun again….that place is called Wrigley Field"---Andre Dawson
One thing you learned as a Cubs fan: when you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth. Joe Garagiola
Obviously...
…you haven’t seen Z lift weights.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Would you...
give the Dewitt thing a rest already? We get it, you don’t like the idea. It’s for ST. You’ve said this EVERY FREAKING DAY. Move on, your obsession with it is bordering on weird at this point.
Actually, Mike Quade's obsession with doing it is worse, and more damaging to the team.
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Well, if Quade insists on DeWitt
why not sit singles-hitter Aramis who plays 3rd base just as poorly?
He will not be here and the season is over.
THAT is a head scratcher to me.
It's not obsessive. It's daily critical analysis.
And I don’t know why eery beat reporter in Chicago has seemingly avoided this question.
"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)
Because maybe reporters are impartial enough
to understand this isn’t as big of a deal as a bunch of crazed fans think it is?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
The Chicago beat reporters...
… are not known for asking tough questions.
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That's a matter of opinion.
I agree with you on this, Al. But there are a LOT of fans and players who talk about how tough a media town Chicago is. As a former reporter and someone who follows this team every day, I’ve rarely if ever seen anything that would make me agree that this is a tough town re: the media.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'd say it's tough
On a par with New York or Philly, both in volume and in aggressiveness. Like you said, maybe we don’t see it, but others do.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
It's nowhere near on par with New York, Bruce.
And I don’t think it’s on par with Boston.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I think Lou said
it’s just as bad as it was when he was in NYC.
I think the grass always looks greener/different on the other side, perhaps.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Media pressure versus overall pressure.
The Cubs have a big monkey on their backs. But I don’t think the media spotlight is nearly as bright here. Also, Lou managed in New York in the ‘80s. So maybe Chicago is akin to New York back then, but it sure doesn’t seem like it’s close to New York now.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I don't see enough of the NYC media to know anymore
what it’s like these days, necessarily. (I have a hard-enough time keeping up with local media.)
I certainly think Chicago is among the top five in MLB when it comes to media, however.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
That's probably true.
Though it would be hard to gauge. I mean, Mark DeRosa would probably think this is an easy media town. Aaron Miles probably hates it.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
DeWitt Vs. Colvin makes no difference to the outcome
Most likely. This is a bad team. Both are young players. But Colvin has some potential upside and they need to know what he can do. There are many, many Blake DeWitts in the league, even in the Cubs system. Play Colvin to find out what he can do. And don’t bring Jackson up yet. He is not ready and there is nothing to be learned by getting overmatched by major league pitching. Let him get healthy and see how he is doing in a month or two. And starting the clock is a real issue. There is no reason to do it. None. He won’t learn any more in the bigs for on month or two than he will in AA or AAA.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
Yeah, except Lovie got to his league's conference title game.
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MAGIC Q BALL says
"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)
Did anyone else see the Sandberg interview/article on espn.com?
The Quade over Sandberg thing has played out about as badly as possible. Sandberg was scorned and we’ll never get him back. Curious about everyone’s take on the interview and the decision to hire Quade. Obviously, he’s not a popular guy now. At the time, I was OK with the hire. I don’t know if Sandberg would be able to overcome all of the injuries, but the door is wide open for second-guessing and speculation now.
Ricketts was part of the decision process to deny Sandberg the job.
Ryno’s gotta have a grudge 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)
Really?
I felt like Sandberg was saying he was done with the Cubs.
If I had a dollar
For every young woman that I said I was done with until she started batting her eyes at me…
by Damen Jackson on Jun 1, 2011 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions
so did I...no way he's coming back
Ricketts would have to do what most here have been pleading for him to do….clean house and get baseball people to show him the way. Forget the Wrigley experience and focus on what’s on the field. By the time that happens, Sandberg will be a manager elsewhere.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
I think Sandberg's issues are with the management, not the ownership.
My memory might be off on that. Still, you’re right that he might not want anything to do with the disaster we’re seeing on the field and around Jim Hendry.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I disagree.
He wants to be a major league manager. He’s not going to sit and wait for Manual to retire someday. There are only a few openings a year. If Ricketts or a Hendry replacement calls, he’ll listen.
I’m still not sold on Sandberg either. Whoever they hire, I hope they find a quality replacement. I wanted Ron Roenicke last year over Sandberg and Quade but I knew he had no chance.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I think before Ricketts can get quality players, managers, front office people he has to change his
organizational philosophy…..“I’m a Cubs fan and want to win a WS” isn’t enough. He has to come in a say he’s ready to acquire the best baseball people top to bottom, in every aspect of the game, one change here or there wont do it, and then start making the difficult (ballsy) choices to accomplish that end. He’s never really done that. It seems to me this org. is lacking in direction and everyone in baseball knows it.
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
This whole organization needs a change in mentality
From the top, down (including the fans). We’ve got to stop looking at the Cardinals, Reds, and Brewers as our competition and start looking at the Red Sox and Yankees as our competition. We are in the 3rd largest market in baseball. I was hopeful that new ownership would come in with this kind of mentality, but I don’t think they have it (maybe too early to tell). Boston was in the same boat until Epstein came in and changed the culture of that organization to quit being the Yankees’ kid brother. I’m looking for that from this ownership group, don’t know if it’s coming.
by JG23 on Jun 1, 2011 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Roenicke
Ron Roenicke right now is a top candidate for Manager of the Year. He’s doing an outstanding job, but he also has better players at his disposal. His GM has done a good job of drafting and the farm system of developing talent and moving it up. He’s resigned key players to long term deals and hasn’t been afraid to pull the trigger on trades to acquire pitching.
Roenicke couldn’t win with what Jim Hendry has put on the field. Hell, neither could Casey Stengel, Billy Martin or Earl Weaver.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Can't imagine that Sandberg would want to get anywhere near this mess
He’s in the Philadelphia system now which is night and day a better run organuzation than the Cubs.
I have a feeling that a lot of baseball people are looking at the Cubs’ ownership, etc., and shaking their heads in disbelief (except for Reinsdorf who’s probably laughing his ass off).
by bluekoolaide on Jun 1, 2011 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Or saying this is a meat grinder that chews up good baseball people
and spits them out.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
You make a VERY good point...
…but, right now, that thought is too depressing for even ME to deal with.
by bluekoolaide on Jun 1, 2011 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Definitely one that chews up people not prepared for it
Tom Ricketts defended the hire by intimating that Q was thoroughly familiar with the team’s history of near misses and futility, and because he (Q) understood this that made him the ideal choice.
Being an organizational lifer doesn’t make you prepared nor does it mean you know what it takes to turn things around. And that goes for Sandberg, Jody Davis, and any other you can think of.
Where to begin with this?
I wish I could read minds and ascribe motives like TJ.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
TJ is the perfect
Rotisserie league manager
"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
Right now Ricketts is going...
“If I’ve lost Al Yellon…”
by rgonzale on Jun 1, 2011 8:26 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I don't post on here very often.
But, you get a pass on this one Al. I don’t see how in the world anyone can be optimistic about this team. They are dreadful.
I was brought into the fold in the mid-70"s while living in Southern Ca. We’d go to Dodger Stadium and see the Cubs get stomped and my Dad would be livid after most games. i would just laugh at him. Making him more irate. I didn’t understand then.
My son is now being indoctrinated. I just told him if he’s going to be a Cub fan to get used to a lifetime of disappointment. What have I created? haha.
My wife even asks me weekly, “How can you watch them, they suck?” My usual response is something like, "We are Cub fans. We watch, cuss them and shake our heads in disgust. That’s all we know. We are not fair-weather fans. We Love our Cubs! But it would be nice to have good teams every once in a while.
ITS 2011, TIME TO GO TO CUBBIE HEAVEN!
My wife told me after Monday's game that I need to find a new team.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Go to the park and watch Little League.
"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)
Finding a new team would be like cutting off [insert favorite body part here]!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
As I have stated above
with the numbers registered to this blog, Al, if he chooses, could actually effect change with the Cubs using this leverage.
It is unlikely to happen, but it could be possible.
Personally that would make me even more down on Ricketts
A bunch of bloggers say fire Hendry and Ricketts listens? That would be scary.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
by rlpete on Jun 1, 2011 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, it isn't "just a bunch of bloggers"
some of us buy tickets. Some of us are STH spending 10’s of thousands every year.
But how many STH will really stop going because Al calls for a boycott?
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Yeah and let's do a gas-out too!
Because that always works when you get that email…
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
You are missing my point completely
Recently, many powerful “blogs” have effected change. Politically. Grass-roots-style. Policy.
This, with its numbers, could do the same thing.
What kind of numbers do you think you're talking about here?
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions
From the siteminder stats
Average Per Day 8,026
So 0.1% would make the Cubs fanbase = 8,000,000. That sounds low.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Of all the Cubs blogs out there, this one is the most credible
Plus the precedent of Ricketts actually sitting down with Al has been established.
Not that I would want Al to go all al-Qaeda on the guy, but a window of opportunity for an insightful face-to-face is there.
And say what?
Why did you let Marmol blow that save in the 9th?
If Marmol doesn’t blow the save last night, no one is ranting, boycotting, or talking sit down with Ricketts.
But someone this has been extrapolated from a blown save to Ricketts needs to change the Cubs. I’m not much for this rhoetoric after a loss like last night.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions
"But someone this has been extrapolated..."
But someone this has been extrapolated from a blown save to Ricketts needs to change the Cubs.
No. My point is much bigger than one shitty half-inning. It is the thought that creating change through this blog, at the management level (GM/manager/putting the best people in place in order to win consistently) is possible.
You are looking at this concept with a microscope.
Sorry - meant somehow
My point is, you wouldn’t be saying it today, if it wasn’t for that half-inning.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions
You have not
seen all of my posts on the matter, RB.
Said the same thing last year.
Same thing a couple weeks ago, or recently.
Fine - I'll look for the pitcket line at Wrigley
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions
There are about
22,000-23,000 STH
There are maybe 5000+ registered BCB/SB subscribers?
What about the other Cubbie blogs??
Do you not think that is a basis for getting strong opinions across to management in the form of en masse action?
Possibly, but what would you want to change?
Hendry? Fine, a lot of people want him gone.
Quade? He didn’t lose last night’s game. Marmol did. Lay blame where it is due.
The 25-man roster? There are some players there who’s contracts need to go, but I doubt it will happen quickly. The roster is like the real estate market – there are some bad deals that need to be cleared out before things improve.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Bad Contracts
Aren’t all the bad Jim Hendry contracts off the books at the end of the season with the exception of Soriano?
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
They're stilling paying a lot
for Dempster and Zambrano – paying #1 SP money to each and not getting that level of pitcher.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Worthless Money
Although Z is finally pitching like we knew he was capable of. Not sure which of these turkeys the Cubs can move before the trading deadline.
Is Dempster under contract beyond this year? If so, he should be a prime candidate to be traded to a team in the playoff chase. I know Z isn’t. Neither is Fukudome and Ramirez.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
How about starting
with smart, baseball people at the top.
They LOVE the Red Sox, but how about dumping BOTH Kenney and Hendry for starters.
It all starts there.
That's fine
But the key is not to rush. I don’t want the 06-07 off-season again. Great fun, but short-lived.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Not to rush?
I am 53
Who is “rushing”? We have all been waiting since 1908.
Let’s not be hasty!
You have not been waiting since 1908
Unless you’re a vampire and were bit at age 53 and have lived eternally at that age. Then yes, this is some hell for you.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's exactly the point I make
Cubs fans have no more claim on that than Mariners fans do.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
M's fans have every right to be as pissed as we do
Frankly I’d expect any fan of a team that ain’t won since their inception or the Taft Administration to be frustrated.
I don't carry around that kind of ancestral emotional baggage
First, I grew up a Dodgers fan and actually did see World Series and championships as a kid and adult. Maybe that takes away the sting for me.
But when I think of the Bears in 2006-07 Superbowl, the loss is not buffetted for me by “well, we still have the 85 Bears”.
I don’t latch on to sports accomplishments/failures that came before me. Maybe others do, maybe through family.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Why be angry at Quade?
The postgame news conference didn’t lose the game. Quade made the right moves in the 8th to win the game. But his closer didn’t get the job done in the 9th.
I would think that Marmol’s slider was not breaking. I’d bet it was a hanging sliding that Pence tomahawked for the dinger.
For both saves and blown saves, Marmol appears to be getting more balls put in play than previous years.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 8:35 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
He's a reeeeeeeally easy target.
Who is Mike Quade to anyone? Just some dude managing one of the biggest sleeper teams in baseball into oblivion. Duh.
LOL
“One of the biggest sleeper teams”
I guess if a writer said it, it must be true.
www.facebook.com/craighudak
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 1, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Just... Plain..... Awful.....
I looked at my phone to see what the score of the game was and just laughed…. what else is there to do. And, then i looked at the scoring plays and almost fell over. really…. our closer gives up 6 in the top of the 9th. Amazing….
At least when you go to cheap games in April and May
The Cubs are still mathematically alive.
"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)
My dad told me this morning ...
that he’s going to become a Rockies fan. Cubs PR staff, if you read this and if you tell the ownership what’s going on, take note. You are losing dedicated fans who have spent thousands of dollars at Wrigley over the years. Your ratings are going to absolutely plummet. You’ll lose season ticket holders, concessions and probably the spot as the No. 1 baseball team in Chicago. Your only solace is that the White Sox are bad, too.
I’m one of the few regulars on BCB who still has some hope for the ownership, mainly because I think that the last two years were probably akin to steering the Titanic away from an ice berg after it was already too late. But the ship is crashing, and it will need to be rebuilt. There’s no point in bringing back the guy who has had a decade to right the course, one Jim Hendry. I’m not sure who Quade would be in this analogy, but he needs to go, too.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I still have hope for the ownership.
If I didn’t then I would look for a new team. I just hope that Ricketts realizes he has a mess.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Brewers
Since I live in Wisconsin between Milwaukee and Chicago, it’s just as easy to follow what the Brewers are doing. At least they are playing good, interesting baseball. I am willing to give Ricketts some time, but the early signs were not encouraging when he elected to keep Kenney and Hendry on board. Both of them need to go; to borrow a line from Mark Cuban, I wouldn’t hire Jim Hendry to manage a Dairy Queen.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I understand why Ricketts didn't clean house upon arrival.
But we don’t need to get into that debate.
As for switching teams … I can’t do it. I might turn down my level of interest in the Cubs — did that in 2005 — but I’m in it for the long run.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Off-Season
Encouraging signs are the number of people in the stands disguised as empty seats on Memorial Day. As the losses pile up in late July and August, expect to see a lot more of them.
What Ricketts does right after the conclusion of this trainwreck of a season is critical. Hendry especially must go, and that means Mr. Clean will be fired as manager, since any new GM will want to bring in his own people.
But they have to evaluate the entire scouting/evaluating/drafting process. These prospects that have come up to the majors the last year or two are nothing short of disappointing, especially the pitching. As a pitcher, Jeff Samardzija is a great tight end.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Correct
Tim Wilken’s pass has to end. Five years in and no difference-making prospects in the pipeline. And yes, I’m counting Jackson, Vitters, McNutt and others….some of whom may end up being good players but none of whom have difference maker written all over them.
I think Castro has a chance to be a very good player…but is he a difference maker? That remains to be seen.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Tim Wilken is the
least of the problems and is doing his job.
The purpose of the Minor Leagues are:
1. Develop players to get to the level of the MAjors. To “graduate” them.
2. To develop players for value in trade.
3. To have enough players in the system to replenish due to injury.
IF they get a player like Albert Pujols, it is totally lucky and the Baseball Gods smiled wide for a GM.
Wilkens has Castro, Barney, Cashner, Jackson (we will see), Colvin (who showed promise last year prior to his injury). Plus we will see with Vitters, et. al.
There are more pluses than minuses, imo, to this point.
Plus And Minus
Castro and Barney, I will give you. In my view, Cashner was poorly handled last year by Lou and Mr. Clean. He should have been a starter, not an 8th inning set up man or middle reliever. Same with Colvin, who hasn’t been handled well by Mr. Clean this year.
My complaints has been with all the pitching prospects we’ve seen between 2010 and thus far in 2011. Wouldn’t give you a buffalo chip for any of ’em: Samardzija, Coleman, Berg, Russell, Diamond, et al. Worthless. All of them are Jim Hendry Regime prospects.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
You are forgetting
the players traded for Garza?
The Garza Trade
I am waiting to see how that pans out, although it really didn’t cost a lot. Garza has pitched well, but his fielding has contributed to a couple of defeats. He has been a quality pitcher, is under contract through 2012 (I believe) and may be someone that the successors to Hendry and Quade can build a staff around.
I think Garza was a safer play than trading for Greinke, although Greinke’s numbers are better now, primarily because he’s playing on a better team. Greinke’s had some mental issues and has talked about retiring from time to time.
If I were Hendry’s successor, I’d try to get Z to sign at a hometown discount, given it will likely be his last long term contract. He probably will not do that for precisely the same reason.
With all the money coming off the books, you can rebuild if you spend it wisely.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
But see my point
on “What the Minor Leagues are For”
This is exactly one of the intents and his job for this trade was completely fulfilled.
No discussion of “is the trade a win for us”, is a part of this.
Trading
Given this team was so bad and had so many holes, I am not sure trading for Garza or Greinke or anyone else of that caliber was necessary going into this season. It’s not like the Cubs were a quality starting pitcher away from contending for the World Series.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Garza is also for the long term
If you have a chance to get someone of that talent, you do it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Still not getting it
…I am not sure trading for Garza or Greinke or anyone else of that caliber…
This is not the discussion.
You railed against Wilken: “Tim Wilken’s pass has to end”.
But I have shown that he has done exactly what his job description is!
Getting a Pujols – which is what you or I would love, would be great. But like winning the Lotto.
Wilken
I never mentioned Wilken. Someone else in the thread did. I had to google him to find out who he was.
But, now that his name has come up, other than Barney and Castro, where has the Cubs scouting staff hit paydirt? Certainly not in pitching. Colvin and Cashner, the jury is still out on. The rest of the help is a long time away from helping the major league team.
This is from the December 2005 press release when the Cubs announced his hiring:
During his 27-year career, Wilken has seen a distinguished list of players signed and ushered into the big leagues, including: Derek Bell, Chris Carpenter, Carlos Delgado, Ryan Freel, Shawn Green, Roy Halladay, Steve Karsay, Billy Koch, Josh Phelps, Alex Rios, Vernon Wells and Michael Young. While with the Blue Jays, he contributed to the club’s streak of seeing 11 straight first-round draft picks reach the major leagues.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
An honest suggestion...
If you had to google his name, arguing with the people here about him being terrible is not really worth your time or energy.
I’m not going to go back this up because I’m far too lazy, but you should know Wilken has done a lot in the last 5 years to help turn the farm system into a serious plus.
Lower Levels
The talent is at the lower levels of the farm system, A and AA ball, at least two years away.
What can they do in the meantime to avoid having close-to-100-loss seasons?
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Since when is AA "at least 2 years away?"
Jackson is in AA and could be up right now if he weren’t injured.
Flaherty is in AA and ready to come up if needed.
DJ Lamehieu is up now and will be a strong consideration for the 2B job.
There are plenty of bats and arms in our minors that will be helping this team by opening day 2013, and some earlier than that.
2013
That would be the rest of this season and all of next, although some may come up when the rosters expand in 2012.
It’s just that we’ve seen this movie before with all sorts of can’t-miss prospects that somehow do.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Also, AA is clearly not the lower levels, which is your first mistake.
Seriously, if you want to learn about the minors stop by the minor league recaps, they’re full of awesome information.
Also, SB nation has a few sites dedicated only to that aspect of baseball.
AA Ball
AA is mid-level.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Tally it up
I’m well aware of the purpose of the minor leagues, and assuming for the sake of argument that your list is correct…let’s tally up the results.
1. Fail. If you’re grading by quantity, perhaps a C. If you’re grading by quality it goes down to F. 14 players on the current roster are homegrown and most of them are mediocre or worse. The grade of F is well-deserved when you count the bullpen hilarity of guys that may no longer be on the big club. Wilken can’t even take credit for many of the home grown talent on this team.
2. C-. The trades have been few and the results of players going elsewhere have been less than impressive. Most recently, the Garza trade didn’t really net anything of true value for TB with Archer and Lee still nothing more than prospects. This grade may improve…and may just as likely end up being an F.
3. An obvious F. Warm bodies don’t count. The injuries this club has endured has done pretty much nothing to instill confidence that the depth at the upper levels is anything more than marginal. The lower levels grade woudl be incomplete.
Zero plusses from where I sit with the only saving grace the depth of average to good prospects at the lower levels. Again, few if any difference makers among them.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
You are entitled to your opinions
they are wrong – but you are entitled to them.
If you do not see upside in Castro, Barney, Garza, Cashner, Jackson, then I guess you are the wise one here.
I was not passing an entirely “quality” argument – just doing what he was hired to do. And he has done a good, not great job job by many “in the know”. His track record speaks for itself.
Let's do this
What exactly do you find to be the “upside” in the aforementioned guys? For me, I see one future All-Star in the group you listed…and that is Castro…and part of that is because of the position he plays.
The rest of those guys are or could be good players….just not the types of players you might believe they will be. And that is the problem with this system….guys that are more likely to be better than that just aren’t in the organization.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
I see 4 potential all stars
in Castro, Garza, Cashner and Jackson.
Hopefully they earn an All-Star selection
And not pull a Ron Coomer.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Wow
I don’t subscribe to that inflated sense of reality, but hey, whatever works.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Your hatred of Wilken is laugable...
and very ill informed.
I'm thinking he's VASTLY overrated myself
It’s been 6 years and he hasn’t drafted a difference maker yet?
Heck I’d settle for an MLB average bat at this point?
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
Castro?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Signed out of Latin America by Oneri Fleita
Wilken is the man behind drafts. The man who NEVER takes a bat.
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
Hatred?
I don’t hate Wilken…you guys coddle him. The fact of the matter is, his track record speaks for itself….and right now, this organization isn’t graduating enough good players to the majors. Give him the excuses of time all you want, the fact remains, he’s been mediocre…AT BEST…and all of those guys down at the lower levels are nothing more than prospects. Most of them nothing more than low ceiling prospects on top of it. But you can drink the kool-aid if you wish…it’s been served in these parts for decades and will remain plentiful long after we’re all gone. It’s what Cubs fans do….always believe the next guy up is the next big thing. Very, very rarely is that accurate.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Please
Tell me how “ill informed” it is? I’m dying to hear why…and dying to find out where all of the elite prospects are located in this system. Really I am….
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
You clearly don't follow any kind of scouting or expert opinions on prospects.
You seem to form your own opinion on guys based on what you specifically hear, most likely on here, and what you want to believe.
You think that Castro is the only potential all-star in our system, which is laughable at best.
No, we dont have the Royals system, but we have a farm that Wilken had moved from literally the bottom two in the MLB to a top 8 farm before the Garza trade.
Our system has been reported to have the most potential MLB players out of ANY farm system in the league. Not a lot of difference makers, but that can change quickly with this upcoming draft.
Keith Law had us at number 8 I believe... but many had us top 10, it wasn't unusual.
As for who made the comment about most potential minor leaguers, I don’t recall, but it has been discussed here and I’m sure someone has the answer.
I'd be surprised if Law had them at 8
that said, I don’t think Law’s opinion syncs well with reality. He’s kind of a shtick that sells on ESPN.
No he's not
He knows everything and is a scouting genius. Just read it in print…that means its accurate.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Tell you what
I’d leave my analysis of the Cubs farm systems alone for the moment. I’ve seen far more of these kids play in person than what you might believe.
And if you believe Keith Law is some sort of expert, there is where you’ve already gone wrong. I could care less what his previous employment level is….scouts are a dime a dozen and most of them are clueless. Have you ever met one? Tell you what, they don’t have a special eye for talent in most cases.
Lastly, I don’t go on this site to read about anything related to the Cubs minor league organization. Why would you? All you hear is how the next guy up is the next big thing and then when he fails, which happens repeatedly, those kudos are mysteriously washed aside. Trust me, I know others that view the Cubs system in far less rosy glasses than you do.
And for the record, the predictions of how many Cubs players may actually play in MLB also comes with the caveat that not many of them are expected to be stars…if any of them. I’ve seen the same stuff you’ve seen….you’re not telling me anything new.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Hatred
I don’t hate Wilken. But when things are this bad, everyone’s job needs to be re-evaluated.
Face it: the pitching that’s come from AA and AAA this season and last has been nothing short of awful. And pitching is what separates the contenders from the also-rans, although this year’s team has managed to combine bad pitching, a lack of clutch hitting and a Swiss cheese-like defense with poor fundamentals and Mr. Clean’s questionable managing into the Perfect Storm of Epic FAILs.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
You need to understand how prospects work...
The people coming up are the organization talent… people that stick around hoping to get their cup of tea.
We have not called up a single realistic pitching prospect to fill these holes. Wilken has only been around for 5 years and we have an incredible amount of talent in A ball and our AA team is the best i’ve ever seen as a Cubs fan. Keep that in mind.
Why does every hitter have such terrible Strike zone judgement?
I think Wilken is basically an old school scouting type (like Hendry and Lou).
He doesn’t believe in any kind of sabr anything. He doesn’t care about pitch selection, or pitcher workloads like modern baseball people do.
He drafts:
1. Relieves with fastballs in hopes of making them starters
2. Middle infielders who look good in a uniform, hoping to move them
3. Hitters with low power upside and terrible discipline
He just continues the long cub trend of trying to build a baseball team from what a track and field team should look like.
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
Seriously??
You’re blaming Wilken for our current major leaguers and pitchers?? You realize almost none of them are on the team current, don’t you??
Your 3 points are hilarious and terrible. But thanks for playing. I’m honestly not even going to try and discuss the farm with you.
If you’d like to learn about what Wilken has accomplished, drop by the minor league reports, we’ll be happy to teach you about the minor league players.
Competitive
But then over the next year or two, the Cubs will have to spend money to bring in veteran players so the major league club won’t lose close to 100 games like this year’s team likely will. A and AA talent is probably two years away, and fans have to wonder if they will also be FAILs like the current crop of former prospects turned out to be (excepting Barney, Castro, Colvin and Cashner, the latter two the jury is still out on).
Otherwise, those stands will get rather empty after the All-Star break.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Castro is the only MLB regular out of that bunch
Cashner is another bullpen arm. Colvin is a 4th outfielder AT BEST and Barney is a utiltiy infielder.
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
You're clearly showing your lack of knowledge
Cashner is never going to be “just another bullpen arm.”
He’s got TOR stuff, he’s either going to be a top starter or a very good closer.
Cashner DOES have potential, but if he only ends up as a 4th outfielder, that’s good news for this team. Barney is in the same boat, a premier infield sub.
And you are clearly drunk of the same kool aid from the last 25 years
The nature of prospects is that they usually fail. Just because you can name 20 prospects doesn’t mean ANY of them pan out.
See 2000-2001 Cubs system for reference. The most hyped system in our history.
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
And you're clearly stuck in 2000-2001.
Of course they’re just prospects, but Brett Jackson is not Felix Pie, no matter how much you may say he is.
I’ve followed prospects for a very long time, and this is the most optimistic i’ve been in a VERY long time.
And
That means absolutely nothing. Your knowledge of the Cubs system is obviously from reading others’ work and through no analysis of your own. Which is scary when you think about it. Here’s a hint…scouts are wrong for a living. Remember that.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
There is a mass of humanity
that has TOR “stuff” and end up relieving, being a MOR or BOR starter or flat out never make it. Manny Parra has TOR stuff. The list is long.
Over the next year or two there are a lot of players that are likely ready
By the end 2013, you can realistically expect:
Jackson
Jae-Hoon Ha
DJLM
Flaherty
Carpenter
Dolis
That’s not even counting the players we hope turn it around and tear it up as they move forward:
Szczur
Vitters
Lake
Kurcz
Kirk
Simpson
There are dozens of guys in A+ and AA who can make the steps necessary to help the team in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Doesn't every organization
Have a bunch of guy they hope turn it around and tear it up as they move forward?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
As I said before....
It’s been said the Cubs have the most potential major leaguers in their system out of any club in baseball. That is more than just blowing smoke, there is a lot of potential in this system.
I'm not trying to be too down on the minors
But as has been said, when the Cubs are referred to as the team with the most potential major leaguers, that mostly means the most potential roster filler.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I agree
Gary Scott had a lot of potential, so did Pie and way too many other players to mention here. We all could make a different list of failed potential in the minors.
Which again, points at front office management and their failure to get good developmental coaches.
by fossilhippie on Jun 1, 2011 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
And
Not a single difference maker in the bunch. Possibly some good players…not a single difference maker listed above. And for the record, I wouldn’t put Simpson on any list until he shows he’s even remotely a prospect of any merit. Right now…he’s not.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
You're nuts
Believe what you want to believe but this organization isn’t supremely talented at any level. As I’ve said before, there may be some decent to good players…just no stars on the horizon.
The reason the “realistic” pitching prospects haven’t been called up is because there aren’t any. Keep dreaming on Cashner and McNutt and a whole host of others whose names aren’t Berg, Atkins, Samardzija, Maine, Gaub…and the rest….even if their abilities are similar.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
It's good to have an AL team to follow.
That’s what helps me keep things in perspective.
The AL team I follow
is the Twins. No help there.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Mine is the Indians...
I feel like I won the lotto!!
If you could fire the front office and hire a new Pres/Dir of Baseball Operations...
which organization would you raid? Boston, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, or someplace else? Or would you hire Brian Cashman if he leaves the Yankees at the end of the year?
Raid everyone from Tampa. Spend all your money on 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)
That's the thing
The Cubs have, essentially, all the resources in the world when it comes to making front office hires. Are we really to believe this crew is the best the Cubs can buy?
Forget that. Open up the checkbook and raid another org.
Tampa has the best scouting, developing, and Major League managing combo in baseball.
"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)
Fine with me.
Pay them whatever it takes. I know Florida is nice, but more money and a chance to turn the Cubs around? That’s gotta talk.
Iunno about all that...
the Yankees and Red Sox are no joke when it comes to scouting, development, and managing. It really would have been kick ass to hire Ferrell away from the Red Sox last year…as manager, but yeah the whole situation was weird. He’d have been a sitting duck too, and he’d come with much more hype than Quade…
The Super Special Super Secret Tampa Formula
Bomb for a decade and land talents like Price and Longoria with the plethora of top 5 picks.
And let Free Agents walk away, instead of overpaying them ludicrous contracts
Then get 2 first round picks for each of them…. and have 12 picks in the first 90, while you’re 4 games over .500 in the AL East.
"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)
Which is exactly the way a crappy team in a crappy market operates
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
True.
However, we’ve been a crappy team in a good market operating the other way. I know we won two divisions along the way, but that was essentially like the housing bubble, at this point, because the recovery still hasn’t started.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm just saying
Rays management isn’t so much brilliant as it is a product of its situation.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
I dunno -- they had to make something of those picks.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The super secret Tampa plan is to bomb for a decade...
so that talents like Upton, Longoria, and Price can be injected in.
Choices
Cashman would certainly be on my radar, as would anyone from a successful organization, particularly one with a history of developing its own players through a good farm system. That way, you have money available to either re-sign important players or an impact free agent.
by The Underground Conservative on Jun 1, 2011 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Yankees or Red Sox.
No doubt about it. Why would the Cubs want to emulate a poor team?
What about Bobby Cox?
He was a GM before and had success. Might be too old I guess
by LT on Jun 1, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know...
…it is Ricketts job to do the due dilligence and get the right guy. He has the resources to find the right guy, he just has to do it.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I'd go with Logan White
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
If he leaves the Phillies
then Pat Gillick would be a good choice.
by fossilhippie on Jun 1, 2011 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
Sorry Al but I don’t see the logic in needing Quade to show emotion while at the same time pleading that Zambrano stops showing his. Yes, the breaking bats thing is silly but it’s harmless. By the same token, what is an emotional manager going to do? Spur a team full of less than average players to an emotionally charged comeback? This isn’t cinema…no, this is all too real.
The only possible redemption for this season would be the jettisoning of any and all veterans and go extremely young for the duration. Without that plan even on the horizon, partly because of incompetence, partly because difference-making youth isn’t apparent in the organization and partly because the reasonably talented youth is still much too “youthful”….this season and quite probably next are going to be torturous for Cubs fans. And no, I don’t subscribe to the “money coming off the books” nonsense. This organization is just as likely to be left at the altar by any and all difference-making free agents and be relegated to plugging holes with more outdated veterans.
"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder
Sanberg IS the right person for the job
Look at Sandberg by the numbers; Last year the Iowa Cubs under his watch had a .569 wp, this year (not under his watch a .461 wp. Last year the Iron Pigs had a .403 wp (not under Sandberg), this year with him a .588 wp.
Is this coincidence? I think not. The Iron Pigs have NEVER had an above .500 avg in 3 years and suddenly this year they are playing great baseball. I give Sandberg props. The Cubs organization should admit it’s terrible mistake and bring back OUR AllStar and a WINNER!
by thisisitflyfishing on Jun 1, 2011 9:10 AM CDT reply actions
Pretty much
And I remember fans defending the Quade hiring because of his stellar meaningless winning record as interim coach.
/vomit
Well, karma hit back and the Cubs are paying for it.
Bottom line:
Fire Hendry,
Hire Ryno.
"The advanced metrics guys do not like Derrick Rose very much." - Bills Simmons podcast 2/4
by RogersPark Kris on Jun 1, 2011 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions
I am not a big fan of Sandberg as the manager...
Unless he’s a modern Girardi/Fredi Gonzalez type who looks at the numbers and matchups and brings along structured ideas of how to run a pitching staff and lineup.
If he’s that, then f yeah. Otherwise, I think it’s time the Cubs look ahead rather than try to make up for the past. The past is the past folks…
I hate to see if that's true with him on another team...this might've been the perfect time to find that out, IMHO
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
True true...
He could be that. I’m a little leery thought…Feels like a chase to go after the “past glory” of the Cubs…Sandberg was a great player and he’s having some success as a minor league manager…but being a major league manager is a whole different story…even when you’re winning everyone hates you.
The past has little to do with it
Sandberg has managed at the AAA level as well as anyone in the game the past couple years. He’s ready for this level and up for the challenge. Forget about making up for anything, why wouldn’t we want a guy who has been one of the greatest ambassador’s for our team in the past 30 years, who’s paid his dues and who is doing it all right now to come in and take over and get a shot? I don’t think you will be able to find someone more capable who wants to work harder to win than Ryan, it’s that simple.
by thisisitflyfishing on Jun 1, 2011 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Managing in AAA is a whole different
world from managing in Chicago…with the expectation of producing a winner.
Managing in Chicago?
Apparently nobody thought Sandberg could manage in Seattle or Pittsburgh, let alone Chicago.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Toronto's GM asked for permission to talk to him, according to ESPN Chicago.
But you’re right — Sandberg was not a hot commodity. It looks as if the Cubs should have looked beyond Sandberg AND Quade, at this point.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Quite possibly
If those are your only two choices, Quade is the hands-down choice. That’s not to imply those are the best two choices.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I slightly disagree.
I thought both candidates were pretty even.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Fair enough
I would have moved heaven and earth to see if Girardi was interested, but that’s just me.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
At this point, I wish the Cubs had gone with Sandberg over Quade.
Now, I don’t think anybody could manage this team very far. And I think we probably needed more of a third option.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I don't know if I've ever seen a manager have this short
of a honeymoon period.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Terrible decision making will do that.
Also, when the Cubs were bad in early 2007, the criticism was starting to get pretty intense for Lou. I remember how some people were saying that Alan Trammel should manage the team, because the Cubs got hot when Lou was suspended.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm not sure what decision-making has been so terrible
The Russell thing? I look upon that as more of an organizational decision (and feel free to slam it as long as you want). The DeWitt thing? Tempest in a teapot.
I want at least a full season to evaluate. Quade wasn’t Casey Stengel after a few months last season, and he isn’t Jim Essian after a few months of this one.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Hill over Castillo when Soto was hurt.
Overuse of Marcos Mateo. DeWitt over Colvin (if it continues), hitting Soto eighth (even behind Campana and DeWitt), inability to get Colvin at-bats before being sent down, bad in-game decisions (I still can’t believe he pinch-hit Reed Johnson against Hanrahan in the first weekend of the season) …
Also, Quade clearly hasn’t impressed better fundamentals upon the Cubs, though I know that doesn’t fall under the in-game decision making umbrella.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Some of that is legit (fundamentals)
Some of that is more tempest/teapot stuff, or merely differences of opinion.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Can't you make that argument for Quade
Last year, he took a dead-in-water team and won a bunch of ballgames… against major league competition. I not disagreeing with Sandberg as a choice, but I’m not sure your argument proves that Sandberg is a clear-cut choice.
Quade is/was the right person for the job . . .
Hendry needed someone to be a yes man, as he fights for his GM career.
by mainehawksfan on Jun 1, 2011 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Cashman is my top choice.
I think he’ll leave NY with a chip on his shoulder. Ownership, even post-GS, has always stepped over him to make a signing they want to make. He’s one of the core group of guys the Yankees have kept together from the late 80’s/early 90’s that helped turn the franchise into a machine.
After that:
Ben Cherington – Boston asst. GM.
Damon Oppenheimer – A right hand man of Cashman. Might even replace him. Mark Newman is another option.
Charlie Kerfeld – I know less about him than I probably should, but a member of the awesomely balls Phillies FO.
Paul DePodesta – I would love to be the franchise that has the balls to give this guy a chance at a GM job again. He seemed to handle the press better in NY, but in a much more limited role. That’s where his problem lied in LA.
John Coppolella – Braves seem like an organization the Cubs have tried to emulate a little.
I want a numbers guy personally as the new GM.
This guy gets my vote
The Cardinals just hired a new Asst GM. He is of the new generation of GM’s (Epstein, Beane, etc.), MBA/JD from U. of Chicago, has been working in the Cardinals system for a number of years (baseball development analyst), and has been a Cubs fan since birth. Just thought, since it seems BCB has the potential to influence Tommy boy, I’d throw this out there.
by mainehawksfan on Jun 1, 2011 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
What is is name?
Also, what about Rick Hahn?
Reinsdorf would probably not grant it anyway…
Probably, with the love-fest
IF there were to be a change (and I honestly do not expect it), doesn’t it HAVE to be someone with Red Sox ties???
Reinsdorf would definitely let the Cubs talk to him...
Can you honestly imagine a club NOT letting another club talk to an assistant if it promoted their career??
If the Sox are desperate enough to keep Hahn they deny talks, they’d better be firing Williams the next day and promoting Hahn. Otherwise, there would be a massive backlash.
Reinsdorf...
…wouldn’t like it, but I agree he wouldn’t deny giving Hahn that opportunity.
In regards to the south side, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Kenny bumped upstairs and Hahn getting the GM gig (similar to what happened with Paxon and the Bulls).
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Wouldnt shock me either.
But denying a guy a chance at a promotion is unheard of. They may not like it, but they wouldnt stop it.
I lost
interest in this game when I saw DeWitt starting in LF. Why the heck do you put a light hitting 2b in LF?
Cubs 2011 70-92
because Q can
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jun 1, 2011 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Did he mess up the game?
I must have missed that.
He personally drove in 6 of the Astros' 7 runs
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Jun 1, 2011 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
The whole thing about Manager emotion
Is a game I’ve played before but in the end we’ve found out it doesn’t really matter. Dusty wasn’t fiery enough, Pinella was fiery for a while, then wasn’t. Really what troubles me about Quade is I don’t recall ever being so conscious of a manager’s decision making prior to Quado both in-game and pre-game, and the Russell experiment was to me so painfully terrible as a managerial decision that I’m having trouble getting past it.
While the Astros threw a solid, young prospect our way last night, it is also painful to watch other teams call up a guy who is not only competent, but dominant. We’ve tried a zillion guys and not a single one of them can even get through 5 innings. Unreal, really. I said at the beginning of May we’d likely be 8-10 games sub .500 by June 1st. If they lose today that will unfortunately be the case.
It's all Quade's fault!!!!!
He needs to make the players play better!!! Marmol needs to sit back and blame Quade for putting him in. It’s that simple you idiots!!
Can your brain not handle more than one concept at a time?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh is that not what you think?
I call BS lol
My take on Quade....
..is that he is simply happy to be where he is and doesn’t want to antagonize the players by criticizing them, or the ownership and GM by calling out the glaring deficiancies in the composition of the team. The juvenile nicknames are very grating to my ear……I think that he wants to be pals with the beat writers…..hence the laid back post game pressers. Instead of 90 seconds of Gruffness from Sweet Lou, he wants to give them 10 minutes of Pal Mikey.
Quade...
…is similar to Hendry, in that he is a likable guy.
In regards to his managing ability, so far, there is no indication he is in control of the situation and is on top of things. Granted, the roster is not good, but that doesn’t mean you can’t manage all you can out of it.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I'm basically as pessimistic as i've ever been about this organization
I, for one, don’t see Ricketts spending any significant money in the off season because everything I’m reading tells me that he’s pretty much tapped out.
At the same time, the problems here run so deep that a big ticket free agent signing could conceivably do more harm than good. This entire organization needs to be rebooted with an actual baseball man overseeing things. One guy isn’t going to make that much of a difference.
I know that there’s a lot of argument on here about the problems with doing a complete rebuild and I’m not going to dispute that the dissenters might have a point. I, for one, though would have no problem sitting through two or three lean years if i honestly felt that the team was moving in the right direction. The problem at the moment though is that this team has NO direction. Ricketts seems to have no clue about what to do and how to do it and so I’m absolutely prepared for him to maintain the status quo.
As for all of our anger and frustration, I also have a feeling that Ricketts looks at us as not much more than a small, fanatical cult and NOT his main demo.
I would really love to stop following this team but it’s not easy. I’ve joked before that being a Cub fan is practically encoded in my DNA-sometimes it really feels that way.
Anyway, at least I still have the Blackhawks.
Sitting through two or three lean years isn't an option
Look at what’s going on now. Can you imagine what happens if there are two or three more lean years? People would have blood spurting out their ears from frustration, and you could fire off two cannons at Wrigley and not hit anybody.
Only Cubs fans would NOT want their team to sign a big-ticket free agent.
Building from within is nice, but you also have to acquire from outside. The Cubs are going to have to make a Pujols/Fielder-type signing next season, or else Wrigley will be a tomb.
Not only that, but it makes sound baseball sense.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I get your point
And I can’t necessarily dispute it. I was just talking more from my own standpoint.
Last night, after the game, I was talking with a close friend who’s as big a Cubs fanatic as I am. He said that he wasn’t going to jump off the ledge until Ricketts passes the “five year mark”. I reiterated that I would have no problem suspending judgement on Ricketts except for the fact that he so far has NO plan.
I mean, when the Trib took over in ‘81 they immediately hired Dallas Green who brought energy and drive and a sense of real optimism that things were going to change. I was hoping for something along the same lines when the Ricketts took over and to say I’ve been disappointed by their approach is the understatment of the year.
by bluekoolaide on Jun 1, 2011 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd say things were much, much more dire in 1981
than they are today.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
The big difference seem to be that the minor league system was basically barren
So we’re a little bit better off on that part at least.
by bluekoolaide on Jun 1, 2011 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Financial flexibility
In the first 4 years of the Green Regime, the Trib gave him the latitude to acquire guys regardless of cost. Hopefully we’ll see some – any! – kind of extra cash flow coming to the Cubs so they can get better players. However Papa Joe’s comments on the matter have me worried.
Free agent contract duration
Reinsdorf has famously been against any kind of long term contract for pitchers – if I recall correctly 3 or 4 years is his maximum.
I am against the 8-10 year contracts in this changing landscape. They might have been ok in 1999-2002, but as we’ve seen with the Soriano contract, years 6+ are a killer. They only work if you’re willing to accept a few years of 65 win teams as the contracts run out, which Cub fans are completely unwilling to do.
The problem is…. the true stars want those extra 3-4 years of nonsense money, and there’s always an owner out there willing to pay it. Baseball is like the airline industry, it’s only as good as it’s stupidest owner.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Jun 1, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Ricketts-related Tweet from a few minutes ago
just reported on Mully & Hanley’s show.
Paul Sullivan asked TR what’s wrong with the Cubs. Ricketts’ answer, according to Sullivan, was…
“Nothing. Just injuries.”
Discuss amongst yourselves.
wrong
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
What the fuck.
I’m starting to hate this guy.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
I thought you might have misread it...or something...but...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 1, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
If Ricketts uses that as justification for retaining Kenney/Hendry/Quade after this year
it’ll show how little he knows about running a sports franchise.
Get ready for it Eagle
Because that’s basically the direction he’s heading in. I will be shocked if he does anything other than keep with the status quo.
I moved to the west coast years ago
I am still an avid Cub fan living in the SF bay area, but I count myself lucky, in that anytime I want to see smart baseball being played hard, I can go see either the A’s or the Giants play. The biggest difference is seeing how the Giants are all standing up in the dugout and actually watching the game. They are into the game. Compare that to the Cubs dugout.
I miss Wrigley, but the Giant’s ball park is amazing. Maybe the Cubs need a total reboot, front office and ball yard.
Yep. Sort of how I feel in Boston
I am still a Cubs fan and they are the first team in my heart, but at least this year I can root for a team that does the little things right and is fun to watch.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
Nice to have Boston as alternative.
I was at game 2 of Cubs/Red Sox and couldn’t believe that 8th inning. Sorta like watching the Cubs play the Cubs. Very bizarre. I was happy for the Cubs and astounded by the Red Sox.
by mainehawksfan on Jun 1, 2011 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Should Sandberg have been hired because he was a Cubs’ icon? Of course not. But by by not hiring him as the manager, the Cubs’ organization showed just how little integrity they have. Sandberg gave his life to the Cubs’ organization. Excelled as a player. Stated after he retired that he wanted to manage at the Major League level and was put in the minor leagues as a manager where he worked his way up. And he did an excellent job. So when the Cubs Manager post became vacant he was the obvious candidate. He was an excellent player. A Cubs icon. An excellent manager with a winning record. Had done everything that was asked of him and did it well. Was always a team player. And Mike Quade got the job.
So, call it the Curse of Ryne Sandberg. How else to explain all those injuries, Quade’s ‘managing’. The fact that Hendry still has a job. The Goat is dead. Bartman is dead. It’s The Curse of Ryne Sandberg.
Hopefully Bartman is still alive somewhere out there...
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
in the version of this that I've heard
Sandberg has a hook for a right hand
"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
Switch Castro and Barney
I think Castro would cut down his errors if he and Barney would switch positions. I’d rather put up with a little less range at SS and have the everyday plays made.
I have been thinking this over lately
And I remember Josh77 proposing it in ST.
Barney seems to be smoother with his glove and has good range. Although Castro has a cannon for an arm.
It’s a good question to have to think about.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 1, 2011 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Cubs.com
I wonder if all these suggestions and comments would go over if we all just took over the comment boards at the Cubs site?
The Cubs.com message boards are a cesspool.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
This place can get pretty messed up sometimes
but cubs.com is abysmal. Beyond abysmal.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 1, 2011 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
From last night's game
What was with Dave Clark, Astros 3B coach, running halfway down the line to signal the hitter? He did it 3 times (I think) in the 9th inning for 1 hitter, who had to take more than the normal amount of time to get ready for the next pitch.
I have never seen that before and I thought the home plate umpire should sped up play there. The Ump should have told Marmol to throw when he was ready. A hitter calling time, does not include a coach coming down the line to signal and then needing to return before the pitch is thrown.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
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