Ryan Dempster Outstanding; Cubs Win 2-1 In Walkoff
by Al Yellon on Jun 29, 2011 10:22 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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I debated a long time about whether to mention anything about Mike Quade taking out Ryan Dempster after eight outstanding innings.
I guess I shouldn't, since the Cubs beat the Giants anyway, 2-1, on Aramis Ramirez's pinch-hit, walkoff single. And Quade explained his reasoning in his postgame remarks, and actually made sense: he said he would have left Dempster in if he'd allowed a single, but a walk (more pitches) or a double (runner in scoring position) led him to take Dempster out. Quade also said Dempster "fought" (not literally, of course) and wanted to stay in. Good for Demp, whose ERA is now under 5.00 for the first time all year (4.99, and since May 1, in 12 starts covering 75.1 innings, it's 2.63).
Carlos Marmol could have nailed it down, but we got Bad Marmol tonight, although he managed to preserve the tie by getting Cody Ross to hit into a double play, setting up Ramirez's heroics after Tony Campana singled, went to second on a Reed Johnson sac bunt and to third on a Geovany Soto groundout.
The reason I think Dempster might have been allowed to finish is this number: 83. Just 83 pitches, 59 for strikes. He had an amazing rhythm going, retiring the last 20 hitters he faced and giving up just a pair of doubles, one in each of the first two innings before Pat Burrell's pinch-hit, leadoff double in the ninth.
And that's the thing: Burrell was the only hitter Dempster hadn't previously faced. The next three hitters -- Andres Torres, Emmanuel Burriss and Pablo Sandoval -- were 1-for-9 against Dempster and only Sandoval (who doubled in the first) hit the ball out of the infield. Sure, maybe the Giants send up a pinch-hitter for Burriss, but Dempster handled those guys easily all night, save Sandoval. The Cubs have had so little to celebrate this year -- why not give the guy a shot at a complete-game shutout?
The last Cubs pitcher to throw a complete-game shutout at Wrigley Field was, in fact, Dempster, on September 29, 2009 against the Pirates. Dempster is the only Cub to throw a CG at all since then, in a 2-0 loss to the Mariners on June 22, 2010 in Seattle.
OK, I'm done complaining. It was a gorgeous night, not a cloud in the sky, most of the 37,221 paid crowd actually in attendance (with several hundred empty bleacher seats), including the US Navy "Leap Frogs" Parachute Team, who sat right in front of us in the bleachers for a couple of innings, doing some recon for a pregame jump on Friday. Blake DeWitt drove in Carlos Pena, who had doubled, with the Cubs' first run, off Tim Lincecum, who also threw a really nice game, striking out nine. I love old-fashioned pitchers' duels like this, and for a time, it appeared the game might even come in under two hours' time, something that almost never happens in the modern game with multiple mid-inning pitching changes and longer between-inning breaks.
Perhaps the Cubs, with Carlos Zambrano facing Matt Cain Thursday afternoon, can actually split this series. That would be a nice start to the second 81 games of the year; the season is at its midway point with the Cubs 33-48, a pretty poor record.
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Wish Marmol could have sealed the deal for Demp
but a win is a win is a win. Go Cubs Go!
We'll all miss you Ron.
I just saw the pitch counts
and figured that Dempster must have been awesome. Nice to see!
"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
or not SEE
in my case
"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
Giants resembled Cubs too much tonight
Demp got through the first round of hitters and saw that they were swinging for the fences on a windless night. There were a ton of strikes called on check swings. It was a veteran performance.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I'm in Charlotte, NC
And was hanging out with a member of my new team at the bar. We had the Cubs game on in front of us, and I was trying to explain Marmol to him. I told him that Marmol had allowed one HR this year, his first in 3 years. I eplained how he could be “effectively wild”. I was just about finished explaining that he doesn’t allow hard-hit balls often when he got a tailor-made 6-4-3 to end the inning.
We agreed that if the Cubs won in the bottom half of the 9th, we’d get another drink and call it a night. We also agreed that if it went into extras, we’d get another drink and call it a night, but I let it be known that I wouldn’t e happy about such a thing.
I’m happy :)
"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
*be happy about...
"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
Hmmm...Fargo and Charlotte
Do you work for the Death Star?
I spent entirely too much time in Charlotte for them.
Wait - which Death Star?
I’ll give an answer of a qualified “maybe”.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
The one based in Redmond?
I spent a lot of time at their customer support campus there teaching sql.
Restaurant recommendation for you in Charlotte: it’s been a few years, but Cajun Queen was always great.
Got it in one.
But my dedicated role will put me in Boston in less than a month. Could be better, but it (probably) could be worse.
We’re gonna hit up Mac’s for lunch tomorrow. Can’t stay in NC without getting some BBQ, right?
"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
Depends on which kind of BBQ
Eastern or Western
(I’m an Eastern guy)
Sounds like things are going well for you
glad to hear it. :)
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
wait...
you changed teams?
"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
OK, now this
made me LOL, literally.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 30, 2011 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
This has to be the best game of the year
Best pitching performance by a starter, at the very least
by braziliancubsfan on Jun 29, 2011 10:32 PM CDT reply actions
Too bad he couldn't pitch like this in his audition vs the Yanks...
"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)
IDK
Dougie’s game vs the Yanks is my favorite. But this would rate in the top 3 this year. But it’s pretty easy to name them as there hasn’t been many
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 29, 2011 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
How many walk-offs, though?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Exactly. Walk-offs are the best. My sister was at the game and said it was amazing
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
You got to see a win?
They must not have seen you walk in.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Yep!
I was wearing my Peoria Chiefs and Iowa Cubs gear so maybe they didn’t recognize me.
This one made up for all those bad ones I’ve seen. What a fun game. :)
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jun 30, 2011 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
true but overall I liked that game better
That’s not a knock on this one. It was exciting and fun to listen to. Has Demp ever pitched a better game though? I don’t remember if he has. We were discussing it
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 29, 2011 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Not as efficient
But he was facing a team that had scored bunches two games before this and was itching for more. As I said elsewhere, it was a veteran performance.
"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
True
If you like pitching duels tonight was the night. Made for great radio
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 29, 2011 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I have been at two this year, the one versus the Reds in April and last night.
Walk-offs are great. We beat the PAdres on a walk off home run as well. The crowd was very subdued for most of the game and it flew by as there were few scoring chances. Dempster looked great. The only questionable managing decisions were not having DeWitt bunt with Pena on second and none out (he hit him in so give that one to Quade) and not having Marmol warm up until the ninth had started.
Oh right, Doug vs the Yankees.....
Seemed to forget what he did over my mad rant on why him and not Rodrigo Lopez……..
by braziliancubsfan on Jun 30, 2011 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm glad they won and am really happy for Aramis, BUT
what a terrible throw from Campana to home in that 9th inning. He threw that thing straight into the ground. Any half-way decent throw would have gotten that runner by a mile. He looked like Jacque Jones in 2007 with some of those throws in from right. Really too bad Demp couldn’t have gotten that win.
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Resembled Wom Pierre, that did
I uttered blasphemous profanities.
"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
Granted, I semi-forgave him for his efforts in the bottom of the 9th.
But still..
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
It's probably not best to expect great things from a one-tool player
But I admired him trying to lay out to snag that double in the top of the 9th. He’s a kid – he thought he had a chance to make up for the miss (by 5 feet, sheesh) with that throw, and he pulled a serious boner.
Tony, dude – use the speed, and let the rest come to you. Thankfully, it worked out tonight.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Hopefully...
when Byrd is activated, we can expect Campana to be on the next train outta town.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
I like Campana, I think he has potential, but he's just not ready.
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Campana is what he is.
He’s fast. That’s pretty much it.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
Qualifier...
does his ability to Catch, but not throw detract from his being a ‘defensive replacement’?
Yeah, if we could combine Campana's speed and glove with Soriano's arm...
we’d have a dynamite defensive OF.
Of course, combining Soriano’s speed and glove and Campana’s arm would be… well… like my granddad.
Huh?
Potential for what, winning a 100-yard dash? No question he can run but he’s a track athlete not a baseball player.
Leave it to the Cubs to fall in love with the second coming of Miguel Dilone.
"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
He can win a game late with his speed.
Will he ever be a top outfielder, probably not, but an excellent 5th outfielder I think so.
When...
…this club has a legitimate No. 3 hitter, legitimate hitters at other spots in the batting order, infielders that can actually play their positions, a few guys that can actually run, legitimate No. 1 and 2 starters, a bullpen that includes legitimate setup options and other bench players that can be legitimate options to fill in for injured starters for a week to 10 days…then they can worry about what a 5th OF does. In typical Cub fashion, they have it backwards….they’ve found the one-tooled 5th OF…they just need much, much more of the rest.
"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
Not asking for much are we?
You have to start somewhere. A major weakness of this team is speed, he at least fills part of that need. I agree this team needs much of what you said but if you have some pieces of the puzzle why get rid of them? Or we can keep Montanez when Byrd comes back, who helps more?
me too
I rarely curse……. but I did in the 9th tonight
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 29, 2011 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions
My thoughts exactly.
Marmol gave up the hit (good piece of hitting, btw)… but that throw by Campana was simply putrid. A three-hopper that was off the mark from short center. The ball was released as pinch runner (?!?!) Bill Hall was stepping on third. A bad throw would have got him. An awful throw did not.
Still, mostly positive thoughts from this game. Walk-off wins are always fun.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
I was trying to convince my companion of that
He was complaining that Marmol left it over the plate and I was trying to point out that, over the plate or not, it was below the knees. Burriss stayed inside of it and went down to get it. Good eye and technique – I’ll tip my cap.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
That pretty much sums it up.
A bad throw would have got him. An awful throw did not.
My thoughts exactly.
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Real problem
Campana’s real issue wasn’t the throw, which was little league by any measure, but his incredibly poor decision to lay out for Burrell’s double. In a close game, leading off the top of the 9th, you’ve got to keep that ball in front of you. Period. You can’t let Burrell get to second base under any circumstance…and that is exactly what Campana did.
No rationalization that he made a “great effort” soothes that terrible decision. Only adding to the mess was his terrible throw and whiff on the other diving attempt he made later in the inning. No matter what happened in the bottom of the inning, Campana did not have a very good showing in the 9th inning. He was miserable at the one thing he was inserted to do…play defense.
"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
by krummy12 on Jun 30, 2011 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
actually Glaville on MLB stated the same
Said in late innings all OF’ers try to protect against a double, which Campana played the ball into a double. Burrell on 1B is no big deal at that point.
Campana has interesting platoon talent, but needs to understand the game.
BTW when he was on 2nd base why not steal 3rd with 1 out….that would have been the daring call with his speed with 1 out….then force Giants to make the play and then bring in the IF and OF with Soto up.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Brenly said that the P/C combination was really tough for base stealers...
And you don’t want to run into an out when a single wins it from 2B anyway and Soto and Ramirez due up.
There’s a reasonable chance Campana is safe at third base, but there’s a good chance he’s out at 3B too. That’s a tough call.
If anything, I’d have had him try to steal 2B with no outs.
by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
If Campana was an opponent... Quade would choose NOT to run on him
But he’d run on Alex Gordon or Jeff Franceour every single time.
"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)
He looked like he was trying to throw a rocket and threw it 30 in front of himself way right
I’ll be glad when Byrd is back and Campy can learn how to throw at Iowa.
"Go Cubs!"
by Itchy on Jun 29, 2011 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
F yes.
Beating the lincecum….does it get better?
by SenorGato on Jun 29, 2011 10:39 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Nevermind. Should've kept scrolling.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
by daver on Jun 30, 2011 12:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Absotremendocompletemente awesome ..
I haven’t seen a Cub pitcher in quite that groove since Z’s no no. He was completely chill.
What’s best of all is that the Cubs managed to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat they’d just fed once more. And the crown of it all … the very guy who got the team into the jam saved their butts.
Neat night. Glad I was there to see it.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
that is, here in the Holy City, watching it on WGN America. Thank God for satellite
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
by cubnational on Jun 29, 2011 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions
To top off a great win, Kid K is on twitter!
KerryWood Kerry Wood
I’m on Twitterverse! #cubs win!
We'll all miss you Ron.
He has plenty of time to tweet, it appears.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
And he follows @bleedcubbieblue too!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Upps, I actually fell for a FakeLouPiniella tweet...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Great game...
…by Dempster tonight.
The Cubs caught a big break in the 9th, when the baserunner on 2nd for the Giants (when Campana dove and missed that ball) didn’t go half way between 2nd and 3rd, because he probably scores if he would have. He was acting like he was going to tag up, which made no sense, because there was one out and getting to third with two doesn’t do much for you.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Except when you pinch-hit Rami
;)
"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
From third you can score on a WP
It probably isn’t going to happen, no, but 3B is considerably more important than 2B in the 9th inning of a tie game.
With one out...
…if there is a realistic chance the outfielder will not catch the ball (which certainly was the case), you always go half way so you can score if he doesn’t catch it, because you may not get another opportunity to score and that is what happened.
It was a fundemental baserunning error and it likely cost Frisco the game. Nice to have that happen to other teams once in a while.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I love the hustle....
but does anyone else think the diving attempt by Campana was ill advised? If he just runs it down, its nearly impossible that Burrell comes into score. Still though, I like Campana because he plays the game like he gives a damn…..
by blkmetalcoffee on Jun 29, 2011 10:47 PM CDT reply actions
It was a kid play
He took a crap route on the ball and hoped his speed (and guts!) could make up for it. He was sorely mistaken. He missed that ball by 5 feet. If I were coaching him, I’d show him that a couple of times to drive home the point that you can’t be solely about instinct in CF – you have to use your head, too.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Reminds me of the old fable...
A young bull and an old bull are sitting under a tree. The young bull sees a field of cows and says, “I’m gonna RUN down there and f@#$ one of those cows!” The older bull stops him and says, “No. You should WALK down there..and f@#$ ’em all.”
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Jun 29, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I would rather wach the hustle than watch Soriano when he THOUGHT he had a HR....Even Brenly said something about it...Ozzie would have yanked him...which would have helped the Cubs since he was so unclutch the rest of the game.
Tony C had a rough 9th inning in the field..But he was busting his ass….Of course if Marmol is not giving up hits….
That same ass busting got him an infield hit in the 9th inning…..
Cubs Win!
Ozzie yanked the guy
He did get the start tonight… the way Ozzie went on I was surprised to see him in the line up
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 29, 2011 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions
It is amazing about Soriano.
He continues to waltz out of the box on any ball that appears to go out. He will swing at a slider not a foot off the plate but at least 18 inches off the plate. Here is a guy who has played ball in the bigs for 12 years. The 2014 season should be a blast.
That's called Low Baseball IQ
Seriously, run hard out of the box. It’s not that difficult of a concept…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
What frosts my cookies
is that Sori STILL cannot lay off that low and away pitch EVER! You would think that over his career he’s seen literally thousands of those pitches and cannot pick up on the location. I mean, when I watch the game and he’s got one or especially two strikes on him, I KNOW where the next one is going. If he doesn’t, then he is a frigging idiot. Plus, you can see at the release point where it’s going on TV. He is so stubborn or is SUCH a guess hack hitter that every at bat is like his first one ever.
Since his legs are shot or whatever the excuse is this time, you would think he would learn to take walks so they have to eventually put a few in his wheelhouse. If I was an opposing manager, I would fine my pitching staff if any of them threw him a strike.
By the end of his Cub contract, his value will be total uselessness and he’ll never play again.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I don't know.
I could very well see Soriano launching 23-25 homeruns in that last year, and some American League team offering a 1 year incentive laced contract.
Campana
Made up for his pot fielding by scoring the winning run. Without his speed that infield hit is a groundout.
Cubs are desperate for some speed.
Yep. I like the kid, when he's on base, there is a good chance for him to manufacture a run.
Other than him, Castro or Barney, we have no one else that can raise a little mayhem on the bases.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
We lucked out that Burriss ran the bases like a Cub in the 9th inning....
Everyone is talking about campana’s throw…..Did anyone catch Fukudome’s fine throw?Did that even make it too the IF?
That one was twice as bad.... it hit the friggin ground in front of, and rolled to the IF
"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)
To be fair, it was obvious that
Dome was going to throw to one base and at the very last millisecond he decided to go to another and that’s what made him throw that way. IMO.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
Either that or at the last minute decided to try not to throw...
Fukudome’s throw was clearly a change in decision mid-throw, and didn’t cost the team anything. Campana’s throw was clearly always intended to go to home plate, and (along with his bad fielding effort on the play prior) cost the team a run.
by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2011 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't know if anyone else noticed
but I definitely saw Andrew Cashner in the dugout tonight. Any word on whether he’ll be joining the rotation again?
by blkmetalcoffee on Jun 29, 2011 11:07 PM CDT reply actions
He was in the city for a medical checkup I think
There was a tweet today though that said he’ll be ready to start throwing soon though.
We'll all miss you Ron.
yeah, the Cubs yo-yoing him last year did him no favors as a starter...
He needed to build innings to become a starter. Not doing so makes next year either another developmental year (where we need to limit his innings as a starter) or it will mark his full-time conversion to reliever.
Developing a future starter wouldn't be the worst idea in 2012
But I don’t see the team thinking ahead that well. Bad as the talent level is, it’s not like next year has much promise, either. But “pretend contend” will probably rule the day….
Yeah, if you assume we aren't going to compete in 2012...
it’d be fine to try to bring him along as a #5 starter again next year. And it may be fine even if we try to contend (as long as the team can be sensible with his innings).
But if we do land a big free agent this offseason, we’ll likely want to win now, even if we’re probably a few more pieces away, realistically. Especially since arguably our most productive hitter this season plays the position in which a big free agent would be playing next year.
by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Here is the link
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110629/sports/706299858/
But this doesn’t sound to promising
Hendry added that rehabbing pitcher Andrew Cashner (rotator-cuff strain) would see doctors in Chicago soon as he continues his rehab. Cashner rejoined the team Wednesday, in fact.
Hendry said Cashner has suffered no setbacks, but that the Cubs continue to be cautious with him. It’s possible Cashner will pitch for the Cubs again this year, Hendry said.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 29, 2011 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions
He's likely going to the bullpen.
But if he comes back late in the season, I see no reason to make a 360 on your outlook on the guy. I think he would of suffered the injury, regardless of being in the rotation or not this year.
R.I.P. to my grandfather, Andrew Wiley
The reason I am a Cub fan forever
Full turns!
I’ve got a discussion going in another online community whether pi is all that. The consensus is trending to 2pi (or tau, in that thinking) is more worthwhile in a “teaching math” sense. More to come…
"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
Dempster and Pena are ramping up their trade value
We should get some offers soon.
Somebody will need a solid veteran pitcher and a 1st baseman with power and a nice glove.
At the same time?
Name a candidate to take on both salaries, please. When you can’t find that, tell me the candidates that will accept a trade with 50% salary relief.
Too bad the Dodgers can’t function anymore, I guess.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
I thought that Marshall, Marmol, and Dempster aren't gonna be traded
according to Jim…..
by braziliancubsfan on Jun 30, 2011 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions
according to a Trib article...
hendry see’s no sense in being sellers….because this team has every chance to win the series this year…
I’m sorry, i need to be happier after a Cubs win…
No, that's not what Hendry said.
He said there would be no “fire sale” — meaning no wholesale dumping.
I’m sure if there’s a possible deal out there that can help the team, he’ll make it.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Specifically...
He said he wasn’t going to trade players that are part of the team’s future. Between the lines, that means guys who are pending FA’s are likely to be traded.
"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 guess its open to the " between the lines " read...
but i read it as he’s not all that interested in parting ways with many pieces…but going forward i dont see many pieces for this clubs future…
If you can get any value in return.
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I think there will be intersest in Fukudome, Byrd, and Pena.
"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)
Possibly.
But only if the Cubs eat all the money.
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We're not talking about huge $ here.
And with Pena’s performance, there could multiple suitors. Byrd could be a fit back in Texas, where they’re looking for a CFer. Fukudome is intriguing because he’s a lefty who could lead-off and is solid in the field.
If the Cubs are looking for the high level prospects in someone’s organization, then yes… they’ll have to eat some cash.
"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)
He also said that he wont trade them because
we still need pitching for next season. Notice how he left out Zambrano though, but he did specifically mention the Marshall, Marmol, and Dempster
by braziliancubsfan on Jun 30, 2011 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Is it bad that I thought Campana stealing home in the 9th with 2 outs was going to be our best chance to score?
THIS IS THE YEAR!
by CubsPanthersTarHeels on Jun 29, 2011 11:50 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I thought that one through, as well
I kinda dug the chances. And the nuts it would take for a straight steal in that position. “Hmm. RH power bat at the plate – take a secondary lead – signal a heavy swing and run on motion…”
Didn’t come down to that, thankfully.
"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
Another thought:
It’s games like these that make me forget about the fact that the Cubs have the second worst record in the NL. These are the games that remind me why I love this team to death:
The bad times feel bad, but the good times… Man do they feel good.
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
by mikegncb34 on Jun 30, 2011 12:02 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
It's easy to feel cocky when Soto hits a walk-off three-run blast in August '08
But when you need to get an RBI guy off the bench to replace the guy that BI your only other R in the mid-season game in ’11, you just say that a W is a W and be glad for it.
OT: Now that I can finally see this Miller Lite ad, do the images fall squarely into the Uncanny Valley for anyone else? There’s Photoshop magic and then there’s this:
/shudder
"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
Just looks like some babe's legs to me
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
by mikegncb34 on Jun 30, 2011 12:46 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
A win is a win, and a nice one at that...
But it also should have been Dempster’s game to win or lose in the ninth. I know, I know, that’s “just how the game is played today.” A manager, after all, must show faith in his closer.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
Demp threw the best game I've ever seen him throw
Don’t know how many he had but he was 1-0 on a huge number of hitters and wasn’t nibbling after getting ahead in the count. Personally, I felt he deserved the chance to finish.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Best game ever for Demp?
I think it has to be.
Campanna throws in the ground THEN Fuk does the.same thing…..what was that anyhow?
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Jun 30, 2011 6:00 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I think Fukudome saw the runner hold at 3B and tried to stop his throw...
but lost his grip on the ball. With the runner not going, he didn’t want to risk throwing it away and allowing the run to score for free. His wimpy throw ended up not costing us.
It was probably best to get Dempster out at that time.
He has given up alot of homers this year. Marmol has not.
Agree
it seems when he gets tired, he leaves the ball up and is vulnerable to giving up HR’s.
But he had thrown only 83 pitches.
If he had been over 100, then sure. But 83? Some of our starters have thrown that many in FOUR innings this year.
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Dempster has been guilty of imploding in the 5th and 6th innings when his pitch count gets to that range
I don’t fault Quade at all. I actually was thinking about the same thing, if that hit is only a single Dempster stays in.
I'd disagree.
When Dempster blows up and starts giving up HR, he’s usually over 100 pitches. He wasn’t anywhere close to that last night.
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I agree...
Dempster had only thrown 83 pitches and technically, the leadoff batter should have been held to a single. It was a tough call and it looked like Marmol was going to get out of it with a strikeout immediately. Too bad though, I really wanted to see Dempster get a CG also.
K, I looked up some games
May 18, 5th inning at Marlins, Dempster entered with 70 pitches:
- R. Nolasco hit by pitch
- C. Coghlan flied out to left
- H. Ramirez singled to shallow center, R. Nolasco to second
- L. Morrison flied out to deep center, R. Nolasco to third
- G. Sanchez singled, R. Nolasco scored, H. Ramirez to second
- G. Dobbs doubled to shallow left center, H. Ramirez and G. Sanchez scored
- M. Stanton singled to shallow left, G. Dobbs scored
- J. Buck grounded out to third
June 3, 5th inning at Cards, entered with 74 pitches:
- J. Jay singled to center
- A. Pujols homered to deep left, J. Jay scored
- L. Berkman singled to center
- C. Rasmus grounded into double play first to shortstop to first, L. Berkman out at second
- Y. Molina walked
- S. Schumaker struck out swinging
June 24, 4th inning at Royals, entered with 82 pitches:
A. Gordon safe at first on pitcher R. Dempster’s throwing error
- J. Francoeur homered to deep left, A. Gordon scored
- M. Moustakas flied out to right center
- B. Pena popped out to second
- A. Escobar walked
- C. Getz singled to center, A. Escobar to third
- M. Cabrera singled to shallow left, A. Escobar scored, C. Getz to second
- E. Hosmer grounded out to first
He doesn’t do it every game, but there’s three games in the last 8 starts where it happened.
Right.
But look at the inning there: fourth and fifth. That’s way too many pitches for that few innings. 83 pitches in EIGHT innings is a whole different story.
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Agree - but I am becoming progressively less impressed with Marmol
The lack of consistency is alarming – a team really can’t function with a 75% reliable closer.
Didn't see this mentioned anywhere
but why did Quade not call for a safety or suicide squeeze with Jeff Baker on 3rd base with no one out (forgot which inning it was). Soriano comes up and fly swats at a terrible pitch to K, then Reed Johnson (who can bunt pretty well) strikes out for the 2nd time, then Soto is intentionally walked for Dempster to K. To have a runner on 3rd with no outs and not be able to score him is unbelievable.
He did the same thing (basically) a few games back
With Campana on third with only 1 out. The man simply does not know how to do a safety squeeze.
Uh oh - we're gonna have this conversation again
What I took away from the last time we had it was that a squeeze is awesome if you can:
a) execute it and
b) surprise them with it
When you and I can expect a squeeze to be a good play in a situation, you can bet that Bruce Bochy is expecting it, as well.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Not only that, but...
our team hasn’t exactly shown a history of good bunting skills.
Fixed it for you
our team hasn’t exactly shown a history of skill.
Al, nice to see you again
I’d have told you I was going to the game, but my seats were originally in 518 . . . didn’t think that you were going to go there! My dad and I were able to upgrade to 118. That’s not why I was at the window, though – I was helping a Giants’ fan upgrade.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2011 7:41 AM CDT reply actions
Got it - thanks.
All is well.
Except for 33-48, but last night was a fun game. Great pitcher’s duel.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2011 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I love games like that.
For a while, I thought we had a chance to see a sub two hour game.
The last sub two hour game at Wrigley Field that was of full length (nine innings) was on June 21, 2002, a 2-1 win over the Cardinals thrown by Jon Lieber.
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Dad and I were thinking the same
Makes the ride home seem shorter and the early morning wake up not as bad. At least they won, though – I’d really have been tired if they’d blown it.
by Shanghai Badger on Jun 30, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks the lord Demp was pulled
I was literally yelling at my TV, “Take him out, take him out, take him out,” and was sure that Quade would make the wrong decision. Last night, he made the right decision.
Why would you scream for his removal when he had under 85 pitches and was throwing the best came of his career??
I wasn’t upset with the change, I understood it, but I certainly wasn’t screaming for a change.
For the first time in a long time
I did not have an issue with Quade the way he handled Dempster in the 9th. No problem, just wish Marmol would have gotten out of it, and Campana would not have skimmed the infield on his throw home 9 times before it rolled to the plate. I like Campana, but besides his wheels, there really is not that much more.
I have dogged DeWitt hard all year, last night he gets big props. Funny, he is now 8 of 17 against Lincecum. Giant announcers talked about that last night. Kuiper and Krukow are good.
I still think there is an outside chance the Cubs pick up the option on Ramy. Maybe they adjust it for two years and add a tad more money. Lets put it this way I would not be surprised. Especially if Hendry is still GM.
they can still not pick up his option but resign him....
also if they do here’s the free agent class of 2013:
Third basemen
Geoff Blum (39)
Miguel Cairo (39)
Brandon Inge (36) – $6MM club option with a $500K buyout
Maicer Izturis (32)
Chipper Jones (41) – $7MM vesting/club option
Kevin Kouzmanoff (31)
Placido Polanco (37) – $5.5MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout
Mark Reynolds (29) – $11MM club option with a $500K buyout
Scott Rolen (38)
Mark Teahen (31)
Ty Wigginton (35) – $4MM club option with a $500K buyout
David Wright (30) – $16MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Kevin Youkilis (34) – $13MM cl
Yeah - we ain't getting Chipper, even if we wanted him
And isn’t Teahen having a similarly-baffling off-year as Rami?
"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
Teahens isn't all that surprising...
He just really isn’t that good.
i was fine with bringing in Marmol
If you ask me which pitcher has a better chance of making hitters miss and leaving a guy stranded at 2b I’ll take Marmol every time. That said, there is no denying Marmol is getting hit harder the past month than he has at any point in his career. In the grand scheme of league closers I’d still prefer to have him than 85 percent of the other options. So no complaints…yet.
Campana appears to be Juan Pierre minus the high hit rate...
blazing fast, good baserunner, absolutely no power, no BB skills, and a noodle arm. If he could hit .330 like Pierre (unlikely) or learn to take walks (also unlikely), he’d be a force with his speed. If he can’t, he’ll be a liability.
I was very disappointed not only in his throw but in his handling of the Burrell hit. You have to know the situation. Burrell is an absolute snail on the bases and there were no outs. He should have cut that ball off and held Burrell at first (even with his noodle arm, I doubt Burrell takes two). Instead, he makes a dive for a ball he had no chance at catching, and it allows Burrell to get to second.
The throw was atrocious. A mediocre/bad throw gets Hall. Even the atrocious throw beat Hall to the plate, but it was so far off line that Soto had no play.
I suspect that Campana’s defensive chops may be limited to LF. He’s fast, but that arm is just soooo bad.
Lost was the great catch by Fuk.
Laid out full speed and dove. Awesome.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Jun 30, 2011 9:25 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
There is a story in the Trib saying that Gary Hughes says the Cubs might be buyers at the deadline....
REALLY? That is so Cubs…….
I guess the prospects should go for Hendry to try and save his job and the job of fishing buddy….
THIS IS WHY HE SHOULD NOT BE MAKING THE DEALS!!!!!!
What the hell does Gary Hughes know?
But… being buyers doesn’t mean that they somehow think a team that is 15 games under .500 has a chance in the second half. They’re not blind.
Being buyers, in this situation, means taking advantage of the market to improve yourself for the future.
I seriously hope we deal Pena, Byrd, and Fukudome… and acquire tons of pitching help please! The future of our starting rotation is an ugly mess.
"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)
Link?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Here
Gary Hughes, one of the Hendry’s top scouts, told Sirius-XM Radio’s Jim Bowden that the Cubs could actually be buyers at the deadline, not sellers. Hendry stopped short of saying that but said fans shouldn’t expect sweeping changes.
"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)
Posturing.
Annoying posturing, but posturing nonetheless.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
As I said below...
we have no context of the full quote. It could very well be a throw-away statement like “it’s still too early to be sure. If we go on a huge roll and have a shot at the division, we might be buyers.” The organization isn’t going to come out and tell the public that they’re going to be sellers. What possible good does that do them? The GMs talk to other GMs, and those conversations are all that matter in terms of any potential transactions – not whatever throwaway statements the organization makes to the media.
I highly doubt there’s any real chance we’re going to be buyers. And given how little trade value our guys have, I doubt we’ll be huge sellers either.
by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Teams that are 16 games under at the halfway point, that have bloated budgets and are talking about trades “but no firesale” can’t end up being buyers.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Not necessarily.
If there’s a player on the market that can greatly improve the team looking at 2012 and beyond, why wouldn’t they have interest? It would be foolish to simply think that buyers and sellers = contenders and losers.
"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)
Depends on the definition of 'buyers'.
My feeling is that ‘buyers’ indicates a team that is willing to forgo the future for immediate results. Semantic difference, maybe.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Hypothetically.... a Garza-type trade could be replicated at the deadline.
Prospects for a quality starter. A trade like that would define the Cubs as “buyers.” But, I see it nothing more than dealing in the current marketplace.
This team is many moves away from contending in 2012. No reason they can’t start making those moves now, just because of their piss poor W-L record.
"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)
Yeah, like I said -- semantic difference.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
There's no rule that says a bad team can't be buyers at the deadline.
And there’s no rule that says good players dealt at the deadline must be traded to contending teams.
If the Cubs find a “buying” deal that makes them better for 2012 and beyond, I’m OK with that too.
"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)
There's no rule against it...
but it’s much less likely. Sellers are almost always looking to sell short-term assets for long-term improvement. Buyers are usually willing to sell long-term assets for short-term improvement.
It’s much harder to find a seller who matches up with another team looking to improve for the future. Not impossible, but not likely.
Obviously, if there’s a deal out there that improves the club for 2012 and beyond, the Cubs should do it. But that’s not likely to be what’s available (unless we’re in sell mode).
by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2011 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
The only move I can think of that would make sense is if the Brewers fall out of contention and are dealing Fielder
Then you try to get him and sign him, like the Red Sox did with Gonzalez. But to do that, the Cubs would have to have players the Brewers want. I don’t know all their needs, but I’m pretty skeptical that the Cubs could fill them.
I wouldn't read too much into any such story...
without quotes and context. What if the statement was “you never know – maybe we go on a big win streak and are in a position to contend. In that case, we might be buyers.” Or it may not even be a real quote at all.
Of course the team isn’t going to come out and say they’re sellers to the public with over a month before the first trade deadline. I see this as a non-story.
But, far be it from me to prevent you from taking any opportunity (fair or not) to try to bash Hendry.
by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Where did I say that?
But far be it from me to prevent you from making up an argument for me.
by SouthernCub on Jun 30, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
I am guessing this has already been posted but just in case
A bad but funny joke sent by a friend. I miss most posts so if it up already I will delete it.
Re the McCartney concert
“McCartney has asked promoters to place the stage in Left Field rather than the usual spot in Center. When asked the reason for the unusual positioning, Sir Paul curtly replied, " I can’t play any worse than Soriano."
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 30, 2011 10:17 AM CDT reply actions
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