Carlos Zambrano Pitches Well, But Cubs Lose Again
by Al Yellon on Jul 27, 2011 9:55 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintThe Cubs have received good pitching in this series against the Brewers, and not just starting pitching -- they've allowed just five runs in the two games so far, and this to a Brewers team that was in the top half of run-scoring teams in the National League going into this series and that was near the league lead in home runs.
One Brewer connected off Carlos Zambrano -- Prince Fielder -- and that would have been enough to win the game, as the Cubs could not score off Zack Greinke and three Milwaukee relievers; the Cubs lost their second straight, 2-0, after posting a three-game winning streak for the first time this year by sweeping the Astros last weekend.
The Cubs never really came close to scoring, despite a warning-track fly ball by Aramis Ramirez with a runner on base in the eighth inning. That ball was run down by Ryan Braun in front of the well-lit out-of-town scoreboard on the left field wall.
There were rumors flying during Wednesday afternoon that the Cubs were trying to interest the Yankees in Big Z and the New Yorkers essentially saying, "No, thank you." Would a game like this rekindle interest? Or would the Cubs rather keep Big Z? I'd vote for the latter. Eventually, and probably sooner than you think, this team is going to contend again and Zambrano, just 30 years old, could be a big part of that.
Kerry Wood returned to the team Wednesday night after a day back in Chicago because he wasn't feeling well. That's good, as he threw a solid inning and the team really needs that. Not that this team is going anywhere, but I'd like to see Wood regain the form he had in his last two months of 2010 with the Yankees. Again, Wood isn't that old -- 34 -- and could re-sign next season and be a solidifying force in the bullpen.
Seriously, what more can you say about a game where your team had four hits and had just one runner first base (Carlos Pena, who doubled)? The Cubs were shut down by a really good pitcher -- a pitcher they had hit hard at Wrigley Field in June. But the Brewers are very, very tough at home, with the best home record in the National League at 35-14. So it appears to be somewhat of an upset that the Cubs won the one game they did in Miller Park this year, back in April. Maybe they can take Thursday's series finale. I'll be in Miller Park; stop by section 104 to say hi if you're there.
The only significant thing that happened in Wednesday night's game was the Brewers' Rickie Weeks suffering a serious ankle injury and having to leave the game in the second inning; he looks like he's going to be out for a while, which could be a serious blow to the Milwaukee offense, especially if he's going to be replaced on any sort of long-term basis by Craig Counsell, who is hitting .156, is 0-for-his-last-37 and hasn't had a hit since June 10. Maybe the Cubs could offer them Blake DeWitt. At least that would get DeWitt out of left field for the Cubs. Mike Quade's fetish for putting DeWitt in left field is kind of like Dusty Baker continuing to start Neifi Perez all those games when he couldn't hit. Jim Hendry finally stopped that by trading Neifi to the Tigers (and sending him to the World Series; I hope Hendry got a Christmas gift, or at least a thank-you note).
I'm rambling, I know. The game was kind of a ramble, too. So has this season been. The Cubs will try to salvage one game from this series Thursday afternoon. Ramble on.
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Like Marshall it would depend on the offer...
with Zambrano. I think he can pitch well again too, so there’s no reason to dump him.
Any hopes of a Soriano and lots of cash to Philly for Ibanez and low level arms? I’d do that over the ridiculous Dunn idea anysay.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 10:12 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Soriano to Philly
Not in a million years. Only way that happens if the Cubs take all the salary except for $2.12, and that is Two dollars and 12 cents.
No, there is a chance
If they throw in Brett Jackson, Matt Szczur and Castro, I’m sure the Phils do it.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 27, 2011 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Ummm...where would Castro play?
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
Why?
Curiosity. He’d be an upgrade in LF for them and his 2011 salary would he covered by dumping Ibanez. He’d fit their need for RH power, and he fills the LF hole for their window as Howard, Utley, and Rollins get up there.
Makes some sense.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 11:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Soriano has RH power?
His whole .254 Slugging percentage over the last month?
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
He's a huuuuge upgrade over Ibanez.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions
don't think you've been paying attention
Ibanez has been red hot the past 6 weeks jacking HR all over the place.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 28, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe it's his career .506 SLG and
328 career home runs.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 11:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
haha
oh, your ability to judge talent is remarkable.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
I don't doubt it.
I’m still waiting for Garza to go all Paul Wilson on their asses.
by SenorGato on Jul 28, 2011 12:12 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yep... those are numbers worth $18m/yr...
If they actually mean anything, as you are trying to claim, the Cubs should sign him to an extension right now… or maybe there are other numbers that could better describe his value? Hmmmm…
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Why would they sign him to an extension
when he’s already under contract until 38.
You must be bored. Or just not sure of what was being talked about.
by SenorGato on Jul 28, 2011 12:15 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
No...
I’m saying they should extend him until he’s 40… since he’s already got 328 homers and a career .506 SLG, which are oh so pertinent numbers now.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
I doubt it.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh I think he does
But he does move the goal posts
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 28, 2011 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Lol I moved the goal posts here?
Sequence of posts:
Soriano has RH power?
His whole .254 Slugging percentage over the last month?
- That guy who made that post
Maybe it’s his career .506 SLG and
328 career home runs.
- Me
Yep… those are numbers worth $18m/yr…
If they actually mean anything, as you are trying to claim, the Cubs should sign him to an extension right now… or maybe there are other numbers that could better describe his value? Hmmmm…
- Crockett
Quick, someone cry foul!
Conveniently left this part out...
He’d be an upgrade in LF for them and his 2011 salary would he covered by dumping Ibanez. He’d fit their need for RH power, and he fills the LF hole for their window as Howard, Utley, and Rollins get up there.
His career numbers, which are in no way reflective of his current value, don’t backup anything you claimed here, which is why somebody had to point out to you how impotent Soriano’s bat is right now.
By the way… dumping Ibanez in no way covers his 2011 salary… much less accounts for the Phillies (which aren’t run by a GM as stupid as Jim Hendry) having to employ and pay Alfonso Soriano for two more seasons at $18m/yr.
Nobody fell for your desperate attempt to come up with a way to bail out your boy Hendry. A+ for effort, though, big guy. Better luck next time.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 4:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh but the current numbers do...
They’re posted in this thread. Probably not even all that far down from here.
Dumping Ibanez saves them about 5 million and Soriano is owed a little less than 9…so it doesn’t completely cover it, you’re right there. I also said money would be going over, as you’re not sending Soriano or any of these guys over without some cash to get a return.
Clearly I posted the SLG and HR stats in reply to the “Soriano has RH power?” post. Is it really that hard for anyone here to admit being wrong for a second? Seriously. The goal posts were moved. It’s fine, I didn’t complain about it until someone mentioned that I did it. Soriano has RH power, it’s about the most valuable skill he has at all right now it seems.
And it's one he's lost.
So far in July (which you should agree is the worst time for him to do this), he’s had a .257 SLG% in 72 PAs. His other numbers are even worse, as hard as that is to believe. He had two decent months before that too, but it’s not like you quoting a .500 career SLG% was representative of that or proved anything.
How far down the foodchain do you think the Phillies will have to sink before they have to turn to Soriano as the only “upgrade” over Raul Ibanez? Ibanez is also a free agent at the end of the year, so why the hell would they commit to 2 years of Soriano when they could do much, much better on the open market? They’re just not that dumb, even if you wish it were so.
I’m sure you still don’t get it though. . If you want to retort with his career numbers, you’re trying to justify that he has that value… right now! Guess what? 3 years from now, he’s going to (assumedly) have even more homers and probably not much lower SLG% (since it will only be three putrid years on top of a long career). So you can make that same point then… which is why I made my response about signing him to an extension. If you wouldn’t look at raw career numbers then to justify his value, it makes absolutely no sense to do it now. If you can’t come up with other numbers to back up your point, then you don’t have one… and I said that pretty clearly without moving goal posts.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 4:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Gotta go with Mr. Cat on this one
He made a simple reply by looking at long term numbers and you throw out one months worth of work as the definitive answer. Tell me what’s your purpose in throwing gas on the fire? Is it just to yank his chain or do dislike the guy so much you can’t stand it if he has something to say.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
P.S.
This is not aimed strictly at crocket but at a fair amount of the folks here who continually bash others.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
Career numbers aren't indicative of what he's going to do this year
And they clearly aren’t in this case.
As far as the gas on the fire, several people have pointed out to that poster (not crocket) that there is no need to talk to people the way that he does. He rarely listens to other points of view and seems incapable of having a debate without belittling others. As a few others pointed out in a different thread, he then tries to play the victim.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 28, 2011 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I've read the other posts also
And you are absolutely correct…He’s not blameless. But in my humble opinion all this bashing and baiting and namecalling is getting way out of hand not just where Gato is concerned but with other folks as well.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
That's been going on for a while now
I’m guessing the play of the team has at least a little to do with it
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 28, 2011 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Numbers are one thing...
but Soriano represents a roll of the dice by Hendry that he would help the Cubs win the World Series in the first 3-4 years of his contract. That window has gone and it’s time to turn the page – no matter how many stories we hear about how great a guy he is, how hard he works, etc…
Let’s get what we can get for him, eat a large portion of the contract and start to worry about building this team for the NEXT 5-10 years…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Yeah repeating it doesn't mean it makes sense.
Ibanez this year is worth -1.1 WAR. He sucks both offensively and defensively. He declined from 3.8 in 09 to 1.6 last year to this years bomb. He’s aged past their core players, and is now a hole on the team.
Soriano is at .7 WAR this year coming off a 3 WAR season last year.
by SenorGato on Jul 28, 2011 12:33 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I am sorry this is just nuts.
First off the Phillies are a professional run team. They have Amaro Jr and Gillick running the team. They have Dominic Brown or Mayberry Jr. to play left if need be.
The Phillies are in the business of winning and winning World Series not just the playoffs. Soriano has zero value to the Phillies. The Phillies improve themselves not take steps backwards.
by Grockcubs on Jul 27, 2011 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If Brown plays left...
who plays right?
I agree with everything you said, but i’m still… just sayin’.
Also, Gillick doesn’t really work for them anymore. He spends his time retired in Seattle… as in jobless… DO YOU HEAR ME MR. RICKETTS???
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Wanna meet at the fish market??
Either there or at a Starbucks – we are bound to run into him.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I live in Seattle.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Ha - do you really??
I was there for work – around 4 years ago. Loved my visit -
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Yeah...
moved here 5 years ago after living in Wrigleyville the three years prior.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Moved here last year
Lived near Belle Plaine and Broadway (4 units east)
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
(here is )
Claremont CA – 30 miles east of LA
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
It did not rain here today...
just in case you were wondering. And I don’t know anybody who offed themselves either. Maybe tomorrow if it rains.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions
He is an advisor in Philly
It was Pat Gillick night in Philly tonight. He was given the night for his HOF induction. He is a special advisor in Philly.
Hence why I said...
he really doesn’t work for them. He doesn’t run the team. He spends his time retired, as his bio accurately says, in Seattle.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Not to get into a argument
I live in the Philly area. Gillick is often at Citizens Bank park. The press conference today talked how him and Amaro are working on improving the club. He spends time in Philly and is involved with the team.
without reading above
Recd
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
That didn't really...
Brown is their everyday RF and Mayberry Jr is pretty meh himself.
Soriano could have some value to the Phillies. I wouldn’t present the idea if he’d be of no value.
He’s a better player than Ibanez at this point.
It’s a bit of a dream, but it’d make sense to me if it happened.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 11:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You have not provided any evidence that he's superior to Ibanez
But don’t let that stop you.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions
And the simple fact that Ibanez is a free agent after this year
and Soriano is signed for three more years after this year. Hmmm….. makes a lot of sense for one of the best organizations in baseball to take on Soriano, even if the Cubs eat a large portion of his contract.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
I can't think of a single thing I'd want Soriano to do over Ibanez...
except hit LHPs, which isn’t all that valuable of a skill.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Fact of the matter is though
no matter how we look at it or reason it:
Soriano>>>>>>Ibanez
I know, I know, it defies all logic but its just how it is.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
When you've been sprinkled with fairy dust and can fly off to Never Never Land.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions
arent teams in existence to take the cubs's crap?
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 28, 2011 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions
...according to Senor Gato.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Having Ibanez not signed past 2011 is a far superior position to being chained to Soriano through 2014
Philly has a clean slate to sign a much better player than Soriano for much less than $18M in 2012. Why, oh why, would anyone on the Phillies be dumb enought to take the Cubs’ long-term misfortune off their hands?
both ideas are ridiculous
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
What?
“Eventually, and probably sooner than you think, this team is going to contend again”
I guess that depends on when I think they’ll contend again. My prediction, 3rd season from now – the 2014 campaign. They’ll win 93, and then get swept in the first round by a new expansion team managed by Ryne Sandberg who will go on to win the world series. Quade will pull Zambrano after 6 innings of game 3 so he’d be ready to start game one of the LCS.
I agree with Al,
As bad as we are, none of the other teams in the division put the fear of god into you. With a few prudent moves we could contend in 2012, whether those moves could/would/will happen remains to be seen.
Reds: Younger and better
Brewers: Younger and better
Cards: Best in-game management in baseball
Pirates: ?
Astros: N/A
No, we don’t have a BoSox or Phillies or Angels in the division, but there are several, several teams better than the Cubs.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I would be more optimistic
if I were a Pirates fan. That may be the first time that’s been uttered in decades but it’s true. Also that just as telling a statement about the Cubs as it is about the Pirates.
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
dt
There are obviously four teams better than the Cubs but
Reds: Dependent on young pitchers with Dusty as manager (sound familiar?)
Brewers: Already sold the farm, will lose Fielder this year, and Greinke next year
Cards: Will either lose Pujols or will be handcuffed by his contract, either way we win. Agreed about TL. Plus now they have Corey P.
Pirates: Their pitchers will trend back to normal.
Astros are horrible now AND have a barren farm system, they will be the Bucs for the next five years.
Does this mean we will contend, no of course not, but we can.
Cards also get Wainwright back...
and have Garcia signed to a team-friendly deal… that’s going to give them something to build on when they’re already lapping the Cubs.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Love Wainwright
…wonder how he comes back.
Garcia – man – I love his stuff.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
LOVE GARCIA'S CURVEBALL
one of my favorite pitches in the game.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Wainwright will likely struggle next year,
it is the year after he will probably improve, Garcia is a stud.
Not a Cards fan OBV
but I LOVE watching Garcia pitch -
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
hammer likes the hammer
how appropriate
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 27, 2011 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I just can’t get into this, mostly because it’ll take too much time. I’ll skip to the conclusion.
You’re wrong. There’s my summary.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I hope not the part where he said...
the Cubs were the 5th best team in the division going into next season… that has a good chance to be accurate.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Dt,
I am not saying we will compete just that it is possible that we can. None of us know how things will play out. Sorry if I hold hope that we will improve. Besides at this point I am not wrong, nor are you right, only time will tell.
I’m trying to be realistic. We’re handcuffed with contracts and getting older. Reds, Brewers, Pirates, Cards = younger.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Most of those contracts expire this year
The only handcuff contracts left are Z and Soriano.
Just because it's possible...
doesn’t make it probable, or not potentially harmful if pursued when failure is the most likely outcome, as even you have admitted. Is the small chance worth the risk?
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 4:22 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what was said in 2003
Coming off 95 losses in 2002 and a weak division in 2003, the Cubs turned it around. It could happen again.
I think this team is a far bit worse than 02...
and the 03 team barely squeaked by into the playoffs. The disparity in the two situations is too great to draw conclusions.
The better comparison would be 06-07… when the Cubs used the Soriano signing and the one truly acceptable year he had to make the playoffs.
I agree that the 2012 team can get a lot better, really quick… but do we want the Cubs to repeat the mistakes of the Jim Hendry error just so we’ll feel better? Or do we want to actually win a World Series in our lifetime? Those aren’t the only choices, but the better of those two choices should be clear.
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
93 wins within 3 years?
Impossible.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 10:21 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
96 losses in 2006 to 97 wins in 2008
Not possible?
If there's ever a reason for the SWL! button, it is right damn now.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
One of Dewitt or Baker will be traded...
Considering both suck it doesn’t really matter who goes. Ryan Flaherty has been playing at all the positions both of them play now, in the minors.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 10:20 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Baker, maybe.
But what team would give up anything for Blake DeWitt? He’s having an Aaron Miles-esque season. I have to think he’s a nontender candidate at this point.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
Good job Zambrano, now get the hell out.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 27, 2011 10:21 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
by TheBeerBaron on Jul 27, 2011 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Life sucks:
Wear a helmet.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 28, 2011 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I MADE that.
You can’t use it against me.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Zambrano will be overjoyed to go the Yankees..
He will have a much better chance of getting a WS ring.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
He would veto the trade.
The boy likes to hit.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 27, 2011 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions
he said he would waive his NTC for a trade proposed
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 27, 2011 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Al, were you there Tuesday night?
First time at Miller Park, it was a very busy park, too much to look at and see, I think it took away from the game. The staff was accommodating and the only flak we got was because one of the people I was with was wearing a Cardinal shirt. My only complaint was that the food lines were long.
Was not there Tuesday.
Will be there Thursday afternoon.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Enough of the "Zambrano can pitch well again" talk
Yes, we all know he “can” pitch well, but is far too inconsistent and bordering bad mostly.
If there’s a chance the Cubs can move him, do it!
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
He was just 11-6 with a 3.33 ERA
last year. 117 K’s in 129 IP…not bad stuff. It’s not easy to find a consistently above average, SP. He was pretty good in 2009 too.
Z definitely has work to do, but so does everyone anyway. He’s worth keeping, because he won’t be easy to replace.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 10:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
ERA is a terrible way to evaluate talent
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
Plus did you take into account Z's diet
and what he was told to say to reporters?
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
Hey it still exists.
Still got K’s, which is always a good thing.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 11:03 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
So, he's been worth the money?
Should they keep paying him that much? Guarantee his 2013 option? Sign him to another extension past 2012 for the same money? Do you have any clue what it takes to actually be worth $18m as a pitcher?
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by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 4:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Since his signing, where does he rank overall among starting pitchers?
Top 10, 20? He is not a Halladay, but for consistency there are not a whole lot better.
Well, I guess my point is
that he won’t be on the Chicago Cubs in 2013, so why not attempt to find his replacement—or two—by next year so the team can work out the bumps and bruises in 2012 and field a competitive team in 2013?
Oh, and ERA is still a decent measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness. It isn’t the best measure, but it is still an effective statistical measurement.
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
by TheBeerBaron on Jul 28, 2011 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs "likely" won't be a very good team next year
why not move Z and at least reclaim $2-4M of his contract?
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
by TheBeerBaron on Jul 28, 2011 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Caption: "You up there...get me the heck outta here!"
We stinks!
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
10 out of 12 run begins tomorrow, boys
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 27, 2011 10:32 PM CDT reply actions
Hendry will have to get rid of DeWitt to make Quade stop playing him out there ahead of actual outfielders.
Maybe Hendry and Ricketts think its a good idea to play him out there….Most of their moves suck, so why not some more?
Are you under the assumption that Hendry and Ricketts make out the line up card?
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
No...but they could support all of his decisions......
If Hendry thought it was stupid to start DeWitt in LF, do you not think he would have at least mentioned it?
do you really think hendry would throw q under a bus?
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 27, 2011 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions
thought you meant to media
so in that case, HIAFI
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 27, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
They're both gone in 2 months anyway...
…because Papa Joe Ricketts “Does Not Approve!” He didn’t become a gazillionaire by letting stupid people run his business into the ground.
Besides…there ain’t nobody else on this team worth getting all upset over by them not playing.
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
Maybe not exactly 2 months, but...
…before the Winter Meetings of 2011, the Chicago Cubs will have a new GM and a new manager…and the manager will have major league experience (sorry Ryno fans).
With the 1st pick in the 2012 Baseball Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs select...
Ill be at the meetings - I think they are in Texas
I hope Jim is not there. Then again – Randy Bush is a helluva guy – I hope he is just there for fun though.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
He could be there...
for some other team. I’d even give him a big Hai-dee-hoo, good neighbor!
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
He is getting old
and been already for a long time. My opinion is the Cubs are his last team.
His business card is still on my fridge (below my nephew).
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
List these good OFers were loaded with.
Speaking of OFers, Justin Upton just hit a bomb into the top tier at Petco. Sell the farm.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 10:39 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Johnson, campana, Baker, and even Soriano can play LF....
You do understand that he is an IF right…and is playing there for no reason?
Before you start about Baker being an IF, he has played in the OF MUCH more than DeWitt….
Does it ever get old defending your boy Quade?
They all have played LF.
Newflash on BCB Tonight:
Contrary to popular belief, Blake Dewitt is not the everyday LF.
The closest to a starting LF in that bunch is Soriano the Sloven.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 10:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
so it begins...
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 27, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I didnt say good OF's, just OF's...of which DeWitt is not....
I will say he is a better LF than Soriano, but so are the girls on my kids softball team.
Must be some pretty good girls because
Soriano is the best player in that bunch.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 11:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
For $18m/yr he better be...
better than a bunch of girls… and/or DeWitt.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
And he is.
So he’s got that going for him.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 11:14 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Super.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Yay!
Soriano is better than the girls from a softball team!
Oh happy day!
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
come to the games im umping friday and sunday
Chino -
They suck (while playing softball)
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Is any of them looking for a cheap upgrade in LF?
Could even play 2B in a pinch, too.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Honestly - YES
They could recruit a first baseman – although the scouts will figure that out quickly (its that bad)
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Update!
We won our co-ed softball league! Champions! I caught the last out!
I am now a free agent, ahem, Jimbo.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
And there's where that was always going.
by SenorGato on Jul 27, 2011 11:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The bar isnt high for you is it.....
SG thinks Soriano should play everyday the rest of the year….
Well he agrees with his boy Quade then.
Shocking…..
He is not a good baseball player.
I would rather see Colvin in left
Hell I would take Billy Williams in left at 73 years old before DeWitt
Why not just call up Szczur....
or wait until 2013 when he is hopefully MLB ready?
Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson
by TheBeerBaron on Jul 28, 2011 7:48 AM CDT up reply actions
we do get to play the Astros
3 at home and 3 in Houston so we should go 3-3 out of those high-quality matchups
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
by VegasCubFan on Jul 27, 2011 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Those are the wild card games...could be the difference in a 100 loss season...
Could loom large in the battle for last place!
my guess 94
sighs – cries – wife wonders why – walks the dog – still crying – ……..thats all i got
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
My problem with trading Z
is that we’d have to eat most of the money and we’d only get a B level prospect back in return.
What would the point be? Unless someone values him more than I think, then no thank you.
by Josh Timmers on Jul 27, 2011 10:47 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
I am really not in favor of trading Z
My beef is he is getting paid as a 1 and he is a 3.
I would try to trade Pena, Byrd, Barney, Wells, Dome, Baker, Dempster, Grabow, and if the deal was right Marshall, and Soto.
And if some team would be foolish and blind Soriano,
I hate saying it...
but Rec’d.
We’re unfortunately stuck being happy he’s on the roster… because there’s no viable alternative. Thank you again, Jim Hendry.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
What I love is Hendry has to call and beg for people to take his players
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 27, 2011 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I prefer to refer to them as boondoggles.
I’m sure if he were offering his real players, of which there are few, he wouldn’t need to beg. Oh, they might make him beg just to make up for wasting their time offering Z and Soriano, but it would be just to kick a man when he’s down.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Funny thing is he could ship off Z to the Yankees if he though in A-ram
The Yankees need to do something because the Sox look unstoppable.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 27, 2011 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions
The Yankees need Aramis...
that should be a no brainer that any two-bit GM could get done.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 27, 2011 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Do they really need him need him or
Do you hope it was this way?
by SenorGato on Jul 28, 2011 12:02 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes...
they have nobody playing DH for them… and nobody playing 3b. They have Tampa Bay on their ass and are chasing Boston. What’s the mystery there?
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I heard they have this guy Alex Rodriguez that plays 3B.
Maybe Ramirez wants to be a DH…iunno.
Look at who the Yankees have playing 3b right now...
while they’re losing ground to the Boston Red Sox… right now.
This isn’t like moving Derek Jeter off shortstop… A-Roid has no claim to the history books at 3b, and he’s out until at least mid-August with after having surgery on his knee.
There aren’t any other available 3B worth acquiring, so why didn’t this deal get done a week ago? Forget Brian Cashman, Tom Ricketts should be on the phone to his good pal Hank Steinbrenner and trying to make another RAFAEL Soriano deal. GetitdoneTom!
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 5:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Tampa Bay is 8 games behind the Yankees
That’s not exactly on their asses. The Yankees also have a 5 game lead on the wild card. There’s no desparation there.
Tampa Bay is still a really good team...
that can get really hot with their pitching and young players such as Desmond Jennings. They also have to play Tampa Bay from here on out. Putting more distance between themselves and Tampa Bay might not be as much of a priority as catching Boston, but it’s still reasonable to think their team is significantly worse when they don’t know they can rely on A-Roid for more than DH-ing, if that.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
i thought a respected and liked GM from other GMs
don’t have to beg……why don’t we keep it real and suggest that Hendry is that guy in school or work that u talk well to in person but gets picked on behind his back….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Jul 27, 2011 11:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
My problem
is that he’s a headcase.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 27, 2011 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec because
You are correct, sir.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 27, 2011 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions
The problem with trading Zambrano is replacing him.
We have no one ready in the minors that could fill his role. There is possibly Trey McNutt, but even that’s a stretch at this point. Our pitching right now is not a strength. We have freakin’ Rodrigo Lopez in rotation.
I guess we can replace him in the offseason with a FA — but besides CJ Wilson (and Sabathia) is there anyone really that much better than Zambrano?
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Please read:
The Chicago Cubs will not be Competitive in 2012.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 27, 2011 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good sir!
May I subscribe to your newsletter?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
For only 19.99 a month you can get a monthly subscribition to
The Daily Telegraph and Parade Pisser.
That is 75% off the retail price.
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by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 27, 2011 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Good to know that you can tell me the future.
Any chance at you knowing tomorrow’s lottery numbers?
Seriously, I don’t get how people can tell if a team is going to contenders before even knowing what the roster is going to be. We truly have NO IDEA what’s going to happen. If this team had the Rays budget, then maybe I’d agree. But not knowing how much the Ricketts family is willing to spend and seeing how the money is going to be spent is completely irrational at this point.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Sure the cubs COULD be competitive and
And pigs could evolve to have wings, fly and poop on my car. Both could happen but I’m not wasting my time always parking my car under tree to avoid having pig shit on my car.
I’m also not into wasting my time having magical thinking about this aging, no-talent team. The cubs could go on a spending spree and still not be competitive. The pen is a mess and not young promising arms are ready to go. Our starters would all be number 4 starts on good teams and besides the guy who should be in the pen non of them have upside. 7 of our 8 everyday players have no upside and the heart of our order are all on the down sides of their career. The minor league system is week and there are no superstars down there that can be a difference makers.
So yes the cubs COULD be competitive but logically speaking the odds are very very slim.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 27, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
So you prefer to waste your time...
Announcing their future failure based on stuff you just exaggerated because you can.
by SenorGato on Jul 28, 2011 12:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You exaggerate the other direction.....
The Cubs will win it all next year!!!!!
There is still time for us this year!!!
We have an awesome GM and Manager!
Soriano is a good LF!!!!!!
Would you bet $100 that the 2012 Cubs will be within 3 games of 1st place at the end of the year?
I wouldn’t.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I wouldn't bet money on it
But I would still hope for it to happen.
Everyone HOPES for it to happen.
Hope doesn’t win championships. Smart front office moves do. And at this point, there is virtually no factor pointing toward this franchise being competitive next year.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Of course they could go on a spree and still not be contenders.
But that’s not the point. You stated they will not be contenders in 2012, without knowing a one player on the 2012 roster.
You say the pen is weak, when in fact, the pen will probably be the best thing about the team. Carpenter, Marshall, Cashner and Marmol are 4 outstanding arms to build around. If the Cubs decide to go with Cashner in the rotation, they have options with Dolis, Beliveau, or they can go with Samardzija. To say Garza, Dempster or Zambrano are #4’s is nonsense. Yeah, maybe on a staff like the Philles, but ask the Yankees, Tigers, Rangers, Pirates, Cardinals, or Diamondbacks if they’d want a Garza or Zambrano on their team. Now, Zambrano is over paid, but he’s certainly not a #4 starter.
Yes, besides Starlin Castro, there is not one player on the team that has true upside. The offense needs a facelift. But who says that can’t be fixed? Signing Fielder and acquring another bat would go a long way for this offense.
Still, in my opinion, this team has a chance to be successful in 2012. It needs some significant work, but the NL Central is very weak — and not only this year, it projects to be weak next year also.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
I'm sorry but this crap about the NL central was true...in 2007.
That 4 years ago for the math challenged.
In those four years things have changed.
The reds and pirates have a very good core of young pitchers and the red have Joey votto who might be the next Albert P.
The Cards have continued to be crazy good and will be competitive as long as Dave Duncan is on the bench. The brewers have gotten very good and even with no fielder they still won’t be door mats.
So that is four good teams in the division. That leaves the stores who suck.
.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 28, 2011 2:06 AM CDT up reply actions
NL Central vs
NL East: 39 – 49
NL West: 48 – 44
That’s the combined record of the four “good” teams in the NL Central. First place Milwaukee wouldn’t even be 2nd in either of the two NL Divisions. The AL Central is the only division where they would be 2nd or better given their record (1st place in the AL Central). And Milwaukee is only up there because they seemingly can’t lose at home even though they are really bad on the road (didn’t they have this problem a couple of years ago?)
There are 3-4 decent/okay teams and two craptastic teams. The NL Central is definitely weak.
They have two liter bottles now? To think I spent all that time demanding a liter!
Brewers just went 5-6 on a usually brutal West coast road trip and they came close to getting a couple more. Their problem a couple years ago was that they couldn’t win at home.
"Prince Fielder is too fat even for the Oakland A’s" - Billy Beane
That's right
I knew they had some statistical anomaly but I couldn’t remember which way it went.
Still, I believe that the NL Central is easily the weakest in the NL and 2nd weakest in all of MLB.
They have two liter bottles now? To think I spent all that time demanding a liter!
I'm not counting on Cashner for anything whatsoever.
Is there any timetable for his return yet? 4 months ago, it was supposed to be 4 weeks. But as we all knew then and know now, shoulders are tricky and cannot be easily diagnosed or repaired.
What we do know, at this point, is that it’s kind of silly to say that Cashner is an “outstanding arm to build around” when he hasn’t thrown a pitch in anger since the first week of April.
Also, Samardzjia is unlikely to be a member of the 2012 Cubs. Even giving him the minimum arb number would be out of line.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Well, I dunno what the Cubs are going to do the rest of this week,
but I can predict off past experiences we are going to lose.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
They might not be competitive in 2012
but they still have to field a team.
My guess is that at the ticket prices the Cubs have offered in recent years, you probably can’t completely blow up the team, or else you’ll kill ticket sales completely. Sales are already down this year – replace the roster with complete nobodies and watch sales fall through the floor.
by false cognate on Jul 28, 2011 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Zambrano says he wants to stay a Cub as long as there is “change.” What kind of change? “Change,” he repiled. Hmmm.
intriguing
Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land
by jesus christos on Jul 28, 2011 12:09 AM CDT reply actions
So he wants to leave if there's not?
Great. $18m buys you so much loyalty these days.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
No, that's the kind of change he's talking about.
18M is pocket change.
Weekend contributor at Windy City Gridiron
by Steven Schweickert on Jul 28, 2011 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Rickie Weeks Replacement
Word is that the Brewers, who were already talking to the Dodgers about Jamey Carroll, have stepped up the negotiations.
That really sucks for the Brewers and Rickie Weeks..
Still… F*** them, but I don’t wish that on anybody and have no reason to want them to win any less than other NL Central teams that aren’t the Cubs.
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Glad I have his little brother
in the one fantasy league I have him in
by Josh Timmers on Jul 28, 2011 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Jemile is awesome...
i’d give anything for a player like him on the Cubs (other than Castro, of course).
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions
keeper league?
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Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Jul 28, 2011 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions
not sure what bothered me more
the loss or Braun’s smirk when he caught Aramis’ warning track ball.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 28, 2011 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Starting up the audio archive now...
It would so much nicer if I knew that I was going to be listening to a W.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I wasn't trying to make a point here.
I’m just asking as a friend because I hate to see him start his day with a downer.
Fasten those seat belts...
I never listened.
Just after posting the above my mother called from the hospital, which was very unexpected…
Now we are waiting for diagnostic results.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Thank you TJ and Katie.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I like the comment "Zambrano will be a big part of that"
Assuming he does retire at the end of his contract like he’s stated a couple of times haha
Big Easy Badger
Gordo just tweeted...
…that the Cubs are finalizing a deal to trade Kosuke to the Indians for two prospects. So we’ve got that goin’ for us.
Baseball is pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense.
The past two games
All the runs have been scored in the first two innings. Thanks for providing a great entertainment value. You can see the whole game in two innings, and be back to Chicago for an early bedtime. Yawn.
"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
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