Blow Up The Cubs. Enough Already, Tom Ricketts
by Al Yellon on Jul 30, 2011 6:15 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintIt is a sobering reminder of what it is to be a Cubs fan in the second decade of the 21st Century that, when the Cubs took a 5-0 lead in the first inning of Saturday afternoon's game in St. Louis, my very first thought was, "How are they going to blow this?"
I'll put some good things in here now, because there were very few of them in this game. The Cubs loaded the bases in the first inning and Geovany Soto missed a grand slam by about six inches. Two runs scored, and then Alfonso Soriano hit a three-run homer off Kyle Lohse.
That's it. The nagging feeling that they were going to blow the game continued through the bottom of the first inning, when the Cardinals scored a pair of runs. But then the game entered the bottom of the fifth inning with the score still 5-2, and I thought, "Well... maybe they can actually hold on to this lead."
Nothing doing. The bottom of the fifth inning was perhaps the worst-played inning I have ever seen the Cubs play in a regular-season game. No, check that. It's the worst inning I have ever seen ANY team play in a regular-season game. There were five walks issued, two intentional; two of the other three walks were with the bases loaded, scoring runs. There was a play that probably was interference on Matt Holliday, sliding out of the baseline at second base into Starlin Castro, but instead of making a play on a runner rounding third base, Carlos Pena started arguing with the umpires, allowing a run to score.
Ryan Freaking Theriot had a bases-clearing, three-RBI double in the eight-run inning.
And that's why I am saying:
ENOUGH ALREADY. BLOW IT UP.
This Cubs team is the worst fundamental team I have seen in my 48 years as a Cubs fan. They don't cover bases properly, they don't do good situational hitting, their fielding is atrocious, they don't work counts and take pitches (with a couple of exceptions, notably Pena); they don't throw strikes, they don't challenge hitters, they don't have pitchers with good enough repertoires to get major league hitters out on a consistent basis.
Why would you, as a team owner, Tom Ricketts, want to put as embarrassing a bunch of players out there as the 42-65 Cubs have been this year? The non-waiver trade deadline happens in less than 24 hours and all you've sent away is Kosuke Fukudome? The 23 games under .500 mark matches the low point of 2010 (51-74, the day Lou Piniella retired); the team hasn't been worse than that since the last day of the awful 2006 season (66-96).
Tom, you need to call up Jim Hendry and order him to blow it up. I would rather have the High-A Daytona Cubs brought to Chicago and play the rest of the season than watch this bunch flounder their way through more games like this. Pay them the minimum salary; you're paying multiple millions of dollars to many players who simply cannot perform at a major league level any more.
Here is the current 25-man roster. Here's who I would keep from this group:
Ryan Dempster. I like his approach to the game and he'd be a good mentor to younger pitchers.
Carlos Zambrano. Yes, this choice may be controversial, but I do like Big Z and he does, I believe, still have a chance to recover his previous level of performance. He's just 30 years old.
Matt Garza. Relatively inexpensive and pitching great, at least at home.
Kerry Wood. Hey, maybe make him pitching coach. The current guy isn't any help.
James Russell. I like his makeup in the bullpen and he's been really solid.
Sean Marshall. Maybe he can be re-converted into a starting pitcher. Great arm, great attitude, only 29, lefthanded.
Starlin Castro. At 21, he can only get better, and he's one of the few worth watching.
Darwin Barney. I like the way he plays the game; on a better team, he'd be an outstanding utility infielder.
Reed Johnson. Another good clubhouse guy, he's great off the bench and an excellent team leader.
The rest of the team: trade them for whatever you can get. Yes, including Geovany Soto, Marlon Byrd and Carlos Marmol, all of whom have some value on the trade market. I like Byrd, especially, for his attitude and hustle, but it's time to get some value for him. If you can't get anything, just eat the money and release them. That sounds ridiculous, but I am dead serious. This team has to start over, and if that means putting a bunch of minor leaguers on the field the rest of the year, so be it. At least those guys would appreciate being in the major leagues, something that appears at times to be lacking from some players currently on the major league roster. This may not be literally true, but it appears that way and how long can this team continue to charge these prices to see this kind of performance on the field?
It's beyond embarrassing. Do it. And while you're at it, Tom, get rid of this minor league coaching staff. They are so far over their heads -- it's just as embarrassing to see Mike Quade yell and scream at an umpire and get nowhere. Today, 2B umpire Derryl Cousins looked at Quade arguing with him and Cousins' body language screamed out, "What is this amateur coach doing on this field yelling at me?"
Tom Ricketts, I know you're not a George Steinbrenner type owner who yells and screams and throws things and I wouldn't want you to be that. I know you are trying to build a first-class organization and your improvements in the scouting department and this year's draft and international signings point to a bright future for the Cubs.
But at some point, you've got to be as embarrassed as we are angry and do something drastic. It's time to do that, I believe.
The Sun-Times' Rick Telander's most recent column had some things to say about various sports personages and teams, including the Cubs:
I was asked by a radio host the other day whether I stood by my long-repeated statement that the Cubs won’t win a World Series in my lifetime. I immediately said yes.
I said it was all actuarial. I’m 62, and I first thought the Cubs were going to win it all 42 years ago, in 1969, when I was a college sophomore and before Santo, Banks, Williams and pals expired in the August heat. But say I’ve got two good decades ahead of me, maybe even three. In fact, let’s say I’m an outlier and make it to 102. Forty more years.
That’s nothing! That’s less than 40 percent of the time the Cubs already have gone without winning a championship.
It’s math, for God’s sake!
I'm only seven years younger than Telander. I felt the same way he did 42 years ago. And 27 years ago, in 1984, and in 1989, and in 2003 and 2007 and 2008. But I am beginning to wonder, unless massive and drastic changes are made, whether the Cubs will ever win a World Series in my lifetime. I've been the most optimistic Cubs fan there is, for a very long time. But I have begun to despair of ever seeing the Cubs win it all. I'm starting to doubt they can.
So blow it up, Tom Ricketts. And if Jim Hendry won't do it, you're going to have to find someone else who will, or just do it yourself. Really, how much worse could new players do than this team did in losing 13-5 to the Cardinals on Saturday after taking a 5-0 lead, the 33rd time -- and fourth time on this road trip -- they have lost a game after having a lead.
Want more? The Cubs today had only two baserunners (Barney reaching on an error in the fifth, and Byrd's weird-bounce double in the ninth) after that first inning. Even getting that third hit screwed something up -- it could have been a very rare feat (five runs on two hits); instead, it's a little less rare, one of 73 such games in MLB history. Teams doing that are 56-17 in those games. Naturally, the Cubs are one of the 17.
That's somehow fitting for the Cubs, isn't it?
Enough already. Blow it up. This is unwatchable, unbelievable and completely unacceptable.
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What do you really think, Al?
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
why no mention of Ramirez or Soriano?
by Mike the ex cub fan on Jul 30, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought it was obvious.
Those are guys I don’t want back.
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I had it back in April this year, early May last year
You offer details on the roster but let us start with blowing up the front office. Get started with designing and hiring real talent in the front office and then allow them to work out the details regarding the on field talent. That would mean there is a plan, not a move but a plan.
The plan must be to field the type of players who have game changing talent in the best positions. The plan is not merely going out and desperately signing the next FA of fancy, it means building a team
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Jul 31, 2011 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Today was truly sickening.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Yes, it was.
It’s time to blow it up.
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Something has to give. I can not imagine no changes before the end of the season.
I hate knee jerk reactions, but this is the ideal time for one: Fire just about everyone and pretend you are an expansion team?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
This isn't a knee-jerk.
Doing this three months ago would have been a knee-jerk. Now, it’s needed.
This team is playing WORSE than an expansion team. So it’s time to get some new blood in here.
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My point exactly.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
It is a little knee jerk.
It’s not a big secret that the Cubs of 2011 suck.
by SenorGato on Jul 30, 2011 7:04 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
its almost as low as the day that
Cedeno got out at 2nd on a walk. Its pretty close.
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 30, 2011 8:29 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The organization...
…is broken, in many ways and this is what you get, when you let something broken, stay broken.
I’m all for trading whoever you can right now, but the real dynamite has to be placed at the very top of the baseball org at seasons end. Just trading a bunch of guys now, will be meaningless if the same joker is allowed to run the show.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jul 30, 2011 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 11 recs
Outstanding !!
…but the real dynamite has to be placed at the very top of the baseball org…
Rec’d
Just win the next game...!
Couldn't even listen after the eight run in the fifth
by Badger_in_Utah on Jul 30, 2011 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
After a good night's sleep, I still feel ill
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 3:50 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Me too.
Although some of the sick is caused by seeing that some of the people here seem to be finding joy in this simply because they can say “I told you so.” Like they are enjoying seeing everyone miserable. It’s kinda pathetic. I suppose if that make them happy….
Fasten those seat belts...
I deleted a long rant about the "I told you so" posts...
…just in the nick of time.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 8:37 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You know where the "joy" comes from?
it comes from the idea that maybe, finally, this organization is going to stop deluding itself and its fanbase and begin the long and difficult work of building a contender.
Instead of wasting our lives throwing BS at the wall to see what sticks.
Every year that the Hendry koolaid drinkers have gotten their way has meant another year of goofing around before we can even START to build a solid baseball organization.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
"Gotten their way"?
You mean optimists are responsible for him keeping his job?
I don’t buy that.
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Exactly.
Just because we try to see the positive side of a situation doesn’t mean we caused it (or even that we like the situation). We just want to hope for the best.
At least that’s how I feel. I realize it’s out of my control so I choose to look for the bright side. Now that a bright side is very hard to find even for the most optimistic, it simply means things are really really bad. Why this fills some of the pessimists with glee I will never understand.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 31, 2011 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Maybe I can help you understand.
have you ever watched “intervention”? Or watched someone you love make the same terrible mistakes in their life, over and over, with entirely predictable results?
In those cases, the people close to the struggling person can either help break their cycle of bad decisions, or continue to enable and coddle.
Here, as fans, we are almost powerless to impart any kind of change on the Cubs. They continue to make terrible decisions and reward the bad decision-makers. With, again, entirely predictable results.
So, as a powerless fan, you are left with 2 choices. The first is to be blindly optimistic — maybe these guys will finally make good decisions now! Maybe everything will work out!! Even as you know that a good result is massively unlikely. You can waste decades with this kind of fandom.
Or, you can say “you know what? Serious change is needed in order to move forward.” and here we are, with a serious chance that the team will make the kind of sweeping changes we’ve been hoping for. It IS a joyful thing to see a person, (or an organization) that you low hit rock bottom and make serious changes for the better.
Or I guess you can whine about it, and say everyone else loves losing and just wants to say “I told you so.”
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I don't think you understand my point either.
And I really don’t know how to explain it.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 31, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
That's not at all what D98 is saying
And the realists aren’t responsible for the Cubs losing.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 31, 2011 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what it sounds like he is saying.
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Do you really think that's what he is saying?
If Hendry gets the axe, the realists get what they want. They get “their way”. Do you think that we’re the ones doing the firing?
C’mon, Al.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 31, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I like how the the pessimists have garnered themselves with the name "realists"
We'll all miss you Ron.
by alkappy on Jul 31, 2011 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
We are realists....could see reality for a long time....
You of course have your head in the sand and defend these losers everyday.
You would think your job would be hard. I guess its easier when you pretend they are good.
How very arrogant of you.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 1:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
TJ arrogant?
never!
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 31, 2011 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think there is such a thing as a realist Cubs fan.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 31, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
How is being pessimistic about a season like this not a realistic approach?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Have you watched this team for the last 2 years?
maybe you’d be happier in the “alternate reality- what went right” thread.
At some point, we have to stop planning the victory parade and look at what is actually happening.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I certainly don't need to explain myself to you
But I have been realistic. Hell, if anything else, I’ve been OPTIMISTIC because I went on record in April calling this a 78 to 84 win team.
I love how people snark and make up a huge group of people. Stuff it, kappy.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 31, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I actually didn't intend this to be directed at you, I don't think you're a pessimist at all
it just happened to be your comment that had the “realist” name in it. But alas, I suppose it is too late for that seeing as I should “stuff it”, my bad SB.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Apologies for the last line
I shouldn’t have added it. I should probably ignore baseball for a few days…
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 31, 2011 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Come on, Al. You know I wouldn't say that.
it’s not “tiger town”. We aren’t affecting the cubs’ fate by sheer force of will.
I’m saying that there are a lot of people here who have defended Hendry and advocated for him staying on as GM. And every year, the status quo is maintained by the Cubs, so they’ve gotten what they wished for.
And every year that the status quo is maintained is another wasted year of our lives. Year One for the Cubs will come when they finally break this cycle of the same mistakes, by the same group of men, year after year.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
On that (breaking the cycle of mistakes), I agree.
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Thanks.
It’s time. Someone has to take dramatic action. This is beyond embarrassing.
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unfortunately, what do we do with the likes of Soriano?
eat $40 million? I don’t see that happening anywhere.
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
Yes, eat it.
Because what difference will it make? He cannot help this team for the rest of the life of the contract. It is a sunk cost. Just dump him. There has to be a minor league player who can play better. Has to be.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 30, 2011 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
if it happens I would be amazed
Probably go down as the craziest thing ever done in Cubs history.
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
It would be, I believe, the largest contract ever eaten.
But it has to be done.
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although Bobby Bonilla probably is laughing right now
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
and here inlies my issue with keeping Hendry the last few weeks
Do you really want him making decisions now when there is a pretty good chance he’ll be gone after the season?
Remember decisions are not only the moves that are made but the moves that are not made.
Just win the next game...!
Cubs get blown out tomorrow - the Cubs get swept...
Quade gets fired Sunday night, Hendry gets blown out at the end of the season. Get rid of these Cubs and get somebody in here who knows something about BASEBALL. Enough is enough. Even the Astros are laughing at us. Let’s move on. PLEASE!!
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
you have to think if the Cards crush us tomorrow Quade would get axed
but in Cubworld, he’ll probably get a raise
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
It would take...
…about a 20 game losing streak for Quade to get axed during the season.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
even then, he'd probably get an extension
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
keep dreaming...
because it won’t happen….
Hendry has his blueprint for 2012 as a contender…
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
TJ, this act is old.
Get some new material.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 31, 2011 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions 8 recs
Whether I agree or not is irrelevant.
It’s repeating the same tired old material over and over that I don’t care for.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 31, 2011 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Then I am asking you a question.
If Hendry sits on his hands today and does not trade these untouchable players, when we know teams are asking for them, should Hendry still have a job?
Does "blow it up" answer your question?
Or are you just wanting Hendry fired to satisfy your urges to “do something”?
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Hendry in my opinion should not be the one leading this team forward....
His inaction when people want our sorry players again proves this.
Telling other teams so many of our players on this horrid team are unavailable are making a joke team a laughing stock for MLB.
He's not going to get it, Al
I readily admit that there are things that I’ve posted that I shouldn’t have. So I’m really reluctant to say anything like this. But, as someone else pointed out in another thread, there are a couple of posters that have become legends in their own minds and are just looking for attention.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 31, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Amen!
This is beyond frustrating, beyond embarrassing, beyond laughable, cute, or any other adjective used by asshats who think this funny,
"Go Cubs!"
I think it's kinda funny.
Not much else to do but laugh.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
by shoemile on Jul 30, 2011 6:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Chicago Cubs Limbo! How low can they go?
Kind of like the Dave Wannstedt era Bears. Watching them lose is more fun than watching them win at this point.
Please....
I wanted to scrub the 90’s Bears from my brain. Erik Kramer…………………………….Dave Krieg…………………………………….Rick Mirer………..god they were awful
Wannstedt would make an excellent coach for either lower Pop Warner or possibly junior varsity Middle School team.
Cacti are prickly.
by crackedcactus on Jul 30, 2011 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions
You really want to blame Erik Kramer? The two years he was healthy he
threw for over 3000 yds. Sadly, few Bear QBs in history can say that.
A-freaking-men, Al...
I tweeted roughly that same thought when they went up 5-0, then headed out to take care of an errand. I wasn’t shocked to see them down when I returned, but could not believe how it happened. Scratch that, I can believe it, just because this team raises “playing badly” to a new level of absurdity, game in and game out.
And it looks like we have another two months of this to come because management is being too picky about making deals.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/CBB rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jul 30, 2011 6:23 PM CDT reply actions
They need to stop being picky.
NOW.
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rec this or youre a damn commie
but no marshall in the rotation, please
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
It was just a suggestion.
But I’d still keep him.
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Al has seen the light.
Now the rest of you koolaid drinkers might finally see you are drinking poison served by Jim “jones” Hendry.
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 30, 2011 6:24 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 4 recs
My clicky click turned this green.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I am proud to be a KoolAid drinker. But I am not a complete fool.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 4:20 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 5 recs
I'm a Kool-Aide drinker as well...
most of the time, but at some point all the wishing and thinking happy thoughts so Tinkerbelle will live just don’t cut it…
Fire Jim Hendry... out of a cannon...
Why in gods name would you want to be a koolaid drinker?
You are basically choosing to not live in reality?
You can have hope and still have a grasp of the possible.
This world needs to less “Magical Thinking.”
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 31, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
To Each Their Own
Me, I get more enjoyment out of hoping for the best when it comes to the Cubs. In about every other aspect of my life I’m a pretty rational guy but when it comes to baseball and sports in general I like dipping my toes in the irrationality pool. If that makes me a koolaid drinker so be it. If I followed the team any other way I’d probably burn myself out on the game.
by wallrock on Jul 31, 2011 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
The day I stop being a koolaid drinker
is the day I stop being a Cubs fan. There is some degree of faith & loyalty in being a Cubs fan. It doesn’t mean I am not being realistic. I want to believe. This team has made it nearly impossible to do so. I suppose if TR doesn’t pull his head out of the nether regions, and do something drastic in October. I will be much less excited for Cubs baseball next spring.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 31, 2011 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd only keep three guys at this point
Castro
Soto
Garza
Even then, I’d be sorely tempted if a team offered a package for Garza or Soto that was equivalent to their worth.
2012 is going to suck, isn’t it?
Soto, yes.
Garza, no. Good starting pitchers are really tough to find.
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I'd rate Soto over Garza
Good starting pitchers are hard to find, but good catchers are really hard to find.
Plus, I get the feeling that Garza will never have more trade value. He’s young at 27, is under team control for two years, and he would be having a fantastic year if he were playing on a better team. He’s on pace to blow his career high in WAR out of the water, plus his FIP and xFIP have been really, really good. He could conceivably net a package built around something like Martin/Profar from the Rangers.
by Outshined_One on Jul 30, 2011 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
You could say the same things about Soto's trade value.
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I could
But I have more faith in this team’s ability to develop a player on Garza’s level than I do when it comes to developing a player on Soto’s level.
by Outshined_One on Jul 30, 2011 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
development immediately gets stunted in this organization
especially at the Major league level. Riggins cannot coach, Quade is apparently clueless. Who is the bench coach even? Who works with the fielders? DeJesus? then he needs to go to.
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
He's fat and he sucks!
I’m sick and tired of watching that tub of lard stare at fastballs right down the middle!
I'll put it this way
All catchers in MLB this season: .243/.315/.380/.695
All catchers in the NL this season: .249/.322/.382/.704
Geovany Soto: .241/.328/.404/.732
Even when Soto’s having a down year, he’s still an above average hitter for a catcher.
by Outshined_One on Jul 30, 2011 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
The vast majority of those catchers are better defensively...
And don’t constantly drop balls on plays at the plate.
Want to guess who leads the majors in caught stealings this season at catcher?
There are better defensive catchers out there, but Soto’s actually pretty good.
by Outshined_One on Jul 30, 2011 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Check that, National League
My point still stands.
by Outshined_One on Jul 30, 2011 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
i dont know what
all those numbers mean ,but he has only 29 rbis, he stinks
by Mike the ex cub fan on Jul 30, 2011 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Recommended.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:
Soto is in the 2nd tier of catchers—right behind Mauer and McCann—in most valuable catchers in MLB. He is worth keeping, or getting a bucketful of value in a trade.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
He's barely in the second tier of a staggeringly mediocre group.
he’s also getting older, getting pricier, and his replacement os ops-ing .950 or so in AAA.
If there’s any kind of return available, take it and don’t look back.
Even if Castillo busts out, you can find another guy to post league average catcher numbers anywhere.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Well, WOW Al. I think you' ve had enough.
As have I. Bottom line is a world series. Everything this year is a dead end road for a lost team. I think you just made the only reasonable solution to this non-GPS team.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Jul 30, 2011 6:25 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Yes.
I have had enough. BLOW IT UP.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 30, 2011 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Without exclamation points.
And without repeatedly posting “Ricketts approves”.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 31, 2011 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don't understand why you want to keep Zambrano.
I’m sick of his attitude, and while his talent is apparent, he’s someone that can be replaced. I’d throw James Russell in that same boat. Left handed relievers like him are replaceable.
Other than that, I agree. At this point, while it’s not 100% his fault at all — fire Mike Quade. Make some type of statement that you are watching this pathetic team.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Some kind of statement has to be made, and soon.
I made suggestions. Others could have different ideas. But SOMETHING has to be done, NOW.
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Get rid of Zambrano...
Before his arm completely craps out and he’s DONE! Heck, he’s only 30 and barely touches 90 anymore.
He was in the low to mid 90's in his last start.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Why get rid of Zambrano. You have to think with how he used to blow up, maybe it was a symptom of this team and not him?
He is a competitor and doesn’t like the guys slacking off behind him.
by ubercubsfan on Jul 30, 2011 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sounds very dramatic....
While I expect dramatic move, I’m afraid Tok won’t gray your request.
So that was the worst something in the history of baseball EVER? Woooooooow! Whoooooa! :wide eyed and full of wonder:
by SenorGato on Jul 30, 2011 6:26 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Please tell me you are under the age of 21.
Because empty comments like this make me wonder:
So that was the worst something in the history of baseball EVER? Woooooooow! Whoooooa! :wide eyed and full of wonder:
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
I was hoping everyone would just ignore him.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 30, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Just go on and ban him
hes nothing but a condescending prick to everyone on this board and shows zero respect.
"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
by DTJchris on Jul 30, 2011 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 17 recs
Unlike the fine people
who call him a condescending prick, huh?
In a world of TJ’s, NBF’s, and BLous, THIS is the guy you want to ban for outrageous behavior?
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Jul 30, 2011 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 8 recs
Wow....
Tok won’t gray your request….yep.
by SenorGato on Jul 30, 2011 6:43 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I always reply to comments like these with...
“The baby looked at you?”
Chief WIggum from The Simpsons, don’tcha know…
I'd keep Marmol
But basically yes all the veterans are expendible. Been avoiding the site all summer but I think its time for a major rebuild.
The one semi-intelligent thing the FOX twins said today...
was “why would the Cubs deem Marmol untouchable?” The Cubs are “so far away” from contending right now, that they would deal him in a New York minute…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Carpenter can close.
Marmol is a good arm — has trade value. Let’s get some while he still has it.
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and too big of a head case
see ya later Marmol!!
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
I don't like the Fox broadcast team.
But they were spot-on in saying the Cubs are “so far away”.
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It was their moment of clarity in an otherwise unlistenable broadcast...
Seriously, common sense dictates that you blow this thing up. There’s only so many times Hendry can come out and say, “Hey, were only 1-2 moves away from being competitive.” Time for sweeping changes. Speaking of sweeps, a good first step would be getting rid of Quade after the Cards sweep us tomorrow…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
That would say alot and
he can take Jimbo with him , Something has to be done !!
McCarver kind of forgot the Dallas Green era existed when he said the 60s
of Santo, Hubbs, Williams, Kessinger was the only time the Cub minor league system produced any players of value. Just an idiot.
WOW AL!
I never thought I’d see this from you!
I have been crying like this for three years! You have finally been forced to the DARK SIDE!!!!
Unfortunately, there are not an abundance of major-league ready players in our farm system. Most of all is the absence of any top flight arms.
The whole organization just is a big pile of shit, I’m sorry to say, and it will not get much better next year with the talent they have.
There are enough decent players in the Cubs system...
… to give some hope. But the current players give none. Make changes NOW. At least it would be more interesting to watch than this pathetic bunch.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 30, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I could buy in...
but other than McNutt, we have not much going on with pitchers.
Excellent write-up, Al...
I’m 23, I doubt they’ll win a world series in my lifetime. This team is pathetic, isn’t it?
I think the Cubs will win a World Series in 50 years.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Great. I'll be 106 and gumming my malt-o-meal by then.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
ye old bleed cubbie blue of 1951 thought the same thing
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
61 rather
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Back then it was a mimeographed chain news letter you got in the mail.
In-game threads were a MESS.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Blow it up
They need to trade anyone they can and eat some money to just get rid of some of the others. They have to get rid of Quade im tired of his pathetic managing and quotes and not holding players accountable,
by nkniacc13 on Jul 30, 2011 6:29 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Now.
I need to get away from the computer for a while and have some dinner. I will be back later. Have at it.
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Good decision to eat AFTER watching the game.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
I feel better now after dinner.
But still, BLOW IT UP.
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If Quade blames part of this game on the umpires
I think I might not watch another game this season.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
All I can say is...
This Cubs team is the worst fundamental team I have seen in my 48 years as a Cubs fan. They don’t cover bases properly, they don’t do good situational hitting, their fielding is atrocious, they don’t work counts and take pitches (with a couple of exceptions, notably Pena); they don’t throw strikes, they don’t challenge hitters, they don’t have pitchers with good enough repertoires to get major league hitters out on a consistent basis
THIS THIS….a zillion times THIS!
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
by eswan9 on Jul 30, 2011 6:32 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Blow it up real good...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 30, 2011 6:34 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
I don't get it...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 1:28 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It's from an old skit from SCTV
of a couple hicks (Big Jim McBob and Billy Sol Hurok) that host a show called Farm Film Report. Here is an example. Usually they had a guest on it that they blow up real good.
Fasten those seat belts...
But I thought major market teams can't start over. Which aging veterans can the Cubs
bring in to fill the spots vacated by aging veterans?
I’m all for blowing it up too. Was before the season even began. Marmol is now worth something less than he was before the season and he was the only guy then I thought could bring much in a trade.
The Cubs are the worst major market team in Sports.
Maybe the Redskins and Knicks can debate that title, but I can’t figure out how this team can have so much on the payroll and not have ONE elite player on the roster. Please folks, do not tell me Starlin Castro is elite.
Yes, Hendry has made some good moves in the past. But at this point, those moves don’t mean anything. The Ramirez trade was great. He got Derrek Lee for Choi, which was fantastic, but this trade was done 7 years ago. Lee was a vital member of the team but he’s gone. The Harden trade was fantastic in 2008. Not so much after.
We aren’t the Red Sox, we certainly aren’t the Yankees. We are the Bengals of the MLB with a bigger market and payroll. Significant moves need to made — NOW.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
fewer blotter alerts, but yeah
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
I still believe the Clippers are the worst major market team
They lose, nobody cares. It’s obvious we care.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Back up the truck.
And get some of these clowns out of here, starting with Quade.
I was bumming when I turned on Fox and saw LAA-DET here in Minnesota. Briefly.
Yes, write Soriano a check and show him the exit. See if anyone in the American League wants Ramirez for a DH. His defense is gone. Byrd and Marmol might bring something, just drop-kick the rest of them.
I’ve been at this just a couple years longer than you, and this year is a study in futility. No matter how low the bar gets set, this team finds a way to crawl under it.
Enough.
bad team
Jim hendry’s fault. Not gonna be much cause for hope until he’s gone.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
by shoemile on Jul 30, 2011 6:39 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I understand Ricketts wants to build
from within and develop the farm system. If that’s the case then how besides the draft do you improve it but by making trades when you are out of the rqce and have no chance. THE CUBS HAVE NO CHANCE THIS YEAR. Take calls make trades clear payroll even if you have to eat a bunch of money and get younger and find out what you have with some of you minor league players.
I refuse to watch another game
Until Ricketts shows he has the balls to do something dramatic. Otherwise, I’m DONE—this year or next. Enough already Tom, you’ve lost one of the most loyal fanbases in baseball.
by DCCubsFan on Jul 30, 2011 6:40 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 8 recs
I agree with
you Al. They definitely need to BLOW THIS TEAM UP! Also blow the management up as well…………starting with Kenney, Hendry, on down to the coaches, who don’t know the first thing about coaching. Get rid of these dudes NOW!
The Cubs organization is beyond embarrassment. TR DO THE RIGHT THING!
by Swoosie on Jul 30, 2011 6:40 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Well Al you definetly hit the old nail on the head.
I think the comment you made about fundamentals is probably the aspect of this team that rails me the most. They constantly make wrong baseball decisions, mental and physical.
The only player I disagree with is Barney I would try to move him also. He could snag a good player in return.
I watched the top of the first and the Cubs put up a 5 spot. Had to go to Mass. I get out of Mass and say to myself I bet the score of the game is 8-6 Cards. It was 7-5 when I got home. One hit after the first inning and Kyle Loshe is pitching.
This team is fried. I know firing GM’s and managers at this point of the season is not the norm. But I truly think Ricketts needs to consider doing this. They both need to go especially after the comments by Hendry today in the paper. " A couple acquisitions some of the young players improve, we will be right back in it" Really Jim.
mental and physical
This roster “should” at least be able to play a competitive game with little mistakes. Tip of the cap losses. As they are now, I cant help but think that there is such a disconnect in the clubhouse – between players, between players and manager, manager and ownership, players and ownership. Quotes in the reports lead me to believe this. These are mental losses.
A GM with nobody available for trade? At some point Ricketts must feel some sense of responsibility to his investment. I say trade who you can now but get rid of this coaching staff even sooner.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Jul 30, 2011 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Jim Hendry is delusional
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 30, 2011 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey Cubbies...
Fire Jim Hendry... out of a cannon...
by Endrick on Jul 30, 2011 6:43 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
I always thought about being that guy
next time I go to a Cubs game….I made make people cry….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
in non-cubs news
seems like ubaldo is heading to cleveland
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
In non Cubs and non baseball news
The Philly Eagles have signed every free agent available and have officially won the Lombardi trophy.
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08
LBJ is setting up the celebration
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Mike Quade to
run the team on the sidelines
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
7:13pm: Jimenez is currently out in the bullpen and warming up to pitch against the Padres according to Renck (on Twitter), so the deal is not completely done yet.
wha
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Also non cubs news
Looks like Washington to aquire Denard Span fron Twins. Storen maybe in deal going back to Twins
You mean a steal for the Nationals?
They are getting a 4.0+ war player for a RELIEF PITCHER. Granted, Storen is about as sure as they come, but this is clearly a steal for the Nats. Second time they have duped the Twins in as many years. Last year it was Capps for Ramos.
Marquis to the Diamondbacks..
Orioles looking to move DLee…
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
In about 198 days pitchers and catchers will report for 2012 spring training.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I was optimistic about next year.
I don’t know if I’m foolish for that or not yet.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
A 2013 or 2014 spring training countdown would be too depressing
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 4:33 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I had the same thought. Sad isn't it?
It is a sobering reminder of what it is to be a Cubs fan in the second decade of the 21st Century that, when the Cubs took a 5-0 lead in the first inning of Saturday afternoon’s game in St. Louis, my very first thought was, “How are they going to blow this?”
"Go Cubs!"
Kinda like the fight or flight response built into our DNA...
Cub fans are coded for “how are we gonna snatch defeat from the jaws of victory?”
Plus Dempster handles pressure SO well...
…on the other hand, he does a “hilarious” Harry Caray impression…that’s gotta be worth at least 25-30 million right there.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 30, 2011 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions
The saddest part is
It’s not a matter of if they’ll loose 100 games this years, but how many games OVER 100 will they loose this year…
Fire Jim Hendry... out of a cannon...
So far...
The season isn’t over yet…
I have faith they can go on a 15 game loosing streak
Fire Jim Hendry... out of a cannon...
Don't tell Quade
He still thinks we can contend.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 30, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that fact is the only thing saving his job
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 30, 2011 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Draft signing deadline August 16
He should be gone on the 17th.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
It appears they're headed to the worst year in club history.
If that’s what it takes to blow it up, then blow it up.
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Al, I'm only 15, and I'm worried if they'll ever win in MY life time
by braziliancubsfan on Jul 30, 2011 6:55 PM CDT reply actions
My grandfather died in May 2009.
I’m glad he no longer has to watch the Cubs. This team would probably kill him.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Not much.
Just sick and tired of the same old, same old from the Cubs. How about you, VCF?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
My thoughts exactly.
Thank God he doesn’t have to watch this from the booth. I feel sorry for Pat.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
My brother died 10 years ago.
My grandfathers are both gone. My dad isn’t getting any younger. in the last 10 years I have completely lost my tolerance for the Mickey mouse, half assed method this team chooses to run its front office. Thank god Al has finally come around. If we’d wised up and replaced Hendry 3 years ago, we could be 3 years into this rebuild by now.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Jul 30, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
you are deluded. they'll never win
yes..my spirit is broken
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
Same here
I’m 20. I have hope they squeak one or two out. Maybe i’m just naive.
I said that when I was 20, too...I'm 53 now...'nuff said.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Maybe
But I see no point in leading a pessimistic lifestyle while following the team I love. Does no good for me or anybody else. I for one like what the Rickett’s are doing from within so far, assuming they recycle team management this off-season. Both you and Al haven’t had any decent owners your can look back on and say “hey, we should have won it all under this guy.”
They need to change the philosophy.
it all really depends on Ricketts. He may be the constant for the rest of your cub-watching life. And if he’s cool with this, look out below.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
As I said
I don’t need him to be a fire-breathing George Steinbrenner… just someone who will take decisive action when needed.
It’s needed now.
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I have a couple of 19 year olds
that I warped into being Cubs fans. I hope they do squeak one or two out for you too.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 31, 2011 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
I said that too .... over 3 decades ago
My dad joked about it when I was your age. This was the late 70’s and other than the glimpse of greatness in only the 1st half of 1977, and of course the killer 1969, there was nothing in my lifetime to be happy about regarding the Cubs.
My dad was born 3 years after the last WS title. He died in 1997. With what ended up being only a few weeks for him to live and him barely able to talk, a few tears started to build up in his eyes as he said to me, “son, I’m never going to see the Cubs win a World Series”. It was the day the Cubs lost their 14th straight to open the 1997 season, when I visited him in the hospital. Other than the loss of my mom a couple years earlier, that was probably his saddest day. He would have been 100 years old this October.
He and I were always diehard Cubs & Hawks fans. So when the Hawks broke their 49-year drought, I visited my parents graves a few days later and said, “One down, one to go. Wish me luck”. I gotta wonder too now as being at the half-century mark myself.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2011 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
With what ended up being only a few weeks for him to live and him barely able to talk, a few tears started to build up in his eyes as he said to me, "son, I’m never going to see the Cubs win a World Series".
That’s really, really sad.
Unfortunately, I see myself saying that when my time is up. My optimism is nearly gone.
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Optimism
I have seen a lot of Cubs teams since 1960 and this team certainly rivals some of the worst. I agree wiith Al about “blowing it up” but unfortunately I don’t see Ricketts doing that anytime soon. He seems to bought into Hendry’s “plan” and until he gets rid of Hendry and hires a proven winner as GM the Cubs are doomed to repeat the same mistakes in 2012. But I will always be a Cubs fan and I will be there in SF in a couple of weeks with my gear on to show my support. Hope to see many Cubs fans there again this year.
wccubfan
This team is bad, bad, bad
At this rate, the only ones watching this crap team in September is going to be the seagulls.
by Chi-Fed on Jul 30, 2011 7:01 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Wow, wow, wow!
This team is SO EMBARRASSING.
Most High School teams are more fun to watch than this group!
I really feel bad for all the Cub fans across the country.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 30, 2011 7:01 PM CDT reply actions
Wow Al.
I knew, from our text message conversation, that something was coming in the recap. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen this kind of candor from a head blogger at SB Nation. Well said. I don’t know how you watch this team day in and day out. I couldn’t do it.
How long will Ricketts just sit there and think everything is all fine and good? He is losing one of the most loyal fanbases in the country.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 7:10 PM CDT reply actions
I think Ricketts is in the bunker right now...
…getting info on how good things are from his boy Crane Kenney.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 30, 2011 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope not.
This cannot be sugarcoated any more.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Nothing to see here.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 30, 2011 7:10 PM CDT reply actions 13 recs
this is cubs management at its finest
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
God, that's SO perfect
It feels good to laugh again
by bluekoolaide on Jul 30, 2011 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Know what the good news is?
the players keep making premium money for sub-par results and we the fans get the privilege of continuing to pay outrageous ticket prices for mediocrity.
What a deal!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 30, 2011 7:11 PM CDT reply actions
I think I would too!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Jul 30, 2011 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Not me
Mediocrity would just assure that Ricketts would be able to continue sitting om his hands. At least this trainwreck carries a slight glimmer of hope that changes will be made and, God knows…we need CHANGES from top to bottom.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 30, 2011 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions
130 million...
…and this is what you get?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
You have to do what others did.
Stop going.
… we the fans get the privilege of continuing to pay outrageous ticket prices for mediocrity.
Right now I’d settle for mediocrity. This whole organization sucks.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2011 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
You wanna know what really pissed me off?
Maybe someone already mentioned this, if so I apologize. When that SOB Holiday came to bat the next time after going spikes high with that cheap shot on Castro, he wasn’t laying in the batters box writhing in pain from a 90 MPH fastball to the ribs…after that I quit watching, so maybe something did happen later, I’m not sure.
This team is embarrassing. Candy asses. Poor Castro had not one guy stand up for him.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
I couldn't believe it either
Or maybe I could. It’s like last week when Campana chased a flyball into OUR bullpen and none of our pitchers (including the sainted Kerry Wood) could be bothered to move their butts to get out of the way.
This is a team that quit a long time ago. Pride, etc., is simply not a factor for these overpaid bozos.
by bluekoolaide on Jul 30, 2011 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions
FTFY
It’s like last week when Campana chased booted a flyball into OUR bullpen
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08
by Fukudometer on Jul 31, 2011 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly!
That was ALL Campana’s blunder, but no one wants to watch the replay. Should have had it in his glove on the first bounce.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 31, 2011 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not saying we should go looking for a fight
lord knows the cubs would swing a fist at their opponent and miss, but for nobody to step up for Castro, I found that pitiful.
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
Puny little Greg Maddux woulda buried one right in Phat Albert's ribs...
…“you try to hurt our best player, we’ll go after yours.”
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Easy Ed on Jul 30, 2011 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Here's the real scary part...
A .302 hitter with a .330 OBP, 3 HR, 44 RBI and poor defense is our best player. Blow it up!
I am confident...
…That Holiday or Dumb Albert will be plunked at some point in the future.
I enjoy this website because it's so interesting to see folks pole vaulting over mouse turds.
Why wait? Revenge is a dish best served NOW.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Don Drysdale is rolling over in his grave
Castro has to be wondering, why give your all if nobody is going to stick up for you?
They probably did try to bean him
but missed.
The way our soft-tossing lefty (Russell) was throwing...
…even if he did hit him, it wouldn’t have hurt. He had the velocity of a BP session…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
He looked like he was throwing in the mid-80's...
As soon as I saw his sweeping left-handed delivery, I knew there was no way he was going to try to hit him…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
I'm exaggerating, of course, but he was completely uninterested in coming inside...
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
I was listening on Sirius XM during that at-bat
and I’m not sure who was doing the broadcast (It might have been a Fox Sports radio duo) and they mentioned that they were surprised that Holliday didn’t seen an inside pitch.
The guy even went so far to say that while they might not do it right now, if this series ends without Holliday being thrown at, it shows that the Cubs have checked out for the season and they aren’t even trying anymore. I thought it was interesting that a guy who wasn’t someone who had seen the Cubbies for the whole year, was able to see the lack of caring after five innings of play.
This team is really bad. The fact that Jim likes it so much he’s basically going to keep it together is just preposterous.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Jul 30, 2011 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions
would you rather
It sound like hendry doesn’t want to trade anyone that he can. Would you rather pay a bunch of money on someone these contracts and get very little in return or if any are claimed in Aug you let them go for nothing. I doubt any get claimed but what would you rather have?
The part that bothers me the most
is Hendry’s statement that so many of the players currently on the team will be there next year because they’re vital to the team. As far as I’m concerned 90% of those currently on the team wouldn’t be missed. Al, I’ve been a Cub fan for 60 years and I’ve heard the same script for most of those years concerning getting younger, and guess what, I don’t ever remember getting younger to the extent a team like the Twins do. It’s always we’re going to build up the farm system. How many times over the years have you heard that? Too many. I’m sick of what we’re going to do and never do! No matter what, it never happens. We will go out and sign several old washed up stars on their last legs and hope for the best. I’m fed up with this team and organization. Then another ridiculous part of the Cubs organization are the ticket prices. Who in the hell would pay $81.00 to sit in the bleachers to watch anyone play the Cubs! Not meant to be condescending, but $81.00 is a lot of money to me.
by Saratoga on Jul 30, 2011 7:22 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Exactly...$81 is ALOT of many to most average fans...
people wanna have Tom Ricketts listen…STOP GOING TO THE GAMES…believe me…he’ll hear you loud and clear.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Easy Ed on Jul 30, 2011 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have been to 2 games this year
AND THEY WERE IN LA!!
Id rather give my fricken money to McCourt. Go piss in the wind Cubs.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Someone needs to make an Internet video parody of the Reagan statement to Gorbachov...
“Mr. Ricketts…tear down this team!” Signed: Every Cub Fan in the Universe. If it goes viral, maybe a local station gives it some airplay. Am guessing rates in Chicago would be too steep for a spot buy. Heck…it might qualify as a PSA (public service announcement).
by bob9550 on Jul 30, 2011 7:24 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Pathetic.
I am on here quite a bit reading the comments, I just never post that often. But after watching the game today, I just can’t take this anymore. This might be the worst Cubs team I have ever seen. I am 42 and a life long Cubs fan. Al, I totally agree with everything you said above. In fact my Dad was here watching the game with me and during that dreadful 5th inning I said the exact same thing to him. It is time to get rid of everybody. Plus I also gotta say, why the hell haven’t we dumped more than Kosuke Fukudome? Dump the players, the coaches, and the GM.
Great! We get faced by the St. Louis-biased Fox broadcast team on Saturday...
and can look forward to more abuse from the ESPN jackals on Sunday. As if being a fan of this team isn’t punishment enough. And we get to do it in St. Louis. In the heat! Can it GET any better? (with apologies to Chandler Bing)
I'd get rid of Demp, Z, Garza, Wood and Russell too.
The others on your list I would prefer like to keep. But at this point I don’t really care.
Fasten those seat belts...
I'd keep Castro, Russell and Garza...
the others may be dismissed, tho.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
I like how you took 25 minutes to think it over
it shows you actually mulled it over, and realized that, upon further review, this team probably couldn’t even compete in AAA.
Realistically you are NOT replacing 23 players on a 25 man roster or in Al's case 16
The majority of players WILL be back next year. Personally I don’t care that much if Quade & Hendry AND Kenny get the axe now or the last day of the season. I am not big in interim guys during a totally lost season. The main thing is to start focusing in on new leadership.
You can’t approach people about the GM job now.
This is a horrible situation, made worse by Cub people pretending it is not really that bad, but on some level you have to calm down and realize you can’t replace your entire OF, 3/5ths of your IF, and most of the bench & bullpen. You will either get some FA leftovers or a bunch of overmatched minor leaguers.
I understand the anger here, but you need a reality check. You could hire Theo Epstein as
GM and Girardi to manage and you would STILL have most of the same players.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
I don't think it is anger anymore
now it is disgust
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
It's both
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions
new management could make a huge difference
if that management stressed fundamentals & held players accountable. Most Little League teams are more fundamentally sound than the last two or three Cubs teams. This one is by far the worst team I have ever seen. There really is very little talent there, but good management could get more out of this team than the current management situation. Hendry & Kenny are responsible for this mess on the field & for ticket prices that are beyond ridiculous. Ricketts needs to start over & let his new GM and manager decide what to do with the talent on the field.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 30, 2011 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree on management being totally changed
I just don’t see doing it now as helping, mainly because you can not get anyone permanent.
Unlike most people, I think there is a fair amount of talent on this team.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with you.
Interim anything will help with nothing. We cannot hire a GM or a manager right now. Ricketts can hire Gillick as a consultant. Something like that would be a wise move. The new manager & GM would be the best people to evaluate the talent the Cubs have. I do believe there is at least one player who should be cut or moved, because I do not want to see him wearing a Cubs uniform in the Spring. There is some degree of usefulness in the other players on this team. A new manager should be able to get more out of these players than Quade can. I don’t think the team respects him. That is a huge problem.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 30, 2011 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Gillick has already said he wouldn't take a consultant job elsewhere.
It would have to be an offer of the team presidency.
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He can be the Czar for all I care
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Gillick would be president along side
Kenney as Crane is President of the business side…in the Cubs Hendry is GM AND President of Baseball Operations
That's not quite right.
Here, have a look at the Cubs’ front office, complete with everyone’s title.
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But who's to say that structure would not change
In fact I’d place a small on that the structure would change – albeit slightly – if a one Pat Gillick were hired.
I know there’s this angst to clean house and for most that means the players. But baseball Ops as to get a long & hard look. Not all of them would go and there could be a re-stucture of some fo those folks into the ML and scouting depts. IMO, Fleita and Wilken cannot be affected here nor can their progress be slowed by FO turn-over.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2011 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Sure, it could change under a President Pat Gillick.
Absolutely.
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If someone like Gillick comes aboard, but Hendry/Quade stay, then it won't really matter
A new Pres in charge of the baseball ops has to bring in a new GM and field boss if things are to really change for the better.
What progress has Wilken or Fleita really made?
Wilken has overseen 7 drafts and hasn’t produced a single starting caliber player yet.
Fleita has been here forever and has Castro and ? to show for it.
Bottom line is the whole bunch is woefully inefficient.
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
A fair amount of badly mismanaged talent
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 4:50 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
At this point, Jessica, yes, you have to get rid of that many players.
Essentially, they did so in 1974 — after that team from 1967-73 came so close. It was time to “back up the truck”, as they said then. It’s exactly that time now.
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16 out of 25?
A complete new OF? Seriously Al that is simply NOT reality.
C’mon where do you get 16 players including SIX of eight starting position players. There is not a single guy in our system i would count on to be a starter. So thats 16 players acquired by free agency or trade? OK say Jackson & LeMahiue, Carpenter & Cashner can be in the mix. You are down to only 12 players to acquire. Good luck with that.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't really care where they come from.
Like I said, I’d rather watch the Daytona Cubs right now than the Chicago Cubs.
Blow it up. 16 of 25? Maybe. But large-scale changes MUST be made — and now, not later.
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Well duh
Matt Szczur, Aaron Kurcz, Matt Cerda, Logan Watkins—heck, you even get Angel Guzman for old times sake.
I’m sure Bob Brenly agrees with you since then he wouldn’t have to take a day off to watch Michael play.
by Josh Timmers on Jul 30, 2011 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions
What is the point of making changes now?
If you can get something of value for Pena be my guest, but you are the one who keeps saying LaHair is not an MLB player and you want to watch him for two months for the sake of change and then go dumpster diving after we can’t afford Pujols & Fielder?
I understand your anger but it is ironic that you say you would rather watch Daytona than Iowa or TN, perhaps subconsciously you are admitting we do not have enough MLB ready players at the high end of the system.
I mean you can fire Hendry, Kenney, & Quade now, but again so little point and you go scrambling for interim people to handle their jobs. System is in enough chaos without adding to it.
You simply cannot expect to replace 6 of your starting 8 position players, and 2/3rds of the bench & bullpen.
I suppose if you want something dramatic they can DFA Soriano, but it would be kind of silly.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
HEAVEN FORBID SOMETHING "SILLY" HAPPEN TO THIS TEAM....
WE’D NEVER LIVE DOWN THE SHAME AND EMBARRASSMENT!!!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
maybe if they replace hendry right now the new guy will trade byrd and pena
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
by shoemile on Jul 30, 2011 9:47 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
1/2 the reason Jim needs to pack up....
perhaps subconsciously you are admitting we do not have enough MLB ready players at the high end of the system.
It’s in the worst shape it’s been in a while….
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Actually the system is in decent shape
compared to past years but with few players MLB ready right now.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 31, 2011 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
unfortunately, it's still mediocre.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
by shoemile on Jul 31, 2011 12:56 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
All the system produces are
Bullpen guys and utility infielders.
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
So is what you're saying here...
…is these guys are so valuable, the Cubs would be in utter shambles if all three got hit by a bus.
I mean you can fire Hendry, Kenney, & Quade now, but again so little point and you go scrambling for interim people to handle their jobs. System is in enough chaos without adding to it.
If the Exec team can’t find someone, somewhere In TEN minutes, for TWO months work to fill those THREE spots, then just fold up the tent now and say, “goodbye” to the Chicago National League Ballclub.
Sixteen out of 25 players is a stretch but not impossible. The money is pretty much gone (unless a player does something heinous to void the contract) so might as well trade them for a bucket of BP balls. Sori, Rami, Z, Pena…go, go, go.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2011 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Here's what I'm going to do....
I have a copy of Colletti’s “You Gotta Have Heart”, so I’ll rifle through it and see how many players from the 1981 team were on the 1982 squad after Dallas took over.
Half of the starting position players remained.
Jody, Buckner, plus Durham and Steve Henderson as the corner outfielders.
But only two starting pitchers, Doug Bird and Randy Martz, and even they only combined for 26 starts in the strike-shortened ’81 debacle.
"That’s what I love about my skip, man. He’ll tell you that you suck...I know I suck. We know we suck...Yeah, we suck. But we’ll see who sucks at the end."
- Gary Sheffield
by DrGalazkiewicz on Jul 31, 2011 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
And...
… Davis and Durham were young players, recent acquisitions only the previous season.
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DS I see your point .......
But the only players I want to see back………………I guess Castro, but he has got to start playing better defensively or what’s the point. Kerry Wood, maybe, because it’s Kerry Wood. I like Barney, like the way he plays the game, but not really anything special there. But the absolute worst is Soriano. He doesn’t even run hard after balls. My son and I were watching the game the other night and he went after a ball in the corner and I pointed out to my son that is the way not to go after ball. Seriously, they could get rid of just about everyone and I would consider it a great start to turn things around.
Oddly enough Soriano will go after balls in FRONT of him
but he has a psychotic fear of the wall. He might be of SOME value to an AL team.
Again you can’t get rid of everyone or even most of them. If you want to get goofy this year because it is a lost season, I get it , but you need 25 guys NEXT year.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions
We replaced 12 players from the 98 win team in 2008
We can absolutely replace 10-15 of this crop o’ crap
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
SPECULATION
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Sounds like more than just mere speculation on that one...
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 30, 2011 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Seriously, that's nuts.
I like Pena. But what’s the point? Trade him. Play ME at first base the rest of the year, it wouldn’t matter.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 30, 2011 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
I agree
makes no freaking sense.
On the other hand, Pena will get through waivers, so trading him in August is possible. But teams will give up less for six weeks of a player than for eight weeks of a player.
by Josh Timmers on Jul 30, 2011 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually it does make sense
Unless the Cubs are offered significant salary relief or a half way decent prospect for him what is the point of trading him? You really want LaHair for two months just for the point of “change”. Aaron Baker who was traded for Lee is NOT a decent prospect. I like the Pirates but I don’t see the point of paying Pena to play for them.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 31, 2011 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions
What is your beef with Aaron baker?
he’s not a top 100 guy but he is posting a 850 ops with a 350+ OBP in high a.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
That OPS is 100 points higher than Matt Szczur at the same level
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
The whole team will clear waivers.
So yes, deals can be made in August. Let’s hope so.
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I thought we weren't supposed to believe reports like this Al. Isnt that what you told me earlier tonight?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Jul 30, 2011 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If they do that....
…..I’m buying a ticket.
Play ME at first base the rest of the year…
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
See?
See, Cubs management? See how you could sell tickets?
Have a contest, the winners get to play an official MLB game after September 1, when rosters can be expanded. Would be a great promotion. Probably sell the place out.
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I would LOVE to enter that
It’d probably be just as fun as the AZ camp in Jan/Feb. Think I can still chase ‘em down in the CF gaps or dig one out of the dirt at 1B. It’s hitting that offspeed stuff that’s a killer.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I have no doubt you would swing and miss every time.
The only place you’d have to worry about running is back to the dugout.
We'll all miss you Ron.
It's speculation.
Probably nothing.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 31, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I might...
…be good for a couple games, if I get a few days in the batting cages.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
HOW COULD WE TURN THIS DOWN?!?
Cubsminorswrap Josh Timmers
P.Rogers said on MLBNet that Cubs weren’t offered anything for Pena better than the draft pick they’d get for losing him to FA.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Would they have to pay Pena's salary.....? That is the question.
If the Pirates were picking up the tab, he should have been traded.
The Cubs aren't going to get a draft pick for Pena. Rogers is nuts.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
this team would go nowhere without pena
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Another day at the ballpark, another loss.
I’m 0-5 on the year. The only thing that will save the day for me is… playing catch with my brother.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 7:46 PM CDT reply actions
Even He Sees the writing on the wall...
Fire Jim Hendry... out of a cannon...
by Endrick on Jul 30, 2011 7:46 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
POST OF THE YEAR
Give me a frosty malt and I’ll be ready to die.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Absolutely!
POTY!!
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
I think a complete boycott
of this team is in order, both home and away, until Ricketts gets the message. Enough is enough. Start from the top down and replace everyone. Get someone with some baseball knowledge to help you make the right decisions.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 30, 2011 7:46 PM CDT reply actions
Boycotts won't work.
Appeals to reason: maybe.
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First off attempting one may not work...
because the meatheads would still go.
But if there were a precipitous drop in paid tix & attendance to the tune over 40% say (maybe not call it a boycott), the message would be sent loud and clear.
And that is because of the ripple affect. Not only would there be the direct revenue loss in tix & concession sales, advertising dollars to TV & radio would begin to dry up & in turn so too would its revenue impact to the team.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
NBF and I have debated this issue (in a civil manner, I'm happy to say)
His contention is that if people stop going, then that’s less money the team has to work with when it comes time to sign FAs and trade for quality guys that command big salaries. And I get that.
But if you look at other businesses, it often comes down to low sales and consumer rejection before a company will start improving the product and start making things worth buying. Look at Chrysler in the late 70s, or for a more recent example Domino’s Pizza over the past 18 months. Just because consumer revenues dwindled down to a trickle didn’t mean those companies couldn’t afford making radical changes and regaining customers. They either found the money elsewhere to reinvest in D&R, or they implemented a radical change in the company philosophy that did more with less.
Ah yes, that’s whats going to fix the Cubs: making rash decisions based on emotion. The Cubs suck, but basically throwing out all of the veterans isn’t going to change that.
I, unlike apparently everyone else here, will take no increase in gratification if the Cubs continue to lose (or probably lose more), but do it with a bunch of kids. It’s not going to make me “feel” better about the team.
What will?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 30, 2011 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions
What will make you feel better about this team?
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 30, 2011 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions
in terms of short-term: them winning. now that’s not going to happen in any large amount this year. but im still going to watch them play whenever i can, and still enjoy it when they win (i really enjoyed it when they swept the Astros, even though it’s not a big accomplishment). even though they suck. Im not going to say turn down trades that would bring back value, but if they’re just getting salary relief I’d rather them keep a Pena or Byrd.
but in terms of overall impressions of the cubs and this season: not much. Just have to wait it out
Wait it out and then what?
More of the same?
IT’S NOT WORKING. TIME TO BLOW IT UP.
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Wait it out...because 40+ million coming off the books is what most would consider a blow up....
and from there they actually have room to work.
Not enough.
A message has to be sent NOW, not in October.
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The question is, would the likes of Pujols or Fielder want to play for the Cubs?
I would like to believe they would, but they may decide to sign with another club that has just as much money as the Cubs but is closer to being a contender.
because it’s all going to be okay if we throw out a bunch of youngsters who will lose more but will put a warm sense in our hearts because their young and don’t get paid a lot and give us “hope”
and what im saying is I dont want that. I want the cubs to win every game possible. playing a bunch of kids isnt going to make more enjoyable for me.
I hear ya
My thinking – and you’re free to question it – is that with kids you have more upside than you would with mediocre veterans who aren’t going to do much for the future.
well with certain kids (jackson, flaherty) sure, they have a future. but they’ll likely be up in september regardless of a firesale or not, if that’s whats best for their developmen. but if we clear everyone and get stuck playing Brian LaHair, Lou Montanez, Alberto Cabrera and Carlidad
That's a valid point.
Those people need to be let go, too.
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why? they’re organizational filler, it’s not like they’re holding our actual prospects back. by releasing them, then you just have to fill roles on iowa (and pretty much every other team in a domino effect) with people who aren’t ready for that level yet.
you don’t develop talent just by throwing it in the ocean and hoping it can swim
well for all the talk you do about how the organization doesn’t spend enough time/resources teaching their prospects fundamentals, and then you want them to be rushed?
I want to see a different team on the field right now, to stop the embarrassment.
I also want the organization to teach fundamentals. The two are not mutually exclusive.
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by pushing young players to a level they aren’t ready for puts them in a position to fail. players are far less open to teaching and coaching when they are failing
In this case I agree only because...
… this coaching staff is bad.
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I'll give you that
What I’d like to see along with a youth movement is a new management philosophy throughout the organization, geared towards teaching fundamentals and plate discipline and holding runners on.
by EalyEagle on Jul 30, 2011 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
So who plays Al?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone.
I’d rather put YOU out there. It would at least be more entertaining.
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At this point
playing a “bunch of kids” might give you a better chance to win. This group is pathetic.
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It is seriously unlikely that they'd lose MORE.
this may be the worst cubs team in history.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Forget about that.
Not going to happen. The owner who is there now has to do something. And soon.
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No Action
If Ricketts doesn’t do something, it will result in lower off-season ticket sales. He’s dealing with a rough economy, and people just don’t have the disposable dollars to spend on a junk product.
Look at the Memorial Day game, with several thousand fans attending the game disguised as empty seats. Can you imagine what the ballpark will look like after Labor Day and the college students have gone back to college, the kids have gone back to school and the tourists just aren’t coming? Look for crowds of less than 10,000 as the Cubs march toward 100 losses.
"You know what they do in Philadelphia when the game is rained out? They go to the airport and boo the bad landings." — Bob Uecker.
"Sometimes they boo loud enough to wake up the air traffic controllers." — Me.
by The Underground Conservative on Jul 30, 2011 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Less than 10,000?
Maybe less than 5,000.
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Contest
There should be a contest for whoever makes a guess closest to the smallest crowd after Labor Day. First prize is two tickets to one of the remaining home games, second prize is two tickets to two remaining home games, etc.
I know someone who told me the resale market for the good seats in the front rows of the upper deck was half the face value in mid-June. He was able to buy four seats for $10 each. They were in the front row of the upper deck. Not sure what the face value was but he said they were less than half of what it would have cost to buy them at the ticket window.
"You know what they do in Philadelphia when the game is rained out? They go to the airport and boo the bad landings." — Bob Uecker.
"Sometimes they boo loud enough to wake up the air traffic controllers." — Me.
by The Underground Conservative on Jul 30, 2011 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Go look at Stubhub.
There are tickets for September night games for $4.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 30, 2011 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Figures
That surprises me not.
"You know what they do in Philadelphia when the game is rained out? They go to the airport and boo the bad landings." — Bob Uecker.
"Sometimes they boo loud enough to wake up the air traffic controllers." — Me.
by The Underground Conservative on Jul 30, 2011 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope the people who buy those....
can’t afford the beer…..
Tom might get it then….
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Go on Tuesday
$3 12 oz beers
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08
by Fukudometer on Jul 31, 2011 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions
FWIW
I just sold my Saturday Cubs vs. Reds tickets at 120% of face value.
But then the Nationals come to town….what to do with those….
Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08
by Fukudometer on Jul 31, 2011 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions
At the beginning of the year
I half wrote a fan post that was going to ask BCB followers “Why should I be excited about this year?” In February I was not feeling good at all about this season, and the OD Roster was underwhelming.
Ricketts has done a good job at turning me off on the Cubs this year, but I will always follow them and bleed Cubbie Blue in the summer, just as I do Hawks Red in the Winter, but I have never been so disinterested in a season as this one since I started watching the Cubs at 6 years old in 1983.
Every year I had hope this was the year on Game 1 of the season, but this year just seemed like I was waiting for a disaster coming. Well unfortunately I was right, I wanted to be so wrong but the Cubs and the entire Organ-I-zation has failed.
I want to believe, but I have lost it this year, no moves, really only Starlin is a bright spot for the foreseeable future. I agree Blow this sorry excuse for a team up from Hendry down to the BP Coach. Keep the few bright lights (no stars are really present yet) but it is time to scrap 100% everything and start anew. I want to see something that shows this Team, players, Coaches, Managers, and Owners are committed to winning, and do not see me simply as a source of $$$, this is how I feel.
I am afraid if the Cubs do not make this commitment to win, not just words, but by actions the Cubs will suffer the same fate the befell the Blackhawks for many years, the fans simply left. I do not want to walk away from the Cubs, but I am about too if I do not see SOMETHING that shows this whole organization is committed to one thing, and that is Wrigley Field finally is the home of World Series Champions.
Today I look forward to the same thing I have since May, not the next Cubs game, but I can’t wait for October and not for the World Series, I can’t wait for the Hawks. This should never be for a lifelong Cubs fan growing up playing baseball in the middle of summer.
Lets go Hawks!
Cubs get your S**t together!
Preemptive Palomino, lets talk political stuff elsewhere .
Second City Hockey, It's not just Blackhawks Hockey, it's bashing the Canucks too!
Sarcasm is implied, unless I am serious
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jul 30, 2011 7:58 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
In short this is how I feel of the the Cubs top-down
Preemptive Palomino, lets talk political stuff elsewhere .
Second City Hockey, It's not just Blackhawks Hockey, it's bashing the Canucks too!
Sarcasm is implied, unless I am serious
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jul 30, 2011 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
i'd be pissed off too if i was at a WWF (screw WWE) match
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions
As sad as it sounds...
and with as much bitching and moaning as I’ve done this season and last season about how bad this team is, I have a pair of tickets for the Nationals on the 10th and one for St. Louis on the 19th and I’m actually looking forward to it…
I think I need an intervention…
Fire Jim Hendry... out of a cannon...
I just made a plain reservation to see the final weekend of the year
Vs the Astros ( i have not missed the final weekend in 21 years) I need to be committed.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions
It may be historic, DS...
Have 2 teams, BOTH with 100 losses, ever played each other?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
The Cubs may not have 100 losses by then
The way the schedule is there are 9 games after the final weekend of home games, 3 weekday games at Wrigley and six on the road.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions
PS I don't want to spoil it but I assure you two hundred loss teams
have played each other and it should not be hard to figure it out. Al and I discussed it while I was there two weeks ago.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions
They played each other when they ALREADY had 100 losses...or on their way to it?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
The 1962 Cubs and Mets
played on the final weekend of that season, with both having over 100 losses.
Cubs won two of three. The total attendance for all three games was less than 7,000.
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Oh you spoiled it Al
I was saving for you to use that weekend.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I could still use it again the final weekend.
Will both the Cubs and Astros have 100 losses by the time Houston gets to Wrigley on Sept. 16? Remember, the Cubs have about 12 games left at that time.
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In the final game
of 1962 Ken Hubbs made a terrific catch off Pignitanto to start a triple play with Rogers and Banks. I still have a tape of that game (audio) believe it or not……….
by If we only had Hubbs on Jul 30, 2011 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Well I see family too and I managed to get a round trip for
$116 which will go down to $66 with a $50 “coupon” I got from American for the the worst service EVER when I flew back in May. After 12 year of flying AA, I plan on this being he last trip I pay for ( I still have over 130,000) miles to use up. Screwing customers has consequences.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions
A plain reservation?
You couldn’t get a fancy one?
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I always fly economy
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions
A plain reservation or a fancy one?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 5:12 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Not much to look forward to before this season ends
Two more months of this.
Starting from the “keep” list in the post, I would add Ramirez and I’m neutral on Wood, Russell and Barney. I would keep Byrd too unless they have or acquire an upgrade.
I’m not enthused about having call-ups play the rest of the season, but if it satisfies other fans then that’s fine. Not writing a good story about all of the at bats Tyler Colvin is going to get; I have no imagination for things like this. I give the Cubs credit for knowing when a prospect is ready for the majors. Basically, there isn’t anybody in the minors ready for the majors, otherwise he or they would have been added to the roster by now.
We should be excited about the potentially high amount of payroll that can be cleared. Hopefully, they will spend it wisely on upgrades. I wouldn’t mind if somebody oversees what Hendry does for next year’s roster, or it might be a good idea to replace Hendry a year before his contract is up.
when has this organization spent salary wisely?
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
"Bad Baseball"
One of the Chicago Sports anchors should do their best Leonard Pinth Garnell impersonation when narrating the lowlights from the fifth inning today:
…..“Awful”……“Excruciating”…….“Hopelessly woeful”……..“Really sucked”
In Mike "Nickname" Quade news, I thought this was pretty funny...
From ESPN’s recap…
Reliever Jeff Samardzija entered and Freese hit a grounder to second baseman Darwin Barney, who threw to shortstop Starlin Castro to start a double play. However, a hard slide by Holliday took out Castro as Jay scored. As he was lying on the infield, Pujols scooted home to tie it at 5.
Cubs manager Mike Quade come out to argue and was ejected by second base umpire Derryl Cousins.
“There’s not much to talk about,” Quade said. "I disagreed with Derry’s assessment that is was a clean play. I think that’s why they have the rule in place. There wasn’t an attempt at the bag and he got a pretty good piece of Castro as well.
So now Quade has nicknames for the umpires??
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
No.
If he really did that, there is something seriously wrong with him.
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"You're a f-ing idiot, dont you have eyes, he spiked him! And oh yeah, i made up a name for you.. its Derry ^_^"
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions
more good quotes in this one
Like this one:
“Momentum in the game is huge,” Quade said. “You get a 5-3 lead, but as that inning progresses you really lose momentum.”
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Jul 30, 2011 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait, what?
That doesn’t even make any sense.
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Yep
In the article Castro says Holliday had rubber spikes but was still clearly not happy with the play.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Jul 30, 2011 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldnt be surprised to see a fight tomorrow
although it will probably be in our dugout with our players. Frustration has to start boiling now.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
The stage is set
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Jul 30, 2011 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions
this is the tinder
tomorrow somebody throw a match!
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
A brawl in the Cubs dugout. Not a one-on-one fight. An all out brawl. Just like on the movie Major League 2.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Most of our hitters wouldn't be able to land a punch...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Right momentum is huge
the mountain the Cubs are falling down is pretty steep too.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
This proves Quade is in way over his head.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I like how the cubs
want to improve but they don’t seem to want to trade anyone on a roster that may lose 100 games
by nkniacc13 on Jul 30, 2011 8:10 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
That's because those guys have value to the Cubs by virute of the ridiculous term lengths of the contracts...
…or they just have intrinsic value because they are on the roster. It’s all very circular and self fulfilling. It’s a great vision and plan for long term mediocrity.
CUBS!!
BLOW EM UP!!
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
by Hammer on Jul 30, 2011 8:12 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
"if Jim Hendry won'd do it"?????
Blowing it up starts with Hendry. Although maybe I am being too harsh as I saw in the paper yesterday that Hendry was looking to the Pirates as what could happen with the 2012 Cubs. Man alive, Hendry needs to go and start over.
by DudeVf11 on Jul 30, 2011 8:15 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
same idiot
who kept referencing the Astros hot second halves during the Dusty era. Stop comparing us to other teams already.
Hey I mean Jeter gets to sleep with Minka Kelly – so I guess I have a chance too.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
by Hammer on Jul 30, 2011 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Total housecleaning should have taken place back then...
..with Dusty’s constant lament about his frickin’ horses and lack thereof. The “where the f$%# are my horses” campaign.
Hendry is looking to the Pirates as an example for next year's Cubs?
He knows Quade isn’t Clint Hurdle, right?
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"--The Brain
Just like in 2005
when he said “I’ve decided I like guys who can catch the ball”, after the White Sox racked up a .985 fielding pct on their way to the World Series.
Al, any further news on the Cubs possibly doing something big before the trade deadline?
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
No.
I wish there were. They need to.
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Paging Bruce Kimm...Jim Essian....Joey Amalfitano.....
Anybody, Please!
Anyone Think Ryno Would Have Made A Difference?
It makes we wonder if we’re getting bad karma for the Cubs not picling Ryno to be the manager. He seems to be doing well in AAA. Could he have done better? Would have picked a better staff? If Quade is let go, would the Cubs try to get him again?
The Cubs would of sucked with Ryno too.
The point I think alot of us are trying to make is that, if Sandberg had been manager and stressed fundamentals and held his players accountable — then maybe the Cubs wouldn’t be as anemic this year. And if that was the case, we would at least have our manager for the future instead of having to worry about that also after this season.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
by Unique on Jul 30, 2011 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I disagree.
These players have all been in the MLB system for years and years. If they are fundamentally bad now, merely having a manager on their ass will not make them that much better.
The only thing having Ryno try to play hard guy on a lot of these vets would do is turn them off faster. It also still wouldn’t have prevented the injury parade that started the season, either.
This team needed everything to go well to be okay. Nothing went well.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Jul 30, 2011 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions
The point of the players turning faster is not important.
They already aren’t performing well. Obviously having a manager who is a player manager isn’t getting the most out of the talent on the roster.
No one is saying Ryne would of been a savior. All I’m saying is he could of given the Cubs one less problem and position to fill after the 2011 or 2012 season.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
No, he would not have made a difference.
John McGraw couldn’t win with these guys.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Peerless Leader Frank Chance couldn't win with these guys
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
Does anyone
have video of the Holliday slide?? I hate FOX
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Chuck Berry had better stuff today
than any Cub pitcher
"Blow Up the Cubs, The Movie"
In the movie, what actors would you have play Hendry, Quade, and Ricketts? How will the movie end?
Hendry > John Goodman Quade > A head shaved Richard Simmons Ricketts > PeeWee Herman
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Whoa, Easy Ed
Sounds like the casting director watched today’s game. Good choices!
With John McLean swinging down from the top of Wrigley stadium, uzi blazing, screaming...
“Yippee ki-yay, m0%$#& %$#!&*!” As it is all blown up.
Save Something for the Sequel
I’m thinking Cub Apocalypse: 2012, then we start working on the special effects.
Hmm
Fresca, you’re on to something with Gary Busey. Could he not also play Jim hendry? This would save us money as he plays two roles for the price of one.
Ryno
He may not have had a better record althou I think maybe a little bit better I think he would have held the Cubs more accountable.
Let's embrace the Double Triple instead
100 years of losing, and 100 losses in a season. It would be an unprecedented accomplishment, and would seal Hendry and Quade’s fate.
Would have to be 103 of each.
Not impossible.
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OHMIGOD
you just made the Cubs sounds worse if that is possible
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
They're reaching new lows every day.
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The Cubs haven't lost 100 in a season since 1966
So to make the Double Triple, they only have to get to 100 losses. A loss tomorrow will put them on pace, in terms of win percentage.
extensions?
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
thank you
For saying that, Al. I think a lot of us have felt that way already.
My wife has been asking me all year what is wrong, why aren’t you watching the Cubs anymore. Its recuse I can’t send this bunch of losers.
I actually still watched last years Indians even though they were a last place team. At least you admired how hard they were trying and. Atheir potential. This team is a disgrace.
I know lot of you disagree but this is exactly why Hendry must go now. In fact he should have been gone already. Because he is fighting for his job his mindset is still thinking about winning next year which is outrageous and unrealistic.
by nickler on Jul 30, 2011 8:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Good to know everyone
in the Viva Birds site thinks the slide was clean.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Well, of course they do.
Even if it was, it was not aimed at the base, thus not legal. It should have been ruled a DP.
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Ive made that call several times
In fricken softball leagues. Its not hard – “Derry” blew the call.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I still can't believe he actually called Cousins "Derry".
This high-school coach has to go.
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Viva
Hey, don’t dump on Viva El Birdos, they don’t allow dumping on you guys. Here is the skinny:
“Sliding can sometimes be used as a means of interfering with the play of the opposing defensive player who is covering the base being approached. For example, when it is possible that a double play might occur, and the baserunner approaching second base has already been put out, he might still try to slide toward the defensive player who intends to throw the ball to first base. If the defensive player moves away from second base as he prepares to throw the ball toward first, the baserunner may still slide directly toward the defensive player, even though that means sliding away from second base itself. This has the effect of hampering that defensive player’s ability to complete the play, either directly by making physical contact with him, or indirectly by distracting him by making him fearful of such contact. A slide performed exclusively for the purpose of hampering the play of the defense is called a “take-out slide”.
Whether a particular instance of a take-out slide is legal within the rules of baseball is a judgement call made by the umpire, usually based upon how close the baserunner comes to the base they are approaching during the slide. If a baserunner strays too far from the base when attempting a take-out slide, the umpire may declare the slide to be an example of illegal interference and call an extra out. As a general (but not absolute) guideline, even if the baserunner clearly slides toward the defensive player and away from the base, so long as the baserunner comes close enough to the base that he is able to touch it with some part of his body during the slide, the slide will be ruled to be legal."
It was a hard slide, meant to take out Castro on the DP. Holliday did not mean to hurt Castro, he’s not that kind of player. But he does play hard.
As far your struggles this year, I hope you get it going. I’m a Cards fan, but I always want the cubs to be competitive; makes for a better rivalry. And I’m not going to kick you when you’re down.
yeah...this is totally legit....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
give holliday a break
its not like he’s forgotten how to slide properly before
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions
HAHAHA....oh snap.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I knew I remembered him doing it before
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
by VegasCubFan on Jul 30, 2011 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
VEB is well regarded over here
don’t agree about the slide though
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 30, 2011 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Playing hard at baseball is not what Holliday did.
He meant to try to break up the throw, but he was nowhere near the bag.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Can you imagine if we had a left fielder that would play that way?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know what that would be like.
I’ve forgotten.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Clean or not..
…. he was out of the baseline. At the very least, the umpires blew the call by not ruling interference and ruling a double play.
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I agree...
…and Quade’s attempt to argue was real lame. You could tell he was completely out of character arguing that call.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I hate...
…to pick on Quade, because he does seem like a nice guy, but man is he in over his head.
Even when he goes out to change pitchers, his gait walking to the mound is a nervous one that screams; I have to get this over with as quickly as possible.
Nothing about the guy exudes leadership or being in charge and that fact is making a bad roster look a lot worse.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jul 31, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
On a sliding attempt at second he was within arms reach of the bag, therefore he...
…was not out of the baseline. That was good baseball pure and simple, if that was a Cub player exhibiting that kind of effort he would be getting credit on this site.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
correct......Castro backed him up....
The problem is we as Cub fans are not used to seeing that kind of effort from many of the players….
Several of our players may not have been near 2nd base yet
I would love to stage some kind of boycott around wrigley field
but I live in akron oh…. but think of all the money you Chicagoans would save by not having to spend $80 on bleacher seats. After all the cubs could learn some fundamentals from an 8 year old little league team.
by AkronCubs...Why? on Jul 30, 2011 8:36 PM CDT reply actions
Okay
Bear with me because I do not post on here alot, but I have always, and I mean always been one of those fans who has never wanted to bash my team for any reason…Even when they have one hundred percent sucked this season and I could barely watch any games, I have always looked at the standings and said “hey only 13 games behind, maybe there is chance”. But after watching today’s, and let’s be honest, the last weeks games. I am finally Done..I have no respect nor do I have faith anymore in the ability of the management that is in place, I have been a Jim Hendry apologist, but you can’t keep putting crap on the field and expecting me to say…“oh that Jim” when they suck..I agree completely..Blow this whole damn team up! and Ricketts if you can’t get the balls to start spending some money, and quit acting like the McCaskey’s of football, then go back to you seats in the bleachers and sell the team to someone who will…As much as I like Soriano, Ramirez, and Byrd as people, it’s time to get some money and prospects for them. Blow this whole damn operation up, and free up some money for next year, then Ricketts you had better show up what kind of Cubs fan you really are…Or be prepared to see the fans like that park in droves…My grandmother and grandfather were both huge Cubs fans from the time they were young, they were apart of the whole lovable losers generation, but I am not. I want a winner and I want one now. I don’t want to be like them and wishing I could have seen a Cubs World Series before I die. Like I said I am new at this, so please be gentle..
Wendyzman
by wendyvhz on Jul 30, 2011 8:37 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Ricketts doesn't approve of your post
…as long as the beer is cold and you have the Wrigley experience, it’s all that matters….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
what is so wrong
is the fact that you are so right. I remember having such a girly reaction to the story about meeting his wife at Wrigley and all that crap, but seriously as much I love the 1 Wrigley experience I have had I am not necessarily sure that if someone asked me that I could have a championship team if they could demolish the park I wouldn’t be the first one up there screaming blow that up too…
Wendyzman
The trade deadline is tomorrow @ 3 PM central time...
at 3:01 PM central time EVERY Cub NOT named Starlin, Garza or Russell should be put on waivers and Jim Hendry and Crane Kenney should be relieved of their respected duties…they won’t be needed anymore.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Hendry needs to stay two weeks to
finish Draft negotiations signings. Then, yeah.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Thankfully we are in the only 6 team division!!
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
lol @ me...
for thinking back in 95 that putting the Cubs in then a 5 team division would make their chances easier to make postseason…
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
It's like 2006 all over again
Bad team, bad play, and bad players….
Hopefully, this winter, a good chunk of management gets shown the door.
Ditto players that loaf and don’t play hard – thanks for playing and get out.
Next year, we get a manager that holds people accountable – sloppy play and you sit – doesn’t matter if you are new to the show, or been around 10 years.
I swear, I’ve not played in ages and have better fundamentals than these guys, which is truly pathetic.
It’s like 2006 all over again
No, this is worse.
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right and im balder, fatter, slower, married but hey
……Hendry is still around.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
It is worse
because the managment and owner seem to have no concept of how bad the team is. They seem to think it’s all bad luck and injuries, and that we are a couple moves away. It’s insulting to the intelligence of the fanbase and it’s depressing personally, because it means there is no hope of the massive overhaul that is needed to turn the team around.
If they are going to bring back Ramirez, Byrd, Pena, Castro, Barney, Soto, and Soriano (since they apparently won’t even listen to offers for anyone), what the hell are they going to do to improve the lineup? If we are keeping Garza, Demp, Z, Wells, Marmol, Marshall and Wood, what the hell are they going to do to improve the pitching? Is there anyone that thinks we are a right fielder and a starter away from contention? Because if they aren’t moving these guys now, the only thing that makes sense is they are bringing them back.
At this point the only thing that makes sense is Ricketts is writing off the next season or two, and thay he thinks the fanbase will be salvageable in 2 years when all the money comes off the books and the prospects start matriculating. That is not comforting.
DEJESUS!!!
by tomas21 on Jul 30, 2011 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
agree completely...
And the infuriating aspect is that every team makes mistakes and has to adjust at times, but this organization appears to be prolonging the bad and mediocrity because of their delusion or stubborness. I would add that a consistent theme to me under Hendry is the Big Lotto approach at the expense of flexibility and a long term vision. the Soriano’s approach is perhaps the best example, since the team was and is apparently it’s spending the term length of that contract is a real problem. It was a dumb contract to begin with because of it’s potential to limit options in future years. paying idiotic sums in future years for a chance at the Big Lotto today is not a sound way to run the club.
I quit watching the 2006 team in early July...
I’ve been watching this team up until now, but will stop.
And then I had to suffer through a Cards/Tigers WS being married to a bird fan.
Major UGH!
Wow
The tone on the board tonight almost would make me sound like an optimist and I’m as cynical as they come. Best part of Fox broadcast was when they said Samardija has “lights out stuff” when he can control it. Cmon now
by BeltwayCubsFan on Jul 30, 2011 8:39 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Well, he does.
He just can’t control it very often.
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worst yet
Al,,,I don"t know how you keep on writing about this bunch of has bends, I am a cub fan since I was born in 1937 and this is just the worst I have seen that I can remember,,just can not stand to watch any longer,,bring on the netfix,,i’m new at this to Al but love the way you handle this site, and will continue to read it ever day,,but no more watching this team ,,,glad I live so far away from Chicago,,but it still hurts…Thanks Al I feel better now that I have sort of vented
I am like you..
the only thing that keeps me from breaking my tv is the fact that I live near Cincinnati, so I do not get all the Cubs games..
Wendyzman
harden traded to red sox for lars anderson
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
that's a really good haul
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
by lexmarklover on Jul 30, 2011 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I just don't understand how you can stand pat. This is such a Hendry thing to do.
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
Yes, it is.
It’s enough of that. This is not a winning team and never will be unless massive changes are made. They need to start NOW.
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Breaking up this roster is admitting prior error for Hendry.
This is why I have been saying that Hendry is faced with an irreconcilable conflict of interest for the last 2 seasons. No good can come from keeping a guy in charge who is financially motivated to ignore reality.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
It's really odd.
You’d think a guy wanting to keep his job badly would do everything in his power to make it so, even admitting past mistakes.
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I just think he's delusional, at this point.
Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I find it extremely hard to believe he's sitting in his office thinking everything is going great.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Not what I'm saying.
It seems extremely likely that he looks at the current team and thinks they’re much closer to contending than they actually are. Otherwise, why not make more moves? Why pull Byrd and Pena off the market? Why so resolute about not trading Soto/Marmol/Baker/Marshall?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Hendry's...
…political skills have paid off for him and allowed him to get re-elected when it was obvious things weren’t going well.
He will half admit things aren’t going well in one sentence, and he always follows that up with all the good things that are going on and how close they are.
Am I the only one tired of hearing this same BS, year after year.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jul 31, 2011 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
But you really don't expect an executive to say "We suck."
That seals everybody’s fate. Anybody who says that should turn in a resignation. You smile, whistle, and wait for the axe to fall.
Contract stipulations may include “may not say anything to disparage the team”
C’mon, people — live in the real world. Only Ozzie can make these type of statements without fear of reprisal.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
In public, sure.
But if he’s sugarcoating things in private, that’s wrong.
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And we have no idea if that is happening
And I’d be shocked if that’s happening, so it’s completely unfair to make that assumption.
We'll all miss you Ron.
JH might not be able to say that in private, either
In this word of social media, how are you really trusting anybody, save for the owner?
If word got out that the GM was bashing his own team — how does that reflect on HIM?
1) I suck, I put this mess together
2) JH talks out of both sides of his mouth; not to be trusted
You smile while the ship goes down, and make nice because you still want to be employed by another team someday.
I don’t understand why this isn’t obvious.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmmm... I don't know SDSJM...
I think when he’s talking to Ricketts, Kenney, Quade, they’re probably being very realistic about the whole situation.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Well, there's a difference
There’s a difference between analyzing a team and where the players fit- or no longer fit, and the character assassination that’s taking place here.
See what I mean? Realizing where there is failure and mistakes and ‘bashing.’
I didn’t clarify. Internal discussion about where the team needs to go — vs. JH mouthing off to media types or people he thinks he can trust who might just go to a social network and repeat very negative inside information.
This is how adults should handle a messy situation.
Those hard discussions should even include whether the current regime should even return, obviously.
I’m waiting for the offseason, which will be much more entertaining that what we are witnessing now.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he is being just plain stubborn now
Hopefully it is the act of a man who now knows he won’t be back next year and is desperately trying to hold hope he made the right decisions.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 31, 2011 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Len and Bob
told me Friday that Jim and his team set up a winter meetings like nerve center in STL to field all the trade requests……..
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Jul 30, 2011 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes
Even had shots of them at the ballpark all busy busy.
There goes one over the fence...a Tru-Link fence.
by truelinkfence on Jul 31, 2011 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions
So...
… let them get busy busy making, you know, actual trades.
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You forgot to mention Soriano's bad cut off throw in the fifth.
That allowed the 8th and final run to score on the Theriot triple.
oh look a player that wants to win
we have a ton of those
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Cardinals fans get something else to cheer about. As if they didn't have enough to cheer about already.
Seriously, this series and the last series at Busch has been like some kind of living fantasy dream for Cardinals fans.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Does this team even practice?
At Busch today I was listening to some guys who said they’ve been Cubs fans since the late 70s and the other the early 60s and both agreed that THIS team is the worst all around Cubs team they have ever seen. Is this Cubs team worse than the 1998 Marlins? 1962 Mets? How about the 2002 Devil Rays? 2004 Royals? I’m afraid I’d have to say yes.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 8:49 PM CDT reply actions
The 1962 Mets were pretty awful.
This team probably isn’t that bad.
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Oh yeah I forgot about that team. But three years later they made it to the world series.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions
...Whatcha gettin' at?
They have two liter bottles now? To think I spent all that time demanding a liter!
Anyone know what Russel's ERA is
as a RP only?
Not including today
1.31 in 38 appearances. He’s been excellent in relief.
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Thanks
he has been fantastic. Wanted to bring some good to this thread.
Major League
One of my favorite sports movies is Major League, and if I didn’t know better, I’d swear the owner was doing this to move the team a la Rachel Phelps.
There’s an Internet joke about the Cubs moving to Orlando, Fla., even building their own stadium. The city said thanks but no thanks, apparently having one Mickey Mouse operation in town was enough.
Too bad this guy is dead:
He’d be an improvement over Mr. Clean.
Seriously, if there were a baseball man in charge of the operation — Clown Kenney is not a baseball man — Jim Hendry would have been fired, ordered to clean out his desk and escorted from the premises by security after the Milton Bradley signing. Decisions like that made in competently run private sector businesses result in someone getting fired.
But this is no competently run private sector business. This is the Cubs.
"You know what they do in Philadelphia when the game is rained out? They go to the airport and boo the bad landings." — Bob Uecker.
"Sometimes they boo loud enough to wake up the air traffic controllers." — Me.
by The Underground Conservative on Jul 30, 2011 8:55 PM CDT reply actions
nbcsports
has an article up about the cubs not trading pena and why. I really like the comments posted after it
Quade's attitude reminds me of a Cubs fan I saw in 2004 ..
.. it was Saturday, when the Braves were in town and the day before the infamous career-ending Sosa No Show game. I was with my now ex-BIL’s and we drove all the way from TN to see the game (they were, of course, Braves fans).
We were standing outside the main gate to get in. As you all know whatever ghost of a chance we had of making any postseason berth at all was about gone. Every Cubs fan who stood around us was muted, silent, ready to kill the time. We were like crash test dummies ready to be loaded in a train scheduled for a cliff edge.
The mood was sullen, grave, resigned. That was one of the most horrible feelings I ever had, standing with everyone. Not an ounce of energy could be felt .. and that was BEFORE the game ever started.
Then walking into view was this Cubs fan, a guy who was 21 but had the child like grin of an 8 year old came walking in yelping “Let’s go, Cubbies. Lets go!” “We’re gonna win,” and when he got to a child who was holding a sign stating it was his birthday and this was his first Cubs game, he grinned even wider and said “OH, hey, you’re lucky to be here to see all this happen for you!”
The hapless break with reality this poor man had reminds me of Quade. Completely.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
You met Tom Ricketts before he was owner?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions
no i just watched him work the crowd
.. this strange character just kind of wandered around the fringes of the crowd .. and kept going on about how great the Cubs were .. Hmm .. come to think of it, there may have been SOME resemblance there ..
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
you see....
it’s those fans that Ricketts endorses….when they dissapear, maybe so will the losing….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
Pitt
Looks like Pittsburgh is close to getting D. Lee
link?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
One more reason to pull for the Pirates.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
I hope they go all the way
My GF’s a Pirates fan .. and to show her I had no sectarian bias, I held my nose and bought her a Pirates jersey a few hours before we went to the game three weeks ago .. Even her daughter managed to get to a Goodwill and deck herself out well with used PIrates stuff
Even though the Cubs won, she was most gracious about it.
And was eminently kissable.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Looks like I found a team to root for in the second half.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Yeah, that works for me.
Them and the Twins.
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What the Twins did to Cubscast?
What did they do? Thought that was MLB’s decision.
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No .. STINK
STANK
STUNK
More fitting, I believe ..
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
This should totally entice Pujols to come play for us next year.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 9:12 PM CDT reply actions
He is not playing here neither is Fielder
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Let me get this right
Cubs try and trade Zambrano and Soriano by eating most of contract but won’t trade players that teams actually interested in.
Yeah, that doesn't make any sense either.
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Go ahead and tell me when the last time the Cubs did something that made sense....
I’ll wait.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions
when they traded
for Rameriez from Pitt. That’s the closest thing I could come up with
remember...he was supposed to be a borderline everyday player and terrible defensive 3rd baseman...
it was ONE of Hendry’s easter eggs…but I wouldn’t say it “made sense” per se.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions
ok
but that was the closest thing i could come up with.
take your time...we have like 2 months of baseball left...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions
The Lee & Harden trades.
And the signings of Lilly and DeRosa. But what I will say – for the exception of maybe Marlon Byrd (and possibly Garza) the Cubs have made horrible decisions in acquiring players since 2008.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Which DeRosa trade?
He should have kept him in the contract year……and let him leave
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I said SIGNINGS of Lilly and DeRosa.
Even though the trade was okay. Archer turned into Garza.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
The return on the trade was nice. The trade itself closed our window of contention.
Hendry destroyed the 2008 Cubs like he was being paid to do so.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
When DeRosa left the Cubs
that signaled in my mind that Jim doesn’t know what he’s doing. So basically you get shipped for having two good seasons……
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
He didn't need to get anything....
He signed him as a FA…..let him have a good contract year and let him walk if the price is too high……it doesn’t get any simpler…..(I’m agreeing with you)
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Answered a similar thing in yesterday's recap...
Obviously the acquisitions of ARam and DLee are right at the top of the list. Sold high on DeRosa, got rid of Clement at his peak. Passed on Zito when everybody wanted him and instead bought low on Jason Marquis and Ted Lilly (got rid of Lilly at the right time). Same with Rich Harden when he got the better of the trade with the great Billy Beane, and then again, got rid of Rich Harden at the right time. It’s a victory that he even got anything for DLee last year (as much as I loved him). Got rid of Archer at his peak as the centerpiece of the deal to get Garza……………….. that’s enough for now.
We'll all miss you Ron.
too much wheelin' and dealin'......
and no stability……and where’s all that downgrading of the starting pitching led?
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
and...um...never replaced after ridding....
. Same with Rich Harden when he got the better of the trade with the great Billy Beane, and then again, got rid of Rich Harden at the right time.
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
....missed this....
and Ted Lilly (got rid of Lilly at the right time)
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Was replaced, but a several month long injury will ruin that...
A 5+ ERA is not a good one, regardless of who the replacement is (and I know, the crap the Cubs have had as a 5th starter has been atrocious, but they were not part of the plan).
We'll all miss you Ron.
This year...the crap is coming form 3 & 4 too......
Though that’shard to say because there really is not 1 or 2……
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I think Garza is a very capable TOR guy
But Z and Demp have disappointed, and Wells hasn’t been right since that injury. Weirdly enough, Z and Demp are two of Al’s (above) untouchables.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Z and Demp are 3-4's......
That’s 1/2 the battle right there……recognizing that….Garza may be a “2” someday…….but Wells doesn’t have it…..and someone else who doesn’t belong in the ML get’s thrown out every 5th day….that’s a reciepie for 100 losses…especially when there is no offense….
08 was the exception……..Lily, Demp and Z all had great years….but no ace there…3 slash4’s pitching like 2 slash 3’s for a year and an offense that scored in spite of itself….
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
See if u can guess this....
Who was the last Cub pitcher to win a post season game? ( I know..I was there)
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
No looking it up...c'mon guess....
2 free $4 Septmeber night game tix to the first correct guess…..LOL
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Walked away from the computer for a while, sorry
Matt Clement. I was there too.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Only postseason game I've ever been to.
Aramis was out of his mind awesome that night. I was in the nosebleeds behind home.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I got seats in the club level....
and about 12 rows behind home plate Friday afternoon about 4 PM…..4 singles…..seems some seats were released last minute…..only Cub post season game I’ve been to also….I’ve sat through some miserable Bear performances in January against the Redskins and Cowboys….
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
That deal was really for Lofton.....
Jim just stumbled into the closest thing to a real 3bman since Bill.
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
To many post
I like being able to talk about the cubs, but dam there are to many post to follow, but I agree with the first post, blow it up, I think the hard thing in general about baseball is that a good team will still lose 70 games, thats a lot of loss in a season, but as a cubs fan it harder to deal with, I can handle kids losing but not the guys we paid big money to. I like Soriano, Z, Byrd, Aramis, Reed, Demp, but lets just start over, and let these guy’s win in another place
Those cock-knockers aren't going to win in another place...
they’re not good baseball players.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
go rangers
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
And Mike Maddux getting a ring to match Greg's
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 30, 2011 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I've read BCB since it started
and this is as close to pitchforks and torches as I have ever read. I’ve enjoyed every comment and I agree with all. It is just so sad we’ve reached this point. But since we are here, the bottom of the pit, (like Nike), just do it.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Jul 30, 2011 9:23 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
You know, 2011 has really almost made me forget 2006
How truly terrifying.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
trade deadline in 24 hours....when do the "big moves" start Al?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 9:29 PM CDT reply actions
There won't be any "big moves" I reckon.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
Thank goodness the NFL finally got its act together.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 9:43 PM CDT reply actions
Yawn.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 31, 2011 8:05 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Amen
Can’t wait for Opening Day.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Does anybody with the Cubs realize how bad you have to F**k Up to make Cubs fans feel alienated!
Do they care?
Preemptive Palomino, lets talk political stuff elsewhere .
Second City Hockey, It's not just Blackhawks Hockey, it's bashing the Canucks too!
Sarcasm is implied, unless I am serious
by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jul 30, 2011 9:48 PM CDT reply actions
As Al is now on the Twins bandwagon
I’m now officially on board with the tribe. Ubaldo is a huge addition, and I’ll enjoy following Kosuke. I went from the Cubs-Cards series last year then turned around and drove to Cleveland for Indians-Yankees. Wen’t with a friend who’s both a Cubs and Indians fan, along with a couple others. I really loved the park, and ARod was sitting on 599, so the atmosphere was electric. One of the best week’s of my life, non-stop baseball for six days straight. Plus how can’t you have a soft spot for the Indians after watching Major League?
Fox executives...
… REALLY slitting their wrists at the thought of an Indians/Pirates World Series.
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I approve that thought....
Now only if Bud were included….
But I’d watch that – much more interesting that yet another Red Sox/Yankees/Rays/Angels vs Phila/StLouis/LAD/ATL WS…
We didn't have a WS like that last year, did we?
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That's because they have a shitty marketing dept with absolutely no creativity
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Jul 31, 2011 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
My friends bought me a Chief Wahoo Cap.
5-dollars at Wal*Mart. They thought I needed intervention.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
It's pretty disheartening.
This season I find myself dissociating from the Cubs. I don’t think it’s the losing, because I have been able to care through a hell of a lot of losing over the years. I think it’s actually the organization. I hate (hate is not a strong enough word here) the organizational approach and it’s tainting my ability to enjoy Cubs baseball.
I get brief flashes of outrage, like seeing Baker being off-limits and then seeing that the Cubs are disinterested in moving Pena (are you fricken kidding me with that?). But it’s usually pretty quickly replaced by a single thought: “Of course this is their approach.”
I guess…whatever
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 30, 2011 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Anyone miss Larry?
He isn’t Dave……but sure as heck of a lot better than that Mark guy….
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Al, you posted your tirade rant 2 months earlier than expected....
Seriously, I’m not going to tell you my age but I feel the same way. My pure optimism left at the end of the 2003 NLCS. Now I have this mentality: hope for the best…..prepare for the worst. I just don’t believe either, that I will see a Cubs World Series…let alone a World Series Championship. I might see another from the White Sox. They have a better ran club. The Cubs(I refused to believe this in my teenager years) have one of the most dysfunctional ball clubs ever. I don’t know if it’s due to the negativity from the drought, “curse”, but whatever it is, it brings out the worst in them.
The players for this team have this unbelievable pressure to win it all. Probably the most pressure in all of sports. Definitely more than the Yankees, Red Sox, etc. I’ve said to myself before, “why can’t the Cubs be more like the Yankees, Red Sox? Even the Cardinals?” Well truthfully, the answer is we can’t. It takes a winning system, for many years to inflict that type of “good pressure” to produce winning on a consistent level. You can’t just bring someone from another team to inflict “good vibes.” That person(which was proven) will get eaten alive from all this negative pressure.
It will take an insane amount of good fortune and good luck for the Cubs to win it all. Whether that happens, we may or may not see it. I’m already conceding as a frustrated Cubs fan that hopes for the best, yet prepares for the worst. I’m preparing for my lifetime of a Cub-less World Series. My pure unconditional faith, left with the loss of 03, which i’ll never get over.
Oh, and Tom Ricketts will not instruct Jim Hendry to blow up this team. Remember the word dysfunctional. This team breathes it, and if it weren’t true, Hendry and Quade would’ve been long gone. Along with Crane Kenney being demoted to groundscrew.
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Jul 30, 2011 10:07 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
I think the mentality for any player going to the Cubs is this:
“I’m going to the Cubs. So I have a chance to be on the team that finally does it.” A thought like that gets them excited. When you get an entire ballclub with that mentality, that’s when we see years like 2008. The pressure gets held out for so long and then it eats them alive. I think any player left from the 07/08 seasons have been eaten alive and you can see it in their half-hearted performances. I don’t know exactly what it is but we can only theorize what it could be.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions
think about it,
if you were indeed on the team that won the WS for the Cubs, you would be a GOD in Chicago the rest of your life. Even if all you did was carry the baseball to the umpire in the bottom of the 3rd inning in one game, a GOD I say.
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
by VegasCubFan on Jul 30, 2011 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Pressure is being fired from your job
and unable to support your family and pay the mortgage.
“Pressure” in sports…is bullshit.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Also to add....
The idea of the Cubs winning it all wouldn’t feel like a “sports moment.” It has that moment of “where were u when this happened?” feeling….it’s a non-sports moment. Non-sport fans would stop and actually pay attention to what just happened.
SMH….more reason why it probably will never happen. It’s bigger than just a world championship….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
It's years like this that tics me off about people who "tune in" for big "where were you moments."
I say that because whenever the Cubs finally do it, everybody will want to be a part of the moment. But you know there’s going to be a huge chunk of people from that moment that just jumped on the bandwagon at the last second. They weren’t there to follow years like this.
Another thing about people who “tune in” just in time to see the big moment start to ask questions that reveals their identity of being a bandwagon jumper. Questions like: “why is this such a big moment again?”
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe Tim McGarver was right.
During the Fox telecast, Tim McCarver said it is hard for the Cubs to get good minor leaguers up to the majors because they don’t have a “winning tradition”. As much as I lothe to agree with him, I agree with him. He went on to say the Cardinals have that “winning tradition” at all levels and are able to leverage this into the continued success of minor leaguers.
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living. ~Alvin Dark
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel, 1981
Hasb't the Cubs AA
team won a divison title the last couple years?
I'm beginning to think I may need to
wear a HazMat suit Sunday Al.
Yikes.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Well... here goes.
Yes, including Geovany Soto, Marlon Byrd and Carlos Marmol, all of whom have some value on the trade market. I like Byrd, especially, for his attitude and hustle, but it’s time to get some value for him. If you can’t get anything, just eat the money and release them.
What? Why?! No… no, no, no. That would be a horrible decision. Cut and eat the salary of Geo so you can watch Koyie play more often? Eat the salary of Marmol so the bullpen gets worse? Get rid of Byrd so the OF defense gets worse? And get nothing in return? No!
it’s just as embarrassing to see Mike Quade yell and scream at an umpire and get nowhere.It’s embarrassing to watch him argue a call that you also believe was wrong? And get nowhere? What? Where do managers normally get when they argue with umpires? Thrown out is the only place I can think of. Mission accomplished.
Today, 2B umpire Derryl Cousins looked at Quade arguing with him and Cousins’ body language screamed out, “What is this amateur coach doing on this field yelling at me?”His body language screamed a full sentence? You mean the body language of standing still and listening? I have no idea where you get that sentence from somebody just standing doing nothing, but it’s easy to just make stuff up when you’re ranting.
Obviously, this is very bad, but just cutting half the roster, eating all that salary, and calling up minor leaguers, not only is it as knee-jerk, torch and pitchfork as it gets, but it would be much, MUCH worse.
We'll all miss you Ron.
how...how is watching the shitty kids lose worse than watching the shitty expensive players lose?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Because there would be many, many, more losses.
If they come up because of effective trades and salary dumps, that’s fine. But if you’re just cutting guys for nothing? Just because you want to watch young guys? No way. If the DCubs played in the majors, they would not win more than 10 games, guaranteed.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I'm pretty sure you could get a decent return on those guys.
But that would require ownership to not think this team is competing for a championship next year.
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 30, 2011 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I would like the Cubs to be contenders next year
But I don’t see this team being contenders. Ever.
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 30, 2011 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions
how so?
They seem hellbent on holding on to just about everyone so far.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 30, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
But desperate times do not call for stupid measures
What do the Cubs gain by just cutting Geo and eating his salary?
We'll all miss you Ron.
Oh, and not sure how many people saw this
#Cubs According to Bruce Levine, Kerry Wood rejected a trade to the #Phillies.
We'll all miss you Ron.
idiot
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions
when players are comfortable with losing....
that is the fault of Jim Hendry and the manager…..
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
I think this is why Al is advocating blowing up the factory.
Sure, it’s draconian, but it’s also one way to eliminate the attitude that losing is acceptable.
Or the fact that he has numerous reasons that he returned to Chicago
and thinks that family, etc. is more important than a game.
We'll all miss you Ron.
That is probably next.
If not after this season, then soon.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
why must cub fans try to find negativity in everything? he’s showing commitment to an organization, a city and the fans. thats a good. and for some reason you need to find some way to blame it on the GM and manager
by Donbedouin on Jul 30, 2011 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
I see...this makes sense to me now...
Wood is like a battered woman who can’t bring themselves to leave their abuser.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Some would argue
that if he really wanted what’s best for the organization, he’d accept the trade and make room for someone else.
well he’s looking out for what’s best for him and his family. and based on the amount he’s sacrificed for the good of the cubs, i have no problem with that
Yeah I don't begrudge Kerry that decision
after the discount he gave to come to Chicago.
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 30, 2011 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Discount? Who's going to give him a contract for 2012?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
He was coming off a very good year last year
and would definitely have received a better offer elsewhere. I have no idea about next year, but the Rangers would be my best guess.
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 30, 2011 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions
it’s not the money that does it for me, it was more all the times when he reportingly pitched through pain back when he was a starter. and how he took the blame for game 7 in 03
he took the blame? Oh give me a freaking break....
he’s an older, slightly effective bullpen arm now…he can have his number retired later…it’s time to say goodbye to Kerry Wood and move on.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions
What? Retired number? Hope you're talking about a phone number...
or a license plate number or somethin’.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Actually it's entirely about the money to me.
1. It’s the only way I can tell if a player really does want to be in a particular place.
and
2. It’s the only way I think letting players veto trades can be justified from a business perspective.
I’ll always love Kerry as a Cub and will always root for him, that’s what he earned by being a true Cubbie. NTCs are earned by giving up some cheddar.
"Playoffs?!" -Jim Mora
by Castro Por Presidente on Jul 30, 2011 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions
puke...the "best for his family" excuse...that's the cornerstone of your defense?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
lemme see....play for the pimple on the ass of the NL Central for 2 more months and then call it a season...
or go take a crack at the playoffs and a pretty solid chance to get a WS ring….um…..yes…my argument is that he’s an idiot.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions
im going to go out on a limb and say that Kerry Wood knows more about what would make Kerry Wood happy than you do
So he'd rather waste the waning days of his career playing for a team going nowhere,
Instead of playing for a contender?
I don’t follow that “logic” at all.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions
what im saying is there’s some reason for staying that he feels outweighs the chance to go win a WS this year. whatever it is, it’s important to him
Quade takes them to get frozen yogurt after the games, win or lose.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea, that's probably it.
You have in incredible ability to turn reasonable arguments into meaningless stupidity.
We'll all miss you Ron.
So he plays the game because he likes it,
Regardless of what his team’s W-L record is? I still don’t follow this.
By your logic, MLB players don’t care about winning or losing. You shouldn’t say that out loud, people will laugh.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
every person makes decisions based on their own individual preferences, and those preferences differ from person to person. his desire for some preference (of which we don’t know) clearly outweighs his desire to win a WS with the Phillies
Okay, this makes no sense now.
his desire for some preference (of which we don’t know) clearly outweighs his desire to win a WS with the Phillies
You just completely contradicted yourself in that sentence by first saying we don’t know his preference, and then acting like you do know it.
So either you are Kerry Wood or you’re just arguing for the sake of arguing. If you’re not Kerry Wood, let me know so I can laugh at you along with the rest of BCB for putting out arguments that you contradict in your own posts.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions
i have no idea why he chose to stay with the Cubs (i speculate that is a commitment to the team and to stay with his family) but there is obviously a reason why.
unless of course that you think that either A.) he has no idea what is going to make him happy B.) he knows what would make him happy, and he is choosing to not make himself happy
I have not said I know what he wants,
Nor do I intend to do so.
One tiny factor which may prevent Wood from going to another team is he has a no-trade clause in his current contract with the Cubs. Which means he may want to go to another team, but the Cubs will be unable to trade him (except if they want to eat part of his contract).
There’s more to this than just wanting to stay by his family or be committed to a team. At some point, the contracts handed out have to be taken into account.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I suggest, Donbedouin, that you read this:
The two most tradeable Cubs veterans, Aramis Ramirez and Kerry Wood, both have no-trade clauses, and both have said they won’t waive them.
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, he says he won't waive it.
But I still think he cares more about wins than what city he plays in.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Which you say you don't know,
Then you say you do know them … in the same sentence.
So you’ll understand when I say your argument doesn’t hold water.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions
let me try and say this with the least amount of economic jargon that i can
there are a bunch of different thinks that make a person (in this case kerry wood) happy. people put weights on these things as certain ones are more important than others. based on the decision that wood made (to stay in chicago instead of going to philly) he clearly has some reason (preference) to stay in chicago that he feels is more important and more likely to make him happy than going to philly to try and win a WS
So, in baseball,
Not everyone wants to win a World Series?
Wow, I never knew that! Thanks for educating me! I’ll be sure to say that at work, where I’m sure to be laughed at, but hey, if the players don’t care, why should I?
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for hanging in there
VCF just didn’t get what you were trying to say. I won’t extend the discussion, but what you wrote makes perfect sense.
Angel Guzman is the man.
Wow, that is all kinds of wrong.
I knew what he was trying to say, but I didn’t really understand it. I thought all players in professional sports want to win championships, and I was confused as to why Wood didn’t want to be traded.
Don’t put words in my mouth.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 31, 2011 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I think he legitimately believed there was confusion
I don’t think he was trying to put words in your mouth, that’s just what I thought anyway.
Here’s what I think, and I’ll try to put it very simply (and I think Don was trying to say the same). Kerry Wood wants to win the WS with the Cubs, that’s it, nothing would measure up to that. He also, would like to be with his family, as family is more important than any sport (and should be that way for anybody). If I had to guess, those are two HUGE factors in the decision. Obviously I’m not Kerry Wood, so I can’t say that with certainty, but those certainly make sense to me.
Here’s one more thing Ryan Dempster said recently that I agree with, and I’m guessing Kerry feels similarly: “For me, I signed on here to try and win a World Series,” Dempster said. “I’ve never been a quitter. It would be easy to just say, ‘Oh, I’ll go somewhere else and win.’ But the hard thing to do, the more admirable thing to do, is to try and turn it around here and put a winning team on the field.”
We'll all miss you Ron.
Now I get it.
Thanks.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 31, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
There was a trade in place, apparently.
And Kerry rejected it, I don’t understand what you’re trying to extrapolate further from that…
We'll all miss you Ron.
Huh.
I didn’t know that. I wonder if the reason he rejected said trade is because of what his daughter is going through (which you posted in your earlier comment).
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
That's how I read the original tweet that I posted above ^
Maybe you have a different interpretation of it, but that’s what it sounds like to me.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I was just under the false impression that professional baseball players (especially the older ones)
were playing the game to win…and get the ultimate prize…a WS ring.
Thanks for educating me.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Yea, what a crappy defense
It’s not just about baseball either. ESPN Chicago’s Bruce Levine reported that Wood’s daughter, Charlotte, has some medical needs that are best served at Children’s Memorial Hospital.
What a horrible idiot! He doesn’t value winning a game more than his medically needy daughter.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I've no doubt his daughter is ill, and he wants to remain in Chicago
Now one way Wood can do so, while at the same time giving the Cubs the roster flexibility they seek by trading him, is by taking a leave of absence. Win-win, no?
I don't believe it's the roster flexibility they seek
I think it was the prospect returns.
We'll all miss you Ron.
children's is good. real good
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Was this where Ryan Dempster's daughter went last year?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions
He has a sick child at Childrens. He's never leaving Chicago.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
He must be pretty indispensable to the wife and kids
if being away from Chicago through October poses a problem.
He did it last year. He'd prefer not to this year.
He did say that he’d consider it to help the team, but that he seriously does not want to be traded.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Todd Hundley
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
There's someone who showed commitment to the Cubs.
Oh wait….
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions
you watch your mouth
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey,
The person who I replied to said commitment to a team is a good thing. I’m saying that it’s … not always a good thing, using the example of what the younger Hundley did while here.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
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by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
This is a guy who actually ... um....gulp......
has played on a Cub team that actually won a post season series…..
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
anyone find it odd that hendry actually got to the point of a deal possibly in place
despite the fact that wood said he would reject a trade a long time ago, yet refuses to even discuss guys like byrd and baker
I personally believe that damaged ligaments and tendons (among other abrasions) aren't the reason for the team playing so poorly relative the rest of Major League Baseball, so accordingly, James Hendry should be relieved of his highly important duties as General Manager of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
by jesus christos on Jul 30, 2011 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
HOFers
Of course guys like Byrd and Baker are future Hall of Famers. Why would you deal them? SARCASM
"You know what they do in Philadelphia when the game is rained out? They go to the airport and boo the bad landings." — Bob Uecker.
"Sometimes they boo loud enough to wake up the air traffic controllers." — Me.
by The Underground Conservative on Jul 31, 2011 1:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Go &$@$ yourself alkappy.
You are just being an argumentative ass!
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 31, 2011 3:14 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
No need to blow it up.
It already imploded on its own quite awhile ago.
"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman
by BucknerKongCardenal on Jul 30, 2011 10:27 PM CDT reply actions
The last time I can remember the Cubs giving up eight runs in an inning
when they held a three run lead was late in 2003…
oh, jebus…
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
Last September
Al, how do you explain the teams play last September?? Mind Boggling!!!!!
It was just an outlier
Stuff that happens on either side of the bell curve
Glad we were forced to
watch Tigers v Halos today in Michigan . This road trip is a disaster just like we thought it would be . This is turning out much worse than I thought it would . Something has to change and quick ,
the only thing changing is our Games Back number in the standings
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
by VegasCubFan on Jul 30, 2011 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Organizational degenerative hack-itis
The problem is, this organization is just so broken on so many levels. It is wonderful that we’re spending money on our farm system prospects, etc., but we continue to then invest that money in the exact same type of prospect who has failed us time and time again: tools athletes with a “great swing” if they can just “get better plate discipline”. Then our organizational coaches preach “being aggressive” and trying to get the best batting average possible, completely ignoring plate discipline and OBP, the exact skills we SHOULD be preaching. Its like we continually march out an army of baby Sorianos who just get eaten up by the major league breaking pitch, all the way back to Corey Patterson, Felix Pie, Tyler Colvin, Josh Vitters, and even the fringe prospects we trade for like Abner Abreu for Fukudome. When are we going to learn that players don’t LEARN plate recognition, especially when you don’t preach it as important in the minors!?
Until we stop repeating errors like this over and over and over again, we are going nowhere.
How come it always seems like the Cubs fans have 100 times more logic than anybody getting paid to make decisions for the Cubs?
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Run it like the Packers.......
Incorporate it …. make it public…. create shares…..
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Who would buy the shares, though?
I wouldn’t, and I’m a Packers shareholder.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
MLB would never allow it (Thanks Bud) NSI
Maybe someone named Mark?
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
How does that work?
What causes that success…..?
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
Just curious,
What are you referring to?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions
The Packers being a publicly held company......
How do the shareholders hold management accountable? How does that translate into success on the field? VS. Say Ricketts’ and McCaskeys’
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I don't know,
I’ve never really gotten involved at all in any shareholder dealings.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Does it pay a dividend?
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
You mean do the Packers pay me a stipend for owning a share in the team?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
No....
Do they pay a dividend to their shareholders?
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
If they do, I've never gotten one.
I’ve never been to the shareholder meetings, either. You see, less than two years after I got my shares in the Packers, my family moved from Wisconsin to Vermont, and I’ve only been to Green Bay once since then.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
So why do you still have them?
Sentimental value? Can’t sell them? (not allowed)
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I don't think you can sell them,
And the share has my name on it, so I can’t do anything with it except hang it on my apartment’s wall.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Forgot how to post a poll....
but doesn’t do any good outside of this context…..WHO here would buy shares in “the Chicago Cubs INC.” if the Cubs incorporated and were publicly traded?
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I wouldn't.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions
BTW........just speculation........
BUT…with your familiarity with the A’s …. and I’m assuming moneyball…..now that the rest of MLB has adjusted….IF (big if) Rickett’s cleaned house and put Billy Boy in charge…. could he adjust and make things work?
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
If you're referring to the Oakland A's,
I just write for AN about the local minor league team here. I don’t really know the team all that well.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Sorry.....
Jumping to too may conclusions based on your signature … your opinion is fine
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
No, it's okay.
Not a problem. :-)
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions
...BTW....
The fact you do that much…..should make you more of an expert on that organization than many……not expecting anyone on this board to be an expert…..
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I would. Just for the access.
Besides, I spend enough on this team as it is, may as well become an “owner”.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
It's always been like that ever since idk....
since PK Wrigley ran the team?
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
I've been told it's because "it's not that easy"...you must have some kinda magical "baseball acumen pedigree" or something to be able to know what you're doing....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Because we prioritize the success of the organization
Stuff like augmenting the Wrigley experience, gaining the friendship of veteran players, practicing penurious fiscal responsibility, and maximizing the ROI of the shareholders have been just as important a priority (if not more so) to those who have been in charge.
Ah.
I think every time the Cubs front office is about to make a decision, they should let their fan base vote on what final decision should be made. SARCASM
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Huh, how did sarcasm get crossed out? didn't know a dash before and after the word crosses it out.
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I think you wanted to use a * before and after the word.
For example, I just did that right here.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions
thank you
Jack Brickhouse: "Hey! Hey!" Harry Caray: "Holy Cow!"
Vince Lloyd: "The Chicago Cubs are on the Air!" Len Kasper: "Oh Baby!!!!"
Ron Santo: "YES!" "All Right! Let's do it!" "Ohhh Nooooo!" "Gee Whiz! Come on!" AND... "This Is The Year!"
by #1 iowan cubs fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Years ago you could put HTML right in ur posts
The best defense is a good offense.....
Dusty Baker is the only manager in the last 100+ years to lead the Cubs to a post season series win....
"Take the hands off the clock, we're gong to be here a while"
I don't think I was here for that.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 31, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
not at all...let's keep the guys we have now that can't do either
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 30, 2011 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Im just saying, why, when we are continually burned by the exact same profile of player, and then continue to preach the exact same failed strategy, do we expect anything to be different? I certainly hope we blow everything up and build from the ground up, but if it builds off of the same foundation of improper evaluation of what leads to a successful baseball team, then I’m afraid we will never ever ever receive different results.
And, further, its not an either – or. Its not either you can recognize a pitch, or you can hit it. Its you can recognize a pitch, thus you can hit it. When you try to skip recognition and go straight for see ball, swing at ball, you do things like this:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Colvin.gif
but if you draft guys who don’t have good swings and don’t have power or line drive potential, then you’re not going to have success anyway.
I’m not saying to totally ignore those traits, but it seems to me that a priority shift to at least LOOK more at plate discipline and a measured approach could lead to a better success rate than we’ve had. And if not that, at least we could make it a priority among our minor league system to preach and work on the ability to work a count, rather than the “aggressiveness” that has plagued us for years.
Isn't that what we've got now?
Especially with RISP?
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe the play on this road trip will make Hendry realize that this team isn't going to win shit.
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
FTFY
Maybe the play on this road trip will makeHendryRicketts realize that this team isn’t going to win shit.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 30, 2011 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Who in this organization is reasonable?
Hendry has already said we’re close to being a good team and he’s the one who makes the deals. While you are finally in agreement about the state of the whole organization, many felt the team’s performance was predictable.
Absolutely nothing positive will happen until the designer of the Hindenburg is gone, not merely chaperoned. This system has been stocked with Hendry’s Facebook friends who are too eager to kiss his ass and cash their checks.
Make Gillick pres and let him make all personnel decisions. Bring in a quality minor league director and be willing to wait 4-5 years for any success. No more overage stopgap discards. And, most importantly, develop a philosophy up and down the system.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
This Cubs team is the worst fundamental team I have seen in my 48 years as a Cubs fan. They don’t cover bases properly, they don’t do good situational hitting, their fielding is atrocious, they don’t work counts and take pitches (with a couple of exceptions, notably Pena); they don’t throw strikes, they don’t challenge hitters, they don’t have pitchers with good enough repertoires to get major league hitters out on a consistent basis./blockquote>
All on Quade. This team was not this bad fielding last yr.
#10 You will be missed.
by Bricks and Ivy on Jul 30, 2011 11:32 PM CDT reply actions
This season is the worst ever as a Cubs fan for me...
And I’m normally not a pessimist, but I can’t watch Cubs games this year. You’re just waiting for someone to mess up and that’s a terrible feeling. I can’t add anything else to what Al said except that I hope and pray that Jim Hendry AND Mike Quade are gone after this year.
When I saw it was 5-2 Cubs
My thoughts were, “Ah don’t worry, plenty of time to blow it.” I check back an inning or two later and they had done just that.
This team & organization as a whole is so damn boring and predictable. I had enough weeks ago. It’s just comedy at this point. If I could cancel my tickets mid-season and send the rest back, I would have done it weeks ago.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
I thought the same thing.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 31, 2011 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought
Hm, 5 runs. Not enough. I turned off the game, and left.
I came home and saw 12-5 and started laughing — a first for me.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
blow up the team
We all know they need to trade some players but every report shows they are going to hang on to everyone. For what? to make us suffer and have to watch these pathetic team. IM done!!!!!!!!!!!
That was a pretty impressive recap!!!!! I think I might have wrote it......
This team is terrible.
The Fact that Hendry is telling people our crappy players are not available should end with him not being GM…..
If you have a team on its way to 100 losses, with no direction, and no accountability for all the bad play and loafing, why are we holding on to people?
One thing they are not holding onto is customers…Cub fans are fleeing quickly from Wrigley Field.
Al is completely correct, this team needs to be blown up, coaches and the manager fired. Also the GM can go if he is scared to do his job.
I find it amusing that I have been saying most of this stuff for a long time. If I had said the exact same thing in a Fanpost, the usual sheep would be out in full force attacking it….
Thank You Al for saying the truth about the Cubs LOUD AND CLEAR!!!!!!!
Just read all 700 of these posts.
Incredible. Fantastic post, Al, fantastic. Thank you for using your platform to scream at Ricketts that this isn’t working and it’s a giant pie of fucking shit.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jul 31, 2011 1:03 AM CDT reply actions 5 recs
One non-profane word description for these Cubs: Lackadaisical
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 31, 2011 4:03 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Perhaps...maybe if Sori had thrown the ball correctly instead of the lazy flip he made to 3rd, that inning does not go on that way....
No accountability
No doubt Sori's error had a hand in it
I just wanted to vent after ARam’s “you can’t have a fire sale in a big market” comments the day before. Shut up and leave the direction of the club to management.
one
thing the cubs are not good at is admitting their mistakes.among many others.1st thing you do is fire quade and his whole staff.hendry thinks he just needs to add a few pieces. bad news jimbo. you’ve had pretty much the same team for the last 2 years.and they have’nt fielded well ,they have’nt hit,and they have;nt won games. the only people he wants to trade are the ones he cant. we need to players.we need some new blood.guys that play the game right. i’ll say it again and probably get crucified for it.we need sandberg running this team.maybe when ricketts sees all the empty seats in sept he’ll wake up.
and if
hendry is still here next year expect quade to be too. the man’s blind loyalty to his managers borders on ridicoulous.
Normally
I can not stand Tim Mcarver. But he made a comment yesterday abut the Cubs losing atmosphere…..and I think there is some legitamacy to it. How do you fix that.
Wow, now we agree
Sure, “blow it up” can have different meanings but aas BB pointed out quite a few times now, and Keith is developing a Ronnie-like moan, this is one deadass team.
I didn’t choose the luxury of TV yesterday, choosing instead the radio side, but now even the delightful-to-listen-to Pat Hughes has some somber in his calls.
Just win the next game...!
Well.
While I don’t think the Cubs need to go as scorched-earth as Al is suggesting, I agree generally. It’s pretty insane to hang onto Byrd and Pena if there’s legitimate interest.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
If Pena is gone, who will play 1B?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Me.
I volunteer. Seriously, how much worse could this team be?
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Regarding: Blow it up
Al, this is my 55th season as a Cub fan and I have one question for you: If they blow it up, do you truly have the confidence that they can rebuild and do any better? Personally, I don’t. Like you, I’ve been watching this abysmal failure for a long time, and I simply don’t see anything changing.
by thisoldcubfan on Jul 31, 2011 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
And whom else?
This organization has had a lot of GMs during my tenure as a fan, and none of them have made a difference. So, I’d like to know what else needs to be done for this losing karma to change.
by thisoldcubfan on Jul 31, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Rocky Wirtz ....
…. might have a few suggestions if Tommy Boy would give him a ring. Wirtz inherited a total cluster of nepotistic Chicago sports franchise wallowing in long term mediocrity and changed its culture almost overnight. The barn was cleaned out immediately when Rocky took over the Blackhawks. In contrast, Tommy has simply wasted two years and the delay has had hugely devastating consequences. Tommy better get shoveling and quick.
If It Takes Forever ....
You are so right...
…and those two years Ricketts wasted has and will hit the Ricketts family in the wallet for a while yet.
When Rocky took over, the first thing he did was knock Pulford out of the box within about 5 seconds. That sent a real strong message that the old guard was over and we are going in a different direction. Numerous other moves (hiring Scotty Bowman, and firing a fan favorite in Savard) where gutsy moves, but sent a strong message “we aren’t screwing around”.
The most basic fundemental is this; hire good people and let them do their job. Rickets has yet to get this accomplished.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
It cannot possibly be worse than now.
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You're being optimistic again.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Jul 31, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
It will get much worse when nothing is done today....
The vets will get even more comfy and get even more lazy….I see long losing streaks on the horizon.
And nobody in the front office cares.
These players are untouchable!!!!
I agree...
…but I’d like to see some definitive, long lasting improvement. I’m sick and tired of this organization being like a sailboat without a hand on the rudder.
by thisoldcubfan on Jul 31, 2011 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd like to agree,
But this team will probably find a way to make us wish Saturday’s game was a regular occurrence.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 31, 2011 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
You haven't been around this franchise very long, have you?
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Chicago Cubs -- Baseball team
A team barely alive. Fans, we can rebuild them; We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world’s first bionic team. The Chicago Cubs will be that team. Better than they were before. Better; Stronger; Faster.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 31, 2011 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Hasn't
The Cubs lower moinor league teams been pretty competitvie and high in the standings for the last 8 to 10 years. I wouldn’t call that a losing mentality
Its pretty depressing, yet not surprising that the Cubs are not in any of the trade rumors
Thats right Tom and Jim standing pat with this fine team is the answer!!!!!!
One more thing
It’s the worst inning I have ever seen ANY team play in a regular-season game.
The worst inning ever? It wasn’t even the worst inning of 07/30/2011. Check the Orioles first inning.
We'll all miss you Ron.
The Orioles gave up a lot of runs.
But they did not play baseball as poorly as the Cubs did yesterday.
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I'd say 12 runs, 2 walks and 1 error
is worse than 8 runs, 3 (unintentional) walks, and 0 errors.
Not to mention, if the ump gets the call right it’s a 3 run inning.
We'll all miss you Ron.
He got the call right.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Again that was a sliding play and his arm was within reach of the bag.
There was nothing wrong with that play, it’s sour grapes for many here that young Starlin was shaken up and the Cubs once again looked foolish against their former rival.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
"I have ever seen"
Jesus, Alkappy, give it a rest.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 31, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
So it wasn't as bad as the Orioles horrible inning?
Put another way, “Otherwise, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?”
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
In no way am I saying it was a good inning
It was absolutely abysmal. But it wasn’t the worst ever.
We'll all miss you Ron.
Yeah, it was, or pretty darn close.
The runs allowed weren’t the issue. The absolutely abysmal play was.
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Awesome!
So our team is capable of the second-worst inning of all time, but just good enough to not have the worst?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Not even the second worst. Like I was saying, it was only the second worst inning of the DAY.
We'll all miss you Ron.
You don't have a leg to stand on here, kappy.
I’m not trying to be a jerk. But your picking nits while the ship is crashing into an iceberg. Surely, you must see that.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yes, I do, I'm not saying it's good.
I just thought it was ridiculous to say it was the worst inning ever. That was my point. Although, it would have been just an ordinary 3 run inning if the ump calls the double play.
We'll all miss you Ron.
...which is not much to brag about, TBH.
Minor League Contributing Writer, Athletics Nation.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 31, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I want to believe that something big will be done by 3 .....
hopefully something
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
It's happening!
I think if something does happen, it’s going to be a SHOCKER.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 31, 2011 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I just don't understand what Hendry's thinking.
This team is so bad and old. You’re refusing to trade Pena and Byrd because you think they can help you win next year? Two or three solid moves still won’t do much ..
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
by lexmarklover on Jul 31, 2011 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
There are two possibilities.
1) Hendry is delusional/desperate.
2) Hendry pulled those guys back for a variety of factors:
- he only did so when he realized the return was terrible
- he figures keeping Pena for another two months ensures that Colvin/Baker won’t be at first next year, because Pena is the next best option after Pujols/Fielder and if he’s a Cub, he’s easier to re-sign.
- he figures Soriano might not be a Cub next year (retirement?) and that without Byrd, he was betting too much on Jackson/Colvin.
- he can still deal one or both of them next month
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I think more and more Pena's our 1st basemen next year.
So, I agree with that point.
We can only hope/pray for a retirement announcement from Fonzie.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 31, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought he retired last year....
There is no way he walks away from that money….Now if the cubs brought in a tough manager who does not put up with slacking, I could see him trying to leave….ARam too
Really?
So, Sori WOULD pass on $54 million if the Cubs had a discipline-minded manager? Baloney.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm hoping for a buyout.
The Cubs give him half his money to just go away.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I am also hoping Sori's gone next year
At which point, we need Byrd. I’m actually hoping they cut Soriano this week.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 31, 2011 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Keep waiting. No such action will happen.
I hate fantasy baseball and what it has done to the real world game.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions
T minus 4 hours
Do we hear anything regarding a cubs player maybe moved. Or that Hendry won’t listen to someone about another player?
Mark Riggins is not tradeable.
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 31, 2011 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Byrd and Pena are off the table, apparently.
That leaves … Grabow? I wouldn’t bet on any moves today. Let’s hope for August.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Salt in the wound.
The Cubs are terrible and can’t/won’t trade anyone (other than Kosuke). The Cardinals continue to be good (they haven’t had a truly bad year in more than a decade), they have a smaller payroll and their adding pieces for a stretch run.
The fallout from what’s happening has to be Ricketts seeing that the Cubs can’t continue trying to win on Jim Hendry’s Junk Food High Express. The only way to win it all will be to increase our chances by having fewer laugher/non-competitive years. And for every contending/playoff season (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009), Hendry has about as many non-contending seasons (2005, 2006, 2010, 2011) — and that’s giving him credit for 2009 that he doesn’t really deserve.
The Cardinals might not make the playoffs every year, but they’re always in the discussion. The Cubs, under Hendry, are jokes as often as they’re contenders.
We need a new GM.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on Jul 31, 2011 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
They are run so much better than the Cubs.
New GM on monday…..
Ours over values players.
Our owner over values GMs
Seriously, TJ.
I’d wait until this offseason before you throw the ownership under the boss. The jury is still decidedly out. The public comments supporting Hendry could be (and I think are) just for show.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
He needs help with PR.
But we don’t know yet what he values/doesn’t value.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
How many more years do you give him?
I guess its his problem that attendence is going down the toilet.
This offseason is key.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
If they go into next season with the same leadership in place.....Wrigley will be a ghost town,
SenorGato and Alkappy and NBF will be able to sit wherever they want.
I got front row for a last place team!
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
More often than not
The more ownership publicly supports managers, coaches, GMs, etc., the more they are considering other options. Look at Jerry Jone’s support of his head coach just weeks before he was given the ax. There is more going on under the surface than we see.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 31, 2011 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yet another individual
who thinks before posting. Rec’d.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 31, 2011 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Remember a couple trade deadlines ago when we were all anticipating the deal with the Pirates
It feels like ages ago …
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
Without Littlefield for Hendry to take advantage of over there, there is probably little hope..
…the pirates would help end our misery, afterall they’re actually being run like a mlb organization now.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
YES YES YES YES YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
georgeofman George ofman
Amazing. Told the Rangers were interested in Marmol but the Cubs turned them down.
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
Unfriggin Believable!!!!!
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Not with this team.....We are not even listening to what teams are offering I guess....
I wonder why teams are even calling the Cubs…They should have learned the automatic answer is NO!!!
Dont worry we will have the same team next year and will contend….HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
I despise Jim Hendry.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
That's why Hendry should have been fired LONG before the trade deadline, his refusal to...
…enter into a rebuilding phase is nothing more than him trying to save his ass. It seems the inmates are running the asylum at clark and addison.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed....
He’s not thinking logically. To save his butt, he’d have to trade. No trade means same old team and deep, deep down, I have to believe that Tom Ricketts is NOT happy with Hendry and what he has- or in this case -hasn’t done! If Hendry doesn’t do anything else today, Tom had better step in and fire him. We have better people in the organization who can step in for the rest of the season. IMO.
"I'm a Cubs fan. I'm very, very patient." -- from a Shoe cartoon.
by No Southern Belle on Jul 31, 2011 11:52 AM CDT reply actions
I have to agree with this.
Hendry is delusional if he thinks the current bunch, with a few tweaks, ONE YEAR OLDER, can win in 2012.
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Please define out of contention
Maybe Jimbo doesn’t understand the terminology.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jul 31, 2011 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions
MLBNetwork listing
Byrd and Sori as possible OF moves today… hope they know something we don’t, more for Sori than Byrd.
We'll all miss you Ron.
I have a hard time believing that our consolation prize will be only the trading of Dome.
If it is, I suggest we bring back the tar and feathers.
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Tar and feathers is what we used to do to our public officials back in the day.
“The good ole days”
Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.... It's not complicated. - George Costanza
by troutfishin on Jul 31, 2011 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Trade deadline
for this team is really August 31st… Most of these players we want to dump will make it through waivers. If only Hendry would get it done.
This is a valid point.
But the return will be lower, unless a team is totally desperate.
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Ticket prices have to drop 30-40% next year to show management good faith to fans.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
and for
any cub fan wanting to see things get done.dont go to the games.its easy for me cause im in fla but dont go to the games. you all saw how bad it was early with the weatherwait till sept. and if you do go give ricketts an earfull if you see him.
Retweet from Bruce
SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
by BruceMiles2112
cubs players dont want to leave (aramis, wood), cubs dont want to trade their players (pena, byrd). one big happy family.
10 minutes ago
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