MLB - Why Chicago Cubs have struggled this season - ESPN

What we've known all year: Cubs' defensive and baserunning woes aren't helping things. (Insider required).

10 months ago subtle 15 comments 0 recs |

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It's much worse than just baserunning and defense...

But it’s good to know that only one player on the team has a positive UBR… yikes.

by bdlugz on Jul 31, 2011 8:54 PM CDT reply actions

I just don't see how Soriano can be considered a plus defender and Fukudome is well below average.

'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'

by Unique on Jul 31, 2011 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions

UZR does terribly in small sample sizes

It works better in careers, not months.

by bdlugz on Aug 1, 2011 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Does anyone pay for ESPN Insider?

by SenorGato on Jul 31, 2011 9:56 PM CDT reply actions

I don't

I once considered but with technology today – usually its info comes out. Just a matter of waiting.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Aug 1, 2011 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions

I found a coupon online

that was for a year’s worth of ESPN the mag + insider for $4…well worth it to give me some toilet reading once every other week

by hansman1982 on Aug 1, 2011 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions

That's pretty sweet

A full years supply of toilet paper for 4 bucks. :)

by SenorGato on Aug 1, 2011 4:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I literally cant get them to stop sending me ESPN the magazine. I get 2 every month and I don't know why, I don't pay for them.

I had insider at one time, but that’s it. I moved and never updated the ESPN info and they still found me. I swear it’s like a bad prank. PLEASE STOP SENDING ME ESPN. It’s old news the second I open the cover.

by bdlugz on Aug 1, 2011 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha thats pretty funny

We are spoiled by instant gratification nowadays. Regardless – I still love ESPN The Mag – its my read of choice on a plane. Mostly – because I am filled in with a lot of the stuff I do not follow.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Aug 2, 2011 2:30 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

The fact that "Insider" exists makes me want to punch a baby.

We'll all miss you Ron.

by alkappy on Aug 1, 2011 7:01 AM CDT reply actions

I wouldn't read ESPN if not for Insider

They have Kevin Goldstein, Keith Law, and Bradley Woodrum. They’re the only people writing things I can’t learn by reading a stats sheet. Also, you get to laugh at Jim Bowden’s columns. He’s a former comedian, right? :P

by subtle on Aug 8, 2011 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Oh, and I got mine for $1

From an ESPN the Mag subscription I bought with expiring airline miles.

by subtle on Aug 8, 2011 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Defense and baserunning is terrible and it needs to be fixed first

Can we sign anyone that knows anything about fundamentals? Is it possible we could just build a team around defense, smart hitting, and smart base running?

Young players like Castro, Barney, and Jackson can not develop in this atmosphere of poor fundamentals and poor coaching.

by Mitchener on Aug 2, 2011 1:12 AM CDT reply actions

The real question is, how can one team be SO BAD at fundamentals from the top down?

I simply don’t buy that we get fundamentally bad players, or that all of our coaches teach bad fundamentals… it’s simply too bizarre to be possible. What in the world could possibly be the reason so many players come through the system without good footwork or without good pitch recognition?

Also, it certainly doesn’t help that 80% of the free agents we sign are also notoriously bad at fundamentals and pitch recognition. It’s like signing pitchers that walk 4+ per 9 innings. You know that’s going to come back and bite you, why even bother?

by bdlugz on Aug 2, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions

It could be some bad luck and the age of the players

Fukudome and Soriano were much better at running the bases and fielding….We’ll at least soriano could throw guys out.

Poor Base running i think is because of the advanced age of our players.

Bad situational hitting is because of Hendry and Farm system.

I have noticed that our pitchers especially Garza have been bad defensively. I also think that Quade has done a bad job telling players where to play or what to do in certain situations.

by Mitchener on Aug 4, 2011 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions