Cubs Win Third Straight Series With Nailbiter Over Nationals
by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2011 5:35 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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Funny thing -- no one was supposed to be at Wrigley Field this afternoon; it was a scheduled off day. So the only reason the Cubs and their fans got to enjoy probably the nicest weather day we've had in Chicago all summer (80 degrees, light breeze, low humidity, a handful of puffy fair weather clouds) was because of Monday night's rainout, rescheduled for Thursday afternoon.
At last, the weather gods smiled on Wrigley Field in 2011.
The baseball gods did, too, but not until Carlos Marmol made it interesting in the ninth inning; the Cubs' 4-3 win over the Nationals, their ninth win in their last 11 games, was closer than it had to be thanks to Marmol having an unwieldy save. He threw only 18 strikes in 34 pitches, issued two walks and gave up two infield hits before striking out two and getting Rick Ankiel to fly deep to center field to end it for his 26th save.
But I'm starting at the end. Let's go back to the beginning, shall we?
It didn't start well for Ryan Dempster. He gave up a monster home run to Ryan Zimmerman in the first inning -- after starting the inning with two comebacker ground balls. Zimmerman's ball landed on the north side of Waveland, near the corner of Kenmore, on the fly, probably about 420-430 feet. That run held up until the fourth inning, when Marlon Byrd singled and Alfonso Soriano hit a ball that Jayson Werth just missed with a dive. It went to the wall and Soriano motored his way to third.
No, I am not making that up. It was his first triple of the season and only the fifth he's had since 2007, when he first injured his leg. He had five triples that year -- all of them before the end of July. About a week after the last one is when he suffered the hamstring injury in this Sunday night, August 5, 2007 game vs. the Mets. That's what began to rob Soriano of his speed and mobility in the field; he suffered more leg injuries in 2008 and 2009. None of this could have been predicted when he was signed.
Anyway, for one day at least, we saw a bit of speed from him. The Cubs took the lead and extended it to 4-1 in the seventh, when Aramis Ramirez slammed a two-run homer and Carlos Pena hit a towering drive just fair onto Sheffield.
That, believe it or not, is the first home run hit by a Cub this year that completely left the premises on either side of the park. Sorry, Waveland ballhawks, I know you've been waiting.
The Nats eked out a run in the eighth when Soriano misplayed an Ian Desmond popup into a double; he scored on a single and then Kerry Wood was called upon.
Suddenly, after being shaky much of the season, Wood has been lights-out lately. He has now struck out the last eight batters he has faced, which ties a team record:
8 straight Ks for Wood (2 in 8th) ties Farnsworth's/Juan Cruz's club mark since mound lowered in '69.
Perhaps Wood has something left after all. That'd be nice.
Marmol, I've already written about. All's well that ends well, I suppose, but I'd rather not have had the Mitch Williams-style save. The Marmol-of-September-2010 style is the one I'd prefer to see from him.
I do want to say one more thing about the rainout policy, which made for a large number of empty seats Thursday afternoon. The announced attendance was 34,733, which is the number of tickets sold. About half that number were in the ballpark. So that means 17,000 people simply had to eat their tickets, either because they couldn't come back on a Thursday afternoon from a Monday night rainout, or they couldn't sell or give them to someone else to use. If the Cubs had an exchange policy similar to most teams, say allowing people to exchange for any available Monday-Thursday game, they'd get those 17,000 people back in the ballpark -- buying food and drink, for one thing.
The Cubs cite the White Sox and Red Sox as having similar policies, ignoring the 14 teams that do allow exchanges (and the rest of the teams either have domed stadiums or are in California, where rainouts are rare). About that, I say this: the White Sox policy is similarly wrongheaded, and the Red Sox have sold out nearly every ticket for several years -- so they don't have exchangeable inventory. The Cubs do, especially this year. It would be a customer-friendly policy to allow exchanges. I hope they do.
In the meantime, wins are nice. The Cubs will have a tough series ahead in Atlanta, but perhaps they will rise to the occasion of playing a contending team.
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Third...
…straight series win? That’s unpossible! And I’m not sure Pena’s HR has even landed yet . Man, that was a blast-o-rama…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
We're only 6 games out of 3rd place!
And we’re now closer in the standings to the Cardinals than to the Astros.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 11, 2011 5:47 PM CDT reply actions
"Perhaps they will rise to the occasion of playing a contending team"
Shouldn’t that be “another contending team”? After all, according to our manager, the Nationals were “in the hunt”, right?
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 11, 2011 5:50 PM CDT reply actions
One other thing I forgot to mention
Koyie Hill had a pretty good day — got a hit, and also threw Espinosa out stealing twice.
The Cubs are, amazingly enough, 18-10 in games Hill has started this year.
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I don't know a good way of looking it up
But I’d be curious to see how Hill’s stats, offensive and defensive, stack up at the end of the year against all other backup catchers.
He hasn’t lit the world on fire, but he hasn’t been the black hole of the team either.
He's about average, little less power
Remember when people around here were OMGZ WE’RE GONNA BE 50 GAMES UNDER .500 CUZ KOYIE HILL SUCKS?
Wonder how crow tastes?
[...]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 Aug 11, 2011 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions
That is what I was happened
and Koyie is still bad.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
The volume of protest over Koyie Hill being on the Cubs
was simply tremendous, and the naysayers were incredibly vocal.
To ignore or deny that is…well, I’ll refrain from personal attacks here.
[...]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 Aug 11, 2011 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Protest was huge correct
Although – Im pretty sure no one said we would 50 games under .500. As far as crow – ummm the Cubs and Koyie are bad so Ill pass.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
The volume of protest over giving a raise to a guy who has been worth 0.0 WAR this year
Was loud, and people were vocal. The folks who defended the move used the same tactic you just did, resorting to foolish hyperbole (50 GAMES UNDER .500!!!) to beat down an argument no one was making.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
I think that's unbelievably disingenuous, shoe
But the Cubs won today, and right now that’s good enough for me.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 11, 2011 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions
You've used the same tactics, Bruce.
No one claimed the team would be bad because of him, just that it was a bad signing. The Grabow signing was awful, but I don’t think we’re in fourth place without him.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
Truth is my defense
The Hill angst around here was way, way, way out of proportion. and apparently I’m not the only one who believes that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 11, 2011 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Truth isn't your defense when you use ridiculous hyperbole.
You wanna say it was way out of proportion, fine. No one claimed the team was gonna be 50 games below .500 because of him. That’s the truth.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
by shoemile on Aug 11, 2011 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Amazing
How is this comment green?
Shoe took ‘OMGZ WE’RE GONNA BE 50 GAME UNDER …’ literally? And then bashed people with it until he was green in the face?
what?
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 Aug 12, 2011 1:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I got green because I'm sick from eating all that crow.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
I'm aware it was hyperbole.
However, there was no other argument presented, either.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
What argument, exactly, did you need from me?
I’ve said all along that Hill is a perfectly serviceable backup catcher, which the stats showed all along and still do. I also said that the angst over his raise and his retention on the roster was ridiculous, and I still do say that. Whatever else you can say, Koyie Hill is NOT the reason this team is 17 games out of first.
Now, if you want to go around picking fights with people over hyperbole, there’s a list a mile long and it populates virtually every thread. Since I don’t see you acting as the Hyperbole Police anywhere else but this thread and this comment, I’ll take that to mean that you were one of the ones who went postal on the Hill contract, and take your opinions accordingly from here on out.
[...]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 Aug 12, 2011 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
It's almost as if you never really paid any attention at all to the actual arguemnts about the Cubs avoiding arbitration with Koyie Hill.
But by all means, keep up your crusade to enlighten us as to his merits and the folly of caring about when this organization does dumb stuff.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
No.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 12, 2011 6:00 AM CDT up reply actions
No, he did not.
It was a hyperbolic argument given by those who supported the Koyie Hill signing last year after he was given a raise.
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 Aug 12, 2011 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions
You do understand just because some people agree with you, that doesn't actually make it truth
that just means your opinion was shared.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions
He STINKS!
If you watch Koyie Hill bat, he looks like a .200 hitter…he is an average defender…if dropped, would NOT be picked up by any other team, which is why the cubs got him in the first place.
He can’t block balls well either.
When the real issue is that the team has been paying Hill to add literally 0 value
The only argument I can see is that spending this year in Iowa left Castillo better prepared to be a Major League backup catcher. Otherwise, Castillo should have been up and getting paid the minimum. And Hill should get non-tendered in the offseason, with Clevenger the third catcher on the 40-man.
My guess is yes.
But that’s only because I don’t trust Hendry’s acumen at all.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Why wouldn't he? They brought him back after his black hole season of 2010....
2011 has been better than that.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
so at what point is beef only in the orginization just to fill a roster spot in AAA?
he’s younger, cheaper and has all his extremities in proper working order.
that's been part of the argument against Koyie Hill being employed by the Chicago Cubs this whole time...
and the counterpoint to that has been : BECAUSE THE PITCHERS LIKE HIM AND BEEF ISN’T ANY BETTER
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
can the pitchers not get over it?
i guess Beef could be worse than a, what was it, 0.0 WAR but it wouldnt take that much more effort to be better.
I started doing exactly this a couple of days ago
The actual data is easy enough to extract from Baseball-Reference (you can look up stats by position for each league). The bigger problem in some cases is actually identifying who the backup catcher is.
I started out by looking at the back-up catchers at the start of the season. The idea was to identify the player that each club actually wanted as its back-up for 2011. This is usually the man who was on the bench on opening day, but there are some exceptions: the Reds, for instance, have never really established a clear starter, while the Bucs began the season with Doumit but he was bumped to the bench as soon as Paulino’s suspension ended, so I counted Doumit as the back up.
I’ll publish the results as a fanpost as soon as I’ve written it up, but the general conclusion is that in this peer group, Hill is in the pack but a touch below average within it. He’s slightly below average offensively and about average defensively, although how you assess catcher defense depends on what you want to emphasise. B-R makes him below average based on controlling baserunners (this includes, but is not limited to, base stealing stats) but above average on pitcher ERA when he is catching. In both cases, though, he’s very close to league average.
The other thing to bear in mind about Hill is that he’s actually played relatively little, particularly considering that he had a period as the day-to-day starter when Soto was on the DL. I suspect that’s why he’s got a 0.0 WAR: he hasn’t had enough opportunity to move very far from the baseline in either direction.
As I said, I will write this up in the next couple of days. I also want to do a comparison against all backup catchers, rather than just the opening day guys. I have the data to do it, but the job of identifying which players to include is even more complicated.
Someone wrote a couple of days ago that Hill wouldn’t get a place on any other MLB roster. My impression, based on the data, is that no team would make a big effort to get him, because most already have a player just like him; but if he was looking for a club over the winter he would be a viable option for several clubs.
by Limey Cub Fan Jay on Aug 12, 2011 4:31 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I've said it before and I'll say it again.
I ♥ Hill.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Aug 12, 2011 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
I told a friend who lives in DC about that comment
He laughed and laughed and laughed….then asked “what is that guy smoking?”
Marmol...
Light out one day, can’t find the.plate the next. I think the way Wood was throwing I would have let him go out in the 9th; he was well rested, not pitching last night.
Really though, 9 of 11 and another series win, I will definitely take it. At least there is a reason to keep watching. On to Atlanta, the way we are playing we might get two. Never would have thought that two weeks ago.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
by mrcubsfan on Aug 11, 2011 5:51 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Pretty good game threads today
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
They were fun.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
though quite empty. Which I've noticed has been happening more often lately.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions
You guys scared me off.
A few weeks ago I had to bring out my cross and garlic and check if my wolfsbane was blooming after reading the game thread.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Aug 12, 2011 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Which thread was that?
Look, I know Shoe’s legless puppet vampire appearance can be pretty scary but he’s harmless
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I got a nasty rug-burn from him....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't even want to know how
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Very true
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
The ninth today
Is why I have a hard time watching Marmol. Regardless of how good he can be, there is always the tendency to be a little inconsistent with him. Thankfully, that didn’t lead to a blown save today, although he is lucky to have finished off the save this afternoon.
Let’s beat the Braves!
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 Aug 11, 2011 5:59 PM CDT reply actions
He did get squeezed
on a number of pitches. And ARam shouldn’t have let that grounder go under his glove. That would have been an out. Maybe two.
"Giggs gets past Viera, past Dixon, who comes back at him, it's a wonderful run from GIGGS!!!" - Martin Tyler
"Are you out of your fucking mind? You think I'm just going to rape you on the off chance that hopefully you're into that shit?" - Louis CK
Nucks Misconduct's Prodigal Son, Chief Curmudgeon, and Chief Hunk.
by Section 312 on Aug 11, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Story of Ramirez's season (defensively)...
to quote Lou Brown, “don’t give me this ole bullshit.”
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
...
Quade: C’mon Rammy, get in front of the damn ball. Don’t give me this ole bullshit.
Aramis: Hey, I dislocated my shoulder a few years back, I’m not about to lose big money contract after this season.
by ubercubsfan on Aug 11, 2011 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions
The most frustrating thing about Marmol...
….is that he doesn’t pitch to contact as much as he should. With that wicked windup, that nasty slider and a plus fastball, not a lot of hitters are going to square him up. He’s going to strike a lot of guys out. All he needs to do is throw the ball in the zone and not get himself in trouble. I think it happened once this season, but how many times will Marmol give up 3-4 straight base hits in the 9th inning? Just throw strikes, dude…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Al, this situation is intolerable
How do you sit out there day after day knowing the future of the franchise is being risked with these meaningless wins? Quade is gonna do everything in his power to get that 75 win mark so he can sell himself to come back. Hendry is all for it as well, he wants his job too. So we keep all of our players at the deadline, continue to put veterans out there over a guy like Colvin. Hendry won’t trade Marmol who is never gonna have higher value, Would you trust this guy in a playoff game? No freakin way! We keep everybody in the hope that we can get enough wins out of these last seven weeks SO EVERYBODY CAN COME BACK NEXT YEAR. Disgusting.
I wish I had an answer for you.
I just don’t understand why Colvin wasn’t playing today.
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Because he's not very good
and RJ is on a tear?
The sun is up. They sky is blue. It's beautiful, and so are you. Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play? ~Lennon & McCartney
by SouthWabashSoul on Aug 11, 2011 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It amazes me that people either completely ignore, or simply refuse to acknowledge the larger argument.
Colvin MAY not be a very good ball player. I wasn’t one of those that thought he was going to be the next big thing based on last season, because other than homers, his peripherals weren’t that impressive.
Having said that, the Cubs traded Fukudome with the STATED goal of getting Colvin up here and playing everyday so they could finally get a good long look at what we have in him. Yes, Reed is raking. There are also three outfield spots. Marlon Byrd is doing the very opposite of raking, why is he in the lineup everyday?
We aren’t contending. There’s no point in playing the hot hand over the kid WHO WE BROUGHT UP TO GET A BETTER LOOK AT. None. If the club has given up on Colvin, then release his ass and bring up someone like Montanez who we absolutely know what we have, and let him ride the pine.
This team does this WAAAAAY too often, most recently with Felix Pie. They bounce him back and forth from Iowa to Chicago, give him limited playing time when he’s up here and then cut him without every really giving him much of a real look. I’m so damn sick of this approach.
I asked this last week. What does it hurt to let Colvin play every single day? What damage does it do to the organization or the team? Before anyone responds to anything else I wrote, answer that question for me please.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
cut him loose. Not literally cut him (in regards to Pie)
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree completely.
It hurts nothing. Sure, every now and then you have to get your backups some playing time (Reed Johnson vs. LHP, for example).
But Colvin’s been sitting half the time. It’s pointless.
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you asked what it hurts, here's what it hurts:
Quade’s win/loss Record. If RJ is gonna play and get the win, then by golly Reed’s gonna play and get him the win. if Soriano is on his hot streak then Soriano’s gonna play, If marlon is free swinging slumping then he provides other immeasurable items to the team and deserves to play. blahblahblahblah
Ok, but that doesn't really hurt the team. Or the franchise.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Nothing can hurt DeWitt. The Franchise is an unstoppable force!
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
didnt ask how does this hurt the franchise or Team...
Quade isnt really looking at that. Quade is looking at his paycheck, and i guess rightfully so, a man has to feed his family, but he doesnt care if Colvin’s playing….
Yes...I did
What damage does it do to the organization or the team?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
What makes the win meaningless?
Because they won’t win a WS this year? Does that make every win the last 100+ years meaningless?
by Danwood on Aug 11, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, no.
But when you’re out of contention by Independence Day, wins in August are rather meaningless.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I suppose
Every win means something. It means this is probably not the worst team in history. It means this team might not be the worst one in the Central and not even the second worst. It means that perhaps the players are better than they’re given credit for and more games have been lost on Quade’s watch than some people want to admit.
If your sole criteria is for meaning is post season eligibility then yes I guess they are. I just don’t subscribe to that. Why the heck not just forfeit every game?
They may not hold as much gravity as a game in August could, but there’s certainly meaning to playing the games.
by Danwood on Aug 11, 2011 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The teams that are in the playoff hunt
Appreciate the Cubs not phoning it in.
Smacking down the Pirates and the Reds, etc.
It’s for the integrity of the game. And some of us fans like it, too.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
by vonde6 on Aug 11, 2011 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
99 percent of the fans like it
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That's why Bruce Bochy chose Quade as an All-Star coach
…because by not phoning it in last fall, the Cubs eliminated the Padres and paved the way for the Giants to advance and, eventually, win the World Series. At least, according to a Giants fan I sat next to at a recent home game.
this may have merit...
I believe the cubs took 3 of 4 from the padres, allowing the giants to only need 1 win against the padres to clinch the division in the last series of the regular season. Lucky for them too, because 1 was all they got.
by NorCalCubsFan on Aug 11, 2011 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I have been taking credit for this since last fall
From my Giants fan friends. They are happy to acknowledge that the help was appreciated.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Meaningful
Make the last 1.5 months meaningful. I’m not saying don’t try to win, but play with the pieces on this club, so you aren’t doing it in March. It’s important partiuculary now, because you are playing teams still playing for something…like this weekend.
PLEASE, don’t fall for the Quade run like last year, when it was worthless.
To your 1st question:
No, not because they won’t win the WS but because it’s one step closer to the status quo and business as usual. (e.g. SOS) and I don’t mean save our ship.
2. Pretty much so. Winning titles is all that counts. Not 97 wins followed by an NLDS sweep, Not winning a division for the 1st time since WWII, winning the 1st 2 playoff games only to lose the next 3 Finishing second is the first place loser. Winning the title isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Aug 11, 2011 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
So, I see this alot, that we HAVE to lose in order to "win"
I don’t buy it. If Ricketts cannot see that Quade and Hendry are middle of the road or worse then we shouldn’t trust him to do “the right thing” when it’s blatantly obvious. No, then it’s firing Q/H because they did terrible by the only numbers that a casual fan would notice (which is blindingly obvious), not by examining the other, more important aspects of their job performance – which by not hiring a baseball guy to oversee Hendry he has committed himself to do.
I view it the opposite. If Ricketts is going to be a good owner, this team can beat the Cardinals and wind up in second place this year and Q/H would be shown the door. If the only way that they’re going to be fired is if they do absolutely awful by the most obvious measure then there is no hope for this team under Ricketts.
I'd like to believe this
If Ricketts is going to be a good owner, this team can beat the Cardinals and wind up in second place this year and Q/H would be shown the door.
I totally understand what you’re saying here I just don’t trust Ricketts would follow through if the Cubs were to do what you state. There would be zero changes in the front office and management.
Just win the next game...!
worth every penny
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with your argument
They should not have to lose every game to make a point. Ricketts is a business man, he understands performance, and that performance pays.
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
What's disgusting is
someone who apparently is so untethered to reality that he can’t enjoy what is supposed to be a pleasurable, recrecational activity.
I don’t think anybody is under any illusions about this ballclub at this point. Whatever happens after the season happens.
But I’m not going to hope the Cubs go 0-162 just so some grand fantasy can take place.
I really, really wonder about some people’s sanity when I read some of this stuff. How miserable must some of you be.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 11, 2011 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Why can't you just let people root for the team in the manner they see fit?
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
by shoemile on Aug 11, 2011 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Boo-hoo, shoe
Sorry, if you want to crap all over a thread, you deserve what you get.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 11, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
crap all over a thread?
He asked why you can’t let people root for the team any way they like. How is that crapping all over a thread?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:00 AM CDT up reply actions
People were under illusions about this ballclub after last season.
They thought that since they finished well, they were contenders this year.
by mic on Aug 11, 2011 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
No one serious thought that
Everyone who even mentioned playoffs that has half a grain of baseball knowledge admitted it would take almost a flawless season to have it happen.
[...]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 Aug 12, 2011 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Not only a flawless season from the Cubs...
but a catastrophic FAIL of a season by most everyone else in our division.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather deal with Bruce Froemming than you
Quade is gonna play every game (screw the kids playing) like it’s game 7 of the world series to save his job. I find no satisfaction in meaningless wins with the team 16 games out of first. I want changes and I don’t want this manager or GM (who won’t trade anybody just to save his job) coming back based on the team winning games in August and September when they have long been eliminated.
by MikeJW on Aug 11, 2011 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Sadly some here do not understand this
I don’t want this manager or GM (who won’t trade anybody just to save his job) coming back based on the team winning games in August and September when they have long been eliminated.
Even though it happened less than a year ago and could happen again.
Just win the next game...!
Rec'd - this team is dead
And I don’t want some Zombie wins in September lead to bringing the whole gang back together next spring.
by ClarkFan on Aug 12, 2011 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Rec’d….
As much as I want to cheer for them – just like yesterday’s game – it’s just another step towards the SOS in 2012.
Just win the next game...!
Not as miserable as you usually sound
Come on NBF, no one is asking for a 0-162. But do you honestly believe there will still be changes in store if for instance, the Cubs finish this year like they did last year?
They have 44 games remaining. They finished 24-13 under Quade last season. If they match that winning pct this year, starting tonight, they finish 80-82. Can you just imagine all the sunshine and lollipops going around Clark & Addison about the “turn-around”? Just how many changes do you think will happen? And what exactly would make us think 2012 would be MUCH better than 2011?
Now, if the keep their current winning pct, they finish 70-92. To me at least that sets the tone for changes all around including the front office. How is that radical? They’re .432 now, they finish .432 and 22-games under. Make it like 2006 when they finished 66-96 and heads should roll.
Just win the next game...!
You are assuming that the "changes in store" will be for the better
I do not have that confidence in TR at this point.
Two things...
Maybe the reason Hendry didn’t make ANY moves other than the salary dump of Fukudome is because Ricketts may have told him not to because he’s gonna fire Hendry at the end of the year and don’t want him involved in any transitions…secondly…I do believe they’ve seen enough of Tyler “.125” Colvin. Just spot start him every once in awhile. What I don’t get is why Campana is used as a pinch hitter when he’s best suited for pinch running in a close game. Such a waste sending him up there with a bat.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
He's a tremendous bunter.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Marmol didn't have a ton of value
at the deadline. He had just lost his job for a day to Marshall.
Not that he would’ve been moved anyway.
The sun is up. They sky is blue. It's beautiful, and so are you. Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play? ~Lennon & McCartney
by SouthWabashSoul on Aug 11, 2011 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions
You know what.....
if Quade does get them to continue this winning I hope he does get to come back!
There…I’ve said it. Bash away everybody! Ban me from BCB! I like Quade and hope he keeps winning! I think the guy deserves a medal for getting this craptastic team to win ANY games. I realize he has made some eye rolling decisions, but I honestly don’t think ANYBODY could have gotten this team to go all the way. I just don’t like rooting for people to get fired. It’s against my nature. Sorry, I can’t do it.
So many of you seem to have the philosophy that “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Fine. I just don’t feel that way. I’d rather see them in 4th than 5th and no one is going to convince me that I’m less of a fan for feeling that way.
Fasten those seat belts...
by katie casey on Aug 12, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
The majority opinion isn't that somebody else would have "gotten this team to go all the way"....
literally nobody has said that or implied anything like that. Quade has managed this team like HS coach and his coaching staff has looked both absent and lost at times during the season. I haven’t seen anyone make the claim thatt this team would be in contention if not for Miike Quade. Quade is merely one of the problems/holes/deficiencies this team has right now.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I appreciate your respectful reply.
Maybe I am thinking people are implying things they aren’t. I disagree about Quade looking absent or managing like a HS coach. But I think we can agree to disagree here.
Fasten those seat belts...
I don't, I'm only willing to disagree to agree.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
So we can do this all over again?
People not wanting Quade back has absolutely NOTHING to do with “If you’re not first, you’re last” It has to do with if we bring Quade back, there seems to be a pretty big chance that the most we can hope for is that we’ll get a nice second half run from fifth place every season. He’s not a good manager. Winning games against weak opponents when you’ve already solidified 5th place isn’t impressive to me AT ALL.
You think he deserves a medal….for getting the team into fifth place? I just…I don’t even understand this…the team sucks, so we should reward a crappy manager because…..we suck. Makes zero sense.
And as SWL said, it’s not that we think some other manager would have us in contention, it’s that while the team is bad, Quade is making some of the dumbest calls I’ve ever seen ON TOP of the sucking. But keep celebrating the abject mediocrity that is Quade and his coaching staff if that’s what floats your boat.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Tough to watch
Look, I want to see the cubs players, play and be managed in a professionally manner. The things Quade does are stupid and brainless. He really has escaped so much criticism because the team is so bad and most people / radio stations aren’t even watching or talking about. The guy is a terrible game manager who appears not to even have respect from his players
Oy vey אױ װײ
I think the guy deserves a medal for getting this craptastic team to win ANY games.
ANY games? Come on now, really? 99 percent of the time every team wins 1/3rd of their games and loses 1/3rd of their games. It’s the last 1/3rd that differentiates winners from losers.
No one else here thinks ANYONE ELSE would have taken this horseshit of a roster and won anything. Connie Mack could not have done it either.
So OK, don’t root for anyone to get fired. Please then, do not expect much out of 2012 either.
Just win the next game...!
Here's what I don't understand about the 2011 Cubs.
What the hell happened from the middle of June until the end of July?
The team played OK in April, thanks to a soft schedule. Then, the injuries did get pretty bad in May and June. But the team that sucked wind for six weeks until the trade deadline is pretty much the team we’re seeing now, other than … Kosuke Fukudome.
That’s it! It was all Kosuke’s fault! I knew, I knew, I knew it! And people scoffed when I said I’d drive him to the airport. I was right all along. But he draws walks, elgato! But he makes the Cubs more popular in Japan, elgato! But he cured Polio, elgato!
I kid, I kid. That’s probably the last time I’ll ever get a Kosuke rant on BCB — even if this one was done tongue in cheek. I know it’s not on Kosuke, but why were the Cubs so bad for six weeks and pretty decent for the past two?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It really is baffling
Certainly it appears as if jettisoning Kosuke has led to some grand revival, but logically I guess that probably isn’t so.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 11, 2011 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions
You guess?
I would say not playing a team with a record over .500 this month has more to do with it than Jettisoning Kosuke.
The rest of this month we play the Braves, (the Astros) the Cardinals, the Braves again, the Brewers and the Giants.
If we’re still wracking up nine wins every 11 games THEN we can talk about a grand revival. Hell, we caught the Pirates when they were playing their worst baseball of the season. It’s not baffling at all.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Why??
…why were the Cubs so bad for six weeks and pretty decent for the past two?
Because in those 6 weeks they couldn’t do a damned thing right and the opposition they played overall was better than what they’re playing now.
Think of that 7-game win streak. Think they would even be close to 7/7 if they went to Phi or Atl instead of Pgh and came home to AZ or SF instead of Cin? No, of course not.
All crappy teams have a nice stretch of games over a 2-3 week span nearly any given season.
Just win the next game...!
Well, obviously.
But we’re talking about the same group of guys, sans Kosuke.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yes. Playing a very easy portion of the schedule
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Better Pitching, and hitting for power
They went about two months with 3 true major league pitchers, and 2 of those 3 did some time on the DL as well.
The Cubs have pretty much been healthy since mid June.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
But I think the big difference has been power
Once they started hitting home runs consistently, finally, the win streaks started coming.
Woody looked absolutely UNHITTABLE today!!
Best I’ve seen him look this year. ALL pitches working, DOMINANT! Does my heart good.
He looked like that in his last outing, too.
Like I said, maybe he has something left.
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No maybe about it...
In this outing he looked as good as anybody I’ve seen this year. I guess the question is can he maintain that level of play, and if so, for how long… BTW, I did not see his last two outings.
Paging Easy Ed.
Easy Ed to the white courtesy phone. Paging Easy Ed …
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
If he's got something left...
it’d be a good time to move him. Remember el…3 years $10M…you wanna be stuck with that?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Isn't this 3 years $10M a figure you pulled out of your rear?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep...right outta my arse...
…but, but, but…he’s Kid “K”…he struck out 20 guys THIRTEEN years ago. He’s a legend. He turned EVERYBODY else down to come play for the Cubs. He’s gonna have a statue, a flag off a pole AND his # retired and I think he once parted Lake Michigan (but don’t quote me on that)…all with less than 100 wins. $10M for 3 years would be a steal!!!
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
cool
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 Aug 12, 2011 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions
but a contract like that has NEVER been talked about in public right?
I mean you LITERALLY dreamed up this secret pact scenario all on your own right?
Just checking.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope...never been mentioned
Just a hunch. You gotta ask yourself this (and for all you out there that think he did it cuz his wife is from Chicago and he thinks of himself as a lifelong Cub…HA!!!) He coulda went pretty much anywhere for more years AND more money. The Cubs have a gazillion dollars coming off the books next year and I (and I may be wrong) just think that there was a “pay me what you can THIS year and you can make it up to me next year(s)” sorta “deal” put in place. Now, if Hendry gets shit-canned, which by all rights he should, then the “deal” would be null and void…which is another reason why I hope Jimbo gets the ax.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
He definitely has something left,
a bad streak was all it was. He should be good finishing out the year.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Win is a Win.
Couple of things. Did Colvin and Campana suddenly get hurt? Why in the 8th inning is Soriano in the game.
When Quade came out to get Shark, Sharks expression was not good. I was not happy they pulled him. He has been throwing the ball well and if someone other than Soriano was in left the ball gets caught.
I still can’t believe Quade is running this team. Anyways, move on and hope it is not the case come October.
Campana hit for Dempster in the 7th.
Why he didn’t stay in is another question.
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Has Byrd played left in a Cubs uniform?
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
That's a given,
Campana has a Juan Pierre-esque arm.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
I don't think I've ever seen Ed say he approves of Ricketts....
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions
He has not...But I said nothing about it....
It was bad managing, but he chose to be an ass…
So he must think it was good managing, which is exactly what I think Hendry and Ricketts think.
wait....what?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions
My apologies TJ...
was just bustin’ your stones. Gets rather annoying, don’t it?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
I know it...Just busting yours back....
I think we are both aware there needs to be changes on this team….
now is not the time for strong action
we must remain course, possibly even increase speed to warp factor 9
Talking about Marmol
It dawned on me today during that ninth inning that maybe Carlos is more comfortable pitching to Soto than to Hill.
I’m curious as to how how many blown saves he has with Hill catching vs. with Soto catching. It might not be anything worth comparing, but the thought popped up.
Just trying to figure out why Marmol struggles more this year.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 11, 2011 7:55 PM CDT reply actions
Well, Marmol was lights out last September.
And that was the month that Hill caught most every game when Soto was injured. But, it’s not like we ever talked about that on BCB, or anything …
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Pitching to Hill
1 Blown Save (6 run meltdown on May 31st) – rest of them have come with Soto behind the dish…
8th inning Quade used 3 three relievers
yet never replaced Soriano in LF. Time and again he uses this L/R pitching thing and it drains the bullpen of a replacement for Marmol when he has one of his bad days. Shark throws well yet he’s replaced by Marshall. Shark has a .216 BA vs LH. Marshall .224. Johnson changes PH and Marshall is faced with all RH.
The time to worry abour Shark is when he’s not throwing strikes, same as Marmol. But by blowing through Marshall and Wood, no one is in the pen to bail out Marmol. Yes, I know we won, but it should and could have been a much easier win.
Bad managing wins a game and Quade gets the credit. Another reason to fear the future.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
Russell
should have been warming up not Ortiz…this way if it becomes a 15 inning slugfest you have an arm you dont care about abusing
The BAs for Shark and Marshall against LHs are misleading because Marshall is far more likely to face good LH hitters while Shark is likely only going to be left in to face the ones that suck.
Plus factor in the fact that making that move made the Nationals burn a player on an already short bench and it made them switch to a guy who’s a worse hitter.
Did you notice
that the “worse hitter” singled off Marshall. It seems to me that the difference between a .196 and .224 hitter is one without distinction. Both Shark and Marshall are usually brought in at the beginning of an inning unless you suggest Quade is wise enough to choose which pitcher to use against what level of LHB.
The point is why replace a pitcher who is throwing well that day and is facing a .224 pitcher. In the end it was another example of burning our bullpen needlessly.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
Yes, Quade is wise enough so that when a Prince Fielder or Joey Votto or Chase Utley is at the plate in the later innings, it’s Marshall usually facing them.
And I would not say that a pitcher who gave a double and wild pitch was “throwing well that day”
Yes it is
but those appearances are insignificant compared to the number of batters faced in a year. In fact Shark has faced the three mentioned players above a higher % of his batters faced than has Marshall.
As for the double, if Quade had substituted for Soriano, it would have most likely been an out OTOH, Marshall gave up 2 hits and didn’t retire anyone.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
Good win
Good win.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Aug 11, 2011 8:48 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Happy Birthday!
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
I am getting a bad feeling that...
with these wins, we are going to have the same players/manager/coaching staff/front office back next year. I hope I am wrong…
Don't get me wrong, I love seeing our Cubbies win
but with these meaningless wins, we are sacrificing the playing time of our youngsters for what?
WINS!!! A WIN IS A WIN IS A WIN!!!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHHGHHHHHH
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions
If the Cubs win, fans go to games
The more the Cubs win, the more revenue the Cubs have, which means the more revenue the Cubs can reinvest back into the team. If Ricketts is happy right now, it’s because much more fans will go see a slightly below-average team as opposed to a completely atrocious one. The Cubs are playing much more like the former. You may see them as “meaningless,” but Ricketts is a businessman, and he sees profit. I don’t think that’s completely wrong.
You may suggest that meaningless wins will cause him to keep the coaching staff and GM. That may be so, but Rickett’s public “happy face” is related to keeping up attendance, and not to a genuine naive belief this team is actually any good. I think you confuse the two.
Is the improvement this late in the season really going to have a large impact on attendance for the rest of the year?
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
I think a Cubs hot streak
could significantly boost attendance figures. The owner and manager both believe the same thing, I would guess. That’s money that can be reinvested back into the team.
I’m not saying it’s perfectly justified, but I think there’s been a fair balance of playing guys like Colvin and playing “in-it-to-win” lineups.
I think the owner and manager most likely believe they owe it to the fans to put what they believe is the best product on the field.
I just don’t think there is going to be a serious influx of ticket buyers in September because the Cubs are 12-8 in their last 20 games or something similar.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
I guess I disagree with you there
I would think a really good stretch of baseball would increase attendance figures. How good? Well, better then 12-8, probably.
The only effect winning will have
is that tickets you can currently by in Sept for about 1/4 or less of face value might get up to 1/3 of face value. There will be sea of empty seats in Sept.
I predict Kenney & Ricketts will blame it on one or all of the following
1. They JUST found out kids are in school in Sept.
2. MLB refused to schedule 3 Yankee series in Sept.
3. It is too cold
4. It is too hot.
5. It is too wet.
6. Everyone is out watching Weekend at Bernie’s #6
7. Fans fail to appreciate that the Cubs have not yet been mathematically eliminated ( this is for the first 10 days of the month)
8. The economy is terrible and those full houses in Milwaukee are the result of WI having 100% employment and the a happy and unified population.
In any event NONE of the empty seats are related to the Cubs poor play and the bad on field and off field management.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 12, 2011 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
um BUY not BY
Basically the box office will only be selling tickets to dumb out of towners who don’t know tickets on the street, stubhub, Craig’s list etc are available at a fraction of face value,
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 12, 2011 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Furthemore
I think there’s something admirable about a manager that keeps fielding the lineup that gives him the best possibility to win games. Now obviously Quade has made some questionable moves, I am NOT suggesting that he has a perfect record, but playing Johnson over Colvin is an attempt to not give up. Seeing the amount of crap Soriano and other players get around here for “giving up,” “mailing it in,” or playing “lazily,” I find it a but of a double standard that the manager and owner are criticized for fielding lineups that give them the best opportunity to win.
Obviously the youngsters need time to play, and obviously Quade has made some bad decisions- I hope this call for moderation is met with a bit more then sarcasm and accusations that I am a “sheep” because I am not calling for heads to roll.
by markrvdl on Aug 11, 2011 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I am hoping they do what needs to be done to change the GM and manager for next year....
It may not bother you to watch bad managing and bad team running….But it does most Cub fans.
I dont even want to
think of opening day 2012 or beyond .
Even if we have the same squad back with the same coaching staff?
I am an optimistic type person, but that wouldn’t necessarily be starting “fresh”.
I hope we actually start fresh.
Like with a fresh front office and manager
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You know...
I am a sucker for opening day, I always take the day off from work to catch the first game but if the Cubs have the same lineup for the most part in 2012, I will take my pass.
I was in the LF bleachers today
And Al has a doppelgänger. I seriously went up to a guy and said, “Are you Al Yellon, the Bleed Cubbie Blue blogger?” he said no. I would be embarrassed but he looked just like him.
by HoosierFan on Aug 11, 2011 10:15 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
That's kind of scary.
You should have stopped by the LF corner. I was there the whole time.
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I wouldn't be embarrassed either
you just used the word doppelganger…
Cubs need to trade Marmol this offseason
and get something back for him, his contract becomes ridiculous (thanks again Hendry) after this season. if you really want to win the world series there’s no way in hell I want Marmol out there trying to close eleven post season games. No chance with that lack of control.
...
Cubs need to trade Marmol this offseason
and get something back for him, his contract becomes ridiculous (thanks again Hendry) after this season.
I clearly remember the tone this past offseason in Marmol signing threads being “pay the man”.
from some? Sure. Just like there are some people who think Mike Quade is a good manager
There needs to be a concerted effort to avoid claiming that three people equals the majority of the site.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Unless it's the three most important people...Dan, Shoe and Me.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I just thought that was a given
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll be at the Cubs next two contests down in Atlanta.
Let’s hope they can continue with the wins to build another little streak.
THIS IS THE YEAR!
by CubsPanthersTarHeels on Aug 12, 2011 12:08 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Fundamentals
Pat Hughes commented that no player on the team had more than one sacrifice bunt?
I was amazed, as was Keith if I recall correctly.
Not sure where he got that information.
The Cubs are near the bottom of the NL with 41 sac bunts (Nationals lead with 61).
However, the following players have (or had, before they left the team) more than one:
Ryan Dempster (8), Darwin Barney (5), Kosuke Fukudome (5), Koyie Hill (3), Doug Davis (3), and Tony Campana, Carlos Zambrano, Randy Wells, Rodrigo Lopez and Casey Coleman, two each.
I have no idea why Pat would have said no one has more than one. It’s just not true.
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That was probably why Keith was amazed
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think ESPN knew this game was played yesterday
I was watching for the score on the ticker this morning, and I never saw it.
It's another Quade!
Why didn’t Wood start the 8th???!!!
Another wasted day without seeing colvin.
Anyone get a view of the single to LF…should DeJesus have sent Sori with 2 outs?? from my angle I would have sent him …I think better % of scoring that run.
Todd Hollandsworth sure doesn't like Aramis Ramirez
“When you’ve got your best player — he’s your best hitter, we’ve watched it for years now — and you can’t seem to have a positive effect on the guys around you in your clubhouse, getting them to step up or play to a different level, it’s just hard for me to swallow, especially when you’re being paid to be that guy,” Hollandsworth told “The McNeil and Spiegel Show” on WSCR-AM 670.
“Then you bring into question effort and that’s one thing in the game of baseball that really is inexcusable. One hundred percent effort all the time, there’s really no reason for you not to have 100 percent effort. He’s got impressionable kids around him right now: Darwin Barney, Starlin Castro, these kids are growing up, they’re watching it and you know what, they’re not getting any better.”
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
MERELY SPECULATION
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
If you had something constructive to say in response to my comment, you should have done so.
Instead, you decided to post something completely irrelevant to my comment, which was simply my reaction to something a broadcaster actually said, not just “speculated”.
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sorry Al...this is total speculation...and you know it...
…you can’t seem to have a positive effect on the guys around you in your clubhouse, getting them to step up or play to a different level…
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 12, 2011 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
as is this
Then you bring into question effort and that’s one thing in the game of baseball that really is inexcusable. One hundred percent effort all the time, there’s really no reason for you not to have 100 percent effort.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Hollandsworth has harped on this before.
Coming from a former teammate, too.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
Yeah, in fact he's harped on it so much, I sort of wonder if Hollandsworth doesn't have a personal problem with Rammy
I don’t REALLY doubt anything said there, but at the same time, if the Cubs thought Rammy was going to be a team leader, that’s THEIR fault, not his. He’s never been that guy…..ever. You can’t expect to the point of anger, for a dude to completely change his personality because suddenly he’s stuck with a bunch of lesser talented players and an idiot manager.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 12, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought after Lee went down in 2006 that it became clear Ramirez wasn't the leader type.
He stunk it up until the team was out of it, then went on a tear (sounds familiar!). If Ramirez is actually having an effect on Castro and Barney (which I can’t say is true or false), that is an issue though.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
maybe he's having an "I don't want to end up being like that guy" effect :)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Aug 12, 2011 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
But if they don't follow his lead then how are they gonna get Quade to stop calling them out in the media!?!?
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
Marmol
Don’t trade Marmol now, because you won’t get crap for him. I would invest in a major league pitching coach who can analyze and fix what has changed!
Doesn’t Quade/Riggins feel like you are watching like a AAA team?
Doesn’t Quade/Riggins feel like you are watching like a AAA team?
Yes. In fact, I wrote a long article about this very subject last month.
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Winning and evaluating
There are a couple of things that Ramirez said in an article that I think are correct. One is that the Cubs have managed to win 9 of the last 11 games because the pitching has been better. The increased power hitting is a positive, but most games have been low-scoring and the defense has been better. Ramirez also said that winning is still the goal because there are fans who come to see the Cubs win.
Evaluating how a player has played and playing to win each game are different things. I really hope that Hendry, Quade, Ricketts and anybody else involved with roster decisions has stopped evaluating how a player actually played when, both, he played a lot before the all-star break and didn’t have an injury of significance before the all-star break. For example, they would continue to evaluate Wells.
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