Six Home Runs? Yes, Those Were The Cubs Winning Their Third Straight
by Al Yellon on Aug 3, 2011 7:40 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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This is another "no, I am not making this up" headline.
For only the ninth time in franchise history -- and it tied a team record for a road game -- the Chicago Cubs hit six home runs in a game. Let us record the names for posterity, because unless we do, future generations will not believe that a team this bad could accomplish this feat:
Tyler Colvin, Aramis Ramirez, Geovany Soto, Alfonso Soriano (twice, in back-to-back innings) and Marlon Byrd.
In last night's game preview, I said this might be a high-scoring game, and it was. The Cubs beat the Pirates 11-6, and it would have been a bigger blowout if not for some sloppy relief pitching in the eighth and ninth inning by Ramon Ortiz (please, can we cut him now?) and John Grabow (I was hoping for better, so maybe someone would want him in August).
How weird was this? It was more home runs than they had hit in their previous nine games combined. The Cubs were 10th in the NL in home runs (91) before Tuesday night's game; the six homers account for 6.2% of their entire season's worth of dingers, now 97. And, oddly enough, the last Cubs team to hit six homers in a game was also a miserably bad team, the 2006 Cubs, who hit six on September 17, 2006 at Wrigley Field. Oddly, one of the players who hit one that day also played in last night's game -- for the Pirates. Ronny Cedeno hit one that day. Click on the link for the rest -- you're likely to be amused.
It wasn't so amusing during the first inning. The Cubs actually began the scoring not with a home run, but Randy Wells had his usual first-inning jitters and gave up a pair to the Bucs. That made his first-inning ERA, which was bad (11.25) coming into this game, worse -- it's now 11.76.
But Colvin began the homer barrage in the second, his shot bouncing into the Allegheny River behind the right-field seats. Colvin's good day -- he missed a second homer by a couple of feet, settling for a double -- is a good beginning, though obviously he still has a long way to go to get back to last year's level and prove he belongs in the major leagues. Hey, Mike Quade! Play him every day, please. This is a good start -- don't bench him today (or, any day for at least a couple of weeks).
Wells settled down and wound up with a quality start, since he gave up no further runs and dropping his ERA to under six for the first time since early June. This is a good sign for the future, as Wells can be a capable fourth starter when he's on.
So the Cubs have now won three in a row for the second time in two weeks.
If I'd have written that sentence and said it would be a positive thing at the beginning of the season, you'd have known it was going to be a bad year. But it's all we've got, unfortunately. They'll go for four straight tonight at PNC, and even Quade admits the Cubs are just playing spoiler:
"It's great to play clubs that are contending," Quade said. "You wish you were one of them right now, and you're not. You come out to play every day, but there's a little more impetus when you play contenders, especially contenders in your own division. So for the time being, you just try and make it hard on all of them."
Wins are nice, and I hope the Cubs do keep winning. But if they do, I hope that doesn't blind management to the necessity of making changes, whether it be via waiver deals in August, and when the season is over. It's time for a makeover of this franchise.
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When my alarm clock went off at 5 AM, I was sure I was still dreaming when I saw the score.
At least one nice thing today…
Al: Oh, I’ve decided to call today’s recap The Magically Reappearing Recap…. ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I'm amazed they beat the Pirates 2 in a row
Could this thing be turning around? TJ, any thoughts????
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Kidding, right?
On the turn-around, that is. Hey, I’m all for some wins but its a foregone conclusion to miss the playoffs, so they might as well return the favour to the Bucs from last season’s head-to-head record.
Just win the next game...!
I think this proves what I have been saying all along....That Quade and Hendry are great at their job and should get long extentions...
I hope we can keep Soriano. He has been vastly underpayed and you can’t put a price on in hustle!
This is our year!
If Colvin gets benched tonight, Quade should be fired...
I don’t care who the player is, if he hits a ball completely out of the ballpark and just misses another HR by two feet, he earns a start the next day. That’s how that is supposed to work. Reward a player for his good game and give him a chance to build on it…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
by DKT on Aug 3, 2011 7:39 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Exactly.
There’s a RHP going tonight (Charlie Morton). Absolutely no reason Colvin shouldn’t be in there.
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by Al Yellon on Aug 3, 2011 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Don't want DeWitt
to lose his stroke?
j/k
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Wait
Aren’t we calling him ’The Franchise" now?
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Aug 3, 2011 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
ive already fined tim for 500 BCB bucks
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 3, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
very encouraging night for Colvin.
that homer was a monster, i believe Levine said 450 ft. now lets see if he can keep it going, assumign quade doesnt sit him which we shouldnt assume…
by MDavis on Aug 3, 2011 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yup, nice stroke on that shot
Had one high off the R/CF wall late in the game too, IIRC. I really want to see what this kid can bring, and it pisses me off to no end that Quade – who is supposed to be a teaching type – doesn’t trot that kid out there every day just to see what he can do. Let him fail a bunch of times, what the hell is the difference? 94 losses vs 98 losses???
Just win the next game...!
according to ESPN last night it wasnt even the
third longest homerun hit last night….i was at a drinking establishment and couldnt see the TV that well, but Colvin wasnt on the list.
Seriously?? 4 people hit HRs longer than 450?
THAT would have to be a record.
Listened to the Pirates braodcast on XM
they said it was at 451’- the pressbox announcement in the background said the same
"For the charming if somewhat curious branch of mankind known as Cub fans, spring is a sanguine time.. Every spring holds the blithe hope that perhaps this is the season in which Satan will grow weary and ease up on the headlock in which he has diabolically held Chicago's mightily struggling National League baseball team since 1908..." Lonnie Wheeler- "Bleachers"
by tommy veryzer on Aug 3, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
distance doesn't matter (kind of like size doesn't either) only quantity and quality
Meaning 369 ft HR’s count the same as 450ft HR’s, and the number and when count more.
As for Colvin the next six weeks are critical for next year’s plan for the next GM and Mgr. Colvin is a good corner OF’er if he can hit above .260, OBP above .310 and hit 20 plus HR’s.
Since the call up: 13 AB’s 4H’s, 1-2B, 1-HR, 0-BB and 3-K’s in 4 starts out of 5 games.
Now I wonder when/if Brent Jackson is recalled,
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
distance does certainly matter....
when your debating the distance of the homerun.
go write a fan post.
by epsilon on Aug 3, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
only winning matters, all the rest is hot air
and so what how far a baseball travels. I once watched Bobby Douglas throw a football on a line over 80 yards for a TD, but Douglas sucked as a QB. In the same game I watched Bart Starr make a 1 yard pass for a winning TD….which one mattered?
Discussing how far a baseball travels is a big so what.
They made Yankee stadium’s RF a short porch for the Babe, not because they wanted to ooo and ahhh over a long HR, but cheer for the many.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Quade?
Y u so heated over people enjoying the GAME they love? Only winning matters to a team 23 games under .500?
I think you need to squeeze a tennis ball a couple hundred more times a day, tighten your grip on reality.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
I thank him.
I honestly thought 450 feet was a magic “you win the ballgame” distance for a homerun and that’s why the Cubs one. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.
YO JOE!
It matters when the topic of discussion is the distance of the HR
Also, two comments:
1. Who is Brent Jackson?
2. If you’re referring to Brett Jackson, then he won’t be “recalled” for a long time. He’s not on the 40-man roster, so it would be the Cubs purchasing his contract.
sorry about the typo
and you are correct about purchasing his contract, maybe DeWitt is traded and he is called up or better someone claims a hot Soriano
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
I think Brent is on vacation with Barbie, in Costa Rica
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Also, it's 3 starts in 6 games for Colvin
He subbed in the Aug 1 game and the July 28 game and he sat out the July 31 game.
And basically, that entire stat line is driven by yesterday’s game (3 of the 4 hits, including both of the XBH).
Colvin's double
was against a lefty too fwiw.
Heard that on the game last night
and what disappointed me the most was BB agreeing Colvin not be in the lineup against “tough” southpaws. Why even bring him up. This crap about “starting” players L/L, R/R match-ups must END, and END with this season’s abysmal performance.
Just win the next game...!
Correct.
How is he ever going to learn to hit “tough” LHP unless he faces them?
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Wasn't his game tyer in Philly off of Bastardo?
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 3, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Nope.
Off Ryan Madson. And that was the HR that should have been; it was ruled a double.
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Agreed...
not to mention the fact that the two previous games that Colvin didn’t play were against a RHP (Westbrook) and a guy I wouldn’t exactly call a “tough” LHP (Maholm). I can sort of understand sitting Colvin against a guy like Sabathia or Lee (or a handful of others). But benching him against Westbrook and Maholm in favor of a guy who’s never going to be more than a 4th OF (and may not even be here next year) is silly.
Exactly...This should be a no-brainer....
But this is Quade and the Cubs…so it has to be brought up.
It is something stupid that they would do.
Colvin should be played every day regardless of results
We need to determine if he is a part of the future or not.
The reason the season lasts 162 games is so players can get rhythm and timing and work their way in and out of slumps. Colvin has proven he is not in PH role but he may be a good every day OF.
Drew
According to
“We’re committed to finding out about Colvin,” Quade said. “He’s going to get opportunities, and it’s going to be up to him to keep them. I’m going to give him some shots.”
Fasten those seat belts...
Some
He has committed some shots to Bakey and Reeder and DeWittsy too.
He is managing playing time like a JV coach.
Drew
Don't want Bake's mom
to call the Principal.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Yep, Quade will lean toward the vets and screw Colvin
just like the JV coach would play the athletic directors kid or the football coaches son over guys with obviously more talent.
"Go Cubs!"
Wow! Not a one of you was on Varsity?
We have a bunch of JV bench warmers ridiculing “coach”?! Fill the gatorade cooler and untangle the dirty jock straps, Nerds!
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Ease up poindexter
Unique cited JV, I agreed, that’s all…
Go fetch us a lemonade. :^)
Just win the next game...!
Jesus, he contradicts himself in his own sentence.
They’re “committed” to finding out about him, but ONLY if he performs up to some abstract level that Quade sets.
FFS we need a competent manager something fierce.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Agreed but something
tells me he’ll be sitting on the bench.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Hi Sue!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
That was a bomb last night
Looked like the Daryll Ward shot!!
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Soriano bats .186 for the month of July... THEN goes on a HR binge as the trade deadline passes.
Way to come up big for your team.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Well...
… Soriano will surely clear waivers. If he stays hot, maybe he can be traded in August.
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I'd throw a parade in Chicago funded by my 401k, if that happens.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
AL(or someone) give me a waivers refresher...
if we place Soriano and someone (jokingly?) claims soriano and no one else does, then that team HAS to trade for him? or if you make a claim can you back out of the claim?
If someone claims him,,,
iirc, we can let them pick up the tab. See Rios, Alex.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Unless Soriano invokes his no-trade.
Every day is a beautiful day for baseball!!
by cowsarecool220 on Aug 3, 2011 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions
NTC
isn’t included in a waiver situation. If we are releasing him on a waiver claim, that’s not a trade, so much as a release.
I think.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
I believe anyone claimed on waivers...
… who has a NTC, has to waive the NTC.
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This.
If we put someone on waivers, there are multiple things that can happen. Let’s say the Yankees claim Soriano. The Yankees will decide if they want to trade for Soriano or simply pick up his remaining salary. If they want to let him go with no compensation (as Blue Jays did with Rios), the Yankees are on the hook for the contract. If the Yankees want to trade for him, they would have exclusive rights to trade with the Cubs.
If someone claimed Soriano and the Cubs did not like what they were offering, they could simply pull him off waivers. You can only pull a player off of waivers once. If you put them back on and they are claimed again, you MUST make a trade with that team or allow them to take over the contract.
- all information is deemed possible and not guaranteed. I may have been drunk when I learned about waiver processes, so take it all with a grain of salt…
at Soriano prices
#thatsonebiggrainofsalt
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
IIRC...
… if you pull back a player from August waivers, you cannot waive him again until the season is over. Someone confirm this, please.
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From MLB Rules:
A team may only post a player and pull him back once during a waiver period, so if a player is posted for waivers twice by the same team in the same waiver period, the team which claims him the second time gets him with no possibility for the initial team to pull back. August is its own waiver period, so a team may only post and pull a player once between the trading deadline and September.
Largely irrelevant...
because if a team wanted to take Soriano’s contract, I’m sure the Cubs would gladly let them do so.
Oh, of course they would.
We can only hope.
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They don't have to trade for him.
If a team puts a claim on a player waived, and is awarded the claim… they must assume the player’s current contract. A good example of this: the White Sox claim on Alex Rios.
If Soriano is put on waivers… which is a pretty much standard procedure, and a team puts in a claim, I believe the Cubs have 10 days to forfeit him over to the other team or pull him back off waivers and fork out a trade.
Almost all veterans with “untradable” contracts are placed on waivers with the thinking that they’ll obviously clear… so that they could potentially be dealt after the non-waiver deadline.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
You sound fairly confident that it will happen...
Have your sources said anything?
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 3, 2011 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Joke right?
Of course Soriano will clear waivers. No one wants to take that contract. If he doesn’t that would be the best thign that could happen to the Cubs financially. All that they would need to do is say, “great, he’s yours” and Soriano’s entire remaining contract becomes the obligation of the claiming team and the Cubs are off the hook.
You would have to be an idiot to claim Soriano on waivers. And the Cubs front office has a monopoly on idiots last time i checked, right? (Kidding about that last part.)
Soriano will clear waivers, or I will print this post and eat it and post the video here.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run FOR Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Yeah, there's probably no player in the game more unaffected by the trade deadline
with the possible exception of Barry Zito.
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
Dear Cubs, please don't win 4 in a row.
The last thing this team needs is some putz of a GM pointing out that our manager got the team playing well at the end of the season, when we were out of contention… and deciding to pay him to manage the team next season.
Oh… wait… that already happened. Urghhhh.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
I mean, I know what you're saying.
But the situations are very different, beyond the fact that a 4-game win streak is not close to a 24-13 finish.
Quade kept his job last year because his ‘energy’ was seen as a key component in changing the Cubs’ fortunes. The team, under Lou, was 23 games under .500 the day Quade took over (indeed, after the Braves absolutely crushed the Cubs at Wrigley on Lou’s final Sunday). Quade took the same team — actually, he took over a team without Lilly, Theriot, Fontenot and Lee — and led them to one of the best finishes in baseball. It can be argued that the Cubs beat a lot of bad teams/teams filled with callups last September. But they also played teams in the pennant race. Ask the Padres.
This year, Quade can’t be saved by a finish as strong as 2010’s. The reason? He is also the guy who led the team to a record of 23 games under .500.
I know there are a lot of folks who won’t agree with me on this point, but I still don’t think we have enough info on Ricketts to write him off. Even if the Cubs finished similarly to last year — say, 10 games over .500 the rest of the way — they would still be 76-86. That’s still a worse record than the 2010 club without the the Lou-was-out-of-energy excuse to justify the bad first four months.
If the Cubs finished at .500 for the season — if they went 36-16 the rest of the way — maybe Quade saves his job. But does anyone here think that could actually happen? Also, if the Cubs somehow did do that — and got themselves back into the race — would bringing Quade back be seen as a terrible thing?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
My comment wasn't so much of a serious remark
As it was a plea to get rid of this joker. He has no business managing a major league baseball team.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
I agree with you.
I really think Quade could have been serviceable — though probably not very good — had the Cubs not replaced Rothschild and Trammell with two guys who were much less experienced. Or had they not let Larry and Alan leave at all.
The fundamental mistakes that we’ve seen this season didn’t seem to happen last September. Quade arguably has a more talented roster now (Pena over Nady, Garza in the rotation, Barney at second) but the dumb mistakes keep on happening.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Right.
I wrote that here a few weeks ago. If you have a manager as inexperienced as Quade, you have to give him experienced coaches. The Cubs didn’t do that.
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Yes -- meant to give you a hat tip.
I’d love to hear Alan Trammell’s thoughts on the Cubs this year.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Tram's got too much class to say what he really thinks.
Remember, he got passed over by Hendry pretty quickly.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
by Zeke on Aug 3, 2011 10:02 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
No, I realize that.
I’m not saying he would say anything — just that I’d be interested to hear what he thinks.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Agreed.
And while I think Tram would have fared better as Cubs skipper this season, he cOuldn’t have saved these guys. They were on a mission to suck this season.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
by Zeke on Aug 3, 2011 2:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
If Quade can manage this team back to .500
I’m okay with him staying for another year. But that’s only because I thought they were a sub-.500 team to start the year, and nothing I’ve seen this year has indicated otherwise. I don’t really think its possible that he could pull off 36-16 though.
Neither do I.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
yeah but at this point, there is nothing to play for, no pressure...
these SOB’s may just pull it off…
There's no way this crew goes 36-16.
That’s a winning percentage of nearly .700. The Cubs would essentially need to win EVERY SERIES for the rest of the season. Grabbing the last game against St. Louis and winning two off a fading Pittsburgh team (that had lost three straight entering Monday’s game).
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
'Usually'?
When has that happened, prior to 2010?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
What?
I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
i dont know, just using the Eyeball test
i just feel like once the cubs really arent in the chase anymore they tend to play better, i dont have facts, just feeling…
I guess you could say this happened in 2006.
The Cubs’ worst months were May-June. But it’s not like they had a strong finish.
But otherwise, I think you’re confusing the Cubs with the Astros.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Sad to see PIT folding
They are now 1-8 since getting jobbed in that extra innings game in ATL.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run FOR Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
Ricketts will see empty seats and an empty wallet
He is going to find out quickly that a 4 game win streak by a AAAA team does not put butts in $90 bleachers.
Drew
As expensive as bleachers are...
.. they aren’t $90. $80 is the top price. There’s another one this Saturday — and with the Reds falling out of the race, will Reds fans show up?
This weekend should still draw OK. Next week, night games vs. the Nationals, a non-draw team, and the following homestands? Not so much. We’ll see.
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With taxes and fees
I ended up paying $87 per ticket for the game the Yankees were in town.
by jerry morales rules on Aug 3, 2011 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Right.
But the only games left at that price are this Saturday and the August Cardinals series.
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Yes he will after the
Reds leave Wrigley this weekend . I am not sure if he is prepared to see it. However maybe cheaper beer prices, t-shirts, and hotdogs will get more seats filled . More fans are watching what they have to spend !!
Happy to see Colvin had a good day.
Looks like you guys were right to want to see him play.
I still don’t like the attitude of playing people just to “see what they can do.” This is the majors. I want them to be trying to win every single day. If playing Colvin (or anybody else for that matter) gives them their best chance, fine. But that losing mentality of “it doesn’t matter now anyway” drives me nuts. And yes, I do know they are out of contention. I still want them to win.
Fasten those seat belts...
Hey KC...
not really arguing your point…just gonna play devils advocate here…what if winning is actually hurting the team? example: they win Just Enough(whatever that magical number is) to retain Quade and/or Hendry and bring him back next year, drop from second to fifth in the draft, all because Quade had to win a few extra games at the back end of the season…? IIRC, you have season tickets? or go often enough that you want to see quality product on the field when you pay admission, and thats fair because if i’m in the stands i want a W, but objectively on paper…lose em, lose em all and let’s start fresh(er).
Both of you make valid points.
Of course seeing the Cubs win every day is our wish and should be their goal.
But the reality is, this team is going nowhere and needs to retool for 2012. One of the things to find out is whether Tyler Colvin can be an everyday player next year. We can’t find that out by playing him in spring training next year. We need to know now.
So he has to play. Otherwise, why is he even here?
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I get what you are saying.
I don’t really think much about the draft and I guess I just deep down don’t believe that there is a magical number of wins/losses that will do much to change whatever they are planning to do. If they don’t know they are beyond bad now….
We are in a group that has season tickets. We average about 1 or 2 games a homestand. We live close enough that it’s reasonable to go that often, but far enough for it to be super annoying to make the effort to get there only to find the team not making an effort.
Fasten those seat belts...
I think ...
… you’re confusing “making an effort” with our desire to see Colvin play every day.
Of course the team is trying to win. Playing Tyler Colvin doesn’t mean they aren’t trying.
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Maybe I am getting confused.
All I’m really trying to say is that I will never agree with any of you that are cheering for the Cubs to lose for any reason.
And hey, after last night I would definitely want to see Colvin playing tonight.
Fasten those seat belts...
That winning streak last year was the difference between Anthony Rendon/Dylan Bundy and Baez.
Don’t get me wrong, Baez is a very good talent, but nothing compared to some of the guys who went in the top 6.
Of course Colvin decides to show up the day I bash him on BCB
I stand corrected, and I hope he improves and is a great contributor to the team. I still think you keep Baker and Johnson for next year, because there is no greater bench players on the team currently. Maybe even use them for trade bait for a team who is in desperate need for a B type outfielder/infielder.
by alabamacubbie on Aug 3, 2011 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Colvin has a long way to go.
But you can keep him along with Johnson and Baker.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
thats what im hoping
but def get rid of Dewitt. He’s not a good bench player or starter. I’d keep Campana over him. At least he’s got somthing to offer the team.
by alabamacubbie on Aug 3, 2011 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions
DeWitt clearly is overvalued by Mike Quade.
But Campana isn’t a lock, either. If the Cubs lose out on Fielder/Pujols, they’ll have to make some sort of an acquisition to bolster the lineup. That would probably have to be in the outfield (there aren’t many good 3Bs available and Castro/Barney are locked in up the middle).
The more I think about it, the Cubs are really going to have to overpay for Fielder or an outfielder. There’s really no other way to really improve the lineup.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Campana isn't really a major league player.
If he could learn to walk more, he’d be much better. But as of now, he has one tool: speed.
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Agreed.
The only way I see him back next year is as our fifth outfielder/pinch runner. That’s possible, I guess, but difficult given that:
- The Cubs want Colvin to win a starting job
- That Byrd appears like he’ll be back
- That Jackson sounds about ready
- That Soriano is still on the books
- That Reed is an organizational favorite (for good reason)
- That Baker can be the team’s sixth outfielder
By my count, that’s six guys who can play outfield without considering the Franchise. Campana’s fate might have been sealed when the Cubs decided to hang on to Reed and Baker.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I think Soriano or Byrd will be gone before Spring Training next year.
Or at least that’s what should happen.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
You very well could be right.
But it’s not like Campana could replace them — or that the other guys on the roster could replace either of them.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Well my thinking ..
is that it’ll either be Soriano/Jackson/Colvin, Colvin/Jackson/Byrd or we acquire a bat through FA or trade and stick him in RF with Jackson and whomever else is left in the outfield.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
You could be right.
And this is why it’s so important to find out what Colvin can really do. If he plays well, the Cubs can focus on a first baseman/pitching in the offseason.
If he plays badly, there’s a BIT of a silver lining. It provides the Cubs with another place where they can put a bat. Hell, it could help them to avoid overpaying Pena.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yup
There’s no value in playing Johnson in RF because we already know he’s not going to be our starting RF next year. If he returns, he’ll be a 4th OF backing up everywhere.
Figuring out whether Colvin can rebound before the offseason is crucial, because it can help us decide whether to make a move for a RF or stick with him.
Ultimately, I think Colvin’s low OBP will be his undoing. But given that he’s here now, he should be getting all the time in RF this year.
Which one?
The #9 he wore in 08-09, or the #5 he’s wearing this year?
I’d go with #9 – just like the Cubs retired #31 to honor both Maddux and Jenkins, we can retire #9 to honor both Reed Johnson and Blake DeWitt.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 3, 2011 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I've said this before.
Colvin might show that he’s good enough (regardless of his OBP) to play right next season, considering his salary. That would be key, because he could prevent the Cubs from needing to sign a Jacque Jones type for a few million or more a season.
If Colvin can do that — i.e. play right reasonably well, hit sixth or seventh and do so cheaply — the Cubs can use the cost savings elsewhere.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
On a serviceable utility man or reliever!
Miles and Heilmann are looking for work…
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Completely agree...
The Cubs need to get to a point where they aren’t paying $4-8 million per year for mediocre players to fill holes. Those are the spots you want to fill cheaply internally so that you can spend big on the stars when they become available.
Of course, you also need to do well in identifying the right stars, but that’s a separate conversation.
If Colvin can prove able to put up an .800+ OPS and play solid RF moving forward, that would be a huge plus in the rebuilding effort.
Exactly.
This is something the Cardinals do exceedingly well. They almost NEVER hand out multiyear deals to mediocre position players. They either get someone from the discount bin, or they hand the job to a young guy who can fill it well enough, considering the cost.
This is part of the reason the MacPhail/Hendry legacy of focusing on developing pitching over position players has really hurt the team over the years.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on Aug 3, 2011 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Right...
you overpay for stars. If you need a mediocre player and don’t have any internal options, you sign a stop-gap for a year (like the Cards did with Theriot). There is always someone mediocre floating around every year, so it’s not like you need to invest 2-3 years for that.
Well, Hendry has overpaid for stars, too.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Agreed
I was just saying that it’s okay to overpay for stars (assuming you get productive stars). Hendry has overpaid for stars – he just has frequently not gotten the right stars.
Yeah, sorry -- I wasn't disagreeing with you.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Agreed, and rec'd
For the Cubs, Darwin Barney fits this profile. Although the Cubs didn’t exactly hand him the job – he earned it with a big spring training – he’s been a 1.4 WAR player at a minimum salary. They need to find more of these types of players to counterbalance the bloated contracts they’re stuck with for the next couple of years.
Unfortunately, I keep having this feeling that if Hendry’s still the GM, the Cubs are going to sign Jeff Francoeur to play RF in 2012 (and beyond).
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 3, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't see that happening.
For one thing, Jimbo has never shown any previous interest in Francoeur, whereas he had been linked it to guys he ended up signing years later (Byrd, Soriano, even Bradley).
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I know there's no evidence for it
And it’s true that Hendry hasn’t specifically expressed interest in Francoeur. The reason I’m worried is that he’s a slighlty above average veteran with low OBP, and Hendry has frequently brought in that type of player in the past (Pierre, Jones, Byrd).
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 3, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I still don't see it.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yeah he needs to be a little more patient but
I couldn’t help last week to feel all warm and fuzzy when Campana got an infield hit, stole second, got to third, got home on a sac fly. I remember watching that game thinking, this is the way baseball is supposed to be played. He makes it easier to display proper mechanics in baseball. But yes he needs to walk because he is useful only good when he is on the bases.
by alabamacubbie on Aug 3, 2011 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Trade bait?!
Haven’t you heard?! The Cubs won’t be trading them because they’re SOOO valuable!
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 3, 2011 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Overtaking Pitt
Is this a goal we should shoot for?? I have mixed feelings, counting on that high draft pick for a stud pitcher altho a few places may not matter. Could see us challenging fading Pirates.
The Colvin jack was impressive
But I do like the basehit to left on the ball away in the ninth. Just let him play Quade. He should get at least 6 starts a week.
My fear is this team goes on say a 22-12 run and Ricketts sees progress and Jimbo and Quade is back for more next year.
Lets gets some runs for Garza tonight and hope Matt throws better on the road.
Agreed -- it was good to see Colvin NOT pull something successfully.
And Quade said yesterday that Colvin will play at least the next few games. As for the impressive finish, I don’t think Quade saves his job unless the Cubs finish around .500/improve upon the 77 wins of 2010. The Cubs would have to go 33-19 the rest of the way to get to 78 wins, and I think they’d need to get closer to 81 wins to really save Quade’s skin.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
No, it doesn't.
This team makes too many mistakes, doesn’t really have the pitching depth and has streaky players who are bound to get cold (Soriano, especially).
I think what we saw the last couple nights was what the Cubs expected going into the year.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The only way Q saves his job
is if Ricketts neglects to hire an astute baseball person to make all the baseball decisions. #worstcasescenario.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Well, seriously.
If the Cubs finished at .500 and sniffed the playoffs, wouldn’t that indicate that Quade isn’t the idiot that we think he is?
Again, I’m not predicting that the Cubs will be that good.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
No
All it proves is we waited until it was too late to win games. Poor managers have had good stretches before. See Yost, Ned.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
You're entitled to your opinion.
And you’re right that an improved record when the pressure is off isn’t that significant. But if Quade got the team to close to .500 — again, I’m not predicting that he will — then he would be winning in a pressure situation.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I don't think 20 games under
qualifies as a pressure situation.
Trade Koyie Hill to St. Louis.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Re-read what I said.
It would stop being a non-pressure situation as they get close to .500.
Which won’t happen.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I disagree
Pressure would start if they’re within 6 or 7 of first. I see your point. I disagree.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Why would being around .500 be a pressure situation?
Is the team REALLY that mentally weak?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Because if it got to .500 ...
it might actually mean we’re in the realm of contention, as opposed to the extended spring training we’ll see over the next two months.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That would depend entirely on what the rest of the league was doing
and exactly WHEN we were sniffing .500
If we’re six games below .500, and 13 games out with two weeks to play, that’s not a pressure situation
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
If a real baseball person shows up
Q will be cleaning out his locker . If not he will continue on well maybe for a few years . Next year at the same time we will be in the same position .
I also thought
there was no way they could practically stand pat at the trade deadline.
I am beyond predicting what will happen with Hendry & Quade.
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 3, 2011 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
I disagree...
EVERYONE knew this team was gonna play hell playing .500 ball for the year. If they get this to say a finish of 77-85…Quade AND Hendry BOTH return for the fact that the team played at about its ability. We need to remain on the win one lose 3 trend thru the rest of the year or we ALL may be sorry.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem.
Home Run in the Allegheny River or not
Tyler Colvin has no place on Mike Quade’s roster. He just doesn’t fit. Where’s the nickname? Tylery?? Colviny????
Nope, no way Quade can manage him. Send him down to AAA or AA. Whatever your favorite battery size is.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
Isn't that Campana?
Or is he Campy? If someone could post a list of all of Q’s nicknames, that would be really helpful.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 3, 2011 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know if Q could write up a list of Q's nicknames
Besides, I figured Campana was “Speedy”
Here we go!
From this list, it looks like Colvin is “Colve”, but Campana doesn’t have a nickname yet. That surprises me, because “Campy” is such a natural fit within the Quade nickname scheme, unless Q doesn’t want to insult the memory of Roy Campanella by giving his old nickname away to a player like Campana.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 3, 2011 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Great list, thanks
I’ve heard Campy before. Why not Speedy?
I’d to see Quade post a batting order in the clubhouse with nicknames only – Know you’re nickname, or you don’t play!!!
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Aug 3, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
love to see
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Aug 3, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll be Colvin doesn't start today.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 3, 2011 10:11 AM CDT reply actions
Wrong.
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/5769/quade-plans-more-playing-time-for-colvin
“You’ll see Colvin the next three days,” said Quade, who started Colvin in right field on Tuesday against the Pirates. “We’ll look to get everybody, [Alfonso] Soriano, [Marlon] Byrd, everybody will get an off day in the next few days.”
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Thank god.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 3, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I find that quote too good to be true.
He called them Soriano and Byrd, not Sori and Marly.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Aug 3, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Obviously this "quote" is just speculation.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought it was "Bloggie."
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That's what I was referring to.
My respect for Marlon went down a lot when I saw that.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yeah, that was unexpected
Not to absolve Castro on the play (his loss of focus let Pujols score from 2B), but Byrd’s comments were inappropriate. The slide was WAY late and offline. There’s no way he could hold the bag (if he could have even touched it at all) with that slide. If that’s a legal slide, then baseball needs to rethink its rules.
meh...castro went a little soccer on them..
he tried to sell(or legitimately) the interference…if the ump bought then thats two outs…
I think he honestly wasn't paying attention...
I’m sure he was trying to sell the call. But you can’t go that long without even looking in the direction of the other runners. I think he got so caught up in the Holliday slide that he lost focus on the lead runner.
You can sell the call (which should have been interference) but you can’t all a runner to score from 2B on a ball that doesn’t leave the infield.
I will blame Castro for his mistake...
not for the entire incident. I don’t blame him for trying to draw the interference call. I DO blame him for allowing Pujols to score on the play. There was plenty of time to sell the call and still hold (or throw out) Pujols. Castro just wasn’t paying any attention.
Smart players don’t lose their awareness on a play like that, even if they are trying to sell a call. It was hopefully just a mistake of youth/immaturity on Castro’s part, but it was still a mistake.
He's just gonna call him sweetheart soon to avoid further confusion.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Oh thank goodness.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
LOL @ all the people who are talking about "sniffing the playoffs" or "getting back to .500"
You guys are the reason the Cubs get away with some of the crap they do. 3 good games is all it takes for you to start thinking this year’s Cubs have even a slim chance at doing either of those things. I don’t ever like to see my Cubs fail, but it is very likely that the Cubs lose tonight and the only thing they “sniff” this year was the one chance they had to win 4 games straight. Eternal optimism is great, but in this scenario, some of you might need a reality check.
SORIANO HIT TWO HOME RUNS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, if you're putting me in that camp ...
please realize that I said I didn’t expect the Cubs to sniff the playoffs or finish around .500. I said that doing so would be the only way Quade could keep his job — in response to folks who were worried that a four-game winning streak might mean another year of Q.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yeah I got what you said...
As the others. Nobody said they expected it, it just makes me laugh that we even consider or ponder the possibility. Some of us get a little too excited when the Cubs play a few good games. But still anything is possible, I’ll give you guys that.
This team won't finish at .500 or sniff the playoffs.
Doing so would be the only way Mike Quade keeps his job.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
In 1827 the Rhode Island Heliotropes made a daring dash from 6th place in the Continental League to finish...
a distant 4th. They only went 12-18 in August, but three of the teams in the league lost most of their rosters when they were conscripted to fight in the battle for Greece’s independence.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
That's it!
We draft JH and most of the rest of the roster into the Greek Army.
Then we reboot the franchise.
There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?
by Zeke on Aug 3, 2011 2:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
We're only 9 games behind Cincinnati! Which means we're as close to 4th place as we are to last!
Sounds like a pennant race to me!
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 3, 2011 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
wins and winning streaks are nice....
But let’s not get ourselves fooled by this…..they are merely wins…..nothing more…..Hendry still needs to go along with Quade and a rebuilding process is necessary…..don’t get deceived by all this…..
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 11:18 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I don't think anyone is really deceived.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
nope just enjoying the small victories this year
acquaintance who knows i’m a cubs fan: maan, the cubs suck this year!
Me: yeah, but did you see that Epic four game win streak?
Simply because Hendry and Quade suck at their jobs
Doesn’t mean people can’t live in the moment and enjoy a winning streak when they so infrequently happen.
by Danwood on Aug 3, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
never said not to enjoy the wins....
But the saying winning fixes everything needs not apply to the 2011 Cubs
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 11:43 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
In August.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
I remember a column in the paper several years ago...
…when the Cubs were (gasp!) having a really bad season, and then they somehow won four in a row. The columnist said something like “the Cubs have won four in a row, but even a dead body in the Chicago River may briefly float up to the surface before sinking back down”.
Very colorful picture!
Hey, the win may not mean anything in the grand scheme of things
but I for one am actually looking forward to tonights game which is a pretty uncommon occurence during this season. I’ve watched a lot of games throughout, much in the same way you might watch an interesting car crash. I don’t think a fan of any team should ever have to rebuff themselves for looking forward to the prospect of their team playing and succeeding!
That said we’ll probably get shut out by Hallda… I mean Morton, tonight.
by English Cub Fan on Aug 3, 2011 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Al, quick question
Has there ever been a time in MLB that a team’s entire starting lineup has hit at least one HR?
Cubs came close last night.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 3, 2011 11:23 AM CDT reply actions
No.
There have been only two games in MLB history in which a team has hit nine (or more) home runs.
In both cases there were multihomer games, so no more than eight players hit a home run in the game (for one team).
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All nine starters hitting a HR in the same game...
would truly be a rarity then.
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 3, 2011 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks, Al for doing the research!
If you think you've seen it all...just wait!
by CubFanSince1970 on Aug 3, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Soriano probably hit 5 more HR's over the next 17-18 games, but then finish the year 25 HR's
He is at 19 now, over the last 10 games he has hit 4 HR’s, 5 for since July 22nd zero before that in the month of July, before that June 16th and June 19th, then May 27th and May 2nd, and then 10 in April (actually 5 between April 26th and May 2nd).
Since May 2nd he has played 57 G and 180 AB to July 22nd where he had 4 HR’s or a HR for every 45 AB’s. but in his hot streaks; April to May 2nd he had 111 AB’s with 11 HR’s or a HR every 10 AB’s, and then since July 22nd, 40 AB’s and 5 HR’s or a HR for every 8 AB’s. So looking at April’s hot streak I say he hits 5 more HR’s then hit a lucky one the last 6 weeks of the season.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
On OTH, Soto appears to be finishing strong
He has 10 HR’s for the year in 282 AB’s (28 AB per HR) but his career average is a HR every 22 AB’s, let us assume he gets 160 AB’s to the end of the year, he should hit 7 more HR’s and finish with 17-18 HR’s.
Ramirez is the real turnaround: He now has reclaimed his yearly stats with 20 HR’s so far, April and May he had 2 HR’s over 187 AB’s. Since June he has hit 18 HR’s (8 in June, 9 in July) over 209 AB’s or 11.61 AB’s per HR. Career average is 19 AB’s per HR where he is currently at 20 AB’s per HR for the year. Will Ramirez continue his pace or fall back to his career averages. He will hit between 10-18 HR’s here on out depending or finish above 30 HR.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
For once I'd like to see a Cubs team
start strong, continue strong & finish strong. You know the hat-trick of champions.
Just win the next game...!
Problem was, they finished strong three weeks too early.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Is it not weird that we have to question if Colvin will play tonight?
Of course he should be….If he went 0-5 he should be.
But that tells you the state of the Cubs management that it is a legitimate question.
As is the apparent disconnect between the manager and GM on this issue
I believe Hendry said Colvin would be the everyday RF when he was recalled. Quade’s actions and quotes haven’t exactly been in line with this.
The manager and GM need to be more on the same page moving forward. It was not really acceptable when Piniella seemingly deviated from Hendry’s plans, and it’s definitely not acceptable when Quade does it.
The manager and GM need to be more on the same page moving forward.
And yet, this was supposedly Hendry’s buddy who he hired. So why isn’t he doing Hendry’s bidding here?
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Davy Johnson has stated twice on broadcasts he fails to understand Quade's tactical game decisions
Brenly has also stated it as well in so many inferences, so why would Hendry understand the decisions or be able to influence them.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
Davy Johnson?
The National’s manager is weighing in on what the Cubs are doing?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Yeah. I was confused about that, too.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm guessing he meant Bobby Valentine?
Insert name of another former Mets manager. I’m pretty sure Davey Johnson hasn’t done any broadcasting work since Quade was hired (if ever).
Valentine also said some positive things about Quade on Sunday.
Hersheiser was the one who was more critical, though Bobby was, too.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Good question...
I assume it’s because Quade sees the writing on the wall and wants to try to end his tenure on a high note (in hopes of better positioning himself for his next job).
Rebuilding efforts are rarely fun for a manager because they usually result in a really bad W/L record. It may be that Quade fears committing to a rebuilding effort because he thinks it will further push him into the red in terms of record.
It may also be that Quade just isn’t very good at the job, either.
They can be buddies without being in lockstep.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Like Dan and I.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, but the point is, the lines of communication should be clearer
If Hendry is telling him “Colvin needs to start damn near every day” and Quade is responding “Nawwww, how about 50% of the time?” There’s a problem.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Colvin hasn't been up for even a week yet.
I’d submit that the sample size is pretty small.
I also don’t have a BIG problem if Colvin plays against right handers and not always against lefties. Reed shouldn’t have started on Sunday, but I didn’t have a problem with Colvin sitting on Monday.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It's not a matter of how long he's been up.
It’s a matter of what Quade has straight up SAID. He’s making comments that seem to show Quade doesn’t have clue one about the direction the club wants to take with Colvin.
Considering the relationship between he and Hendry is supposedly very friendly, that stands out as odd.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Agreed
We have actual Quade quotes that don’t align with Hendry quotes. So it’s not really a sample size issue here.
Except that Quade said yesterday ...
that Colvin will play in three consecutive games.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yes, because everyone ELSE needs a day off.
Not because Colvin is going to be the everyday right fielder. It’s still not the same thing
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Let's just wait to see what happens.
Colvin played last night. He’s going to play tonight and tomorrow.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That's not really the point.
Yes, he’s going to play the next 3 days. To give guys days off. The point of this particular discussion was the miscommunication between Jim and Mike.
Mike STILL hasn’t come out and said "Tyler’s gonna get a the bulk of the starts from here on out. WHICH IS what Hendry alluded to.
That is the point
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
in a back alley somewhere.....
Hendry to Quade: “no matter what I say in public, this is what I want you to do”
:)
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
It may be that Quade has been corrected by Hendry...
it may also simply be that Quade has seen the expected SP for the next three games (all RHP). So that still doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to use Colvin as an everyday RF.
Saying that you’ll start Colvin against a series of RHP doesn’t really contradict his earlier statement that he’ll play Colvin against RHP and ease him in against LHP.
I have a problem with it...
Colvin hasn’t really shown platoon splits as an MLBer. He’s either stunk against both RHP and LHP or he’s been similarly good against both. And at some point, he actually has to play regularly against LHP. If you don’t ever play him against LHP, you’ll never know if he needs to be platooned or not. This would seem as good a time as any.
And even if you don’t want to “push him to hard” against “tough” LHP, Paul Maholm shouldn’t qualify as a tough LHP.
Yeah. I'll agree with the platoon analysis.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
EXACTLY, we'll never know
if Quade keeps screwing around playing with his lineup like its a tarot card. Put the kid in RF and leave him there.
Just win the next game...!
Spoilers....
I hope the Cubs take on that role over the next couple of months.
Great to see Wells and Colvin have themselves a big night, as well as the offense in general. Time for some of these guys to show what they offer moving forward, especially Colvin. Maybe they won’t need to sign a FA OF, but run with a Soriano/Byrd/Jackson/Colvin OF….which really only sounds good if there’s a big bat in the lineup.
looks at the name.....
(Should’ve known)
Spoilers mean Hendry and Quade’s jobs are definitely safe….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 1:06 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
What?
Or it means the baseball team finishes strong.
When the guy has worked his butt off to be a douche damn near every time he posts
You don’t get to play the victim when someone then reads whatever he posts as douche-like
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 3, 2011 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
What?
So it’s cool to put words in other posters’ mouths if you don’t like the other posters?
I’ve had my battles with SG, but can we stick to getting angry when he says something that is unequivocally anger-inspiring?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm saying that when the guy has been a douche almost all of the time, and his posts are 99% sarcasm
It’s not hard to misread what he says.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Fair enough.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Lol you must see alot of yourself in me.
If there’s a poster on this board who goes out of his way to prove what a douche he is post after post after post…after post after post…
I hate it when people speak in the third person...it's so annoying.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions
SenorGato ain't do dat.
SenorGato speakin bout yo clueless douche of a friend Nunya, who has successfully dragged SenorGato the miles down to his level to play the namecalling game.
Poor SenorGato
is there anything you HAVEN’T been a victim of?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Statutory Rape.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Alright ladies, lets have a good clean fight.
No hair pulling, and put those nails away.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Having a poster on BCB intelligently dismantle an argument of mine.
I’m still waiting for that, but like you guys think with the Cubs winning over the next thousand years…I don’t see it happening.
OK, the select group of BCB posters that follow me around for the kicks like this. There’s a couple guys on here who actually know a thing or two.
I'm flushed with embarassment.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Tell us how awesome Blake DeWitt is again.
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
by shoemile on Aug 3, 2011 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
You would consider someone proving you wrong
an act of victimization? Interesting.
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Cubs will win it all in 2015
Back to the Future II said so!
Only if the Marlins move to the AL and change their name to "Gators".
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
And SG... that first line is exactly the type of crap I was talking about in my posts to you.
You want to try and turn things around, cut that crap out. It goes both ways, you need to be mature and ignore the people that jump on you right away too, literally just pretend like they didn’t even post.
Knock off the “I’ve never been wrong” crap though, because you’re inviting a lot more than anyone can help you with.
I've called out SG for some of his posts...
But I completely fail to see how that can be taken as a “douch-like” post. This jumping on him every time he posts something is getting just as old as what he was doing in the first place.
If the guy annoys you, leave him alone – if everyone keeps this up he will never get the chance to change/improve because he can’t even click the post button without getting attacked.
It takes a little maturity on our parts, but let’s see if we can try and start a new trend with SG?
by bdlugz on Aug 3, 2011 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh, come on.
That’s not what SG said at all. I disagree with the guy about 9 out of 10 things — but can’t we stick with disagreeing with what he ACTUALLY says?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Lets not jump on the guy....
Everyone’s got to get the obligatory shot at Quade and Hendry on the daily….
Crap I forgot to do mine…they’re both dumby two shoe heads.
Right....
Because playing spoilers worked so well last year, leading to this year…..
This team fails under pressure….like Al said….blow this team up!
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 1:38 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
So...they shouldn't try to win games?
Why are you trying so hard to turn “hopefully this team plays spoiler” into some kind of negative event? I understand the BCB agenda and that every post must eventually lead to a questioning of the team’s management in the negative ways possible, but there was no super special hidden meaning behind what I was saying.
There’s something almost psychotic about the way this place gets when it comes to Hendry and Quade.
by SenorGato on Aug 3, 2011 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I rec'd this
because when you fail to comprehend a sitiuation you do it with vigor!
I think the amount of effort you giveat not even TRYING to understand a point you don’t agree with is commendable
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Lol can't you put me on ignore?
You literally never offer a thing of substance, but since the feature doesn’t work with Firefox I’m stuck. You put so much damn effort into convincing yourself that I don’t get what’s being said and I’m not even sure what you get out of it (an internet feeling of superiority probably).
Yes, one would think
But just a moment now imagine they play .625 ball the rest of the way (OK everyone stop laughing !!). The chances of “promotions all around” just like the Bears a few years ago would leave this team in 2012 just like 2011, a ship without a rudder.
At least – and certainly not a promise – a team with a W/L percentage the same on Oct 1st that it is now, will more likely have incurred some significant change.
I’m all for the spoiler (they did it to SD late last season, hence Quade’s “all-star” coach status), but really now, I’d like to see the Cubs challenge for the #1 draft pick. Gotta hit rock bottom some times. Just ask the Chicago Blackhawks.
Just win the next game...!
OK so if they play spoiler...
everyone gets a promotion….therefore, they shouldn’t try to play spoiler?
This board…I feel like Cartman in the cheaters episode…HOW DO I TEEACH THESE KEEEEEDS.
weird...I always picture you as Timmay.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
How old are you? And do you look like Cartman too? With that voice?
Have you not followed the Cubs very long?
Put it this way, do you want the same management team at Wrigley next season? If so, you’re likely one of the very, very few.
And sonny, you ain’t gonna be able to teach me a damned thing, cuz you don’t know enough to teach anyone here.
Lastly, if this board is so bad, exercise your right to get the f—- out. To steal a line from the guys at SCH, you sir are a bag of dicks. You have a good shot at that insanity plea.
Just win the next game...!
by blackhawk24 on Aug 3, 2011 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
no...you win the games.....
Just don’t get all meatball-ish thinking that 2012 will be an optimistic season because of having a successful August and September….
Doesn’t change the fact that serious changes must happen…
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 1:51 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
and to add also
Having a hot August and September…..is good…..is also bad at the same time…..because the changes would be less likely to happen…..
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 1:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
And apparently because...
it gives an optimistic feel to 2012 that we shouldn’t have because it’s already written off, right? That’s what I gather from these past two posts.
2012 is going to be a looooong season for you.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Nah, he'll just reverse course and claim he knew 2012 was going to suck
but we’re still all dumb for not being happy that we suck, because it’s all a part of Jim Hendry’s shrewd plan for 2013
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Hey Nunya glad to see you contributing again!
Can I borrow your black crystal ball to find out if I’ll be a hundredaire one day?
Watching the game… Lots of fun.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Apparently SG
Never watched the movie Groundhog Day…..
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 2:32 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
When the team breaks camp after ST....
I’ll be interested to hear your Rose Colored Glasses Outlook.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
And I'm sure you'll get it.
I thank you for not making me wait on the Prophecies of Doom.
Is writing off a whole year before you know anything about it strictly something females do?
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Well there's not much difference between females and sackless men so....
I’ll go with yes.
There's actually quite a bit of difference
Someone’s mommy needs to give the birds and bees speech
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
Um, excuse me?
You just insulted every female on this site.
I don’t understand you at all.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
by Al Yellon on Aug 3, 2011 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Al, he's "different."
Don’t you get it?
FIRE JIM HENDRY. Injuries aren't the problem.
by shoemile on Aug 3, 2011 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
not digging the sexism
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 3, 2011 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Your chivalry and moral fiber....
Only way to describe it is overwhelming.
Honest question...
does being a dick 100% of the time ever get boring?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
He's not a dick
He’s a victim of everyone else forcing him to be a douche. It’s a subtle difference…but it’s there
Fire Jim Hendry. Injuries aren't the problem
by Nunyabidness on Aug 3, 2011 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have moral fiber
I also know that the juice is worth the squeeze.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
calling other members names behind a screen now?
U know what they say: Internet arguing = serious business….
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 2:55 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
indubitably, young squire
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 3, 2011 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Dweeb.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Warmduscher...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Wastoid
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Depp damischer
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Kraut
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Sau Preiß Amerikansicher
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Two Fisted Snarfblat
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Cytoplasmic lifeform
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Random Faceless Internet User
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Termite Infested Peg Legger
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Evanston Township High School (District 202)
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Hallo Kitty!
BTW: Eths is a French metal band from Marseille
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Women shouldn't sing death-metal...it comes across as funny.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Pole
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
by Subterfuge on Aug 3, 2011 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
meekrob
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 3, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Gato
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
by Subterfuge on Aug 3, 2011 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
low blow
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 3, 2011 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
i am very happy to be here!!!
-Prince Akeem
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 3:42 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
The Trib says the lineup is the same tonight.....
Quade saud he wanted to make some changes but didnt……
Probably wanted to remove Colvin……Until someone get in his ear and said START COLVIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would not be surprised if that happened….
cool story bro
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 3, 2011 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions
It actually says he wanted to make changes, but decided against it....
Why would you want to make changes?
anonymous person held a gun to Quade and
Told him not to change tonight’s lineup?
Two Words: Salty Saltwell
by Unclemike on Aug 3, 2011 4:25 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
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