Matt Garza, Cubs Survive Errors, Beat Reds 4-3
by Al Yellon on Sep 5, 2011 5:11 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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Matt Garza might have thrown a complete game today if not for the two errors made by the Cubs, both of which led to unearned runs.
The Cubs had to hang on to a one-run lead in the ninth inning instead; today, Carlos Marmol was "good Carlos", inducing three groundouts, and the Cubs beat the Reds 4-3, improving their record in one-run games to 22-23. They also avoided final mathematical elimination from the postseason; their elimination number from the wild card race is one. If the Braves beat the Phillies Monday night, that eliminates the Cubs. (Obviously, they were really out of all of this months ago.)
Starlin Castro still has work to do on his defense. After a Brandon Phillips double and a wild pitch that put Phillips on third, Castro kicked around a routine grounder by Joey Votto. That scored Phillips and made the score 4-3. This was after both Reed Johnson and Marlon Byrd played Three Stooges with a Yonder Alonso single in the seventh inning; Johnson whiffed at it and Byrd kicked it; Alonso wound up on third where he scored on a groundout.
All of this probably made Garza throw a dozen or so more pitches than he otherwise would have. Garza threw a very nice game, striking out eight and lowering his season ERA to 3.52. That would be the best he's had in a full season, if he can keep it at that level. Ace? Maybe not, but he's been the most consistent Cubs starter most of this year.
Carlos Marmol posted his 32nd save with three groundouts; does that mean he is "back on track"? Who knows? I'd still consider dealing him this offseason if the Cubs could get a decent return.
The Cubs couldn't do anything to former Cubs minor leaguer Dontrelle Willis until the fourth inning, when Willis walked the bases loaded and then Alfonso Soriano singled in a run. The Cubs took the lead in the fifth when they got four straight hits after the first two hitters were out; Aramis Ramirez's two-run single was the big hit in the inning. After that, it was "hang on tight".
Here's a criticism: in the eighth inning, when Geovany Soto reached on an error by Reds third baseman Juan Francisco, why didn't Mike Quade run for him? It's just one more inning, right? Koyie Hill could have handled it? I suggest this because a pinch runner (Casey Coleman, say) would almost certainly have been safe on Bryan LaHair's double into the right field corner. That would have given the Cubs a two-run cushion. Instead, Soto was thrown out. The Reds have seven callups from Triple-A. The Cubs have just LaHair and Andrew Cashner, who was activated today. What's wrong with this picture?
Incidentally, credit where credit is due: LaHair's double came off a 97 MPH fastball from lefthander Aroldis Chapman. That's pretty impressive.
Summer has taken a bit of a vacation after a hot, sticky weekend in Chicago; Monday, it was only in the low 60s, with a strong wind blowing in, and clouds making it feel quite fall-like at Wrigley. The announced attendance was 41,431, though there were still several thousand no-shows and by the middle innings, the first-base side of the park started to empty out, as people sitting on that side were getting the full force of the wind. Attendance for 73 dates is now 2,732,405, an average of 37,430. The Cubs must draw 267,595 for the eight remaining dates, an average of 33,449, to get to the three million mark for the eighth straight year.
My guess: It'll be very, very close. The next two games aren't likely to get to that number and could be quite a bit less, given that they are meaningless night games and the weather is supposed to be somewhat cool.
In any case, it's always nice to win, and beating the Reds and making the Brennamans slink back to their hotel in defeat is doubly nice. The Cubs still have a shot at avoiding 90 losses this year -- they must go 12-9 to do that, not impossible -- and could also have a winning home season if they win seven of the eight remaining home games. That's a longshot -- but something left for the players to shoot for.
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I'd absolutely deal Marmol
if we got something decent for him. Closers aren’t worth what they’re paid and we’ve got several internal candidates (Marshall, Samardzija, Carpenter, Wood if he re-signs).
Maybe a new GM will clean house. Get rid of everyone but Castro and Garza. Maybe keep Soto.
I'd deal Soto too.
I think Castillo or Clevenger could replace Soto’s production.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
by Unique on Sep 5, 2011 5:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It would have to be a good deal.
I would rather see Soto back, get rid of Hill and have Castillo play around 50-60 games. Let Clevenger stay in AAA and be ready to get called up for injuries. The Cubs are very deep at catcher in the organization.
Yep...Soto can go...oh...and take Byrd, too.
I watched a bit of the Yankees today and all I got to say about their young catcher Montero is…wow!!!
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
Montero is an impressive hitter.
The question remains as to whether he can be an everyday catcher in the major leagues.
But the man can hit.
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He hit an opposite field HR today (one of 2)...
that the RF barely moved on. I was impressed.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
No one
thinks Montero can be an everyday catcher in the majors. Most don’t think he can be an everyday first baseman in the majors.
The guy is a pure DH.
Soto's WAR is 2.2 in 2011, 3.0 in 2010
If his personal pattern holds true he will have a comeback year in 2012…WAR increasing between 3.0 and 3.7 (2008), then trade him, while developing Castillo or Clevenger or both.
I looked up Barney’s comparable stats and he is an excellent utility level player but not a 100 + game starter. Cubs have do dump most of the rest of the team outside of Dempster, Garza and Wells in the SP, Marshall, Russell, Cashner, Samardz and Wood in the pen (that is actually a place to to do much except trade Marmol).
As far as the entire OF….good bye….okay Colvin can be the 6th OF-1B and RJohnson the 4th OF….and Campana the 5th OF. The entire starting OF has to be replaced and as far as 1B and 3B I think that will take care of its own….Cubs will need to trade smartly
A friend once told me: "I don't buy the idea that a team learns anything from a loss, the only thing they learn is how to lose games."---Knight
You all are forgetting something very important...
Soto’s ECF… Eye Candy Factor ;-)
You stinks, Carlos Zambrano!
The catching part is the question.
He’s DH’ing now. There is no question about the bat.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
There we go...
Zambrano and Colvin to the Yankees for Russel Martin. Soriano to the White Sox for Dunn. Soto and Byrd to the Dodgers for Eithier. Spend money on a TOR starter…get a NEW closer…print playoff tickets for 2012. It’s that easy.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
Soriano to the White Sox for Dunn.
While I’m all for getting rid of Soriano, this would be an awful idea. Dunn is D-O-N-E.
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At 31? Hardly.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
Dunn will be 32 in November.
There are players who have had years as big as Dunn’s who have essentially been finished at this age.
Beyond his poor performance this year, Dunn hit .223 after the All-Star break last year. He can’t hit lefthanders at all any more.
Finished.
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No way...
I think the Sox deal him back to the NL (for a substantial loss) and he goes back to his .250/40/100. Walker has him all kinds of screwed up.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
He's 3-for-81 vs. LHP.
That’s more than “Walker has him all kinds of screwed up”.
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I hate to say it
Could PED’s have anything to do with his drop?
by LT on Sep 5, 2011 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
If Dunn was on PEDs before, they didn't work
He has always been the “anti-ripped.”
More likely that past 30, he can’t keep up his offseason routine of not touching a bat.
There's no guarantee...
… that working out in the offseason will correct Dunn’s historic slump.
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100% on the offseason routine
Its not the 50s or 60s anymore. You have the time – pick up a bat.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I think a lot of people are thinking it
Nobody wants to say it
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
2012 will be a transition year
A Dunn for Soriano would be one of those in that a smart GM would hope, project that Jamarillo would be able to rebuild his game, while other moves would be pointed towards competing in 2013 and really contending in 2014.
A friend once told me: "I don't buy the idea that a team learns anything from a loss, the only thing they learn is how to lose games."---Knight
I suspect
you will hear Dunn say “Im in the best shape of my life” next ST.
And he needs to knock off his not swinging a bat in the offseason. Hitting it largely muscle memory – at least it was for me.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Not to mention it doesn't improve the big problem the 2011 Cubs had..
Defense.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Well, we can't get rid of Castro
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
Well, I think I would move Castro to second
Especially if we can’t land Fielder or Pujols. Then that would lead me to Jose Reyes.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Interesting theory
Throwing errors would probably decrease significantly but footwork and DP’s would become difficult
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Seems to me Castro's defense should have improved by now
I gave him the benefit of the doubt earlier but now I wonder how long it will take to see any improvement at all… then again, I’m not following his numbers so… HAS he improved at all?
You stinks, Carlos Zambrano!
If the Cubs don't have to send any money they should do it
But they should remember that once they saved that $10M or so, it is “mission accomplished,” and be ready to waive Dunn if he continues to be bad.
Oh my.
Zambrano and Colvin to the Yankees for Russel Martin. Soriano to the White Sox for Dunn. Soto and Byrd to the Dodgers for Eithier. Spend money on a TOR starter…get a NEW closer…print playoff tickets for 2012. It’s that easy.
All your trades have actually made the team worse than this year by about -2 wins. Just adding a starter and a new closer won’t have you printing playoff tickets on top of that, unless you’re planning on starting this team in the PCL.
That's assuming that Dunn won't rebound.
That said, I don’t like this entire list of moves.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Maybe. But he won't rebound as a Cub.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Despite the fact that he isn't going to return
Zambrano was a useful starter this year. Replacing him won’t necessarily mean its better for the W-L record of the team
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Agreed.
I think the cost of replacing him is higher than the cost of letting him go. But, I can also understand why he may need to.
why the hell would you want russell martin?
I'm a happy panda.
by jesus christos on Sep 5, 2011 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, Yes and Yes
Marmol – American League … b’bye now !!!! Quirky delivery, filthy stuff – WHEN he finds it.
Soto – turns 29 in January … eligible for FA in 2014 when he’s 31 … weight a problem, his RHP/LHP splits are horrifying 70 pt spread Need to make room for Castillo, Clevenger and Gibbs
Byrd – He has exactly 28 more RBI than I do !!! His splits with RISP, RISP/2 outs, and bases loaded will make you lose your lunch!!! cheap too
Soto should have been traded to the Giants at the deadline.
They were desperately in need of a catcher, and we could have gotten more from him out of their desperation. I’m sure that a full season of Castillo and/or Clevenger would at least equal, if not improve, production from our catcher’s spot.
by TheGrinch13 on Sep 5, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Soto will have just as much trade value in the off-season
He’s one of the best catchers in baseball, although Cubs fans don’t seem to realize it.
More Soto pumping
It’s really mind boggling people ignore his terrible average, performance with RISP, high K total and weak fielding.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 5, 2011 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
There are much better ways to judge a player than that
Even in a down year, Soto has been about league average to above compared to other catchers.
In 2 of the last 4 years, he's been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball
At his worst, Soto is better than half the starting catchers in baseball. At his best, he’s among the top.
If you think that production can be easily replaced behind the plate then you really haven’t been watching.
Believe me I have been watching....
I think if someone could be better you take a look.
Unlike the Cubs who like to put their head in the sand when new possibilities present themselves.
When the AA playoffs are over, Clevenger should get most of the startst the rest of the way and Hill should not start at all.
But this is the Cubs so none of that will happen.
You've concocted some sort of elaborate fantasy in your head about how player development works
In your mind you can only evaluate players at the major league level.
In your mind players can only develop at the major league level.
In your mind, the words “service time” mean nothing to you.
In your mind, teams regularly bench their veterans once they’re out of contention so that they can “see what the kids can do” or something.
No team works like that. It’s pure fantasy.
by Wreckard on Sep 6, 2011 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Al would you play Byrd and Soriano everyday down the stretch like Wreckard wants?
Do you think they have earned it?
What have players that have had crappy seasons on a bad tean earned exactly?
Continued playing time according to the Cubs and the Kool Aid drinkers….
The point is, teams just don't bench veterans for an entire month.
It’s not what Wreckard wants. It’s the way baseball works. Rookies will get some playing time.
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There IS a middleground, though, and the Cubs are not at it.
You’ve pointed out that you wanted more playing time for Colvin, but he sat (mostly against lefties) in favor of veterans. And the Cubs really do have a bad track record on this, dating back to last season. Koyie Hill has played way more than he should have when Castillo was around.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Your points are taken.
However, again, this team is going to have new management soon. At this point, given that, I’m content to see the lame duck regime do what it wants, because change is coming.
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Eh ...
I remember reading that in late 2006, Dusty knew he was a goner, and Hendry told him not to overpitch Howry and Eyre (the two big FA relievers signed before the season).
I wish that Quade would be told to given LaHair and DJL some good playing time. We know what Campana can do, and I don’t think Colvin’s earned anything.
Like I said, I just want a middleground here — even if there’s a lame duck in office.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Different kind of lame duck situation, wouldn't you say?
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Maybe.
But does that matter? The people hanging around — Ricketts et. al — could tell Quade to make sure to play the kids.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
They could, but I doubt they would.
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Am I watching a different team or something?
Lahair has started both games since his callup.
Colvin has started a majority of the time since his callup.
While they haven’t gone with TJ’s laughable “bench all the veterans” plan, these guys seem to be getting their playing time.
You just clearly have different expectations.
The Cubs could have called up Brett Jackson a month ago. And though I’m not that optimistic about Campana, he could have played more.
Oh, and LaHair actually was called up either Friday or Saturday (can’t remember which) and didn’t start until Sunday. He’s not starting tonight.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Shouldn't any decisions on Brett Jackson's service time be left to the next GM?
Lahair is getting a fair bit of playing time which is all anyone can expect. It’s not realistic to bench Pena and Soriano and play him every day, but I bet you’ll see him start 2-3 games a week.
Why should it be left to the next GM?
And, if LaHair does get a good bit of playing time (and DJ does too) I won’t have any complaints.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Go ahead and keep making excuses for how this sorry organization runs thier team....Its going so well for them....
Enjoy your Kool Aid….
If thinking you're a lazy, useless poster with no redeeming value makes me a kool-aid drinker
…then I guess I’m the fucking Kool-aid Man.
Oh drats...
I really liked your debonair man-about-town. Although I can’t blame you one bit for the change.
Cracker Jack does not have an "s", even in the plural.
They wouldn't have paid what he's worth, they have Posey coming back at some point
Better to hold onto him and wait til the off season
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
I'd keep Marshall.
But otherwise, I totally agree.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'd consider moving Marshall into the rotation.
Cashner would be my choice to close. I think he’d be far better there than as a starter.
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Marshall wouldn't be an awful closer.
But I’m of the opinion that the Cubs should let Shark walk. His 2012 option is pretty expensive, considering what the team already has on the roster.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
$3 million option.
And sure, they could renegotiate.
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I think it's $3.5 million.
Unless Shark gets multiple years, I kinda doubt he would renegotiate.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Because "whatever he is worth" ...
will be a matter of debate.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
What he is worth = extend him another year for $0
Because 2 years/$3M would be about the top of the market for Shark.
Samardzjia has been getting progressively better
this whole season. The BA against his is only .197 and his 2nd half WHIP is 1.18, compared to Marshall’s 1.06. Personally I think Shark has finally reached the stage where he can become dominant. I don’t know if it’s in the rotation or relief, but I’d exercise his option and see what he brings next year.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
amazing how quickly
everyone is willing to get rid of the bullpen – how quickly the blunders of 2010 are forgotten
I'm not saying just dump everyone
I’m saying that if you get good offers for a bullpen pitcher, you almost always take it. Bullpen pitchers are the easiest position to replace.
for me
Marshall is basically untouchable…having someone who can consistantly come in and get guys out in the pen is tough, and its doubly tough to get guys who appear to be 100% happy right where they are.
I don't have a problem with what you wrote
I’d consider the right deal, but what you wrote makes sense too. But he is scheduled to make 3.1 million next year and is eligible for free agency after that. If we’re not going to be competitive next season, then you have to consider a good offer.
offer him a 7 year
$20 million contract and type his name into the Closer spot in the bullpen card
then again I am 100% in man-love with Sean Marshall so I might be a little skewed here…
Without good starters and hitters, a team gets no benefit from its bullpen
And that’s where the Cubs are today. Worry about relief pitchers after the team has a rotation and a lineup.
Shark walks way to many batters to be a SP.
He has finally found success and settled into a stable role, he’s the last guy I’d want to yank around.
I like Marshall exactly where he is.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It's true that Marshall has done a very good job in his role this year.
But. The team needs starting pitching. He has done it before. I think he could be stretched out, and provide a starting pitcher solution in-house.
Russell could step into Marshall’s setup role. Russell has been excellent in relief this year.
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I don't see Marshall being a better starter than Wells or Dempster.
I think the Cubs need to upgrade the front of the rotation, not supplement the back of it.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Only two ways to get front of the rotation
through a trade and we don’t have anything that would make that happen, or through free agency, and while we will have the money there are few if any TOR pitchers available.
CJ Wilson.
Wilson, Garza, Dempster, Wells … that could be an impressive rotation.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Well, I've outlined my offseason.
1) Sign CJ.
2) Trade Soriano for Dunn.
3) Re-sign Ramirez
4) Trade Zambrano for salary relief
5) Trade Byrd for salary relief (depending on BJax’s readiness)
6) Trade Marmol (in the right deal)
7) Trade for or sign a No. 3 starter if one hasn’t been acquired in the previous trades.
8) Explore 2B options if there’s money left.
It’s banking a lot on Dunn, but I think he’ll rebound somewhat and be better than Soriano will be in the coming years (in the NL).
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
CJ Wilson will be very expensive.
Soriano for Dunn? No thanks.
Otherwise, I think you’re on to something.
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CJ might be too expensive -- but the Cubs need a TOR upgrade.
Let me ask you this, Al. Do you think Dunn be better in 2013-14 than Soriano will be (after playing the outfield exclusively) in 2013-14?
I can’t imagine Dunn being worse than Soriano in 2013-14.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I can.
I’d try to deal Soriano to an AL team to DH, maybe the other team takes 20% of the contract. Doesn’t really matter who the Cubs get in return.
Dunn would be brutal in the outfield. Three years ago, I know I wanted him. Not now.
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Well, yeah...I wouldn't get him for the OF...
he’d play 1B.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
Dunn will put up better numbers than Pena ...
and he won’t require a platoon. The defense is an issue … but Soriano for Dunn is something I would do.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Dunn better than Pena?
This year:
Pena: .227/.357/.457. 87 BB. 25 HR, 69 RBI
Dunn: .162/.287/.286. 158 K in 371 AB. 3-for-81 vs. LHP.
Care to rephrase that? Dunn is having an historically bad year. Pena has a perfectly serviceable .814 OPS. And Dunn would absolutely require a platoon. He cannot hit LHP at all any more.
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The way he has looked this year
I believe he would go 0-infinty against Randy Johnson.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I don't really care to rephrase that.
I think Dunn’s problems are a historically bad year. Change of scenery, every day play, ballpark he likes. I’d roll the dice IF it meant getting rid of Soriano at the same time.
He is still 32. And Soriano is not going to bet any better than what he’s been the past two years — certainly not if he plays defense every day.
I really think some NL GM is going to get Dunn and look like a genius.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'll respectfully disagree.
You’re right that the Cubs have to find a way to move Soriano. Doing it for Dunn would make things worse offensively, and not better defensively.
Yes, Dunn is having an historically bad year. At age 32, I just don’t see that situation improving.
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Fair enough.
But three years of Dunn (while getting rid of three years of Soriano) beats eight years of Fielder or 10 of Pujols.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That is ...
it would be preferable for a team like the Cubs that won’t be good in 2012.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Well, on that I agree.
I still wouldn’t do it.
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I'd be intrigued...but I still would have to put up with Dunn for 3 more years
I know what I have in Soriano, and I"d rather have Soriano’s bad defense in the outfield than Dunn’s in the infield with Castro and Ramirez
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Dunn vs Pena
Both are bad against LHP….Pena is better
Both are power hitters with poor BA’s….Pena’s is a LOT higher
Both draw a lot of walks….Pena has more appearances but would still put up more than Dunn
Pena is significantly better than Dunn at defense, which is HUGE considering Ramirez and Castro are not exactly gold glove caliber defenders
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
That's all true -- this year.
The defense is constant, sure. But I just don’t think Dunn will be this bad again.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
But it isn't worth the risk IMO
I like Pena for this team. Yes, Fielder and Pujols are incredible players. But I’d rather take a cheper Pena who wants to be here and go and get CJ Wilson and a good outfielder
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
A good outfielder?
Where would he play? The Cubs have Byrd and Soriano under contract, Jackson in the wings and Colvin as a maybe. Plus Reed Johnson (whom I bet will be back).
Trading Soriano for Dunn is the closest thing to a silver bullet that’s out there.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
You & I will never agree on that.
Trading Soriano for Dunn would be a colossal waste of time.
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We don't have to agree, obviously.
I like the idea of the move as a big gamble that could pay huge dividends. I’d rather go for a high ceiling guy than get scraps and salary relief back for Soriano. But I could be wrong on Dunn.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'd rather get the scraps and salary relief and move on...
… than possibly being stuck with someone WORSE.
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I'd take the gamble.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
To me, it's a move ...
that a team in a bad position makes. If it doesn’t pay off, you’re not much worse off — Soriano in left in 2013-14 will be disastrous — and if it does pay off, you’ve really improved the team.
I know there’s a third option — trading Soriano for something else/better. But I’m not confident such a move exists.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Trade Byrd and put Colvin in AAA
Those are easy to do. Moving Soriano is not impossible. Problem solved
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Those are not easy things to do.
Byrd is owed a good chunk of change next year and Soriano is, well, an albatross.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Isn't Byrd getting like $8 mil?
He’s a league average starter with a good glove, he’s more than moveable
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
$6.5 million
That’s not a lot, but it’s not a bargain, either. Especially for a guy with no patience, no power and who — this year — can’t drive anybody in.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
A straight-up swap for Dunn saves 28.571%, Al
And the team would get a lottery ticked on Dunn improving for free.
Let's see
1) Agree with 100%
2) I don’t want Dunn, would rather see a Pena and ? platoon.
3) Agree with 97%
4) Agree, I think he will get “bought out” and become a free agent.
5) Agree
6) Agree hesitantly
7) Would love to see
8) I think we have acceptable 2B options.
Acquiring Dunn could be a stroke of genius ...
kind of like the Sox acquiring AJ. And Pena will earn close to Dunn money if he’s re-signed.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The Cubs should have added Dunn
but that was years ago. I do not think a new GM would want to make a move for a guy with 3 years 42 million remaining while coming off a season where he has the worst BA of any qualifying player in MLB history.
See Rob Deere 1991.
Dunn has quite a track record but has fallen off the Trump building worse then Sexson did.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
The only way I'd acquire Dunn ...
is in a trade for Alfonso Soriano. We do not want Soriano in left field for the Cubs in 2013-14.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Does Kenny give up on Dunn??
After all, that would be his butt on the line to admit a huge mistake.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Good question.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I would not be surprised to see Kenny fired at the end of the year.
But that doesn’t mean I want Dunn.
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His butt is on the line now given the big spending and the .500 results
He has to do something. They at least can put Soriano at DH
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
I don't want Dunn in left field either.
Nor do I want him wiffing at Castro’s balls in dirt. I think the White Sox would have to throw something else in for me to like the deal.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
I'm telling you ...
we do not want Soriano after 2012. But the Sox — who can DH him, and get a little more out of him — might.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Jackson is ready.
All we need him to do is replace Byrd’s production. I don’t think that will be a problem.
I still want Fielder or Pujols.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
If I thought the Cubs could definitely compete in 2013-14 ...
AND if the Cubs could count on Z as a No. 3 starter next season, I’d say go for Fielder or Pujols. As it is …
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Z? Hittin' the bottle early today, el?
Z’s done in Cubbie Blue.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
You misunderstood.
I’m saying that IF Z could contribute to the Cubs in 2012, I’d think we have enough pitching without signing two starters.
Now, the Cubs need two starters, and I don’t think they can do that AND sign Fielder/Pujols.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The Cubs need to acquire pitching by trade.
IMO. Obviously, I don’t mean TOR.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
They should get a No. 3-4 by trade ...
and sign CJ.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
So signing CJ
won’t leave us with enough to get Fielder (although Pujols is a perfect match)?
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
I don't think so.
Not if we want to sign CJ and re-up Ramirez. If we don’t re-up Ramirez (or sign him to an extension) Fielder/Pujols won’t be enough.
And I’m really against Pujols. He won’t be good when the Cubs get good again.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I don't know..
I don’t think Pujols will decline as dramatically as we think he will.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
But he'll require a lot of money and years.
And the first two — which will be his best years, will be for bad teams.
Again, I might feel different about this if the Cubs didn’t need two starters to be really good. Zambrano REALLY screwed the Cubs.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Which is why we need to trade from strength and trade Soto..
Tampa comes to mind. They are in desperate need of a catcher. And they have a surplus in pitching.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
I'm OK with that.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
And outfielders...
And they need a DH….
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
That's one hypothetical we need not even ponder...Z's history.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
Right. Which is what I meant.
He’s gone, so the Cubs ought to spend more on pitching than hitting.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I agree on every one of those, el...except....
I’d move Castro to 2B and find a SS somewhere.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
Your right.
But don’t you at least put a bid in?
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Id bid hoping to lose
Isnt he still on the DL??
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
i'd be inclined to
1) Dump Soto, make a run for Doumit at catcher if Pirates don’t exercise club option due to injuries. Granted he’s not rock bottom cheap, but could probably swing it.
2) Consider a Barney replacement with a little more punch like an Aaron Hill at 2B if he can be had for cheap given his crap BA last 2 years
3) Dump Byrd, try young kid
4) Make run for Kubel as a corner OF.
5) No idea what to do at 1B, slim pickings out there beyond the obvious w/Fielder
6) They may have to pay for a Wilson, not many other appealing SP out there. It all starts with pitching baby
Mind you, I’m not saying to do ALL these things, but to consider them.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 5, 2011 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions
doumit, fielder, castro, ramirez
thats one god awful defensive team
I'm a happy panda.
by jesus christos on Sep 5, 2011 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions
and Soriano.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
the circus: 162 days a year!
I'm a happy panda.
by jesus christos on Sep 5, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
i wasn't advocating fielder
i was saying that there aren’t any good options.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 6, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Still missing one.
Impressive? I don’t know, improved yes indeed it would be better. I hope Cashner could be the 5th starter.
Wilson is not likely to be cheap in $$$ or years.
I’m not that interested in paying him like an ace.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Well, it depends on the price.
What do you think CJ will go for?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'd do that.
The Cubs can afford it — especially if they backload it so bigger money comes after Dempster, Z and Byrd are off the books.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I just don't think he is that good.
His WHIP this year is basically the same as Colby Lewis and Alexi Ogando. The only advantage Wilson has over them is HR/9.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
CJ Wilson plays in a hitters park and has to pitch to the DH
He would be an excellent playing with the Cubs.
IMO not 5 yr/$90 million good.
He’s already 30. I know he doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear but I still don’t see him as that kind of pitcher.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Where does your Cashner confidence come from??
If it were HammerReference and not BaseballReference Id call him Kerry Wood.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
If they need more starting pitching
Then they need to blow the dust off their wallet and go and get an established one to go with Garza for a decent 1-2. CJ Wilson comes to mind.
Marshall/Russell
Al … what’s surprised me this year is the extra giddyup on Marshall’s fastball. Plus he’s shown a Lilly-like ability AND willingness to throw it inside on righties … keeps them from going out out for his curve !!!
I love the combo of Russell and Marshall in the BP !!!!
See, this is where I don't understand..
Marshall has been lights out as a setup man and you want to change that. Yet, Cashner looked okay as a middle reliever last year.
Why are you so set on Cashner as a closer? Because he throws hard? Please don’t say it’s because Cashner got hurt after ONE start. It happened so early in the year that it was bound to happen regardless of his role.
You don’t see the Nationals rushing to put Strasburg as the closer. You know why? Because he’s a pretty good pitcher and he’s more valuable as a starter.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
by Unique on Sep 5, 2011 5:40 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Completely agree.
Cashner belongs in the bullpen. I saw him as a future closer as soon as he came up. Just needs to work on his control, however.
Cashner needs another shot to start.
You can’t give up on a guy with that much upside as a starter because of one injury. Not to mention our need for SP is much greater than BP help.
He needs to throw without getting hurt
I agree on the upside.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Only because its his shoulder do I worry
Im not predicting his demise really it just worries me.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Yes, me too.
Which is why I’d rather see him in the bullpen.
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I don't agree with Marshall in the rotation, though.
He’s fine where he is. I can’t wait until Spring Training when they start playing musical chairs with Samardzija again.
I'm waiting until they say, "Who wants to try to start this year?"
Last year it was Russell, who will it be this year? Jeff Stevens?
That is what teed me off about the "untouchable" stuff in July
The Padres got a major haul off the Rangers for Adams – 2 21-year old starters who have been solid to great in AA, and who don’t walk guys. A similar kind of deal for Marmol or Marshall could have greatly improved the Cubs’ chances of getting some starting pitching out of their system before 2020. But the keystones of this surging 61-80 team were too valuable to trade….
Good for the Padres
A small-market team has to make deals like that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Sep 5, 2011 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cubs aren't rebuilding - so far they are standing pat
On the core of this exciting team.
Dealing a coveted relief pitcher at the deadline would have been a way to jump start a rebuild. Without at least two top-notch starter additions, 2012 is already looking like a lost cause.
Dealing a coveted relief pitcher
Doesn’t jump-start anything, except some other team’s bullpen.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Sep 7, 2011 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Lehair should
Get a good shot to play rest of year. How do we know what we have if we don’t? He seems good to me. Hitting that double off of a badass lefty reliever was awesome,and last night he looked great as well. If he does great all year maybe we could have a replacement for Soriano on LF? Thoughts opinions?
by bleedinblue76 on Sep 5, 2011 5:16 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I think if you played LaHair in LF all year...
…. you’d wish you had someone else there. He’s a first baseman.
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really?
He looked small to me. Either way wouldn’t want him penciled in as a started anywhere. Hoping for big changes in the off season.
I think it's the high socks.
Players who wear their socks high seem to look shorter than they really are.
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I am guessing with would prefer him
to Alonso of the Reds out there. Yeeks.
Who would win in a game of 500?? Alonso, Alfonso or Bryan??
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Exactly.
Alonso is awful out there. But they want his bat in the lineup.
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Great bat makes you forgive defensive shortcomings.
Tale of Soriano’s career until the last couple of season’s.
Soriano has been practicing his hopping out there though
Alonso would play dirty and I think Bryan wins by default.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Then let him play 1B
Pena should have been traded anyway. Most of the other teams are calling up and giving their minor leaguers a chance to impress. But for some reason, our backwards team is doing the opposite.
Tennessee and Daytona are in the playoffs,
they won’t send anyone and there is not much in Iowa. We will see more after the season’s end for Iowa.
I agree with the let him play some opinions
but also highly doubt he will ever be a regular. If he was right handed maybe he could be a platoon partner and we could resign Pena but he isn’t, so that won’t work.
LaHair is not an MLB player
He’s a AAA filler. nothing more. He could be a serviceable back up next year if it gives us a chance to trade Baker. Would be nice to have some pop off the bench
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
That would be fine....But we should see what he can do when nothing else matters this September...
Getting Byrd and Soriano AB’s shouldnt matter.
You're playing out the string in a bad season against bad teams.
Literally the only player in the system who MIGHT be worth seeing on an everyday basis is Brett Jackson. He’s doing something else this fall. Not seeing him for the last 20 games is not going to make or break the future of this franchise.
Soon we will have a new GM and likely a new manager. Then we can talk about the future.
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What does it hurt to play Lahair?...who has looked pretty good so far by the way....
I would be fine with Campana, LaHair, and colvin the rest of the way…
If there was any bitching I would say, well this wouldnt be happening if we were in contention would it?
LaHair has played TWO GAMES!
I won’t repeat all the stuff I’ve written about him being almost 29 years old. He is NOT a prospect.
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I have seen all of your stuff.....He may not be a prospect, BUT he could be a bat off the bench next year with some pop.....
Better than Blake DeWitt from the left side….
The VEts do not deserve to automatically play in Sept.
Except LaHair can't play second base or third base.
I just don’t want DeWitt in left field any more.
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The problem with LaHair is that he can only play two positions.
Neither of them well. If he could play right, he’d probably get a lot more starts.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
That's correct.
Which is why I don’t see him as a bench option.
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It's why I keep coming back to Daryl Ward.
He could only play two positions. It’s a longshot, but LaHair might be a very cheap and useful bat off the bench, who could rid us of Jeff Baker or Blake DeWitt. It’s clear we don’t need BOTH of those guys next year.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
You don't need a RH-hitting backup infielder?
Not saying it has to be Baker.
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I suppose.
But why not see if Baker-LaHair is better than Baker-DeWitt.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Because that gives you fewer defensive options.
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Do we really need those options?
Baker can play three infield positions and left and right. DeWitt can play second and third (and probably first) and can hack it in left.
Assuming the Cubs have one of Baker and DeWitt (or someone similar) why do they need two? Moreover, why do they need two when it’s clear the Cubs could use a better bat with pop off the bench?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Forget about Baker & DeWitt for a moment.
(I know, I know, you’d like to forget about them for good.)
I just think LaHair is too one-dimensional to be of any help to a NL team.
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And ... you might be right.
But we should use the next three weeks to find out.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'm gonna say he will start tonight.
Just a feeling.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
You'd be wrong, then.
Tonight’s lineup:
Castro SS, Barney 2B, Ramirez 3B, Peña 1B, Soriano LF, Byrd CF, Colvin RF, Soto C, Lopez P
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(bangs head against desk)
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
LaHair's going to get some playing time, I think.
We know what Campana’s ceiling is, and Colvin has really been a disappointment.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'd throw DJ into the mix, Al.
Not playing him won’t wreck the franchise, but there’s no reason NOT to play him. Barney shouldn’t get the veteran get out of jail free card.
I’d feel the same way if Castillo were healthy, BTW.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Now, I agree with you about LeMahieu.
He IS a potential part of the future of this franchise.
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The Cubs might as well give LaHair some starts.
That won’t wreck the franchise either — and he might turn into an interesting bench option in 2012.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Al, if your talent evaluation is that good, get a job as a scout
Me, I don’t trust the Cubs to have gotten it right on LaHair. Let him play enough in Chicago to see if he succeeds or fails.
Why?
We know what he can do. Keep him around and give him the last spot on the bench next year if he earns it in ST. Calling him up in September is well deserved after the year he had, but playing time isn’t really worth it. He has no real future on this team
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
So we need to watch Byrd pop out on the first pitch and not see him drive in runs?
That sure is fun!
LaHair is not a good OF
At best he’s about as good as Soriano. Putting him in CF would be a HUGE mistake
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
So why not do that and keep LaHair out of the OF?
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Actually LaHair should get time in the OF.
With only 5 position players on the bench roster, it is tough to keep someone who is just a 1st baseman. If LaHair can play a Darryl Ward quality OF, his chances of earning a spot next spring are much better.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
The difference between Ward and LaHair...
…. is that Ward was actually a starting outfielder for an entire season with the Astros, and played dozens of games there in other years, before he came to the Cubs.
LaHair has played a handful of minor league games in the outfield. Really, you’re seeing Micah Hoffpauir v2.0 here.
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I don't doubt it but
if LaHair is a first baseman only, the odds of him making the team next spring as a bench guy is small. Bench guys now need flexibility.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I think that's premature.
I didn’t see anything yesterday that showed he couldn’t hack it in left.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Well, on what are you basing his poor outfield defense?
I thought you said you saw him in ST playing first.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
If he were any good playing outfield, he'd have done more of it long before age 28.
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You're stretching, Al.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Am I?
No more than you are by suggesting he’d be a good outfielder after seeing him play one game there.
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Actually, I'm not suggesting he'd be a good outfielder.
I’m saying we don’t have any information to know WHAT he’ll be, good or bad.
So … try him out for three weeks. If he’s Todd Hundley in left, it’s not a big deal, and we can dump him. It’s not as if Soriano is Willie Mayes.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Well, on the bright side, when I saw we had two errors I just assumed Garza committed one of them.
On the not-so-bright-side, it seems that Garza has pitched in an awful lot of games where his FIELDERS have made multiple errors. Am I wrong in this? It seems like every time he goes to the mound, you can chalk up 2 to 3 errrors
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Yeah, I don't get that either.
Garza has now allowed 16 unearned runs this year. I don’t know if there’s any systematic way to count those for individual pitchers, but that seems like a lot.
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Garza is definitely on the high end.
Scrolling through the ERA leader list (the ESPN auto sort), the R to ER differentials seemed to range between 4 and 11.
If that moderates at all, you could probably expect about 8 fewer runs allowed next year… or one every third to fourth start. That could impact maybe one to three games (rather unlikely the unearned run would magically disappear exactly in one-run games where you needed it to).
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
And another thing.
It was very gratifying to see a game in almost an hour less time than yesterday’s.
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And another other thing.
Garza had another hit today and is now hitting .109. Since the All-Star break he’s 5-for-24 (.208), which is… not awful.
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Ya think maybe Garza...
could spend a little time in the cage helping Colvin?
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
He still doesn't LOOK very good at the plate.
I wonder if he just closes his eyes and swings.
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That is thing about Matt that I love.
His drive and focus is something that is rare on this roster. Sure, he needs to pick it up on defense — but I have all the confidence in the world he will improve.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
by Unique on Sep 5, 2011 5:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think his defensive problems stem from the lack of trust in his team.
He tries too hard to make the play, several of his errors were from plays he should not have made in the first place.
Minor correction
The Cubs took the lead in the fifth.
"You know, you should be a lot more careful crossing the street like that, otherwise you could die - if that bothers you."
The cold must have gotten to me.
Of course, I meant “fifth”. I’ll fix it.
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Of course the wind has started blowing in and it's in the 60s...
That’s because I have tickets to Tuesday night’s game in Section 218. Figures.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
It won't be in the 60s Tuesday night.
It’ll be in the 50s. Dress warm.
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That's what I get for buying tickets to a bad team in advance
But I really wanted to get to Wrigley once this year (I’ve seen eight road games), and I couldn’t pass up two good Terrace Boxes for $30 total.
At least I’ll be on the 3B side of things if the wind comes in from the north. Time to go find my windbreaker and my Blackhawks cap.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
I agree about the pinch running for Soto in the 8th
I was talking to my TV saying, why isn’t he pinch running for him? I know what the apologists would say: But hey, what if Hill comes in, the game goes into extras, and then Hill gets hurt?
We shouldn’t even have to worry about that, because Castillo or Clevenger should be up right now.
Come to think of it, Dusty Baker was probably sitting there thinking, “He’s probably going to send out someone to pinch run. Wait, he isn’t? Oh, man….. (shaking his head)”….
Castillo is on the DL
Clevenger is in the playoffs.
Quade is our manager
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
Then put Chris Robinson on the 40-man roster
… and give him a month in MLB. As mentioned here many times, there are probably eight or nine players on the 40-man roster who could be DFA’d without anyone missing them.
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FWIW
Both Brenly and Kasper didn’t disagree with sending Soto. Brenly said you send him because it would take a perfect throw and relay to get him, but unfortunately the Reds pulled it off.
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Gaub, LeMahieu and Montanez
have all been promoted from Iowa after the Iowa Cubs finished their season today.
DJ needs to get a serious look, given how bad Barney's been lately.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Has anyone considered that Barney......
….. is just wearing down after his first long MLB season?
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or that pitchers have figured him out.
He never showed anything in the minors to think he was a .300 hitter.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
No third catcher?? That seems misguided
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
It's not misguided.
It’s just dumb.
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Did Wellington Castillo piss somebody off?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Josh says he's hurt.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
The problem is
the only other catcher on the 40 man roster is Castillo, and he’s currently injured.
Personally, I’d add Clevenger to the 40 man and call him up, but Randy Bush isn’t returning my calls.
Oh, he's injured.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Castillo's hurt?
I thought he came back. I’d definitely bring up Clevenger then. I think he can hit.
ANYONE who can give some bench flexibility.
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I really don't get
the Cubs reluctance to promote Clevenger. Brian Harper is singing his praises to anyone who will listen in Tennessee.
I will say though, that my source on who got promoted was the Des Moines Register. Perhaps Clevenger is going to get called up and we just don’t know about it yet. But it doesn’t make sense not to give him a look unless they think Castillo is going to be back in the next day or two.
Josh, what do you think of these ideas for clearing 40 man roster spaces this October?
Byrd (trade), Zambrano (trade/DFA), Grabow (free agent), Mateo (DFA), Ortiz (release), Lopez (release), Berg (DFA), DeWitt (trade/DFA), Caridad (DFA).
Thanks, forgot about that one.
Actually, I think it’d just be a non-tender. We actually OFFERED HIM ARBITRATION LAST WINTER!
who will the pitchers pal around with if hill is gone?
I'm a happy panda.
by jesus christos on Sep 5, 2011 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
or catcher, I mean.
He could keep #55, because I don’t think anyone else wants it unless we trade for Tim Lincecum.
"I'm sorry Tim, but Koyie Hill is a real good guy and he's wearing 55 already,
would you consider changing your number?"
“Screw it, I’m going to St. Louis.”
I'm a happy panda.
by jesus christos on Sep 5, 2011 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
or....
KH “Mr Lincecum. If you come to Chicago, you can keep your #55 if you give me an autograph, and buy me a Lambo.”
TL (rolls eyes)
KH “But pitchers like throwing to me.”
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
More like...
“I’ll be your best frieeeeend!”
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Nobody on that list
would make me sorry to see them go. Byrd is the only one I wouldn’t just give away.
I think they need to make that priority #1 this offseason, after the new GM, manager, and coaching staff.
Byrd needs to go, and Jackson needs to be the new CF. I also agree with Al that we should be doing all that we can to see if an AL team would take Soriano, and pay what we need to pay to get that done. I’d also get rid of DeWitt and install DJ as the utility guy (or 2B man if Barney keeps dropping back to earth). The culture needs to change now.
I'd guess we won't see BJax
until June of 2012
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
It all depends on the new GM.
Remember, the guy making the decisions is going to be different.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
It depends if they are going to try and compete in 2012
or mail in the season before it starts. Jackson will be the center fielder at some point in 2012 Byrd is just holding his place for him.
The Clevenger mystery is odd
The guy just seems to get swept out with the trash. The Koyie Hill love affair has to end this year.
How about this for the bench through September?
Marlon Byrd, Carlos Pena, and Alfonso Soriano. Some of us can dream I guess…
by TheGrinch13 on Sep 5, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You would have to tie a cement block around Q's neck
and throw him in Lake Michigan for that to happen. He’s in the “if I win a high percentage of these games I’ll get to stay next year” mode. This is where Ricketts should be telling Bush to tell Q to let the kids play.
by LT on Sep 5, 2011 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
ALL Teams bring up a 3rd catcher in September....
That they didnt is SOOOOO Cubs….
Quade’s thing for Hill knows no bounds…
Ricketts will prolly
gives Pujols 15 years 500 million then hire a GM.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Forgot the NTC and players option for 5 more years!?
"So sad, This Cubbie Thing" Courtesy of E-Man, 6/25/2011
Ricketts will also agree
to pay the remainder of Bobby Bonillas salary
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I know Flaherty has been mediocre lately..
But why not give him a cup of coffee?
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Jackson has looked excellent
his last 6 starts. He’s had some injury problems this year and he finally seems healthy. He’s an option for the rotation next year.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
With one exception
the 11 strikeout game against Nashville, I’m not seeing the K rates that I want to see out of Jackson.
Without a scouting report, I can’t tell if his stuff is back or whether he’s just learning to pitch around it.
Yeah
his K rate isn’t particularly high. However he hasn’t issued any HR in now thw last 7 games including today. He’s throwing strikes and his pitch counts per inning are low. I’m sure we’ll get a report on him soon but his performance has been good and consistent other than Ks. Perhaps a similarity to Wells might be appropriate.
If it wasn't for the injuries, we'd be printing WS tickets right now.
He should get a look see in the spring
to compete for the 5th spot. My guess is he starts in AAA but is the first up when injuries hit.
How much longer are we going to give him?
He has not impressed me thus far
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Wow, that was fast.
Giving up on the guy before he’s even been activated.
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I was hoping he'd be in the bigs by now. IIRC he's been in AAA for a few years now, why hasn't he come up?
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
After falling down...
Byrd just layed there and didn’t get up until Reed looked back at him, which I thought was odd. Did they show that on TV, or comment on it at all? Seems as if Byrd was glaring at Reed… maybe I’m reading into this too much though.
Reading too much
It was just so weird – he fell then lobbed it over to Reed who was getting ready to duck.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Marlon Byrd should have been traded, or sent out by waivers in July or August.
Brett Jackson should have been batting 2nd and playing CF every single day. But hey, we get to watch Byrd play single day for the rest of the year. I guess that’s more important than developing young talent.
Jackson has only been in AAA for a couple of months...
And while he’s doing well, he’s striking out way too much. I’d like to see him start next year in AAA and lower those Ks a bit.
Keeping jackson down is stupid, but so are most of the decisions the Cubs make...
Clevenger should also be up
It is weird, isn't it?
The only justification I can think of is the service-time clock … but that’s kind of a small-market team strategy.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
He could have been called up three weeks ago.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Great idea
It’s more important to watch Byrd swinging at everything while making millions next year. That will make us a lot better.
No, not that.
I saw the play. I was at the game and watched it all. I’m talking after the play was over. When the CIN runner made it to third, I looked back over to Byrd/Johnson and Marlon was still laying on the track. He didn’t get up until Reed looked over to him and did some motion with his hand. It was just… weird.
Right and on TV Byrd smiled at him
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Just so you know
The glare was a smile with what I thought seemed like “well that was bad” in a goofy way.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Separate Boise post for tonight
or post here? Your thoughts.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
No video tonight
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Rosario's first pitch
a strike
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
SH 1-4
Runner on 3B, one out.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
2B by Tri-City
1-0 Dust Devils
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
4-3 grounder
1-0 runner on third.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
I'd be inclined to
1) Dump Soto, make a run for Doumit at catcher if Pirates don’t exercise club option due to injuries. Granted he’s not rock bottom cheap, but could probably swing it.
2) Consider a Barney replacement with a little more punch like an Aaron Hill at 2B if he can be had for cheap given his crap BA last 2 years
3) Dump Byrd, try young kid
4) Make run for Kubel as a corner OF.
5) No idea what to do at 1B, slim pickings out there beyond the obvious w/Fielder
6) They may have to pay for a Wilson, not many other appealing SP out there. It all starts with pitching baby
Mind you, I’m not saying to do ALL these things, but to consider them.
Doumit?
Doumit just isn’t that good. Plus, he’ll be 31 next year.
There’s nothing wrong with Jason Kubel as a hitter. But he’s mostly a DH. If the NL does wind up getting the DH, we already have one.
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Ditch Soriano and get Kubel for LF?
He may not be a gold glover, but he’d still be an upgrade over Sori.
I'm not so sure.
Neither are very good in the field. Is it really worth paying 80% of the Sori deal and then likely over $5 mil for Kubel?
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Frontwards K
Hawks down 1-0 to B1.
ZeVo to lead off
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
DeVoss fouls one into the booth.
Zeke fans swinging. Zapata up.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Zapata flies deep for an out.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Lopez flies out
Boise down 1-0 to the second.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
HBP for Tri-City
then a 5-4 force. DeVoss’ throw a bit late.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
4-3 grounder
Runner on 2nd, 2 outs.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
4 pitch walk
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
F7. Na a 'great catch'
1-0 B2
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Cuneo grounds out.
Hoilman to the plate.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Hoilman fans
Golden flies shy of the track.
2-0 to the third.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
1B past Contreras at 3B
F-7 to Na.
1 on 1 out.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
HBP
1st and 2nd. 1 out.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
ANYWAY.....................
… The Cubs did win, right?
Help bring Boys of Spring The Movie to life!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1742828131/boys-of-spring-the-movie
by BeerCub on Sep 5, 2011 8:20 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Maybe not to you
Help bring Boys of Spring The Movie to life!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1742828131/boys-of-spring-the-movie
Siiighhhh
Help bring Boys of Spring The Movie to life!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1742828131/boys-of-spring-the-movie
Not even you are that obtuse
Hendry’s gone. Quade’s a dead man walking along with his entire staff no matter what happens the rest of the year. Meantime, trying to instill a bit of a winning culture, no matter who’s doing it, is a good thing..
Help bring Boys of Spring The Movie to life!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1742828131/boys-of-spring-the-movie
by BeerCub on Sep 5, 2011 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The sooner a new GM is named the better
There is so much evaluation of the staff needed to be done.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
It needed to be done long ago....But whatever.
I agree there is much to do.
My point above is I do not know if I trust Ricketts to see through a strong finish…
He didnt last year.
You really spin everything in your convoluted way.
This season was a train wreck well before Mike Quade was named manager unless you are one of the Ryno disciples who believed he could mind-meld with the players and have them play the game right.
Do you really want to continue to see Tyler Colvin hit .150 for the rest of the year? I don’t understand the obsession against winning and the mantra to play the kids when the kids suck too.
It really doesn’t matter who plays to end the season. The whole roster needs to be overhauled. The sacred kids like Barney, Colvin and Campana included.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
by rlpete on Sep 5, 2011 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Sigh - and agreed
Campana is not the answer and I hope Tyler is saving his money or considering another profession.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
It doesn't matter one way or another.
It makes no difference for Colvin to continue to hit .150. Barney who is really struggling got a day off yesterday and some people thought it was the end of the world. Campana is a reserve outfielder so who cares if he plays.
Acting like it is jeopardizing the 2012 WS championship is idiotic.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I certainly do not
Although – Colvin needs to be a fixture in the minors until he proves something. He is making Adam Dunn look good right now
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Over Colvin and his .150 average?
Definitely. He doesn’t belong in the majors right now.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Fine but
it doesn’t matter. It surely isn’t something to rail about endlessly. Byrd or Campana, Soriano or Colvin, Barney or DeWitt. It just doesn’t matter. I don’t see any of the players as the key to any future Cubs success.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
by rlpete on Sep 6, 2011 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
yep
"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
Boise no baserunners through 3
4-0 T4
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Infield single to start the 4th
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
DeVoss plunked
1 on, none out.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Na walks
2 on, none out.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
force at 2B
DP not turned. 1 out, two on. Cuneo at bat.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Strike three.
Two outs for Hoilman.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Backwards K.
4-0 to the 5th.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Rosario out
Dustin Fitzgerald in.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
1-3 grounder
1 out in the fifth.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
1 out double
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
4-3 grounder
runner to third.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
5-3 on a close play
4-0 B5 coming up. Hawks still hitless.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Golden leads off the last of the fifth
lines to third.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Darvill lines to center
2 outs
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Nothing in the fifth.
T6 4-0.
I go to work in half an hour.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
2 outs
runner on third
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Hit makes it 5-0.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
6-0 now.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
6-0 to the last of the sixth
Boise still hitless.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Na, then the
top of the order.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Backward K
DeVoss to the plate.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Infield single
cancel the postgame show.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
6-0 them
B7. Off 2 work.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Go Cubs...
…and Go Phillies (please beat the Braves so that we can continue to contend)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
ha ha, eths!
What is the German name for kool-aid?
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
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