Bryan LaHair Ruins Mike Leake's Gem, But Cubs Lose To Reds Anyway
by Al Yellon on Sep 7, 2011 8:01 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintI could start this recap of Tuesday night's the Cubs' 4-2, 13-inning loss to the Reds in any number of places. I've chosen this one.
Bryan LaHair smashed a monster home run into the night with two out in the ninth inning, tying the game 2-2. The ball was hit into the teeth of a very strong wind blowing in that had knocked several other fly balls down. Give the man credit -- he can hit.
In the end, all that did was provide about an extra 90 minutes of baseball, as the Cubs wound up losing by the same two runs they trailed by when LaHair hit his blast, his first home run as a Cub.
Have I changed my mind about him? Way too early to say that. The man has played in three games for the Cubs and is 4-for-9. That's pretty good, but it's way too small a sample size played in meaningless September games. I will admit, however, to now becoming a little more interested in seeing more of him.
There's an awful lot to say about this game beyond LaHair's home run. First, let's give credit to Mike Leake. LaHair's home run was on Leake's 89th pitch of the game. There have been Cubs pitchers who threw that many this year in four innings. Starlin Castro hit Leake's 86th pitch -- on a two-strike count -- for a single, only the Cubs' second hit of the game. If he had retired Castro on that pitch, it would have been only the 50th complete game thrown of 86 or fewer pitches since 1990 -- that's an average of about 2.5 such games per year, or about one-tenth of 1% of all games.
Leake was absolutely outstanding. Until LaHair's home run, only seven balls had left the infield, including a line-drive single by Alfonso Soriano in the second inning, the only hit before Castro's. The only other Cubs baserunners were Darwin Barney, who reached on catcher's interference in the seventh, and Soriano, who was hit by a pitch in the eighth. Soriano didn't spend too long on base, as Marlon Byrd hit into a double play each time.
After LaHair's home run, Aramis Ramirez just missed a Leake changeup, hitting a fly ball to center field to end the ninth; he almost got all of it for what would have been a walkoff home run. Instead, the game headed to extras. And that's when things got wacky.
Not knowing, of course, the game would go into extra innings, Mike Quade burned through six bench players through nine. That included two subs, Jeff Baker and Koyie Hill, who had to go into the game after three ninth-inning pinch hitters were used. None of those three PH stayed in the game. That left Tony Campana and Lou Montanez as the only position players left on the bench in extra innings.
And that's after three callups were made on Tuesday.
It shouldn't have mattered, because the Cubs loaded the bases with one out in the 10th inning, on a Soriano single, a walk to Byrd (just the 19th unintentional walk drawn by Byrd this year), and a Tyler Colvin single that was too shallow to score even the speedy Campana, who ran for Soriano. There were a lot of possible ways to score the winning run; instead Baker hit into a 5-2-3 double play and the game pressed on, with more and more people leaving. Of the 35,297 announced (and even that appeared inflated), maybe 15,000 showed up Tuesday night. By the time Baker hit into that DP, maybe 5,000 remained.
Give credit to most of the Cubs bullpen. After Rodrigo Lopez left the game one out short of a quality start, Cubs relievers from the sixth through 12th innings gave the team 5.1 no-hit innings, issuing two walks and striking out eight. (I'll get to the guy who broke this nice string later.)
In the bottom of the 12th, Tony Campana beat out a ground ball to deep first base. Only that isn't reflected in the boxscore, because first base umpire Tim Welke called him out. Replays indicated that Campana was safe -- and it wasn't close. There are two things I want to say about this; first, and most obviously, here is another play crying out for replay review. But second, it seems to me that Campana was called out because major league umpires simply cannot believe that a player can beat out a routine ground ball to first base. Yes, umpires: Campana is that fast. He's beaten out routine ground balls to shortstop and second base this year; a ground ball to the edge of the infield dirt at first base can be beaten out, too, by Campana, who may be the fastest man in baseball.
But replay on things like this is a no-brainer. Please, Bud. Before this kind of play costs a team a playoff game or series. (And one of these days, it will.)
The game pressed on past 10:30 p.m., and by then, maybe 1,000 of us remained. John Grabow, whose tenure in blue pinstripes has (hopefully) no more than 20 games to go, threw a credible 12th inning. That should have been the clue to Quade to get him out of there and not press his luck. John Gaub, ready to make his MLB debut, was available. Why not go to him? Sure, by then the Cubs were out of position players and Gaub would have had to bat no later than a 14th inning, but so what?
Grabow gave up back-to-back doubles that scored the only run the Reds would need, but he also gave up a second run on a single by Miguel Cairo.
Miguel Cairo. Every time I see that guy play, I shake my head at the mistake the Cubs front office made ten years ago when they let Cairo go on a waiver claim to the Cardinals. Since then he has been a useful spare part for six different teams and has played in five postseasons.
Oh, well. It lasted three hours and 54 minutes and provided some laughs and some good baseball. What more can you ask, really, in a lost season like this one?
And one more thing. The loss accomplished the final mathematical elimination of the Cubs from any postseason consideration, as they were eliminated from the wild-card race. (Yes, I know the Cubs were effectively out of it months ago.) They'll finish up the series with the Reds Wednesday night ... one hopes, in a little less time than this one.
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How long are we gonna continue to see Marlon Byrd
every day in center field? The guy just doesn’t deserve to play and no way can he be in the Cubs future.
by MikeJW on Sep 7, 2011 8:06 AM CDT reply actions 5 recs
He is awful atm
But he was an All Star just last year. Albeit a weak one, he was. I do believe the smack to the face has taken a toll. He may come back stronger next year and back to the normal Marlon Byrd. That said, the normal Marlon Byrd probably isn’t Center fielder for a contending team.
He was an All-Star because of the rule that EVERY team must have ONE
And he was the least-undeserving player on another awful Cub team.
And he wasn't even the least- undeserving last year
Soto had an .888 OPS and over-.400 OBP in the first half last year (.890 for the season). He should have been the all-star. Byrd got it simply because people still overvalue AVG.
Revisionist history.
At the All-Star break in 2010, Byrd was hitting .317/.365/.480 — .845 OPS.
Not saying Soto wasn’t deserving, but Byrd did have a very good first half.
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Soto was MORE deserving, which is what I said
Byrd was less deserving than Soto. Much higher OBP and even an ever-so-slightly higher SLG and at a more valuable position.
I’d also note that Byrd wasn’t really even deserving with those numbers. He was tied for #3 in OPS in CF behind Rasmus and Torres.
It’s not revisionist history. Byrd’s selection really was based on people overvaluing AVG. There was at least one better option on our team at the time and two better options in CF in the NL.
Marlon Byrd is attaining a Milton Bradley-esque level of uselessness on the field.
I’m really sick of him.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Let's not compare those two.
Byrd gives 100% effort on every single play. The fact that he isn’t performing isn’t because he doesn’t care.
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True.
But other players who were equally unproductive on the field might have been a better comparison than [name redacted].
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Soto? Colvin?
That’s about all I can think of. And Byrd is subtracting. Soto and Colvin are just not adding.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Exactly how...
… is Byrd “subtracting”, while Colvin is “not adding”?
Serious question. I don’t get the difference.
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Byrd is hitting soft grounders for double plays.
Whereas Colvin is striking out. Byrd is erasing potential rallies whereas Colvin is not endangering runners.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Well, you have a point.
Still, I think you’re being a little too hard on Byrd.
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strikeouts suck....
but watching Marlon byrd swing at the first pitch and hit a soft little dribbler to short is infuriating.
So i you can give you can take it.
And constantly hacking away at the first pitch is something he can control.
It’s a poor choice that he continues to make. He deserves criticism for it.
Seeya Jimbo! Good job, Tommy Boy!
I'm just disgusted with his level of play.
And again, I have nothing personal against him. I did HATE Bradley. But their baseball proficiency seems to be about level nowadays.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Some of us are way past the point of "being nice" to most of these players.
They’ve used up all of their “benefit of a doubt capital” over the course of the last 2 really shitty seasons. Byrd appears to always “play hard”, but watching someone “play hard” doesn’t go very far with some of us when the “playing” is terrible.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 7, 2011 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
You know who played hard??
Daniel Ruettiger (nicknamed “Rudy”)
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
its nitpicky and i know its nitpicky
but the way he catches a fly ball to end the inning and immediately in one motion takes his glove off and tucks it drives me nuts, its like soriano’s hop. its just another thing to think about before catching the ball…he’s never dropped a ball because of it, but it still ticks me off.
So i you can give you can take it.
Agree with this...
But that said…..There is no reason to be starting him everyday.
If he was on a good team he would probabaly be a 4th OF anyway.
But sure enough we will probably see him starting again today.
comparing Byrd to MB
is insane. Marlon bust ass, and is a good human being. He has just had a bad year. I would love for the Cubs to move him. But to compare him to MB is nuts.
Byrd - RISP numbers
Byrd – It’s becoming … no … it continues to be a joke that Q plays him at ALL. His BA is completely misleading.
RISP – .197 RISP/2 out – .204 bases loaded (before today) .083
Personally I think he will be the savior of the team
Plus he will singlehandedly prevent us from being mathematically eliminated for the rest of the year.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
Ummmm
Cairo has been let go by teams too numerous to count. He’s been a Cub twice, and I’m too lazy to check who else he’s played for twice. Had the Cubs kept him all these years, either from 1997 on or 2001, surely people woud be complainng he’s taking up valuable roster space for a much younger player.
If Septembe rgames are meaningless, and Spring Training games don’t count, when can LaHair play to show he belongs?
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Good question about LaHair.
If he has a good September… it’s a good September. I suppose that gives him a shot at making the team next year, but it will be under different management, so who knows?
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if Sept games were meaningless
Quade would not have been our manager this year.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Sep 7, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
One good September got Quade his full time job.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 7, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Not completely meaningless.
If a player is playing against guys that have been around all or most of the year, as opposed to guys getting a cup of coffee, I don’t see how it’s much different than AB’s in June, for instance.
Example: he performed against Mike Leake tonight. I dont see how that is considered anything less than performing in a pressure situation, September or not.
"The cheaper the hood, the gaudier the talk" - Philip Marlowe
by ForTheLoveOfBiitner on Sep 7, 2011 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Glad you are warming to LaHair Al.
MVP of Pacific Coast League. He deserves a long look. I agree he is not a prospect and I know where you’re coming from when you say for every one of his types that make it, there are dozens of others who do not. But, we have to find out if he is the exception or the rule. No way did I think he could get it out into the wind. You didn’t mention how he got the count in his favor also. Let’s continue to give him some looks and go from there. If he had the best season in our minor leagues, he deserves that.
We'll miss you Big Boy. #10 for Hall of Fame.
That was my observation last night
along with Brenly. With almost every Cub swing at the 1st or second pitch. LaHair took two pitches then drilled the homerun. Is he the starting 1st baseman in 2012, who knows. But if he could put a line of .270, 20-25 Homruns, 70 RBI’s and an OPS of 770, I would take that and save about 10M in the process. This team needs starting pitching.
Maybe LaHair isn't a prospect. Maybe he is just a player.
by ClarkFan on Sep 7, 2011 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Offense would probably be similar
Pena was also in the minors at 28, but never posted the BA and OPS that LaHair did this year.
Defense would be worse, but for $10M on a non-contending ream…..
And in full disclosure
Pena also had 86 major league homeruns at 28 and then hit another 46 at age 29.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
Well, let's see if LaHair can hit 46 at 29, since he will be 29 next year
No point in re-upping Pena, really.
Agree
Pena has been exactly as advertised (after a slow start)—-good power, low BA mitigated by his ability to draw walks-good field, positive clubhouse guy.
I assume Boras is looking for a multi-year deal for Pena. I think Quade should give “Hairy”….“Bri-Guy”….whatever his Q-name is, as many AB’s as possible. LaHair at least deserves that to see if he is a viable option for next year if none of the other 1B options pan out. I think LaHair may be close to matching Pena’s offensive production, which would free up payroll to improve starting pitching.
The power isn't even that good.
His SLG % (.452) is rather mediocre for a 1B. He’s got some HRs and BBs, but that’s basically it.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
And since I've been showing the "downside" to Pena
To be fair… he’s 7th in ISO among 1B (though he is as close to 10th as he is to 6th).
So I’m glad his ISO is better than pretty much all his other hitting stats.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Great... you should also note the following then
Starting 1B making less than Pena (who are not arb eligible):
Diamondbacks
Marlins
Nationals
Orioles
Pirates
Tied with:
Giants (Aubrey Huff)
So we can conclude that only 5 teams have 1B on a FA agreement making less than Pena, and let’s be honest, we aren’t exactly missing out on any of those guys. Hell, even Huff makes the same as Pena with his -1.1 WAR.
I understand Pena has a lot of negatives, and he isn’t the future of this franchise, but the crap he gets for making 10 million is kind of out of line here. There are worse players making more money, and honestly, 1B in general are overpaid in baseball.
Woah... back up.
I’ve consistently said he’s not “the problem” on the Cubs, he has some positives, his offense is mediocre, and I think the Cubs would be better off spending his money elsewhere. If that is “giving Pena crap”… well, then I guess so be it.
1B certainly are overpaid as a lot. From your list… I would say the Cubs are “missing out” on Morse (WASH). But you can also flip your point around. How many teams feel like they are “missing out” on Carlos Pena?? Only the Yankees showed any interest… and that’s because they burn money. Why didn’t Arizona or San Francisco claim Pena for the stretch run??
But lost in these individual player arguments is a broader point that really shows where the Cubs are at. The Cubs are way worse than the sum of their parts. If you go around the diamond, you could just about say “hey, we could do worse…” for any of the Cubs.
Could the Cubs do worse than Pena? Yes. Barney? Yes? Castro? Obviously. Ramirez? Obviously. Soto? Certainly. Byrd? Yes. Dempster? Yes. Z? Sure. Wells? Yes? Even Soriano?? Yes. Even Colvin “has some upside”.
But that adds up to a lot of “meh” when you put it all together.
The point is, you have to start somewhere to get better. If I thought an average 1B was all that separated the Cubs and the playoffs… then sign me up for more Carlos Pena. But the Cubs need a heaping pile of talent upgrades. So, while we could do worse than Pena… why not start the process of upgrading, either through a better 1B or reallocating resources there?
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Maybe that is why Quade hasn't been playing him.
His name doesn’t lend itself to an easy nickname. Maybe LaLa.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
I'll give him credit...
…that ball was smoked!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I hate math.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I do too.
Even in a year like this, I find the day of elimination sad. I still plan on enjoying the rest of the games to the fullest before it’s time to hibernate.
Cracker Jack does not have an "s", even in the plural.
Almost time for those immortal words...
"People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
Yes a sad day indeed, but ST is less than 6 months away!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I actually winced when I read
“6 months away”. Even with the “less than” it sounds like a long time to me.
Cracker Jack does not have an "s", even in the plural.
From today's Twitter: @Brommmietze
In about 159 days pitchers and catchers will report for 2012 spring training. #Cubs
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
When the regular season ends...
… I’ll post the countdown to Opening Day.
When I find out when the first game of spring training is, I’ll post that countdown too.
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Jimmy Buffet agrees with you
Track 8 (Best one on the album)
I kinda like Oysters and Pearls
But then, I’m a pilot…
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Sep 7, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Al....
have you ever walked away from a game in disgust and/or anger? not saying this game deserves it. Marlon Byrd hit into two double plays? How many pitches did he see all night? Bases loaded in the Tenth and nothing to show for it…gross.
So i you can give you can take it.
Actually, no, I haven't.
That game had moments of disgust, true. But it was also highly entertaining, despite the loss.
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Yes, that was entertaining.
Watching Leake pitch was, too. He was really good.
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OK, this might sound weird, but
if Leake would have gotten the complete game one-hitter, I would have probably given him a standing O. I was at home in front of the TV though. Not sure if I would if I was there…but I might have.
Cracker Jack does not have an "s", even in the plural.
Any pitcher deserves a standing O for a no-hitter.
Even from the fans of an opposing team. It’s fun to see a well pitched game & no-hitters are special.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Sep 7, 2011 12:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 8 recs
I agree but if was the Cardinals against the Cubs, it might be a bit difficult.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I listened to it this morning at work - It was fun despite knowing the Cubs would, in the end, lose.
BTW: I hate math…
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
It's gotten so that
If the Cubs load the bases with less than 2 outs I’m expecting something bad to happen.
To us.
Al, I will have to disagree with you on Mike Leake
The Cubs hitters made him look “outstanding”, I thought he pitched well, but not outstanding. Aramis Ramirez looked like he would rather be any other place than at the plate. There was no strategy at all against him, it was just go up to the plate and start hacking away. Of course, what’s new.
The question is...
… were they hacking because they usually hack?
Or were they swinging because Leake was making his pitches? Other pitchers have gotten Cubs hitters to hack away, but Leake did it with an economy of pitches. He was really good.
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Leake
He threw well, but most of the guys looked totally disinterested. If Quade’s going to play the vets, at least make them keep their heads in the game.
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
They were swinging at pitches way outside the zone
3 BB in 13 innings…even Dusty’s team had more than that. Sure, maybe he had them guessing at what was coming, but they were definitely not being patient by no means.
I mean honestly, it looked like most of the hitters were very disinterested.
Maybe.
At the same time, we’ve seen other games where Cubs hitters looked like that, and the opposing pitcher didn’t give up only one hit in 8.2 innings and throw 85 pitches.
Leake was REALLY good.
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It is amazing...
…to me, to see how different Ramirez can look when he disengages. If the weather conditions are not good for hitting, he seems to mentally check out, or at least that is what it seems like to me.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
just watched the Replays at Cubs.com
and there’s a video titled " Soto gets Phillips at home"….Colvin threw a strike and gets no credit? where’s my tinfoil hat?
So i you can give you can take it.
This team is the definition of below average..
and I really can’t wait til the offseason.
'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'
Al. were you able to get some sleep before going to work?
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse
Seemed like Soto said . . .
“Thanks for not trying to steamroll me” and was on his way to the dugout when Phillips said, “come back here and give me some love”.
by mainehawksfan on Sep 7, 2011 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Nice Explanation
I thought it had something do with not running him over, but I was confused why Phillips stopped him and gave him a hug. At first I had a flashback of two opposing Chicago catchers, but this one ended much nicer.
according to DatDudeBP
“Safety first! Guess I had a bromance tonight”
"We push bunt, we squeeze bunt, we hit and run, we steal home!" - Larry Cox (I think...) on the 1989 NL East Champion Chicago Cubs
Wow thanks for that...
Phillips seems like a great person just from reading those tweets and his actions on the field.
Heh.
No. (But he still could, I suppose.)
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OT: Anyone see Strasburg Pitch to Miles last night?
blew a 99 mph Fastball past him, miles swung just about the time the ball hit the catchers glove…funny stuff.
So i you can give you can take it.
You mean Miles, right?
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
I was there and it was sick
That and the 90 mph changeup that Eitier missed by at least two feet were amazing. He didn’t really come close to walking anyone and there was one hard hit ball. He didn’t throw many breaking balls but then, he didn’t need to.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
That Campana play in the 12th
Does anyone here have a video link? I’d like to hear what Brenly had to say.
Brenly railed about no reply
He was not happy
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actually Brenly had three comments in the game that were honestly revealing
When K Hill failed to slide in the 11th with none out…
on the first replay he just exclaimed…..KOY!
then he said that Koy was caught watching the SS try to fumble the ball…in the end that cost the Cubs the game since Castro would not have been running and Montanez would have driven him in….
Later in that inning Castro was actually caught be Votto switching feet on the bag after a pick off attempt. Castro was out but 1B ump Tim Welke missed it. Votto knew it as did Dernier and then Brenly saw it too….Castro was then caught stealing.
Then after the blown Campana call it showed how much Campana was safe….in fact Votto never got to the bag until Campana was past…Brenly then went on about an instant replay and how quickly it would move the game along without an manager and coach arguing over a call and get it right…..
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
they are up there....
I think the last month the Cubs and WGN/Comcast should take off more of Brenly’s gloves and let Quade and team take some more exposure.
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 think they strike a really good balance on the broadcasts.
We’ve all listened to broadcasts where it’s all kool aid or constant negativity. I think Len & Bob point out mistakes without piling on but also don’t dole out excessive praise.
Every day is a beautiful day for baseball!!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 7, 2011 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Len
Not so much. Len is a little too corny for my taste, but together the two are good enough to listen to.
Agreed
Despite trying, the fact of the matter is that Len really doesn’t know that much about baseball. I don’t care whether he called a World Series in Florida, he’s just not that knowledgable about what is going on in front of him.
Really?
Man, I love Len. And I think he knows what’s going on.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
I agree.
He may be corny at times, but even that seems mostly intentional.
I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted - George Best
And BB always gives him guff for spewing out of his obvious corn-hole.
I think they are a great duo. My favorite duo (because I’ve never liked Stone, mind you I was in the 4th grade and probably didn’t care if he was “keeping it real”)
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
with a guy like BB
next to you in the booth why even try to put up a front that he’s the smartest baseball man in the room?
So i you can give you can take it.
And listening to BB in Milwaukee ALWAYS forces me to grill brats... Always.
Put him in the dugout with a mic. Color man and Manager. Cubs seem to have tried everything else.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Cannibalism is the second most common cause of death for brats.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Bad, bad call...
…on Campana. The first base ump also missed a call on Castro when he came off the bag and Votto tagged him earlier in the game.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Why?
All he does it hustle, disrupt the other team’s defense and pitching, steal bases at will, give better defense than Soriano. I really don’t see any value there. Nope, give me more Soriano and Byrd please.
Must be one of those unwritten rules
And one the Cubs seem to follow pretty well
What's stopping Campana from being a regular is he simply doesn't
get on base enough to do all of those things. If he could, a player with his kind of speed is very rare in baseball, at least in the last 15 years.
Every day is a beautiful day for baseball!!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 7, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
It would be nice to see him play for 2 weeks straight to see him get into a groove.
Or not….but why not look?
So far
Against RHP, he’s got a .324 on-base percentage. It was close to .350 at one point, before his role diminished even further. That from a kid getting his first taste of the big leagues, and used in instances that do not help him get into a groove. I think he’s capable of .350 or higher with his speed. And every time he gets on, he has the ability to move into scoring postion (not that that does any good with this team anyway).
I think he has more skill than people here give him credit for, but again with Quade, we’ll probably never know.
I agree
Why not give the kid some more time. It is almost impossible to catch the guy from stealing. They need to take a look. If he could get a OBP of ,340 or better he would be a huge asset.
And give him time against the CReds. That was his debut, his first hit, first RBI, first diving catch...
Quade is being the bully on the playground not picking the little guy.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
I have a good friend who is a rival fan who loves to watch him play.
He loves the “Kid’s” hustle. I agree. Let’s see what he can do if he is given regular playing time. It certainly can’t be worse than Soriano or even Byrd.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Sep 7, 2011 12:28 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Soriano actually offers something Campana doesn't; that is less true of Byrd
For all his many flaws, Soriano can hit HRs. Campana won’t do that. But Byrd doesn’t hit many HRs, either.
LaHair and conventional wisdom
Actual performance is always the best indicator regardless of age:
Have I changed my mind about him? Way too early to say that. The man has played in three games for the Cubs and is 4-for-9. That’s pretty good, but it’s way too small a sample size played in meaningless September games. I will admit, however, to now becoming a little more interested in seeing more of him.
It is subjective reasoning, sometimes valid, other times not, about assigning projections of a person be it in baseball or some other life endeavor, from other persons experiences. Certainly there can be similarities or presumptions but as often there are differences.
Last year when the Cubs were bringing up Starlin Castro the conventional wisdom expressed here often in that time was it was too early….now Castro who is still a developing player is leading the NL in hits…(his OBA is .333 but his OBA+ is .334 and his wRC is 104 as his standard OPS is .758, (but I think much of the weighted down numbers come from when he batted in the 3rd slot as his split in the lead off position is .325.358/.466 .824-OPS and where ironically he has hit 6 of his 8 HR’s and 25/47 extra base hits out of merely 39.52% of his AB’s. Needless to say Castro has established himself as a bona fide top of the order offensive force in the NL at the age of 21——-that breaks conventional wisdom.
Now LaHair: He is 4/9 with a double and HR and a 1.333 OPS at the ripe age of 28 (turning 29 this late autumn). Conventional wisdom as Al pointed out in a post that LaHair is not a prospect and that there have been many who were perennial AAAA players who showed his numbers and then again there were exceptions.
The point is that exceptions conflict with conventional wisdom because the only thing that matters is the individual’s performance. In short LaHair has earned an opportunity while in AAA this year with a wOBA of .443 and a wRC+ of 155. If he were even 26 he would have been called up and Pena sent packing. Sure he is in his physical prime, but this month he deserves to be looked at—-even if he is the ugly prospect duckling. We know what Pena can and can’t do….let us find out what LaHair can do
My guess is that he will make some heads turn
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
by Ivy Walls on Sep 7, 2011 9:29 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
and your point?
the point is that conventional wisdom is a fair measure but inaccurate when drilled down to the individual level….it is the same in clinical trials, the same in business situations and the same in baseball…
I say let us see the performance…at thls level….and sit Pena for a while he had his shot.
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
by Ivy Walls on Sep 7, 2011 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think LaHair should ask for a change in number to #4
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
Pena could go down as another
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
LaHair
First, he deserves a chance. I’d rather see him than Colvin in RF or Pena at 1st.
That said, don’t forget this game: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN200809250.shtml.
John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.
ugh
i had successfully deleted Chad Gaudin, Neal Cotts, and Kevin Hart from my memory until I glanced at that boxscore. I’ll bill you for the bottle of Makers its gonna take to forget them again.
+1 for choosing Makers Mark
"We push bunt, we squeeze bunt, we hit and run, we steal home!" - Larry Cox (I think...) on the 1989 NL East Champion Chicago Cubs
I enjoy Makers as well.
But here in Eastern Iowa, there is a winery called Cedar Ridge. They have a bourbon that is out of this world. Templeton Rye has nothing on it.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
It's called Cedar Ridge Winery and its just south of Cedar Rapids on I-380.
Not a vodka fan but I hear they have one that is one of the best around. If you go do NOT pass up the bourbon.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Drinking to forget Cubs memories requires Old Overcoat, not good whiskey
It’s about quantity, not quality.
Who's the man with the stick up his butt that came up with that?
I say “Quality in mass Quantities!”
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
I'm sorry you have to go to the QC from time to time....
there should never be a reason you go to that place.
So i you can give you can take it.
Watching the old people coming out of the river boats at 2am
is always depressing.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
They are walking right into Country Kitchen Buffet for the early bird breakfast deal.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
There is always the egg roll guy
outside the Rock Island Brewery
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Ross' 24 hours
magic mountain? i kina vomit just thinking about that.
So i you can give you can take it.
I havent been there in like 9 years
just what I remember for late night stuff.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
thats where i was born and raised...
moved south 12 years ago. the only thing i miss is the pizza and the Whitey’s ice cream.
So i you can give you can take it.
What's that pizza place called?
I lived in Dubuque for 4 years and I went there a few times. I forget the name.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Franks?
harris, clints, Sluggers, Fields of Pizza, wiseguys, Stashu’s, Pizza and Subs…all branched off of Franks.
So i you can give you can take it.
oh never mind...
you’re thinking of Happy Joe’s. thats up in Dubuque as well…well Galena.
So i you can give you can take it.
Never eaten Happy Joe's.
I see their little red pickups speeding around, and I’ve hung up on delivery more than once with their not so happy approach to taking orders.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
the pizza's terrible.
its cheese and spaghetti sauce on a cracker.
So i you can give you can take it.
Sounds like my hometown of Sioux City. Jerry's Pizza.
Wax melted on cardboard.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
I worked at that Happy Joes in Galena for a number of years.
You have made me sad insulting my pizzas. :(
The Dubuque one is bad. But the Galena one I think is good.
i honestly dont think i've ever eaten at the
galena one. we had a weekend house at eagle ridge, but i’m from the QC so happy joes was nothing we had to have in galena.
So i you can give you can take it.
I had the Maquoketa and the Waterloo ones too...
Bad deal.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Each one is different.
I worked at the Decorah one for a while, too.
Completely different than Galena.
I’d never touch Dubuque or East Dubuque. But Galena was good.
Ames had a good Happy Joe's
but it’s been years since I’ve eaten there. It may not be as good now.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Not really but
if you want to think that go ahead.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Ames suffers from little brother syndrome
when it comes to Iowa City. I’ll take Iowa city over Ames every day of the week.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!
Haha, I have family around the area...
It’s about as exciting as when I get sent to Fargo for work, eh?
Michael Morse
Is 8 months older than LaHair. Both listed at 6’5". LaHair is 10 lbs heavier. Yes, we all know it is a longshot. But its not completely crazy. I like Pena. He does a lot of things well defensively and is a good clubhouse guy. But I bet the difference is WAR at the end of 2012 would be minimal and certainly not the difference between the Cubs winning the division or not. Pena will not be there in 2013 for sure so why not try LaHair now and see what you have. Morse figured it out late, though I still think he will regress when he starts getting a steady diet of off speed stuff.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
But Morse was only 28 when he hit it with the Nats; LaHair is NEARLY 29
And that makes it hopeless. Just ask Al if you doubt it….
I guess he should just go home....With all the other players they should have brought up....
4 players and no backup catcher…….only one reliever, one coming back with an injury at that….
This team has no idea what its doing…
Also...
… someone’s fooling the reporters. Check out this Sun-Times article:
For the Cubs on Tuesday, a roster of 34 players almost was depleted in a 13-inning marathon against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.
34 players? The Cubs have made five callups: Bryan LaHair, Andrew Cashner, John Gaub, Lou Montanez and DJ LeMahieu. That makes 30, unless there were four mystery players available last night that no one but the Sun-Times knew about.
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Are there more coming from AA when the playoffs are over?
Is Clevenger coming up?
Al, have you ever seen a team NOT bring up a 3rd catcher in September?
Ever is a long time.
But most teams do.
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Most ML teams do....
Maybe you can PR for Hill OR PH for him all together if you have some more players…..
But the Cubs dont want to hurt his feelings I guess.
I think the problem is they don't have another healthy catcher on the 40 man roster.
(Beef is injured).
Every day is a beautiful day for baseball!!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 7, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
There are a bunch of people with no future sitting at AAA on the Roster
Switch them….
Robinson should be up.
As in all baseball rules, it does get rather complicated.
There’s option years and service time clock to consider when adding players to the 40 man roster. Not sure if Clevenger needs to be added by Dec to be protected from rule 5 draft.
If you add a player that doesn’t have to be added, that may take up a roster space for someone who has to be protected to be retained. It could cause an org to lose a player they don’t want to lose.
Every day is a beautiful day for baseball!!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 7, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, here's an example.
Chris Robinson is the backup at Iowa. He’s 27 and not very likely to have a MLB career. He’s had a decent year, hitting .316/.345/.396.
Why not dump someone off the 40-man now who won’t be there at the end of the year and add Robinson? At least you’d have an extra body.
Robinson could be waived at the end of the year. He’s not likely to be claimed; he could be re-signed in the offseason to a minor league deal.
There, problem solved.
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by Al Yellon on Sep 7, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yep, that makes much more sense.
Not sure why the Cubs haven’t done that.
Every day is a beautiful day for baseball!!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 7, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure
Clevenger needs to be protected. I actually think he needed to be protected last season, but no one took him. But the issue for him is that the Smokies playoff series starts on Thursday and the Smokies want to win that.
by Josh Timmers on Sep 7, 2011 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Good point, minor league affiliates also have something
to do with who is called up in September.
Every day is a beautiful day for baseball!!
by cowsarecool220 on Sep 7, 2011 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I suppose Clevenger could be called up after that.
But by the time that series ends, there will probably be only two weeks left in the season.
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Bat Boy, Usher, Beer Vendor
Whatever it takes.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
by RiskyBusiness on Sep 7, 2011 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
"I was told there would be no math."
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Sigh.
There was nothing in Morse’s minor league record that suggested he would do this. And he could be a one-year wonder.
As I wrote at Baseball Nation last week, for every guy at an advanced age that makes it, there are dozens that don’t.
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Not arguing that point
Yes, its a long shot. Yes, its unlikely. But the Cubs have NO first base plans past next year if you do sign Pena. So why not see what you have in LaHair. If he doesn’t pan out you still don’t have any plans so you are no worse off. And if LaHair can be nearly as productive at a fraction of the cost there would be more money to get some pitching
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
Perhaps.
But again, playing him in meaningless September games doesn’t tell us much.
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It doesn't prove the positive but it can disprove it
If he hits, sure, you still don’t know exactly what you have but you do have a better idea. If he doesn’t hit, then we can all shut the hell up and you can write an i told you so (that wasn’t meant snarky, but i would if it happens and i were you). This is a little different that Morse in another way. He is taking time away from another young player if they keep him in the lineup. Be it Bernadina or eventually Harper or Muererro. Pena is not the future.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
Well, they played Pena in all the meaningless games in June, July and August
September is all that is left….
what?
that logic would mean all minor league stats are meaningless as well. Playing LaHair, let us say 2/3’s of the remaining 19-18 games, okay a dozen would demonstrate the following:
Could he field the position effectively with the current middle infielder’s. Could he hit effectively MLB pitching, in front of a MLB audience and in MLB parks.
In would insinuate judgment as to whether the Cubs could" afford to take a qualified risk in going to ST with another journeyman *minor league or *low risk", low cost free agent at 1B.
and
use the resources used to sign a more expensive free agent with a multi year contract liability at 1B and utilize it in other areas like STARTING PITCHING that would have more effect on wins and losses.
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 look at playing LaHair like this.
If he plays quite a few games it gives the Cubs more options at the end of the season. If they can’t land a Pujols or Fielder, then if his numbers are decent it wouldn’t force the Cubs into giving Pena a 3yr deal that he is going to look for. I’d rather have Fielder, but I do not want Pena back at all. Yeah, he can scoop a ball out of the dirt from a bad thrower. However, if you want to continue to coddle the bad thrower he will never learn to improve his throws at all. Personally, Pena costing 10MM vs LaHair costing 400K is worth 5 more errors or so on Castro’s throws. 10MM can go a long way to help land a decent pitcher.
by ubercubsfan on Sep 7, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I see Pena walking.....
He says he wants to stay, but of course he says that now…..
If they do not get a real GM and manager, free agents will laugh at the Cubs like the league did this year.
I just don't see any real benefit in signing him
If Pena is at 1B in 2012 (at age 34), it means the Cubs are a non-contender once again. We really did see that movie this year. And I don’t get a major “whoop” over the difference between 70 wins and 72 wins. Better to save the $10M, have the Ricketts use the money to pay down debt, and get closer to the day when the teams finances are stronger.
I agree...
I could deal with the losses more if they were building to something good…
But this year was just a waste of time.
If Pena comes back on a multi-year deal
Then that’s gonna be a quick black mark on the new GM.
Seeya Jimbo! Good job, Tommy Boy!
I still don't get that logic
It’s almost as if you’re saying that if Morse had been a better hitter at AAA, or if LaHair had been a worse hitter at AAA, then the comparison would be more apt and there’d be room for somewhat more optimism about LaHair.
The absence of a strong performance* by Morse at AAA is, if anything, an indication that his breakthrough with the Nats was even more unlikely than a LaHair breakthrough would be here. You’re right that he could be a one year wonder, and you’re also right that LaHair could turn out to be nothing. I just don’t get the distinction you’re drawing with Morse. All else being equal, I’d rather take my chances with the guy who crushed AAA pitching over the guy who did not.
- It’s not as if Morse was terrible at AAA: he had a high average, and seemed to peak (as LaHair has) in the last few years before his callup with the Nats. The point is that he didn’t dominate AAA the way LaHair has the past two years, which again only goes to show that Morse was a bigger surprise than LaHair would be.
by Orval Overall on Sep 7, 2011 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Quade says the vets have earned their time in September.....
Lets see what happened yesterday…..
Through 8 2/3 innings…..One hit
Then….
LaHair PH 2run HR
Campana a single, SB and another hit ruined by the ump
Montenez PH double
Colvin a single in extra innings
How many of these people will be rewarded by a start today?
Or will we see the same crap we see every other day?
They have earned something for September all right……
5th place
23 GB
Fired GM
So by all means, keep playing the horses that got you there!
by TJ11 on Sep 7, 2011 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Maybe Quade's hoping the vets will put in a good word for him
And someone will hire him as a bench coach next year.
Seeya Jimbo! Good job, Tommy Boy!
Isnt that how he got the job last year?
All the Vets wanted him to stay?
Plus he was Hendry’s buddy of course…
They were all excited about the Country Club!
Bryan LaHair has successfully revived the meme
“Boom Goes the Dynamite”
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
Al, I finally did notice u at the game the other day
How early do u get to every game to get that same seat? Are you always with the same people?
I'm there when the gates open.
And yes, it’s generally the same group. Some days, more of us than others.
By the 12th inning last night, we were the only people left in our section.
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IMO
The back row of the bleachers are the best. I always sit about 2 sections over from where Al does. No one is ever there unless it is nearing game time. I can stand if I want and watch Waveland during down time. Plus having a back to my seat is nice and it would take a miracle for some idiot to spill a beer on me.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
bleachers
my first time in over 30yrs last night … totally different look than my season tix in section 235. Wonderful group … thanks Al !!!
Nice to meet you and sit with you.
Join us any time.
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forgot ...
Al … did you notice the Cubs OFs played a lot more shallow than the Reds? Thought that helped with Colvin’s throw that nailed Phillips in the 3rd.
Soto had the ball when Phillips wasn't even halfway down the line.
Hell, Soto even ran a few steps to 3B after getting the ball. If Colvin played a normal RF position I believe Phillips is still out at home, the play would just be a lot closer.
i just don't know how you go through games w/o buying a beer
Al, i know in a sense it’s your job, but there cannot be a more loyal fan than you. To be out there every day—-getting there two hours early!—especially for the last two years is some dedication with this rotten product.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
The beer at ballparks is not great, and overpriced. So I’ll take a pass on that.
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Soon they should replace Old Style with Goose Island IPA. A 16 oz. cup of that is worth $7.
Too bad they will charge $12, and your first born.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
Want a cocktail at the game?? Bring it in yourself
Don’t be an idiot and you will not get caught. Ill never buy a beer again at Wrigley because it has been too easy not to for years.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I've been to one game @ Wrigley.
Cubs v Cards July 10, 2009. I had a backpack on to carry ponchos for the forecast was for rain (and it did rain). Got in line early and was one of the first couple thousand through the gates and walked passed 4 usher/gate workers and had my pack in both hands ready to unzip and show contents and I was not asked once to stop and open it up.
So I see your point. Plus I’m not a knucklehead when it comes to wanting to enjoy myself, did that enough 6 years ago.
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
I am more discrete
And it is incredibly easy. It was easy at Dodger Stadium even with all the added security.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I assuming you are bringing vodka
as the beer would be warm by the time u bring it in
Small sample size be damned!
Ardolis Chapman and Mike Leake are not Sept. call-ups and the hits aren’t coming every 5th day. Le Hair >> Q ball!
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
The small sample size concern still applies
But I agree: to discredit his AB to this point as being meaningless Sept AB is slightly disingenuous. He’s been facing real MLB pitchers as opposed to Sept call-ups (which is really the only implication of stating these games are meaningless from an evaluation standpoint).
I’m certainly not calling LaHair a player based on 9 AB. But those 9 AB are more relevant given that he’s faced actual MLBers.
by SouthernCub on Sep 7, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
And he appeared to have an actual hitting approach in both ABs
With Chapman, he went after a fastball on the first pitch – probably the only fastball he would have seen after strike 1. With Leake, he waited to look at a couple of pitches.
If he doesn’t make the roster next year, maybe he could be hitting coach….
Fukudome ver. 2.0? "Let's take two [pitches] boys!"
"Beisbol been berry berry good to me." -Tony Oliva
How's his defense?
At any rate, he’s probably worth a serious ST look.
Defense, though, has been one of the real weaknesses of this version of the Cubs.
Then again, so have timely hitting, starting pitching, managerial strategy, late-inning relief, and baserunning. And those are just what come immediately to mind.
by MN exile on Sep 7, 2011 10:56 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
call ups and 1st yr players
Filling out the Cincy lineup last night … “who ARE these guys?”
P – Lecure 2005/4th rd 52 games, 10 starts
C – Mesoraco 2007/1st 3 Games
IF – Valaika 2006/3rd 2010 19 games, 38ABs 2011 31 games, 89ABs
IF – Frazier 2007/Supp 2011 31 games, 89 ABs
OF – Sappelt 2008/9th 2011 24 games, 74 ABs
This from Dusty Baker … keeper of veterans!!!
Quade has made Dusty look like Bobby Cox
by TJ11 on Sep 7, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
Recommend this please.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
by chilango2 on Sep 7, 2011 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
LeBaldness gives me headaches or is it the nail in my head?
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Sep 7, 2011 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Was in Section 218 boxes last night
The stands were EMPTY:
218 Reserved: 30% full, about a third of them were Reds fans or tourists
218 Boxes: 40% full – I was in row 4, my row of 22 seats had 6 of us, and both I and the couple next to me were on $10+fees stubhub tickets
118 Field Boxes: Back half was 10% full (never sold?), front half was 40% full
18 Club Boxes: 66% full
About the game:
1. Why didn’t DeWitt stay in at 2B after the 9th?
2. Why did Quade burn Ramon Ortiz for 1 batter in the 6th when he doesn’t have another long man?
3. If Castillo wasn’t hurt and had been called up, a PR for Koyie Hill would have made it to 2nd on Castro’s grounder behind the bag, which would have changed that inning dramatically
4. Colvin had two deep flies to CF against Leake that would have been homers without the wind. He realy does have Leake’s number.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
Answers to questions.
1) Apparently DeWitt is having some physical problems preventing him from playing the field, but he can hit.
2) Good question.
3) Yep
4) Double yep
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Does Bush even show up for work? There were several IFs in Iowa who could be added to the roster.
If anyone were working as GM….
LeMahieu was added.
And was in the game… and then taken out.
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Thanks!
Can one self-downgrade from Terrace Boxes to the bleachers from inside the stadium? I was going to try to come over for the 12th but I couldn’t see a way across.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
Ortiz
Trying to think like Q would only further damage my Cub-addled brain. However …
Leake was pitching so well to that point (quality and pitch count) it was hard to imagine the game going 13, let alone a meaningful 9th.
The only other RH relievers, Shark and Wood, are “late inning” guys.
It’s valid though in that, of the RH bullpen guys, Ortiz was the 1 guy who can give you more innings. In the moment it was hard to argue. As it turned out … BLECH
He was left with Cashner and Gaub … shrug
BTW … just saw the replay of Colvin’s warning track fly ball in the 7th. Good call !!!
on MLB.com i saw a video that said LaCure saves the day
and i panicked that people have dubbed LaHair “LaCure”….
So i you can give you can take it.
LaHair >> LeBaldy
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
LaHair>>LeHairbrain
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
This is where Tom Ricketts needs to step in and tell Quade...
to play LaHair EVERY inning of EVERY game the rest of this year. It may, in the long run, save Ricketts about $150.000.000 over the next 6 years if this guy can hit like that on a consistent basis.
Also, I’ve seen enough of Marlon Byrd…for good.
And, although he WAS safe…I can’t believe Campana didn’t get tossed after that play he was called out on. He was tossing “F” bombs all over the place towards that umpire. It was great.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
That sometimes means that the ump knew he blew the call
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
After a full season...
of absolutely smashing the baseball, you were adamant that LaHair had no future. Now, after 9 at bats in the bigs, you think he may potentially be worth something afterall?
Huh?
Did I say that?
He’s worth a further look after those nine at-bats. That’s all.
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This is just odd.
So what were you expecting in nine at-bats that you changed your mind?
Chiefs Chat: chiefs.sportsblog.com
Hey, I'm one of the ones who was saying we should give him a look because we lose absolutely nothing
[url=http://chiefs.sportsblog.com][img]http://www.SportsBlog.com/badge/chiefs.sportsblog.com.jpg[/img][/url]
Surprised no one noticed this earlier.
You’re right, of course. Fixed.
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I wonder how many of us, if any at all...
woulda thought that not even 2 thirds the way through Sori’s contract, he’d need a pinch runner. Gonna be a long 3 more years if they can’t move this guy to the A.L.
You know life is good when you hear "Die Hard 5" is in production. Yippee ki-yay, &%^##(&(#&%-ers !
Kevin Goldstein on Bryan LaHair
He wrote this today in Baseball Prospectus.
On the surface, LaHair certainly looks like another Canzler type; he turns 29 in November and is in his ninth minor-league season. That said, it was a remarkable season: His .331/.405/.664 line for Iowa (yes, Iowa is in the Pacific Coast League) included a minor league-leading 38 home runs, as well as a minor-league leading 1070 OPS. A funny thing happened during the year; scouts began to warm up to LaHair, not just seeing him as a minor-league slugger, but as one who could get the job done in the big leagues. "If you gave him a full-time job in the majors, he’d hit .270-.275 with 20-25 home runs," said one scout, while asking, "Most teams could use that, no?" Well, the Cubs for one.
I'm not all giddy like some people on here about LaHair.
but while he’s up, play him. What the hell? never know, might be worth a NRI next season and give him a shot as an extra OF, 1B or whatever.
We only want extra OF'ers that have a special talent...
like jumping over cars, or being really really fast and white.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 7, 2011 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Not if they're over 27 years old....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Sep 7, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
interesting projections since
that is somewhere between Freeman, Pena and Sanchez in projected OPS which invariably is on the low or conservative side
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
On LaHair
I have to admit, I do not pay attention to minor league stats during the season.
That said, LaHair’s 2011 I-Cubs numbers are remarkable
456 AB, 60W, 111Ks
151 hits 38 doubles, 38 HRs 50% ratio
slash line … .331/.405/.664 OPS 1.070
Not that we should care what St. Louis thinks
But…
But replay on things like this is a no-brainer. Please, Bud. Before this kind of play costs a team a playoff game or series. (And one of these days, it will.)
I think that ’85 team would argue it already has.
They have two liter bottles now? To think I spent all that time demanding a liter!
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