Halfway Home

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 8:47 AM CDT in Chicago Cubs Recaps

Over .500 after half the schedule for the first time in three years (OK, so it's not very much over, just over at 41-40), the Cubs looked like a team on a mission as they dispatched the Nationals easily 7-2 last night.

This is what good teams must do -- take care of business when they play teams that are clearly inferior to them. There's not a lot to say specifically about the game that you likely don't already know, so I'm going to commend you to the diaries by NittanyCub and Chris, who were at the game and can give you more flavor of what it felt like, and I'm going to sing the praises of Mark DeRosa once again.

Here's a guy who many of you flamed Jim Hendry for signing, and he's now hitting .286/.363/.452, just about what he hit last year as a first-time regular last year in Texas; he's on pace to drive in 92 runs (currently second on the team), and last night played his fourth position in the last week, and had two more hits and three RBI, and made a pretty slick snag of a screaming line drive (he's played five of them all told this year, including a handful of games at 1B, after being promised he'd be the regular second baseman upon signing). He never says a word about this, nor about being shuttled anywhere from 2nd to 7th in the batting order, and often, players who play several positions in the field are so focused on getting the fielding right that their offense suffers. Not so with DeRosa, who's hitting .319/.367/.422 since May 27, and I don't think it's coincidental that the Cubs have played some of their best baseball since then. He'll be playing third base, most likely, tonight, as Lou is likely going to rest Aramis Ramirez so he can play in tomorrow's day game.

Incidentally, although DeRosa hasn't played exclusively 2B this year, he has played 44 games there, and if he had been playing 2B all year, his 46 RBI would rank tied for third among all major league 2B (behind only Chase Utley and Dan Uggla).

And, he played under Bobby Cox in Atlanta and has lifetime numbers of .368/.429/.632 in 19 postseason at-bats.

In addition to Jason Marquis and Ted Lilly (who threw a really nice game last night, winning his 7th of the year), Mark DeRosa might be the best of all Hendry's signings. Bitch all you want, but Hendry, I think, did an excellent job of signing free agents to fill Cub needs last offseason. That three-year, $13 million deal doesn't look so expensive now, does it?

Finally, it's been driving me nuts, ever since a couple of you mentioned to me that you thought new Cubs reliever Billy Petrick looked like Kerry Wood. I didn't think so but I knew he reminded me of someone. And last night, watching Petrick throw (and he threw a really nice inning), I figured it out. He's a thinner version of Bobby Jenks. No, really. Check out these links:

Petrick

Jenks

Now, Jenks is about to eat himself out of baseball. Petrick's a tall dude (looks even taller when he wears his socks up as he did last night), and if he stays in shape and keeps throwing the way he has so far -- maybe the Cubs have a bullpen find.

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Comments

Resting....

Why didn't Lou rest his regulars when the Cubs were coasting in the 6-7th inning? These are the type of games you can do so.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Jul 3, 2007 8:51 AM CDT reply actions

Well..

...there is that big break coming up called the All-Star Break.

I imagine Lou wants the guys to stay in the groove. He even said so in an interview, that his big concern was making sure that the Cubs only take 3 days off for the All-Star Break, not 5 (i.e. coast before the break and drop winnable games). Keeping the regulars in the game last night was a reminder that the Cubs need every win now, just like they may need them in August/September. Plus, almost all of these guys (with the exception of DLee and Soriano, and DLee may be getting an extra break due to his pending suspension) are going to have those 3 days off very soon, so why rest them when they're playing well and risk throwing them off stride?

I can't fault Lou for that decision, given the time of the year and the need to keep intensity up all the way to the Break.

(Of course, I could be wrong, and you could be very right....I've never played a 162 game season, so I don't know how much those guys would have benefited from a couple innings off)

by Chadnudj on Jul 3, 2007 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Resting....

AS I stated before, I was kind of upset that he rested his regulars during Saturday's loss to the Brewers. They had a 7 game streak going and had 2 miracle finishes during the streak. He just sort of threw in the towel. The game is never over until the 27th out.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Jul 3, 2007 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions

While that is true...

... on Saturday, the three regulars (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano) were pulled after five innings with the score 10-2. Between Mike and myself, we have seen over 2000 different Cubs games. Know how many times EITHER of us has seen the Cubs come from 8 runs down at home? ONCE. (This game.)

It wasn't going to happen. That was the PERFECT time to rest those guys.

I might have pulled Ramirez last night, given his knee troubles, but that's all.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions

I was also upset...

...on Saturday with the bringing in of Eyre and the pulling of our superstars. I thought it was a sign of weakness by just giving the game away - but then I thought of the 3,000 games Lou has managed in the past, and thought he probably knows a little bit more about this game than I do.

Supposedly that is why we hired him - let's hope he keeps the mojo working!!!

"Me fail English? That's unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by ilovepie on Jul 3, 2007 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Because they have blown too many big leads

and this team needs to learn how to put the foot on the throat when they have the opportunity. It was the right call to keep everyone in the game.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 3, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Agree with you about the FA signings

It appears to me that he got the top 4 available and since it isn't my money, I don't really care about the contracts. They are all making big contributions to the team this year.

by LT on Jul 3, 2007 8:52 AM CDT reply actions

Amen

And while you're at it, Al, don't short-change Cliff Floyd and Daryl Ward. Both are playing their roles for the team admirably, and are a major reason the Cubs have rallied.

But in all honesty, with Lilly, Marquis, Soriano, DeRosa, Ward, and Floyd, this might have been one of the best offseasons in Cubs history. Both Lilly and Marquis are pitching like at least #3s in the rotation (and neither contract looks that onerous anymore), DeRosa is the Cubs' answer to Chone Figgins/Ryan Freel (god I love the way he plays), and Soriano (while there are many years left on the contract) showed in June what we have to look forward to.

by Chadnudj on Jul 3, 2007 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions

I'll admit that I was wrong

...about Ward and Floyd so far. I couldn't understand why we signed Floyd (to block Murton?) or Ward (a panic move because we hadn't signed Floyd yet?). And I even wrote that Ward is absolutely useless on this club.

Yet, Ward has come up with some big hits and did a servicable job filling in for Lee earlier this season. Floyd gives us some additional power in our lineup and hasn't been as terrible as I feared in the outfield.

I hope they continue to make me eat my words!

by Rev Gunia on Jul 3, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't forget.....

Jones' FA signing last year looked like a great bargain given his 2006 numbers. Now look at him. Same thing could happen to Derosa, Marquis, etc..

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Jul 3, 2007 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Hey Al...

As an aside, I'm reading something in todays Sun-Times about a Jones to Minnesota deal getting nixed. You know anything about that? I'm wondering if that was the highly anticipated Jones for Garnett deal that went south.

by Damen Jackson on Jul 3, 2007 8:59 AM CDT reply actions

I'm certain you are correct, the problem was

they also wanted Vasher.

by N Oakley on Jul 3, 2007 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions

LOL

But yes, apparently the Cubs tried to trade Jones to both the Twins and Marlins and both were nixed.

If he's dealt now, and same for Cesar Izturis, it'd almost have to be to a team that has bad contracts of its own so that the dollars are roughly equalized.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions

I know this was rumored about

and I apologize if it's old news, but apparently, it was Selig that nixed the Jones deal.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-070702cubsbits1,1,4763664.story?coll=chi-sport stop-hed

by NO100 on Jul 3, 2007 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions

If this is true...

I read that article this morning, and if it's true, it seems unfair. The commissioner is impeding our chances to compete this year by preventing deals that clubs are agreeing upon. That's very unfair.

by SouthernCub on Jul 3, 2007 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Someone answer me this.

What is 5 million going to do on a 7.2 billion sale? Nothing. That is chump change, relatively speaking. And if it helps the team compete, it will boost the worth of the team, not handicap it.

by GoCubbies34 on Jul 3, 2007 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Well...

it's only about a $1 billion sale (the sale is only for the Cubs, Wrigley, and such). But the point is still valid. $5 million on top of several hundred million is still chump change.

by SouthernCub on Jul 3, 2007 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions

BS

That's a $5 mil loss of revenue for the year already, before a game is even played. You think that's chump change?

A $1 billion dollar deal is financed with loans. A loss of $5 mil in revenue right off the bat is a major sting... and when you have a group of investers, it takes money out of each of their pockets.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 3, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

but the cubs are on the hook for 7.5

million of that deal if they keep jones, so isn't it sort of sunk cost?

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Anytime you're paying significant salary

to someone who's not even a part of your organization, you're taking a major hit.

If he was at least contributing in a role, you could justify the bad contract... because you'd still be getting some service out of it.

And, even if they would've completed that Marlins deal, it would've been valued a negative transaction from a business standpoint. You're basically paying $7.5 mil for a class A pitching prospect. That would have to be one hell of a prospect.

Any transaction that takes place from now until the team is sold, will be done so with a critical business sense... and for good reason.

It's unfortunate some moves in the past weren't measured with the same stick... cause we might not have even had Jones in the first place, if that were the case.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 3, 2007 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

i see your point

but it doesn't make selig's actions look any better. i mean, he let the cubs eat about 3 times that amount in the sosa deal. granted the team wasn't up for sale then, but his hypocrisy knows no bounds.

if the pitching prospect was graham taylor (i think that's the name, some correct if i'm wrong, please), then by all accounts it was a hell of a prospect. here again, selig didn't have any problem with the cubs lobbing a huge signing bonus at a ND WR, who wasn't nearly of the same pitching pedigree as the florida prospect.

i think more than anything, it's the timing of selig's decision here that makes it so auspicious.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Two points

although I agree with the gist of what you wrote.

I think calling Graham Taylor "a hell of a prospect" is a bit of hyperbole. He's a prospect and a decent one, but he wasn't even one of the Marlins top ten prospects.

Secondly, Bud didn't intervene on those other cases because he has a different purpose now. Back then, if the Tribune wanted to waste their own money, that was their problem. But now he wants to see the Cubs sell for as much as possible to drive up the selling price of every other team on the market. From every expert on baseball economics that I've read, the way to drive up the price is to eliminate as much debt as possible.

I think Bud really, really wants to see the Cubs sell for $1 Billion.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 3, 2007 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Josh...

may I ask what expert(s) that you are referring to? I personally was under the impression that these valuations were more a function of minimizing legitimate long-term debt (stadium financing, etc.), ancillary income, and viewership/attendance, as opposed to intermediate length personnel costs.

by Damen Jackson on Jul 3, 2007 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Well

I can't quote anyone off the top of my head and I suppose it's possible that I'm wrong, but I regularly read Darren Rovell, Maury Brown, and everything Andrew Zimbalist puts out.

Debt is debt. I don't think it makes any difference whether it's being paid to players or as interest on a stadium. If you can find something that argues differently, I'm all ears.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 3, 2007 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

but

the cubs were already for sale, or about to be for sale when they tossed that bonus at samardizja, but what they weren't was in contention.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions

That's false

Samardzija signed his bonus in December. The Cubs were announced as being up for sale on Opening Day in April.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 3, 2007 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

yes

if you notice i said "or about to be for sale." the trib company was alredy being sold and it was common knowledge that the cubs were going to be sold as well.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions

oh, and

i couldn't agree more with you final point.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Actually...

It's nothing. Putting aside the fact that Jones is getting paid by the Cubs next year regardless, the real questions is whether or not the payroll budget is exceeded by this move in 2008. Don't worry, it won't. If that number is say...90 million for fiscal year 2008, then the baseballs moves made are largely irrelevant, if within the confines of that number.

Bottom line...it doesn't matter if you are a prospective buyer. Buyers aren't looking that low at costs, and by the time a buyer officially comes on the scene, that line item would be moved to a short-term liability, as it expires end of 2008. What you are likely really seeing is Selig acting as a Zell liaison, as if he can move the payout on that cash into 2008, he can dump it on a new buyer.

by Damen Jackson on Jul 3, 2007 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions

There's no way...

...you can explain the financials of a Cubs deal looking at revenues, so trying to do so brings about a lot of paradoxes.

Look, if you go ahead and look at the Forbes numbers, the Cubs are worth $600 million. There's quite a bit of criticism of the Forbes numbers from all corners, but nobody has ever alleged that their valuations are off by $400 million.

So where's the discrepancy? It's this: the operating revenues are completely irrelevant to the sale price.

Baseball teams have funny economics, because there's a scarcity factor that exceeds their earnings/revenue potential -- there's a prestige factor to owning a professional sports franchise.

As far as revenues are concerned, Jones's salary is a drop in the bucket compared to other issues, like the fact that the Tribune Company probably has sweetheart deals for the team's radio/TV coverage that will wildly depress profits until those deals expire. (This issue is mitigated by the inclusion of the Tribune's share of CSN Chicago in the deal.)

From a brand valuation point of view -- which is really what's important here -- the savings of not having to pay Jones's salary up front pales in comparison to the fan base discontent with the organization if it can't make moves to capitalize this year. It's penny wise and pound foolish at best.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 3, 2007 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Just to reinforce this a bit...

...this is Forbes's estimate of franchise value. And here's the same list, sorted by profit. It's interesting to note that the Yankees are the most valuable team in baseball while losing money; the Marlins are the least valuable team in baseball while making the most profit by a wide margin.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 3, 2007 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

thanks for this

interesting stuff...

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions

According to those pages

the cubs have NO DEBT. No wonder they're such a sought-after franchise. In spite of an average product for many years, the Trib has done a wonderful job making the Cubs a great business asset.

by SouthsideCub on Jul 3, 2007 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

how does the

inclusion or exclusion of wrigley field in the sale of the team affect these numbers? does it up the "scarcity factor?" meaning, if there's prestige in owning a sports franchise period, then that prestige factor has to significantly bumped by owning wrigley field, right?

"From a brand valuation point of view -- which is really what's important here -- the savings of not having to pay Jones's salary up front pales in comparison to the fan base discontent with the organization if it can't make moves to capitalize this year. It's penny wise and pound foolish at best."

so, even if selig thinks he has the best interest of the other owners at heart, he might, in effect, be screwing them over. nice.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Fenway Park has...

...to be at least as valuable as Wrigley, and it was included in the Red Sox sale, so there's a pretty good precidence here. That said, I'm pretty sure ownership of Wrigley was factored into the Forbes sale price.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 3, 2007 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

OMG SHUT UP!!!

I STAYED AWAKE IN ECON FOR FOUR YEARS SO I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS DRIVEL ANY MORE!!!

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jul 3, 2007 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

I took econ...

...as an elective. Weird, I know.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 3, 2007 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions

You

ELECTED econ? You're a mightier man than I. Ironically I'm the residential housing/finance industry, so I couldn't get away from it if I tried!

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jul 3, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm currently...

...double majoring in Journalism and Sports Studies.

Yes, there really is a "Sports Studies" discipline. I seriously have gotten to do research papers on how Henry Chadwick created the box score.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 3, 2007 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow.

That is way cool. What sort of work will you be looking for after you graduate, with these degrees?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Where do you go to school?

I might transfer just for Sports Studies. :) That is awesome.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jul 3, 2007 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions

I was speaking...

of the Minnesota deal in particular. It kind of flew under the radar a bit. But thanks.

by Damen Jackson on Jul 3, 2007 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Selig

is so very thoughtful. What a guy thinking of the new owners (whoever they are...yeah right) and their expenses.

This is crap, why does he have anything to say about this kind of stuff if teams are agreeing to a deal. Meanwhile, I feel horrible for Jones. I don;t see how you justify playing him when theteam is tearing it up without him playing. Yet, there he remains, on the bench, pinch running here and there, striking out here and there...he seems to be handling it well but if I were him, I would be pissed and probably talk to Selig about him running my career (or future in mlb for that matter) into the freakin ground.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 3, 2007 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions

He's not

thinking of the new owners. He's also not trying to sabotage the Cubs so that the Brewers would benefit--he pulled similar crap on the Dodgers while their sale went through. His actions cost the Dodgers Vladimir Guerrero.

He's actually looking out for the other owners. He wants to get the highest sale price possible for the Cubs so that it sets the market high.

He's like a condo board owner who is telling a tenant that they can't paint their condo blue because that would bring down everyone's property values.

That doesn't make it any better, of course.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 3, 2007 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions

good point....

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

And that of course isn't in the best interests

of the game, it's in the best interests of the owners, which in now way fulfills his obligation as commissioner.

by davidalanu on Jul 3, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Anyone

who thinks the commissioner works in "The best interests of baseball" as opposed to "the best interests of the owners" probably believes in the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny too.

Every commissioner has been a servant of the owners. Sometimes they end of picking winners and losers between the owners when they fight, but they are always acting in the interests of the owners.

The owners hire him, pay his salary and he serves at their pleasure. It's not even remotely possible for him to overrule them and act as a neutral, impartial observer.

This has been true of every commission from Kennesaw Mountain Landis on down. About the only time I can think that a commissioner went against the clear wishes of the vast majority of owners was when Happy Chandler allowed the Dodgers to sign Jackie Robinson. Of course, since baseball officially didn't ban any black players, he had a perfect cover for his (in)action.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 3, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

My tooth fairy days are quite a ways in the past

and I'm not naive enough to think that Selig isn't the owners' stooge, my point was that if he indeed blocked a trade- a baseball-minded trade, not a firesale type trade, for the purpose of boosting the value of a team, that's one more deplorable act that this commish can be credited with.

by davidalanu on Jul 3, 2007 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Interesting point,.......however

there's a big difference with regard to the financial impact Vlad's deal would place on a franchise vs. Jone's deal...........not by any means justifying Selig's role in all of this.

by LuisSalazar on Jul 3, 2007 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions

But then

there was the Expos, who were forbidden to call up half a dozen minor leaguers in September too.

That a little different case because MLB owned the Expos, but there we were talking about maybe $300 thousand.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 3, 2007 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions

I need to add

that I agree with everyone that Selig is being an idiot. We're talking peanuts here. I'm just trying to explain his reasoning and show how it is consistent with his previous actions.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 3, 2007 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

appreciate the insight

it makes a ton of sense regarding trying to drive up the price for the sake of all other franchises.....I hadn't seen that angle

by LuisSalazar on Jul 3, 2007 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks

That makes a ton of sense.

by Wreckard on Jul 3, 2007 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions

interesting that Selig is now involved...

Doing the Bowie Kuhn, best interests of baseball and not incurring more debt. What if the Cubs DFA'd Jones...what then will would they do...is that more debt or what?

The crux of the matter is that teams look at Jones as a DFA like Milton Bradley and only willing to trade a low level minor league player for beating the waiver wire.

Hendry will have to make a decision by Sun the 8th or Thurs 12th, that is when Dempster will probably come off the DL and they have to free up a roster spot for him.

Milw-09-24-98--Brown in for defense--bases loaded--flyball--HE DROPPED THE BALL!!!NO NO NO, cubs lose 8-7

by Ivy Walls on Jul 3, 2007 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Exactly

The new owners are on the hook for JJ's salary next year no matter what. It doesn't add to their debt for the team to dump him now for a minor leaguer. This debt issue is a smokescreen.

The call of the Cub fan, c. 1893: "one long, ravaged, derisive yell...a cyclonic whoop!"

by cubzfan on Jul 3, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions

yep

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions

The ownership thing...

is really getting to me now. Now, I hope the sale helps the Cubs and everything since the Tribune didn't do much for most of the time, but I'm getting worried that Z won't sign here because of that. If letting Z goes means we get a better owner to get us a better team, then I'll be OK. But still. I'm having a hard time seeing him pitch anywhere else. It would be so awkward.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jul 3, 2007 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

well

between selig's deep concern for the fiduciary capablilities of the next cubs owner and MLPBA'a consternation over buerhle and zambrano trying to give their teams a hometown discount, the negotiations between the cubs and z's people are sure to interesting.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Hmmm

Doesnt Bud have a little connection to that team up north that we're chasing?

Tony

by tony412 on Jul 3, 2007 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions

I get the feeling...

that it's going to get ugly around here come the trading deadline. Trade deals getting nixed by Bud, with the Cubs chasing the Brewers. Ugh. If he nixes anything more interesting than salary dumps, I think he may need to go into hiding till after the season.

Any idea what the parameters of that Minnesota deal were, or the personnel involved?

by Damen Jackson on Jul 3, 2007 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah

selig is a slimey little man and the way he manipulates and prods things along is not "in the best interests of baseball," though i heard buster olney say that selig has invoked that power more than any commissioner since, guess who, that's right, bowie kuhn. i'm not ready to say selig nixed the deal to protect the brewers lead, but any further actions of this sort should be taken as evidence of his inability to maintain a professional distance from his former team.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Seriously,

Hendry was so concerned with letting Maddux go for nothing, he went one worse and took on a bad contract. Izturis is done after this year, so I am concerned with moving him and taking something else on and saddling the payroll with something longer lasting.

My biggest concern is Jones, so a more rugged contract for someone playing a position of need, like relief, would be acceptable. Of course, assuming Hendry doesn't take on something even worse.

Al, what's your opinion? What move do you want to see?

by N Oakley on Jul 3, 2007 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd agree with you.

Though the bullpen has (in general, with a couple of notable exceptions) been better lately, they could still use some help, and Lou has gone on record as saying they really need a 12th pitcher, though if the starters can give some good outings for the next six days, you could probably make it to the break with 11.

That's the place I'd look for help -- relief pitching.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Gotta agree there

The only way to move Jones now, is by taking on a bad bullpen arm contract.

REALLY pissed at Selig... nixing the deal because he doesn't want "his buddy" to inherit the revenue loss when the team is sold.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 3, 2007 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Here, here

I've been singing DeRosa's praises for some time now and it's nice to hear you do it too. I agree that this is Hendry's best signing. In my mind DeRosa's been as valuable as any Cub this season.

by cubsbak on Jul 3, 2007 9:03 AM CDT reply actions

Couldn't agree more.

On a team where outfielders are so specialized they can't make the transition from LF to RF, this is a guy who comes to play anywhere he's put on the field.

by N Oakley on Jul 3, 2007 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah

derosa's versatility has been a godsend.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions

no doubt

derosa has really been a great addition. that guy is a true professional and seems to dominate no matter where you put him. i knew what kind of a hitter he was when we got him, but his defense is incredible all over the field. he probably should have taken over for barrett a month ago.

I don't care about a world series, just be competitive thru September.

by buckmulligan on Jul 3, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

DeRosa's

singing doesn't only seem like a bargain for the way he has been playing, but for the two or three bench guys it would have taken to fulfill the roles he fills.
I can't agree more with the posts made about his professionalism and the way he plays the game.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 3, 2007 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions

I had no Idea DeRosa has such a good voice

;)

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Jul 3, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions

LOL!!

So much for proofreading!

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 3, 2007 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions

and with his versatility

he covers tenor, bass, and baritone!

by davidalanu on Jul 3, 2007 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Things are

looking up for the Cubs right now. There have been a few little bumps in the road here and there but that happens. I'm really excited for this team and for us.

Men who whine are so unattractive. This place is full of them.

by sue369 on Jul 3, 2007 9:09 AM CDT reply actions

Seems like it was a different season

when the Cubs were losing those one run games and crashing and burning in the late innings.

What happened?

They are finally playing to their potential and more importantly (to us) meeting fan expectations - although I am amused by the calls to draw & quarter - put favorite scapegoat here - whenever things go south.

by JFCubFan on Jul 3, 2007 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions

I haven't heard from...

BlueMike in a while. His "this team is fatally flawed" argument is looking a lot less strong now that we've had one of the best months in baseball and are back above .500.

by SouthernCub on Jul 3, 2007 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm fairly certain

BlueMike was banned so I doubt you'll be hearing from him anytime soon.

by cubsbak on Jul 3, 2007 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Well that's pleasant news...

I guess I wasn't paying attention.

by SouthernCub on Jul 3, 2007 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions

The Cubs continue to waste ABs on...

these washouts like Mike Fontenot. To suggest he is anything more than a career minor leaguer is laughable.

by Jerry Mumphrey on Jul 3, 2007 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions

thats my Boyeeee

Hey screw the guy for hitting .380, hell with riding a hot guy, What a joke your statement is, You ride the guy he gets cold, Cubs put Derosa back at 2nd. Mike this comment is a classic

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Jul 3, 2007 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

I'll say it again

BlueMike was banned. That's a guy pretending to be BlueMike and making stupid comments to be funny. To paraphrase Tricky Dick, you don't have BlueMike to kick around anymore.

by cubsbak on Jul 3, 2007 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Can we get official confirmation from Al on this?

Is the above poster in dispute THE REAL Blue Mike or is he not? Identity theft is a serious crime.

by Rev Gunia on Jul 3, 2007 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

The poster...

... calling himself "Blue Mike" above is NOT the original, who was "BlueMike" (no space).

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

It would be nice

if he would change his user name to avoid this confusion. I don't know why he doesn't do this already.

by cubsbak on Jul 3, 2007 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

... I could change it. But I suspect one of the reasons he's doing this is for the very thing you mention -- confusion.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I suppose it was

amusing the first time but now it's just old and causes unnecessary confusion. Hopefully he'll come to his senses and change it.

by cubsbak on Jul 3, 2007 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

As you'll notice...

... I changed it.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks!

by cubsbak on Jul 3, 2007 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't worry

There's plenty of angry people looking to share their misery on this board, and they gladly use the Cubs as an excuse to do so.

Myself- I'm very happy to be watching the club play well and entertaining baseball.

by SouthsideCub on Jul 3, 2007 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions

In his defense

When he made those comments, I think I would've agreed. We had a log-jam of right handed hitting middle infielders, a worthless left fielder that spent time in right field, playing center, and the only other player that could play right field competently was also hits left handed.

The emergence of Fontenot at second has really balanced the line-up nicely, giving them a left handed bat in the infield that they desperately needed, and the decision to not let JJ get in the way of the development of Pagan and Pie will make this team a much more balanced one that it would be with him striking out, er, I mean playing everyday.

That's not to mention the leper colony that was the bullpen the first six weeks of the year.

I don't think that anyone could've expected the return that they've got on the kids (Theriot, Fontenot, Marmol and, God willing, Petrick) so far this year.

The mini-youth movement is the reason for this surge. When young teams start winning, crazy things can happen. I think that team that beat us in 2003 could attest to that.

"Whoever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" - Frank Chance

by STLCubFan on Jul 3, 2007 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions

All star break: rotation shuffle?

Anyone heard if we will shuffle the rotation at the break? Some will depend on Z making the all-star game. I would like to see the lefties broken up. The rotation starting today being Z-Hill-Marshall-Marquis-Lilly and Z to finish on Sunday. With Z saying Young deserves the spot and let's say Young gets it, here is what I would do after the break: Lilly-Z-Hill-Marquis-Marshall. Give Z another day off so he is rested, Lilly is a veteran-he knows how to come back, Hill will have a long rest as will Marquis, push Marshall back to give him a lot of time off. Any thoughts?

This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jul 3, 2007 9:17 AM CDT reply actions

I'd agree with this...

... or something similar. What they need to do is split up Marshall and Hill, who are fairly similar in their pitching styles. Lilly's somewhat different. But yes, the lefties need to be split up and the break -- and the extra day Thursday -- is the perfect time to do it.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Lefties already split up...

that rotation is no more split up than the current one. You still have lefties back to back (Marshall and Lilly). The only way to get them spread out is to have fewer than 3 lefties in the rotation, which I don't recommend.

If you just want to split up Hill and Marshall, that's another story. But with 3 lefties, two are always going to be back-to-back.

by SouthernCub on Jul 3, 2007 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

they call it arm slot...same as RH'ers

You look for differing arm slots and arm angles. Hill and Marshall are both tall, come over the top, while Lilly is shorter and his arm angle a bit different. Ideal would be Lilly following Marshall.

Milw-09-24-98--Brown in for defense--bases loaded--flyball--HE DROPPED THE BALL!!!NO NO NO, cubs lose 8-7

by Ivy Walls on Jul 3, 2007 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions

That's fine...

if that's the reason for adjusting the rotation. But the "split up the LHers" rationale isn't a good reason, because that can't happen.

by SouthernCub on Jul 3, 2007 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions

That's what I have

Lilly following Marshall. I agree, they are aenough different. Hill/Marshall have to be apart.

This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jul 3, 2007 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd rather see Z

between Hill and Marshall than Marquis. But not a big difference.

by Ihatethecards on Jul 3, 2007 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Nobody wants to agree with you but yes Al,

Petrick, does resemble Jenks with his pudgy, red cheeks and his similar build. His velocity is also similar.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 3, 2007 9:34 AM CDT reply actions

i'll agree

with Al on that, for sure. and if we get petrick pitching the way jenks did in 2005-2006, i'll take it for sure. we just have to keep petrick off jenks' pudding and beer diet.

"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Jul 3, 2007 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Mmmm...

pudding...

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jul 3, 2007 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

Mmmm...

... and beer...

"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07

by RynoHoF on Jul 3, 2007 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Together?

Yuck!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Of course not!

Beer-flavored pudding.

As Bill Cosby would say, "Hey, hey, (hic), hey!"

The call of the Cub fan, c. 1893: "one long, ravaged, derisive yell...a cyclonic whoop!"

by cubzfan on Jul 3, 2007 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Hendry

Has done a great job this year signing free agents. It's the interferece from Selig that is hampering us from tweaking the roster - don't blame Jim there.

by Ihatethecards on Jul 3, 2007 10:11 AM CDT reply actions

Re: Derosa signing

If Hendry had signed him to be what he is: a super-sub, than I would've given my approval at the time of the signing.

But, he signed him to be the everyday 2B... just like he signed Soriano to play CF? Our spring training camp was loaded with 2B prospects: Theriot, Fontenot, and Patterson. And the #1 overall prospect in our entire system was a CF named Pie.

Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes... that Lou had to fix over time... and got us off to a horrid start to the year.

The fact that only D-Lee and A-Ram remain at their positions, out of all the position players from the opening day line-up (projected starters for the year), tells you a lot about Hendry's offseason.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 3, 2007 10:21 AM CDT reply actions

I agree

It seems to me that Hendry threw a bunch of players at Lou, as opposed to putting together a coherent team, and Lou figured out how to deal with a bad situation.

by BlueSox on Jul 3, 2007 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Interesting assessment

...and a good argument to back it up. But didn't Piniella ask for good athletes and he'll sort them out later? That was my understanding.

I'm not disagreeing with you...yet. I'm not sure what I think about Hendry's offseason moves yet.

by Rev Gunia on Jul 3, 2007 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

He signed Soriano to play CF?

There wasn't any discussion of him playing center until he offered it as an option at the Cubs convention. It took Hendry and Lou by surprise, or so they say.

by Wreckard on Jul 3, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

I feel really bad...

about not liking DeRosa before. At the Cubs Convention I didn't get his autograph because I didn't want it even though I was standing right in front of him for like 10 minutes, and I felt like a jerk then and I feel like a bigger jerk now. I LOVE that guy. I'm glad last year wasn't a fluke for him.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jul 3, 2007 10:32 AM CDT reply actions

I was so-so

on the Derosa signning. My only question was last year he really slowed down in August/September. I just hope he continues his fine play.
He seems to be a player every team would covet, works counts, plays everywhere, and hustles. Great move to sign him.

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Jul 3, 2007 10:48 AM CDT reply actions

Yes, it was a great

move to sign Derosa, but IMO the best move was to bring Sweet Lou to the dugout.

"I think we all need to go to church and put more in the (collection) box"......Lou Piniella on 6/21/2007

by deadcatbounce on Jul 3, 2007 11:20 AM CDT reply actions

That's a fair assessment SackMan...

because of the team's odd mix of players the team was not able to compete as well as they otherwise might have in April and May. Lou had to figure-out what worked best on the field, and the time that it took to figure that out was costly.

I don't consider the bullpen problems resolved either until the roster has 12 pitchers. There are still too many outfielders and Kerry Wood has yet to throw one pitch out of the bullpen in a major league game this season. All of this was just plain bad judgment, planning and decision making by Hendry in the offseason.

by AboutTheCubs on Jul 3, 2007 11:26 AM CDT reply actions

I think he did a pretty good job with the staff

I wasn't too fond of the (over market value) Lilly and Marquis signings. However, he finally decided he couldn't rely on Wood and Prior. That was a big domino.

Marshall was rehabbing his arm, and Miller was an unknown. Great to have Marshall back.

Giving Eyre and Howry 3 year deals wasn't the best move either. But, they were in place for opening day, and the pen looked adequate.

Altogether, I think our pen is OK...despite the scrutiny of the earlier part of the season. Yeah, we blew some leads, but we also lost those games in numerous ways due to bad, bad baseball.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 3, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Good point

this team would be in a much different position without Lou.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 3, 2007 11:31 AM CDT reply actions

And yet...

...it was Jim Hendry that hired Lou Piniella, when 90% of the people around here were screaming for Joe Girardi.

And Lou was definately part of the free agency acquisition planning. Remember back to all of the articles this offseason -- Lou was the guy that went into the room with Soriano and convinced him to bump the Cubs from sixth choice to first choice.

If the Cubs can keep even right where they are right now -- just barely above .500 -- this will have been one hell of an amazing turnaround in just one offseason.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 3, 2007 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions

I know Lou...

has had success in the past, but let's make sure he keeps it up the rest of the contract. I wasn't around many people for Dusty, but I bet many loved him his first year hear despite his weird choices. Jim Hendry also hired him.

I thought it was Jim Hendry that convinced Soriano? Hmm.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jul 3, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Piniella knows what it takes to win

and without him, you would not have someone pushing Hendry's buttons to make the adjustments necessary to improve the club.

I just heard Mark Giangreco with Coppock on AM 1000, and he said Piniella didn't do his homework with the club, and he should have known early on there would have been problems. I couldn't disagree more. Spring training does not give you what you need to assess a ballclub. You need to see guys when the games matter, to determine what you have. He saw, and he acted, it's just a shame Hendry couldn't figure some of this stuff out after watching Barrett and others for multiple years. Regarding Giangreco, it continues to amazes me, how little the local media knows about baseball.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jul 3, 2007 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree with you 100%.

Lou and Hendry seem to have worked well together this off-season. Some of Hendry's signings this off-season didn't seem to make much sense, either position or dollar wise, but since Lou has had a chance to mold the team, they aren't looking too bad now.
I don't agree with a lot of what Hendry does, but I can't fault him for the moves he made this off-season and ,as you pointed out, he had Lou's help.
This has been an amazing turnaround in one off-season already, considering we were 30-51 at this point last year. I agree though they have to keep it up.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 3, 2007 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree with you 83%

I really do not believe Lou was prepared for inept play in the field and on the basepaths.

Coming from his successful orgs in Seattle and Cinci, the defense up the middle in both cases was far superior. As so easily we forget when the team is doing well, there was some very crappy play on the field during the 9 of 11 loss streak in May.

Also, while not leading the league in BB, we have moved ourselves up to the middle of the pack - up from LAST in MLB last year. This is good.

If you recall, in ST, the team was trying to embrace the new hitting coach's patience philosophy which did not translate to the regular season for 60 days in the regular season.

Still, while I begrudgingly give JH a tip of the cap after falling asleep two years in a row (we will all be regretting the fact that he did NOT have the forethought to extend Z LAST year ala Oswalt)we still have a problem with JJones taking up a roster spot making Lou have essentially a 24 man roster.

So, did Lou not do his "homework"? I think he may have made some assumptions which turned out to be innacurate. But - what is COOL about Lou, imo, is he is NOT afraid to make changes in short order if something is not working right.

UNLIKE the last guy.

And you can count me in the 10% of the board inhabitants who wanted he over Girardi (this time).

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jul 3, 2007 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Good point.

The fact that Lou isn't afraid to make changes is a breath of fresh air. I know that we didn't play well in the beginning, but Lou made the necessary changes. I have a feeling if the "last guy" was still here JJ would still be in right, Fonz would be in CF, Izzy and short, and we would be 16.5 back.
I think that we will be dealing with the aftermath of Hendry for many years to come. At least now, like you stated, we have a manager that will make changes. I know it is way too early to sign praises, but so far Lou has impressed me with his handling of the situation.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jul 3, 2007 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

30-51 at this point last year..

Wow!! What a painful reminder of that train-wreck-debacle that we had to endure in 2006!! We truly deserve, and I'm hoping for some Sweet (Lou) Redemption in 2007.

"I think we all need to go to church and put more in the (collection) box"......Lou Piniella on 6/21/2007

by deadcatbounce on Jul 3, 2007 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

let's put this into perspective though....

IF Girardi were to be hired, I think it a given that this team would've been stripped down with a rebuilding process around the likes of Lee, Ramirez and Zambrano. The goal of hiring Girardi would've been to build a long-term winner.

The reason Lou was hired was because of the 'win now' vandetta on this team...thus the free spending. What we have is a team that needs Lou, but one that will need to win NOW (in the next couple of years) because likely will be so hamstrung with hefty contracts in 3 yrs that it will be difficult to add the appropriate pieces at that time.

by LuisSalazar on Jul 3, 2007 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes and no...

EVERY formula has failed for the most part since 1945, right?

Strip down, and rebuild...Do we win?

Go for broke, and win it now? Is this gonna finally do it?

What I certainly did not see was an impending sale holding up the GM's responsibilities to try and make the team better both this year and going forward.

And, Bud Selig can go screw himself.

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jul 3, 2007 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

A bullpen idea...

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting Salomon Torres is demanding to be traded. Any chance they would be interested in any of our garbage?

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07184/798921-63.stm

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jul 3, 2007 12:20 PM CDT reply actions

No Way!

Why on earth would we want Solomon Torres? Have you seen how completely awful he's been this year? Even Scott Eyre is better than he is. And besides, they would never take our garbage because the last thing the Pirates want to do is add more salary, especially on some players like Jones or Izturis, who they don't even need.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

No, I actually HAVEN'T seen that.

I was just curious. But thanks for your candid response.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jul 3, 2007 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Pitching Matchups...

a sign that things are starting to go the Cubs' way... the Cubs will miss both Snell and Gorzelanny at Pittsburgh. They pitch against Milwaukee on Wednesday and Thursday.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jul 3, 2007 12:22 PM CDT reply actions

Brew Crew Ball

I know you were trying to be nice, Al, but those fans over there are real jerks. The even put up a diary mocking your comments about making a truce or whatever you said. And I was just looking through the game thread comments over there, and all they ever do is try to jump on the Cubs. Granted, whoever is posting over there in that game thread that's a Cubs fan is apparently an asshole.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

i was readin that earlier

which person was it?

Bring back the damn cowbell!

by CubsBall2202 on Jul 3, 2007 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

right now

they're in some argument with a guy.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I saw the mocking diary.

We can answer it real well by continuing to win.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Same as I had to do

with all the Sox fans. The crap level went down real quick after that sweep. This season took shape pretty nicely for my taste. Cubs winning and in the race, Sox losing and not.

Tony

by tony412 on Jul 3, 2007 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions

On the subject of jerks...

There's some here and there's some there.

That's life.

by vegascubsfan on Jul 3, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

What's the address

for the site?

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jul 3, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

you could

get 'em back by signing up and trolling their game thread...

by jacob on Jul 3, 2007 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

by LT on Jul 3, 2007 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions

I think you might be misreading our site

Hi there!

Just so you know, I post regularly at the other BCB (www.brewcrewball.com). If you read the thread and the diary in question, I don't think you'll see a lot of jerky comments. (Admittedly, we like the word "vitriol," but, hey, it's a fun word.)

But there's no mocking of Al, who seems like a nice enough guy. There is some Cubs bashing going on, but it's being egged on by a Bleed Cubbie Blue poster who's taken up the name "princefieldersdiet." Here's how he opened one of his (unprovoked) first posts:

I spew it out my ass at you chump ass Brewers fans.

It goes downhill from there.

Actually, we usually treat our guests very nicely, as you'd see here when a Cubs fan visited before the series. Like most people on this site, we like our team and try to get along with pretty much everyone. We like charts and graphs, which some people here think is kind of funny, but whatever --- we've had several people from outside our blog ask about them and where they can get them.

I only ask that before you make up your mind that "those fans over there are real jerks," that you go read the diary and read the game thread from today, and decide for yourself. I don't think our behavior is inappropriate --- in fact, we're being a lot nicer to the poster than he deserves. I think you'll find that we have a lot more in common than you might think.

Well, other than in the standings, I mean. :)

by roguejim on Jul 3, 2007 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Fair enough

I just thought that when Al tried to be nice about everything, it seemed kind of out of line to go making that diary.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Prince fielder's diet???

You mean deep fried sticks of butter?

To Matt Murton - the biggest, baddest, hairiest, most testosterone filled S.O.B to ever put on a cubs uniform

by cubsirishkillme on Jul 3, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for this.

I agree, the post that you're talking about should never have happened, and on behalf of those of us at BCB who DO respect you at the "other" BCB, and the Brewers and their fans, I'm sorry that it happened.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

No harm done

Another Bleed Cubbie Blue-er showed up who was very nice. That's what we're used to. :)

by roguejim on Jul 3, 2007 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I like charts on graphs too!

But I'm an accountant, so maybe that doesn't really count.

by vegascubsfan on Jul 3, 2007 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions

charts AND graphs*

by vegascubsfan on Jul 3, 2007 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Charts on graphs...

is that like girl on girl action? I like that too.

by GoCubbies34 on Jul 3, 2007 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions

I've been known...

...to put up graphs on here from time to time, although I doubt the Brewer's fans would have enjoyed those as much (mostly it was graphs of the standings in May.)

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 3, 2007 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Sssssh

Best not to bring up May. It still gives us flashbacks.

by roguejim on Jul 3, 2007 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh, right...

...better not mention the month the Brewers fell off the table and started rolling around on the floor.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 3, 2007 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions

SSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

by roguejim on Jul 3, 2007 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh I got it - never mind

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jul 3, 2007 1:40 PM CDT reply actions

Solomon Torres

is requesting a trade. Maybe the Bucs want to take Jones and Izturis for him.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 3, 2007 2:00 PM CDT reply actions

Read my earlier post

They would never want Jones or Izturis, but mainly, Torres sucks. Big time.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Sorry but have you checked

lately?

Jones and Izturis suck too!

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 3, 2007 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

So

we should trade suck for suck, and the pirates would want to do this why? To take on the contracts of Jones and Izturis? That makes plenty of sense.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions

But

Izturis is a gold glove SS! And Jones was worth the contract we gave him.

If Torres sucks so badly, then they are probably motivated to dump his ass. So how about 1 suck for another suck?

All of us here seem to think someone will trade suck for suck. At least that is what the posts indicate of late.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 3, 2007 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Again

Why would the Pirates want those contracts. They already have Jack Wilson at short, and plenty of OFs.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Jones would be the 2nd highest paid

player on the team. Just behind Wilson.

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 3, 2007 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Torres makes less money than both JJ and Cesar

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 3, 2007 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Arggggghhhh!

Izzy is NOT a Gold Glove THIS YEAR. Far from it. Remember the over the shoulder catch...oops...missed it? Remember all of the balls thrown into the stands. Can't hit and can't field. I think you have been getting confused as to who is playing when at SS. When it is a bad play at SS this year, it is Izzy.

I want my Macias!

by wombat on Jul 3, 2007 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I think

he was being sarcastic

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions

The Pirates are already carrying 6 OFs

Not to mention they don't want even more salary.

Look for another trading partner

1-RUN GAMES = 10-15 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-6 | HOME = 20-21 | updated on 7/1

by SackMan on Jul 3, 2007 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Stickin to my guns.

They ought to be receptive to a deal like Eyre, Izturis, Jones for Torres.

Before you all freak out...that was a joke. I suppose they wouldn't want any of our players.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jul 3, 2007 2:27 PM CDT reply actions

How is it

that the brewcrewball gamethread has almost as many posts as this one?? We gotta step it up guys!

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 2:28 PM CDT reply actions

perhaps

you should create another account here and troll this thread, too.

by jacob on Jul 3, 2007 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice try bud

I've got much better things to do then troll your threads, and I think that guy is a pretty big jerkoff for the stuff he's saying. I just found it funny that you guys had a real big comment total in your thread, so I mentioned it. Sue me.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

The BIG difference

most likely is that they probably do not get all of the posts in the years when the team loses.

At BCB, we post consistently, win or lose.

Mostly lose, but maybe this year will be different at season's end!

Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on Jul 3, 2007 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions

At this rate

I don't think either of us should stray far from our checkbooks!!

by Scott @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 3, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Good point

There's that Jacob guy. He's nothing but trouble.

by roguejim on Jul 3, 2007 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions

The other Cubs fan

over on that site (the one that's not me) is being a d-bag. I'm trying to control the damage.

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jul 3, 2007 2:34 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah I saw that

We'll now we got our buddy Jacob from over there trying to slander me... I definitely wanna know where that's coming from.

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Who knows?

I've got some crap to do before I wrap it up early here at the office - talk you all later.

GO CUBS!!!

"That wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by lovejones72 on Jul 3, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

Lets pull a game closer with a win tonight!

by sackings108 on Jul 3, 2007 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Who cares what happens with the Brewers site

I could care less whether the Brewers site pokes fun at the Cubs or at my personally. It matters not. And if the actual fans of the Brewers, not the johnny-come-latelies that have laid dormant for 25 years, are enjoying their season, good for them. They should be. I still don't think they are nearly as good as they claim they are but that is my opinion to which I'm entitled.

The thing is, if the source is a real "fan" that has lived and breathed Brewers baseball for decades, much like a bunch of people here have, I have no problem with their opinion whether inflammatory or not. You'd hope they'd be intelligent enough to leave it to baseball-related discussion as opposed to silly remarks and comments but you get what you get. For those "fans" that have just become infatuated with a team that is winning, I've got no time for them, nor are their comments worth reading or discussing.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on Jul 3, 2007 3:30 PM CDT reply actions

Amen

to that. I work with one Brewer fan in particular who has been with the team for as long as I've known him, so if he wants to give me crap for them being 6.5 above us, he's more than welcome to. But even HE tells me he's sick of the "fans" that jump on the bandwagon.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jul 3, 2007 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions

um, al?

i agree that derosa was a solid (not great, but solid) signing, and that people hate on him more than is deserved. he's above average.

just one quibble with your post, where you write:

"Not so with DeRosa, who's hitting .319/.367/.422 since May 27, and I don't think it's coincidental that the Cubs have played some of their best baseball since then."

unless you're arguing that the cubs as a team perform best when derosa isn't hitting as well, which i don't think you are, then i would humbly suggest that yes, it is a coincidence, considering that earlier in that paragraph, you point out that derosa's numbers for the YEAR are .286/.363/.452.

by nycbirdo on Jul 3, 2007 3:45 PM CDT reply actions