Doing The Little Things Right...

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 7:43 AM CDT in Chicago Cubs Recaps

... or not, is often the reason you win or lose baseball games.

Last night's 8-4 Cub loss to the Pirates is a perfect example of this concept.

It wasn't the two HR given up one out apart by Jason Marquis to Freddy Sanchez and Xavier Nady (and Nady's was a blast, well over 400 feet nearly to straightaway CF); instead, it was his failure, two innings earlier, to retire Pirates pitcher Paul Maholm with the bases loaded and two out. Maholm was hitting .138 this year before last night, has a career average of .121, and has never had an extra-base hit in, now, over 100 career at-bats.

Guys like this shouldn't be getting two-run singles, which is what happened. That wasn't the difference in an 8-4 game, but it set a tone, despite the fact that the Cubs did match that two-spot in the following inning.

Little things: Angel Pagan was caught stealing third base in the second inning, with two runners on and two out. Rob Bowen was at bat; when he batted again in the third, he doubled -- his first Cub hit since June 21, his first game as a Cub. Now, it's not a sure thing by any means that he'd have had this hit had his second inning AB continued -- but we've seen too many baserunning errors like this.

Little things: Mike Fontenot's error in the sixth inning. A major league 2B has to make that play. That helped lead to an unearned run off Sean Gallagher.

Little things: after the Cubs managed to sneak back within shouting distance at 7-4, Michael Wuertz allowed back-to-back doubles to lead off the 8th, putting the game further out of reach at 8-4.

Meanwhile, the Cubs couldn't do much with Maholm:

"He's done pretty well against us," Chicago's Ryan Theriot said. "He can throw three different pitches for strike one and he didn't pitch in patterns at all. When he's locating all of his pitches, especially his breaking pitches, he keeps hitters off balance."

And that pretty much sums it up. Angel Pagan nearly hit a three-run homer in the 6th, which would have made the score 6-5 at the time; the ball went just foul, and Pagan grounded out to end the inning. Some days, you're just not destined to win, and with Milwaukee's win over Washington, the deficit returns to 5.5 games (4 behind in the wild-card race). I had said before this road trip I'd be satisfied with a 5-2 trip, and by winning today and tomorrow in Pittsburgh, the Cubs can still accomplish this.

Think of it this way: how'd you like to be a White Sox fan this morning, after your team was destroyed twice in one day, 20-14 and 12-0? Nope, me either.

There are two things that do bear watching: first, the Cubs haven't homered since Aramis Ramirez' walkoff a week ago yesterday -- that's seven games, in which they've gone 4-3. And, Ryan Dempster's return may be delayed several days past the All-Star break, and the Cubs might go with 11 pitchers till Billy Petrick can be recalled on July 15.

And finally, whoever came up with these uniforms:

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

... ought to be replaced, or sent to work at McDonald's, immediately. Yes, these are worse than those Rockies road uniforms, or the Giants spring training jerseys where you can't read the numbers. Awful.

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Comments

I know

you've stated your thoughts on the Pirates jerseys before, but I think that Baseball Tonight hit the nail on the head last night...

I don't remember the exact quote, or who said it, but someone said that the Pirates had a ton of history and tradition, and these jerseys didn't do that history and tradition any justice... I couldn't agree any more.

Moose

Hubbs!

by moose97 on Jul 7, 2007 8:17 AM CDT reply actions

I've posted this before

and will do it again. The unis are ugly, but there's a specific reason why they have them, and they are in partial tribute to an individual:

"Redd Up Pittsburgh"

Perhaps we should cut them some slack on this.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 7, 2007 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

perhaps a patch

on the sleeve might be in better taste, then. i don't understand how these uni's are a fitting tribute to anyone...well, maybe caligula...

"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 7, 2007 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Doing a tribute is a fine thing.

Doing it in a classy way is better. The guy who's being honored, I think, would cringe to see the "redd" jerseys.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Be sure to find my comment

in the post-game section of Saturday's thread.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 7, 2007 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Their 1946 jersey

has "Pirates" written in red script. The HOF has shut their uni pages as of now...but I found this elsewhere. That's the reference to 'there has been red in the uniform in the past.' In fact, the cap the Bucs wore in 1946 was blue, and red, not unlike the current Cubs road cap. (red bill) The "P" was white. Therefore, the colors Ralph Kiner wore that year -- red, white, and blue.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 7, 2007 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Sure, have red as part of the color scheme.

But the red jerseys are awful, as bad as the Braves' red jerseys.

I did spot a couple of people in the stands at PNC during last night's telecast wearing them, though.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 8, 2007 4:23 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah, they

need to lock these jerseys away in the same vaukt as those horrid D-Rays hologram jerseys. the lack of thunder from this lineup is interesting and it kind of shocked me when hughes noted there had been no homers since ramirez' walkoff. do you think the guys are pressing a bit, or is it something else?

"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 7, 2007 8:36 AM CDT reply actions

I think they are mentally

tired. We have played great baseball after a poor start and anytime athletes stay on top of their game for that long it really wears on a person. I think what Lou is doing comes from years of playing himself. He is mixing up the lineup, trying to get fresh bats in the lineup and trying to stay sharp. We only have a couple of guys that can drive the ball and when they aren't hitting the home runs, it really takes a toll. Floyd is the guy who should take the pressure off Lee and Aram, and he's hurt. Jones did this last year and we know he hasn't helped this team. No Barrett HR's anymore so who's left to hit 'em? I ike the fact we've won without HR's. We just need DeRosa-Theriot-Fontenot to keep getting doubles so singles can drive them in.

I feel today is a huge game. Win this and it will set up a series win. Lose this one and Sunday we face the possibility of losing all the momentum we've had for the last month. If Lilly wins tonight, we're looking good with Z on Sunday!

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

by mrcubsfan on Jul 7, 2007 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Could be.....

...we need to remember that while we're painting the Pirates as a bad team and we should take the series, this is the same team that just won a series from the Brewers, who are of course ahead of the Cubs. The Nationals are pushovers, the Pirates not so much. Hopefully the Cubs can suck it up for the weekend here and then exhale over the break. I like the fact Lilly is going today. Don't ask me why.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jul 7, 2007 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions

Good point.

We talked all week about how we were missing Snell and Gorzelanny, but Maholm, despite his poor record, isn't a bad pitcher. The Pirates are a far better team than the Nationals are.

Plus, despite the presence of RH power (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano), the Cubs have a poor 8-13 record vs. LHP. The Pirates, FWIW, are 14-13 vs. LHP. I hope you're right about Lilly tonight.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Hearing the description

of their uniforms on the radio.....My first thought was "they must look like Fairy Pirates".

by coral on Jul 7, 2007 9:13 AM CDT reply actions

I'd Have To Think....

....after yesterday's debacle Kenny Williams has had it and is going to start jettisoning players as fast as he can. While he's in an angry, possibly irational mood, is there ANY player they have that will be available the Cubs could use? Strike while the iron (and Williams) is hot.

And yes, the Pirate uniforms are dreadful. I wonder what the replica jersey sales are like, because that's the only reason they exist. As my grandfather would have said, they're not fit to be buried in.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jul 7, 2007 9:13 AM CDT reply actions

Yes there is a player the Cubs could use

AJ at catcher. Barrett is gone. I don't care about the fight which was Barrett's fault anyway.

by rlpete on Jul 7, 2007 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions

trading for AJ

would definitely give us an offensive catcher...thank, you, thank. i'll be here all weekend, folks. tip your waitress. try the veal, it's delicious...

"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 7, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

i'd be shocked if kenny

deals anyone to the northside. too much enmity between these teams over the last few years. i think buerhle goes to the cards, contreras to the mets, and dye to any AL team in need of a DH. maybe even thome, but that would surprise me. the most marketable commodity on that team is jenks, but i don't see kenny moving him, either.

"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 7, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Enmity?

How so? Only between Barrett and AJ, and some other things, on the field.

They did make a trade in the offseason -- one that, so far, has hurt both teams (Aardsma for Cotts). I'd think Hendry and Williams have a good enough relationship that they could make a deal.

And I'd take AJ in a heartbeat.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Match Up

He might even be a good platoon match up with Bowen since Bowen is supposedly better from the right side of the plate.

There's always next year.

by BJ Simpson on Jul 7, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Maybe, although...

... I suspect Bowen would be part of any deal for AJ.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah

i've always been of the mind that the barrett deal was simply part of another deal hendry had working.

"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 7, 2007 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

well,

there was the shot that buerhle took on the radio, accusing a cubs pitcher of throwing spitters, the barrett-AJ incident, of course. then buerhle again saying he hated the cubs on WSCR. i don't know, maybe it's all for show, but i just think the last thing on kenny's mind is waving the white flag by mving guys to the other side of town. plus, i think the crads and mets have more to offer than the cubs do, but if he's willing to move AJ, i'd take him.

"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 7, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I see your point...

... but all the things you mention are between players only, not between front offices. I'd like to think Hendry is at least mulling over the idea of asking Williams for AJ.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

you're probably right

i wonder how AJ would feel about coming over here? he's been given the rough treatment the past couple years by the wrigley faithful...

"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 7, 2007 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions

That would...

...add five and a half million in salary to next year's team. Could we please give Geovanny Soto a chance before we try that?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 7, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Maybe.

There is something to be said for having major league experience as a catcher, though. This is the reason Henry Blanco was signed as a backup instead of giving the job to Soto.

Having AJ as the starter and Soto as his backup next year would be a good starting point for Soto, I think.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

I was telling my buddies

That I thought the Cubs were having a Post- brewers Hangover. The Nats are just so bad they won on talent alone.

Lou is starting to snipe about another right handed bat. Makes sense. Lefties are sprinting to the mound to play us.

Still, a win tonight and Z tomorrow and everything will be cake.

"I can't be held responsible for what I personally tell my goons to do...."- C. Montgomery Burns

by yahoodi on Jul 7, 2007 9:16 AM CDT reply actions

Agreed

As presently constituted the might not have enough to be there atthe end. Much tweaking has been done so far, but I think they've exhausted the in house resources. The old adage is you have to give up something to get something, and I'm in favor of moving either Hill or Marshall as the center piece in a move for a solid position player. It isn't that I particularly dislike either one of them, but combined they're one too many in the rotation. Granted that leaves a hole in the rotation, but maybe we make a second trade.

Another option is one of those guys to the A's, plus any combo of Jones and Izturis or both for Joe Blanton. Then go the rent a player route for the right handed bat.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jul 7, 2007 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, in my mind....

I've been trying toimagine a scenario where we could get Bobby Crosby......but the idea of Billy Beane and Jim Hendry working out a trade together scares me. It always starts with Beane offering Hendry a drink before they start and ends with Pie in green and Gold.

"I can't be held responsible for what I personally tell my goons to do...."- C. Montgomery Burns

by yahoodi on Jul 7, 2007 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Okay.....

... if Crosby has finally overcome his back problems I can see it, but he's had just one full year (his ROY 2004 one) and this year with missing significant time. He's only 26. They've got Scutaro, and if Beane can be persuaded to take Izturis, without Pie, then sure. I'm not so sure Beane wants to move Crosby though. The Angels are coming back to the pack and the A's might still think they have a shot.

I have to say though- Pie needs to start getting more consistent at the plate, either this year or next, or I wouldn't care if he gets moved. Wishing and hoping is getting tired, not just about him, but the Cubs in general.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jul 7, 2007 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Pie barely plays.

Jacque has started this past week, but Pie hasn't. I wonder why Lou won't even start him one day.

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

by sparkles721 on Jul 7, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

I do too...

... and as I said somewhere else in this thread, again, if Felix isn't going to play, let him go back to Iowa, get some AB, then return if & when Jones can be traded.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Murton the Right Hand Bat

If he had a position, he would appear to be the answer to that question. Its pretty clear that they told him to go down to the minors to work on the "power" numbers. And he has done a pretty good job so far with a lot of extra base hits, including a triple and several home runs.

But since he doesn't have a position....

by Frustrated Fan on Jul 7, 2007 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions

That's Just It.....

....he's a left fielder, and the Cubs have one of those. Sadly, maybe he's trade bait as well.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jul 7, 2007 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

I think they told him to go down to AAA

And learn hot to catch the friggin ball... and run the friggin bases.

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

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2007 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Watch the Giants when they get in town

They need a SS. Vizquel is 40 years old, and his production has completely fallen off the charts to all-time lows. They know Izturis well from his days in Los Angeles.

Plus... they have team so friggin old, they might as well be in a softball league.

On that team... they have 5 OFs. 4 of whom hit from the left-handed side. Bonds (42) Lewis (26) Roberts (35) Sweeney (37)... then they have Randy Winn (33) who switch hits.

Might not be a bad place for Murton to land.

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

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2007 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Ay-Yeeeeeeeeee

Just imagine Murton's red hair clashing with the Giants' uniform colors.

Murton as Bonds' heir apparent, Who'da thunk it?

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jul 7, 2007 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions

But who would you want on the Giants?

They don't really have any bullpen help to offer, nor extra catchers.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions

You could swap for Vizquel

Who would give us some MUCH, MUCH needed defense at SS. Plus, he's in the last year of his contract. At age 40, he's not gonna be re-signed by the Giants next year. And in return, they'd be getting Izturis, who has an option for next year. Not bad from the Giants POV. And it helps us in a division race.

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

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Can I start...

...stumping for Cedeno and Soto here, or is that just being opportunistic?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 7, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

only if you

include a plan to move izturis and bowen so they can get some AB's...unless, you bring up soto during d-lee's suspension and have him play some 1B. does anyone know if he's played 1B at AAA this year?

"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 7, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions

He's played plenty...

...at 1B. I really don't care if Izturis gets at-bats or not, although I can see the justification in moving him. Personally I'd prefer to keep Bowen over Koyie Hill, and a plan for moving Koyie Hill is simple: option him to Iowa. Sure, he could reject such an assignement, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 7, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

that being

the case, i'd bring up soto during lee's suspension, give a couple starts at 1B and give a couple shots behind the plate, 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 7, 2007 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Those /are/ McDonald's colors

I think you got it backwards. Pittsburg hired McD's uniform designer. If it said "McDonald's" instead of Pirates, it would be just like my sister's "Team McDonald's" employee league softball jersey.

by mcsey on Jul 7, 2007 9:19 AM CDT reply actions

Fontenot...

I like the spark Mike Fontenot had given this listless team - along with his young comrades.

But having seen him boot balls both in attendance and on tv, I can certainly see how he has been mired in the minors since 2001, or 2002.

Of all the infield positions, 2B is perhaps the easiest yet important. He has made a couple spectacular plays, but just looks terrible sometimes out there.

I hope he "locks it down" soon.

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

by TheEman on Jul 7, 2007 9:31 AM CDT reply actions

You Wanna Biggie Size Dat?

The Cubs have had teams built around HR hitters most of the 21st century. With Lee cooled off and Aram hurt, Floyd and Soriano are not picking up the slack. Ward looks big enough to hit the dingers but he's not the answer either. Maybe the Nats are tired of waiting for Kearns and the Cubs could pick him up?

I'm also wondering about the effect of sending Pie back to Iowa will have on Soriano. They seem to be "best buds", and when Pie came back about a month ago Soriano heated up. While Lou has said in the past that he does not want to send Pie back down, with Jacques staying in Chicago he may have no choice.

Pie, Fontenot, Theriot and Soto up the middle ... yippie oh, oh, oh!

by SpudV on Jul 7, 2007 9:32 AM CDT reply actions

Soriano

"when Pie came back about a month ago Soriano heated up"

I don't agree with this. If that is true then Soriano needs some major help to sustain as a major leaguer. What we know is he is a streaky player. He was struggling in April and May and then ended up having a great june. Soriano is not a type of player on whom one can depend on. You don't know what to expect from him when he is at the plate - A big home run, 3 very bad swipes ending in a horrible looking strike out or an extra base hit.

So we need at least 2 more reliable big bats in the lineup. ARam's is one. DLee very well could have been the other but this year he has been really struggling and is increasingly looking like a liability in that #3 spot.

by cubsnlinux on Jul 7, 2007 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

We didn't have many at-bats vs Maholm

as a team... coming into this game. And the trend continued. Seems like everytime we face a guy that we haven't seen much of (or seen at all), we can't get to him.

We really need better scouting efforts in this department.

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

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2007 9:42 AM CDT reply actions

don't agree

He is 4-0 against the Cubs.

Maholm just happens to pitch well against us so far in his career.

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

by TheEman on Jul 7, 2007 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions

kinda like how

carlos lee homers every time he plays the cubs, no matter what

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jul 7, 2007 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Doing Little Things Wrong

Press reports have said that the Padres wanted Murton as part of the Barrett trade. But the Cubs refused to consider trading him. That's just plain dumb on the part of the Cubs. Murton has no position on this year's Cub team or on any future Cub team due to Soriano. If the Padres were, in fact, interested, the Cubs should have listened closely.

That's doing the little things the wrong way.

by Frustrated Fan on Jul 7, 2007 9:44 AM CDT reply actions

Sometimes

we got to take these 'Reports' with a grain of salt. Clubs do leak these out to simply increase the value of a player for potential trade possibilities. Murton simply doesn't have the power numbers to be a n everyday corner outfielder. I have seen him play recently at Principal park and he looked like he is a long way away from being an everyday right fielder. Now as you rightly said, with Soriano in the left Murton has no place in the lineup especially with all this "Win Now" attitude.

by cubsnlinux on Jul 7, 2007 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Yep

He's a left fielder with no power who plays mediocre defense. Not too much of a market for that.

by cubsbak on Jul 7, 2007 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Also... we're gonna see the D-Backs soon

They're outfield is loaded with right-handed bats... and they're not getting ANY production from right field out of Carlos Quentin (R) and Scott Hairston (R).

COuld be a spot for Jacque Jones there... especially with Arizona in a tight race in the West.

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

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2007 10:19 AM CDT reply actions

i'd like

quentin over hairston, but there's almost no likliehood of him being moved. he's the jewel of that farm system. i'm wondering if they'd consider moving stephen drew, who's a nice young SS, but also would command a hefty price with his significant potential. they might take a long look at jones, though...it's a good thought. i'd rather try to pry drew or quentin away rather than hairston, though.

"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 7, 2007 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm not looking to heist anyone here...

Just looking for a landing spot for Jones. We know what his trade value is already... the market was set by the Marlins deal that fell through.

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

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2007 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions

but

wouldn't the value of a proven ML OF who can play two OF positions and hit LF for power go up as the deadline approaches? factor in injuries, and jones value could rise significantly. plus, with pie's sturggles, hendry might be gaining leverage because he's giving up a player he might need, in a sense.

"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 7, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions

It would seem obvious

that Jones' value has no way to go but up. Regrettably, that still doesn't make him worth anything we need. Barrett was more valuable than him and look what Hendry got for him.

Jones could hit .400 until July 31 and he'd still get us a bag of golf tees. Players who have a long history of play don't suddenly become worth more than they are worth.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 7, 2007 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

so

who would you move to get a right-handed bat for lou?

"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 7, 2007 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd suggest the obbvious

A combo of Jones, Izzy and Eyre. Obviously no one wants them so I move on. I'm frustrated by all the suggestions that a mixture of any of them will get us anything. Forget it. Move on.

We either use a valuable commodity to get one in return or we bring up someone from the minors. Valuable means young quality like Marshall or Hill or even Marmol.

Personally, I don't favor moving young talent that works cheap for average vets. It seems we're blocked with the requirement that Jones, Eyre and Izturis must remain on the lineup. Since we're incapable of cutting them, the best I can see is Fox in AA. It seems Izzy blocks Cedeno and Soriano blocks Murton. Everyone else, like Coats, is LH.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 7, 2007 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions

however...

if his value is still low, and they'll give us hairston, i might take that...that's a big might, though...

"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 7, 2007 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Really?

I think Scott Hairston, like his brother, went a long way trading off their dad's last name. Neither is all that talented.

Scott Hairston is 27 and is currently hitting .233/.315/.380 with 3 HR in 150 AB. I think we already have an outfielder who can hit like that, a guy we're trying to unload.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

oofff. too true.

"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 7, 2007 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions

OK... one more team in the mix to think about...

I've brought up the Giants and the D-Backs... but, also gotta mention the Yankees, who are 11 games out and will likey put Abreu on the block at the deadline, if they don't improve.

He's got $10 mil left on his contract for the remainder of the year, and has a $16 mil option for 2008 with a $2 mil buyout attached.

As of right now, the Cubs owe Jones a little over $7 mil for the remainder of his contract through '08.

If the Yankees pick up half of what's left ($5 mil) on Abreu's tab for '07, and take Jones off our hands. We can add Abreu and then buy out his contract for '08 for the same price of the remainder of Jones' deal.

Then, include other pieces in the deal.

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

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

we talked about abreu

a couple days ago here. defensive skills excepted, i think this trade is rearranging deck chairs on the titanic. it still doesn't give lou his additional right-handed bat, and it saddles the cubs with a boras guy.

"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 7, 2007 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Little Things

Another way of looking at it is focus - a focused, locked-in, team does the little things and an indifferent one just doesn't care. That's why I was so encouraged with Thursday's game, because the Cubs really seemed to rise to a challenge. Last night they did well in immediately countering the early Pirates lead and then - not so much, although there was that one flash in the eighth.

We'll see how it goes tonight. I wasn't blown away by Lilly in his last start. And I just noted on the PNC Park tour that the Inside Edge report on him that's hanging up in the Pirates batting cage highlights the 68 MPH curveball....

Finally, appropos of last night's mediocre game, here's an action shot of Jason Marquis bunting.

¡BLANCO!

by 08Cubs on Jul 7, 2007 10:47 AM CDT reply actions

dude

that's a nice shot.

"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 7, 2007 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Yep.

You had a great seat, too.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Great seat

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

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2007 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Great shot.

I love the way this team is playing right now.

by sue369 on Jul 7, 2007 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Neifi...... remeber him??

hi, mi name is alfonso, im from venezuela, and i been reading your blog for a long time now, but this is the first time i write something im here, and just wanted to say, we at last know where all the power form neifi perez came....steroids, guess dusty whas on something??

by Alfonso on Jul 7, 2007 11:17 AM CDT reply actions

I live in Pittsburgh....

Well, about 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh. It seems like every game I get into a shouting match with someone because I have to hear the same things every Cubs game. I'm sure many of you who do not live in Chicago hear these things as well but I have to hear it from fans who know NOTHING about baseball.

1.) How long has it been since you won a world series?

2.) Where's Steve Bartman?

3.) he booing of Aramis Ramirez.

4.) When all else fails, talk about the Steelers.

I got mayonnaise color car, I push miracle whips.

by Bricks and Ivy on Jul 7, 2007 11:53 AM CDT reply actions

why do they

boo ramirez? he didn't trade himself and was in the middle of a horrible slump when he was traded. that's just baseball retarded.

"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 7, 2007 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Ugh.

Those people need to get some new material. Just walk away.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

You want to

shut them up? Ask why the steel industry is moving overseas?

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 7, 2007 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

That's A Good One

I'll have to remember it for the rest of the weekend.

My general rule on the road is - if I've heard the line before ("1908") I feel completely free to ignore it.

¡BLANCO!

by 08Cubs on Jul 7, 2007 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I know

1908 better than the years my kids were born.

Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Jul 7, 2007 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions

just tell them

the facts straight up. just say 1908. then ask them when they last were in the playoffs. And you can't even compare steelers football to bears football.

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jul 7, 2007 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Rich Hill needs something like this..

http://www.filecabi.net/video/New_Japanese_Pitcher_Technic.html

by cubsnlinux on Jul 7, 2007 12:08 PM CDT reply actions

Why Not Soto?

The guy is hitting .341 and is right-handed.
He has been at Iowa for the past 1-1/2 years and has caught Marshall, Hill, Petrick, Cherry, Marmol, and Wuertz. Both Bowen and K.Hill were novices to the Cub staff.

Soto has to be a better option than Hill and as someone stated earlier, Hill can be optioned or released at no cost.

Only concern -- I thought I read a few weeks ago that Soto was injured and that is why he was playing first base. But I see that he has gone back behind the dish -- last night. Does anyone know what the injury was and if it is healed?

by ceegeewow on Jul 7, 2007 12:21 PM CDT reply actions

Soto...

has been the regular catcher for a few weeks now. The only times he hasn't caught since mid-June was when he played 1B or DH, and that was simply to keep him in the lineup while giving his legs a rest. The shoulder injury is apparently a thing of the past.

by SouthernCub on Jul 7, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Photos

More of a good seat and a telephoto lens than a great seat, but here's the wide shot and Maholm working to Fontenot. And, by the way, the uniforms are that much uglier in person than in the photos, although they do work just a tad better in the context of PNC Park -

¡BLANCO!

by 08Cubs on Jul 7, 2007 12:26 PM CDT reply actions

I gotta say......

....first of all great picture. But with all that scenic backdrop, that batter's eye is downright fugly.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jul 7, 2007 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah

Why is the Pirates 'grassy knoll' logo off center? Surely placing it in the middle of the grass would NOT distract the batters...

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 7, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

the first picture

makes PNC park look like a minor league stadium. With the bullpen just left of the batters eye and then only like 10 rows of seats to the right. Anybody know what the capacity is there?

"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 7, 2007 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions

its about 40,000

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jul 7, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions

it lloks like it would distract

with a lefty pitcher anyway

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jul 7, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions

roster

I read in today's papers that Piniella is hoping to add a 12th pitcher. This comes even as the team hasn't homered in a week and features a generally sluggish offense. Is it just me, or does Piniella seem to be out of touch with reality? The Cubs need bats. Why a manager needs seven relievers is a bit hard to understand, especially when the team isn't hitting. How many games are there where you need to use seven relievers? I know Piniella needs flexibility with his staff, but six bullpen choices seem like enough.

"Hello again, everybody. Harry Caray from Wrigley Field on a beautiful day for baseball."

by danimal15 on Jul 7, 2007 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

You need...

extra relievers because you can't throw relievers every game. Most teams carry 12 pitchers. Lou is very in touch with the fact that he can't wear out his relievers' arms.

Hitters need less rest than pitchers. We have more than enough regular position players. Lou is doing the right thing by trying to get back to 12 pitchers.

by SouthernCub on Jul 7, 2007 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not crazy...

... about the 12-pitcher idea, because it really limits your bench options, especially when two of them are Floyd and Ward, who really aren't good in the field.

The argument about not overusing your bullpen is a good one, but the club has now done pretty well for almost two weeks with 11 pitchers. Why change now?

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

I think...

...the days of an 11-man pitching staff are coming to an end, Al. Increased observance of pitch counts means that starting pitchers aren't throwing as many innings as they used to be, and bullpens throughout baseball are seeing more work than they did 10-20 years ago.

And you change now because you want to maintain the current success level, and you think that if you continue to spread the current workload over the same six bodies, eventually one or more of them will be overworked and become injured or less effective.

This problem is of course exacerbated when you have a guy like Scott Eyre who you cannot put out there with any intention of winning a ballgame, meaning we realisitically have a 10 and a half man pitching staff right now.

And I agree that our bench is an area of concern, but for other reasons. The problem is that our best bench players (Theriot, Fontenot, DeRosa) are becoming our starters, which strands guys like Jones and Izturis on the bench. Neither of them are offensively that useful, and some of Lou's recent behavior (starting Theriot when Marquis pitches on occasion, using Theriot as a defensive replacement for Izturis at least once) indicates that Izturis isn't viewed as even a credible late-inning defensive substitution anymore. Jones, of course, is questionable defensively due to his weak arm, something that can be hidden in center but is horribly overexposed in right.

[Oh, and as for Ward - Lou may try him out in right field today. I'm not sure I can watch. I seriously don't know what to think about that.]

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 7, 2007 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Your analysis makes sense.

I just think it really hampers ANYONE's bench to have only five bench players, one of whom is your backup catcher. The Cubs are in better shape this year because several players (DeRosa, Fontenot, Theriot) can play multiple positions.

Ward in RF? Ouch. He has played 41 games there in his ML career, but not since 2004. Frightening thought, especially with that high wall at PNC.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Check that.

I re-read his stat line, and I missed the 10 games Ward played in RF for the Nationals last year.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2007 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh...

...I definately think that DeRosa and Pagan, especially, make it a bit easier to manage with a short bench. The problem is that in order to be a decent bench player, you have to do at least one of the following well: play multiple positions without looking like an ass, be able to stay loose while rotting on the bench for days at a time, cover for someone's severe platoon disadvantage, or catch. Jones I guess can at least cover for one of those, if you kinda squint at it. Izturis? No.

This is why Daryle Ward - in spite of what is to follow - is absurdly more valuable to this team than the Wizard of Iz.

That said - yeah, I'm going to have to go have my wife hold me and tell me that everything's alright, that right field isn't that important of a defensive position, and that tonight is just one game.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 7, 2007 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed completely...

An 11-man staff can work for short periods of time. But over time, you're going to wear down the important arms. And to avoid that, you either have to constantly shuffle guys up and down from AAA, or you have to go to 12 men.

by SouthernCub on Jul 7, 2007 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

...currently we're doing the shuffle, and it helps that we have enough young, useful bullpen arms to do just that.

And I love how the team's response to getting told off by the league office on the Jones trade is to start flagrantly abusing the DL rule.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 7, 2007 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Bullpen

I'm not buying the business about over-working the relievers. There's no reason why pitchers in the major leagues can't be expected to throw more than 20 pitches in a game.

"Hello again, everybody. Harry Caray from Wrigley Field on a beautiful day for baseball."

by danimal15 on Jul 7, 2007 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions