I Used To Be Disgusted...

by Al on May 20, 2006 5:07 PM CDT in Recaps Comment 134 comments

... now I try to be amused -- Elvis Costello

If you haven't seen it, here it is:

Here's the bottom line, as far as I'm concerned. A. J. Pierzynski is an ass. He's been an ass for a long time; he's disliked by a lot of people around baseball, except his teammates who have always liked his aggressive attitude (save the one year he spent in San Francisco).

But.

Having done what he did -- and we still don't know what he said, and he likely did say something to Michael Barrett, Barrett has to simply walk away. It's just that simple. We all know this isn't the first time Barrett's imploded like this. He did it two years ago with the Astros and Roy Oswalt, and that might have spurred the Astros to the 2004 playoffs. He did it last Sunday, for heaven's sake, with Dave Roberts and the Padres.

There's something wrong with that. Maybe Barrett needs some of this:

And the Cubs have enough trouble without losing their starting catcher, one of the only people on the team who's hitting, to a likely suspension of, oh, five or six games.

The Cubs lost to the White Sox 7-0 in another game that wasn't that close -- but how do you get NINE hits and not score? Three double plays is part of it; having a replacement catcher who's now hitting .053 (2-for-38) is another, and the brawl pretty much KO'd Rich Hill.

Hill was doing a pretty good job of KO'ing himself. Again, as he did last Sunday, he threw that alleged 12-to-6 curveball -- which is more like 10:52-to-4:37, or something like that -- and that's a pitch that fools Triple-A hitters, which is why he puts up those gaudy stats that the scouts drool over.

Should have traded him in spring training. That pitch doesn't fool major league hitters and Hill doesn't have good enough stuff to get pitches by them -- just as I've been saying all along, "Quadruple-A" stuff. Hill was shuffling around the mound, kicking dirt about, after he wasn't getting the same reactions he got in Des Moines, and that's a real easy way to get killed, especially after the brawl. The delay was about 15 minutes, while the umpires tried to sort out who was ejected (turned out to be Pierzynski, Barrett, Brian Anderson -- who had hit the sac fly driving Pierzynski in, and then joined the fray -- and John Mabry, and I have no idea where Mabry was in the scrum. Looking at that video, third man in was Scott Podsednik, though he appeared to be trying to be a peacemaker). That gave Hill about enough time to think about stuff, and you could just smell a long ball a mile away. Tadahito Iguchi obliged with a grand slam.

Incidentally, Hill is now 0-7 for his career, with a lifetime ERA of 9.21. The record for most losses at the beginning of a career is sixteen -- held by Terry Felton, who pitched for the Twins in the early 80's. In fact, Felton NEVER won a game -- he finished 0-16. I have a sort of sentimental attachment to Felton and this record, because I own a game-worn jersey of Felton's from his time playing for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens, then the Twins' top affiliate. The Cubs don't have a lot of options -- Hill might have a shot at this record.

None of this mattered at all, as the run Pierzynski scored, making it 1-0, would have been enough. About the only thing I can say good about the Cubs today is that the bullpen did a pretty good job shutting things down after Hill was yanked in the fifth, having given up yet another homer to Iguchi that landed about ten rows behind me in the left-center field bleachers. Four bullpen innings, one hit, two walks, four strikeouts. Ryan Dempster had to throw an inning because the Cubs simply haven't had a closing situation lately... and that's not an exaggeration. Dempster's last save was on May 1 -- and the Cubs have won only three other games this month, by scores of 8-1, 4-0 and 5-0, none of which put anyone in a save situation.

Yes, it really is that bad. It has, as you know, been hard for me to admit, because I like to be an optimistic, look-forward person. But unless somehow this club is imbued with magical powers of offensive prowess in the next few days, it's not going anywhere.

Now. Does that mean we salivate and pant after Lou Piniella, Joe Girardi, Davey Johnson, Bob Brenly, whoever? Why? As I wrote the other day, if this season is a disaster, you're not going to get a manager in for the long term, if you go out looking on May 20. And do you really want four months of another Bruce Kimm or Jim Essian? I don't. I still advocate a wholesale change in the coaching staff -- because if there is any salvage to be made of this year, and if Jim Hendry is going to commit to keeping Dusty Baker (and he still might, you know), there has to be a change in approach, and that means a change in Dusty's Old Buddy Network.

First thing: fire Gene Clines and bring Von Joshua from Iowa. That'd help the batting approach. Second: fire Larry Rothschild. I don't have a real good immediate idea of who to replace him with, but it's clear that Rothschild doesn't have any idea where to take this staff.

As far as deals are concerned, you can float just about any name you'd like, but the most logical trade target on this team, presuming he does begin to play up to career norms, is Juan Pierre. He doesn't fit this club's future, and would be dealable -- but I'd wait a month, because he's not playing well now, and teams will be more desperate in late June. Then Felix Pie could come and play the rest of the year in CF.

Hendry's not going anywhere, having just been given an extension. I have it on good authority that he's "depressed" about what's happened.

That's not good enough. He's got to say, in the words of Peter Finch as Howard Beale in the 1976 film "Network"...

"I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

And then DO something!

Finally, a few notes on my day at the Cell: I ran into Jesus, the Nice White Sox Fan I sat near last year when I was there, and he's living proof that there can be nice Sox fans; he even asked me whether I thought the Tigers are for real (answer: maybe), and he said he was planning to be at Wrigley Field in June when the Sox are there. Today, there were almost no empty seats -- so I have to attribute yesterday's no-shows to the weather. The crowd was revved up, of course, by the brawl, and then by Iguchi's grand slam, and about then a guy behind me who was hammered (how do I know this? He was on his cellphone telling someone "Man, I'm hammered!" over and over -- and in a couple of years, this guy might even turn 21), spilled a beer on me.

And to add insult to insult, when I left and walked to the car, where Mike was meeting me, I decided to stop and get a Diet Coke for me and a regular Coke for him. Guess I didn't look too closely. When I got back to the car I had two regular Cokes. Since I can't drink that much sugar, I gave them both to him. It was just that kind of day.

Finally, as you may have heard, Barry Bonds has hit his 714th career HR, tying Babe Ruth. This does not make me very happy. When I told Mike this, he said, "When Albert Pujols goes after Bonds' season record, you had better be delirious with joy." I told him I would -- because Pujols plays the game the right way, the clean way.

Barry Bonds has hit 714 home runs. To me, many of them, and even any he hits after today, will be tainted.

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Video

Much better video now up on the espn.com home page.

by t9mike on May 20, 2006 5:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks....

... YouTube makes for easy links, though. If I can find a better one there, I'll revise this one.

by Al on May 20, 2006 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

4 more months of this?

Versus 4 months of someone else? I'm taking 4 months of someone else. Give someone a damn try out, see if Wood, Prior, Miller, are worth a shit, and move anyone who seems to have a problem with Dusty getting tossed so you don't have to deal with their B.S. next year. If your going to have figure out what we have, figure it out now.

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 5:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Unless you can get...

... a new manager, on May 20, who would be more than a caretaker, why bother?

And I doubt you could find any such person now.

by Al on May 20, 2006 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why bother?

Because 120 more games of "These veterans deserve their playing time, too" and "There's only so much you can tell a veteran. These are professionals," isn't acceptable. The Cubs can't afford to ruin 2007, too, by failing to see if their young players can play. Hendry's here, for better or worse, so at least we should have someone in the dugout who will work to carry out his vision for next year.

by Seamer on May 20, 2006 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At a certain point...

... Theriot and Pie are going to HAVE to play; there will no longer be any point in playing Perez.

Hendry could make a statement by trading Perez. Though who would want him?

by Al on May 20, 2006 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Playing time

But I would argue that there was never a point in Neifi playing before, so what's going to stop him from playing now?

Mabry and Pierre will have some trade value. I think you make someone also take Neifi in order to get one of them.

by Seamer on May 20, 2006 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No No

A thousand times no! Remember last year when baker insisted the integrity of the game required him to put the best team on the field. Can you really see him planning for the future knowing he's history.

I don't ever ever want to see either Perez or Blanco in a Cub uniform again. Under any circumstances. I'd rather forfeit the game.

We should can Baker after Sunday's game and save the plane space. Make anyone not named Baker manager immediately. Hendry deserves to be fired for his involvement in this fiasco. He won't be because of the extension but he doesn't deserve any more cushion. And for the ultimate statement, send Dandy Andy to the yacht races in Australia but get rid of him too.

The ultimatum must be issued now. It won't be but it should.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on May 20, 2006 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blanco?

FYI, Blanco caught the 2004 Twins to a divisional title. He also can get through to Zambrano.

In a lost season, let him catch EVERYONE and drill into them how to pitch.

by Ivychat on May 20, 2006 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And...

he caught Johan's Cy Young season that year.

He still sucks at hitting though, but if we had better players it wouldn't matter.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on May 21, 2006 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

like i said

find out now which guys are "Dusty's Guys" and deal with it now rather than in Spring Training. Dusty right now is less than caretaker. And for a site that constantly sees the silver lining (or potential silver lining) on an F5 tornado, how do you know that switch wouldn't be the fire or (insert wildly optimistic assertation) that this team needs? Not sure if I like Brenly as a long term guy, but if he can at least make this team a little smarter, and make a few less assinine lineups he would be a better manager. How many times have you typed something about "We know this, why doesn't Baker?" We need a guy who knows this.

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great summary, Al

It brought my attention to the likely suspension, which I was too busy being turned on by Barrett's right hook to think about. But yes, Pierzynski's a douche. And I'm not all upset that it was our guy that gave him what was coming to him. I suppose it's not worth the suspension, but it helps me to be less disgusted and more amused.

Now if he could just headbutt Roy Oswalt and kick Bonds in the groin... wow, what a day that would be. :)

she

by Sarah Hope on May 20, 2006 5:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll admit

that fighting is bad, Barrett is a hothead, etc. etc, etc. But how much did I LOVE seeing Barrett land a right hook in AJP's big ugly mug? Ummm. . . a whole lot.

At least it gave us soemthing to talk about other than how much we stink.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on May 20, 2006 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The video

Posted in this thread (with a shot that faces AJP) looks much more like he was trying to avoid contact than the first video (which was to the side of both AJP and MB). Now I'm leaning more towards MB just exploding a whole lot of pent up frustration, as I can't imagine he was too happy that another catcher ran over him.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 5:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh

And when I say "avoid contact", I obviously mean after the collision at the plate.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

On WGN radio..

... they said it appeared that AJP was going to "pick up his helmet". I don't know -- the video is inconclusive on that.

Barrett apparently took exception to AJP slapping his hand on the plate, and who knows what AJP might have said.

Again, Barrett simply HAS to just walk away. AJP's a jerk. Be the bigger man. Walk away.

by Al on May 20, 2006 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

barrett said in his post-game

that he didn't actually see AJP slap the plate. It was a gut reaction to AJP coming at him. Did AJP have intention to instigate? who knows. the batting helmet was over there for him to get.

by cubs3298 on May 20, 2006 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The brawl

My guess is that Pierzynski didn't say anything that wasn't true.

Here's the difference between the World Champion Sox and the Cubs. Somebody hits the Sox in the mouth, they get tougher and win games. Hit a Cub in the mouth, he's still able to whine with it and throw a punch so he doesn't have to be on the field with the rest of the sorry team for a few days.

by Seamer on May 20, 2006 5:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

Somebody hits the Sox in the mouth, they get tougher and win games.

That's not what they did in '04. They folded up shop.

by jolietconvict on May 20, 2006 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Sox are a bunch of wimps

AJ is a punk ass bitch and if this rationalization makes you feel better that he got cracked in his flappin jaw well...so be it.

Barrett gave pierzynski what he had comin and you know it. You probably deserve the same flappin your jaw over here.

Long time fan of the Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 22, 2006 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re

When somebody hits a Sux player in the mouth, they ask that person to return to his seat.

Visit The Digital Gazette

by Jed Taylor on May 23, 2006 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather have this...

Then a Cubs pitcher giving up #714 to Bonds. Whether or not the punch was warrented, the Cubs need some fire. I don't care where it comes from at this point.

A few friends of mine, and one in particular, have pretty much swore off the Cubs and become Sox fans. I could hate the Cubs to my deepest core, but I could never turn to the dark side...

So I jump ship in Hong Kong...

by Ryetronics on May 20, 2006 5:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I have...

... changed the YouTube link -- found one with slightly better picture quality.

by Al on May 20, 2006 5:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mabry

Didn't really do anything as far as I saw (although I could be easily wrong), Brian Anderson and maybe 8 other members of the Sox were on him (although Anderson was probably the only one attacking).

Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

by Keith on May 20, 2006 5:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

As far as Barrett goes

I thnk he was pissed he got ran over and that he got shown up with the plate slap. Had no reason to hit him, but I am not going to pretend I am pissed that he did. As far as him being a bit confrontational, maybe if he was on a different team it would serve a purpose. No point priming an engine that that doesn't work, has no incentive to work, and never gets kicked when it doesn't work.

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 5:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hahahah

"he threw that alleged 12-to-6 curveball -- which is more like 10:52-to-4:37" --- hilarious.

by riverryne on May 20, 2006 5:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Al, one thing I don't understand is...

....on the one hand you want to remain optimistic about this year(which I understand as I also want the club to do as well as possible, although I may have a longer term perspective) and cling to the turnaround of other clubs, particularly the Astros,as an example of why we should remain positive, while on the other hand you do not want to do anything with Baker. I may have my years wrong, but didn't the Astros fire their manager before the in-season turnaround?

Baker has flat out lost this club. His "strategy" is unimaginative, doesn't inspire and doesn't win games. When is the last time you wrote a recap and discussed some great move Dusty made that won the game?

As to the fight, I've watched replay after replay and I doubt AJ gets suspended at all. Hate to say it, but do the Cubs have anyone who'll knock the "heck" out of a catcher blocking the plate (without the ball)?

"I was not in optimum condition to manage ," Dusty said. "I regret that lapse in judgment."

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on May 20, 2006 5:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Astros...

... fired Jimy Williams mid-year 2004 (later than now, at the All-Star break) and made the playoffs.

I just wonder whether anyone more than a caretaker would even be available.

Pierzynski will likely be suspended -- although looking at the video, he walked away and Podsednik, who wasn't even tossed, got into it with Barrett.

by Al on May 20, 2006 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does it matter?

I just wonder whether anyone more than a caretaker would even be available.

Does it matter? Dusty clearly has no handle on this team. Barring divine intervention, 2006 is most likely lost. Get rid of Dusty, and get anyone in there to actually manage. Maybe there's no well known manager available - well, let's bring up someone from the system, or offer the job to a college manager. At the very least, you prevent Dusty from drawing up boneheaded lineups, and you get a chance to see what the young kids can do by actually playing them.

by false cognate on May 20, 2006 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A thought just occurred

and I have no idea how good he'd be in the majors, but how about Tony Gwynn? He's coaching San Diego State, and has markedly improved their team over the last couple of years. At the very least, he could teach 'em how to hit, and have patience at the plate. If not for manager, maybe for hitting coach?

by helen on May 21, 2006 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

stay classy san diego.

Gwynn is wonderfull, but is very happy being the head coach of san diego state.

That's where they got that Picasso.

by WrigleyCat on May 21, 2006 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we are fast

approaching the point of being able to label Barrett a tool as well. Only unlike AJP who actually gets into the other team's heads, Barrett's antics are just embarrassing. Nice to see Barrett block the plate because he sure as hell can't block pitches in the dirt.

I heard someone on the radio talking about Lee coming back in three weeks. Even if that were to happen, and I doubt it, you think a guy who's had a broken wrist is just going to step back in and start crushing homers? We won't see the real Lee until long after the break and maybe not until '07. Same with Miller. Prior? Does he even play baseball?

Too bad they don't handle MLB like soccer in Britain. Then a rotten team like this year's Cubs could play their way down a league and we could all be excited about their chances for a Pacific Coast League crown next season.

Let's not back up the truck until we get most of this year's Cubs lying directly under the wheels.

by TR on May 20, 2006 6:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

AJ did nothing wrong AFAICT

Die hard Cubs fan, but hearing the AJ interview, watching both videos, and having seen Michael go nuts on Oswalt in person in Houston in 2004, I'd say this is about 95% Michael's fault, who could use a dose or two of anger management. Or at the least some "count to 5" lessons. 'Cause by then AJ would have picked up his helmet and would have been long gone.

And the hand slap on the plate? Big deal. He made a good play and did a "yes!" Give me a break.

-Mike

by t9mike on May 20, 2006 6:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Slapping The Plate

... may have been the act of a man who wanted to be sure he touched it to score the run. As I see the reply, he may have reasonably thought he never did touch the plate, and just wanted to emphatically make sure.

by chasfh on May 21, 2006 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah...

gimme a break! Emphatically make sure he touched the plate? mMaybe if we were talking about anyone other than that turkey necked punk ass. Everyone knows what he was doing...it was a blatent "in your face" and he got punched for it. Wrong or not, he got what he has had coming to him for a long time.

Long time fan of the Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 21, 2006 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AJ Did Nothing Wrong On That Play.

Nothing. He didn't deserve to get hit because of what happened on that play, no matter how much anyone hates him.

by chasfh on May 23, 2006 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Al...

...I'll take 4 months of Kimm or Essian. I'll take 4 months of you, Al, if it rids the Cubs of Dusty Baker.

The thing you don't appreciate here is that when you play this bad, the manager gets fired. It's that simple. It doesn't matter who replaces them. Play this bad and you're fired. At least for any respectable team anyway.

by Maddog on May 20, 2006 6:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought Barrett

went nuts on Oswalt at Wrigley.

by TR on May 20, 2006 6:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's correct...

... it was at Wrigley Field.

Here is the game summary, from August 27, 2004.

Tempers flared again between Barrett and Oswalt, five days after Oswalt was ejected for hitting Barrett with a pitch following a Cubs homer.

Both benches emptied after Barrett jawed with Oswalt when the pitcher came up to bat in the second -- an exchange that continued after Oswalt grounded out. There was no further trouble, even after Oswalt was later hit by a pitch, prompting a warning to both sides from plate umpire C.B. Bucknor.

Barrett said he had been waiting for the chance to ``speak my piece: to Oswalt, citing not only last Sunday's beaning but similar previous incidents involving the pitcher.

That refers to this game on August 22, 2004 in Houston, where Oswalt hit Barrett.

Barrett's got to get a thicker skin. Period.

by Al on May 20, 2006 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right

He's closer to retirement than his rookie year. You want him to change now?

by Ivychat on May 20, 2006 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Original incident

I was refering to the original incident in Houston:

--
`I was a little disappointed in Roy,'' said Barrett, nailed in the back by Oswalt in the third inning after allowing the homer to Ramirez. ``I thought he was better than that. We're going to see him again.''

Both benches emptied as Barrett jawed at Oswalt and approached the mound, but no punches were thrown and the field was quickly cleared. Afterward, a warning was issued to both teams.
--

I'm still pissed because I had just ran out of space on a CF memory card when the incident occured.

by t9mike on May 20, 2006 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

Happened at Enron.

Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

by Keith on May 20, 2006 6:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

... it wasn't Enron then, it was Minute Maid, and see above for the sequence of events.

by Al on May 20, 2006 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, I confused the two events

And I call Minute Maid Enron, the same way I call US Cellular Comiskey, and Chase Field Bank One.

Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

by Keith on May 20, 2006 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even more terrifying

apparently Lee was out there mixing it up, too. If had been there, I would gone onto the field and dragged his a** back to the bench. Arrest be damned. What was he thinking?

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on May 20, 2006 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Seriously?

That's pretty dumb, all right, with the injury still healing.

by Al on May 20, 2006 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lawrence Holmes

was at the game and said he couldn't believe it when he saw Lee go running out there.

He also said that there was a pretty serious fight between Mabry and Anderson that was visible from the press box. I keep reading that Mabry was just trying to break things up, but apparently he landed a few good punches.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on May 20, 2006 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad I couldn't watch the last two

Had to work yesterday and today no
broadcast in NYC ( Had to settle for Mets blowing
a great Pedro outing with Wagner blowing it BIG TIME)
Clearly Barrett lost it and I don't subscribe to the
"better to show a little fight than nothing" dept.
A sign of stupid frustration and nothing more

All I can say is that if Maddux is arguing with
umpires and Barrett is hitting oppossing players
how long can it be before Z hits an umpire?

What really, really, really drives me nuts is
that the Cubs have SOLID pitching and if they
could hit their way out of paper bag they would be
in it. You think signing Womack to minor league deal
was bad ? The Reds SIGNED JOE MAYS, the Brewers spot
starter could not record an out tonight, The Big Unit
is toast, etc. Barrett needs to hit the ball not assholes

by jessica on May 20, 2006 6:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I place

100% of the blame on Barrett. The video, in my opinion, clearly shows Pierzynski slapping the plate (so he slapped the plate! So f---in' WHAT??) and Barrett going right after him.

Pierzynski is a jerk; that much is clear. But the Cubs gained absolutely nothing from Barrett going after him like that.

Idiots. I am completely, utterly disgusted by these morons.

--Tim http://fridayafternoonintheuniverse.blogspot.com

by elscorcho0682 on May 20, 2006 6:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I completely agree

This team needs some serious house cleaning at all levels of the organization to bring in professionals. Without a complete overhaul nothing will ever improve.

by Santos Sorrow on May 21, 2006 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also point out

It's been said a lot recently that we should follow the example of the 2003 Marlins and the 2004 Astros who fired a manager mid season and went on to the playoffs. It should also be pointed out the past two world Series champions also pulled a this-isn't-working-let's-change-this-now manuever. The Red Sox in 2004 punted icon Nomar Garciaparra, to us, and decided they needed to overhaul their defense. Though they did it in the off-season, the White Sox traded Carlos Lee for Podsednik to make it clear they were no longer going to be a bash and crash team. Obviously, letting the squad now what went on before is unnacceptable is a good way to go about things...

by SamFels on May 20, 2006 6:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Maddux for pitching coach

If they dump Rothschild (please?), why not consider Greg Maddux for player/coach? Sean Marshall has thrived with his tutelage, maybe he could bring the best out of Woody, Z, and the rest of the lot?

They might be able to get a marginal prospect for Neifi. He would be useful for a team needing to strenghthen their bench, though he's not much of a pinch hitter.

Jacque Jones-doubled-off-second-o-meter: 3

by jrm78 on May 20, 2006 7:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Um because he wouldn't do it

And pitching is NOT our problem.
Maddux is focused on PLAYING. He gladly
dispenses advice to anyone who ASKS but he
is adement that he is NOT a coach and has no
desire to be one.
In any event what we need is a good HITTING coach
The hitting is PATHETIC. The starting pitcing is uneven
but improving, the bullpen is TERRIFIC.
WE NEED TO HIT

by jessica on May 20, 2006 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed but we need both

While you can't win if you don't score at least one run, the starting pitching has been brutal this year. Our most consistent pitcher could be Marshall. And considering it's between Marshall and Maddux, it's interesting that these two guys seem to hang out a lot on the bench. Is it a coincidence that Marshall is having success and he's the young pitcher spending the most time with Maddux. Nope.

I agree Maddux probably wouldn't take the job, but man, I wish he would. Imagine a coach encouraging pitchers to throw the fewest pitches possible as opposed to the current staff running guys out there for 120+ pitches (see Prior and Wood).

On that same note, and to your point, wouldn't it be nice to find a hitting coach that encouraged patience and having a plan at the plate?

We can dream...

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think the SP had been that bad

If you now have Z, Maddux, Marshall and Wood
that is pretty good. The five spot is VERY ugly until
Prior or Miller gets there but again seeing the Mets
try Jeromi Gonzalez, the Reds taking Mays and innumurable
poor kids dragged out of various teams minor leagues
for spot starts, the Cubs SP is fine.
IF we had just basically been hitting somewhere around
adverage the last month we would be above .500

Um FYI just for fun Pettite got rocked tonight.

The only fun I can have these days is watching teams
I don't like lose and teams I like ( RED SOX) win

by jessica on May 20, 2006 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ugh

the red sox and boston are the new yankees and new york. cannot stand to hear another thing from them. way too much overexposure the last 5 years.

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What you got against New York Buster?

Great city. Except of course for EVERY single professional
sports franchise. I LOVE New York. Lived here for 15 years.

Also I am NOT abdoning the Red Sox just because
they broke their curse. Always loved them and always
will.

by jessica on May 20, 2006 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitching

Not to split hairs here because this team is bad in every aspect of the game, but...

The Cubs starters are 13th in the league in ERA, 14th in IP, 12th in wins, 2nd in losses, and 12th in K/BB.

I'd say that's pretty bad. I'm sure the offensive rankings are just as bad if not worse, but when your starters ERA is over 5.00 you're in trouble.

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but it is misleading

I think if you counted up the infamous
"quality" starts the Cubs would stack up above
adverage. When they are bad , they are VERY , VERY
bad but they have had plenty of good starts ruined
mostly by lack of run support

by jessica on May 20, 2006 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK

I'll go with you on that. I just want Rothschild held accountable for an underachieving staff, that's all.

by BringBackRyno on May 20, 2006 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Starters for the Cubs

The Cubs have had inconsistent starting pitching from 3 spots and absolutely horrific from spots 4-5. It hasn't been good...

I am not saying this to be argumentative, just that we started off with one solid pitcher in maddux, who has struggled his last 3-4 starts.

Z pitched poorly his first 3 starts but has been outstanding in the last few...

Marshall was potty but has improved and pitched well...

Spots 4 and 5 have been dreadful, AAA quality. Not a huge problem for the 5th starter because it's generally a worthless spot on all other rosters as well.

The Cubs starting pitching has been below average. It has some excellent qualities and some horrific qualities. Unfortunately the team requires dominant starting pitching to win and it has nothing close to that.

The problem with starters 4&5 being so bad is that the bullpen will eventually start to show over use from these 2 starting spots having a hard time going 4 innings.

I'd agree with the spirit of your comment that the pitching has some merit, but overall it has also under ferormed badly, just not as badly as the offense.

When the starters stats are broken down, their biggest problem is walks issued...It'd be interesting to see whether our hitters could take a walk from our ptichers?

by DudeVf1 on May 20, 2006 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know marshall's young

but I don't remember him having "potty" issues this year.

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's not fine

the walks are killing the team. The Cubs outhit the Sox 9-6 and lost by 7 runs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by CubFaninNY on May 20, 2006 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thinking of how Hendry must feel

Here is this 'product' of your vision on the field. You're hard work, time on your cell phone, sleepless nights etc... It's all falling down around your ears and the 'best fans' in baseball are burning your image in effigy. In each interview your manager, that you covetted, is talking more and more non-sense in each interview.
You are inviting washed up players to your AAA club.

I believe it might not be able to get any worse.

The tribune opened it's purse stings and you bought 'fools gold'. You purchased on hope instead of legit numbers. Hopeing the player needed a change of scenery? Keep that in mind.

As far as Barrett, in the moment. Nothing to see here. I like Mabry getting crazy from first. Might be the only highlight of the season so far.

Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult

by Scott G F on May 20, 2006 7:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

The Trib's purse isn't as wide this year. Payroll is down about $6 million.

by Ivychat on May 20, 2006 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Collision and fight part of the game...sentimental

These sort of things get lots of coverage, and justifiably so, but still not suprising given the rivalry and that the Cubs are playing so badly now...As a fan you hope the players that you like don't get injured...Did anyone happen to sucker punch Hefty for us?

I hope that McPhail, coward that he is, will pull himself away from his latest profanity laced tirade against reporters who do their job with class and professionalism, and if he can find time from hiding the latest bodies that have been clobbered from falling debris at Wrigley Stadium, and if he can take time away from covering up his illegall construction work, and if he can still take time away from counting the jack he is raking in from scalping his team's tickets through his corporate affiliate, to personally award Dusty a 5, no make that 10 year contract extension this weekend. It's the classy thing to do Andy for scumbags like yourself...Show us once and for all that winning doesn't matter to you and that you have no class and no clue....

For Hendry, I pass along this apparently over looked bit of wisdom, AA and AAA players do not belong on major league rosters. This isn't Peoria you frickin' clown! You pride yourself on your long time career as a scout and you take great offense when anyone in the media acts like an expert and criticizes your precious Dusty. But you, Hendry keep sending Dusty his clowns. Please stop this imemdiately and at least add a major leage player to our roster.

And for Dusty, well old pal, you may want to conisder ritual suicide by impaling yourself on one fo your ever present toothpicks, is that why you use them, just in case? You have brought enough additional embarassment and buffoonery through bonheaded managing and commentary to an organziation that I thought could not get any worse? But I digress, please once and for all look at your pitchers and get your head out of your butt long enough to see that those walks that you always complain about them issuing are also helpful if our hitters could be patient and disciplined enough to take one. I know that a busy tough guy like yourself can't be bothered with walking when he has so many Canadian Dudes to send uppercuts to, but please note that making outs is bad for scoring and getting on base is good because you don't make outs. It really is that simple Johnny Buffoonery. So, while you get all sentimental on the doorstep of one of the greatest cheaters ever to play the game making a mockery of history, please do us life long Cubs fans a favor and leave town and just go away--forever!

by DudeVf1 on May 20, 2006 7:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Plate Slap

Most people seem to think this wasn't a big deal, and if Barrett didn't see it, it doesn't necessarily come into play. But here's why it is a big deal: in the unwritten rules of baseball, you don't show the other team up.

You don't grand stand and show up a pitcher when you take him deep (which is why I advocate throwing at guys like Griffey, Bonds, Sosa, et al after they do/did this).

If you have a big lead, you don't steal or take extra bases. And slapping the plate after scoring would be just like any of the others. All he was doing was showing up the Cubs. There wasn't a person watching that game who didn't know who was winning, just as there's not a person who follows baseball that doesn't know the Cubs stink right now. But Mr. Superstud felt the need to point it out after tallying one more. And that's why I have no problem that Barrett popped him.

That's not to say that I think it was a good idea to Barrett to hit him, I'm just saying I don't blame him. And in Barrett's defense from some of the previous posts, at least you can tell he cares about what's going on. He's one of the few guys on this team who looks like he doesn't like losing. That's more than can be said for most of the rest of them.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on May 20, 2006 7:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You don't blame Barrett

for socking Pierzynski in the jaw, even though it's probably going to cost him a suspension? And that suspension will mean that HENRY BLANCO is starting for that entire period of time?

--Tim http://fridayafternoonintheuniverse.blogspot.com

by elscorcho0682 on May 20, 2006 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

The score was 1-0 after AJ scored, so I don't really understand how you come to the conclusion that Pierzynski was bragging about scoring one more. He was excited that he made a big play in the game, so he showed his excitement by slapping the plate. Whats wrong with that?

by Felix on May 20, 2006 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing

if he isn;t AJ freakin Pierzynski!

Long time fan of the Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 22, 2006 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is this kind of apologist

drivel that is a big part of the team's failure. There is absolutely no excuse for what Barrett did. Thus doesn't represent "fire," as some have said; it represents a complete lack of discipline and professionalism. Baker does not have control of his team, does not demand perfection and on top of it will constantly make excuses for their shoddy play as well as his own incompetence.

by gbs on May 21, 2006 6:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade Juan Pierre?

What do you think the Cubs could possibly get for Pierre, his lofty OBP and his noodle arm in CF? What team would need that at this point?

Good write-up, Al. But...let's face it, Cub fans, this "Pierzynski is an ass," "Pierzynski is a douche" nonsense is just that...nonsense. Guy plays hard, makes his team better and there is nothing wrong with that. Barrett made an ass of himself.

And yes, I'm a NICE Sox fan. Sorry you haven't had 100% loving experiences with other Sox fans. Most of my friends, my girlfriend included, are Cub fans and we're all right with each other.

by the wolf on May 20, 2006 7:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think I said that, didn't I?

I said that Barrett should have just walked away. I said he needs anger management -- yes, the movie poster was a joke, but I think he really truly MIGHT need someone to show him the right way to play the game and not act this way, especially when it's going to cost his team his services for likely a week or so.

About Pierzynski, yes, I suppose if he were a Cub I'd love that "hard-nosed" attitude. But as an opponent, he comes across as an ass. And apparently he's not well-liked among his fellow players, either.

About Pierre, that's why I suggested that if he can start hitting close to his career norms in the next month or so, he might have some value to a team looking for some speed, that already has a leadoff man. The Yankees are looking for outfielders and they have Damon leading off. Pierre could hit ninth for them.

by Al on May 20, 2006 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, Al

So you have officially abandoned the "Pierre Is An Elite Leadoff Hitter" bandwagon? That sure didn't take long ... :)

by chasfh on May 21, 2006 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A Complete Circus!

It was all MB and he deserves what punishment he gets. With that being said, I sit here thinking about all the incidents like this under Dusty's regime. Ever since he has been here it has been a complete circus. When you continually have no accountability for anything that is done on the baseball field, whether it be fighting, plate discipline, base running, hitting the cut off man, etc, you HAVE to look at who is enforcing discipline on this team.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DISCIPLINE!

Dusty believes is his beloved karma so much that he just knows that because it's been going so bad that the team will catch fire. In the meantime he points at his ludicrous line-up changes as proof that he is trying to spice things up. Then he points to the DL for excuses as to why the road is so tough for him. Meanwhile, everybody in Chicago with half a brain is pointing at him to hit the door. It doesn't matter anymore whether firing him will help or hurt the team. Something has to be done.

When the Sox rough up Z tomorrow, the Cubs will fall farther under .500 than they have been all year. Chicago will be calling for heads. If heads don't roll, then it is truly proof that the people that should care about the Cubs don't and the people that do care about the Cubs shouldn't.

by martyblue on May 20, 2006 7:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I am calm now...

Okay, calmed down from my previous post...I agree with the conclusion in your post, Dusty has to go...I can come up with a long list of job performance reasons why he must go, and I can also add personal criticism and sarcasm, but the bottom line is he gets $4 million per to do a job and the plane that he is piloting is crashing into the mountain--over and over again. Managers get too much credit when teams win and too much blame when they lose, but by any reasonable baseball standard, especially that of the boneheaded Cubs, it's time for Jhonny B. to take the fall for this disaster. If the Trib. executives had any courage they'd can McPhail and hendry with him...As muchas I know that Dusty is a horrible manager, McPhail and Hendery have failed miserably as well and they should pay with their jobs...

But what will happen? The Cubs will have a 90+ loss season. Hendry will give Dusty his gravy train extension, they will repeat their same idiotic approach to scoring runs through a team of Dusty bootlickers who can't get on base, and then McPhail will brainstorm a marketing plan to gravy train 100 years of losing...I can see it now..Cubs Century Club Bracelets for $100, with $0.0000001 on every $100 going to Cubs Care...

Bring us Theo Epstein or Billy Beane--Regime Change now at Clark & Addison!!!!

by DudeVf1 on May 20, 2006 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Epstein is not available

Remember he was rehired as GM in January?

by Tom Mason on May 20, 2006 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pay them and they will come...

Yes, I remember that they both are currently under contract. If the Cubs want to make a bold statement to their fans about winning and competing with the White Sox for wins instead of blue skies, sunny days, Ivy and gals pilling out of their halter tops in the belachers, then bring in the best in the game to run the organization. Bring us Theo who could add to a champiosnhip in Boston with one in Chicago, could there be a better achievement for a GM? Or Billy Beane for the same reason, they are the best! Cubs fans get crapped on enough, it is time to demand the best and to pay for it...The Cubs sure as hell don't have a problem asking for $50 for a ticket?

by DudeVf1 on May 20, 2006 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pay them and they will come?

How much do you think they'd have to pay to get Epstein to breach his contract with the Red Sox?

Be realistic. Some people are simply not available, don't want the jobs, or aren't worth pursuing.

by Al on May 20, 2006 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't give up so easily...

I don't expect Epstein or Beane to come in during this season and take over, but the Cubs are the biggest challenge in baseball for a GM, maybe in professional sports in terms of over coming the stigma of losing...The Cubs should have jumped on Epstein when he left the Sox briefly, that was time to clean house...

Beane apparently accepted the Red Sox job prior to Epstien and then declined...These guys are competitors and they take on challenges...

All that being said, I agree with you on being realistic, i.e., the Cubs are not going to take the aggressive approach and pursue anyone like this during the off season. hendry has his contract and he's the guy for now...I'd be looking for his eventual replacement Monday morning...and McPhails...

by DudeVf1 on May 20, 2006 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and you assume

"If the Cubs want to make a bold statement to their fans about winning and competing"

I am not going to assume this is what they want to do anymore.

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So which is it?

If the Cubs don't do something like what Barrett did today, people say they have no "fire".

If they DO something like that, people say there's no discipline.

NOTE! I am not advocating starting brawls, and Barrett was absolutely wrong, no matter how much of a jerk Pierzynski is.

But you can't have it both ways.

by Al on May 20, 2006 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fire is in the bat

Not in your fist. Ironically Farnsworth was FAR less to
blame when he bashed Wilson because Wilson CLEARLY
started it. The scariest thing about the whole incident
is that Barrett looks like a bigger jerk than A.J. Pierzynski
and that takes some doing.

by jessica on May 20, 2006 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree, Barrett looks bad and desrves some pine

A.J. is a scrappy player so I am sure he doesn't take it personally that Barrett cheap shotted him...Barrett owes the guy an apology...No one needs to be arrested, this isn't a crazy Sox fan on the field...Barrett should control his temper and should have just given A.J. some lip if he felt that the forearm shiver was uncalled for...These are battle conditions and thing s happen, but Barrett shouldn't have hit him like that...The guy who looks even worse is that good ball CF from the Sox? There is a guy who was cheaply trying to earn himself some points with management when they eventually get around to sending his lame bat back to AAA for seasoning...Has anyone heard this guy be interviewed? He is a total tool, primarily ebcause he talks a big game and can't hit. I am a Cubs fan but I respect A.J. the guy is a good player and a pro. But this Anderson guy is a clown, no talent for hitting and no class either...

by DudeVf1 on May 20, 2006 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is such a thing as a bad fire..

Theres a difference between building a fire via a spark in a fire pit..

and

Throwing a cigarette in a forest and watching it burn hundreds of acres to the ground..

This was the bad spark one the Cubs didn't need

by cubsfan2883 on May 20, 2006 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you have to start

fights to have "fire?" How about playing tough, disciplined, professional MLB quality (read: fundamental) baseball? How about standing up and taking accountability for your failures and not blaming fans and broadcasters?

by gbs on May 21, 2006 6:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blanco

with his eye-popping 0.052 BA now HAS TO replace Barrett, who was batting .286.

Barrett suspended 8 games, say 32 AB, that's 9 hits.

32 AB for Blanco we can expect 1, maybe 2 hits.

That's a 7 hit deficit.
Anyone think this team can afford LESS production at the plate now?

by JFCubFan on May 20, 2006 7:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Zambrano...

How do you think the new, calmer Z will handle this tomorrow?

by southernilcubfan on May 20, 2006 7:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking the same thing

Zambo is now considered the calm one with the rest of the team looking crazy. Zambo pitches better with Blanco anyway so it might be good.

Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult

by Scott G F on May 20, 2006 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get out the Body Bags...

How many body bags will be needed for Z's start tomorrow? With no discipline in the Cubs' dugout and emotions at a high, I can picture Z going Skull happy on a few Sox hitters...Hopefulyl the Umps will be quick to warn both sides so no one gets seriously hurt...

by DudeVf1 on May 20, 2006 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barrett is not suspended tomorrow

The suspension won't come down before sometime
next week. He can appeal ( probably not a good idea)
Hopefully it comes down Monday and he can start vs
Marlins

by jessica on May 20, 2006 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Missing the point

Or not... We all tend to blame Rothschild and Clines for the Cubs hitting woes and Dusty for not making many solid baseball moves but its got to go ALOT deeper than that. If our home grown products don't have a plan when they get to the majors then its hard for Dusty etc to give them one. Each and every one of our young guns that has come up seems to not have a clue whereas other teams have people who come up and contribute IE the Braves last year because their philosophy is practiced throughout the organization and they know whats expected of them when they come up... Or then again maybe or philosophy is expounded throughout the minors and team and it just sux... Swing at first pitch, don't move runners over, don't keep your head out of your A## on the basepaths.
Last year Dusty complained because CPatt missed signals and was dumb on the bases well dusty new third base coach new outfielders still dumb on the bases!!!! After awhile I don't blame the players get rid of em all maybe Stone can manage!!!

by KyCubsFan on May 20, 2006 8:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Totall agree about the Cubs lack of plan...

I think you are correct about the lack of plan for home grown players but I think it goes to Hendry and Baker, i.e., they favor the speedy athlete approach to developing talent. Just look at the Cubs' position players' drafted, many speedy guys who lack baseball skills. Moreover, the organization does not apparently teach baseball skills or at least they don't teach it well. Hendry's comments on Patterson in the off-season were appalling because he basically said "we just turn them loose and it's up to them to develop"...That's an okay approach if you sign veteran free-agents, but it's pure stupidity when you are signing 18-19 year olds and giving them tons of cash...

Why did the Cubs go for Pagan from the Mets and then later trade for Freddy Bynum? This was our bench? Hitters have to be able to get on base to be productive...

Or look at Hefty Perez bunting the other day to end the game? The manager may have been protecting his pal by supporting the play in the media but why not favor playe disicpline and players who have some? A walk in that situation would have borught Mabry up, but Hendry and Baker believe that OBP is unimportant, Dusty even disdains guys who walk as base cloggers. This poermeates the entire organization..

When the Sox player hit that Granny today I hope that clown Baker was satsified that the bases suddenly became unclogged.

by DudeVf1 on May 20, 2006 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is what I have been

on for the last years. This team has not drafted an offensive player with any results since Palmerio and Grace, decades ago. Hell in the last 6 years the best player is Dontrell Willis and he is gone, think about it. This is how you end up with Nefi and the like on bench, but in Dustys world Nefi starts, hilarious. This team has so many holes, where do you start, I say Dusty goes, and wish the Tribune would sell to Mark Cuban

Where is Carmen Fanzone?

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on May 20, 2006 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mark Cuban

If he bought the cubs I would move to Chicago and buy season tickets today.

by akcubfan on May 20, 2006 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mark Cuban

is going to buy the Pirates, at least thats what the people in Pittsburgh are saying. The rumor is the Pirates go on sale following the All-Star game.

by Santos Sorrow on May 21, 2006 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is NO Way ...

... MLB will let Mark Cuban into their fraternity. He's too much of a loose cannon for them.

by chasfh on May 22, 2006 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al the wise old sage

It was once written on this site not to long ago:

"Teams are not as bad as you think they are when they are losing and not as good as you think they are when their winning."

One bad loss to the Sox still counts as one loss.

Hang in there people.

I say Zambo gets us a win tomorrow and the Cubs will be .500 in there last 6 games. It's a start.

Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult

by Scott G F on May 20, 2006 9:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Say what?

are you watching the same team, my goodness but down the kool aid

Where is Carmen Fanzone?

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on May 20, 2006 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A team that gets shutout on 9 hits?!

Is a sign of a TERRIBLE team a la the KC Royals. The only reason they didn't get shutout yesterday was because of a close play at first with JP leading off (could've gone the other way) and the error by Pierzinski. Yesterday it was on 2 measly singles. THEY ARE AN AWFUL TEAM THAT CAN EASILY LOSE 95 GAMES, DLee or not.

by CubFaninNY on May 20, 2006 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can easily lose 95???

95 losses is a dead-run certainty, with 105 a good chance, unless this team gets rid of the ENTIRE coaching staff. If Dusty has to go to make that happen, then so be it.

by Molechaser on May 20, 2006 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty throws MB under the bus

"I saw a clean play by A.J. That's how you play the game," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said.

Way to back up your player.

by grifdog on May 20, 2006 9:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

players manager

this is what it takes for hm to finally call out the way his guys play?

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Baker should have been...

...throwing his players under the bus to start with, ala Guillen. That's one of the reasons Baker has to go. He doesn't hold anyone accountable.

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on May 20, 2006 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's exactly...

...what Ozzie Guillen said in 2004 when Ben Davis got flattened by Torii Hunter. It's the truth. We all jump on Dusty for always protecting his players. Now he tells the truth, hardly throwing Barrett under the bus, and you jump on him?

by jolietconvict on May 20, 2006 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jaime Burke..

..not Ben Davis.

by Felix on May 20, 2006 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What was really...

...classless was the pounding Anderson gave Mabry. Mabry had to be taken to the hospital for x-rays on his ribs. When looking at the re-play Mabry seemed to be acting as peacemaker and forwhatever reason Anderson attacked him.

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on May 20, 2006 9:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So, um

since we aren't going to resign Pierre, and Furcal was too expensive for the trib (how can you cut the payroll if you are giving guys big contracts, i mean come on) who exaclty will lead off next year? Quick review, we have no leadoff hitter, and struggle to score runs. Could use some starting pitching. Apparently Hendry gets a groundhog day approach to the offseason until he gets it right.

by mike bornemann on May 20, 2006 11:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Next year's contracts....

I think the Cubs can have some flexibility provided they make a big trade near the deadline that includes some of the dead weight contracts, but there's nothing stopping Hendry from turning around and given Bynum a 5 year deal at $4 million per, he can avoid arbitration, lol!

Wood should be gone after this season unless the option is his, I don't know the details but presumably it's mutual?

I get the feeling that Prior's arm/shoulder suddenly gets healthy the moment he pitches for someone other than Dusty? But to me this is the most intriguing for the Cubs this summer, i.e., given how teams tend to rush to over pay for pitchers what can we get for Prior? I am not saying we should or shouldn't but that he will likely be targetted by Hendry unless he pitches some dynamite games coming up.

The Cubs lose Pierre's contract, Murton doesn't make anything, Jones is over paid but still not breaking the bank, and he can be moved if they want...

by DudeVf1 on May 21, 2006 1:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Soriano is on pace for 60 HRs

Jim Hendry loves him, so I would guess he is offered a contract. The question is then does Jim want him to play second of left, because if he plays second the Cubs could make a run at Carlos Lee too.

Potential 2007 starting roster:

1B D Lee
2B A Soriano
SS R Cedeno
3B A Ramirez (assuming no exercise)
LF C Lee
CF F Pie
RF M Murton/J Jones (platoon)

So leading off would be the pool of Pie, Cedeno, and Murton (vs left-handers)

Would Hendry go with such a right-handed lineup? If so this would be a wet dream of a lineup for the ballhawks on Waveland.

by Santos Sorrow on May 21, 2006 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With due respect..

Soriano goes against everything you have been preaching the last ... two months of the season.

You, along with many, have screamed for batters to take a BB to nto swing at the first pitch and to emphasize OBA instead of BA.

Soriano is the antithesis of what this team needs. Soriano is a guy who cannot wait to swing at a first pitch fastball.. yes he will hit 25-30 hrs a year and steal 30 bases.. and thats great.. but he in no way will take a BB..

The last three years Soriano's OBA/BA are...

2005- .309/.268
2004- .324/.280
2003- .338/.290

The year before that he had his best year at the plate .332/.300

Now Soriano is an unquestionable talent but if you want to start mixing guys who get on base with guys who hit homeruns.. Soriano is not the place to start. Especially at the price he will command.

by cubsfan2883 on May 21, 2006 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

elscorcho0682 and felix

elscorcho: If you'll go back and read what I posted previously, I said it wasn't a good idea for Barrett to hit Pierzynski, I'm just saying I don't blame him for doing it. Losing is frustrating, Pierzynski's certainly had a history of antagonizing people, so any combination of could set a guy off. I can see that.

But heck no, when I first heard about it, I cringed. Anytime you've been getting the crap kicked out of you, trying to pick a fight with the best team in baseball doesn't make you look any better.

felix: I didn't actually see the game, so I didn't know what the score was when Pierzynski scored. My point was there was no doubt from the beginning of this series who was the better team. The White Sox definitely didn't doubt it, and so that's why Pierzynski slapping the plate comes across as showboating. And what's wrong with that is that it's unwritten rule that you don't show up the other team.

But back to the situation in general, the more I see, the more I'm not sure what Barrett got so hot about. If he didn't see the slap, that couldn't be it. I'm sure Barrett understands the play at the plate and can respect how that's done, so I doubt that's it. It either has to be frustration, or something Pierzynski said. Either that or he just snapped, and should probably be sedated for awhile.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on May 21, 2006 12:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I DID

read what you said. What I'm saying is that I blame Barrett. Completely.

--Tim http://fridayafternoonintheuniverse.blogspot.com

by elscorcho0682 on May 21, 2006 6:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The better team..

..doesn't always win. Especially in rivalries like this one, you can throw records out the door, because both teams are going to give it their all. AJP made a good play, was excited, so he slapped home plate. I don't think there was any hidden meaning behind it.

The real confusing part about the brawl was that AJP and Barrett are supposedly friends, and had been to camps together and known each other since high school. Barrett probably just snapped without thinking, which is what he said in the postgame interview, but I don't really know how you can blame AJ for starting the whole thing (he also stayed out of the fight after getting punched, which was a smart move).

by Felix on May 21, 2006 6:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He had to stay out ...

he was knocked fiv e to eight feet back by the punch. You think if it was a weak connection, he wouldn't have been in there?

You sure you know who AJ Pierzynski is??

Long time fan of the Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 22, 2006 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

btw

On the subject of managers, I'm hoping for either Lou Brown or Billy Haywood.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on May 21, 2006 12:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Morning note...

... I changed the YouTube link again -- a longer clip, with more replays of the incident.

by Al on May 21, 2006 5:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No matter what the outcome of the fight,

The Cubs didn't have any energy left after that inning was finished. Once the score hit 5-0 everyone at the stadium knew it was another 'L' for the Northsiders.

...right downtown and PRINT IT!!!

by CliffX on May 21, 2006 6:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hill

I do not understand how he is not having more success. Like most Cub pitchers he understands the importance of clogging the bases with walks, yet somehow the opposition still is able to score on him.

by jimhickman on May 21, 2006 6:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs are getting hard to watch.

The kids won't be playing with Dusty "managing", if that's what it can even be called. No one is playing with Dusty "managing"! Please, Cub management, fire Dusty and every coach. Bring up the kids so at least as a fan I've got something to watch and hope for. I could make better lineups than Dusty. Barret's fiasco is just another sign that this season is going down fast with no one steering the ship.

by teacher tom on May 21, 2006 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And When Dusty Is Fired ...

... we'll see the next manager, whoever it is, preside over more of the same. Because as much as I don't like Dusty and would like to see him let go -- I was on record in 2002 as being against his hiring -- he's not the biggest problem with the team.

The biggest problem with the team is the front office -- both the ownership and general management. The key burning desire among ownership is for the Cubs to pull their weight on the P&L statement, which leads to the hiring of "safe" front office management, who make personnel decisions with Q scores, rather than game scores, in mind.

And this banjo-hitting roster was engineered by the guy who was highly praised in this very forum after getting his multi-year extension. Dusty may have had a hand in the player hiring decisions, but the responsibiliy for pulling the trigger is all Hendry's. Besides, Hendry is well-known as a guy who likes "tools" (or the perception thereof), character, chemistry and experience, rather than a guy who hires on actual performance. This is why we have flotsam like Juan Pierre, Frddie Bynum, Neifi Perez, Jerry Hairston, Jacque Jones, Henry Blanco -- and soon, Tony Womack --- littering the roster. So it's not as though Dusty is Hendry's svengali or anything like that.

The pitching has devolved to the point where it cannot cover up the lack of hitting any longer. The emporer's nakedness is now exposed. When are we the fans, and the embedded press, finally going to see this for what it is?

by chasfh on May 21, 2006 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There have been a handful of posters

who opposed the Hendry extension when it was issued because of the terrible job he did assembling the team in the off-season. People complain about Dusty not understanding the importance of OBP and playing fundamental baseball (despite his talk to the contrary), but I see little evidence that Hendry has a grip on either concept, either.

Unfortunately, I don't see the team improving enough to contend consistently until the whole front office is cleaned out. McPhail & Hendry have to go.

What does not kill you makes you stronger.

by Pa on May 21, 2006 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al, How Can You Be Sure ...

... that Albert Pujols "plays the game the right way, the clean way"?

by chasfh on May 21, 2006 8:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Have never...

... heard a single rumor to the contrary, plus at this point -- why would a star of that magnitude risk that?

by Al on May 21, 2006 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Other than him really being 35, right?

n/t

by Santos Sorrow on May 21, 2006 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

n/t

by Al on May 21, 2006 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absence of rumor ...

... doesn't indicate absence of use. I don't recall hearing any rumors about Matt Lawton, Rafael Betancourt, Alex Sanchez, Ryan Franklin, or the other MLB ballplayers prior to their being found guilty.

It's OK to indulge in wishful thinking about the guy and hope that he's not doing it, because he's a nice guy or whatever you like. I hope he's not doing it, too. But you can't say Pujols is "clean" and "playing the game the right way", as though you're making a widely-accepted statement of fact about it -- because we just don't know.

Chuck

by chasfh on May 22, 2006 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You hypocrites

You kiss Sosa and Zambrano's butt's, two of the most classless players I've ever seen all this time and Pierzynski's an asshole. Wah.

by mjc on May 21, 2006 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dusty comes down from Mountain..sort of...

In the Sunday SunTimes Dusty was quoted with the most amazing revelation below..and he almost gets it right...

"We need power,'' Baker said. "I was thinking about it [Friday night]. You need some home runs. Small ball is good, but you need some two- and three-run homers to put you back in games and out of reach in other games.

"In the past, we have had a lot of power, but not hits and speed in between. Now it seems like we don't have the power, and our speed has not been getting on base.''

Yes, Dusty, your precious speed has not been getting us on base, do you care to elaborate on that point? Can you please explain to us how your speed will ever get us on base? Are there any more apeedy middle infielders or Judy outfileders available for us to see whether THEIR speed can get us on base. Perhaps one day Dusty will wake and realize that his dream of a baseball game where players simply sprint to first without a pitch being thrown and requiring a tag play to be called out is just a dream...I think this is Dusty's dream because it also precludes the need to manage a pitching staff...Wow, maybe I now understand the incompetence that is Dusty Baker...he cannot manage a pitching staff and apparently one of the things he hates the most about pitchers is them issuing walks. This is Dusty's White Whale--the elimination of walks from the game of baseball in their entirety...speedy guys who can steal first base accomplishes it in part and then no pitched balls seals it...

Did Dusty see how that White Sox Judy hitter slammed 2 yesterday and one was a Granny? Pay attention Dusty, those 3 baserunners were each walked...Your offense sucks because you are an idiot and you think getting on base is devalued if you do it via walks, so your team reflects your preferences and stupidity...Keep getting more of your stupid players and keep wondering why you can't score runs...

The more this guy talks the more pissed I get...

by DudeVf1 on May 21, 2006 9:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

In Defense of Hendry.

If someone told that you in March that Cedeno, Murton, and Jones would be where they are statisically in late May, I think most of us would have had a pretty good feeling about this team.
How can blame Hendry for Pierre, Ramirez, Blanco, Mabry, Hairston & Walker to all be sucking so bad and have Lee out with an injury?
Sure there are some holes, a right handed bat off the bench would be nice as a platoon for Jones etc. But how can we really blame the front office or Baker when so many players are stinking up the joint?

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on May 21, 2006 11:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

Cedeno and Murton have hit for no power. They have combined for 10 doubles, 4 triples, and 3 homeruns. That's atrocious. Blanco has never hit in his career. Pierre is coming off a down year and his hitting style does not match up well with Wrigley. Mabry was doesn prior to this year. Hairston has never been good. Walker is doing a fantastic job getting on base, but hitting for no power. Ramierez you definitely cannot blame on Hendry.

And how can we blame them? Well they chose these players. How can you not blame them?

by jolietconvict on May 21, 2006 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not to mention

Bynum, Neifi, Macias, Goodwin, Martinez, Gonzalez, and on and on and on. This guy has a unhealthy love for crappy second-baseman (I know some of the above are actually SS, but you catch my point)

by Santos Sorrow on May 21, 2006 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs