Do-It-Yourself Game Post, Part Deux

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 4:56 PM CDT in Recaps Comment 140 comments

This afternoon's ridiculous 10-9 loss to the Pirates probably has you feeling like that, doesn't it?

So YOU choose how you want this post to read.

This afternoon in Pittsburgh, took the field and against . The final score was . Ryan Dempster, for the second day in a row, and, thus, the Pirates, who had hits, swept the Cubs in a series at Pittsburgh for the first time since . Ryan Theriot had hits today, which means that tomorrow against the Giants, he'll get to . The Cubs blew leads in this game, and have now lost games in a row, the first time they've gone winless in a roadtrip or homestand of six games or more since . Manager Dusty Baker, when asked how he could change his team's fortunes in the upcoming homestand, said: . Finally, this Friday, September 1, rosters can expand, and the Cubs will add to the playing roster, and that will allow them to .

There's not much more to be said. The Cubs had this game won, as they had last night's won, and blew it. Twenty hits and nine runs and still a loss to what is supposedly the worst team in the league, though the Cubs are giving the Pirates a run for that mantle -- and the Bucs get four more shots at the Cubs next week.

Here's something really weird. I first wrote a do-it-yourself post after the Tigers' 12-3 dismantling of the Cubs on June 18. And here is a paragraph lifted verbatim from that post:

This team should be blown up and the parts scattered. The problem is -- what parts are even saleable right now? Jim Hendry, on whose head I squarely lay the blame for this disaster, is going to have a tough time trading just about anyone from the current roster, because of poor performance. Maybe the performance of players like Juan Pierre will turn around enough to give them some trade value in the next five weeks.

Except for the Juan Pierre comment, that paragraph applies today, too. With 29 games left, what difference does it make who is in charge? The players lost the last two games, not management. Management only put this roster in a poor position to win ballgames.

One month left. On October 1, the explosion can begin.

I also wrote back on June 18:

I still love baseball and going to the park to share it with my friends, and Mark likes hanging down by the wall trying to get baseballs.

But man, it's not easy these days. Not easy.

This weekend, the Barry Bonds show comes to Wrigley Field. At least that makes things interesting.

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Dear Jim Hendry

You should probably arrive to the park in the pope-mobile.

Cuddles,

Chris

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Aug 30, 2006 5:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dear Andy McPhail

Time to come down from the Ivory Tower just like you did in July 2002. Fire Jim, fire Dusty and take over this massive mess that has occured during your watch. After all, you HAVE been Team President for 12 years now. It's the least you could do to annoint yourself General Manager.

P.S. This go around don't give Todd Hundley $24 million.

Your bestest pal,

Blue

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 5:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

At least Hendry...

... turned Hundley into something useful. Credit for that, at the very least.

But that's three-plus years ago. What has he done for us lately?

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hendry started off well

He seemed to lose vision and focus in the '03-'04 timeframe, and really fell apart after '04. He began to reward players for what they had already done (Rusch, Dempster, Neifi) than for what they could be projected to do. He began emphasizing speed and defense, which killed the offense and, well, certainly hasn't improved the defense. Other than Juan Pierre, the speed hasn't paid off, either. Tack on the no-trade clauses that he hands out like candy, and what would be the disapointing seasons that we as Cubs fans are all-to-used to has turned into a full-on train wreck.

It's a huge mess and Hendry is in the middle of it. I used to be a Hendry fan, but I now believe the Cubs will not win again with him in charge. He's more loyal to individuals than to the team, and no GM can succeed with that attitude.

What does not kill you makes you stronger.

by Pa on Aug 31, 2006 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to tip my hat to you, Al,

that was very, very creative. You better be careful, because you are going to have a hard time topping that!

by Ernieboy on Aug 30, 2006 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

We NEED comic relief right now.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ditto

We are all furious right now and there's really nothing we can do. This team--heck, this whole organization--is falling apart and right now we look as clueless as the Royals.

We need constructive ways to vent. I was so upset after the loss that I threw a nerf ball at full force across the room, but my hands were wet from washing dishes that my wedding ring went flying with it. Took me twenty frantic minutes to find it.

I know that I at least need a constructive way to vent.

by Josh77 on Aug 30, 2006 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I got a pink...

Cubs baseball for my birthday. I throw it everywhere.

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

by sparkles721 on Aug 30, 2006 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was gaius right again?

Last year, I trusted Ryan Dempster with my life. The Cubs where undefeated when he came in to save the game. This year it's very different. He's given up game-winners of every kind. Maybe he should only be a set-up man. Maybe he should get traded. I just don't trust Ryan anymore.

He can always gain my trust back, but he's going to have to work hard. Is he really that rusty? What made him succeed last year? It's not like he came in as a new pitcher nobody knew about. Did he just lose his 'stuff'? I don't get it.

I just heard the last inning with Pat and Ron. I feel sorry for him.

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

by sparkles721 on Aug 30, 2006 5:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dempster was pitching

in his third straight game. He threw more than 20 pitches in both of the prior games and was over 40 pitches when this game ended. Dempster's not blameless, but quite honestly, Baker's got to take some of the blame as well. That's really more work than expected for a closer. He shouldn't have been asked to go two innings today, not on his third game in a row.

Other options included Howry as well as Rusch and whomever was on his throw day (likely Hill). And it didn't really matter if you used the starter for Friday either. Although the Cubs don't intend to call anyone up from Iowa (that's just plain stupid, btw) they COULD call up Ryu or Williams.

by frustratedfan on Aug 30, 2006 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Van Buren or Fansworth?

LOL

by Santos Sorrow on Aug 30, 2006 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a toal joke, frustrated

and a total cop out. That kind of thinking will get the Cubs in trouble, in this case with Ryan Dempster.

Truth is he stinks. What about all the other blown saves he had? What's his excuse for those? Baker? C'mon. You can't blame everything on Baker, even though I would like to, but you can't blame Baker for Dempster being a total hack. He has control problems to go right along with his mediocre 2 pitches.

Ryan Dempster had a career year last year, his first year closing and dumbazz Hendry rewards him on it by signing him to one of Hendry's ridiculous and baffling signings. I said the same thing last year.

Ryan Dempster is unreliable and is not suitable to be a closer.

He has 32 BB's in 32 IP!!! His ERA is closer to 5 now and opponents are hitting .260 against him! His WHIP is 1.52!Is this what you want from a closer!!! Maybe if you're jim hendry and you don't want to be Jim Hendry.

Are these !!! helping me make myself clear!!!

by escapegoat on Aug 30, 2006 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

EDIT!!

32 BB's in 62 IP...

by escapegoat on Aug 30, 2006 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

SIgh

It would be nice if you actually read what I write. I certainly am not giving Dempster a pass. He's got lots of problems as a closer and I would have used this failed season to see if Aardsma or Weurtz could work out as the closer. But that also doesn't mean that Dusty hasn't managed to minimize the value that Dempster has. He's not a great closer, but he's also not nearly as bad a closer as he looked yesterday. And that's because of his usage pattern. Dusty's usage pattern for his bullpen appears to be based on some "rules" in his head about the roles of players without any real regard as to what the players can and cannot do. Its his normal failing of placing players in procrustean boxes.

by frustratedfan on Aug 31, 2006 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Other than Weaver, has he been wrong?

n/t

by Santos Sorrow on Aug 30, 2006 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

he was very wrong there. I still don't understand why he thought we should get him. But I guess he would say the same thing to me about Cedeno.

He said that Z would make a long trip to the DL. While that can still happen, I doubt it. He said Dempster wouldn't be the closer by May/June which he was wrong, but he needs to be replaced now. He gave Pierre too much credit and with him he probably preached the thing closest to patience. He said he would be fine and he wasn't until a long time later that even gaius had to admit Pierre would not be OK. By the way, if we sign him I expect him to have a bad first half again because that is beginning to look like a trend to me. And he was wrong about Marshall. He was as expected, and gaius expected him to get killed and never come back to the majors because of the shock. He got injured, but he's doing pretty well at AAA now and did OK up here for a guy with very little experience anywhere. He also didn't think the Cubs would be this bad, but no one really did(except you and Mr.Dooley)so that one doesn't count.

I was more wrong than him, but nobody's perfect! :)

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

by sparkles721 on Aug 30, 2006 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's interesting that the last couple of years

when the failures of Hawkins, Borowski, Farnsworth, Novoa and the like (all those who were placed in and failed in closers role since 2004) took place after even their second blown save each, Cub fans (myself included) were furious with mgt why we couldn't get a real closer in here. Dempster, over the last 1-2 months has been awful and not even close, having blown multiple saves and games.

Cub fans, while frustrated, don't seem near as concerned with Dempster's ability to close out games as they were with the others above.

I realize the season's a wash, thus grossly minimizing Dempster's failures, however, he hasn't looked even close to competitive recently. I think it's about time to consider adding closer to the 'need' list this offseason. I'm not too sure about slipping Howry into this role- I could see what happened to Hawkins happen to Howry (i.e. lights out as set up, brutal as closer, then never returning. I also see no way Dempster becomes or even succeeds as a setup guy- just walks to many guys.

It's too bad- Dempster is one of the real good guys who's worked his way back.

by LuisSalazar on Aug 30, 2006 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

The Cubs need a closer. It's been obvious for a while now.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Howry is much more suited...

....to be a closer than Dumpster. Howry doesn't have the control problems Dumpster for one, plus he's just better than Dumpster. You want to make a case for a pitcher not doing well cuz of amount of innings pitched, Howry is on the top of that list.

I'd rather see Howry in the role his is now, but if it's status quo next year, I'd much rather see Howry in a closing situation than Dempster.

by escapegoat on Aug 30, 2006 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh boy

they may not win a game the rest of the year. After these last 2 blown wins, they will really pack it in now. Why go out and get 20 hits when your closer can't hold a 2 run lead against the "alledgedly" worst team in the Senior Circuit. We all know who the REAL worst team is...

BigJohnAZ

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 30, 2006 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dempster...

Is it even possible to try him out as starter again?

He did have three double digit wins seasons, topped by a 15-12 campaign in 01. Granted, over his career he wasn't any better as a starter but he averaged over 100 pitches/start and was generally considered an innings eater.

Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery. -Bertrand Russell

by thekansasian on Aug 30, 2006 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dempster was an all-star with Florida one year

n/t

So much for the law of averages.

by JDay on Aug 30, 2006 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I heard something interesting on the Score.....

while driving home.....apparently Hendry is very angry with Baker and in private has told him to cut out the race baiting that's been going on. There was some discussion on whether or not Baker could get fired tomorrow.....apparently from what was said....Hendry is fed up with Baker enough that he just might do it.

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Aug 30, 2006 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If he does...

... fire the entire coaching staff along with him. Bring up some minor league coaches to finish the season. The last thing we need is Dick Pole or Larry Rothschild in charge for a month.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why even bring up coaches?

The Cubs could just select random seats every home game to fill the voids and let the fans coach. It's really the only way that people should keep showing up at Wrigley for the rest of this year.

On the road, the players could draw straws to see who was going to coach that day.

Or, they could just save time and possible injuries and just forfeit the rest of the games this year. The Cubs would only cost themselves about 5 wins at the most by doing that.

by Scott on Aug 30, 2006 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey!

Sounds like bringing back the College of Coaches!

I'll volunteer to manage for a day. What day would you all like for me to do this?

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you start Friday?

n/t

by Scott on Aug 30, 2006 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure!

I'll be there anyway. Why not?

Mark will be with me. I'll make him 3B coach.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can I be......

1st base coach???

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Aug 30, 2006 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure!

Why not?

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey I can be the pitching coach...

i just got some towels that need breaking in

by Lablover on Aug 30, 2006 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's it!

You're hired!

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll be

bench coach, it's a do nothing job, perfect for me.

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Aug 30, 2006 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate to break it to you guys

but I plan on buying the team and selling the coaching rights to pay for the team. I also plan on selling 2 roster spots and the naming rights to each seat and brick at Wrigley.

They'll have free seating, but you'll have to pay to leave before the end of the game.

Bid away.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Aug 30, 2006 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

can I still

sit there and munch on sunflower seeds and sip gatorade while neglecting team needs like they do?

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Aug 30, 2006 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, you can't.

Unless you want me and others to hate you.

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

by sparkles721 on Aug 30, 2006 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coaches Coaches

Can't we all just get along

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Aug 31, 2006 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's only for a month!

n/t

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Aug 31, 2006 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At this point of the season

who cares. The damage is done and perhaps the inability to even entertain the fans might put a higher priority on making the right moves this time.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Aug 30, 2006 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wrong...

It's NEVER too late to fire Dusty Baker.

I would GLADLY watch the rest of the season if he weren't in the dugout come Friday.

by theprognosticator on Aug 30, 2006 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dunno

about Hendry, but losing six straight games on a road trip like that is something that normally gets someone fired on the spot. Tomorrow is an off day. I don't know what good firing Baker would do at this point, but it certainly can't hurt.

I will say that I haven't seen this team quit. They're still battling to the final out and they look like they still want to win. They just have absolutely no clue as to how to do that and are making all the wrong decisions.

by Josh77 on Aug 30, 2006 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point.

That's unlike the 1999 team that quit on Jim Riggleman, and the 2002 team that quit on Bruce Kimm.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder...

That's unlike the 1999 team that quit on Jim Riggleman

...if that's really true. Riggs was a very underrated manager, IMO. The way I see it, the '98 team basically played above their heads and barely won the Wild Card (and were promptly swept). In '99, they just came back down to earth (with the exception of Sammy). Riggs got the Axe because of it.

by VS on Aug 30, 2006 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're

not talking about record here but rather the manner and attitude of the 1999 Cub team at the end of the year.

Yes, the 1998 Cub team did play over their heads and the 1999 team did come back to earth, But the 1999 team just looked like they didn't care when they fell out of the race and went 19-42 after July 31. And while I don't want to add up the runs scored/given up after the break as to before, I will note that not a lot of those 42 losses were even close--only 7 one-run losses in that period.

Yes, it's anecdotal, but I saw a team today that fought back from a four run deficit to take the game to extra innings and took a two run lead in the eleventh before blowing the game. In 1999 if they were down four runs at the end of the season they stayed down four runs.

by Josh77 on Aug 30, 2006 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd jump up and down with joy...

...if Dusty were relieved of his position come Friday.

It's got to be done.

by theprognosticator on Aug 30, 2006 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dear Jim Hendry:

I want a total refund of my season tickets. I paid you to watch baseball...if I wanted to see comedy, I would have paid $9.00 to see Talledega Nights.

Love,
me

"If you can accept losing, you can't win." - Vince Lombardi

by bergs55 on Aug 30, 2006 5:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How is this frustrating to anyone?

This is beautiful to me, to see them lose and in humiliating fashion as well. If Hendry had any doubts to let Baker go, this should end them, to see his team absolutely quit on him and embarrass the organization in the process. I think it's grrrrreat!

Plus the more games the Cubs lose, the better draft pick for them to screw up. Win Win if you ask me!!

by escapegoat on Aug 30, 2006 5:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree with myself

More cubs loses = better draft pick.

Only bad things could happen at this point if they actually started winning.

by escapegoat on Aug 30, 2006 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would like some contact info...

...on how I could contact Jim Hendry, Andy Mc"Fail" or the tribune company in general. Basically, anybody with any kind of clout with this embarrassment of a sports franchise so that I can write them and tell them how disgusted I am. Could anybody give me that information?

by rbarnold on Aug 30, 2006 5:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Try email...

... Cub email addresses take the general form:

firstinitiallastname (at) cubs (dot) com

Can't hurt to send it.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just sent...

...an email to Dusty, Jim and Mr. Mc"fail". I used the format you suggested and the only one that worked was jhendry@cubs.com. The others got sent back to me. ANy other suggestions.

by rbarnold on Aug 30, 2006 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you use a 'd' or a 'j'..

...for Dusty and did you spell McPhail properly? Dusty real name is Johnny not Dusty.

...from a pile of lead paint chips emerged a Cubs fan:(

by santo for prez on Aug 30, 2006 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's..

... MACPHAIL

And Baker, yes, would probably be "jbaker", not "dbaker".

If he even uses email.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty doesn't believe in email

It clogs his inbox.

by ojitarian on Aug 30, 2006 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I shed a tear..

..on that one, LMAO!

...from a pile of lead paint chips emerged a Cubs fan:(

by santo for prez on Aug 30, 2006 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're probably right

I used "dbaker" and "amcphail". I'll try jbaker and amacphail. Maybe if we all write them some letters, they may start to get a hint.

by rbarnold on Aug 31, 2006 5:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The sad.....

thing about this mess is that it did not need to happen. Dusty should have been fired months ago.

For all those who wanted Dusty to finish out the season, I hope you are happy. Dusty will not go without attempting to destroy this franchise's reputation. The race baiting will unfortunately be difficult to repair, at least in the short term.

he hath no fury like a cubs fan scorned

by timeforachange on Aug 30, 2006 5:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Given the talent level of this team...

... I don't think a change would have made any difference. We'd just have had another Bruce Kimm-like failure.

The race-baiting is a distraction, nothing more.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can....

not be serious.

Dusty is dragging this team down. The Race baiting will have an impact whether we like it or not. Also, I believe the lineups that Dusty has thrown out have hurt the young kids.

Believe what you will. I would take an interim manager over the crap we have now.

he hath no fury like a cubs fan scorned

by timeforachange on Aug 30, 2006 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was it Jeff Passan

Who predicted that Dusty would be the first manager fired in 2006? Hold on, it may still come true!

"The good news is, the Cubs have reached rock bottom. The bad news is, they've started to dig." Bob V., May 2006, WGN Baseball Blog ...

by Littlerock Rynofan on Aug 30, 2006 6:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

In Hendry's sort-of defense...

To respond to the flashback, he was able to offload a few players. Hell, he was even able to offload Neifi for something more than an infield rake. So he did his best to sell off some parts and pieces. What we have left, essentially, are the bits too valuable to move (Z, Lee, and Ramirez), the ones too cheap to think of moving (Hill, Theriot, Murton -- the guys still making league minimum or something like it) or the guys who nobody in their right mind would take (Glendon, Wood and Prior).

Oh, and three expensive relievers who Dusty is either using too much, too little or both.

by cwyers on Aug 30, 2006 6:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bullpen

I shall defend Dusty just once. Nobody should be stunned that the bullpen is burnt out and certain members have fallen off a cliff when you consider the starting rotation options this team has had for five months.

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is exactly the point I've made before.

NO ONE could have managed this roster to a better record.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that's a little

strong. I read somewhere that Dusty's terrible managing costs his teams about 4 or 5 games a year. That sounds about right to me. In other words, I don't think Dusty deserves as much criticism as he gets for this season, but in no way do I think he's a good manager.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My take

ANYONE would have managed this roster to a better record.

To believe that all the other options would have been as bad as Baker is to accept his perfomance as average at worst. I can't believe you think that.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Aug 30, 2006 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The point is...

... that this roster was poorly constructed by the GM, had a rash of injuries, and used starting pitchers who had no business starting as many games as it did.

Seriously, NO ONE could have done much better, not that Baker did very well.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe...

someone could have done better, nurtured the kids better and not ran out this racist crap to the National media.

Dusty should have been gone along time ago. Plain and simple. Your arguement that "NO ONE could have done much better" is a joke.

he hath no fury like a cubs fan scorned

by timeforachange on Aug 30, 2006 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, yes and no

The lineup as it was intended wasn't that bad.
Pierre
Walker
Lee
Ramirez
Jones
Barrett
Murton
Cedeno

If you sensibly platoon Jones with Pagan, the only weak link is Cedeno.

Obviously the starting staff was an anchor. When Rusch started the 2nd game of the season, we should have all known it would be a bumpy ride.

However, I still can't accept that the team was off so far on the expected availability times for Wood, Prior and Miller. One pitcher, yes. Two pitchers off, improbable. All three pitchers effectively gone the entire season is statistically near impossible. That was Hendry's failure to perform.

But the misuse of the position players was totally Baker's irresponsibility. His arrogant misuse of the #2 slot, his refusal to platoon Jones, the lack of practice time prior to games, the overreliance on hits versus walks, the lack of insisting pitchers stop nibbling all are Baker's mantra. And so I cannot conceive another manager doing a worse job of managing.

It seems if you say other managers would do as poorly as Baker seems to lead to the conclusion that we might as well keep Dusty since it would have been the same with anyone else.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Aug 31, 2006 1:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget about

all those other times you've defended Dusty, Mike63. I do agree with the rest of this comment. The bullpen was fried mainly because of terrible starting pitching. Hendry left this team woefully short of starting pitching from day 1.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Am I supposed to be Mike63?

Is this some inside joke? Who is Mike63? Should I care? Is it an honor to be labeled Mike63, or shameful jab?

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice try.

n/t

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess

Al would know. Looks like I'm not mistaken. Seems you're the one who owes me an apology, Mike63.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al

Just curious, but was Mike63 banned? Is that why he had to come back under a different name?

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you're not him

the two of you sound very much alike and your opinions on the Cubs seem to be almost identical. For example, the two of you are the only people I've seen talking about trading someone for "magic beans". Also, my guess is you're also a big Cesar Izturis fan. And you started posting around the same time Mike63 stopped. If you do a search on Mike63's posts you'll see what I'm talking about. If I'm mistaken I do apologize.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apology accepted

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nah...

It's Mike.

Extreme hopes are born from extreme misery. -Bertrand Russell

by thekansasian on Aug 30, 2006 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I knew it

was him when he called Prior a pussy.

29 games until Dusty is gone!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 30, 2006 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And

Compare these BCB comments by BlueBooHoo:
"Hendry is not an objective baseball man. Rather his is a simpleton mediocre scout masquerading as a big league GM. Don't ever for a moment believe that Hendry has objective thinking and brilliant master strokes stored up in his pea brain." ...
"Time to come down from the Ivory Tower just like you did in July 2002. Fire Jim, fire Dusty and take over this massive mess that has occured during your watch. After all, you HAVE been Team President for 12 years now. It's the least you could do to annoint yourself General Manager."

With this comment by Mike63 on The Cub Reporter:
"Hendry absolutely must be fired. He is a man in perpetual denial and who is nothing more than a mediocre scout falsely masquerading as a big league General Manager. Firing Dusty Baker needs to happen, but will be like putting a band-aid on a patient that needs open heart surgery instead.

FIRE HENDRY.

Posted by: mike63 at August 30, 2006 04:50 PM"

by TC Cubby on Aug 31, 2006 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot

the other part of the Cub Report post:
"Andy McPhail and Jim Hendry will never eat a contract, fools that they are. Oh how I wish Andy McPhail would fire both Jim Hendry and Dusty Baker and appoint himself General Manager. After all, it's the least Andy can do for the 12 years of misery Cub fans have had to endure under his watch as Team President."

by TC Cubby on Aug 31, 2006 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh joy he's back

and I see he's made some renovations to his wheel of stupid.

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Sep 1, 2006 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too late

I already took it back when Al confirmed that you are indeed Mike63. I'm not sure why you're embarrassed about it. I generally find your posts very entertaining.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Confirmed ?

As with the Pentagon or Langley?

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just Al

You know, the moderator of this site. See his "Nice Try" post above. I figure he would know.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al ?

Al Cervik?

I'm playing with Drew Scott today and this is my guest, Mr. Wang. Give me half a dozen
of the Vulcan D-tens...and set my friend up
with the whole schmear. You know, clubs, bags, shoes...gloves, shirt, pants. Orange balls! I'll have a box of those...and give me a box of those
naked-lady tees. This is the worst-looking hat I ever saw! You buy a hat like this, I'll bet you get a free bowl of soup.

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow!

That was weird.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear

this place is restricted, Wang, so don't tell 'em you're Jewish, okay?

Like I said, I generally find your posts very entertaining.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yabbut...

Earlier this year, when a few extra wins could have really MEANT something to this team, Dempster couldn't get regular work in if he brought Jim Hendry donuts. And I quite frankly think that the abyssmal use of him, along with the lack of save opportunities that made each one THAT much more valuable and thus stressful, probably ruined Dempster as a closer, mentally.

Of course, now that Dusty's trying to audition for jobs elsewhere (so that Darrin will be able to help Dad with roster construction), we see Demp throwing 60-80 pitches in three days.

Where's the sense in that?

And why the holy hell are you using your last bench player as a pinch hitter... so that he can lay down a bunt? That's a few extra pitches Ohman could have thrown for you right there.

And, since we're days away from roster expansion and have two starters ready to come off the DL, why not, um, use a starter?

by cwyers on Aug 30, 2006 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silver Lining

Of course, there is silver lining in the recent stretch of horrid play. Not even Jim Hendry can deny that Ronny Cedeno is wretched and a new second baseman is in order. Honestly, we need to pray the flotsam on this roster continues to play like crap so Hendry doesn't get seduced into believing things aren't so bad. Hendry is not an objective baseball man. Rather his is a simpleton mediocre scout masquerading as a big league GM. Don't ever for a moment believe that Hendry has objective thinking and brilliant master strokes stored up in his pea brain.

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 6:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mike63

has a point. Hopefully we won't have to read any more articles on Cubs.com talking about Ronny Cedeno's potential. Even Hendry has to notice that this guy CANNOT be the starting second baseman next season. It's also painfully obvious that Dumpster shouldn't be the closer. Hendry has to realize that he's got to fix this disaster and he can't just blame injuries for everything. Even if everyone stayed healthy, this team was poorly constructed from the start.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

C'mon Francis,

lighten up! We all know that the Chicago Cubs v130.0 are here only for our amusement. Don't take them for anything more than that, unless you're stupid enough to have season tickets, or you'll only get your blood pressure up.

... but ya DOESN'T have to call me "Johnson." - Raymond J. Johnson, Jr.

by Blood Brother on Aug 30, 2006 6:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So is there the

next Joe Mauer available in the June 2007 draft? Because if there is, I say screw the moral victories and playing the spoiler role the last month. Bring it on Kansas City!!! You think you're the worst team in baseball, you haven't seen diddly squat !!! Put Donuts, Miller, and Walhorn into the rotation. Sign Shaun Estes. Sign Antonio Alfonsucka. Do whatever it takes to keep on losin.

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 7:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I did

enjoy your recap Al and it made me laugh.

I thought the group on CTL tonight ripped the Cubs management pretty good.

29 games until Dusty is gone!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 30, 2006 7:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What is Joey Amalfitano doing these days?

I think he has had two previous stints as Cub interim manager....how about a third? Or Herman Franks...I think he is 93 and doing well living in Salt Lake City....he would welcome a chance to supplement his Social Security for 30 days or so....

I am absolutely aghast at how terrible this team is....

by perseman on Aug 30, 2006 7:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Heck, I'll settle for Jim Essian

and his constant goofy clapping from his dugout seat.

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 30, 2006 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A serious suggestion...

How about letting Billy Williams close out the season as the manager? He was considered for manager on serveral occasions before. I think he has a title as "special assistant" currently. It would leave a good taste in my mouth to give him a month as Cubs manager at the end of his career...

by perseman on Aug 30, 2006 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's the point?

Billy's been out of baseball for three or four years. He's 67 years old and retired. Why would he want to associate himself with this year's club?

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's cruel

I'm sure the last thing Billy Williams would want to do is manage this mess of a team. I wouldn't inflict that on my worst enemy.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

These are some of the best

posts I have seen in my short while here at BCB.

Where do the Cubs start after the axe hits the Dusty, and hopefully Hendry. Have to resign Ramirez, and if not who plays third, Hey maybe Cedeno!!!!!!, But seriously who is out there, Cubs need starters, at least two, a closer( Maybe and a big maybe in Wood )Another stick who dial up HR's. Me personally I would offer Soriano 90-100 million for 6. Oswalt yesterday got 73 million for 5, ouch. Free agents will not come cheap this offseason.

And if Dusty gets fired today, Bill Murray would be my choice to replace the Dusty.

Throw out your Gold Teeth and see how they Roll

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Aug 30, 2006 7:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bill Murray?

Well, at least we'd get some laughs.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And he

is a huge Cubs fan.

29 games until Dusty is gone!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 30, 2006 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

By the way...

... did anyone mention Jacques Jones throw towards home on the final play of the game? Saying "towards home" may be a bit generous, but to paraphrase what Dan Bernstein of WSCR said "Michael Barrett looked towards the heavens as he followed the throw". My guess is that Jones' throw ended up in the stands.

DmL

by dmlichte on Aug 30, 2006 8:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I believe...

I believe that's what Santo said at the end of the game -- he threw it into the stands!

And then, the famous line... "Let's go home"

That's all I have to say about that.

bhoppe | http://www.cubsforums.com

bhoppe http://www.cubsforums.com

by bhoppe on Aug 30, 2006 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

good call. i did indeed notice that throw. what a terrible terrible right fielder that guy is. good lord.

it takes two things to be a cubs fan...a sense of humor, and old style beer.

by markgraceismyhero on Aug 31, 2006 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

David Kaplan...

...just ripped the Cubs organization like I've never heard them ripped on the flagship station. He said what most here have been saying - that things start at the top, that there's absolutely no plan for success. He ripped Dusty - especially for the recent on-base comments - but was pretty merciless on the suits too.

It was great - and shocking - to hear someone say it all so plainly and directly on the Trib's own network.

What a trainwreck.

by blefr on Aug 30, 2006 8:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

When was the last time

a team with a $95 million payroll been this bad? Just off the top of my head I think this could be dollar-for-dollar the worst team ever.

by cubsbak on Aug 30, 2006 8:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

... the numbers are, of course, relative, because team payrolls keep increasing. What you should be asking is when was the last time a team with the sixth-highest payroll was this bad.

How about the 2003 Mets? They spent over $100 millon for a 95-loss team.

by Al on Aug 30, 2006 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Riggleman sucked

and in '98 he had several players who had years far better than could have been hoped for. Morandini, Brown, Hill, Gaetti once he came over. Even Orlando Merced once he came over. Grace had a great year and of course Sammy was juicetastic. The Cubs finished in the top six in almost every offensive category. Add in an unhittable rookie of the year pitcher and two other decent starters, one, Tapani, almost won 20 games, and it didn't take Joe McCarthy to win with that team.

by TR on Aug 30, 2006 9:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Reply

Tapani, almost won 20 games

With a horrible ERA. I believe he was actually a below average pitcher in '98. He was definitely helped by the offense.

by VS on Aug 30, 2006 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do remember

the '99 team quitting like no other Cub team I've ever seen. And that's really saying something.

by TR on Aug 30, 2006 9:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Tapani was helped

by the offense. But I don't think that the offense was good because of Riggleman. It was pretty much a veteran team from top to bottom. He wasn't an idiot like Dusty. For instance he did have the sense to bat Morandini and his high OBP second risking clogged bases, but I don't think Riggleman did anything special at all. And apparently the rest of MLB agrees since he's never been asked to manage a team again.

by TR on Aug 30, 2006 9:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just makes me glad

...that my annual trip to Wrigley from here in Tennesse was when we beat the Cards the other Saturday. Gives me one good memory of this train wreck of a season. Somebody wake me when they fire Dusty. And Dempster. And, well, half the damn team. There's always 2043...

"That would be a home run, if it were in a phone booth!" -Harry Caray

by riggs on Aug 30, 2006 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Evaluating a manager

A manager's influence on the outcome of the game is not solely based on the moves within the game, or even the moves concerning the starting lineup. If you are truly evaluating a manager you should also take into account the emotional impact of the manager in the whole atmosphere of the club. While that is difficult to evaluate "objectively" that doesn't mean it's irrelevant. Remember the 2004 season meltdown? Don't you think that attitude of the manager concerning criticisms had an impact on performance? Don't think for a moment that the influence of leaders in wars gone by was simply their tactical decisions... the cohesion, motivation, attitude, etc., of a group is directly influenced by their leader (and you can find research to back this up). So don't tell me Dusty has no blame on losing games because the players didn't execute. With Dusty Baker we are at negative before even the lineups are posted. In fact, I want to turn the whole Dusty argument this way: is there absolutely anything the Dusty Baker is a good at as manager? ANYTHING? And keeping underachieving players happy by playing them more than they should does not count.

Luis

by Luis on Aug 30, 2006 10:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's not fair

you took away the only right answer.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Aug 31, 2006 1:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty is Good

at acting like a lightening rod and deflecting the negative comments that should be aimed at the GM. He's Hendry's best possible job security as he provides a ready fall guy. If we had a competent manager, the glaring talent holes would be more obvious (although we might have fewer holes as good managing might have solved some problems).

by frustratedfan on Aug 31, 2006 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

and exactly why there is zero chance Andy McPhail and Jim Hendry hire Joe Girardi if he becomes available. Hendry has a four alarm fire in his kitchen right now. The last thing he needs is for the vocal Girardi to be there bad mouthing the way this organization has been run and throwing kerosene on things.

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 31, 2006 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh wise one

please tell me more. I beg to admit my lowly opinion after reading your proclamation.

Please please tell me more so that I won't make that mistake again. One other thing my sage leader. does it not become a great burden having knowledge of everything.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Aug 31, 2006 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The 2006 Cub who'll reach the Hall of Fame....

...is pitching a shutout after 5 innings, including a 6 pitch 5th inning. Of course he's pitching for the Dodgers now.

I wrote the longest post and best post I ever have. And it just dissapeared, I am so dissapointed right now. Sorry.

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on Aug 30, 2006 10:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

His ERA is at 4.15.

Jessica, we may win that bet if Maddux gets it under 4! Go Maddux!

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

by sparkles721 on Aug 30, 2006 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That Hall of Famer is putting on..

..a ridiculous performance tonight. Hit/RBI; perfect execution on squeeze play; gold glove plays all over the place. Watch the highlites or archived game. This is baseball at its best.

I wrote the longest post and best post I ever have. And it just dissapeared, I am so dissapointed right now. Sorry.

by Reverend Jim Ignatowski on Aug 30, 2006 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't worry....

the guy we got back for him will win us so many games with his glove alone...............

blah, blah, blah

by Peoria Matt on Aug 31, 2006 6:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK

So I thought BLueBooHoo was Mike63, not PeoriaMatt.....;)

by BadGuy on Aug 31, 2006 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The reason this team sucks is leadership

Running a ballclub is like running a business; the people on top have to point the team in the right direction and they have to choose the right middle management people to drive results in the short term. This team's president has made poor choices in terms of middle management (Hendry and Baker) and they have made bad choices in terms of the players that constitute the team.

That is why bandaid fixes will not work. The leadership requires a total revamp (MacFail, Hendry and Baker must go) and half if not more of the players need to be changed. I do not see this team realistically competing before 2009, and that will only happen if changes begin now.

We have to lower our expectations and give the Trib monetary reasons to want change.

Make something idiot-proof and the world will build a better idiot

by mastrick on Aug 30, 2006 11:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ticket exchange thread: promo

The ticket exchange thread is a bit buried, which isn't good for me since I have some tickets on offer. So I hope it's not too much of a breach of protocol to mention it here:

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/story/2006/8/28/1458/85674

by goldstj2 on Aug 31, 2006 12:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Moved back to the top.

n/t

by Al on Aug 31, 2006 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dusty Baker: Hall of Freaking Famer!

You all might want to take it easy on Johnnie B. Baker. Rob Neyer, on ESPN.com, is mentioning him, along with the likes of Buck O'Neil and Billy Martin, as a candidate for an "overall contributions to the game" admission to the Hall of Fame. Seriously. (sorry no link provided)

by perseman on Aug 31, 2006 6:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Here's the link:

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=neyer_rob&id=2557200

by perseman on Aug 31, 2006 7:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe....

it is US who is crazy.

I just can not see how anyone would say Dusty is a HOF candidate. He sat silently while Barry and Sammy hit the needle, he is pulling this race baiting crap here, and overall, he is a bad manager.

Buck ONeil, absolutely. Dusty Baker, NO, NO, NO!

he hath no fury like a cubs fan scorned

by timeforachange on Aug 31, 2006 7:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, he belongs in the Hall of Fame...

for shameless self-promoters, there is a huge room available for him for him right next to Lasorda's....They could show Dusty at a press conference after a tough loss, where he had many bad in-game decisions, and his son will be sitting on his lap protecting him from all the bad people...They can have button that you push to get rnadom sound-bites of Dusty's name dropping in convresations or maybe that's just the general audio background in the exhibit and it results in visitors leaving the place with the impression that Hank is Dusty's biological father...they can have a collection of chomped on toothpicks from the many chokes that he Dusty has been at the helm...and the "what might have been" section where we see projections of young pitchers' careers cut short by his ignroant arm abuse...a Will Rodgers like section but to steroids and Dusty saying "I never met a steroid that I knew I didn't know"...but the best section will be the "Sidekicks" exhibit with robotic figures of Neifi squaring to bunt, Macias making out after out after out in computer simulated play projected on a large screen, and of course Wendall Kim with an arm that you can spin sort of like that game where you take a whack with the sledghammer to see whether you can ring the bell, but wiuth this one you see how many runs you can score by spinning his arm--no one is ever thrown out...I'd pay a couple bucks to see this place.

by DudeVf1 on Aug 31, 2006 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BlueBooHoo = Mike63

If there was any doubt, read his first post here on Bleed Cubbie Blue, then read Mike63's first post on The Cub Reporter....

Plus, I'm pretty sure Al gave you away already.

by BadGuy on Aug 31, 2006 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

On the latest topics

Sorry didn't specify but I meant compare their 1st posts in the this topic and the newest TCR topic as well.

by BadGuy on Aug 31, 2006 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You like to watch

Columbo reruns, huh.

by BlueBooHoo on Aug 31, 2006 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no

I'm more of a Telly Savalas guy myself ;)

by BadGuy on Aug 31, 2006 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I posted these above

didn't see this post yet. I'm picturing Mike63/BlueBooHoo typing away wearing fake nose and mustache glasses.

by TC Cubby on Aug 31, 2006 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

fantastic visual!

by Scott on Aug 31, 2006 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

Football season is here. GO HAWKEYES!!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 31, 2006 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about minor league ticket prices?

I saw this comment from Hendry in the ST today. Boy, good to know that he has put it all behind him and can spend the rest of the majhor league season as if it were Spring Training. How about charing minor league prices? It's a good diea to use the remainder of the season to evaluate young players, I totally support that, but what irritates me is how he seems so care-free about the disaster of the season...What will change under this guy if he thinks that the season can be summarized by saying "don't cry overspilled milk". That's a great attitude when you have your 2 year extension. The Cubs should be firing Hendry and Baker like right now....

Hendry quote:
Hendry added that he has been ''really focusing on seeing the young people pitch the last month, and our scouts have been working toward the next year already. So there's no sense in hanging your head, and there's no sense moaning and groaning about it. We've just got to have a good offseason and move forward.''

by DudeVf1 on Aug 31, 2006 9:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dumber than a box o' rocks

Anybody else notice our chump GM angrily denying reports that he might renege on his earlier promise to stay with Dusty till the end of the season? It wouldn't surprise me if this conceited moron of a GM actually re-hired Baker for next year! It might take years to undo the damage that Hendry has wrought on this team.

Make something idiot-proof and the world will build a better idiot

by mastrick on Aug 31, 2006 10:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

what moves should hendry have made

that would make a significant difference. please don't give me, sign beltran or trade for cabrera... be realistic and remember who he works for and remember how bad this team was when he inherited it in 2002.

Forget Zito, Soriano, Schmidt, Matsuzaka & Lee. Its Eaton, Kennedy, Wood, Pierre and a backup RH OF instead.

by CubFaninCA on Aug 31, 2006 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would take...

... that huge Saudi Arabian kid from the LLWS if he was on crutches and had both arms in casts for Dempster and cash. Lots of cash. Name your price. BTW - I will be bringing my 12-year-old kid to Wrigley in hopes of landing him the closer role.

by lovejones72 on Aug 31, 2006 2:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs