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Open Thread: Cubs vs. White Sox, Friday 5/18, 1:20 CT

Alyellontoppscard_tiny by Al Yellon on in Game Threads

You didn't really want to talk about this game, did you? Good, I didn't think so. Instead, I have for you this morning these choice comments from one of our old faves, Dr. Tightpants:

New York reliever Kyle Farnsworth thinks no one on the Yankees, not even Roger Clemens, should be allowed to leave the team when they aren't pitching.

Farnsworth was on Chicago's 670 AM The Score on Thursday morning when he first criticized the so-called "family plan" clause in Clemens' one-year, $28 million contract that allows the right-hander to leave the team for personal matters when he's not pitching.

Farnsworth reiterated his beliefs in the clubhouse before the Yankees' 4-1 loss to the White Sox.

"As far as a teammate and a player, I think everybody should be here whether they're pitching or not," he said. "You don't see guys who are hurt not sit on the bench. They're always there."

What a guy, Kyle. Remember? You were one of the Cubs accused of sleeping in the clubhouse during the disastrous 2002 season. Read between the lines of that article and you can see that Farnsworth was almost certainly the culprit.

And he's part of a Yankee bullpen that's the worst in baseball -- yes, even worse than the Cubs' -- they have only three saves in 12 opportunities.

There! That ought to make you feel better.

 Today's Starting Pitchers
Ted Lilly
 T. Lilly
Cubs		 vs. Mark Buehrle
 M. Buehrle
White Sox
3-2 W-L 2-1
2.53 ERA 3.61
48 SO 32
8 BB 11
6 HR 2
vs. Sox -- vs. Cubs
I'd expect a fast game today -- neither of these pitchers walks many batters, both work quickly, and both are terrible hitters (Lilly: 3-for-41 in his career, 20 strikeouts; Buehrle: 2-for-25, 13 strikeouts), and the White Sox are the worst-hitting team in the major leagues (last in BA, .222; last in OBA, .302; 28th in runs, 141).

Once again, as I suggested a year ago, Jacque Jones needs to sit today. He is 1-for-27 lifetime vs. Buehrle with 12 strikeouts. Mark DeRosa, if he's healthy enough to play, is someone who needs to be in the lineup -- he's 6-for-15 with three doubles and a HR. The Cubs beat the living daylights out of Buehrle last July 2 at Wrigley Field; he was so bad that even Neifi Perez homered off him that day. But Buehrle has thrown much better this season.

Lilly, who pitched most of his career in the AL, has faced quite a few White Sox. Toby Hall, the White Sox backup catcher who is expected to be activated from the DL and start today, is .368/.455/.526 in his career vs. Lilly. Lifetime Lilly is 4-2 in eight starts vs. the White Sox, but with an unsightly 6.64 ERA.

If Lou Piniella hasn't pulled his head off yet after the last road trip, he's likely to do so after the intensity of this series. Time to win some games.

Today's game is on both WGN and CSN; Len & Bob will be on WGN today. It's also, as always, at the Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

And, you can see what Sox fans have to say at our SB Nation Sox counterpart, South Side Sox.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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After the week we've had...
...I'm sure glad it's the weekend.

Go Cubs go!

by Shawon O Meter on May 18, 2007 9:35 AM CDT reply actions  

Farnsworth
I agree that he's no expert on proper team etiquette, however he was being interviewed. He was asked questions and specifically was asked questions about Clemens. Farnsworth didn't go on Mike North's show to talk about Clemens, he went on to give an interview and was asked his opinion on a range of things, Clemens included. What is he supposed to say, "my past history precludes me from sharing the exact same opinion that 90% of non-Yankee fans share?"

DmL

by dmlichte on May 18, 2007 9:37 AM CDT reply actions  

I suppose not...
... just that given his past, his attitude seems a bit hypocritical.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on May 18, 2007 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh...
... absolutely. I think the perfect follow-up for Mike North, who did the interview, would have been to ask him just that. I only heard the audio of the Clemens question so I don't know if he did that, I doubt it. I think any interview with Farnsworth on a Chicago station would've addressed Kyle's indesgressions during his time with the Cubs. What gets me is the stories that are now in the national media that basically make it seem as though Farnsworth went out to blast Clemens. I'm no Kyle supporter but he was asked a question and I, for one, was glad to hear a major leaguer point out the total hypocracy of the deal.

DmL

by dmlichte on May 18, 2007 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yep
Kyle Farnsworth, the pitcher with the billion dollar arm and the 10 cent head.  Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.   I'm sure Roger Clemens won't take to kindly to this.  
"He'd been working the program very dedicated ever since he threw Little Paulie out that window."

by BlueMike on May 18, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

Pot or not...
Roger needs to hear this...he is a cocky, self absorbed man who ought to just retire if family is more important.  Which btw, is fine to do...

He's like the second coming of Michael Jordan...it is pathetic and annoying and i don;t blame Farnsy for seeing it this way.  I hope Clemens takes offense  I pick Farnsy in a fight anyway...

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

Farnsworth should teach scouts something
and that is to put much less weight to what the radar gun says, and more to whether a guy can pitch vs throw.
"Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year" - Sparky Anderson

by MPH73 on May 18, 2007 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Roger...
... won't be around to give a crap. They had one of MLBTV's experts on WSCR last night (forgot his name) and apparently the commentary from Houston was that when Roger was an Astro, you'd hardly know it. He was never in the clubhouse and on days that he pitches, he won't talk to anyone. So the professor jacket that everyone wanted to give to Roger was left on the hanger because Clemens was never actually present. So Roger may not take kindly to the comments but he'll never actually be around to make a stink.

DmL

by dmlichte on May 18, 2007 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Reporter
The MLB TV reporter was Seth Everett

by dmlichte on May 18, 2007 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Taking it Kindly
Who gives a crap if Clemens takes it kindly or not. The fact is the Yankees are desprate and will do just about anything short of ressurecting Babe Ruth and Mantle to win the World Series.

Im sick and tired of both the Yankees and Roger Clemens, to hell with him and to hell with the Yankees for that matter. If you cant be apart of the team for all 162 and spring training then you have no business playing the game.

Shame on Him

The only thing worse then the White Sox, is White Sox Fans. Thank God im a CUBS FAN!

by Galvan316 on May 18, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

When tight is not right
When I saw Farnsworth facing the Sox, I immediately thought of Al's nickname for Farnsworth as he's still sporting those grossly tight pants in spite of the fact that tight pants seemed to have gone out of style in MLB years ago.

I heard the interview with Farnsworth.  I did not think he attacked Clemens.  In fact Kyle said basically the same things my Yankee fan friend said.  In fact, this Yankee fan friend told me that he hopes Clemens is scheduled to pitch against the Sox next time the Yankees come to The Cell so that he can go and boo Clemens.

Good for Farnsworth that he spoke his mind on the Clemens matter.  Better that than the usual professional athlete tripe.  'Clemens is a great pitcher...We're glad he's on our team...I'm behind it 100%...'

by DrCrawdad on May 18, 2007 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

So
Soriano wears tight pants too....the pants pulled up to the knees makes him look like a real baseball player.

by IOWACUBSFAN on May 18, 2007 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

I actually agree
I cannot STAND that Clemens thinks he special.  I admire family values but he should just retire then and spend the time with family rather than promote the idea that he is better than the rest.

Maddux travels right?  Gimme a break man...

Farnsworth may not be a role model with respects to values however, GLAD he said it.  

Roger sucks (not at pithing obviously)

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

whenever an athlete
throws around phrases like "I want to spend more time with my family" you should check the local golf course for when he's teeing off.  Or in Clemens' and Michael Jordan's cases, a golf course anywhere in North America.  

Remember when Jordan actually talked about car pooling?  Yeah, with Amad Rashad to a golf course in Palm Springs.

by TR on May 18, 2007 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's not fair
Jordan and Rashad were in the same car together, but that was just on the way to the doctor to have Rashad's lips surgically removed from Jordan's ass.

by davidalanu on May 18, 2007 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lil Mike was unbiased
Lil Mike was clearly an unbiased reporter.  He never threw Michael softball questions that started like "Michael, how ridiculous is it that..."

I think he was just being a fan of the game when he was holding onto MJ's leg begging him to come back after his 1st retirement.  

On a totally unrelated note, the NBA should put asterisks next to Houston's two mid 90's championships.  I still find that SNL Superfans skit to be one of the most amazing SNL skits of all-time.  When they mockingly threw out "forget repeat or 3-peat, we're talking minimum 8-peat", it was funny.  Then, you look back and say "Wow, if MJ doesn't retire the first time and Satan doesn't run everyone out in 98, they would have at least 8-peated as NBA champs.  I really don't like either of the Jerry's.  

by MHef08 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on May 18, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

yup
heck even without MJ in 94 they are a blown call from reaching eastern conference finals. I'm not sure how they would have matched up against the Pacers that year or the Rockets had they made it to the finals. Those were fun teams to watch though.
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on May 18, 2007 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Why are you blaming Reinsdorf
for MJ's "retirement?"

Insiders believe that this really wasn't what Jordan made it out to be. he said he wanted to live out his late father's dream of his son playing baseball.

BS.

This 'deal' to leave the NBA was because of Jordan's gambling. He was going to be suspended.
It didn't look right to have the league's mega-star....suspended. This 'rumor' has floated around the NBA so long -- and no MSM ever wanted to touch it.

And of course, since Jordan is one of the best competitors to come down the pike in the last 40 years -- do you think he knew he was going to - SUCK -- at baseball? Of course he knew that. This, was his punishment.

And no 8-peat for the Bulls.

Looking back on the situation -- it seems obvious. Why would one of the best ever at his game -- LEAVE IT? He would have honored his Dad by winning, and winning, and winning some more.
Not by playing like crap in the American Association.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 18, 2007 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

2nd retirement
I blame Reinsdorf for the breakup of the 98 Bulls, not the first MJ retirement.  He had the revenue from the United Center locked in and had no problem with the team playing poorly for the next 5+ years.    

Are you suggesting that the story was that MJ was gambling on NBA games?  If not, who cares?  The guy could have dropped $250K on a round of golf every weekend without ever noticing the difference.  

by MHef08 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on May 18, 2007 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well the way he is pitching
If he picks a fight with sir roger, who gets to go?

At least we can rest assure that responsible new york media will not try to blow this out of proportion.

One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on May 18, 2007 9:52 AM CDT reply actions  

Farnsworth/Clemens
If the fight is in the media and someone had to go, it would be the Farns.  If the fight is in the clubhouse, the elderly Clemens will get Paul Wilsoned and then Farnsworth will have to go before Clemens DL stint ends.

by MHef08 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on May 18, 2007 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

thats it..
maybe he wants to go. It gets very costly to drink in NYC..
Well, sometimes nothin is a real cool hand.

by wicubfan on May 18, 2007 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

In a fistfight between Farnsy and Clemens...
...Old Man Roger would get "racky-tacked."
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 10:19 AM CDT reply actions  

Disagree
Roger Clemens would do to Kyle Farnsworth what old man Nolan Ryan did to Robin Ventura.  Clemens could take Farnsworth ten times out of ten.  Easily.  
"He'd been working the program very dedicated ever since he threw Little Paulie out that window."

by BlueMike on May 18, 2007 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think Clemens is as tough as he looks...
I think it's all show.  Clemens is more about trying to intimidate rather than following through with the beatdown.  Step up to him, and I bet he backs down.

Farnsy is legitimately crazy, and has brought it in a few fighting opportunities.

by SouthernCub on May 18, 2007 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

I agree...
and nice recall on the call for the Paul Wilson fight!
MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

re: I agree...
Thanks, az! I'll never forget Steve Stone's call on that fight. I've never heard anyone use that term before or since.

FWIW, there used to be a clip of the Farnsworth v. Wilson bout on YouTube, but I can't find it now. If anyone comes across it, please post. It's always worth another look.

I did find a clip of Farnsworth being interviewed after a pitching meltdown earlier this season. Man, he looks like a freak with that shaved head.

Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

but he is right...
farnsworth may be a hypocrite, but he is right in this situation.  it is ridiculous that the team would allow a member of the team to not be with the team.

by big_lowitzki on May 18, 2007 10:29 AM CDT reply actions  

Exactly!
He has the perfect insight in this situation, he knows exactly what it means to be an unsupportive teammate.
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on May 18, 2007 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hey Al
 It's 10:30 CT so you might've left, if not I think we need to start from scratch and wear something that hasn't seen the light of day yet theis season. So I think This one is the one to turn this thing around.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 10:38 AM CDT reply actions  

The Brew Crew drops 3 of 4 to Philly
And we can't even make up any ground, because we let two W's slip away in NY... in absolutely fantastic fashion. There oughtta be some kind of reward for losing games the way we do.
TheRiot at leadoff please!

by SackMan on May 18, 2007 10:43 AM CDT reply actions  

reward for losing games the way we do.....
the reward is the first draft choice.
Football and basketball are just things to do between baseball seasons.

by MetsSuck on May 18, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

Unfortunately...
we're far from achieving that benefit.

by SouthernCub on May 18, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

who closes today?
if the impossible happens, and the Cubs go to the 9th with the lead, who does Lou bring out for the 9th? Does Dempster get a second chance the very next day?

by CubFaninNY on May 18, 2007 10:56 AM CDT reply actions  

Dempster will close
Mark it down.  The closer has to forget about what happened the day before and handle the matter at hand.  You better believe he will go out there if there's a save situation today.

He's been pretty good this year except for yesterday.  These things happen in baseball.  You gotta go out there and pitch again.

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on May 18, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

Dempster will close...
only becuase even as much as he sucks, he's still the best option. How sad is that?

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

This means Kerry Wood
Will get a shot to close whe he comes back...

for a week, until his arm falls off again.

TheRiot at leadoff please!

by SackMan on May 18, 2007 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree he will get the call if needed...
but really, he has closed out games this year yes but every performance feels like it is just lucky, with a few spots of light.

This bullpen is seriously pathetic and I hope we get a complete game out of lilly today.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

There's nobody else
Hendry left this team bereft of a real closer.  Dempster has mediocre stuff and bad command.  Ideally a major league closer should at the very least have good command, and hopefully at least above-average stuff.  Dempster has none of these.  But neither does anyone else in the Cubs bullpen.  Just one of many gaping holes on this team.  

by cubsbak on May 18, 2007 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

Weurtz
was supposed to be the closer... that's what they had him doing in the minors. But he's too inconsistent.

They should start training one of the better young arms right now to do the job: Guzman or Marmol. Both have electric stuff...

And Sean Marshall is on his way back soon... he's got 4 starts in AAA, with a 2-0 record and a 1.82 ERA. He should be the 5th starter, and knock Guzman back to the pen.

TheRiot at leadoff please!

by SackMan on May 18, 2007 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree
I think ultimately Guzman or Marmol should close, assuming they can get the ball over the plate with some consistency and they have the mental makeup for it (another ingredient I forgot to mention in my previous post).   Dempster just isn't good enough.  Time for Sweet Lou to start experimenting.  

by cubsbak on May 18, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

What?
Wuertz was never considered to be a closer or even a closer-in-waiting.  He is what he is, a guy with one major league pitch.  When that is going well, he'll get guys out.  When it's not...well, the results are not good.  He's a RH Paul Assenmacher with a slider instead of a curve.

Secondly, I'm not sure either Guzman or Marmol can be considered to have "electric" stuff.  Guzman has good stuff, Marmol probably has a bit better than ML average stuff.  Guys with "electric" stuff don't sit in AAA.  And on top of it, if you don't have good control, you can't have "electric" stuff.  

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

by krummy12 on May 18, 2007 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hendry had back-up plans...
...in Howry, Wood and Wuertz. I think having four decent options at closer is enough for any one GM to have to come up with. Sure, before the season we complained about Dempster, but the fan favorites to supplant him have been worse than him (a closer on the 60 day DL isn't very valuable).

And I still think it's the set-up and middle-relief corps that have disappointed far worse than Dempster.

by cwyers on May 18, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hendry's backup plans
sucked.  Wood was never going to be healthy.  Hendry should've known better than to rely on him for anything.  I mean how many times does a guy have to get burned?  Wuertz is not a closer.  Anyone can see that.  He's got one above-average pitch, the slider, and he often has trouble commanding it.  His fastball is mediocre.  Howry's been a total failure this season.  So who's responsible for this?  Year after year the Cubs bullpen sucks.  Hendry obviously doesn't know what he's doing.  

by cubsbak on May 18, 2007 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

You do know
the bullpen last year actually was one of the better parts of the team, right?

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 18, 2007 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Huh?
I think you need to check your facts.  The bullpen sucked last year.  The starters may've sucked worse, but the bullpen still sucked.

by cubsbak on May 18, 2007 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

my life
Did I do something so horrible as an infant that GOD made me a Cub fan?

by cozmotaylor on May 18, 2007 11:14 AM CDT reply actions  

44 years
I have Been a fan this long. I wonder how many Chicago cubs fans are clinically depressed for rooting for this team? This is a legit question!!!

by questdoc on May 18, 2007 11:25 AM CDT reply actions  

symptom
I think that being a Cubs fan is an indication that we are clinically depressed.
"These are terrible times, and I shouldn't joke about them." --Warren Zevon

by ExNorthsider on May 18, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

I officially hate Scott Eyre
I'm sick and tired of his "oh well" commentary anytime his pitching sucks.  This guy needs to have some personal accountability.  And heres another tip Scott...push away from the buffet table.  

Sweet Lou needs to slap Eyre around.  Either that or he and his laissez faire attitude need a one way ticket out of town asap.  

"He'd been working the program very dedicated ever since he threw Little Paulie out that window."

by BlueMike on May 18, 2007 11:36 AM CDT reply actions  

fire the strength and conditioning coach!!!!
all these fatties on the team. It worked with the Yankees. Oh wait, it didn't. my bad.

by CubFaninNY on May 18, 2007 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

Eyre's quote after yesterday's game pissed me off
"I made the pitches I wanted to make," Eyre said, referring to ground-ball hits by Wright and Delgado. "I'm not going to sit here and whine about it.

"It's baseball. Nothing you can do about it."

 Those are the pitches you wanted to make? Fat pitches with no movement right down the middle of the plate?

 He's definitely got a dead arm this year. He was fantastic last year and his ball had movement. The only thing that has good movement this year is his head.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

And don't forget
the movement of his fork to his fat mouth!
MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hope we crush them...
...like bug.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on May 18, 2007 11:46 AM CDT reply actions  

I LOVE LOU!!!!!!
this is why I like him so much as a manager.  You suck, you're gone.  None of this "stickin by crap" philosophy that Dusty promoted.  

I love this and maybe some of these guys will work even harder if they feel they will be gone otherwise!

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yep
This is a welcome change from Dustbag.  At least Lou is trying to change the culture.  If you don't produce we'll try to find someone who can.

by cubsbak on May 18, 2007 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: I LOVE LOU!!!!!!
Me too. There's no telling just how effective Marmol will be, but at least Lou is doing something in response to yesterday's utterly humiliating blowpen failure.

There are no easy answers here, but you have to start looking for a solution before you can find one.

Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well
maybe getting rid of a pitcher on the current staff is coming soon. But the only one gone is a career AAA IF. Still no movement on shedding some of these relievers that are not doing the job.
"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on May 18, 2007 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

They're still trying to figure out how....
...to fit Eyre through the clubhouse door, I guess.

by cwyers on May 18, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

You must
be a former bullpen pitcher from the Reds, because your nasty.
"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on May 18, 2007 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

That a boy Lou!
I knew it.  I said there will be a shakeup soon and I was right.  At least Lou keeps trying.  I love that about him.  

by mgfabc on May 18, 2007 12:07 PM CDT reply actions  

This just in ...
CHICAGO (AP) --- In an attempt to shore up its struggling bullpen, the Chicago Cubs announced today they have signed former reliever Doug Dascenzo and have assigned him to Triple A Iowa.

"We really think Doug can help us," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "Sure he's been out of the game for over a decade, and he was really an outfielder, but left-handed set up men are tough to find. He'll pitch down at Iowa for a few weeks to get himself into game shape."

Commenting from his off-day reserved table at Murphy's Bleachers, Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Dascenzo "can't suck any worse than Eyre or that m-----f----- Howry."

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 18, 2007 12:07 PM CDT reply actions  

Nice!
He's still younger than Clemens.  And Dascenzo has an ERA of 0.0

Looks like his strike out to walk ratio is 1:1 but he can work on that.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/d/dascedo01.shtml

Go Cubs!

by Neifi Puppy on May 18, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Marmol
carlos has been called up, Michael Fontenot has been sent down. Lee will not start but is available.

I wanted to see Fontenot start today at 3B to send a clear message to Aramis.

DmL

by dmlichte on May 18, 2007 12:11 PM CDT reply actions  

That was quick...
perhaps too quick, as I have my reservations about how effective Marmol will be from the bullpen.  The guy has terrible control.

by SouthernCub on May 18, 2007 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

In that case, he should fit right in
n/t
"Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year" - Sparky Anderson

by MPH73 on May 18, 2007 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

What message would that be?
Enjoy a day off for being 5th in the NL for RBI?

For improving his defense on the "hot corner"?

By a career AAAA guy?

You kiddin' me?

As if...

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

by TheEman on May 18, 2007 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hustle
If you see nothing wrong with Aramis standing on first base after watching what should have been a double not clear the wall then there is no point in me trying to explain this to you. The message is that THIS CRAP is not acceptable, regardless of how much you make or how well you hit.

DmL

by dmlichte on May 18, 2007 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

That will be quite a message

"We'll show you when we can't score any runs".

by salparadise23 on May 18, 2007 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

You know
You are aware that ten teams would have been lined up around the corner to sign Ramirez had the Cubs not re-signed him aren't you?  Besides, there are many, many more players that don't hustle on every ball that is hit both on the Cubs and all over the majors.  Next time you see Derrek Lee hit a routine ground ball to SS, take a look at how hard he runs.  You'll be amazed...the lack of true hustle is all over the place...and permeates all the way down to Single-A ball.  
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.

by krummy12 on May 18, 2007 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

WHAT?
Sending Aramis down for a AAA guy that hasn't proved he can even play in the bigs is the dumbest comment on here!

by IOWACUBSFAN on May 18, 2007 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Howry has been
an effective closer during at least 2x for stints in his career and had done pretty well.

Last year when he had to come in and wipe Dumpster's butt, he did pretty well on most occasions when Dusty called on him to close games.

THIS YEAR, however, i wouldn't have Howry close the door for me.

I wish relief pitchers were paid on a "per-save" basis, or "per-hold" basis. Could you imagine this???

At a "salary" of Mariano Rivera rate - in the millions, how much is each save worth?

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

by TheEman on May 18, 2007 12:13 PM CDT reply actions  

marmol is the savior now?
I seem to remember him avergaing 5BBs a game, just like his "mentor" big Z.

by CubFaninNY on May 18, 2007 12:15 PM CDT reply actions  

YEP!
That's how I remember him from last year.
Is it too early to be out of it, or too early to be this far behind?

by TheEman on May 18, 2007 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Perhaps not...
but at least Lou is trying...
MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed...
unless the kid suddenly figures out how to throw strikes, he's going to run into the same problems the other bullpen guys have faced.

by SouthernCub on May 18, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

It couldn't be worse
I am for trying anything.  Maybe it would put some fear and humility into big mouth Eyre.  Sending him the message that you are replaceable.  I would rather see a young kid like Marmol who is the future get his hands dirty.  If neither can get the job done I prefer the younger guy get experience.  

by mgfabc on May 18, 2007 12:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Marmol up
Fontenot down
"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on May 18, 2007 12:21 PM CDT reply actions  

Lineups
Sox

Erstad CF
Ozuna LF
Dye RF
Konerko 1B
Iguchi 2B
Crede 3B
Uribe SS
Hall C
Buehrle P

Cubs

Theriot 2B
Pagan CF
Soriano LF
Ramirez 3B
Barrett C
DeRosa 1B
Murton RF
Izturis SS
Lilly P

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 12:27 PM CDT reply actions  

re: Lineups
I so don't fear this Sox lineup. Dye and Konerko, sure -- great hitters. Otherwise, there's very little to be afraid of here.

I understand Crede is having a bad year. Their leadoff hitter is batting .261/.309/.348. One might even laughingly compare Uribe's .236/.297/.406 to Izzy's .272/.343/.348.

Yeah, if Lilly is at all on today, we could be in for a treat. (And by "treat," I mean "win," which unfortunatly is a treat these days.)

After yesterday's debacle, I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to muster up the strength to say this, but...

GO CUBS!!!

Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

How bad is Lee?
Why is he not in the lineup?

by mgfabc on May 18, 2007 12:28 PM CDT reply actions  

Catch 22
They also say that he's the one responsible for turning around Marquis.  

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

I recommend looking at his entire body of work....
...but even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while
"Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year" - Sparky Anderson

by MPH73 on May 18, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh goodie....
he help ONE FRICKING PITCHER ON OUR STAFF. I sort of fondly remember have a rotation of 4 young men who were thought to be the foundation of one of the better staffs in modern history. SI loved them so much they predicted a WS championship for the Cubs. Everyone was giddy and excited for what their future held. Only 1 of them is still pitching...and he's not exactly setting the world of fire.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Geez
don't shoot the messenger... I was just sayin'.

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

BANG!!!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hard
It's hard to teach someone that sucks....that would involve the Cubs Blow-pen....

Just think if he wouldnt' have helped Marquis...we would have to go to the shitty blow-pen.

by IOWACUBSFAN on May 18, 2007 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

He and Hendry are buddies!
n/t
"Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year" - Sparky Anderson

by MPH73 on May 18, 2007 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

What are our predictions for todays loss?
Do we blow a lead? A big one or a small one?

Do we get shutdown? Shutout or no-hit?

Do we walk in the winning run?
Do we balk in the winning run?

The only joy I'm going to get out of this team the rest of the year is trying to guess what new and interesting way they find to lose.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 12:30 PM CDT reply actions  

Harang did that this week
He balked in the winning run (in the 8th)

they lost 2-1.

by CubFaninNY on May 18, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hendry will trade for him within the hour....
....he is just what we need to balance out the losses
"Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year" - Sparky Anderson

by MPH73 on May 18, 2007 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

I predict
an 8-3 Cubs win... or...

Down 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th with Jones, pinch running for the pitcher on 2nd and Soriano on 1st with nobody out, Ramirez pops one up to the second baseman and is called out for the infield fly rule, Jones forgets how many outs there are and tries to advance to third and is thrown out.  During the throw to third, Soriano bolts for second and trips halfway.  While trying to return to first, the Sox fire over to Konerko who loses it and the ball bounces down the line into the Sox bullpen.  Soriano then takes off, hustling around second, and heads to third.  The throw from Dye to Crede is offline and Soriano heads home, not realizing that the Sox reliever has backed up the play.  The pitcher fires to the catcher, getting Soriano in a pickle and finally tagging him out halfway between third and home for your game-ending 4-5-3-9-5-1-2-5-2 triple play.

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dang
I wondered why that theory was so vivid in my mind.  That explains it.  Hey, at least we can rest assured that Cedeno won't be over sliding second base on the play!

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: I predict
Dude, you just blew my mind.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

If I had a dollar for everytime I've heard that...
I wouldn't be sitting here at work right now.

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

line up
i like the speed at the top with theriot and pagan, i especially like that jones is no where near the line up. I would seriously give Pagan a few days in a row (like Lou is doing) just to see if he can continue to hit. Can Pagan play right field if the outfield were Sori-Pie-Pagan?

by dkowal22 on May 18, 2007 12:31 PM CDT reply actions  

While Lou has to play the hot bat
Pagan should not be considered a long-term option as a starter.  Last year in 170 AB's, he hit .247.  I don't want to hear that young players get better.  He's almost 26.  He's not going to develop the power you want from a corner OF.  When Pie is ready, Pagan may be a good counterpart against tough lefties.   That's all he is, a decent extra OF'er.  

by rlpete on May 18, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

"decent extra OF'er"
We have lots of those.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

Uh...
"He's not going to develop the power you want from a corner OF."

How is that a knock against the guy as a center fielder, exactly?

by cwyers on May 18, 2007 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cubs - White Sox
Cubs - White Sox weekends bring out the worst in me. I get way too worked up. I've been to a few Cubs-Sox games in the past but I don't anticipate going to any in the future because it stopped being fun for me. I'd have to take off my shoes to count the number of people I've seen escorted out of the ballpark and I truly believe that if events lined up properly I could get myself into a lot of trouble. Too much hatred for my liking.
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on May 18, 2007 12:48 PM CDT reply actions  

I still say Soriano should be hitting 5th.
Theriot 2b
Pagan CF
Ramirez 3b
Barrett C - with a mean right hook
Soriano LF
DeRosa 1b
Murton RF
Izturis SS
TheGuyGettingTheLossToday P
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 12:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Ted Lilly/Bill Murray - Separated at birth?
Look really quickly at Lilly's picture in Al's post up above. Is it me, or does he look like a younger Bill Murray?
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 1:00 PM CDT reply actions  

Any news on D-Lee?
I thought he was going to be back in the lineup for this series

by vegascubsfan on May 18, 2007 1:06 PM CDT reply actions  

re: Any news on D-Lee?
Apparently he is "available," but obviously not well enough to start. He could be a hell of a pinch hitter if it comes to that.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sort of like...
The entire Mets team was available to pinch hit yesterday.  :(

by grogg2434 on May 18, 2007 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm sure...
it's nothing to worry about. Really. He's fine. Nothing wrong at all. Just want to be sure he's OK before we put him back in the lineup. Not that He's NOT OK...cause he is. We're just being cautious, and by cautious don't mean in a bad way. He's on track to be back real soon. Promise. XXX OOO.

-Jim Hendry

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: I'm sure...
Uh, Jim, why are you sweating like that?
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

I had the hot peppers...
on my chili bowl for breakfast.

-Jim Hendry

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

I believe...
that I heard earlier in the pre-game that he's available today in an emergency pinch hitting situation (in other words, whenever Izturis comes to bat) but that they are optimistic that he'll start tomorrow.

by grogg2434 on May 18, 2007 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Possibilities of the "shake ups" Lou...
....promised to occur on Monday or tuesday:
  • Call up of Marshall
  • Announcement Wood to throw rehab game
  • He announces he's had enough and quits the team.
That's all I can think of specifically right now.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 1:16 PM CDT reply actions  

You never know...
Jim Hendry could have a press conference to announce a 3 team trade that brings Sweaty Joe and Six Toe Alfonseca back to Wrigley.

by grogg2434 on May 18, 2007 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Starting Lineups...
Bugs Bunny 2b
Bugs Bunny cf
Bugs Bunny 3b
Bugs Bunny c
Bugs Bunny lf
Bugs Bunny 1b
Bugs Bunny rf
Bugs Bunny ss
Bugs Bunny p
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:20 PM CDT reply actions  

one of my favorites as a child...
Bugs Bunny 96, Gas House Gorillas 95

by grogg2434 on May 18, 2007 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

So besides Dye and Konerko....
who else is going to do the damage today for the Sox? Punch or Judy?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:23 PM CDT reply actions  

Don't know if I missed this somewhere but...
late lineup change.  Crede out.

Erstad CF
Ozuna 3B
Dye RF
Konerko 1B
Iguchi 2B
Uribe SS
Hall C
Terrero LF
Buehrle P

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 1:24 PM CDT reply actions  

Yep, he got hit in the face...
...with a ball during batting practice, per Pat & Ron.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

So what's the big deal...
I got plenty of those to the face before games, and I didn't have to sit any out.

- Billy Bean

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh no
you didn't... LOL.

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

I like how Lilly works quickly...
and so does Rothschild...cause he has a nap to catch.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:26 PM CDT reply actions  

Is it too early for an
Uh oh, here we go?

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 1:40 PM CDT reply actions  

For a catcher....
Barrett doesn't catch too well.
Go Cubs!

by Neifi Puppy on May 18, 2007 1:41 PM CDT reply actions  

LOL
 This is sig worthy material.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

That goes along with our...
relief pitchers...for Relief Pitchers...they don't Relieve or Pitch very well.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

There's no "getting back to me"...
the game was not over at 1-0.

It was a silly thing to say in the 2nd inning.

The Cubs may lose (it's now 2-1), but that 1-0 score wasn't the deciding run.

by SouthernCub on May 18, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lighten up Baba
 FIrst off I was being facetious.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Facetiousness...
does not go over as well when things have been going bad for the team.

by SouthernCub on May 18, 2007 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Facetiousness....
....does go over well with me, otherwise I would've gone mad watching this team years ago.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Seriously dude
you need to chill out.  This exchange is ridiculous.  It was obviously a joke and not to be taken literally.

by cubsbak on May 18, 2007 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: To home?
I wish.

I'm listening to the audio, not watching the game. The flyball didn't "sound" that deep. I'd think Soriano would at least give it a try.

Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

men on 2nd and 3rd
 He made the right play and avoided the big inning with a throw home and allowing the runner to go to 3rd. It was too deep to warrant a throw home.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think your taught to...
circle the ball and catch it in front of you to your throwing side while moving forward, so that you'll be in a good position to make a good, quick, accurate throw. But what do I know.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Why didn't you too invite me...
....to day drink with you guys.
  1. that was a line drive and no way he could "circle around it and get his momentum towards home"
  2. That ball was 15 feet from the warning track and it's only the 2nd inning. If he by chance he was high on crack and he did throw home, the runner on 2nd would've went to 3rd with only 1 out. Maybe thats where you're getting confused, because a throw home would've been something the Cubs would normally do and would've been the wrong play.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

re: Why didn't you too invite me...
Oh, good point. And I must confess, as a Cubs fan, I am unaccustomed to successful throws to the plate even being a possibility.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

I didn't say he should have thrown it....
my point was that he doesn't catch the ball like an outfielder, even when he does make a throw. Everyone in the league knows he has an above average arm, so if he can "dink" a 3rd base coach into thinking he's going to make a throw,  you know....they might not send people automatically everytime.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Something wrong with Lily?
8 BBs all season and already 2 in this game

by vegascubsfan on May 18, 2007 1:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Yeah
Gotta be careful with a slugger like Terrero

by vegascubsfan on May 18, 2007 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Last year that wouldve been a 5 run inning
and game over. This year 1 run we come back to take the lead but the bullpen blows later.
Everybody on the count of three kick karma in the ass, maybe that will wake her up.

by Me and Lou WS 07 on May 18, 2007 1:49 PM CDT reply actions  

my prediction for today...
...is that the Cubs won't get as many hits as the White Sox get runs.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would go along with this, but
I don't have that much confidence in this team. and in the majority of the season so far, they're not showing much confidence in themselves either.
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on May 18, 2007 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

I predict you will be wrong...
And regardless, what fun is there in predicting futility?

by SouthernCub on May 18, 2007 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Barrett
HOME RUN!
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 1:52 PM CDT reply actions  

That makes up
for his passed ball....
Go Cubs!

by Neifi Puppy on May 18, 2007 1:52 PM CDT reply actions  

home runs...
just aren't as exciting when you're watching gamecast at work.

by carolinacubbie on May 18, 2007 1:54 PM CDT reply actions  

You can put it on the boooaard
yes!
Well, sometimes nothin is a real cool hand.

by wicubfan on May 18, 2007 1:54 PM CDT reply actions  

According to Gameday
DeRosa about got hit in the head with pitch #3 from Buehrle.  Was he trying to hit him or was it just inside?
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 1:54 PM CDT reply actions  

re: According to Gameday
I didn't hear any indication on the audio that the pitch was that close. I wouldn't read too much into those pitch placements on Gameday. They always seem really exagerrated to me.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm wathcing both the game on tv
and Game Day.  You are rigth about the pitch placements being off sometimes at least

by BlueSox on May 18, 2007 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oooops...
my bad...

- Lilly

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 2:04 PM CDT reply actions  

ted's middle name
Ted "Only homers for me, thank you" Lilly

by Mr Snrub on May 18, 2007 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

WE SUCK AGAIN!
-the Waterboy
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on May 18, 2007 2:12 PM CDT reply actions  

Why did Lilly get a WP for that?
That was a catchable ball, almost knee high. That should be a PB and hence the run is unearned.

by CubFaninNY on May 18, 2007 2:17 PM CDT reply actions  

Well, at least at this rate...
it'll all be over in another hour. And if were lucky, we won't even HAVE a lead for the bullpen to blow!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 2:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Great Plate Patience Murt...
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on May 18, 2007 2:24 PM CDT reply actions  

Guys, guys! Quit arguing...
...you're missing a really boring baseball game.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 2:25 PM CDT reply actions  

The Sox are just a better team right now.
You have no idea how hard that is to say.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 2:27 PM CDT reply actions  

This team
is so bad.  I'm so sick of wasted leadoff doubles.  I'm not sure who keeps stats on wasted leadoff doubles, but over the last few years the Cubs must rank right up there.

by cubsbak on May 18, 2007 2:29 PM CDT reply actions  

It's really odd that Lou wouldn't
be demanding that his players start hitting to the right or Hitting and Running or something to get them out of thinking the only way to win Baseball games is by hitting 5 run homers every AB.

Did we hire Lou Penilla or Earl Weaver?

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Neither...
The Cubs hired Lou Piniella.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's not the manager
it's the players.  If guys haven't learned how to play fundamental baseball by the time they reach the major leagues (after playing little league, high school, college/pro ball for all those years), it's unrealistic to think Sweet Lou (or any manager) would be able to teach these guys how to do it at the major league level.  The Cubs just don't have many fundamentally sound players.

by cubsbak on May 18, 2007 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

if only...
barrett would punch someone to entertain us. like izturis, so he won't come up to bat.

by carolinacubbie on May 18, 2007 2:30 PM CDT reply actions  

Cubs v. Sox
I really don't think the Sox have a better team right now.
I got mayonnaise color car, I push miracle whips.

by Bricks and Ivy on May 18, 2007 2:32 PM CDT reply actions  

How come...
Theriot is the only one who looks upset, and disgusted with himself when he makes an out?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 2:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Because the Kid has heart
something the rest of the team needs.

I wonder if he could pitch out of the Bullpen?

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

If the Cubs don't score next inning
they will lose.

No pressure.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 2:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Losing has never...
ever put pressure on the Cubs.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

We have proven this year
That we can't score past the 6th inning
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on May 18, 2007 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sacrilege
I know he's everyone's golden boy but Ryan Theriot is a utility player.  He should not be hitting leadoff on any legitimate major league team.  

He may hustle but his walk rate is not exceptional and he has no power.  As I said in the spring, last year was a fluke.  If he and the Cubs are lucky his year-end numbers will look something like .270/.320/.330.  He's the Cubs version of "scrappy" David Eckstein except he's not as good.
 

by rlpete on May 18, 2007 2:45 PM CDT reply actions  

how does no power...
...and an OBP of .370 make him a bad fit for lead-off?

by seang03 on May 18, 2007 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Like I said sacrilege
His OBP is closer to .360 and falling.  Wait until the end of the season and see where it is.  

I'm not saying that Piniella has any better options.  What I said is that a real major league team wouldn't have him at leadoff.  As for the lack of power, his slugging average is lower right now than Juan Pierre's last season and by 40 points!  

by rlpete on May 18, 2007 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

and eckstein is TERRIBLE
so thats saying alot.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on May 18, 2007 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Eckstein's lifetime numbers are
.282/.349/.357 and is in his 7th season.  

I don't think Theriot will match that especially the .357 slugging.  

by rlpete on May 18, 2007 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

You're Invited!
to the donkey show.  And lucky you...you're staring!

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah....totally agree...
why doesn't Lou put the real leadoff man at the top of the lineup! Sorian.....wait...I mean...Paga....oh...huh? No....Itz...um...I know Mur...naw...Oh screw it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

You eat a lot of paint chips when you were a kid?
Theriot is only player on the team that is scrappy and clutch enough to play in the majors.

I would take a team full of ryan theriots over this crap ass team any day of the week.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

If you want to discuss it
as an adult, look at his stats and get back to me.  

by rlpete on May 18, 2007 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pagan
 Still amazes me how the Cubs didn't bring him with the club out of ST.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 2:49 PM CDT reply actions  

meanwhile
cubs have dudes on the corners.
One of Us!One Of Us!

by HerrProf on May 18, 2007 2:49 PM CDT reply actions  

It's like the Cubs are...
...physically incapable of the sacrifice fly.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 2:52 PM CDT reply actions  

Pagan should've scored...
....on the Fly by Barrett....Dye was coming in but towards the line (across his body) and with 2 outs Pagan shouldve definitely been sent by knucklehead Quade. This team has hard enough time getting runners home from third let alone with 2 outs.

Idiot.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed...if that's Ramirez or Murton
you might hold them.  Pagan makes it home easily. Especially against their backup catcher in a close game. Quade is an idiot.
Go Cubs!

by Neifi Puppy on May 18, 2007 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Whew...that was close..
we almost scored a run with a man on 3rd and less than 2 out!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 2:55 PM CDT reply actions  

Not watching
should Quade have sent Ramirez on the fly out to Dye?
MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 2:56 PM CDT reply actions  

Sorry
I meant Pagan.
MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well..to catch you up..
The Cubs are sucking....and the Sox are sucking just a little bit less....
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Top of 7....
Oh and in other news...the price of US Citizenship has been adjusted for inflation now to only $5,000 by the Senate and Whitehouse.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

WE SUCK AGAIN!
~the Waterboy
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~Andy Warhol

by BlueW on May 18, 2007 2:57 PM CDT reply actions  

Cmon...
it wasn;t that bad...1 out at the corners.

Totally understandable.

MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on May 18, 2007 3:00 PM CDT reply actions  

No Heart...less brains.
Chicago Cubs 2007...catch the fever.

No really watch this team and you will be sick with a fever.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Barrett used his mask as a glove
 LMFAO  never ceases to amaze me.

 That ball would've spun into fair terroitory and Barrett's lucky it was just a hair in foul terroritory.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 3:03 PM CDT reply actions  

derosa
makes me miss todd walker. at least he had that comforting daily 5 o'clock shadow that gives the illusion, albeit a false one, that he works so hard he doesn't have time to shave.

by carolinacubbie on May 18, 2007 3:05 PM CDT reply actions  

Not sure if Derosa...
....makes me miss Walker but Derosa makes me wish Derosa was playing somewhere else.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

I agree
What a horrid signing.  I'm tired of him already.  How many years do we have him?  

by rlpete on May 18, 2007 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

If I'm Lilly...
I tell my lineup...

"Either you score some runs, or I'm pitching under-hand next inning!"

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:05 PM CDT reply actions  

ROTFLMAO!!
For some reason I don't thing that will work.

This team no cares about winning.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Erstad's hit the ball hard all day....
....but at everyon every time....one more time Ted...c'mon.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 3:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Game.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:08 PM CDT reply actions  

sigh...
...well, at least this isn't happening in the ninth inning.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 3:08 PM CDT reply actions  

Over.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:08 PM CDT reply actions  

Good Thinking Lilly
Open base with two outs.  A guy that has gone 0-3 on Deck.

And what is Lilly's great idea.  Throw him a fast ball down the middle of the plate.

Wow this team is stupid.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Soriano
keeps showing his value, huh.
"These are terrible times, and I shouldn't joke about them." --Warren Zevon

by ExNorthsider on May 18, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Gameday and ESPN
Totally F'N SUCK... It was stuck on Angel Pagan's at bat for like 15 minutes.
The only thing worse then the White Sox, is White Sox Fans. Thank God im a CUBS FAN!

by Galvan316 on May 18, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Oh, man...
...Ron almost blew out the mic introducing the song.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Sooooo.....
now what?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:11 PM CDT reply actions  

Turn off the TV
 and head down to the local watering hole and do me some day drinking.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

So now that a quarter of the season is over
can we officially say this team needs to pull their head out of their asses?

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:12 PM CDT reply actions  

how many pitches
for izturis to get out this time around? i'm going to be liberal and say 3.

by carolinacubbie on May 18, 2007 3:12 PM CDT reply actions  

dang!
who would have guessed 5? he's really making buehrle work now.

by carolinacubbie on May 18, 2007 3:14 PM CDT reply actions  

Come on guys
Give me a G
G
Give me an O
O
Give me an...wait the Cubs Pen is getting loose.

Ahhh Crap FK it were going to lose.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

I posted that...
Just seconds before Pagan got that triple.

No surprise Mac tossed a wild pitch.

by DrCrawdad on May 18, 2007 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Stupid Theriot....
Lame single....lame lame lame....

We want a leadoff hitter with POWER!!!!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:16 PM CDT reply actions  

Yeah Lame OBP Over .370
LAME, LAME, LAME!!!!!!!!!

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hate him...
did you see his career numbers? He never did great in the Minors. He has no business playing at the Major league level! Yeah he's scrappy, and is getting on base a ton this year, and get clutch hits, and has played better defense than Izturis and Cedeno and DeRosa so far THIS year. But not the last few years. He's a bum.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hey Man
A guy with just as many homers as DLEE is up right now.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:16 PM CDT reply actions  

even if we hit a 3 run homer here
that means the blowpen will have to come in with a 1 run lead and we all know how that would turn out

by CubsBall2202 on May 18, 2007 3:17 PM CDT reply actions  

Yes!
I like this guy Pagan.
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions  

YEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still wanna bitch about THE RIOT?
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions  

WooooooHoooooo
Pagan!! I love this guy.
If the cubs were an international soccer team they'd be called Scotland.

by mrtobby on May 18, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Pagan
 It still amazes me how he the Cubs didn't take him with him out of ST.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Yes!! We have our
starting CF until Pie is ready.  Trade Jacque ASAP.
Go Cubs!

by Neifi Puppy on May 18, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions  

for Theriot bashers
its a slump, every player has one, deal with it.

by Chanman25 on May 18, 2007 3:19 PM CDT reply actions  

Who would be dumb enough to bash on
The riot unless they had spent a childhood eating paint chips?

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'd love to say it is a slump
I'm not saying bench him.  He has earned the starting spot especially over the awful DeRosa.  I'm not not willing to say he's the long-term answer yet.  For now he is though.  

We'll see in the next month or so as he's the starter now.    

 

by rlpete on May 18, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

YES YES YES YES YES YES!
Pagan scores on wild pitch!!!!
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

by eamuscatuli1881 on May 18, 2007 3:20 PM CDT reply actions  

haha Len called it!!
he called that wild pitch and its 4-3!!

That'll shut up those  doubters for now..

by Chanman25 on May 18, 2007 3:21 PM CDT reply actions  

WOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Pagan is to be worshipped.
Send...more...paramedics!

by daver on May 18, 2007 3:21 PM CDT reply actions  

I'd get excited
 but I've seen this horror movie one too many times.

by lemon20pie on May 18, 2007 3:21 PM CDT reply actions  

i know where your coming from
which is why i will not be exicted till 9 innings is over

by CubsBall2202 on May 18, 2007 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Have you guys checked Pagan's...
career numbers? He's a joke....shouldn't even be in the lineup today. I hate him.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:21 PM CDT reply actions  

You shouldn't be laughing at me...
check my career numbers. I'm not worth the paper I'm printed on.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well right now, he's our fifth best hitter.....
according to VORP, so I'll let you have his career numbers if the 2007 team can keep that performance.

by USCKB on May 18, 2007 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cubs lead 4-3 on wild pitch
Ron's happy again.... ...so am I.
If the cubs were an international soccer team they'd be called Scotland.

by mrtobby on May 18, 2007 3:21 PM CDT reply actions  

Now if we hit back to back shots here
Our pen might have a chance of holding onto this lead.

by MrDurden on May 18, 2007 3:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Might as well trade...
...Jones now, because he should not get another start in center the rest of the year!
"Although slow, and dangerous behind the wheel, you can still serve a purpose."

by ilovepie on May 18, 2007 3:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Did anyone else notice how..
Pagan "slapped" home plate after the slide?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 18, 2007 3:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Yes...
and then quickly ran to the dugout!

by John Q Freejazz on May 18, 2007 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dream Trade
Guzman, Jones, and money for Chad Cordero

yes, no?

by Chanman25 on May 18, 2007 3:23 PM CDT