Just When You Think It Can't Get Any Worse...

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 5:52 AM CDT in Chicago Cubs Recaps

... it does.

First of all, I have a bone to pick with my son. He's off school for a long holiday weekend, and could (and presumably, did) stay up and watch the game. I gave him a writing assignment just as I did last year; really simple; stay up, watch the game, write a recap and email it to me so I could post it here.

Got to work, found no email from him. So I'm on my own in writing something about a game of which I saw the first two innings, and judging from this recap of the 9-8 loss to the Dodgers, it got pretty ugly, despite scoring those eight runs on thirteen hits and four walks and not a single home run in the bunch.

So instead I commend you to JFCubFan's diary, since he actually attended this disaster, and in which he writes that the best thing was:

... it took me only 5 minutes from the freeway to roll into my parking spot in that parking lot...

I guess that comes under the category of "thank heavens for small favors".

The folks at the Rangers site Lone Star Ball noticed all our angst in the game thread last night. They want to trade us a relief pitcher, specifically Scott Feldman. Look at that link -- Feldman's been Scott Eyre-like awful this year, but he had a decent year in 2006 and is only 24. Wonder if we could ship Jacque Jones their way? He and Sammy could platoon at DH!

And have a look at True Blue LA's "Things I Would Rather Have Than Juan Pierre". Hilarious! (This will also serve as my link to my fellow SB Nation Dodger blogger Andrew, since I forgot to include it in last night's game thread. Sorry!)

Via my friend Rob at 6-4-2, I read "Top 9 Trolley Dodger Reasons Why You Should Remember To Breathe", which contains in particular these three gems:

1. Your failure to understand the logic of or not knowing the full story behind Dodger front office decisions does not mean there is no logic or reason behind those decisions.

2. It doesn’t matter if you have a subscription to Baseball America, obsessively monitor the news feeds, refresh the forums every 5 minutes, and Read Every Blog: you don’t know everything, and there is always more to the story than the public knows.

3. Does this mean the Dodger front office is always right? Absolutely not. But then, neither are you.

Rob didn't care for that logic, but there's a lesson in there for anyone who is a compulsive bitcher about every single one of Jim Hendry's moves. I suppose many of you will see this as being an apologist for him and the Cub front office, but it is nothing of the sort. Has Hendry made mistakes? Of course he has. But keep these things in mind the next time you think you're right and Hendry's wrong -- about everything. Because you're not, and neither am I.

As you know, I choose to be optimistic -- and yes, it gets harder and harder after each ridiculous loss, and I must say I'm glad I missed last night's. How bad is this division, though? Every one of the teams has a losing record on the road. And every one except the Brewers has a losing record at home. Last night, Milwaukee also lost (after nearly coming back from a 7-0 deficit). The Astros lost (that pitching staff is horrendous -- ERA 4.36 and rising). The Cardinals lost -- to Micah Bowie, who got his first victory as a starting pitcher since September 23, 1999, when he was a Cub. The Reds lost, and the only reason the Pirates didn't lose, too, is that they were playing the Reds. This division is still winnable.

But the Cubs had better start winning games. NOW.

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Comments

A few thoughts

Dernier is never to give baserunning tips to any Cub player. I thought last year was terrible. It couldn't get any worse. It did.
The more relievers we use, the more chances one of them will blow up. Last night Wuertz threw 5 piches to get 3 outs in the 7th. Howry threw 4 zillion and is still looking for an out.
The Cubs offense was remarkable in the 7th. Everey hitter until Izturis took at least one pitch. It was the best I've ever seen the team approach a pitcher. Why is it so tough to maintain that approach?
I don't have to explain to my Astro fan buddies why we're terrible.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on May 26, 2007 6:36 AM CDT reply actions

Does anyone know

why Wuertz only threw one inning? Was he pinch hit for the next half-inning?

I have to think that fine baseball men like Piniella and Rothschild pay attention to pitch counts and things of that nature, and surely they realized he only threw six pitches, four for strikes. I hope they are looking at number of pitches and not innings. Someone please tell me Piniella sent someone up to pinch hit for him and wasn't just overmanaging, or micromanaging again.

by pageian on May 26, 2007 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree with you....

...this was Pinella's tag for the loss. In view of Al's theme in his post I will qualify that by saying "subject to check regarding the health or energy level of Weurtz at that time." I am not being sarcastic, if Weurtz was tired or sore for whatever reason then maybe they had good reason to not stick with him. If he was totally fine then it was a lousy managerial decision. If it was the latter then I hope it was not because Howry is still viewed as the Veteran who can be counted upon. I hope that we don't keep going in that direction with 30+ old relief pitchers with over-used arms...I want to remain optimistic and I have vented enough after the loss so I am choosing to join with Al and remain optimistic. I missed the bad losses that others have referred to in Philly and NY, I don't even want to know about them...I thought Guzman actually pitched well. I am ready for the team to move forward with Weurtz, Guzman, Ohman, Marmol, a recalled Cotts and Howry and Dempster if we don't make a deal for another relief pitcher. I'd lean heavier on the arms of Weurtz, Guzman, Ohman, Marmol and Cotts and let Howry and Dempster get some rest for theirs.

In the interests of making my new wife happy I am choosing to be a happy and optimistic Cubs fan--no matter what. All of my venting is over--momentum is today's starting pitcher, let's start that W streak today--Go Cubs!

by DudeVf11 on May 26, 2007 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions

It's a lousy managerial decision...

... to bring in your lock-down high-priced righty reliever in with a three run lead? I mean if Bob Howry cannot hold a three run lead, muchless record one damn out, then he shouldn't be on the team. I have no problem with how Piniella managed his pen last night. Give Wuertz, Howry and Dempster short, 1-inning stints and neither should have any problem if they're needed again the next night.

If the Cubs pen is simply going to be "which reliever is gonna implode tonight", it doesn't matter how Piniella manages because this team just isn't going to go anywhere.

DmL

by dmlichte on May 26, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

It isn't needed and it protects the pen...

..to let Weurtz go at least another inning, so long as he's fine health wise. It is a poor decision to start changing pitchers when you have that kind of lead because you have to use up yet another pitcher and the probability of a given pitcher blowing that lead at that point in the game is very small that virtually anyone on the staff can close it out. In that situation you are much better off resting the rest of the pen and sticking with who is in the game. regardless of the money paid Howry it's a poor decision and the tail should not be allowed to wag the dog if the Cubs want to win. I'll state it this way, even if Howry closes the game, it is a poor decision to use him in that game because he wasn't needed, you have used 2 pitchers to accomplish what one could do and now you have 2 guys who may be tired for the next night instead of one.

by DudeVf11 on May 26, 2007 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Exactly

n/t

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on May 26, 2007 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions

So...

...can we add Howry to the list of pitchers that Baker pitched into the ground?

by jolietconvict on May 26, 2007 7:19 AM CDT reply actions

Maybe.

He didn't really throw any more innings than he did the year before in Cleveland (76.2 in 2006, 73 in 2005). Made five more appearances, faced 27 more batters, WHIP about the same, BB/K ratio about the same.

Maybe he's hurt now, but if he had been abused by Baker, I'd have thought the signs would have shown up before now.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 7:24 AM CDT up reply actions

The last time Howry pitched back-to-back

70+ inning seasons (White Sox 2000-01), he ended up on the DL the following year only pitching 18 innings.

1-RUN GAMES = 2-11 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-4

by SackMan on May 26, 2007 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't.......

think it was abuse by Baker.

Both Howry and Eyre had logged a lot of innings prior to the signings. IMHO it just caught up to them.

Also, I am quickly changing my mind on this division. Laugh if you will Al, but look out for St. Louis. As many problems as they have had, they are still lurking. I have a sick feeling they will win this thing.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm laughing.

They lost to the Nats last night. Their pitching is in disarray, their offense suddenly grown old. What is it about the Cardinals that says "winner" to you?

Since June 16, 2006, when they were 42-26 and led the NL Central by 5.5 games, they are 60-78. What about that record says "winner" to you?

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

Edmonds is old, Rolen has problems, Pujols isn't great for some reason. Clubhouse tragedies, managerial indescretions, disabled aces etc etc.... No offense, no pitching. Todd Wellemyer. The Cards are out of it and they're not getting back in.

by pageian on May 26, 2007 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions

The same thing......

that screams "loser" when you talk about the rest of this division. I am CRYING/ LAUGHING that they are ONLY 1.5 games back of the Cubs! They should be buried (no pun intended) after the injuries, turmoil and slumps they have had to deal with this year.

Al, look at their schedule over the next month. I admit that they are not a good team. You have to admit they do have a history of getting to the dance.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 8:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Laughing......

Our Cubs have a 61-79 record since June 16, 2006.
What about that record says "winner" to you?

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions

LOL

Point taken. However, the Cubs didn't win the division last year, the Cardinals did. While the Cubs may not be running away with anything right now, nor do they appear to be poised to do that, I don't see how you can think the Cardinals are, either.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't think....

the Cardinals are better. Actually I think they are quite a bit worse. There is something about them that makes me nervous. I don't know what it is. It is irrational.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions

agree

that the cardinals are a threat to win the division. they have an extremely easy schedule in june, including 6 games against the royals. plus they have a history of winning-something the cubs and brewers obviously dont have. i agree in that they dont have near the talent as the brewers or cubs, but i too have this sinkin feeling that they will make a run.

by bennyha on May 26, 2007 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

The Royals...

... may not be the pushover you think they are. They have already won series vs. the Angels, A's and Indians.

I imagine they could split the six games with St. Louis.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

He can't recover with 5 months

of rest in the offseason? Give me a break, this pitcher overuse stuff is getting way out of hand on all levels, and is a lame excuse.

"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 26, 2007 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Linebrink

I hear the Padres are going to shop him. What are the odds? What would we have to give up to get him?

by utcubby on May 26, 2007 7:25 AM CDT reply actions

Don't know, but...

... I know the Cubs have been after him most of this year. He's just what the Cubs need right now. I'd say go get him, and what better time than when they're already in San Diego; he could just switch clubhouses.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Why......

would SD do us a favor?

They are in the hunt for a playoff spot. You do not sell, you buy when in this position.

As for what the Cubs have to offer, that is simple: NOTHING!

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 7:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Unless

you look at how bad San Diego's offense is and how good their pitching is and then look at the Cubs which is like looking in a mirror, everything is the opposite. JJ would be an improvement over Termel Sledge for them. Nothing to you might be quite a lot to the Pads.

by pageian on May 26, 2007 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Exactly.

n/t

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Exactly to what????????

Al you have been following baseball for a long time now. Do you really believe with so many teams needing relief pitching that the Padres could not do better than Jones?

If you don't, you are either a hopeless homer or have lost your mind due to all the 1 run defeats. ;)

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Well..

... Jones for Linebrink wouldn't do it, no. But maybe Jones AND someone else would, or Jones and a couple of prospects.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Look to the.......

Pirates.

Do you think the Cubs could get their hands on a Damaso Marte?

IMHO, SD will not subtract unless they get YOUNG talent back. I do not think anyone here would give up a player like Pie to get Linebrink. Some team will though.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Marte?

Are you kidding me? Remember how White Sox fans used to rail against him?

Damaso Marte is Spanish for "Will Ohman". And, he's two years older than Ohman. No thanks.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Do yourself a favor.......

take a look at this and let me know if you still have the same opinion.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6261

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Here is Ohman's.......

stats......

You be the judge........

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=4563

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Padres

I don't see how we have anything even remotely interesting to get a pitcher the quality of Linebrink from San Diego with. They gave Hoffman the night off last night and Linebrink came in and had a stellar inning to get the save. He was simply overpowering. They will expect a lot, someone with equal value to a solid closer. What do we have that fits that?

They are not going to be interested in Jones. They already have guys like Cruz and Sledge to fill in with Cameron and Giles. Jones doesn't upgrade them in any way. I am afraid we are stuck with our Jones mistake for a long time to come.

by paulucla on May 26, 2007 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Market for set up men

Is not even close to that of a closer. Believe it or not, players like Murton (hit .297 last year) and JJ have value to a punchless team. Murton would be a good fit for that ballpark because he is a line drive hitter.

by utcubby on May 26, 2007 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Doesn't matter what you think

it matters what the Padres think, and they think he is a solid closer not just a good setup man. He'd be closing if he wasn't behind one of the all-time greats, and they'd be happy to hold onto him for when Hoffman retires and meanwhile use him as an 8th inning closer, where he has been nothing short of excellent.

They floated Linebrink around in the off season and ultimately kept him. I don't see how anything has changed. I doubt they would see Murton as an upgrade over Cruz or Sledge.

I'm just giving you the reality. I would absolutely love the Cubs to get Linebrink, but it's never going to happen.

by paulucla on May 26, 2007 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Good news!

We all know that last night was a disaster, but if you are really a true blue Cub fan, you have to admit that there was some rays of sunshine relating to last night's loss:

Milwaukee lost so we did NOT lose ground.
Houston lost so we are still in sole possession of 2nd place.
World Champion Cardinals lost, so they did not gain any ground on us.
You Midwesterners got to go to bed an hour earlier than me (I am in Boston).

C'mon, guys, we could easily be 10 games out of the running by now!! THINK ABOUT THAT!

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

by ronsanto10 on May 26, 2007 8:15 AM CDT reply actions

how do you muster optimism after that debacle?

Quite impressive...that 7 run 7th had the potential to be a season changer, instead we just get to try and compare which was worse, the Met game or this one.

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on May 26, 2007 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions

I am considering establishing a ranking system

to rank the "pain level" for each loss. On a scale of 1 to 10, last night's would have been a 9, or at least an 8.5. It felt cruelly painful for the Cubs rally to take the lead late in the game, only to give it up and lose by one run.

ARRRRGH.

by dfrancon on May 26, 2007 8:23 AM CDT reply actions

The only reason why last night was not a 10

on your "pain level" scale is because the winning run was not walked in during the 9th inning.

Not that we haven't seen that this year.

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd...

by bluesweatergirl on May 26, 2007 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Tell me about it.

I saw that walking in of the winning run in the 9th inning in person, having planned an entire trip from Dallas to NYC around attending that game.

by dfrancon on May 26, 2007 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Apologist.....

I do not think you are being an apologist when you say there are many unknowns to any deal.

The problem I have with Hendry and the Cubs FO is that they seem to never learn from their mistakes. I also felt that the direction of the club has been "Helter Skelter" and lacked vision.

Has Hendry made some good deals? Absolutely. However, IMHO, he has made many more terrible deals/ signings which have hurt this club and will continue to do so in seasons to come.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 8:58 AM CDT reply actions

I don't want a trade right now.

Unless we can get a top-shelf shortstop... nope, no way. Why? Because outside of a top-shelf shortstop, the team's biggest needs are in the bullpen. And we are currently being given a clinic on how veteran relievers are about the worst bets in Vegas. We should have sold off Howry and Eyre before the season, when they had value. We didn't. Now we're stuck with them. We have a crapton of guys down in the minors who can throw relief innings. Are they going to be good? Who knows. Who even cares. Mediocre would be an improvement.

by cwyers on May 26, 2007 9:14 AM CDT reply actions

That's the only plausible compensation

I see for trading Zambrano. If we deal him this year, I want the #1 SS prospect in the entire league in return.

1-RUN GAMES = 2-11 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-4

by SackMan on May 26, 2007 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Doubtful.

You want the best shortstop available? That's Hanley Ramirez. You're getting into dealing Pie, Patterson, Veal, Gallagher and/or Pawalek there.

by cwyers on May 26, 2007 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions

A couple items...

I noticed we trotted our "all salary" squad out there last night. From the most expensive lineup possible (Jones, Derosa, & Floyd), to our expensive unreliable relievers (Eyre was warming for a while but didn't get in).
WHERE'S ROCKY CHERRY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

by Jerry Mumphrey on May 26, 2007 9:15 AM CDT reply actions

We should send Howry to the Phillies for...

...the cost of the plane ticket. They probably are desperate for a closer with five fingers, they'd pay freight.

Cherry, Rapada and Pignatiello are all available at AAA. Cherry might be an issue -- he can't come up for four more days, because they sent him down for Fontenot on the 15th.

by cwyers on May 26, 2007 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions

The poor baserunning....

is just as much to blame as the bullpen. Why is Lee getting a pass? He doesn't get picked off second in the 8th for the second out....the Cubs might still be batting now.......

At least it wasn't walks or other mistakes by the pen...it was poor managing and the fact one of the releif pitchers doesn't belong in the major leagues as

by kcjones on May 26, 2007 9:23 AM CDT reply actions

I agree...

...with you. Yes, DLee knocked in the tying run - great. But, to get picked off on the very next pitch? Absolutely inexcusable.

And you want to know what really pissed me off? After he went to the bench, everyone was high fiving and fist pumping him. WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? Piniella should've blew a gasket. I was literally screaming at the TV - "why are you congratulating him for being an idiot!!!" It's the same as players who miss free throws and people still go slap their hand.

YUCK.

"Although slow, and dangerous behind the wheel, you can still serve a purpose."

by ilovepie on May 26, 2007 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions

The worst thing about last night...

...is the fact that it could've been a huge 'turning point' game.

Battle back from five runs down, score seven in one inning (w/out a homer?), great timely hitting can build confidence for a long way, and then....

the bullpen implodes like every other heartbreaker this year. I am still so angry that I am choking on my own rage!!!

"Although slow, and dangerous behind the wheel, you can still serve a purpose."

by ilovepie on May 26, 2007 9:45 AM CDT reply actions

Uh oh...

Sounds like Lou is turning into Dusty...

"It's a tough game to lose, but what are you gonna do?" Piniella said. "Nobody's trying to give it to 'em."

They played hard. They did their best. Move on. Their whole life isn't out in that field. It's their job. It's not an obsession.

by McHuge on May 26, 2007 9:46 AM CDT reply actions

I'm not sure Lou even wants to be here

the dodger announcers were saying that Lou has said that if he knew this team was going to be this bad that he would never have taken the job. that has got to make the players feel good. that and some of his other quotes make me wonder if he has given up already.

*diehard cubs fan from northern manitoba, canada

by hoppy91 on May 26, 2007 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Relief -- or Lack of

How many losses now for the season for the bullpen? Is it 12 or 13.
Someone said earlier -- and something I mentioned a few days ago -- Howry and Eyre.
Their past has caught up with them. Even before last year, they both had a huge number of appearances with their former teams. As I said then and I think it bears repeating -- the lifespan of effective set up men is not great because of the inordinate number of appearances. At some time, it catches up with them. Now we are seeing the results. They can't pitch to spots and everthing they throw is straight as an arrow and slower. The results have been seen.
As for Ohman, I'll say it again. He pitches like a great hitter -- 1 out of every 3 appearances is successful. When he misses with his pitches -- as is his norm -- he compounds his problems by throwing right down the middle of the plate. Again with no movement on his fastball, he either gets clobbered or walks someone.
For now, give the ball to Marmol and Guzman when you need more than an inning. But try to start Guzman at the start of an inning. With men on base, he gets hyped up like big Z and winds up getting in trouble.
Also -- give Pignatello a shot out of the pen. He seems to be doing OK at the lower level. He certainly can't do any worse than Eyre and Ohman when it comes to lefties out of the pen.
And Lou -- please leave in Wuertz for more than an inning. For pete's sake, the guy is a set up man, not your closer. Six pitches and you take him out?
Pitch selection --
After watching Ohman pitch to Saenz last night (or early this AM), I was totally frustrated. The guy loves fastballs low. Why with two strikes, didn't he throw the ball up at the shoulders? Barrett set up once with that in mind and Ohman didn't get it there but the ball was barely fouled off. So instead of moving it up a notch, he throws a fastball knee high and the guy rips it.
Finally -- Larry Rotschild (sp)
How long has it been now -- three managers?
What has this guy done to improve our pitching staff? No improvement once someone arrives at the ML level. Constant nibbling at the plate that leads to walks and behind in the count hits. Or does it go further down the line in the organizations approach to the handling of pithers?
Larry needs to go -- enough is enough.

by ceegeewow on May 26, 2007 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

Soriano - the kid gloves are off

It is time Soriano start doing something in the leadoff spot, on the basepads and in the outfield. I can't recall being THIS disappointed is a player.

The bullpen? Well, Bob Howry and Scott Eyre are useless. Lets not sugarcoact this fact. They both turned back into pumpkins, the one into a fat pumpkin ala Glendon Rusch. Apparently the clubhouse spread in Chicago is wondrous and too much for veteran lefties who just signed lucrative contracts to pass up.

Final note. Please stop looking for solace in the fact that the Cubs play in the worst division in baseball. The Cubs have made up zero ground against a Milwaukee team that is reeling. Zero.

"It's not early anymore" - Sweet Lou

by BlueMike on May 26, 2007 9:56 AM CDT reply actions

THAT.....

is the point junior!

As bad as the Cubs have played, they have NOT LOST GROUND!

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on May 26, 2007 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Cubs

The Cubs are only down 5 in the loss column to the Brewers. Not a disaster.

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

by ronsanto10 on May 26, 2007 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions

IT IS A DISASTER

They should be leading the division now since The Brew-Crew started their nose dive.

When the hell are you ever going to get such an opportunity to make up ground on 1st place, as the Cubs are getting right now?

1-RUN GAMES = 2-11 | EXTRA INNINGS = 1-4

by SackMan on May 26, 2007 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Still time

Still over 70% of the season left. I say again: NOT A DISASTER! Let's see where things stand at the break. Where is your Cubbie Spirit???

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

by ronsanto10 on May 26, 2007 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Cubs-Brewers: Nine games left

Sounds like those series, one of which begins shortly, can make or break the season.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 26, 2007 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

They very well could.

The Cubs and Brewers will play two series in June, one in each park. So far the teams have split six games. The next six will tell us a lot about the direction of this season.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Re: Soriano

He's batting almost .300, has the highest OBP of his career so far this year. Plus he's struggling with a injury right now.

He went 3-5 last night with 2 runs, 2 rbi's and a SB.

Wow, that's disappointing!

by DTJchris on May 26, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Howryble

The really bad thing about last night's game is taht Howry created the disaster but didn't get the loss.

Al, to understand how bad it was, you should have seen Lou's face and demeanor in the 8th inning. He looked as if someone had taken the last breath out of him. He kept his mouth open in disbelief and once let his torso slouch or fall upon the railing in the dugout.

by Fraggin Judge on May 26, 2007 10:01 AM CDT reply actions

Ohman wasn't exactly stunning either.

So I don't feel BAD, precisely, for him getting the loss there. I was vaugelly pleased (a relative thing here) to see him blow his top in the dugout. At the other extreme, I think Bob Howry may well have been dead by the time the game was over. I don't think I've ever seen anyone move so little. He was an absolute statue on the bench. You could watch the rest of the team clean up the bench area around him, like they were afraid to startle him.

by cwyers on May 26, 2007 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Well...

... at least he showed SOME emotion, unlike Dusty.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Some thoughts

Ya know, I understand that the Cubs are in 2nd place and are only "X" games in the loss column... Ya, its great for people to have the "the Cubs need to start winning" mentality, but that overlooks the fact that the Cubs have lost games for a reason. It overlooks some really disturbing trends and factors in their play that cause these losses.

The Cubs are't just winning or losing because things don't go their way, they are losing because they can't get runners in from third, their bullpen, especially the top line set-up men, are worthless. They're giving away outs on the basepaths in disturbing fashion. So the Cubs need to do more than just start winning, they need to fix some flaring deficiencies.

A note on Howry, and perhaps someone else caught this. At the end of the top of the seventh WGN showed Howry ending his warm-up session in the bullpen. He threw a pitch, was clearly uncomfortable, and made an obviously disapproving look. His body language spoke volumes. Something is wrong with Howry, be it his mechanics, an injury, or what. Until Howry has about a half dozen appearances without allowing a few runs, he needs to be relegated to mop-up situations or he needs to be DLed or released.

Has anyone else ever seen a team that follows up every big win with gut wrenching losses?

DmL

by dmlichte on May 26, 2007 10:48 AM CDT reply actions

Baseball Smarts

I was listening to David Kaplan on WGN on my drive home on Thursday night (I live in Detroit and sometimes I get a good signal.) He had Will Caroll(sp?) on from Baseball Prospectus. He had some very interesting comments.

He stated that while the Cubs have good players, they don't have smart (i.e., baseball intellegence) players.

For example, getting picked off second base by twenty feet. The continuous bad base running was an example. He wondered aloud if Piniella knew what a bad fundamental baseball team this was when he got it. He seemed to feel there was enough blame to go around: Hendry, Baker, Piniella, etc.

And, is it a rule that Cubs batters HAVE to swing at 2-0, 3-1 pitches? I have said for years that some batters will never walk because it means they had to take four pitches and some of our batters can't do it. Look at Izturis' at bat with the bases load in SD. Also, did anyone feel that any Cubs batter would try to coax a walk in the ninth inning last night? Didn't think so.

Also, am I the only who has no confidence in Michael Barrett's ability to call a pitch sequence. It seems like the longer an at bat the more likely something bad will happen. Why? Because Barrett keeps calling for the same pitch over and over. Ever hear of a scouting report? Saenz(sp?) last night was another example. Every scout in the league knows what he likes, except for the Cubs' and Barrett.And, don't even get me started on last night's matador move by Barrett on Guzman's first pitch. As a .300 hitter Barrett is a passable catcher, at .260 is is just plane awful.

Just kill me now and put me out of my misery. And to to it off, I get to watch the Tigers and Indians today on Fox.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -- George Santayana (1863-1952)

by cubfred on May 26, 2007 10:54 AM CDT reply actions

I have never been

a Barrett fan, to me his offense in no way props up his crappy defense. The wild pitch he let go by him last night was all him.

And I think Saito only threw 9 pitches in the 9th. Talk about not trying to get on base. This is inexcusable for a major league team. When you are 1 run down in the ninth, you have to be willing to go deep into the count to get a baserunner, unless the opposing pitcher serves you up a fat one. And again, Barrett, as the last potential hitter in the inning, swings at the very first pitch to end the game. Total crap.

BigJohnAZ

by BigJohnAZ on May 26, 2007 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions

I CANT STAND......

WILL OHMAN!!!

Seriously, if I had one guy to bring in after Howry's debacle it wouldn't be him...

He is a bad OHMAN for this team. If I never see him again it wouldn't be too soon...

Tomorrow is over, today is another day... Lets keep the cubbie spirit alive, and get the lead down to 5 games....

"The game is always healthier when the Cubs are good, and in a week they have made themselves a whole lot better."

by BillHoldenFan on May 26, 2007 11:03 AM CDT reply actions

The elephant in the room...

...Carlos throws today.

Go San Diego?

by cwyers on May 26, 2007 11:05 AM CDT reply actions

This team is a complete joke

they are not going to win the division because of the bullpen, so i dont know how some of you can be so optimistic. The bullpen isnt just going to wake up and "get it", last night certainly wasnt the last time you will see them blow a lead like that, it will proabbly happen about 10 more times. And im sure well have that game over the season where we go up like 9-0 and manage to lose 11-9 or something like that, its a traditional game every year. So unless we trade bullpens with someone like san diego, we are going nowhere, simple as that

by CubsBall2202 on May 26, 2007 11:40 AM CDT reply actions

Howry

should never be used late in close games. Marmol, Guzman, and Wuertz should all be used ahead of Howry. He sucks.

by cubsbak on May 26, 2007 11:43 AM CDT reply actions

howry should be demoted for cherry

by CubsBall2202 on May 26, 2007 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Demoted how, exactly?

Howry's a veteran who can't be sent to Iowa without his permission, and you can be guaranteed he wouldn't give it.

This isn't fantasy baseball, where you can send someone away with a couple of mouse clicks.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

How much is owed to Howry and Eyre?

If we cant trade them or send them down. time to put them on waivers and see what happens or just buy them out. a move has to made, if anything just to send a message that mediocrity will not be tolerated.

*diehard cubs fan from northern manitoba, canada

by hoppy91 on May 26, 2007 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Whether or not...

... that's a good idea, and frankly, it probably is, baseball teams don't operate that way. The only recent example of such a thing was the Diamondbacks' waiving of Russ Ortiz last year with $22m left on his contract.

Howry & Eyre are owed less than that combined -- how much less, I can't specifically remember -- and I think Howry, at least, is recoverable.

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

by Al Yellon on May 26, 2007 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Contract details.

Eyre gets $3.5 million this year guaranteed; $3.8 million player option exists for next year.

Howry is owed $4 million for this and next year.

by cwyers on May 26, 2007 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not even sure this qualifies as close.

Three runs? Sure, it was a close game AFTER the inning. But protecting a three-run lead... that's not exactly using him as a fireman there. Guzman was brought into close... bases loaded, no outs, all that. Hell, what Guzman went into was rougher than most saves you'll see by a longshot. And, well, he ain't exactly ready yet.

by cwyers on May 26, 2007 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions

After that loss,

I would not write a recap either. I don't blame him.

by gocubs40 on May 26, 2007 1:56 PM CDT reply actions

Howry

The 3rd hit he gave up was a vicious
liner right back at him.....
Nearly took his uniform off.
I got an impression of Charlie Brown
just at that moment...
Howry's new nickname should be
"Charlie Brown"..

P.S. When Howry came in I knew
the lead was lost....

Cubspizza

by quarryfan on May 26, 2007 5:05 PM CDT reply actions