Witness To History, Part Deux
This is history that, frankly, I'd rather Tom Glavine had waited till his next start to make, since in notching his 300th career win, it meant a Cub loss, 8-3 to the Mets last night, and despite the comments of Chuck at Ivy Chat in the past that I'd rather see history than a Cubs win, that's simply not true, particularly now, when every win is critical in a pennant race. In fact, with storms ripping through parts of the Chicago area last night, it might have been better had this one been rained out.
Incidentally, I find myself in agreement with Chuck this morning (yes, I know you're gasping). Chuck wrote of the scary-looking right quad injury to Alfonso Soriano which is apparently going to keep him out from 2-4 weeks:
Chuck's got it pretty much nailed here. I'm not sure I agree with "weak mental makeup", but Soriano doesn't approach at-bats well, and is one of the streakiest hitters I've ever seen in a Cub uniform. When he's going well -- as he was during the month of June, when he hit .336/.379/.697 with 11 HR in 28 games -- he can help carry a team. But when he's cold -- and since the All-Star break he's hitting .255/.277/.439 with 3 HR in 23 games -- he can drag a team down. Dave and I have discussed this quite a bit in the bleachers all season, how Soriano has almost never -- save that game-winning single he had against the Rockies on June 25 -- had a hit in a key situation all season.
So apart from the little bunny hop he makes before every routine catch in left field, will the Cubs miss him? I say no. The obvious move is to recall Felix Pie, shift Cliff Floyd back to LF, and have Jacque Jones and Mark DeRosa split time in RF (with DeRosa and Mike Fontenot splitting time at 2B). This won't help the defense much (except for the huge upgrade in CF with Pie), but most of us have noted the big boost in energy the Cubs have received each time Pie has been added to the roster. It may be a coincidence, but the Cubs' record in games in which Pie has appeared is 32-16, and 26-36 in all other games.
So this move ought to be a no-brainer today -- Soriano to the DL, Pie recalled. And one more move I'd make -- sign Jose Cruz Jr., who was waived by the Padres on August 1. His batting numbers were depressed by having Petco Park as his home park, and he has always hit LHP well (.276/.360/.464 lifetime). He could spell Floyd in LF or Jones in RF, and would give Lou a switch-hitting pinch-hit option.
About the two other significant events last night; first, Tom Glavine's 300th win. People are saying, again, that Glavine will be the "last" 300-game winner. "People" said this more than forty years ago after Early Wynn won his 300th game. There weren't any after that for a while, but Glavine is now the ninth pitcher to notch 300 wins since Wynn. It's an odd milestone in this sense -- the player accomplishing it doesn't necessarily have to be on the field when it happens, unlike a 3000th hit or 500th HR, and Glavine wasn't (and neither was Greg Maddux three years ago in San Francisco). The remnants of the Wrigley Field crowd (many of whom left after Will Ohman turned a still-close 5-3 game into a 7-3 game, and still more left when DeRosa accidentally hit plate umpire Marty Foster on a swing, causing a delay of a few minutes), a fair number of whom were Mets fans but also the Cub fans in attendance, gave Glavine a warm ovation after the last out, when he and his teammates celebrated on the field. I've now seen two of these (this one and Maddux', and I know Jeff and Jessica, who were both in SF in 2004 for Maddux', can say the same, but how many other fans can say this?) and despite the fact that I'd rather the Cubs had won, I was glad to have been a witness to this historic event.
The other significant event last night was the return to the mound of Kerry Wood for the first time in fourteen months. He got three ovations -- the first for warming up, the second when he trotted in from the bullpen (after everyone made sure it wasn't Bob Howry again), and another when his name was announced. Wood threw a scoreless inning, though I'd be less than truthful if I said it was "triumphant". His velocity was good, but he didn't have total command -- he went to a full count twice, and gave up a hit, throwing 8 strikes among his 14 pitches. That said, it was a good thing for him to get this first appearance out of the way and now he can move on to being a productive member of the bullpen.
Which is more than I can say for Will Ohman, who stunk again last night. Suddenly, Scott Eyre, who again had a scoreless appearance last night (the two walks were intentional), is the most effective lefty out of the pen.
This is what this club has done the last two months -- someone fails, someone else picks him up. It wasn't enough to win last night's game, but since the Brewers lost in a spectacular meltdown to the Phillies, blowing a 5-run 9th-inning lead, the Cubs remain only a game out of first place, going on the road on the same trip as Milwaukee (trading off opponents Houston and Colorado) where they've played well and the Brewers haven't.
Incidentally, the Cubs' +54 run differential is tied for best in the NL with San Diego, and despite the 36-21 run since June 2, the Cubs are still underperforming their Pythagorean projection by three games (should be 61-49 based on that).
So I'm still cautiously optimistic, but there's one important thing that still must be addressed: starting pitching, which seemed such a strength a month ago, is now shaky. Jason Marquis was mediocre last night -- he was getting the ground balls he needs to succeed, but they were all getting through for hits -- and with Rich Hill and Sean Marshall also shaky the last month, that leaves the Cubs with only two reliable, consistent, every-time-out starters. That's not enough. If there's a starting pitcher out there who's available at not too high a cost, the Cubs should make an effort to go get him.
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Comments
At least....
by hawkeyenation on Aug 6, 2007 8:52 AM CDT 0 recs
We were thinking about...
What time was that, anyway?
by Al on
Aug 6, 2007 8:54 AM CDT
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Too True
I didn't hear a lot come out of Joe's mouth about how bad the Cubs were last night. They were too captivated with every single movement Tom's parents or wife made. Of course, Joe would actually have to watch and comment on the game to say how bad Marquis really looked last night. Joe doesn't actually have to watch the game to say his completely neutral "opinion." The man makes Brenly look like an activist.
by hawkeyenation on
Aug 6, 2007 9:03 AM CDT
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agreed
by Willgly on
Aug 6, 2007 9:28 AM CDT
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Probably
Also Al, you may be interested...I wrote a recap on the ESPN announcing here for those who missed the game on TV.
by Cribbs463 on
Aug 6, 2007 9:05 AM CDT
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Was Tom Glavine mentioned?
by Al on
Aug 6, 2007 9:11 AM CDT
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He played last night?
by Littlerock Rynofan on
Aug 6, 2007 12:09 PM CDT
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Did you hear John Miller
To which I just have to say "um...ya' think?"
by Neifi Puppy on
Aug 6, 2007 9:16 AM CDT
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Yeah
Normally, I can stomach those two, but last night I had a belly full.
Al, if I were a gambling man -- well, hell, I am, I would guess the word "Glavine" was said over 500 times last night. I bet his family -- wife, children, mom, and dad -- all told had about 30 minutes of air time. There was one point where in between EVERY PITCH it would switch to a camera on them.
by Cribbs463 on
Aug 6, 2007 9:20 AM CDT
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My friend
by cubstoseriesby100 on
Aug 6, 2007 1:22 PM CDT
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Favorite Jon Miller moment:
by gary varsho on
Aug 6, 2007 9:20 AM CDT
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Yeah, haha
ESPN had this on their front page of the web site during the 7th inning of the ball game when it was 5-1, and then we scored 2. I really wanted to win that one just for that reason alone. Can you find where they may have jumped the gun a bit?
by Cribbs463 on
Aug 6, 2007 9:27 AM CDT
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Those two are the absolute worst
by lostinthevines on
Aug 6, 2007 11:56 AM CDT
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Switched to radio support
by Cajuncub on
Aug 6, 2007 12:32 PM CDT
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I usually...
If the casual fan can't tune into a program and expect to get accurate basic facts, it's time for you to change your broadcasters.
by Damen Jackson on
Aug 6, 2007 9:41 AM CDT
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Izturis
by rgonzale on
Aug 6, 2007 12:47 PM CDT
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Yeah,
Y'know, having moved out of Chicago several years ago, there's nowhere to get good sports programming anymore. ESPN, as we all know, is a poor excuse for a sports station. They are MTV now; it's all about the entertainment and the spectacle, less about the games, the action. I live in Michigan, so I can't even indulge in Comcast Sportsnet or whatever, because for me it's all Tigers and Lions and Red Wings. Yikes!
I really miss the days, y'know, back in the 80s, when you could watch a sports report and see a ton of highlights from the days games with no BS, overstory, or even a point of view hammered into you. I can't imagine most sports fans wanting what ESPN is dishing out.
by Kegler on
Aug 6, 2007 12:54 PM CDT
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Those were the good ol' days
Impression time! You guess who this is:
"V-Guerrero, GET AT ME DAWG!!!! He's all swole up with his 23rd jack of the season"
<left eye drifts off about 2 inches to the left>
by Cribbs463 on
Aug 6, 2007 1:26 PM CDT
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I didn't tune in until the 6th...
by SilkyD on
Aug 6, 2007 9:54 AM CDT
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That said...
by hawkeyenation on
Aug 6, 2007 8:59 AM CDT
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Agree
Marquis inability to finish innings is exasperating. But he certaintly isn't the only Cubs hurler guilty of this problem. How many times lately have we gotten two quick outs only to then see our pitchers unable to get off the mound until after runs are scored and their pitch count balloons?
by wrigley1 on
Aug 6, 2007 11:45 AM CDT
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I was at the game last nite....
by cubboy89 on
Aug 6, 2007 2:04 PM CDT
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I love Me Joe Morgan
base for the Marlins every time they visted
Wrigley ????????????????????
by FlaCub on
Aug 6, 2007 1:17 PM CDT
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Morgan
by cajuncubbie on Aug 6, 2007 8:59 AM CDT 0 recs
Wow.
by Al on
Aug 6, 2007 9:02 AM CDT
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Welcome to Joe Morgan's world...
by SouthernCub on
Aug 6, 2007 9:07 AM CDT
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Ah yes
firejoemorgan.com
Every single chat seriously blows my mind. And not in a good way.
by hawkeyenation on
Aug 6, 2007 9:09 AM CDT
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Oh yeah, my other favorite
by hawkeyenation on
Aug 6, 2007 9:04 AM CDT
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Guys like
by Matt Allison on
Aug 6, 2007 9:24 AM CDT
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Voice?
by hawkeyenation on
Aug 6, 2007 9:27 AM CDT
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Moments of Truth
by coral on Aug 6, 2007 9:06 AM CDT 0 recs
concerned
I think the Cubs need to focus on getting a long relief guy or going out and picking up another starter.
by Willgly on
Aug 6, 2007 9:31 AM CDT
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I can usually stomach Joe Morgan
by zevkalman on Aug 6, 2007 9:06 AM CDT 0 recs
No offense...
ESPN was just guiding their coverage toward what the majority would want. Sucks for us, but that's the way the media works. "300 wins" is a huge story. "Mets win a game" or "Cubs win a game" isn't really that important.
by SouthernCub on
Aug 6, 2007 9:11 AM CDT
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Makes sense.....
by hawkeyenation on
Aug 6, 2007 9:13 AM CDT
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"Now"
by RynoHoF on
Aug 6, 2007 9:52 AM CDT
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True
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=schreiber_leanne&id=2897260
by cubsbak on
Aug 6, 2007 9:17 AM CDT
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Good point...
It doesn't help that Joe Morgan did the game. I'm pretty sure he doesn't even watch the games he's broadcasting at this point.
by SouthernCub on
Aug 6, 2007 9:19 AM CDT
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Exactly
by hawkeyenation on
Aug 6, 2007 9:20 AM CDT
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Sportscenter, Baseball Tonight, etc...
by SouthernCub on
Aug 6, 2007 9:22 AM CDT
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Very seldom
by sue369 on
Aug 6, 2007 9:24 AM CDT
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Same here...
by Neifi Puppy on
Aug 6, 2007 9:31 AM CDT
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More like, "Who's Jumped the Shark"?
I travel a lot for work, and Sportscenter used to be the first thing I'd try to find on my hotel TV. But this "Who's Now" crap takes the concept of witless filler to a whole new level, and I feel like I'm rapidly losing brain cells every time I watch the show. Who's (not watching) now? Um, that would be me...
by SilkyD on
Aug 6, 2007 10:06 AM CDT
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celebs
by Willgly on
Aug 6, 2007 11:14 AM CDT
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That 's a wonderful column ...
--t.
by Littlerock Rynofan on
Aug 6, 2007 12:05 PM CDT
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I was disappointed
One thing I have noticed about this team this year is when there is an injury the others step up and they go on. I don't think they will miss Soriano much. I hope Murton gets a chance to play in left field.
It was nice to see Wood get the ovations he got last night. It would have been nice to have CSN or WGN do the game. At least they would have known the ovation was for Wood and not for Glavine.
I have been a big supporter of Len & Bob all season and after having to listen to ESPN last night I appreciate L&B so much. If either of you are reading this site I love you guys.
by sue369 on Aug 6, 2007 9:18 AM CDT 0 recs
Sue ...
--t.
by Littlerock Rynofan on
Aug 6, 2007 12:02 PM CDT
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Whoa!!!!!!!
As for a replacement, Cruz Jr. could work. IMHO, the best option is through waivers IF a player reaches the Cubs. Again, I still do not believe Hendry has the authority to add payroll, which would kill any deal before it starts......
by timeforachange on Aug 6, 2007 9:19 AM CDT 0 recs
Hey timeforachange...
by dat cubfan daver on
Aug 6, 2007 2:40 PM CDT
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LMAO!!!!!!!!!
by timeforachange on
Aug 6, 2007 7:04 PM CDT
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I'm hoping
by gary varsho on Aug 6, 2007 9:24 AM CDT 0 recs
Well
by krummy12 on
Aug 6, 2007 9:56 AM CDT
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True.
by gary varsho on
Aug 6, 2007 10:02 AM CDT
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1-2
If Kendall continues to improve, he could be a great candidate as well.
by californiachicagoan on
Aug 6, 2007 2:04 PM CDT
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Just some optimism
by crw89 on Aug 6, 2007 9:24 AM CDT 0 recs
So if that's the plan...
And I really wish I knew how serious I was about that idea.
by cwyers on Aug 6, 2007 9:25 AM CDT 0 recs
Murton
by frustratedfan on
Aug 6, 2007 10:57 AM CDT
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Witness to History
As to "weak mental makeup," what would you say is the cause for a guy who allows his position in the field and batting order affect his approach at the plate?
But, thanks for the kudos. Soriano wasn't that much of a halp to the Cubs in any month other than June. His absense won't hurt them. This is likely the final nail in the "Jim Hendry Incompetance" coffin as, if the team does better with Pie, Theriot and Fontenot, what the hell did they need to give Soriano, Jones and DeRosa big bucks?
by Ivychat on Aug 6, 2007 9:26 AM CDT 0 recs
I figured you might show up.
There's a difference. You "called me out" on something I didn't say.
I wonder if Soriano would be hitting any differently if he were hitting fifth. You might say he'd have more RBI, but it seems to me he's come up many times with RISP and failed this year, even batting first. His BA is above his career average and his OPS of .847 is above his career OPS of .837. But he just doesn't seem to be having a very good year.
Chuck, nice to see you here, really. You and I agree more than we disagree, I've discovered. C'mon back out to the bleachers soon.
by Al on
Aug 6, 2007 9:32 AM CDT
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Soriano did not have a particularly...
by cwyers on
Aug 6, 2007 9:38 AM CDT
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Whoa.
by gary varsho on
Aug 6, 2007 9:37 AM CDT
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A little over-zealous
But to say that the Cubs won't miss him is a bit much. As sad as it is, his 18 HRs lead the team. He was finally starting to steal some bases and he saves some runs with his arm in LF. I'm not heartbroken, and I think that the only way that this team stumbles is if they lose their confidence after seeing him go down.
However, I look forward to having a guy with a better than .336 OBP at the top of the order for a change (wasn't Pierre's OBP in this range last year?). And Theriot at the top will still steal some bases, and he can actually work the count and give the team a good look at the stuff the pitcher has on the day.
Losing Soriano shouldn't spell the end of the season, I don't actually consider him to be a big impact player for the team. I'll take his solo homers, but would much rather see some big knocks with guys on base (homers or not) as opposed to the strikeouts that I've become accustomed to seeing. But it's not as though the team will be able to just shrug this off. He is still Alfonso Soriano, and he is still a presence in the box, even if we've been underwhelmed by his prodution thus far.
by WittyUserName on Aug 6, 2007 9:30 AM CDT 0 recs
Would it be too crazy of an idea...
Lee's not hitting for much power and he has a .414 OBA.
Thoughts?
by Al on
Aug 6, 2007 9:33 AM CDT
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Another wacky idea.
What about that idea?
by Al on
Aug 6, 2007 9:36 AM CDT
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I like Theriot
by gary varsho on
Aug 6, 2007 9:39 AM CDT
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What about...
by Al on
Aug 6, 2007 9:40 AM CDT
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I like it.
by gary varsho on
Aug 6, 2007 9:41 AM CDT
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