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Well, That Was Fast

Before you could blink, Ed Campusano (who had zero chance of making the major league roster this year and if it's possible, has less than that now) and Tim Lahey (who did have a chance, but most likely will wind up in Triple-A, after the Cubs "return" him to the Twins and then get him back as the PTBNL in the Craig Monroe deal) squandered a 4-1 Cub lead in the last of the 8th and the Cubs went down to their fifth loss of the spring, 5-4 to the Diamondbacks.

I must confess I didn't pay close attention to today's game, since as you know it's hard to follow on Spring Training Gameday and there was no audio/video feed at all. Plus, games in Tucson -- and no offense meant at all to several BCB readers who I know live there -- seem, if you are living or staying in the Phoenix area, as if they're being played on Mars. If you want to drive from metro Phoenix to get to a Tucson game at a reasonable time, you have to leave at 9 am. When you come back, if you're driving on a weekday, you wind up hitting the Phoenix area just in time for rush hour traffic, which is looking more and more like traffic in L.A.

All this is the short way of saying, I'm probably NOT going to the two games the Cubs are playing in Tucson (3/15 vs. the White Sox, 3/21 vs. the Rockies) while I'm in Arizona.

The Cub longball bats were trotted out today; Carlos Zambrano joined the fun by hitting one -- pretty rare for a pitcher to hit a ST home run. Micah Hoffpauir, who can hit but has no place on this team because he can only play first base, also homered, as did Luis Figueroa. I actually hope Jim Hendry can trade Hoffpauir somewhere, possibly an AL team where he could DH part-time, because I think he could have a decent major league career if he got a chance. He won't get it with the Cubs.

Z threw well. Rich Hill was wild, walking three in his two innings of work. Michael Wuertz appeared in a game for the first time and pitched an efficient inning, striking out two.

Tomorrow, there will be an audio feed of the game vs. the A's via MLB.com.

Since we have been discussing various postal follies here at BCB, let me tell you a delivery nightmare story that I recently had at the hands of FedEx. I collect caps, and in particular I have ordered a cap for each Olympics for the last few years. I found one I liked on a site from a small company based in New York and ordered it. This was in mid-February. And I waited. And waited. And waited. Finally I was going to complain -- and then yesterday, I saw what looked like a brick in the gangway at the side of my house. It was the box with the cap -- apparently, the driver had decided that my gangway, which has a locked gate, was the "side entrance" (that's what the FedEx tracking number said, anyway). There's no way anyone could mistake that as the "side entrance". In any case, the box must have been left, on February 16, on top of a pile of snow and not visible -- and then, of course, it snowed again, several times, and so it only became visible a couple of days ago when the snow melted.

The cap was wrapped pretty well in the box and in wearable condition, but I have called FedEx to ask for a refund of the shipping charge. Good luck, right?

I am hopeful, along with the rest of you, that the shirts you have all ordered will be on their way to you by the end of the day. We await developments.

0 recs | Comment 37 comments

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Sure it's possible
I believe it was Ed Campusano's career that Elvis Costello was referring to when he sang, "everything is less than zero....."
Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 5, 2008 4:54 PM CST   0 recs

Hoffpauir
I think you're right on both counts.  He can ONLY play first, and I've seen in this kid hit some bombs in OKC against the Redhawks.  I think he could DH right now in the AL.

by soonerbered on Mar 5, 2008 4:56 PM CST   0 recs

I don't think so
at least not in the AL of today.  The DH position is dominated by people who can absolutely rake--Ortiz, Hafner, Thome, Frank Thomas--or by guys who can cycle in and out of several fielding positions.  It's nearly impossible for someone to break in as a DH only these days.

Hoffpauir, and I say this in all seriousness, needs to go to Japan.  He could probably be a star over there.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on Mar 5, 2008 6:39 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

A star you say?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 5, 2008 6:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Didn't Tom Waits
have a song called "I'm Big in Japan?"
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 5, 2008 6:59 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You forgot the third option...
...people who utterly suck at baseball (Jose Vidro, Mike Sweeney from last season).

by cwyers on Mar 5, 2008 6:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

That falls under
guys who used to be good and have huge contracts the team doesn't want to eat.
It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on Mar 5, 2008 7:39 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Hill
Pitched very simliar to Dempster yesturday. Both were wild in the first inning, and settled down nice. I guess it's not uncommon for a SP to be a little wild in the first inning this early in camp though.

by cubsfan25 on Mar 5, 2008 4:56 PM CST   0 recs

FedEx
Al -

Long time reader (at work) first time poster...I'm a Sales Rep for FedEx - I tried to email you using the link on the right side and it did not work.  If you could, email me (my email should be in my profile) the particulars and I will help you out.  Sorry, but I bet the shipment came via FedEx Ground and not Express.

by NavyChief on Mar 5, 2008 4:57 PM CST   0 recs

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

by Al on Mar 5, 2008 4:59 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

FedEx Express vs. Ground
From my experience, there is a BIG difference between FedEx Ground and Express.  I have never had many problems with Express, but Ground is horrible.  It's nice to hear someone from FedEx allude to this.  I'm guessing FedEx Express (and other) sales reps and managers don't like it when people have problems with Ground and assume all FedEx is the same.  I usually prefer FedEx as a delivery option, but will only choose it if the vendor I'm buying from specifically states it's FedEx Express service, and not Ground.

FedEx has a nice comfy customer service center located in the center of my town.  I can pick up Express deliveries that I have missed from there.  For some reason, FedEx Express and Ground are not integrated enough to use the same customer service center.  When I miss a Ground shipment, I have drive to a crummy area and knock on a warehouse door.

Hey Chicago What Do You Say, The Cubs Are Gonna Win Today!

by Andy on Mar 6, 2008 8:18 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Tucson
I'm actually down here on work for a few days... knew that the Cubs were going to be in town, and was considering going. I knew, however, that the Cubs line-up would feature, well, one to two real starters. As much as I wanted to see some baseball and enjoy the weather (and my boss did tell me that I could go to the game), I figured it would be best to finish up work before I head back to Chicago tomorrow.

TEP is a nice place to see a game. Unfortunately I had to pass.

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 5, 2008 5:47 PM CST   0 recs

Heads up for anyone going to tomorrow's game
 at Phoenix Municipal stadium and you have Outfield Reserve seats. Bring something to sit on, because those seats are aluminum bleachers, which as you can imagine get hot and uncomftorable. I have OF reserve but I'll be standing on the walkway (near the beer concessions) like I always do at that stadium when I have OF reserve.

 

Lemon20Pie's 2008 PECOTA for Rich Hill: 204 IP 30 HR 75 BB 180 SO 1.35 WHIP 4.25 ERA

by lemon20pie on Mar 5, 2008 6:30 PM CST   0 recs

The game on 3/15
is on Saturday so traffic shouldn't be as bad as a weekday.
Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Mar 5, 2008 6:37 PM CST   0 recs

In 2005...
... I drove to a Cubs/Rockies game at Hi Corbett on a Saturday.

Traffic and parking going in was horrendous, and going back I got stuck in a huge jamup on the south side of Mesa.

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

by Al on Mar 5, 2008 6:46 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Tucson is hit and miss
 I've personally never driven down to Tucson from Phoenix to see a game of any kind. I don't think I ever will. Just because it's a Saturday, does not mean that there won't be any traffic. There's only 1 way down to Tucson and that's the 10. If there's an accident or road work, I hope you have something to entertain you, because you'll be there awhile.
Lemon20Pie's 2008 PECOTA for Rich Hill: 204 IP 30 HR 75 BB 180 SO 1.35 WHIP 4.25 ERA

by lemon20pie on Mar 5, 2008 6:50 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Projections
Al, I have updated all of the projections to this point(except the last one). I have been very busy the past week, and should be able to keep up for the rest of the players.
"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Mar 6, 2008 7:29 AM CST   0 recs

More on why Spring Training
is not meaningless to LOU:

"'They [the games] don't count in the standings, but they're important because you can formulate ideas on some of these pitchers,'' he said, referring to later decisions on recalling players from the minors. ''But, boy, they leave a bad impression here. I mean, it hurts them.''

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 7:46 AM CST   0 recs

I wrote yesterday
Somewhere in some diary that I could care less about the outcomes of games and more the stat lines from individual players, but I KNEW somewhere in Arizona that Lou would be steaming-----I love him for it.  
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 6, 2008 9:18 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

It seems that the majority
here believe that "It doesn't matter", or "Its just Spring Training (cwyers)"

But clearly for LOU, there are certainly troubling things he's seeing that cannot be swept under the rug and brushed off b/c "Spring Training is misleading."

My point from yesterday, at least as far as the manager's point of view is concerned, is vindicated.

 

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 10:45 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I understand your point
but remember we haven't even seen A-ram or Derosa yet and Soriano has been limited.  Sure Lou is a little preturbed about some things, who wouldn't be?  I think you have to treat this like "it's only spring training" because it's only March 6th and there is still a lot of ST to go.
"Oh well, there's always next year!!!" Every Cub fan

by McRipper on Mar 6, 2008 10:52 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I agree about the regulars
being out.

But, mostly I was referring to the pitchers who are just not getting the job done (in LOU's opinion).

Spring Training, or not.

While I am a bit disappointed in Pie (but NOT on the ledge about it), its the lack of conversion by the young pitchers who are given chances to succeed that is irking me (and again, the manager of the team, as well).

I would expect that some of these culprits will be released, and/or demoted in any case.

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 11:31 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Absolutely
There's no question some of these pitchers look like dogshit.  I assumed that's what you were referring to and I agree.  I still think it's a little early still for Pie.  He's done some good things this spring.  Let's see how he looks at the end of ST.  
"Oh well, there's always next year!!!" Every Cub fan

by McRipper on Mar 6, 2008 11:37 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Most of those guys were ticketed for...
...the minors as it was. The only guy that's really killing his chance at a roster spot so far is Cotts; guys like Ascaino, Campusano and Mr. Zero weren't going to make the team anyway.

by cwyers on Mar 6, 2008 11:55 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Disagree...
Actually, I do not have time to dig up articles to the contrary that I read, but at the time of the trade to the Braves,  Hendry, et. al. WERE counting on Ascanio making the team and Hendry, et. al., were geeked about his power arm.

Al and others may think that Oh-Man and Infante were "useless", but you can bet that they'll make the Braves team breaking camp and will contribute, on Bobby Cox' team.

I have been on record as throwing up over Oh-Man!, but was hoping that a decent young pitcher would take his spot. Perhaps it will be "Piggy".

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Mar 6, 2008 12:08 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

If Omar Infante...
... gets more than 100 or so AB for Atlanta, he will hurt their team.

And I can't wait to read box scores where hitters have teed off on Ohman.

I agree with you re: Pignatiello. He keeps putting up zeroes in the spring, Lou will find a way to put him on the team.

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

by Al on Mar 6, 2008 12:16 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Hotel Info for Cubs on the Road
Does anyone know the hotels the cubs use on the road? Specifically in Cincinnati?

by dmac on Mar 6, 2008 7:59 AM CST   0 recs

got your stalker face on?
:P
Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 6, 2008 9:59 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Micah Hoffpauir
Al, I agree with you 100% on Micah and I've posted to that effect a couple times before. He is good enough to be on somebody's 25 man (AL is most likely), but being able to play only first kills him on most rosters.

The past couple years he's been about the most approachable guy on the Iowa club; very candid and not full of himself.  

I liken him to Mark Grace both defensively and in hitting style.

Quick story. My wife and I are sitting in row one seats 1 & 2 next to the visitor's dugout in Nashville. Along about the 4th inning or so a popup heads our way. My wife ducks down, out of her seat and covers her head in the aisle. Micah sprints over, dives over the rail and catches it. My wife is never shy and our seats were only maybe  25-30 feet from the bag at first. She's joking around with him for an inning or 2 thanking him for "saving her life." About an inning or so later--the exact same thing happens again--same spot--same play. I rang up the out before the ump got over--and he then mirrored the punch out.

A year later--Cubs are in town and warming up before the game. My wife hollers out to Micah--"remember when you saved my life?" He looked over and said, "twice!" It was cool. I wish him the best and at the very least, a fair chance with another team.

BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"

by cubfever7 on Mar 6, 2008 9:20 AM CST   0 recs

Thanks a good story.
Dont know much about the guy but it intrigued me to look up a few stats.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 6, 2008 9:33 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Great story...
It seems like some of these guys actually do care about the fans...

by bp on Mar 6, 2008 10:03 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Thanks for
sharing a great story.

by sue369 on Mar 6, 2008 10:33 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Great story.
Thanks for sharing. Love the stories about guys you don't hear about normally.

Thanks for sharing.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Mar 6, 2008 11:02 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Nice story
I like him, but I don't know that he will see the major leagues on any sustained basis.   A good analogy is the PGA tour.   The 120 or so guys on the PGA tour are an incredibly elite bunch.  Down a notch at the qualifying school level there are maybe 150 plus names who fight, fight, fight for the chance to oneday make the tour.  Every year a couple of those guys get a chance, but only one or two "stick" on the tour.   Micah Hoffpauier is a "qualifying school" kind of a ballplayer.   At his age and at his position the odds are very stacked against him getting a good major league opportunity.  He might get a cup of coffee.  Hope he does because I like him.    

by MDBNIU on Mar 6, 2008 11:57 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Latte for Micah?
I'm surprised that at some point he didn't spend time leaning to play OF. It might have made the difference.

Another thought that occurred to me; had Micah been born 20 years sooner, his chances would have been much better. MLB has become (and to it's credit) so much of a haven for Latin, Asian and international players in general, that the competing pool is much larger. Heck--we have scads of Canadian and Aussies now too!

I'm old enough to remember what a huge deal it was when the Giants brought in Masanori Murakami in 1964. In the 60's having guys like Adolpho Phillips and Jose Cardenal around was somewhat rare as well.

BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"

by cubfever7 on Mar 6, 2008 12:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Pool Larger
and jobs fewer.   Exactly.  The quality of baseball players at this point in time from top to bottom is the best that it ever has been.  Its been a long time since the last expansion teams and the expansion of baseball was far behind the growth in U.S. population.  Add in the growth in the pool of players and medical advances which mean that injuries which end careers no longer end careers, and you have a much more competitive atmosphere.

And the medical angle is not insignificant.  How many players on the Cub Roster have had injuries that would otherwise have ended careers but for the marvels of modern medicine?

Kerry Wood, Ryan Dempster and Jon Lieber all leap to mind.   That's nearly 10% of your 40 man roster and more than 10% of your playing roster.  

The quality of baseball's not diluted.  QUite to the contrary, its improved.

And that's part of the problem.  The Marquis, Lieber, Theriot, Fonenot, Ward, Murton, Cedeno and Blanco's of the world all would have easily been "major league" caliber ball players in the 1960's.  All of them would have easily made the team.  But in the highly competitive world of today, each has  deficency, whether real or perceived, which makes them non-competitive.

by frustratedfan on Mar 6, 2008 2:06 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

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