Our turn:
| Today's Starting Pitchers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
On paper, this is a mismatch -- and Lowe's been very good this year.
But, as the saying goes, they don't play the games on paper. After a 12-2 start, the Dodgers have gone 14-22.
As I noted in last night's game post, I saw Koronka pitch in spring training and was, frankly, quite unimpressed. But this isn't Arizona, and the Dodgers have never seen him before, and isn't it time for OUR stick figure to do something good?
Also... this is very disappointing. The first All-Star voting results have been released and not only is Neifi! not in the top five, NOMAR is leading.
What are people thinking? How can you vote for someone who cannot possibly play in the game?
I'm also disappointed in the vote totals for Derrek Lee, who ought to be the starter. He'll make the team, but let's get him voted into the starting lineup.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 73 comments
Is is possible
that somehow mlb.com is counting the votes for Neifi!, whose team is the Cubs, as being for Nomar?I dunno how the software works, but if it goes by team, that could be what's happening.
Oh, Al, don't be mad a Barrett for nearly stopping at 3rd in the 10th - the left fielder should have had that ball easily, that play was the Dodgers' error - he had every reason to stop, and the run was a gift. He was watching the play as he was running, and seeing the error Barrett took off again.
helen - June 1, 2005
It shouldn't be by team...
... that's the whole point of having write-in votes, isn't it?Barrett hesitated on the play; perhaps he had good reason to do so. I'm just glad he scored and the Cubs won.
Al Yellon - June 1, 2005
I agree that's how write in votes SHOULD work...
..but I don't have any idea how the software actually does work. Y'know?helen - June 1, 2005
Rich Hill
Here's Rich Hill's final line after his first start for Iowa:6.2 IP 4 H 3 ER 2 BB 14 K's 1 HR
Another real good start for Hill who just continues to impress. I imagine if he keeps it up he'll be up real soon (I don't care if he's not on 40 man. make room. I see dead weight on it as is>Koronka,Rohlicek,). Especially if the Meat gets hit hard in his next couple outings.
The announcers were saying they haven't seen a 12-6 curve ball like that in the Minors in a long time and his fastball was clocked at 92-93.
He missed the Iowa record for strikeouts by 2 (Vida Blue 16)
strohdkill - June 1, 2005
holy hill!
Thats impressive. Can anyone give us a little background on Rich Hill? I guess I could look it up but...Slaky311 - June 1, 2005
Hill's Bio
Hill was drafted in the 4th round by the Cubs in 2002. He's never been spectacular within the organization, except for this season. He's a 25 year old Lefty who's just been spectacular for the most part this year.In his last 2 games (13.2 IP) he's struck out 27 hitters. His strength is his Curve (he's been said by many to have the best curve in the Cubs system).
strohdkill - June 1, 2005
i wouldn't mind seeing...
Zito teach Hill how to use that curveball effectively. Especially if the rumors are true that all we need to give up for Zito is one or both players from the Hawkins deal plus Walker or Hairston.Shawn Domagal-Goldman - June 2, 2005
Rich Hill
I wrote the following on Hill a while ago...http://www.all-baseball.com/cubreporter/archives/018747.html
The story of his season...
Terrible start (both starts at West Tenn)
2 GS, 9.1 IP, 14 H, 5 HR, 6 BB, 9 K, 11.57 ERA
Untouchable since (eight starts at WT, one at Iowa)
9 GS, 55.0 IP, 32 H, 5 HR, 17 BB, 95 K, 2.13 ERA
John Hill - June 2, 2005
The most amazing thing about this is...
... 55 IP, 95 K's.Wow.
If he keeps this up he'll be promoted soon.
Al Yellon - June 2, 2005
Nomar
I'd hazard a guess that the vast majority of all star voters haven't heard of any of the other SS candidates. Nomar's the only recognizable candidate in the NL.This happens every year, doesn't it?
gharp - June 1, 2005
Probably, you're right.
But the real crime is that Cesar Isturez isn't in the top five at all.helen - June 1, 2005
OF
Griffey starting in the outfield is pretty criminal too.Bonds ahead of Adam Dunn though, makes total sense...
<big sigh>
gharp - June 1, 2005
Changes to the All Star Game
I'd settle for one of two changes.First would be to take the balloting out of the hands of the fans. This is highly unlikely and there is something that I really enjoy about punching my ballot at the ball park, but that All-Star game should be about the best players in each league going head to head. The ASG has become a popularity contest.
Suggestion two, which is more likely, is to dump the manditory player from each team. If there is a Pirate or Devil Ray worthy of the team, great, but if not, so be it. Again, to me, this is supposed to be the mid summer classic, where we get to see the best 50 or so players going at it. It's the Royals' fault that they suck, so why should a worthy player not get to make the All Star team so that Mike Sweeney can be the team rep.
DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
here's a question...
does Nomar have a clause in his contract that gets him a bonus for making the All-Star team? If so, the Cubs might have to pay that bonus. A cynic might say that they'd be paying all-star money for a SS that can only ride the pine, but i'd respond that we're paying another SS riding the pine money but are getting All-Star production out of him.Shawn Domagal-Goldman - June 1, 2005
I don't know about bonus clauses...
... but Nomar strikes me as someone who might turn the money down.Al Yellon - June 1, 2005
Just like...
... when Rafael Palmiero got the gold glove a few years ago after only playing 15 games at first all season. I imagine that w/ early results coming out, lots of fans of other teams and short stops will make a concerted effort to get their SS elected.DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
What a fiasco
Why on earth did CSN feel the need to have both games on the same channel? They also have CLTV. Then they decide they're going to preempt CLTV's sportspage and start the Cubs game. Then they decide not to. God forbid we miss the amazing interview with the HS softball team that they have planned. CSN continues it's early run of acting like they're run by a bunch of HS students. I get to listen to the Sox announcers w/ a graphic at the bottom of the TV updating the Cubs game.DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
WTF
The Sox game is over. The Cubs game is in the top of the second, and CSN is showing commericals.DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
Woot!!!
Eric Karros is on this game! Little something for the ladies. . . .heh heh heh. . . .cubbiejulie - June 1, 2005
WAAAAHHHHHH
He's gone! I only had the game on ESPN for about 5 minutes. . . then it blacked out.cubbiejulie - June 1, 2005
NEIFI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will the fun ever stop!? I love this man!Slaky311 - June 1, 2005
How Can This Not Win Him Votes!?!
Just walked in the door from depressing Nationals game (Wilson Benemit?!?) to be immediately washed clean by the Neifi!08Cubs - June 1, 2005
Neifi!!!!!
Kick the Vote For Neifi! machine up to high gear!Karros is good. I've only heard him a couple times this year, and I like him.... which means WGN will never hire him.
BCurt10 - June 1, 2005
Oooh
Karros and Kasper, I love the idea.Slaky311 - June 1, 2005
Oh my God
References to Waiting for Guffman. I love Len Kasper!DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
Watched it last night
for the 500,000th time."I hate you, and I hate your stupid, ASS FACE!"
HAHAHAHAHAHA!
cubbiejulie - June 1, 2005
Wha Happin?
I prefer "A Mighty Wind" and "Best in Show" but "Waiting for Guffman" is good stuff.Blaine, MO, stool capital of the world. Levy and Guest are brilliant.
DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
Derek Lowe
What a dunce! Throwing a stool?He should have done something sensible like kicking a fan.
The doctors will have to check for tetanus.I guess they'll need a stool sample.
slide - June 1, 2005
title
What I thought was funny was that while they were showing Lowe get taped up, they showed the Dodgers owner w/ the title:"Chairman"
heheh.
BCurt10 - June 1, 2005
Latroy Hawkins
Just caught the scroll at the bottom of the ESPN2 screen....L - Hawkins (1-5)
Hawkins, 1IP, 4ER.
Welcome to our world, SanFran.
BCurt10 - June 1, 2005
Classic Hawkins
He walked two and gave up a grand slam. It was calssic LeTroy. I'm glad he is San Fran's problem now. I would have been happy just trading Hawkins for a bag of practice baseballspunkcoop - June 1, 2005
Huh?
Hawkins walked just 21 batters (in 101 innings, an excellent 1.87 per 9) and never gave up a grand slam in his time as a Cub.This perception of Hawkins as some sort of terrible reliever is ridiculous.
John Hill - June 2, 2005
Oh, and...
Hawkins walked more than one batter in a single appearance just once as a Cub. He walked two Cardinals on April 30th 2004, long before he was ever made closer.John Hill - June 2, 2005
Are there lemon laws in MLB trading?
But I guess the Giants should have known anyway...Zachary - June 1, 2005
I Live For This
"There's nothing quite like coming in from the bullpen"[Shot of pitcher running in to loud cheers from the crowd]
"Facing off with the game on the line"
[Shot of LaTroy Hawkins leaning forward over the mound, staring in at the hitter. The hitter walks.]
"Facing off again with the game on the line.
[Shot of Hawkins leaning over the mound again. The second batter walks.]
"Being the unstoppable force in the bullpen"
[Shot of batter hitting grand slam.]
"I live for this."
("Catch Major League Baseball all season long on ESPN")
08Cubs - June 1, 2005
Patterson
What a joke he's become. Selfish indeed. Corey, choke up on the damned bat and make some contact. If I were Dusty, I'd sit his rear on the bench for a few days because obviously nothing else is getting through to him.DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
Agreed
That was pathetic. Two nights in a row in the same situation and no contact. Just sad.gharp - June 1, 2005
Time to move him on I think
We've been patient enough with Corey, who I've always liked btw. I think he's another player that may benefit from a change of scenery.There are plenty of teams I thkn would love to have him who would think the Cubs didn't handle him the right way (some truth there).
AlabamaCubFan - June 2, 2005
Time to move on
and think of better days ahead with our own dynamic duo,D-Lee and Neifi
Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - June 2, 2005
Patterson
I like how everyone gets on base, and then Corey comes up to do his close-your-eyes-and-swing routine. He's probably the only guy who has kept Lowe from throwing that chair again.Zachary - June 1, 2005
woah
Of course I wouldn't be the only person to post something about him. hahaZachary - June 1, 2005
Nope
Right now I'd start Macias over Patterson for the first few games of the SD series, or perhaps Burnitz in CF and Hollandsworth in RF. It's time for Dusty to make an impression on Patterson and for every selfish move Corey makes, for every time that he's unwilling to play smart baseball, Corey should sit. Had Corey done what Barrett did, grounded out softly to the 3B, the Cubs would have another run, and while Koronka has been okay, the Cubs need some more runs.DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
Corey Patterson
Is Corey selfish? I sure hate making assumptions about a person's character by watching them play a game. Somehow I don't think that he tries to swing and miss. He strikes out a lot people! Get used to it. A CF with above average defence that posts a 266/320/452 with 24 HR and 32/9 SB/CS line and only makes six figures is a very valuable player. People should take Corey for what he is and stop getting mad for what he isn't.Boilerfan - June 1, 2005
sorry...
... but Patterson doesn't make six figures. He makes $2M. And that $2M is going to climb regardless. Patterson is getting expensive. And whether it was or wasn't intentionally selfish, the at bat was selfish and stupid because the result and it's process did not put the team first. You don't swing for the downs when you need to simply drive in a run from third.DmL
dmlichte - June 1, 2005
All Well & Good
But the fact of the matter is, you are supposed to do certain things in certain situations, regardless of talent.If a pitcher swung for the fences in a sac bunt situation, that allows for a potential score he HAS to do it. To not do so, is to place yourself above the team and is hence, selfish. Patterson has a well, pattern in doing this and it's going to cost us.
PopeFlick - June 1, 2005
Corey is selfish
Corey is absolutely selfish. He refused to learn how to bunt this offseason so he could be a lead off hitter and fit to what this team asked him to be and what this team needed and he basicly scoffed at them. Some people think within the organization that he purposefully hasn't learned how to bunt cuz they would want him to do more of it.What was that quote by Corey?? "They can hit me lead off, but do I want to lead off?? No."
That sounds like a selfish player to me.
strohdkill - June 1, 2005
Crap
Being able to bunt does not make one a good lead-off hitter. Getting on base makes one a good lead-off hitter. Sure, Patterson doesn't do that very well--that's why he's not a good lead-off hitter.Patterson is batting .333 over the past week and slugging .542. He's batting .375 with a slugging of .675 in "late innings" this season according to MLB.com's stats. Yeah he didn't come through in a couple of tough situations against LA. It happens. It happens to Barry freakin' Bonds. We won anyway. The team is winning and Patterson is playing well, but everyone wants to crucify him because he fails some sort of silly morality test they make for Cub players.
Save your venom on Patterson for when he's hitting .250. Not now.
Josh Timmers - June 2, 2005
What test?
This has nothing to do with his salary, bunting ability, or what his slugging % is after 330pm on alternating Wednesdays - but his lack of basic execution in tried and true basebal scenarios. It's been spoken of here before, Vin Scully called him on it Tuesday night, and the same thing happened again tonight: runners on 2nd and 3rd, one or less out and he's swinging for the fences.It's no morality test to say that is not how you play the game. That is not unselfish play.
THAT is crap.
PopeFlick - June 2, 2005
that's all fine and good...
but i've never heard anyone ask for derek lee to shorten up with two strikes...i've never heard anyone ask for aramis to shorten up with two strikes, even when he was hitting .234...and i've never even seen burnitz hit a ball to left field. ever. people just like to gang up on corey because the chicago newspapers say it's ok. and vin scully. (wasn't there a thread on here earlier this year about the moronic things that come out of his mouth? now suddenly he's the baseball oracle?)he needs to execute a little better. he has some lessons to learn. selfish? i don't think anyone can judge that by watching a game from their lazy boy.
billywan - June 2, 2005
In fact...
Burnitz' three-run homer on Sunday was to the opposite field.The problem with Patterson is that he IS selfish, and thinks he's a superstar.
He may have superstar talent, but he's sure not using it that way.
Al Yellon - June 2, 2005
no more!
i really need to stop defending corey...the hate for him runs deep on the internet. in truth, i share frustration at his complete and utter inability to go the other way this year. i know he did it in the past. he just won't this year, for some reason.but what irks me, and makes me post far too many uninformed comments (see burnitz corrected by al above), is the way that people: 1. assume it's stubborn-ness and lack of effort that make corey not get hits in key situations. like it's so simple to change your whole swing and suddenly turn into tony womack. especially when you came up pretty young and didn't get a lot of time to work on these things in the minors. and 2. make personal comments about corey like they know him. that kind of crap just bugs me. i guess it's the nature of the internet, but i think it's still in poor form.
billywan - June 2, 2005
Hear hear
That is all.John Hill - June 2, 2005
You are also making assumptions...
I have actually spoken to people who have seen Corey in action, both on and off the field, and who have talked to people who have coached him.I'm not saying anything about him that isn't true when I say he has an attitude about him, and part of it stems from being a #1 draft pick and thinking that he doesn't have to work hard or change his approach when it's not working.
Corey is underachieving, and it's frustrating, because he HAS the talent to be a superstar. He just hasn't made the adjustments that he must make.
Al Yellon - June 2, 2005
fair enough, al
and i really was referring more to the general corey monkey pile that bums me out.i always appreciate your critiques and posts, as they seem well thought out and informed. no offense intended.
billywan - June 2, 2005
None taken...
... I always try to make my criticism constructive!And, I don't have too much criticism these days -- not with a six-game winning streak!
Al Yellon - June 2, 2005
Can't win
Corey can't be a lead off hitter because his OBP is garbage and he strikes out way too much, so naturally he must be moved down in the order to better serve his "Home Run Potential" and since he is "naturally" or "eventually" will be a 3,4,5 hitter, but the problem is,.......the guy is hitting .244 with RISP.....
....Sooo, I find it hard to believe how anyone is surprised with people who are BEYOND frustration with Corey.
OT: Quick little Corey story (which has nothing to do with my frustration with him)happened earlier this season in AZ. I had tickets in the pool (on the ticket under section it simply says "pool"...anyway) and in between about the 7th Inning (or 6 complimentary beers later)with the Cubs down by a run and Corey was within shouting distance and he was due to lead-off the next inning and I shouted to him...."Lay down a bunt Corey!! We need a baserunner!".
Well Corey turned around and just glared at me (only person with Cub hat on in Pool area)for what seemed a couple minutes but in reality was probably a good 20 seconds, like I just called his mother a terrible name. It was actually uncomftorable and I couldn't believe he was just staring at me, but he was.
I think that's how Corey feels about bunting. Like it's a bad word or like he's somehow "inadequate" if he has to resort to bunting to get on base and waste his "great" power. First round players don't bunt, right??
strohdkill - June 2, 2005
This confirms...
... everything I've heard about Patterson; he's uncoachable, he's got an attitude, only he knows how to play baseball, etc etc etc.It's not just bunting, it's his entire approach to playing baseball that has to change.
Al Yellon - June 2, 2005
huh?
yeah, but i don't think i would take baseball advice from anyone that would actually sit in that pool, either.jk
billywan - June 2, 2005
Hilarious
But everything except the smokin hott ladies in Bikinis were free. Even got a nice pair of DiamondBack sandles and beach towel to boot. Literally.The only drag was as we were literally showing the attendant our tickets to get in the pool, when Hollandsworth hit 1 of his few HR's this year, into the pool area. I know I would've caught it if we were in there. Consolation was after it hit the back wall some cute little kid grabbed it. It was actually a good time, but yeah I'm sure Corey was thinking "dude, have another beer and put a cork in it.".....and "BTW, I'm too selfish a player to bunt and get on base for my team" ;)~
strohdkill - June 2, 2005
funny
that pool is a disgrace, an eyesore, and an affront to all that is good and true about baseball.but i'd be all over free tix, too.
billywan - June 2, 2005
Right
I don't want to dwell on him bunting and make it sound like I want him bunting every ab, but it's the seemingly opposition from him to bunting and utilizing his great speed to get on base.Especially when he's scuffing.Getting OB via the bunt, in my opinion would open up his game and actually help him. Sure he's capable of hitting a HR at any time, but a player can't hit a HR every AB and how many HR hitters can actually have it in their game to bring the IFers in a bit and in the process have a greater chance of getting balls through?
If it gets Corey on base more, why not?? Bunt is definantely a bad 4 letter word with a lot of Cub fans.
strohdkill - June 2, 2005
Patterson
Well, being a good bunter doesn't necessarily a lead-off hitter make... and it seems to me Corey has done some bunting this year. I also would like to know who the "people within the organization" are that are saying stuff like he "purposefully hasn't learned how to bunt" because that seems pretty idiotic. (In fact, didn't he work w/ Brett Butler all spring on bunting?)No matter how effective a player might or might not be, believe me, they aren't trying to NOT do better!
That being said, I think we should trade Patterson to Florida for some fresh catch of the day. Whether it's selfish or not, he has no clue how to hit acording to situations, and as stated before, you need players that can get a job done when it's needed. Here's another one-run game where we could've had a couple more earlier.
Thank goodness for Neifi!, DLee!! and...uh... Mike Wuertz?
BCurt10 - June 2, 2005
MVP!
I haven't seen a Cub this hot since Sammy in June of 98. It's just unreal!Carry us, big fella!!!!!
BCurt10 - June 2, 2005
thanks derrek
I would like to thank Derrek Lee for allowing me to live in his world.JonH - June 2, 2005
Still shocked
When he was hitting I'm thinking, "This man is 4 for 4...am I being selfish by asking him to get another hit here?" I guess he answered me rather emphatically. I mean, a base hit would have been nice. Instead he rips one out of the park. I am humbled by this man's greatness.Slaky311 - June 2, 2005
Wuertz
It was nice to see him get out of the 7th, but he does not typically do well on back to back games. He doesn't do well in multiple inning appearances. He should not be out there right now.With the Cubs up by four, this screams for Cliff Bartosh to perhaps pitch two innings to finish this off.
DmL
dmlichte - June 2, 2005
Why Dempster?
Four run lead (not a save situation). He's gone the previous two days. They may need him tomorrow. Bartosh hasn't pitched in a while. Novoa is also on the team. This doesn't make a ton of sense, IMO.DmL
dmlichte - June 2, 2005
Gameball
Lee and Perez had great games, but how could you not give the game ball to Koronka for stepping in and pitching a nice 5 innings. I'm sure most of us did not have the greatest confidenxe in the kid at games start, but he came thru. Good job rookie!!punkcoop - June 2, 2005
Are u Bartosh's agent?
Actually, I was wondering about bringing Dempster in myself, but he only threw like 5 or 6 pitches so hopefully he'll be available tomorrow.I'm betting that Dusty had to get him up when Wuertz got in trouble in the 8th, and he figured since he already warmed up, he might as well put him in. At least I think that's what Dusty thinks.
BCurt10 - June 2, 2005
I wouldn't mind...
... being anyone's agent. I don't particularly have an affinity for Bartosh. I think he'd be a pretty effective reliever if he ever was used. I just think that bringing Dempster in was stupid. Preference #1 would have been to bring Bartosh in to start the eighth, letting Wuertz sit. Preference #2 would have been to leave Ohman to pitch the ninth after having him relieve Wuertz. Preference #3 would have been to go to Bartosh once Ohman was pinch hit for.Perhaps Dusty wanted to see if Dempster had the ability to go three days in a row. What I really like about Dempster is that he doesn't melt down in non-save situations (where lots of other closers tend to). But we shouldn't forget that Dempster had Tommy John surgery and is new to the closer role. I wouldn't handle him with kid gloves but I also wouldn't waste him which is what tonight's appearance was.
DmL
dmlichte - June 2, 2005
three days in a row?
That logic really worked wonders for Chad Fox... RIP.jameslcrockett - June 2, 2005
It sounds simple
but the Cubs are playing like winners. They have a cando approach finally. I am sure Dusty's leadership during the drought helped steer through it. Now the players are bonding and new leaders are emerging ( dlee, neifi, ohman, dempster, wuertz)MOE - June 2, 2005
Batman and Robin
or should I say Neifi and Derek, the Dynamic Duo of the Chicago Cubs.Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - June 2, 2005
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.