Last Tuesday, I was thinking about nominating Rich Hill for "Worst Cub of All Time". He responded with the best start of his career.
Sometimes reverse psychology works. Today, I'm just going to say -- I hope he continues the progress he showed against Arizona.
| Today's Starting Pitchers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Cubs have hit Snell pretty well in his three career appearances against them, including last April 16 in Pittsburgh. Take a close look at that box score -- there are no fewer than four players who appeared in that game for the Cubs who aren't on the active roster today (Derrek Lee and Freddie Bynum, on the DL, and Todd Walker and Jerry Hairston, no longer with the team).
Hill has never faced the Pirates. A win today would give the Cubs their homestand of eight or more wins since a 9-2 stand in 1998.
Note for the upcoming Milwaukee series: Juan Mateo will be skipped in the rotation; Carlos Marmol will go Tuesday, Carlos Zambrano Wednesday and Mark Prior Thursday... thus I'd expect Mateo to be available in relief.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 201 comments
Hill throws 7IN
4H, 2R, 3BB, 6KCubs win 7-2
This will be on darn diddily gosh exciting game!!!! (see no cussing)
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Mateo
why is he being skipped? That's ridiculous. He showed great stuff and deserves another start.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Need to put more innings on Zambrano's arm
if the team doesn't get him on the DL at least a few times before they start extention negotiations, Scott Boras is going to have them for lunch.Santos Sorrow @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
I assumed
it had something to do with Marshall coming off the DL. With that happening, we'd have:Z
Prior
Marmol
Marshall
Hill
We could use having Mateo come out of the pen, but I'd kinda like to see him get another start.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Marshall isn't ready to come back...
He just threw his first bullpen session and needs a couple rehab outings, golly gee gosh darn it all to heck.Oh, and the southpark movie taught me to just say M'kay.
CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
Well, darn diddily darn
I had no clue Marshall wasn't ready to come back yet. That sure twists my noodle the wrong way. Any clue who will replace Mateo in the rotation?This just really toots my gosh darn horn.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Oh hamburgers
I didn't mean to make you upset.I'd like to see Ryu or Wells, but who knows what Hendry will do. He can be such a gosh darn jerk sometimes.
As I said in an earlier diary, I think Mateo is prime bullpen material, but I guess I wouldn't be totally opposed to seeing him for one more start, although I think Mateo is a boring old biddy.
bonus points if you can name that episode.
CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
Oh butterscotch
I hadn't thought about Ryu or Wells. I don't see how Ryu could be any worse than his last start, he sure did tick off a lot of folk then!Wells isn't on the 40-man roster. He could replace Wood once he gets moved to the 60 day DL. Hopefully Hendry is planning on DFA'ing some dog poopy player.
And the episode was Duffles.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
butterscotch?
That is a little extreme there buddy. You aren't looking to spend a night in the box, are you?CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
Its so PLEASANTVILLE here!
I wonder if Al is black & white still?Santos Sorrow @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Look at me!!!
I'm pasty!!!colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Gosh no
I sure hope Al won't punish me for such as harsh language as "butterscotch."Gee, mister, I'm so sorry if that offended your sensitive and virgin ears.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Who the hell
are you guys and what have you done with colossus and CosmicCharlie911? LOL!!!sue369 - August 6, 2006
Look below
I said that I've turned a leaf after a conversation with Al. I've stopped using such darn diddily darn foul language.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
and could you please watch the language
That word might offend some people.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
LOL!!
Sure, unless the Cubs do something stupid...then I just can't help myself.sue369 - August 6, 2006
Yeah they really should move....
Woody to the 60 day DL, as Al suggested. He won't be back this year, and nothing more than gosh dang stubbornness is keeping him on the 40 man roster right now.In reality, they really could probably move Lee over to the 60 day DL too, but they never will. I don't really even want him back this year...contrary to Dusty belief, this season is very much completely over. My buddy had that same wrist injury, and he says some days it is still sketchy over a year and a half later, so I say just give Lee the rest of the season off.
CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
I asked about Wood being moved to 60
day DL before Al suggested it if memory serves me correct. Not saying anything there, just saying.I don't know why Wood would be opposed to moving to the 60 day DL. That's just gosh darn foolishness.
I hadn't thought about moving Lee. He'd be fine with it, he cares about the team. It seems pointless to have Theriot called up. He'll never get to play now that we're stuck with Neifi I, II, and III. I'd suggest bringing up Fontenot, but unless he can play 1B, he'd be rotting on the bench with Theriot.
This is just poopy!!!
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
I want the Cubs to bring up...
Fontenot and two others all to play second base, so the Cubs can set the record for the most second basemen used by the club in one season (the record is 9 and they've used 7 so far). Since this season hasn't gone anywhere, I think it would be super keen to at least set a record somehow.That would really be the bees knees.
CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
Hey this is off topic...
but they are playing ren and stimpy right now on Nickelodean, if anyone cares. I haven't seen this on here in ages.CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
I'm watching Mythbusters
isn't anything else on.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Might as well
this season is already an abortion and has no chance of getting any better. It won't really matter if we bring up anyone for experience. We're stuck with Iziturus (like I care if I get his name right), Cedeno, and Neifi next year. I'd love for us to sign Lugo, but I doubt Hendry has the stones to admit defeat/wrong doing and get him.And those who might be mad I used the term "abortion" to describe our season, look it up and you'll be surprised to discover that it has multiple meanings......imagine that.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
DANG YOU DUSTY!
That was an angry ejaculation, if we're going to get all literary here.CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
still
funny?tomas21 - August 6, 2006
no
that was about it from meCosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
it was clever
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
good one
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
I am torn
Gosh darn it, I don;t want a win to help the dustbag's cause, but I am also rooting for a perfect game from Hill...thisteamisajoke - August 6, 2006
Gee golly, isn't it tough
to have to pick between our players doing well or Dusty looking poopy and helping him get fired?Jiminy jillickers are we in a pickle!!!
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
How about a no-hitter through 9, but
the score is tied 0-0, when Dempster comes in in the 10th, gives up a walk, then a home run to Jason Bay. Hill goes 9 hitless AND the Cubs lose 2-0 in 10, seems like the scenario you're looking for.Santos Sorrow @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
My family and I will be at the Wednesday
night game. So far, the Cubs are 2-0 when my son Gabe is at the game. We're hoping to extend their streak. With Z pitching we can always hope. I was thinking that since Monday is an off day, doesn't that explain why the Cubs are skipping Mateo? We were thinking he'd pitch again when his spot comes up next time. Yes, no?teacher tom - August 6, 2006
It means
they need him in the bullpen more than the rotation and plan on calling someone up to start the game next Saturday.But yes, it looked like he'd get another start, out bullpen just needs his arm.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
no murton today
dustys a bitchchina423 - August 6, 2006
You have to drop the "T"
cause bich is latin for generosity.CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
M'kay
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Lineup
PierreIzturis ss
Rocky
A-Ram
Jones
Pagan LF
Mabry 1B
Cedeno 2B
The Next Zito P
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
and can we please watch the language today?
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
That means...
no 'funny' replacements either.I read what happened. While I'm not against swearing(even though I RARELY swear), some of the comments above are pretty childish. Sorry if that sounds mean, but I thought I would say something because if it continues it's going to get very annoying.
sparkles721 - August 6, 2006
Oh butterscotch
I'm so sorry to say anything that might offend or tick you off. After a talk with Al, I've turned a leaf and will stop my darn diddily darn foul language.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Annoyance
is their primary objective, I have come to believe.McHuge - August 6, 2006
Yep
That makes perfect sense. CosmicCharlie and I were trying to annoy each other earlier, you know, since were the only people dedicated enough to the team to be here so early.Yep, great thinking there.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
CosmicCharlie911
We should go to a game and sit with Al in the bleachers. I'm sure Al would love to have us. Wouldn't that just be oodles of fun?!?!colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
With some of the drunk morons...
that populate the bleachers, I'm sure we would only be minorly annoying.CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
Ha
Maybe. We should ask and see what he thinks. If he says he's cool with it, we should definitely go.Do you live in the city?
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Answer?
Want to or not? I'll e-mail Al and ask him if that's okay.We'd have to get tickets, maybe he could hook us up.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Ian Snell
is looking to become the Pirates' first 10-game winner this year...the team's only pitcher with at least 10 wins last year was Dave Williams, who was 10-11.Man, there is no way to make this game sound exciting.
Short4Fanatic - August 6, 2006
Murton
seems like a pretty well-spoken guy.false cognate - August 6, 2006
He uses too many baseball buzzwords...
for my taste.I cringe every time I hear "taking it one day at a time" or "not trying to do too much" among other lines.
CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
Boooooooooooo
Boo-urns. Boo-urns.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Jiminy Jillickers!!!!
Hill had great stuff against Duffy.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
I hope they break
their pattern they have going for this month, win, lose, win, lose, win, so that would make today lose. GO CUBS!!!!!sue369 - August 6, 2006
Who thinks I should do my
daily "no-hitter" routine?colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
It was only an inning..
...But Rich Hill still looks good.thing85 - August 6, 2006
I concur
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
He's looking like....
....his AAAA self right now.thing85 - August 6, 2006
4K's in 2 IN, 1 H
Yeah, that's horrible.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Well...
...You misunderstood what I was saying. My point was that he's pitching like he does down in AAA (or "AAAA" for him). Lots of Ks, dominant for the most part.thing85 - August 6, 2006
Let's not get ahead of ourselves
It was always patently ridiculous to call Rich Hill a "AAAA" after only 40+ Major League innings, especially considering the AMAZING numbers he was putting up at AAA. That being said, two starts doesn't make a career.I think it is clear judging from Hill's AAA statistics, he has the highest "ceiling" of any of our pitching prospects in the Majors. Its time to get him some innings and hopefully make a run at Zito this off season. Having Zito's knowledge and experience from the left side would be absolutely invaluable to the development of Hill and Marshall. This is a REAL REASON to overpay for his services.
If that happens, we actually might have something to look forward to in 2 or 3 years.
Santos Sorrow @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
I love
Rich Hill!!!sue369 - August 6, 2006
He seems to be
the only exciting thing about this otherwise dull game.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
It's early
yet. Lots of time for exciting things.sue369 - August 6, 2006
Good Job, Umps
Made the right call and put Ronny on first.sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
good call
sue369 - August 6, 2006
wooohooo
Cubs score!!sue369 - August 6, 2006
Cesar! Cesar!
Sends Ronny "No Catch Single" Cedeno Home!!!!sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Darn, what can Cubs fans complain about?
Man, Hill pitching well, Cedeno got on, the call went our way, Izturis got an RBI hit, elevating his batting average. Heck, even Pierre's lineout to 3rd was a good at bat.Thankfully, it is still early.
Ross - August 6, 2006
I can complain about
only having scored one run. I'd like for Barrett and A-Ram to get homers.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Ross, you must be new here
It's only the fourth inning...there's plenty of time for stuff to happen. There's only a one-run lead, too. Have you seen the Cubs 1-run record?I don't stop being nervous until the last out is called and I see the white flag fly over the scoreboard.
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Gosh
Hill sure looks like a prospect now. Too bad the dustbag was too obtuse to see that earlier this year.thisteamisajoke - August 6, 2006
I still love
Rich Hill!!sue369 - August 6, 2006
It's still funny to think...
...that Rich Hill is currently the oldest pitcher in the Cubs' starting rotation. I REALLY hope that Hill's last start and his start so far today indicate his true pitching ability (and match his AAA numbers). It would be a dream come true to see him dominate for the rest of the season and have a "solid" starter for next season.Please, let me dream...
thing85 - August 6, 2006
me too
sue369 - August 6, 2006
I'd trade him
as part of a package for a star.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Thanks for the laugh
I love things like that. You would trade Rich Hill for a star? Really. Do you have Jedi mind trick ability? Perhaps photos of other GMs in compromising positions? Why do you assume you could make a trade that the current organization could not make?Ross - August 6, 2006
Well......
If you look at what I said, I said as part of a package. Throw in more players and we could get someone.I would have traded Prior last off-season for Tejada in a heartbeat. Hendry said no. Great job, Hendry.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
I think it had more to do with the Orioles.....
preferring Z over Prior.PriorandAramisfan23 - August 6, 2006
Nope
Baltimore said Tejada for Prior as a one-for-one. Hendry said throw in Bedard. Baltimore said if you want Tejada and Bedard you have to give us Z. Hendry said no.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Since we've done so well
Whenever we bring in veterans anyway...Lets trade the only home-grown young talent we have. Sure.
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
If it would make us a better team
why not?colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
That was the purpose of the
"We've done so well when we've brought Veterans in" comment.We DON'T do better when we bring in "stars"
We need to grow some home-grown talent, and keep what we develop. Why pick up yesterdays all-star when you can have today's and tomorrows?
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
We don't have them
Our farm system sucks. Next season is going to depend on signing big name FA's.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Exactly my point.
Our farm sucks. So when we actually have someone good and promising that will look good in a Cubs uniform in the years to come, we're going to get rid of him?That's what minor market teams like Kansas City do. They're always in that playoff race, too.
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Except thant Kansas City
doesn't go out and spend big bucks on FA's to make their team better. Our payroll will increase next year and we'll be better bc of the additions we make.They trade away people bc of price and/or knowing they won't be able to resign them.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Our payroll was $95 Million this year
Payroll increase means nothing in terms of on-field performance.sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
I know that
but it'll increase bc we go out and sign impact players. You know, like C-Lee.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Why in the heck
qould you want to trade Hill? His curve makes him the most promising starter prospect we have. We have other fodder to trade for a star.thisteamisajoke - August 6, 2006
Why wouldn't I want to trade him
He and couple of other players could get us something that would help us win. I'd do it, just like I would have traded Prior for Tejada.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
The flaw in your logic....
... is that you assume that Tejada would have more of an ability to help the Cubs win than Hill or Cedeno would. Certainly, Tejada's current success in driving the Orioles to the AL East pennant this season is remarkable.Plus, you assume that the Orioles would be willing to trade Tejada for guys who you desperately want to get rid of. Here's a hint. They don't.
Ross - August 6, 2006
What was I thinking
Trying to trade an injury prone pitcher who has one win in the past 11 months for an All-Star who's hitting .333 with 19 HR and 78 RBI.Yep, I'm glad Hendry didn't trade Prior for Tejada last off season. He totally made the right move there.
You also have to look at the talent Tejada has around him in Baltimore. Imagine if he was here with A-Ram, Lee, and Barrett. Keep in mind, trading for Tejada would have caused a ripple effect, so D-Lee might have never gotten injured bc it would alter the events of that game. The ripple effect could end up having a negative effect though, but looking at our season, how could it have lead to anything worse?
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
The problem with this line of thinking is...
...players have to pass physicals before a trade is completed. Given Prior's history, I'm sure Baltimore would have insisted on one, and they probably would have pulled out of the trade once the results came in.cwyers - August 7, 2006
YAY RONNY!!!!!!!
sue369 - August 6, 2006
RONNY!!!!!!!!!!!!
No need for an Umpire talk for that one!INTO THE BLEACHERS!!!
PIT0 CHC4
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Ack!
There is no wave at Wrigley, people!McHuge - August 6, 2006
What is going on?
Cub fans doing the wave?Gee willikers, we don't do that on the North Side.
thisteamisajoke - August 6, 2006
The Wave
It used to be fun. Now it's annoying. AND DON'T DO IT WHEN YOU'RE ON OFFENSE, IDIOT!!! THERE'S A GAME GOING ON, REMEMBER!?!?!?!?sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
This is...
now the lowest point of this season.McHuge - August 6, 2006
It never was fun
and was always annoying.rlpete - August 6, 2006
Well, when I thought it was fun
Is when I was 12. And it was in round stadiums where a wave might actually look good.Wrigley, you just go 'huh?'
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
OK
I'll give you that it was fun when you were 12.rlpete - August 6, 2006
The Wave?
I can't believe it. How embarrassing. I've never seen that before at Wrigley. It might be time to start rooting for a new team.cubsbak - August 6, 2006
The Wave?!?!?!?!
WTF!!!!!!PriorandAramisfan23 - August 6, 2006
Hate the wave
Ugh. The wave? I can't stand it at Dodger games, and now to see it at wrigley. ick.Ross - August 6, 2006
Nice catch,
Izturis. Remember to bring your gold glove for next game.thing85 - August 6, 2006
In his defense
I'm not sure many could make that grab. Odd angle, and the sun does crazy things.sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
True...
But it didn't seem like he made a great effort to get it.thing85 - August 6, 2006
Hard to catch it if you can't see it
Cut him some slack. Catching a pop-up in the sun is tough.Ross - August 6, 2006
But
not many are Gold Glovers, so he should have had it. That's what defines a top notch defender. Making the plays that not many can.sandbergfan - August 6, 2006
Izturis
May be a good defender, but I haven't seen it yet. Len and Bob seem awfully apologetic for him so far.cubzfan - August 6, 2006
WTF? Wave?
What in the holy hell was that wave crap? I'm sure Al was one of those booing.Goat Whisperer - August 6, 2006
It's sooo arena.
Boo that puppy down!Littlerock Rynofan - August 6, 2006
You can't say that..
.."WTF?"....if there is a nine year-old reading this, they will ask there parents what that means.santo for prez - August 6, 2006
Good catch
We should e-mail Al and report him/her/it.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Calm down, Rich
You have a comfy lead. Just take a deep breath and do what you do best - pitch well.sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Critical inning for Hill
A little adversity, a first batter walk, he had to run the bases last inning. This is a critical inning for him.Ross - August 6, 2006
Nice Job, Hill
Gave up a lead-off walk, but it turned out to be no harm done.sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
A-Ram
Lets take two!sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
come on JJ
sue369 - August 6, 2006
What the hell kind of baseball was that
That's the crap I see in AA-San Antonio!Atleast the run scored, I think.
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Wrong
Even they know how to run the bases in AA.thisteamisajoke - August 6, 2006
Ok, now there is something to complain about
Jones. Putting on a baserunning clinic of what not to do. Kids, hope you were watching.Ross - August 6, 2006
come on Rich
sue369 - August 6, 2006
Huh?
Can someone give me the color commentary on the inning-ending double-play?(I'm on GameDay)
thanks,
Romero - August 6, 2006
Infield in
ground to ss wilson, both runners go, ramirez caught running back to second, and the goofball jones caught retreating to first.Typical dusty fundemantal baseball.
thisteamisajoke - August 6, 2006
I REALLY LOVE
Rich Hill!!!!!sue369 - August 6, 2006
I'm sure you're
his biggest (and only) fan.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
could be
sue369 - August 6, 2006
If Hill keeps this up...
...it's hard NOT to be a fan. Do you not like it when the Cubs pitch well?thing85 - August 6, 2006
I like it
but it just takes more than two good starts against less than stellar teams for me to become a fan.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
re
Last Tuesday, I was thinking about nominating Rich Hill for "Worst Cub of All Time".
Jesus Freaking Christ, you take your sample size seriously, don't you?
What logical person would proclaim a pitcher with 40+ innings as the worst player in an organization than has been around for over 100 years?
VS - August 6, 2006
You realize that was a joke, right?
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Doubt it
He said the same thing last Tuesday or whenever it was.VS - August 6, 2006
who said that?
sue369 - August 6, 2006
come on Rich..
suck it up buddy.sue369 - August 6, 2006
Ouch.
Atleast it was an empty-baser.I'm still impressed with Hill's 9 K's!
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
I'm very impressed with...
...his control and lack of walks.thing85 - August 6, 2006
OK,
I spoke too soon.thing85 - August 6, 2006
The Pirates...
are 15th in the NL in walks. If there is any team that Rich Hill should dominate, it's the Pirates.McHuge - August 6, 2006
ack...
come on Rcih...one more out!!!sue369 - August 6, 2006
*Rich*
sue369 - August 6, 2006
103 Pitches
9 K's, 5H, 1HR, 2BBGreat job, kid. Now let the bullpen win it for ya!
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
My prediction was
7IN, 4H, 2R, 3BB, 6KKinda close.
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Congrats.
Here, have a prize.sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Be careful with what you say...
...or you might end up as a quote in his signature.thing85 - August 6, 2006
I doubt that
The quote from Al is most likely staying. I have something I'd really like to put there instead, but Al would get a bunch of e-mails, he'd send me another e-mail about how I pissed some people off bc apparently they overreact and act like the internet is serious business.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
Yes, you are obviously very proud of yourself.
Ross - August 6, 2006
Would you like to see it?
Send me an e-mail at colossusofchicago@gmail.com (e-mail addy is in my profile too) and I'll tell you what it is. It's really good.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
whew!!!
sue369 - August 6, 2006
The high strike
I think what has been helping him today is getting that high strike called or swung at consistantly. It is good to see him pitching effectively, but Hill still might have a problem with a more patient team that doesn't swing at those, or an umpire who doesn't call the high strike.Ross - August 6, 2006
What's with all
the gosh darn naysayers?thisteamisajoke - August 6, 2006
It is not meant to be a nay-sayer
I am not trying to downplay his performance, merely point out the difference that I say between this start and his early starts. He has obviously changed something and is doing something right.Ross - August 6, 2006
come on Bob
sue369 - August 6, 2006
I just joined the thread
Why the hell is Hill still out there? Len and Bob are glossing over the fact he's 100+!!Enough with the comedy capers! The guy is funny, but Hill should be O-U-T!!!!!!!!!!!!
Smooth Jazz Man San Diego - August 6, 2006
Oh never mind
Too much comedy not enough on the changeSmooth Jazz Man San Diego - August 6, 2006
lol
That's why I never like watching the eighth inning on a Cubs broadcast...sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Len and Bob
just got a major TV news scoop. As far as I know, that's the first confirmation of a sixth season for CYE and the first announcement of when shooting begins.Josh Timmers - August 6, 2006
never watched the show
sue369 - August 6, 2006
It contains cussing
so no one should watch it.colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
that would not
bother me, I've just never watched it.sue369 - August 6, 2006
Colossus
Is just being his usual self-righteous self.It's on HBO, so if you don't have HBO, you haven't seen it.
Josh Timmers - August 6, 2006
YAY Angel!!!
sue369 - August 6, 2006
Sacrifice for Angel
And another run on the board for the Cubbie Bears!PIT1 CHC6
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Dear Dempster,
One-Two-Three-Done.Please???
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
yep
just like yesterday... 3 up - 3 down.sue369 - August 6, 2006
One down...
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
Okay
Didn't get the memo.How about One-Three-Four-Done?
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
come on Dempster
get this over with.sue369 - August 6, 2006
A double play would be very nice right here
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
I guess a K also works
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
2 down
sue369 - August 6, 2006
DEMPSTER - STOP F'ING UP MY FANTASY TEAM!
Look Ryan, you can't get the save, but you can try to not give up a couple of hits and meaningless runs that are going to cause me to lose my head to head battle tis weekend.Ross - August 6, 2006
Why do you have Dempster.....
on your fantasy team to begin with??PriorandAramisfan23 - August 6, 2006
Because my other closers got hurt
It was need based, not desire based.Ross - August 6, 2006
Holy Mackeral! Hey Hey!
Go Cubs Go, Go Cubs GoHey Chicago whaddya say? The Cubs are gonna win today!!!
Nice Homestand, everyone!
sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
YESSSSS!!
sue369 - August 6, 2006
Good game Cubs
sue369 - August 6, 2006
FSN Pittsbugh
has the shot which shows the ball hit Wilson's foot.No cussing, either.
Smooth Jazz Man San Diego - August 6, 2006
Arne Harris
is missed. His crew would have had that shot.WGN's tech coverage has gone downhill.
Smooth Jazz Man San Diego - August 6, 2006
then don't
watch them any more.sue369 - August 6, 2006
The look on Rich's face
After Len mentioned a pie-in-the-face coming was priceless.sanantonecub - August 6, 2006
yes it was.LOL
sue369 - August 6, 2006
Then what?
I was discussing the fact that WGN's coverage USED to be better than any Network. What kind of silly comment is that?Smooth Jazz Man San Diego - August 6, 2006
"lamenting" would be a better
descriptive term than "discussing." Isn't that why we are here? To make observations other than "YESSSSS?"Wow, grow up.
Smooth Jazz Man San Diego - August 6, 2006
can't we all just get along?
colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 6, 2006
I stand by
my statement. If you don't like what WGN has to offer then don't watch them.sue369 - August 6, 2006
Is it safe to assume that you like
everything the Cubs have had to offer this year then, and that you haven't had one negative word to say about the team?Whitebacon - August 6, 2006
I've not liked
everything they have had to offer and I've complained several times. I've even said they sucked when they have.He just came on here new today and had nothing positive to say at all and just rubbed me the wrong way. I'll get over it.
sue369 - August 6, 2006
Great Game Rich...
Here's to a lefthanded presence in the future rotation (hopefully)...assuming no Zito.thekansasian - August 6, 2006
I'm worried...
That we'll trade him in a package for a veteran pitcher who goes down hill (no pun intended) once he joins the Cubs. Meanwhile, Hill proceeds to dominate in his career with another team.Good thing the Cubs have never done something like that before.
thing85 - August 6, 2006
They might keep him...
just because they now can't even pretend to count on Kerry Wood as a starter ever again, and they desperately need to fill their rotation. If Glendon Rusch ever spends a significant amount of time starting again there may well be riots on waveland and sheffield.CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
True...
We are pretty stockpiled with pitchers. Yet I don't know if any combination of them yields a WS winning rotation. Between Z, Marshall, Marmol, Hill, Mateo, and Prior, we're pretty well covered. Mateo, as posted before, will probably move to the bullpen. I think we need at least one upgrade for a solid rotation.thekansasian - August 6, 2006
Here's my take on the current pitchers
Z: Obviously big time number one...one of the best in baseballHill: I really don't know what to say about him. I really thought that, with only two viable pitches (his change IS pretty weak) and his age that he would never be a top shelf pitcher. The one thing that I was wrong about that I have noticed is that his fastball isn't as subpar as I originally thought. It is of the "riser" variety with decent tailing action, and when thrown at the top of the zone people have trouble catching up with it. That said, Wrigley will always be dangerous for him, as it is with most flyball pitchers, and he really needs to be able to work that change into counts more often. I have not once seen him use it as an out pitch, and after he makes a few trips through the league, I fear that guys are going to start figuring him out.
Marmol: Very high ceiling (he might be the best of our "prospect" pitchers, but desperately needs time in the minors to develop consistent mechanics and get in better shape. If he can come out consistently throwing 95 with his moving fastball and sharp slurve and plus change (supposedly he also has more of a curveball too: the slurve is thrown about 80 mph and the curve around 75) and command the plate, he has ace written all over him.
Marshall: I really like Marshall a lot, because he has a veritable arsenal of pitches (sinker, splitter, cutter/sharp slider, and of course the curveball) and he really has a great head for the game. I think that if he fine tunes his control, he has very good potential to project as a better version of Mark Mulder.
Prior: Who knows whether the rest of his career will consist of the marksman, or the wild, inconsistent curve-hanger. Lets hope the former. At his best, he is, of course, really good.
Mateo: I don't see him as a starter. He was originally pitching in the bullpen in the minors system, and has the making of a very solid reliever. Also, he seems quite poised. As I said in my diary earlier this week, he is very Bob Howry-esque stuffwise.
The best bets in our system:
Don Veal: supposedly the next D train
Sean Gallagher: fearless, with good control and an arsenal of pitches including a great curveball and nice sinker.
Mark Pawelek: Very raw right now, but only 19, with a big time plus curveball and change, and a high octane fastball all coming from a lefty.
Jeff (I can't spell the last name) Samardzija: still raw, since he's spent a lot of his time doing football, but potential for a great fastball and already has a filthy slider.
CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
This is a really good analysis...
... and thanks for doing this in detail.Of the "best bets", I really like Gallagher, though I think he's at least two years away.
Samardzija (you got it right!) can throw 99 MPH and might be best suited to being a closer.
Al Yellon - August 6, 2006
Samardzija.......
doesn't hit 99 on the gun.....that was some big time exaggeration by the Cubs media department. He hits in the mid 90's.PriorandAramisfan23 - August 6, 2006
He does have a chance to sit...
in the mid to upper 90s though. He's never fully committed to baseball, and this means that, although he went through college already, he is still relatively raw.Plus his slider is already rated as one of the best in the system.
CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
He'll hit in the mid 90's......
maybe max out at like 96-97.PriorandAramisfan23 - August 6, 2006
that is most likely true
CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
Once you can throw like 93...
I'm more interested in movement anyway. High velocity is sexy, but I'll take Zambrano or Jake Peavy's fastballs over Justin Verlander or AJ Burnett's fastballs anyday.CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
Verlander.....
has a nasty fastball though.PriorandAramisfan23 - August 6, 2006
What makes him so filthy...
is his secondary stuff (curve and especially the change) though. If he threw as many fastballs as Z, he wouldn't be nearly as successful.CosmicCharlie911 - August 6, 2006
I don't know about WGN's coverage
but I do know that their HD broadcast cuts out on my digital cable more than any other station and it's enough to be very annoying. That said, I LOVE the HD!!! I got to see a Cub's win today and a promise of a future. What's more to like?teacher tom - August 6, 2006
It was
a great game. I hope Rich continues to just get better and better. He deserves it.sue369 - August 6, 2006
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.