The AP recap of last night's 7-3 Cubs win over the Phillies says, of Jacque Jones' stunning fielding gaffe in the fifth inning:
"A few feet behind"? Jones appeared at first to be stationed underneath a medium-deep fly ball, about 50-60 feet in front of the warning track. The ball bounced off the track and into the CF shrubbery, at least fifty feet behind Jones.
We were all stunned. At first it appeared to be badly misjudged, but in reality, the only thing we could assume is that he lost it in the lights.
But you know what? It didn't matter. Jones got his forgiveness when he made a fine running catch to end the Phillie sixth with a runner in scoring position, and then got further redemption when he smacked a two-run double down the line in the last of the sixth with two runners on base to give the Cubs a 4-3 lead; after a Jason Kendall sacrifice, Mike Fontenot was sent up to pinch-hit for Jason Marquis (who we thought might be left in to bat for himself, even though it was obvious he was going to be lifted for a pinch-hitter), and smacked a single past the drawn-in infield (why do teams do that? It almost never works), scoring Jones.
So yes, Jacque, you're forgiven -- and the sellout crowd acknowledged him with warm applause when he came to bat in the 7th.
There were a couple of other wacky plays in last night's game, including two really bad Philadelphia throws, one on a Ryan Theriot bunt in the first inning that helped lead to a run, and another in the 8th inning that didn't, in addition to a bad throw by Pat Burrell after Mark DeRosa was inexplicably held up by Mike Quade at 3B when he could have obviously scored on Jones' double; Burrell's throw wasn't that bad but it was offline enough to allow DeRosa to just get in under Chris Coste's tag attempt.
All of this got Jason Marquis off the hook for a pitching performance that wasn't quite as good as the "quality start" (6 IP, 3 ER) he gets in the stat book. Marquis threw 105 pitches in six innings and walked three, although who knows what really would have happened if Jones hadn't lost that ball in the lights. What he did was keep his team in the game long enough for them to take the lead, and then Will Ohman, Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry shut the Phillies down on a combined four hits in three innings, striking out six, including three by Marmol on both increasingly fast fastballs (at least a couple measured 97 on the ballpark pitch speed meter) and some more knee-bending sliders. I had kind of hoped that Lou would leave Marmol in to finish the game, as he had thrown only 23 pitches, saving Howry for another day, and he wound up having to get Ryan Dempster up briefly when Howry gave up two hits, including a double off Jones' glove -- for which he got another round of applause for his diving effort.
See, Jacque? We love you after all.
With the Brewers' 13-inning win over the Mets last night, the Cubs remain a game out of first place. The good news from that game is that Milwaukee ran through its entire bullpen (except for newly-acquired Scott Linebrink), so much so that they had to turn to starter Dave Bush to throw the 13th inning. Good. Let them overtax their pen in anticipation of seeing the Phillies this weekend. And, it set up Tom Glavine, who got a no-decision last night, to try again for his 300th career win Sunday night at Wrigley Field. Hey, Tom: the last two pitchers who tried for their 300th wins at Wrigley (Roger Clemens in 2003 and Greg Maddux in 2004) both failed. Also last night, with Arizona's win over San Diego, and the Giants' win over the Dodgers, the D'backs took over first place in the NL West, and the Cubs and Padres are now tied, 1/2 game behind Los Angeles, the current wild card leader. In fact, the NL contenders are bunching up, perhaps closer than this many teams have been this late in the season ever. There are now nine teams within 4.5 games of each other:
A couple of notes: it was the silly "70s night" at the ballpark last night, which brought out people wearing costumes and wigs that no one outside of "Saturday Night Fever" ever wore even back then, including one guy wearing an all-purple outfit (even some horrid-looking purple shoes). Creativity points to the people in the section next to us who brought some 70's-topic signs, including one that said "Impeach Nixon" and in smaller letters "Go Cubs, Have A Nice Day", and another reading "Dave Kingman For President".
Finally, Kerry Wood threw well in his rehab inning for AA Tennessee last night; I'd expect him to be activated either tomorrow or Friday. For those of you rolling your eyes at "expecting" something from him or "counting on" him, Lou Piniella has the right idea:
"The back end of our bullpen has worked well, so there's no need tinkering with that," Piniella said. "But, yes, as the season progresses and Kerry does well, roles can change."
Onward to August and a real pennant race. And isn't that a refreshing change?
0 recs | 238 comments
Dave Bush
was scheduled to start tonight for the Brewers. Is that still the case?davewillie - August 1, 2007
Brewers website...
... now lists Claudio Vargas.Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
I actually feel bad
for Jones.He's clearly trying his best out there, and has been playing really well as of late. But the look he has on his face the whole game is like a kid who's cleaning his room only so he can hang out with his friends later. It's a chore, he takes little to no joy in it, but he does a good job anyway.
I was there last night and it was a great game. Here's to taking the next two from the fighting phils.
SouthsideCub - August 1, 2007
i was thinking the same thing
all the close ups of jones showed him looking like he was either about to start crying or throw a tantrum, or bothholycow07 - August 1, 2007
Your statement
about him looking like he is ready to cry made me think of Michael Tucker. That man always looked like he had lost his best friend.wild bill - August 1, 2007
I feel bad for him too
But... it's the nature of sports. Unfortunately for him, he set the tone for the fans last season, during a rough start.It must be difficult to run out to CF or RF and play amongst your own hometown fans dogging you on a daily basis. It would definitely hurt inside.
SackMan - August 1, 2007
That is crap...
How did HE set the tone? The fans set the tone negatively for him. We the fans gave him like 2 weeks before the Boos and hate mail was sent to him. Alot of fans hated the contract that he signed. That was not his problem, if the Cubs offer you this and your only worth that, why not take it? He was wrongly booed last year.It did hurt him inside last year i do know this. He definitely wears his emotions on his sleeve, and he was extremely bothered by the booing and the hate mail. But he never stopped working every day, his goal was to prove the fans wrong.
HIGGY - August 1, 2007
True
A very reasonable and rational post. Thanks.Of course, JJ hasn't proved the fans wrong. His production this year is pathetic for any amount of money.
ExNorthsider - August 1, 2007
Correct...
He has not proved the fans wrong, but he did have a pretty well rounded year last year.This year is what it is (i am a supporter of Jones - but i am starting to question a few things). Jones' swing is in shambles and he is trying to pull everything. Last year, all he did was work on hitting it to Left Field...i dont know why he has not gotten back to this.
HIGGY - August 1, 2007
How do he pull
down the 3rd base line for 2 runs?tony412 - August 1, 2007
**did
I think he's just trying to get a hit. I dont think he's trying for anything else.tony412 - August 1, 2007
He is trying to get a hit...
but lets be honest (remember, i am a supporter of JJ) - he didnt go with the pitch down the 3rd base line...his body was way out in front and it was actually a benefit that is was so far out because it caused him to hit it down the left field line.What i am saying is, the majority of JJ's outs are because he is trying to pull every pitch, inside or out, thus the slow rollers to 1st and 2nd base.
HIGGY - August 1, 2007
How?
He took an outside pitch and went with it; trying to hit it where it was pitched and not pull it.He's done rather well the year+ he's been here; going to the opposite field. Though last year he hit for much more power; the opposite way too.
blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
Kerry
I heard about Wood's outing last night first thing this morning.Technically, I got a morning wood update.
Good game last night. If we keep winning 3 out of 4, and Brewers keep losing 9 out of 14, we will be in good shape.
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
The air
in FLA must carry some kind of majic in it. You seem to reference your desire for the pleasure the skin does hold in many of your posts:)wild bill - August 1, 2007
Haha
There's something in the air alright. I don't know if it's magic though. I think they call it humidity. It's hot down here.I remember the first time I heard the term "relative humidity", I thought it was how much you sweat when you're making love to your cousin.
That's how we roll in the south, haha...
All seriousness aside, thanks for pointing that out. I do make a lot of reference to the pleasures of the skin. I'm consumed with it, I suppose. I'll try to stick to baseball.
So, howsabout them Cubbies!!!!
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
Thanks'
for the chuckle. You keep rolling as you are, I have enjoyed your posts as well as when you create a diary.wild bill - August 1, 2007
I posted
a couple of weeks ago how nice it is to not only see the Cubbies win, but having to check what the Brewers did. I still say though, keep an eye on those stinkin Cards.wild bill - August 1, 2007
I tell you
I am almost at a loss. Being in it like we are, my wife thinks I have a medical condition. I have my laptop in the living room, bouncing back and forth between BCB.com, Gameday, ESPN.com, and still hogging the TV. Gotta keep up with all these teams!She said "Jesus, the guy got a hit, won't it be the same stat on all the different sites?"
Haha...women. They are so cute when they get all dumb like that. :)
She asked me the other night what we were going to do next spring for our anniversary.
I said, "I, my dear, am going to Spring Training in Arizona. You, my dear, can accompany me if you would like, or stay home with my step-cat."
So, three days later, I just put down a deposit on a cruise.
* sigh *
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
Too funny
My wife to bed a couple nights ago real early. When I asked why, she said I had the Cubs on the computer and the TV, therefore she figured she lost me for the night.On the bright side your wife got the cruise, but you still have the TV and computer! You also answered a question I have had which is, I always wondered where people from FL go on vacation? So it is a cruise huh.
wild bill - August 1, 2007
Funny you asked.
Generally, for a vacation we go to New Jersey.I made that up.
Hoenstly, I use my vacation time right here. I do a lot of diving in the gulf, and we have tons of natural springs for cave diving. I do an obscene amount of hunting and fishing, which costs me about as much as a small third-world country, but still manage to make a trip or two each year to Chicago for a weekend series.
No, we do not go to Disney World. Most of us despise that overgrown rat, except he brings a lot of money in to our state. Well, him and Medicare.
We can also hope on the Fast-Cat and be in the keys in a couple of hours, or gas the boat up, get a keg of beer, case of whiskey, 3 prosititutes, 4 pounds of marijuana and make the 6 hour trip by boat to the Bahamas, but it's tough on your liver.
Between the Cubs on TV, EI, and hanging out with all you nuts on BCB, I would just assume stay home most of the time!
Cheers!
Florida Cubbie
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
I am stuck in Marshall, MN this summer interning
If you want to call it that. I spend most my day at work wasting time reading this board :)Anyways...
The bars here don't have satellite or EI or anything so unless the Cubs are on ESPN/WGN, I can't watch them. All the bars show is Twins games on FSN north, it is really disappointing
:( But it has been saving me money to say the least.
This week is my last week though! Can't wait to get back to Florida (where I live) so I can be in a real town, go to the beach, and what not.
Agree with the above comment about Mickey, he only brings traffic to Orlando (as if there isn't enough to begin with). Luckily I live on the opposite side of town so don't have to worry about it.
Cruises and the Keys are also a great way to go on vacation in Florida. Theres a boat that leaves from Tampa?
GoCubbies34 - August 1, 2007
Tampa
I dunno if there is a cruise boat that leaves from Tampa. We leave out of Jacksonville. We meet some family in Sarasota and take their boat down to the Keys when we want to get down there. That is the coolest place to unwind. Where 'bouts in our beautiful state do you live, GoCubbies34? We should plan a huge weekend party if the Cubs make the NLCS for all the Florida members of BCB. :)Hell, I'll buy the beer!
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
One more thing
Be thankful you aren't stuck in Minnesota in winter! I bet it gets cool up there.I mean, hell, even Kevin Garnett had to get outta there...
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
Hey if you're buying :)
I lived in Jacksonville area (Ponte Vedra to be exact) growing up, now going to UCF in Orlando until I graduate in December, although I will be commuting from Jacksonville this last semester. I found this awesome hole-in-the-wall bar in Orlando though called Devaneys/Smokin' Devaneys Too, used to be owned by a guy from Chicago. The bar has a shitload of baseball cards featuring Bulls, Bears, and Cubbies from ages ago all under laquer (the plastic stuff), so when you take a seat you can just look at the players and be in awe.I would like to be up here when it starting snowing, if not for a little bit, though. I never really got a chance to see the snow. I was born in Chicago, but only lived there until I was one. Been there a few times but never in winter.
But yeah, I meant boat to the Keys from Tampa.
GoCubbies34 - August 1, 2007
Dude
If you are talking about Devaneys in Winter Park, I have actually been there once! Awesome friggin' place! Dang, what a small world!Keep in touch man. I think my email is in my profile thingie. If not, it's on my blog site in my profile.
Florida Cubbie
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
One in the same
That place holds a lot of special memories. My roomates and I didn't have cable for about a month, so literally 5-6 days a week (sometimes 7), we would go to Smoking Devaneys (next to regular Devaneys, opened up when smoking was banned, I don't smoke but I like it more, has over 180 beers with quality beer on tap) And waste our nights watching baseball and talking with the regulars (which we slowly became) Real cool bartenders there who actually know their beer, and real cool people there. Everyone at Smokin' really likes their sports and can talk about their team. Never a bad vibe.GoCubbies34 - August 1, 2007
Smokin Devaneys!
I need to check it out and fire up a good Cubano!Thanks for the tip!
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
Just the thought of Kerry Wood
back at Wrigley, happy and healthy puts a smile on my face. He ha really had to deal with a lot and it would be great to see him contribute to this team in some way.That being said, the nice thing right now is that with the way this team is constructed, it's not 100% neccesary that would comes back and is a juggernaut. If he though that would be great.
mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 1, 2007
On the road in Atlanta this week for work
Went to Turner Field for the first time last night. Nice park... good family entertainment place. But something's missing: passionate baseball fans. They barely filled half the park... and they just don't get into the game like we do. Plus, they had the wave going for crying out load... like 5 or 6 times.SackMan - August 1, 2007
That was...
... exactly my impression of the Ted when I was there for the Cub series in June.Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Me too...
in '03. Guess that's why Atl is rated as one of the worst sports cities in the country.blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
I've been there three times
Nice people and all but not a lot of hard core baseball fans. Most of them look like they bought their Braves shirt from one of the street vendors before they came in to the stadium. Some of them need explanations as to what's going on during the game. And none of them seem to be able to sit down and watch a game. Great site lines in the place but you can't see the field because of all the people walking around in front of you. In all I think it's more of a social thing than a baseball thing for Braves fans.pageian - August 1, 2007
I was thinking to myself
all throughout the game... you guys need to be cheering right now!I remember the Braves had a 4 run inning, and when it was over, not a single applause.
They cheer for Julio Franco no matter what though. The ultimate fan favorite.
SackMan - August 1, 2007
lame ass sports town
period...blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
I felt bad
for JJ too. One thing I love about this team is they all try very hard. If one guy makes a mistake he tries to redeem himself or if one player is having an off day the others pick up the slack. Their effort is showing in the win column.sue369 - August 1, 2007
Jones and D-Lee
Think Jones lost the ball in the dusky-sky. BB referenced that on the tube, then the CF camera took a shot of the skyline well above the light standards. I could see why Jones lost it.Now...why is D-Lee swinging on 1st pitches when the pitcher is in trouble? It seems he's been more productive overall by working the count.
1st inning: 2nd and 3rd no out after the throwing error, he swings on the 1st pitch, grounds out. Yeah, he gets the RBI but in that situation, I'm looking for a big inning.
5th inning: Theriot just walked on 4 pitches to load 'em with 1 out. D-Lee swings on the 1st pitch and pops out. Another big inning opportunity gone by.
Does Elias capture hitter's productivity on certain counts, especially 1st pitch swings?
Glad they still won but I have to wonder if that kind of approach could hurt them in crunch time or the playoffs.
blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
A simple guessing game strategy...
Throughout the year, D-Lee's been extremely patient, and taking a lot of 1st pitch fastballs down the middle. In the RBI situations last night, he may have been looking for that first pitch fastball to feast on.SackMan - August 1, 2007
D-Lee's
1st pitch pop out in the 5th killed me. i was thinking grand slam...holycow07 - August 1, 2007
D-Lee
I think that 5th inning at-bat was right after the pitching coach had come to the mound after Theriot had walked on 4 straight. Lee was probably thinking that the first pitch was going to be a lazy strike (velocity a little down, pitcher concentrating on just making sure to get that first pitch strike). In a case like that, I'm assuming Lee was trying to take advantage of the situation and pound that ball hard. Unfortunately it backfired and he popped out. At least it didn't come back to haunt the Cubs last night like it might have in years past.RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
Baseball Reference..
...has that data under "splits." Here's DLee's '07 #s.http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?n1=leede02&year=2007
The Lip - August 1, 2007
Elias captures lots of things...
...it's getting it out of them that's the problem. The Elias Sports Bureau is like a cargo cult -- they collect many things without knowing what they truly mean, and perform pale imitations of the rituals of those who understand them. Then they charge dearly for any and every DROP of information that they dispense and they declare vast swaths of it not for sale at any price. They reject any semblance of free and open discussion and keep their methods as vast and terrible secrets. They are a pox and a cancer on any serious effort to study baseball statistically, and if they were sunk to the bottom of the ocean baseball may well be better for it.cwyers - August 1, 2007
Wow...
How do you really feel?RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
Help
I'm on business away from Chicago and in San Diego and will be going to the Padres/D-backs game tonight. Who do I root for?I am sure it will be nothing like Wrigley (where i attended on Monday). But I heard they do have sushi.
mweil - August 1, 2007
SD...
They appear to have more issues than the snakes and could fade sooner. Might as well get a win in here and knock the snakes down one.For the WC, I expect more of a challenge from the snakes than the pads.
blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
root for AZ
SD is tied with the Cubs in the WC standings, while AZ leads the division. If the Dodgers and Pads lose and the Cubs win they'll be first in the WC race. Also, I hate the Pads.CubFaninNY - August 1, 2007
Wear your Cubs jersey...
and root for the CUBS!!!RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
Pads
The NL West is going to be between the Dodgers and the D-Backs. I will cheer for any team playing those 2 teams. Let the Pads get a win or two here and there....they are toast.tony412 - August 1, 2007
pads
Then again, SD is very happy to have traded for that catcher that all the pitchers love..what's-his-name, Barrett?zevkalman - August 1, 2007
Greg Maddux
recommends him by name.pageian - August 1, 2007
Someone explain
why your not suppose to do the "wave" at a baseball game.....Lou In Blue - August 1, 2007
Because The Wave sucks.
Ihatethecards - August 1, 2007
why?
I've always thought of it as something silly to do rather than pay attention to the game.blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
Well by all means
go to a baseball game to watch the wave and not the game.You can stay at home and do the wave. The wave SUCKS and it goes up there with the Macarena, and Ronny Woo Woo.
Kinky Reggae - August 1, 2007
Anyone with half a brain
at a baseball game ought to be able to figure out what to watch, what strategy might be in the works, what each manager is schemeing up, what pitcher in each bullpin is getting ready, etc., etc. There's at least a dozen things to watch at any given moment instead of doing the wave.Ihatethecards - August 1, 2007
The Wave
Someone with a better memory than me can probably explain this better, but I believe the Cubs fans' disdain for "The Wave" stems from the '84 season and the playoff series with the Padres. Weren't the Cubs winning and the fans started the wave and then the Padres came back and... well we all know the end of the story there. This is what I was always told anyway.Otherwise IhatetheCards kind of hit the nail on the head. If you're at the game... watch the game. If you want to distract yourself, stay home and flip the channels on the TV or read a book
RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
ESPN
Did a speacial on this, and for the life of me i cant remember what it said, but you are correct that it was banned because they did it in a game and the Cubs ended up losing that game.HIGGY - August 1, 2007
Because its stupid and it sucks...
and I'd rather have syphillis than do it.jshipp - August 1, 2007
Eh?
You obviously have never had Syphillis.I'm just sayin', that's all. :)
Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
An awefully painful alternative...
...to something stupid people do at games.blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
another reason....
Because the Cardinal fans do it?HIGGY - August 1, 2007
This is the best season I've seen in a while
Look at that list of 49 losses.Every division has a couple of solid contenders - which is going to make August a lot of fun for many many teams and fans... I love this game.
The Cubs did well what they haven't done well in years: recover from their mistakes and take the momentum away from the other team. Granted, it was off Eaton, but the Philly lineup is impressive and our once maligned bullpen is continuing to show it can hold a lead.
Kudos to our boys. Go Cubs.
stelmodad - August 1, 2007
agreed
cubbie fever!!!holycow07 - August 1, 2007
btw, good to see Ward healing well
"Left-handed pinch hitter Daryle Ward, out since July 20 with a calf strain, is improving more quickly than anticipated, Hendry said. His projected return now looks closer to the middle of August than the end of August."http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/491942,CST-SPT-cubnt01.article
stelmodad - August 1, 2007
Sweetness
Imagine having Ward up on Monday against Hamels with runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. I don't think he would have swung first pitch... and he would have, he probably would have had much more success.IllinoisCubs - August 1, 2007
the RIOT
july was his month...a hit in every game he played. he's shaping out to be mr. dependable in the line up. love this guy!!holycow07 - August 1, 2007
I agree
even when he is struggling he seems to be playing really hard and trying to be productive, even if its just moving the runner along or working the count. Great baseball IQ.By the way with the way Theriot is palying and hearing Johan Santana's quotes about the twins does anybody think it would be better not to go after AROD but instead lock up Z and go after Santana
jds2 - August 1, 2007
that would be sick.
i don't see how that could possibly happen. how much would that guy get, 200 million?buckmulligan - August 1, 2007
He's worth it
That would be sick, I'm all for it.pageian - August 1, 2007
Not true...
Theriot did not have a hit in every game he played in during the month of July.He did reach base in each game via a hit or a walk in July though.
big_lowitzki - August 1, 2007
my bad
i misspoke, per usual. that's what i meant.holycow07 - August 1, 2007
Jacque Jones
It is my belief that a lot fans never really gave the guy a chance.It seemed as though a lot of fans were mad that Hendry signed him for $5 million a year and when he got off to a bad start they took out their frustration on him. He didn't have that great of a year defensively last year, but he had a solid year offensively.
This year he got off to a bad start, but he has been fairly solid as of late.
Ultimately, I hope he gets traded so he can get a fresh start somewhere with a fanbase more willing to give him a chance.
mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 1, 2007
It seems he's been pegged by a segment of fans
as the token player to hate. It seems each year there's one player that fans need to quickly call into judgment - calling quick attention to their mistakes and having short memories for their contributions.Other than the gaff last night, his defense has been surprisingly good in center and I think he can help this team win as we head toward the postseason. That said, JJ is not a great player and it doesn't help his popularity that he's a daily strike out candidate. He can be good at times and he's better some options out there, but fans can rightfully ask for more - Jim should toward a better CF option in the off-season.
As fans we should support him in our run to the post season. Calling for his head each day isn't a great way to cheer any player toward victory.
stelmodad - August 1, 2007
I believe that JJ
earned a lot of his criticism this year and last BUTNO ONE earns the hate mail and ignorant crap that made me ashamed to be from this city last year...NO ONE.
Kinky Reggae - August 1, 2007
Amen
coral - August 1, 2007
His fielding ...
Deserved some criticism last year, certainly not his bat--but the bigger annoyance was the Cub fans who just would not give the man a break. The man could have walked on water and those noisy few would have called for his head on a platter.This year, well, I about came to the point where I was about to throw the hat in on JJ. But hearing of his dedication from HIGGY lessened my frustration; that said, though he has mostly been a disappointment this season, I am glad he's playing better of late.
I also thought it was horrid when he was essentially without a country when that trade deal (with the Dodgers?) so publicly went awry. Of all people in all of baseball, that kind of crap happens only to Jones: it's typical of the crap he's dealt with in this town. It was a damn embarrassment for the team and him.
Maybe he's one of those guys who tries so hard it causes him to screw-up due to nerves. Now that he's showing signs of a pulse, let's ride the good times!
Good night, JJ.
--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Kendall
for all the Kendall bashers he has quietly gone 6-16-.375 ave. the last five games. I am not predicting he will be the trade of the season or anything drastic, nor do I think he'll keep up this pace. It is just nice to see some contribution out of the catching position and he should settle into a pretty good singles hitter the rest of the way. I loved his quote on Comcast this morning: "Every major league player deserves to play for the Cubs sometime in their career."mrcubsfan - August 1, 2007
That quote...
... is exactly what Eric Karros said about his year playing here in 2003. Glad to see Kendall understands what this is all about, too.Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
remember
when karros took out a full pager in the trib thanking chicago?here's an article about it
http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=318&p=2&c=196565
holycow07 - August 1, 2007
That was awesome...
I saved the page, i thought that was so cool of him.HIGGY - August 1, 2007
Here is the ad
http://ignarski.tripod.com//karros.htmlKasey
kaseyi - August 1, 2007
Thanks for the link!
What a classy player.RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
i love it too
check my sigholycow07 - August 1, 2007
here's the whole quote
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."makes ya feel all warm and fuzzy, eh?
holycow07 - August 1, 2007
Jaque Jones
deserves a hand for the professionalism he has discplayed on a daily basis. Jaque has been ripped since he got off the busLes Lancaster - August 1, 2007
Agreed, but...
Look at his numbers this year. 2 homers? Low average, few walks, few stolen bases, few RBIs. In any other era (i.e., any era prior to the 'give multi-year/multi-million dollar contracts to average-plus players), he would have been benched or released.Also: Jones was actually ripped before he got of the bus. Rightfully so, because his career stats and downward trend did not merit the contract that Hendry offered him.
Overall: a terrible free agent signing.
ExNorthsider - August 1, 2007
wait....
Also: Jones was actually ripped before he got of the bus. Rightfully so, because his career stats and downward trend did not merit the contract that Hendry offered him.---> seems to me the hatred should have been pointed at Jim Hendry. NOT Jacque Jones.
mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 1, 2007
It may have been a bad signing...
... but at least in 2006, Jones earned his money -- he had about as good a year as possible, under trying circumstances.Now, he's performing poorly -- though a bit better lately -- and the team is winning. I'm willing to cut him some slack as a result.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Also
He had shoulder surgery in October. No one has talked about it, but even the slight discomfort from that, and the layoff from strength training in the Fall may have affected his swing and stamina this year. He may just now be getting back to full strength and flexibility.FWIW, opponents knew he had no arm last year. It would have helped with the fans, and not hurt the team, for him to admit the injury during the year.
cubzfan - August 1, 2007
Yeah.
The super secret shoulder injury didn't help JJ's cause last year. Maybe he thought ... well, who the hell knows what he thought ... that it would hurt him more having just signed a big contract to sit out due to the shoulder?I dunno.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Correct...
Never deserved the hate as soon as he got off the bus. Jim hendry should get the hate.Is the Cubs offer you this much, and you are only worth that much (being lower), what is he expected to do, say no?
HIGGY - August 1, 2007
Absolutely!
Great point. Remember these guys' days in the Bigs are limited ... so for some reason, JJ is supposed to not make enough to support his family (and probably their families) for the remaining 2/3s of his life? When Hendry offered him a great deal, he was--humbled by the fact he knew he just wasn't worthy of such a deal--supposed to run for cover?Gimme a break. This is real life, not some freaking utopia.
--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
JJ
I agree he doesn't deserve the vitriol being spewed by some people, but let's get one thing clear. Being a professional baseball player is a utopia! How many of us on this board when we were kids dreamed of playing baseball? These guys get to play a game and get paid handsomely for it. If some GM wants to overpay for their services they'd be crazy not to take the money, but every player knows that they need to live up to their contract. Some players are able to and some players fold under the pressure.And if you think that professional athletes don't ever work and earn money after they retire you're crazy.
RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
No, I'm not saying that.
Not at all. But for the most part, their best earnings come whilst playing the game. After that, it's a matter of clever investing, car dealerships, etc., etc., ... but I'm pretty sure even those opportunities pale in comparision to what they could have made on the field.Baseball is NOT a utopia. It's a damn business. Capitalism at its best and worst. If you see it as some pie-in-the-sky fantasy job, then you're crazy. These dudes--for the most part--work extremely hard and their bodies pay the ultimate price.
There ain't nothing wrong with getting a piece of the pie whilst the getting is good. But somehow, Jones should have known better and said "no?"
--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Utopia
"If some GM wants to overpay for their services they'd be crazy not to take the money, but every player knows that they need to live up to their contract." That was my original quote so, no, Jones should not have turned down the contract.I agree with you in saying that most players make most of their money while playing. After retirement, they supplement their income with second careers that generally pale in comparison to what they made while playing baseball.
While baseball is a "damn business" I would say that if you ask any player if they would rather be doing something else than playing baseball you'll get 100% of them saying "NO!".
I'm very fortunate in that I have a job that I love to do and therefore do not feel like I am working. You could say that I live in a utopia (obviously not Utopia as the story describes) because I don't dread waking up in the morning... in fact, I look forward to my job because I love what I do. I would assume that baseball players are the same. I agree that they work their asses off and their bodies do take a pounding because of it, but they're loving what they do and they're getting paid damn well too.
Do I fault a player for accepting a contract that is more than what they're worth? Hell no! I fault the GM. It's unfortunate that players with bad contracts get booed, but that's the expectation nowadays when they do not perform up to the level of their contract..
RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
Excellent points,
RynoHOFer ... I can't disagree with anything in that post. Like you, I'm in a place in my life where I am doing exactly what I spent most of my existence hoping I'd do and to that extent, life is a bit of a utopia. But it came after a lot, lot, lot of hard work and bad times ...Though there is a certain amount of luck in any person's success, it is persistence that usually wins the day. Who was the Philly player BB and Len talking about last night--twelve years in the minors, five contracts as minor league free agent? And now the guy is finally in the Show. He's reached the apex of his professional life, most likely, but it took a long time to get there!
--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Chris Coste
I think Len and Bob were saying that he had been involved in 5 transactions during his professional career and they were all minor league contracts. He had been playing a long time (14 years?) in the minors and now got his chance. You got to feel good about a guy like that.RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
doh!
and I just realized that I repeated much of what you just wrote.RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
i thought he did play up to his contract.
as for this year, we'll have to see. but, i think he's on his way.buckmulligan - August 1, 2007
I agree
i never understand why people rip athletes for being paid to much...if your boss offered you a raise when your perfomance didn't merit it would you turn it down?jds2 - August 1, 2007
Sad, but true
A player always have and always will get ripped for a bad contract. The fairness of this can certinaly be argued, but it's been a fact for as long as I can remember. The GM will get ripped, too (on the radio, on blogs), but the player represents the organization's mistake (very publicly) every day. It's part of the deal when you sign a big contract. You can't cry about it, because every tear is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.ExNorthsider - August 1, 2007
Yeah,
But D-Lee's HR power is down as well--though he remains able to hit for average. Fonzie hasn't been a ball-buster of late, either--his average has been in the low 200s since the ASB. Plus, he wouldn't know how to work a count if his life depended on it.Nobody's perfect on this team--so why is JJ expected to break that mold and be the Second Coming.
Jacque isn't a franchise type of player, but when he's doing well, he contributes. I don't think Hendry went after him to be the Next Big Thing.
Just don't hold the team back. That's all I want.
--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
This forum is fikkle, be nice to Jones
Remember 3 weeks ago when everyone in this forum wanted Jones gone because he was ridding the bench. I just wish this forum would stick by players. I can't say that everyone here would want Lee gone if he was batting .220 but still maybe you would? If you look at Jones stats from previous years there is no reason to try and get someone who wouldn't match his stats anyway. For me even if the cubs were loosing I wouldn't think Jones should be gone, he is proven. I am not one of those big stat people but I feel much more comfortable with him at the plate in an important at bat than Cedeno or Murton.This brings me to my second point. Ronnie Cedeno is a really poor major leaguer. There are those that thrive in AAA and should stay there. I have seen him play 4-5 games this year in Des Moines (I live in Iowa). He is really bad defensively and the only time I have seen him hit is when the Iowa cubs are up. He isn't a pressure player. He proved that on Monday's game. First pitch fly ball out. Ronnie is not the same as Fontenot and Theriot. Ronny and Murton are career minor leaguers. I do give Murton props for having huge thighs. My girlfriend commented about that the last time i saw him at AAA.
I wonder which catcher will have more wins for the cubs this season. I kind of think it will be Koyie not really sure does anyone have those stats?
scuba4 - August 1, 2007
Third base coach problem still bothers me...
I would bet Quade costs us at least a run a week with his overly passive nature. Probably more runs if you combine it with our difficulties sliding into home plate (You don't have to hurdle the cather, bowl him over, or attempt a hook slide EVERY time. A feet-first slide under the tag will generally get you there the fastest). It's a shame about Cris Speier's DUI, because after wavin' Wendell left it seemed like that guy never made a mistake. I think he was even the one who complained about a lack of field time for infield practice due to corporate events.Jerry Mumphrey - August 1, 2007
Best baseball quote of the day
I got a good laugh at Trevor Hoffman's none to thrilled reaction to the Padres flurry of deadline deals which adds three small parts to a struggling team which will need to cut three players today to make room for Ensberg, Mackowiak and Ledesma (sic)"There's only so many spots,'' Hoffman said. "It's musical chairs, and you better get a chair.''
jessica - August 1, 2007
He should have said
Respect your elders, let me have your seat.tony412 - August 1, 2007
"respect your elders"
Well this brings to mind one of my all time favorite Cub quotesfrom a player or shall we say employee none too popular these days, however I will always have a bit of a soft spot for him for the following.
In 2003 the Cubs had a series with the the Giants, in I think August. Well Barry Bonds was NOT a happy camper. Z got him to pop up with the bases loaded and two out and then did his little jig pointing to the sky. Prior went him one better by going after Bonds for crowding the plate and hitting on the calf. Dusty had to keep Barry from making a run at the mound. Barry felt he had been disrespected by some young punk pitchers so he said that he was going to " teach them to respect their elders".
Just after the Cubs clinched on the last Saturday of the season , they had the post game press conference. Remember at that time it was assumed that the GIANTS would be the Wild Card not the Marlins Someone asked Prior about the facing the Giants( or maybe Bonds himself I can't remember) and he slyly responded that he had "not yet learned to respect my elders" I have no idea how many people caught the reference but I thought it was hysterical.
jessica - August 1, 2007
Didn't the Giants win the west that year?
I think it was assumed the Giants would beat the Marlins in the NLDS and face the Cubs or Braves in the NLCS.SuperContext - August 1, 2007
2003
That is correct. The Giants won the NL West in 2003 and lost in the NLDS to the Marlins.mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 1, 2007
Thanks
in part to a routine fly ball in game 4 that was inexplicably dropped by their gold glove right fielder, Jose Cruz, Jr.cubsbak - August 1, 2007
He also said
and I don't have the exact quote, but it was in reference to the Linebrink trade and then these acquisitions yesterday, that it's very bad for team chemistry and will cause "chaos in the clubhouse."Maybe what Al said above about the presumably good chemistry of the current Cubs roster is something that our front office had in mind when passing on marginal trade opportunities.
JohnM - August 1, 2007
I to loved the
Quote by Kendall. He is a .297 career hitter, I do think he will hit. Give him a couple days off in the week, keep him fresh, he will produce.I support Jones even though he is still just mildly producing, he busts his rear and I believe the Cub player respect him for it.
Here is to Woody, a guy who gets it, and deserves to be part of the playoff push.
I don't live in Chicago, but I do read Mariotti's columns, does he ever have a good thing to say about anything? For him you must win a championship every single year to please his pencil ass.
Go Cubs!
Johnny Callison was a Cub - August 1, 2007
If any Mariotti lovers are
reading the board, they will point to the times he was positive. However, in my memory, he is only positive when a team makes a change he was pushing for in prior negative columns.He's the ultimate bottom feeder columnist. Sits around watching television, avoiding the ballparks, looking for a negative thread to unravel and rile up the fans.
I was hoping his tiff with Ozzie would run him out of town last year.
N Oakley - August 1, 2007
Mariotti sucks
and I hope he gets pink eye.jshipp - August 1, 2007
or demoted
to RedEye, wrong newspaper but still.tony412 - August 1, 2007
agreed
its not Jones who made the raw deal, he just accepted what he was given. And if I remember correctly he was excited to be here until he heard what some of the fans and writers were saying about him.Les Lancaster - August 1, 2007
Jones
has comported himself with a level of class and bearing that the stooges that curse him out and send him hate may cannot fathom. I've been down on Jones for his play, which has been poor at times, but I must say that manner with which he carries about his business in spite of it all is admirable.gary varsho - August 1, 2007
I hate
the booing--to me it's completely classless, and makes fans seem like petulant children. The only time I'm in favor of booing is if the player is playing lazt--like when Julian Tavarez got booed for not running out a popl fly a few years ago.I never liked the Jacque signing, and I don't like his game. But I boo Hendry for that, not Jacque. Jones plays hard and does evrything he can, it's not his fault that he's not hitting .320 with lots of home runs--he is what he is.
Stop booing your own players, no matter how bad they play. I HATE that. It makes me embarrased to be a Cubs fan when people act like that. Boo the other team if you need to get the boos off your chest.
jazzypete - August 1, 2007
I hate booing too.
sue369 - August 1, 2007
The Mets......
I said it last night and I'll say it again today. I would NEVER EVER root for the Mets no matter who they are playing. How can anyone forgive them after what they did to our 1969 Cubs?? I think Ronnie Santo would agree with me too. Let someone else beat the Brewers. I hope the Mets lose by 10 runs every game.ronsanto10 - August 1, 2007
The Mets will almost surely be in the playoffs
The Cubs can get their revenge for '69 then. But to do that, they have to make the playoffs, which means out-performing the Brewers.That's why you root for the Mets the next couple of days.
SuperContext - August 1, 2007
Not necessarily...
...they've been struggling of late, and have clearly fallen back to the pack. The offense hasn't produced to the expected level, and their rotation without Pedro isn't all that dominating. I wouldn't be shocked in the slightest if the Mets missed the playoffs entirely, getting lapped by the Braves in the NL East race and by the Cubs/Brewers/Dbacks/Dodgers/Padres in the wildcard.Chadnudj - August 1, 2007
I'm old enough ... or young enough ...
To still hate the Mets as well, but if a win from them can have us get the lead in the division, I'll root, root, root, root. Until we're tops in the Central, we will always need help from another team to reach that goal. After that, we're in charge of our own destiny, Black Cat be darned.Still, a sick feeling overcame me at the sight of that damn walk-off. I felt like I had to take a shower.
--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Exactly.
It feels unclean to root for the Cardinals and Mets.I have a college friend who grew up on Long Island and is a Mets fan. He comes to Chicago every year to see the Mets/Cubs series. He told me he's rooting hard for the Cubs this week -- through Thursday.
See, it works both ways.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
For some odd reason...
...I felt more distaste cheering for the Mets than the Cardinals. I can't explain it.cwyers - August 1, 2007
regardless
of whether its the Cards or the Mets I'm watching and hoping that they beat the Brewers I just feel dirty.Sadly, right now we need some help.
mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 1, 2007
It's damn distasteful ...
n/tLittlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Yep - me too.
Ihatethecards - August 1, 2007
Hell ...
I'd probably go so far as to root for the Yankees if they could help us get into the playoffs. Of course, I'd have to immediately get checked in for several sessions of shock treatment ... just to forget I ever cheered for the Evil Empire.That said, I don't think I could ever root for the Black Sox. I mean, "they threw the series," as my husband used to say ...
--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Jose Cruz Jr
DFAd by the Pads. He has always hit lefties well, though he's having a crappy year. Maybe if Murton doesn't work out he would be worth a flyer?jazzypete - August 1, 2007
I mentioned this in another thread.
I'd be 100% in favor of getting Cruz NOW.Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Jose Cruz Jr = Rob Bowen
santoswoodenlegs - August 1, 2007
One thing
without the catcher's mittIllinoisCubs - August 1, 2007
Cruz=Bowen?
Are you serious? Have you looked at this guy's OBA's over his career?Bowen never came close to that nor has he ever hit for power.
Cruz's stats were depressed by playing at Petco. Worth a look, I'd say, especially since the cost would be very low.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Plus he's solid defensively.
Who would be left out of the outfield? Murton?Fraggin Judge - August 1, 2007
Jacque Jones
Of course I want Jacque Jones to do well as long as he is with the Cubs and I do not boo him or send him hate mail. The most I do is vent about him here on this message board. Jones is no where near giving a return on the investment. I believe he is making around 5.3 million this year and 6.3 million next season if you figure in his signing bonus money? Blech.All this money being poured upon a PLATOON corner OF who has been displaced in CF? Yes, of course Hendry made a terrible decision here with Jones. I do not blame Jones for taking the best deal on the table either. However, I do not have to be pleased as a fan and say that I am o.k. with Jacque Jones as the "solution" for CF. The cubs are getting more production out of guys who are not platooning and are making the league minimum. This is awful.
If Jones was playing at the level that he was supposed to be playing at based on his career numbers (which have been on a steady decline since 2003 by the way), there would not have been such a perceived thought for the Cubs to "add a bat" at the trade deadline. What's worse is that I do not see Jones improving much the rest of this season based upon what I see with his swing and batting stance. The kicker of course is that the Cubs have yet one more year on this contract as well.
Thank goodness that Pinella does not have a problem with making changes and benching unproductive veterans and that I can count on him to recall Pie between now and September 1st to replace Jones in CF. I have to believe that once the scouts prove that Pie's "tap-toe" adjustment is good to go, that he will be "manning up" in CF for Chicago.
I'm glad that Jones scored once and knocked in a crucial run last night but he is also credited with 5 LOB as well. I'd rather have Pie make the catches in CF and saving runs from scoring than have Jones be responsible for runs scoring and "having to redeem himself" with the bat.
I firmly believe that winning breeds good chemistry and not the other way around. If the Cubs were not winning, I bet we'd see more complaining from the players about AB's and playing time like we did back in April and May.
The Cubs are winning and that is good by me. But as long as Jones remains in the starting lineup, the CF position will remain nothing but "chemisery" for me.
BJ Simpson - August 1, 2007
Spot-on.
Perfect.ExNorthsider - August 1, 2007
Nicely said.
You display your frustration in a positive way, great post.Just a side note, Lee had 5 LOB and Aramis had 4 LOB. Mute point really but it is gonna happen to everyone. The big thing is (and there is an article in VineLine about Aramis) is that Jones did not take his fielding blunder to the plate.
One thing i can address about Jones that most people would not get from him is his clubhouse presence. he is a very loose guy, likes to keep everyone loose and have a great time and definitely jokes alot with the players. (also one of the first to arrive at the field) IMO he is an asset to the clubhouse.
Another player that you can say this about it Blanco, he also is somewhat of a leadership type guy and he as well keeps everyone loose. That is partically why the Cubs are so high on Blanco.
HIGGY - August 1, 2007
Mute point?
Did you just say "Mute point"? I like it. It kinda makes sense. No one says "Moot" any more anyways.californiachicagoan - August 1, 2007
Glad someone caught on to that...
n/tHIGGY - August 1, 2007
I couldn't agree more...
The ROI from this player has been disgusting. I do not blame JJones for signing a deal - BUT, ANYONE who signs to play for the Cubs must realize that they're not in Kansas anymore.TheEman - August 1, 2007
Sitting a couple rows from
the Phils dugout, I was relieved to see a medium fly ball get hit to dead-away CF, with a couple Phillies on. I then buried my head in my hands when I saw the ball hit the warning track and bounce over the wall.I really wanted to boo and vent my anger. However, and this is a new tactic for me, I was determined to restrain myself and just eat my sandwich nervously - burining inside.
As Al said - low and behold he redeemed himself. For the most part, as far as I could hear, people didn't boo him his next time up. I am certain that the feeling any athlete has, performing in front of thousands of people, when they totally get embarassed on a play, is one where they want to climb under a rock and yet there is no where to hide.
Marquis, imo, did better than I thought he would - in the early innings, there were really some dink and dunk hits, seeing eye stuff (also, it appeared as if on one of the GB's the IF was out of position and probably should have made a play) - AND he had a nice single as well.
One thing we did discuss, was we wanted Sori to make the last out of the inning when he came up with two outs so the "real" top of the order could lead off with Theriot - in the next inning.
Watching Soriano as a #1 is an adventure and either really frustrating (a wasted K), or extra base hit. Ann odd position for Lou to have his hands tied there...
TheEman - August 1, 2007
You can't leave us in suspense...
...how was the sammich?
Marv - August 1, 2007
Alrighty...
...so as long as we're made cheery by the current glut of winning and appear to be in a forgiving mood, howsabout we extend the same courtesies to young, developing players as we extend to older, veteran players? If Jones and Kendall are going to be given opportunites for redemption, isn't it only fair to say the same for Cedeno and Murton?cwyers - August 1, 2007
yep
sue369 - August 1, 2007
Hmm
I love Murton and Cedeno so much, that I would give them to another team for a Christmas present. And when I give presents, it comes from the heart.Cribbs463 - August 1, 2007
Post, meet Cedeno.
Cedeno, meet Post.Dumb cousins.
Ugh....
TheEman - August 1, 2007
I am a murton apologist to a fault
and will always give my favorite red headed stepchild another chance at redemptionmike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - August 1, 2007
Okay, Al ...
I'll walk the plank since you've put it out there. I'm expecting nothing from Woody, but it will be nice to see him back on the mound at Wrigley. I've got a hunch he might not be too durable--even for the season that remains--but I want to be proven wrong.This year's return seems to have become more of a pleasant sighting, rather than a "whew, we've been waiting on you since late March" process. A nice thing to see ... after how many years?
Please, Kerry, prove me wrong ... please? I'd love to eat some crow served up by hisotherwife.
--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Brewers make some moves...
...Weeks gets sent to AAA, Linebrink to the bereavement list (birth of child). Dessens and Dillon up.cwyers - August 1, 2007
Linebrink on the BEREAVEMENT list?????
If there were a celebration list, or a paternity list then ok, but BEREAVEMENT? Because of the birth of a child???? I don't want to see any more Brewer fans talking crap about Lee serving his suspension while he was injured.And have the Brewers decided their choke job is the fault of Rickie Weeks? Nice way to scapegoat somebody.
BeerCub - August 1, 2007
There's no way now...
...that this doesn't set some kind of precident that we all regret.cwyers - August 1, 2007
Oh wow...
...I just read up on this, and it looks like the Brewers' arguement was that since she had a Ceserean Section, it was a surgery that qualified under the bereavement list.Just... wow.
cwyers - August 1, 2007
While I agree
that this sort of flippant use of the bereavement list to make up for Yost's ineptitude in extras last night is an ugly maneuver, isn't it almost a plus for the Cubs for Elmer Dessensto be pitching for the Brew Crew? I mean, they may as well have brought up a batting tee...gary varsho - August 1, 2007
The "Bereavement" list...
... is just a name. It should really be called the "family leave" list or something similar; players are allowed to do this for any number of reasons, not just a death in the family.Weeks to AAA? Wow, sounds like a panic move to me.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Come on...
No one complained when Floyd was on the bereavement list when his dad was really sick, did they?First of all, there were complications with the birth of Linebrink's child.
Second of all, the mlb bereavement list for "family emergencies." If a sick father fits this, then so should the birth of a child.
I have absolutely no problem with MLB granting bereavement leave so that Linebrink could be with his wife/new child.
big_lowitzki - August 1, 2007
Bereavement List?
What? Did his wife give birth to an ugly kid?Gads... a roster replacement for a birth! Give me a break.
Goat Whisperer - August 1, 2007
You are all cold hearted bastards
Seriously why SHOULD he even have to resort to a "bereavement list" This is the modern era. Men should be able to take a few days off for the birth of a child without causing the employer undue harm. The issue should be why does MLB NOT have a way for a temporary call up in these situations ? Not like someone is going to fake a birth in order to take a few days off for an injury.The problem is the MLB rules not the Brewers use of the "bereavement list". I know we are in race here but lets try to be human if that is possible.
jessica - August 1, 2007
The problem here...
...isn't the specific context of the move; it's the fact that general managers will do ANYTHING to try and free their hands up when making transactions. This opens the door to other people making tenuous claims on the bereavement list. It's a bad precident, and even if it's "right" in some sort of humanitarian way doesn't make it good practice. If the rules need changed, change them. But it's a VERY bad idea to simply assume the rules mean what you think they should, because then you open the door to letting others with worse motives do the interpreting.cwyers - August 1, 2007
For example
All the fake injuries Hendry has come up with to move players between the minors? Heck if the managers can circumvent the rules let them do it.I am not too familiar with bereavment list though. What is the advantage to putting a player on it? Isn't it similar to DL? Except player has to be there min 3 days max 10 days?
GoCubbies34 - August 1, 2007
Ridiculous
The bereavement list allows players to leave the team for 3-7 days for an illness or death of a loved one. Having your wife in childbirth certainly qualifies.cubsbak - August 1, 2007
I agree.
Geez, some of you are really nasty about this. Bet you'd understand if a Cub wanted to be on this list for a few days.Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
So who did we call up when...
...Dempster had his kid last year?cwyers - August 1, 2007
Huh?
What does this have to do with anything? How long was Dempster out? A player must be out for at least 3 days to be put on the list. Plus, the Cubs weren't in a pennant race last year. The circumstances are totally different. It's ridiculous to even argue about this.cubsbak - August 1, 2007
If you are REALLY worried about abuse
Than just add a SPECIFIC clause allowing a player to take up to4 days to be with his wife when she is giving birth and allowing the team a replacement for that time.
jessica - August 1, 2007
I think
more interesting is that they have a 32 year old rookie. Man they must be pretty lean in the system. I mean come on. The guy has good numbers and all, but 32 years old.Many on this side give up on guys that are 27 or so when they get to the bigs. I find this as good news that the Brewers appear not to have many options.
wild bill - August 1, 2007
farm
Man they must be pretty lean in the system.the farm system is pretty lean, in the last couple years they've lost about 7 or 8 of the top prospects in baseball.
jacob - August 1, 2007
Is "lost" some synonym...
...for "promoted" that I don't get?cwyers - August 1, 2007
Understood
about their current roster. If my team pulls up a life long minor leaguer at age 32 my concern would be is that all we have. Granted I am not up to date with the Brewers system or how good or bad it is. But yes they have been able to produce some real talent on their roster that is making a difference this year.wild bill - August 1, 2007
I didn't see the ball JJ lost either
cause I was making love to my Old Style, but I thought it was hilarious how Derosa was signaling JJ to take "a few" steps back. It was a good thing the ball went over the ivy for a double actually cause it undoubtedly would have scored that run from first and most likely changed the whole complexion of the inning.But other then that it was great to see a come from behind win, and yes, some of the outfits at Wrigley last night were absolutely ridiculous. But I enjoyed the music actually.
And what the heck happened for the stretch?? Who was it and did he have a microphone?
lilkimmer77 - August 1, 2007
Too many Old Styles!
BArry Williams (Brady Bunch) and someone else were making the 70's Night "Tour" in a couple cities.Not a bad gig - but I had problems hearing him, too...
TheEman - August 1, 2007
Something Mike told me last night...
... in the bleachers, astounded me.The old Kroch's and Brentano's bookstore on Wabash, which used to be the biggest bookstore in the city, kept stats on how many people attended its various book signings, going all the way back to when they opened in the 1920's.
The two biggest crowds were for ... Mickey Mantle.
And Barry Williams.
The mind boggles.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Wow
I can tell you what the least-attended book signing was, and it wasn't some no-name author. Must have been late 1991 or early '92 before he was on the presidential ticket, but Al Gore was there at the Kroch's on Wabash and there was nobody there. I only started working in a building next door in Nov. 91 so it couldn't have been before that. It was Gore's first environmental book, which was actually a best seller, but I saw this very tall sitting senator get up and leave, by himself, when the store was about to close, absolutely nobody asking for his autograph. In just a few weeks/months he was on his way to the vice presidency.JohnM - August 1, 2007
I agree,
being a major leaguer is not necessarily easy. It's hard work, mentally and physically, and being away from your family all the time has to really suck. But as someone said earlier, most of us grew up dreaming of being in the big leagues. I'm in my 30s now, and I'd play tonight if I got the call, even though I haven't played organized ball in almost 20 years. I still wish I could've been a ballplayer, simply because I love the game, no matter how difficult it'd be.But here's the other aspect of it all: Jones, and pretty much every other player, makes more in a year than I'll make in my entire life, and I make a decent buck. Enough to support a family of 4. But these players? They're making way too much, hands down. None of them "deserve" it. Would I expect any of them not to sign the big contract? No way. I'd take it, too. It's not their fault they're being paid so much. It's mostly ours, Americans, fans, and the rampant capitalism of it all. Nevertheless, I don't think any established big leaguers, like JJ, will ever have to consider working in a dealership. And neither will his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. After that, maybe....
Kegler - August 1, 2007
All good points.
n/tstelmodad - August 1, 2007
DeRosa
Totally off any subject, but this has been bothering me all season. Why does DeRosa have a big "E" on the back of his home jersey (DEROSA), and a little "e" on the back of his road jersey (DeROSA)?Can anyone put an end to my anguish?
Tangled Up In Blue - August 1, 2007
They only had one small "e"...
...in the uniform room...bergs55 - August 1, 2007
LOL!
I don't know why, but this has been a pressing issue for me.I guess it's good that we're winning and I have to worry about these sorts of things =)
Tangled Up In Blue - August 1, 2007
I'm with you on that.
It hasn't exactly been keeping me up at night, but it is a noted inconsistency. If that's the worst of my Cubbie trouble, than I'm happy to admit to it!--t.
Littlerock Rynofan - August 1, 2007
Write to
Carrie Muskat and ask her. It will give her something to do.sue369 - August 1, 2007
So do
you really think she could answer that?wild bill - August 1, 2007
Shouldn't be
to hard for her to find out.sue369 - August 1, 2007
Wait!
I have her answer already:"Mark DeRosa. He plays right field, and sometimes he doesn't, when he's playing second base, or another position, and then there's that pesky "E" on his jersey. Sometimes it's big and sometimes it's not, and we can't predict when it might grow larger. In any case that big number "7" will stay right where it is."
Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
LOL
Carrie is that really you and what have you done to Al. <Shudders in fear.>BJ Simpson - August 1, 2007
LOL!!
I thought that I was reading Carrie! I got very nervous, had to look up to the browser to make sure I wasn't on cubs.com.Tangled Up In Blue - August 1, 2007
Just so you all know...
I've taken Sue's advice and emailed Carrie. I will let you know what I find out.Maybe we will finally have an answer to one of life's greatest mysteries! =)
Tangled Up In Blue - August 1, 2007
If it matches...
... the answer I already posted, that would be REALLY scary!Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Cubs Comments on this blog
Have we ever seen any comments from Cubs or management on this blog? Just curious? Do you think they read it?mweil - August 1, 2007
I seriously doubt it
jshipp - August 1, 2007
I know...
Cub management knows who Al is. I believe he has stated McDonough followed intensely the bleacher improvement pictorial between the 05 and 06 seasons.Goat Whisperer - August 1, 2007
Jason Marquis
I was at the game last night and it seemed like Marquis pitched pretty well. You(Al) said he just barely got a "quality start", I disagree, he was very unfortunate. Two of the three runs against him should not have scored. If Jones catches that flyball or Theriot makes a routine play in the first(maybe second) another run doesn't score. Marquis gave up one run that should of scored on a Homer by Helms(?), Helms had a great at bat and fouled off five or six pitches before hitting the home run. Marquis looked good last night, better than just a quality start against a strong offensive team.Imtrejo - August 1, 2007
am i the only one?
that likes to call him marquis marq?Mr Snrub - August 1, 2007
Too funny
Barry Williams.comDoes anyone want to click on the link and Ask Barry something? What would you ask?
Also, did anyone catch when he was talking to Len and Bob about Robbie Rist? How he said something about him having 5 different colors including Purple and Yellow?
To watch/listen to the bottom of the 7th inn from last nights game, go to mlb.com
and click on the "2" runs scored for the bottom of the 7th inn.
At the very least he DID bring some good luck.
tony412 - August 1, 2007
The wave sucks.
Sorry. I just wanted to make sure that we didn't lose track of that.Ryno8 - August 1, 2007
LOL!!
RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
LOL!!
RynoHoF - August 1, 2007
More on Quade...
I agree with the brother earlier in the thread that Quade is a bit challenged doing his thing.Here is an interesting point from yesterday's game, that you probably would only have caught live:
JJ's double in the LH corner of LF drove the runner ahead of Jacque, DeRosa to third. MEanwhile, the LF for the Phils, could not come up with a ball - we are screaming, "GO HOME!" "GO HOME"! Quade, immersed in his attention given to making sure JJ stays on the bag at 2B DID NOT SEE that the ball was being fumbled! Now this was a KEY juncture in the game.
JJ then FRANTICALLY starts waiving to Mark De to get going! Which to the runner's credit, had him take off for home on a close play, where he should have scored easily had the 3B coach just follow the ball in play.
Quade was a payback from the GM for this guy being a good MiLB soldier. But - sigh - he indeed will keep learning on the job.
TheEman - August 1, 2007
He is the only one on the coaching staff
That I hate. Does a horrible job at 3rd. Agree with the comments above that he costs us more runs holding up people at 3rd than he would if he would send them a bit more on occasion. Most those runners at 3rd don't advance after that due to our poor hitting at times when we need it.GoCubbies34 - August 1, 2007
If he does
not have one already, a nickname is in order here. Akin to Waving Wendall. Maybe something like Cautious Quade?wild bill - August 1, 2007
whats the deal with dempster
I thought he was healthy and ready to go. Then at the game last night i was fully expecting him to be out there in the 9th. Are they just trying to baby him back into the closers role? Howry just scares me every time he goes out there.crumps - August 1, 2007
I'm thinking
because it wasn't a save situation. Had Howry given up a run then he would have been brought in. He was warming up.tony412 - August 1, 2007
Also didn't demps pitch the day before
I feel lou is just trying to keep everybody arm fresh but not overworked. I expect to see a rotation of the set-up work be done by howry and wood (if his comeback is a sucess) while using marmol in key spots early and dempster getting the savesjds2 - August 1, 2007
My Take on JJ
I know that people are frustrated with the amount of money that we paid JJ, and I am too. But it is definately not his fault. I have always thought about if I were to make it to the bigs and got signed by some random team and eventually was a great player and was making 10 million a year and then I would love it to just take a major pay cut to play for the cubbies and make only like 1 million or something knowing you have a good shot at the WS and the fans would love you for it. However, I dont think that would ever happen. Players these days generally take the most money they can and its not their fault. I dont blame JJ for accepting the deal he was given.I wish along with everyone that he would have been more productive this year, but he will be OK when its all said and done. Just as long as we are all clicking when september comes along and he seems to be going in the right direction.
BMac - August 1, 2007
But didn't we also give away pitching for JJ ?
Wasn't Sergio Mitre part of that deal or am I confused? Pitching was so bad at the time that giving it up for a poor arm just didnt seem worth it.....but as we look back, nothing could have salvaged that season....so it is in retrospect that we know JJ didn't deserve the booing he got last year, and unfortunately he didnt' recover from it. I think he needs to get rid of the pink bat. Yes it was originally for breast cancer awareness but I think he kept it for his mom....too wimpy for me.coral - August 1, 2007
JJ was a free agent
We sent Mitre, Pinto, and 3rd pitcher to the Marlins for Jaun Pierre.WittyUserName - August 1, 2007
Ugh
I just threw up in my mouth a little remembering thatvegascubsfan - August 1, 2007
Not to make it worse...
But Pierre had no intention of signing an extension her in Chicago. Bottom-line he told me he hated the drastic weather change from April to October. he wanted to be somewhere warm year round.Thus - to me making it the worst trade in Hendry's career.
HIGGY - August 1, 2007
That's OK
It should be noted as worse. This what happens when acquisitions are made on desperation. They dind't get Furcal so Hendry threw 2 really good and 1 OK youngster at the fish for Juan.Bet that exact move was in the back of Hendry's mind those last couple days leading up to the non-waiver deadline.
blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
JJ cost us a draft pick...
...just like Eyre and Howry did.We coughed up Mitre, Nolasco and Pinto for Pierre. Nolasco stands to be the best of those 3.
blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
Maybe if he gets off the DL
I'm still thinking this trade won't amount to much. Pinto is likely to be no better than Ohman in the long run. Mitre is having a good year but I'm not sold yet. Nolasco has to get healthy. 2 trips to the DL in one year is not good.rlpete - August 1, 2007
Dempster to Rotation
Wood as closer. :-XMarhsall to a doctor to get that perpetual "I'm ALMOST retarded" look off of his face.
Ryno8 - August 1, 2007
That is an
uncalled for comment on Marshall. Maybe you need to think before you post.sue369 - August 1, 2007
Correct, and...
... Dempster to the rotation is a really, really bad idea.Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
No doubt.
Demps' desire to return to the starting 5 is going to torpedo his career if the Cubs let it happen. Closing is the place where he's been successful. He was mediocre with one very good season as a starter.lapetino - August 1, 2007
My wife works
with special ones. Never call them retarded, they are special. Not meaning to be nit picky, the comment could have been funny if he used something like how do I get this confused look of my face. Lessen learned.wild bill - August 1, 2007
Agreed.
Further, that sort of comment is in violation of the guidelines. To the poster above this who said that, please don't do it again.Thanks.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Oh NOOOOOOO
Jamie Moyer pitching tonight. Lifetime against the Cubs, Moyer is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA and he is left-handed.Cubs have sucked against lefties...Do Cubs even have a chance tonight?
mweil - August 1, 2007
no.
{sarcasm}ExNorthsider - August 1, 2007
Not only do the Cubs have no chance...
... but Moyer will be delivering 10,000 pounds of food for hungry Chicagoans before the game and help hand it out himself between innings.Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
You forgot to
mention that the 10,000 pounds was on his back.wild bill - August 1, 2007
The Cubs of
last year no. This year they are going to make Moyer wished he had retired! Cubs in a land slide tonight.wild bill - August 1, 2007
Question of etiquette for Wood
After so many stints on the DL, has the veteran/rookie clock reset and does Woody have to carry the pink backpack to the bullpen?
<Sarcasm intended>
I wish him well and hope his arm is attached and strong and he can be the post deadline upgrade.
Al, I look forward to your report from your bullpen eyes view on how he looks warming up for his first appearance.
N Oakley - August 1, 2007
Obviously
if/when he is activated.N Oakley - August 1, 2007
Not wishing
and actually hate to bring this up. But Wood's return reminds me of Atlee Hammaker's return to the Giants a few years ago. He worked so hard to get back to the mound. All our hearts just went out to him when his arm snapped on I think his first pitch upon his return.wild bill - August 1, 2007
You're thinking of Dave Dravecky.
He actually made two starts before that happened. It really was a shame, as he worked very hard.Dravecky's career stats.
Al Yellon - August 1, 2007
Thanks'
Al. Once you mentioned his name I recalled> I guess I got my lefties on the Giants confused.wild bill - August 1, 2007
Wasn't that Dave Dravecky?
n/teamuscatuli1881 - August 1, 2007
Omniscient Al.
Once again, beat me to it.eamuscatuli1881 - August 1, 2007
That would be funny
and to boot, when he's being interviewed on TV after getting his first save or just making some big pitches, Dempster comes by with a shaving cream pie in the face; a classic!blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
You know
who's name I just heard and chuckled in memory at... Hee Seop Choi. ClassicLou In Blue - August 1, 2007
The Cub
infield was going to be Montenez as SS, Hill at 2b, Choi at first. With Kelton rounding things out at third. Looks like a big whiff on that.wild bill - August 1, 2007
I once heard someone
on the Cubs beat give Kelton the most cutting scouting reports ever, saying Kelton had "a slider speed bat." Ouch.gary varsho - August 1, 2007
Overall the Cubs are 2/4 on that infield
They turned Hill into Ramirez and Choi into Lee. Not too bad. Now some will say that was just by fleecing small market clubs but hey, sometimes your minor leaguers are there as bait for proven commodities.blackhawk24 - August 1, 2007
Good point
wild bill - August 1, 2007
I know it wasn't funny but...
I couldn't help but chuckle after choi's collision with Wood. Wood hopped up and Choi layed there with a blank look on his face.jbowling13 - August 1, 2007
Dempster is so great
coral - August 3, 2007
why don't our guys hit like this?
coral - August 3, 2007
JJ hit into a DP - no way......
coral - August 3, 2007
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.