Reminder: one hour later than yesterday (and this will be the case for most, but not all, remaining spring games) due to Daylight Saving time taking effect this morning.
Bruce Miles tells us today about the starting pitching numbers game, and says the rotation is starting to take shape:
That leaves the final spot between righties Ryan Dempster and Jason Marquis. If the Cubs can trade Marquis, as they'd prefer, that solves one problem. If not, somebody's going to the bullpen.
Bruce also says that Sean Marshall would likely go to Iowa (since he has options left) rather than be in the bullpen. Makes sense to me.
In another article, Bruce writes that while Jake Fox may not have a great chance to make the team, he's finishing up his college degree and developing a program for college coaches to help out diabetic athletes.
Phil Rogers' Sunday notes column includes this quote from Corey Patterson on his signing with the Reds:
Ryan Dempster will start for the Cubs. Kerry Wood, Neal Cotts, Carmen Pignatiello, Kevin Hart and Carlos Marmol will also throw for the Cubs. For KC, Brett Tomko starts and the Cubs will also face Julio Pimentel, Yasuhiko Yabuta, Leon Nunez and ex-Cub Ron Mahay. (Information from the Royals' website. C'mon, Carrie. Post this on the Cubs' website, too!)
Today's game is on TV (WGN) and on radio in both Chicago and Kansas City and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 196 comments
Uh, Corey might be...
...looking to improve ~now~, but he wasn't with us. Still, it's hard to believe he's 28: it feels like he should be about 31-32 considering his long association with us. And how is Dusty going to teach him about OBP when Dusty's goal is to get his players to swing more? Hmm... - TLtimlacy - March 9, 2008
i heard on the score
that the cubs might be getting coco crisp for fuld and marquis. any thoughts?china423 - March 9, 2008
As
long as the Cubs aren't letting him be an everyday CF, which I don't think they will, and Coco is ok with that and won't be a cancer, I think it is a good move.cubswin14 - March 9, 2008
that's a lot of if's.
We already have a lot of ifs in regards to this team...drewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
No "If" is bigger than
Pie in CF. IF he figures out where the strike zone is. IF he learns how to take a walk.lostinthevines - March 9, 2008
I'd say that
today, along with several other ST appearances, show that he's making good progress.drewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
Marquis
hits as well, if not better than Crisp. If Jason could play a decent CF a major problem would be solved!Luigi - March 9, 2008
LOL!
Billy Pilgrim would be proud.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
bull crap
wojo - March 9, 2008
I'm pretty sure
that Luigi was at least half-joking.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
LOL
And don't forget, Marquis hits lefthanded. So that wouldn't work for a platoon with Pie anyway.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
This has got me to thinking
what an all-pitcher lineup would look like. Fielding considerations aside, of course. Also, I'm only using active pitchers. Probably those with a more extensive historical insight into the game will produce more interesting lists. So, here's mine, by lineup order:1.) Dontrelle Willis
2.) Mike Hampton
3.) Jason Jennings
4.) Micah Owings
5.) Carlos Zambrano
6.) Jason Marquis
7.) Greg Maddux
8.) Livan Hernandez
9.) Jeff Suppan
gary varsho - March 9, 2008
Don't Forget
Kerry. His bat has always had some pop. My guess is Lilly's lifetime hitting stats aren't at all impressive (I'm not going to look them up) but he sure did look like he had a hitter's attitude last year. He looked really mean every time he came up to bat. He may even have intimidated a pitcher or two!Luigi - March 9, 2008
no kidding
the point is, crisp is as good as Pie. just more expensive, older, yada yada yadawojo - March 9, 2008
Then
there's really no point in acquiring an older, more expensive version of a player the Cubs already have.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
my bad
I'll be more clear- crisp is BETTER than piewojo - March 9, 2008
Again...
... what is your evidence for this claim?Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
Clarity is not the problem.
Consistency is. crisp is as good as Pie; crisp is BETTER than pie. I trust you see that these are two different statements. 2005 Crisp is better than Pie is right now, sure, but 2006-2007 Crisp is not really an upgrade.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
If only we had a time machine
Derrek Lee had a great 2005, too!Not to mention how good Pie will be in 2009!
cubbybear - March 9, 2008
Sorry - not last year
MArquis did not hit well in 2007.TheEman - March 9, 2008
darn...
Ive always liked Corey Patterson. When did he sign witht the Reds? Its too bad he signed not only in the division, but with Dusty. Now thats hes in Cincy, i cant really cheer for him... If hes looking to improve, he went to the wrong coach, he went to the one that messed him up to begin with.LilLPLancer23 - March 9, 2008
Dusty said...
... "Patterson's still young".Um, Dusty? Corey will be 29 in July. That's way past "young". That's getting to be past whatever his major league peak might be. Most likely, what you see is what you get -- a .298 lifetime OBA and 135 strikeouts per 162 games.
The Reds can have him.
Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
Lieber....
... I can't say enough how impressed I was with him yesterday. He can't pitch shutout ball like that every time of course, but nonetheless, if this is the kind of performance he can bring every fifth day, then fantastic, to state the obvious. It seemed effortless, much like Maddux on a good day.Crisp? Meh. Even if it means unloading Marquis and his contract, I'd still rather have Jason around than Crisp. I still wish the Cubs could get Reggie Willits or Juan Rivera from the Angels, stick him in center and leave him there, but increasingly, I can't figure out who the Cubs have the Angels would want, and that includes Pie. But Crisp? If he shows up, then you know the trade with Orioles is really dead because it always seems Jay Payton, whom I would find much more preferable as a fourth outfielder and is always mentioned in "that" trade, isn't coming.
BeerCub - March 9, 2008
I agree.
We have plenty of OFs; package Marquis for depth in the middle infield, if the B-Rob for Gallagher, Marshall and Cedeno thing doesn't work.That said, I'm not too anxious to get rid of any of those three. Cedeno and Fontenot provide band-aids in middle IF, and we have Fuld and Murton available for OF relief if need be.
The one thing B-Rob would bring would be a higher OBP in the 1 or 2-hole, but is he really going to be slotted there, anyway?
lostinthevines - March 9, 2008
OK I realize that I just contradicted myself;
I was thinking out loud; arguing with myself.Carry on...
lostinthevines - March 9, 2008
Why trade Marquis?
Give the guy a chance to make the rotation!! So far, he hasn't done that bad. If he doesn't prove himself then we can talk about trade. GEEEEZZZZ!!!ronsanto10 - March 9, 2008
Seriously......
.... you don't think the Braves, Cardinals, Cubs and baseball in general has seen enough of Marquis to know what he can do? Or not do?BeerCub - March 9, 2008
Different thoughts
Lieber appears to be lightening in a bottle. If he remains healthy and pitches 31 GS the way he looked today he will generate innings and wins. So then the question is whether Dempster is the real deal also. That makes Marquis surplus and unless there is an injury the Cubs need to get something for surplus even if it is a salary dump.The other surprise was watching Pie bat with confidence, he plays regularly the Cubs will be a much better team on the field and in the batting order. The other thing that was exciting was the idea of trying to play Fontenot at SS to see if he can in a pinch or occasion play SS. Cedeno vying for an IF-OF utility role is also exciting.
I can see the Cubs not making a trade until June or July for a 4th OF'er and going with the team they got minus Marquis.
Ivy Walls - March 9, 2008
Lieber was good yesterday.....
BUT, AZ wasn't exactly going w/ their 'A' lineup either.Yes, I was encouraged by his start, but lets not get too excited either.
cubbie08 - March 9, 2008
Am I the only one
that doesnt fully understand this Marshall situation. Since he's not going to be in the rotation, ( doesnt seem like he was ever given a fair chance) why not try him out in relief as the second lefty with eyre. Marshall has always seemed pretty poised and could probably handle the switch. And it goes without saying that he would be better than Ohman was.JJDiesel21 - March 9, 2008
Two words.
Carmen Pignatiello.Well, more than two words. Marshall's wasted as the 2nd lefty in the pen. If he's not in the Cub rotation, he should be in the rotation at Iowa.
Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
Agreed! Even ONE
word: "Piggy".TheEman - March 9, 2008
Regarding Lieber's start yesterday
I was just as impressed as everyone else. He pitched really well. And while I hate to kill the optimism, we have to remember that the majority of hitters he faced aren't major league starters. My point is, he pitched well -- but he wasn't facing quality hitters.kanderber - March 9, 2008
I like Fontenot...
a lot. But I wonder if he has the arm for SS. I am not a Cedeno fan...at all. I'd prefer to see him bundled in a trade for B-Rob. I bet Marshall is back up later in the season anyway, so it won't hurt him to go down. And I'd like to see Dempster pitch more before the Cubs move Marquis.teacher tom - March 9, 2008
Fontenot barely has the arm
for 2B. I was really unimpressed with his arm yesterday. Even the throw to nail Ojeda at the plate was high and up the line.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
Anyone else see Fontenot's
impression of Khalil Greene? I think he heard the rumors over the winter and grew his hair out to try and fool Piniella. Piniella's gettin' up there in age, so you never know, it might work. I'll guess we'll know if we see Fontenot starting at SS on opening day.RynoHoF - March 9, 2008
OMG
I was wondering if anyone else had noticed this; I had to look twice!NWIowaCubFan - March 9, 2008
I don't think the idea is that...
...Fontenot replaces Theriot at short. It's to make him a little more versatile for when Lou wants to do some switching around in the late innings or play some matchups. I'm not a huge fan of Fontenot's defense, but for a few innings now and again it wouldn't end the world.cwyers - March 9, 2008
Is there a lineup posted for today yet?
CubsBall2202 - March 9, 2008
Not yet.
Remember, the game is at 3:05 Central today, not 2:05.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
has the lottery for the bullpen and dugout box
seats already happened?buckmulligan - March 9, 2008
You are confusing two things
There is an AUCTION for the newest seats, under CBOE auction at Cubs.com - you need to come up with very serious money to even place a bid.There are other seats going on sale next week.
TheEman - March 9, 2008
Lineups
CubsSoriano, LF
Patterson, 2B
Hoffpauir, 1B
Ward, DH
Murton, RF
Soto, C
Cintron, 3B
Pie, CF
A. Blanco, SS
Dempster, P
Royals
DeJesus, CF
Grudzielanek, 2B
Gload, 1B
Guillen, RF
Gordon, 3B
Butler, DH
Teahen, LF
Buck, C
Pena, SS
Tomko, P
Bruce Miles - March 9, 2008
This is very different...
...from what Lou said yesterday during the telecast; Fontenot was supposed to be at short and Cedeno in center field. No idea if it means anything, just pointing it out.cwyers - March 9, 2008
Thanks Bruce
Just curious, can Cintron play SS and 2B also?cubswin14 - March 9, 2008
Cintron can play all the infield positions.
Here's his gamelog. He's mostly played shortstop, but he fills in at second and third.cwyers - March 9, 2008
woof
not exactly a thrilling lineup there. I guess the kids need the work and the vets deserve a day off. But what does it say that Pie stills hits no higher than 7 in that lineup? Why wouldn't Lou at least move him up to 2 to get him some better protection and more ABs?Orval Overall - March 9, 2008
I'm guessing...
... because that's probably where he's going to be hitting when the season starts.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
I thought that was 8?
n/tOrval Overall - March 9, 2008
If you'll allow me to go on a short rant here...
...and I'll try and answer that question amid the idle speculation. I'm just musing outloud here, so take everything with a grain of salt.But my gut feeling is that the Cubs as an organization are too attached to the notion of filling certain "roles" on a ballclub that I'm not really sure exist. So instead of taking what they have and seeing the best way to to make it all work, they come up with an idea of how they think things should work and try to fit the parts on hand to that notion.
The Cubs have attatched themselves to the idea that they need a left-handed hitter at the top of the order who does certain things well: put the ball in play a lot, steal bases, and be in front of the big boppers to drive in some runs. Well, when you limit your conception of what it is you need like that, you limit your options and you force yourself into a corner.
So the Cubs look at Pie and, instead of seeing him for what he is (a very good defensive player who has very nice doubles power and not a lot of plate discipline; his hitting style is very much Soriano's), they see what he isn't.
It's stupid and it's frustrating to watch at times, but thats Cubs baseball.
cwyers - March 9, 2008
Re:
a left-handed hitter at the top of the order who does certain things well: put the ball in play a lot, steal bases, and be in front of the big boppers to drive in some runsDoesn't Dome fit this bill?
gary varsho - March 9, 2008
You had your rant
so, you're entitled to your own speculation as we all are.The fact is that we really do not know if Pie's "potential" will pan out.
I hope it does.
But management just wants to win now and the way they are choosing going about it under the circumstances, is at least showing some effort.
Imo, adding Brian Roberts to this team would have made the TEAM better, deeper, and speedier, which will be really an advantage in the home part of the schedule during April and May (he looks out to the snow falling outside his window now).
However, I don't think Hendry was quite prepared for dealing with a stubborn former personal injury attorney who owns a BAltimore baseball team - when he thought he was dealing with his former boss.
Without a doubt, it has screwed up Hendry's best laid plan. And between Lou and Hendry, they aren't completely sold on young Pie. Yet. We'll all see in the moths to come.
My $.02
TheEman - March 9, 2008
Lou Says...
DeRo will be playing tomorrowberselius - March 9, 2008
Man! I wish
there was a spot for Hoff-POWER.1-0 Cubs. DWARD w/rbi
TheEman - March 9, 2008
I was just going to say
why isn't Hendry trying harder to include Hoffpauer in a trade scenario? The kid can hit, and has absolutely no place on this team.I'd like him to get a chance and to bring us something in return.
Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
How do we know he isn't?
n/tAl Yellon - March 9, 2008
I suppose we don't.
I just never hear anything about him being discussed.Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
There is.
With an AL team. Maybe someone will trade for him.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
6-3 put out
I like Blanco's arm.LilLPLancer23 - March 9, 2008
is pie
wearing #74? did i see that right?china423 - March 9, 2008
Nice inning for Dempster.
n/tAl Yellon - March 9, 2008
Why is Pie wearing #74?
Anyone?Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
ha!
as you can see I posted this at the same time. Another reason might be that somebody was supposed to send him his shirts in the mail, but the PO messed it up =)wojo - March 9, 2008
I wonder
why Pie is wearing #74. I guess his other jersey was ruined in the wash.wojo - March 9, 2008
I'm guessing...
... the equipment people didn't pack the #17 shirt, so he's wearing whatever they had.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
couple random comments
just bought mlb.tv today, so pepsi's making a big push huh. i completely missed the ball on community projections this year but i think dempster is gonna put up some decent numberslilkimmer77 - March 9, 2008
Good pitch count
Six pitches, four strikes for DempBruce Miles - March 9, 2008
Alex Cintron...
... just graduated from the Ronny Cedeno School of Baserunning.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
Al--
I thought you were in Phoenix! Or are you posting from the Surprise bleachers?Littlerock Rynofan - March 9, 2008
LOL
No, no laptop in the bleachers. I don't leave for AZ till Wednesday. Will be at games starting Thursday.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
So at Wrigley,
they let you bring in your laptop to the bleachers, right?LilLPLancer23 - March 9, 2008
dempster motion
he's doing a weird flip thing with his glove when he goes into his motion. decided he was tipping pitches last year? or maybe just adding some distraction to his motion.just looks odd.
billywan - March 9, 2008
Helps him grip his splitter
So he does it most times anyway now so it's a good decoy.Bruce Miles - March 9, 2008
interesting
thanks.wonder if little things like that get in hitters' heads, or if they're just trying to pick up the ball. either way, he seems to be using the whole arsenal so far today, and in a pretty nice rhythm.
of course it helps when you're playing the royals...
billywan - March 9, 2008
YAY Pie!!!
sue369 - March 9, 2008
At the hazards of offending folks ...
Pie's jersey is corrected to #20! And have I been that fucking out of touch with Cubbie gossip? I had no idea Dumpster is really going to be a starter!So, who's the closer? Marmol or Woodie? Can't wait to see them all.
LRRF
Littlerock Rynofan - March 9, 2008
So far
so good for Dempster.sue369 - March 9, 2008
WOW!
Demp is scaring me. Do we have a number 2 starter here? I knew he used to be solid but crap man.THe is impressive today. I noticed that glove flip too.
Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
New Dempster
Small sample size and all, this is a different Dempster than the former closer. He's cleaned up his motion significantly, perhaps helped in large part to his weight loss and is much smoother to the plate. He also has much more movement at 89-91 than he does at 92-93.He stands to not only be a very pleasant surprise in the rotation but a very valuable part of the ballclub.
krummy12 - March 9, 2008
Well said.
I agree. Maybe he was never a closer? Maybe that was the reason for some of his struggles in that role.Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
His tailing FB
moves very nicely. Gordon was totally locked up.Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
Would like to see Sori run
even if he is caught. Need to know he is going to be able to. Anyone know if he is still nursing his leg?Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
He showed some nice speed running to third...
...on that Patterson fly ball, at least.cwyers - March 9, 2008
Agreed.
Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
kinda ridiculous to give E-Pat a single for that
dogcatratcheese - March 9, 2008
Too bad we don't have the DH.
Ward can hit.(And I hate the DH.)
Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
Oh darn, it's 3-0 Cubbies
How terrible indeed!sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
I'm crying on my cornflakes.
And someone feed the damn bird, will you? Nice to see Murton playing well, too.Littlerock Rynofan - March 9, 2008
Nice hit by Matt.
sue369 - March 9, 2008
BASES LOADED!
Let's kill the Royals (not literally)!Littlerock Rynofan - March 9, 2008
Royals are...
...looking sloppy! Good for us.Ryetronics - March 9, 2008
this is like watching a bloopers video
dogcatratcheese - March 9, 2008
Bases loaded
from an error. WooHoo!!sue369 - March 9, 2008
Six - Zip.
Looks like the Camelback High Junior Varsity Band showed up to play ... in the Royals' unis.Nice to see Gruzelzaniek, however.
Littlerock Rynofan - March 9, 2008
Do not speak ill of the 3-run homer, Len and Bob!
Do not disparage the wisdom imparted to us by the great Earl Weaver!cwyers - March 9, 2008
How about Pie working the count...?
n/tOrval Overall - March 9, 2008
Draws the walk.
Bye, bye Tomko.Littlerock Rynofan - March 9, 2008
Nice to see
sue369 - March 9, 2008
Come on Ryan.
sue369 - March 9, 2008
AN UPDATE:
The brother was released from the hospital. Thanks to Len, he's cured.Littlerock Rynofan - March 9, 2008
Great news!
Glad you and your family heard Len's announcement.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
Ward
Wow, he's a monster this spring.Perhaps he has some trade value as a DH for some team we're working with? He seems to be able to help a team out more instantly than perhaps a prospect?
ak123 - March 9, 2008
He has value to the Cubs...
... as possibly the best pinch hitter in the NL, and can start occasionally in the OF or 1B. I'd keep him.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
Absolutely agree
But Al, which is has more value:Occassionaly hitting on the Cubs vs. getting a missing piece for the Cubs lineup without having to send 2 prospects (perhaps only 1).
ak123 - March 9, 2008
You gotta hold onto Ward.
No reason at all to let him go. He is clearly one of (if not the) best PH in the NL as Al said.We can trade prospects, we got plenty of em.
Anyone think Dempster looks like Louie CK (the comedian)?
Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
Dempster looks like Louie CK...
Totally, only slimmer.Ryetronics - March 9, 2008
Definitely slimmer!
Anyone able to post a pic of both?Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
if we trade Ward,
then that creates a missing piecedogcatratcheese - March 9, 2008
There aren't as many DH openings...
...as you think. If there's a team that has a need due to injury, and they match up well with the Cubs, then maybe Ward can be dealt and Hoffpaiur or Kroeger takes his spot. But right now, there's not a market for a guy who can only DH or play platoon 1B.cwyers - March 9, 2008
or........
maybe he could help the cubs out, as a great bat off the bench, and a backup at 1st base and right fielddogcatratcheese - March 9, 2008
Two innings
well pitched, and 3rd inning, can't find the plate.This is the previous MO of Ryan Dempster as a starter for the Cubs.
2 BB, hit batter...
TheEman - March 9, 2008
Allright!
Redemption!Way to work out of it...
TheEman - March 9, 2008
ReDemption, surely
JohnM - March 9, 2008
7-1 on the wild pitch
sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
The Royals
are laughably bad.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
WARD
is on fire!!Ryetronics - March 9, 2008
Hey Ward
Save some for the season!!!!!!!!sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
What a strike
to the plate by Guillen.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
Ward is on fire.
sue369 - March 9, 2008
good god
daryle ward absolutely crushes the ball (yes, i know i'm stating the obvious)dogcatratcheese - March 9, 2008
Funny to see sucha round guy
with SUCH a quick bat. Man he gets it through the strike zone fast!Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
Are those...
scouts sitting behind the plate? One's in a blue shirt, one in white, keep writing on a pad after every pitch.Ryetronics - March 9, 2008
Probably.
n/tAl Yellon - March 9, 2008
Talent scouts.
They want to cast Theriot and Fontenot in the next LOTR movie as hobbits.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
Maybe this is just my mancrush talking...
...but I've been really pleased with E-Patt so far this game. Nice defense, decent hitting, some good baserunning.cwyers - March 9, 2008
Was going to say the same thing...
he made a couple of solid plays at 2B, and had a nice hit. Good day for him.SouthernCub - March 9, 2008
Don't know if it meant anything
but Demp didn't seem to be flipping the glove on his windup last inning. Maybe due to being in the stretch? Seems back to the other form now though and he is flipping again.Kinky Reggae - March 9, 2008
Do teams only have one uniform version in ST?
That's the only explanation I can come up with for both teams wearing blue today. Very hard on the eyes... ...and brain.ballhawk - March 9, 2008
The Cubs...
... wear the blue tops during ST road games, and pinstripes at home.Most teams, though, wear their "alternate" or BP tops for ALL ST games, which is why it looks so stupid today.
Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
Just noticed Pie's hands...
when he's got the more compact stroke going, he keeps his bottom hand up and off the knob of the bat; when the bad habits come back and the longer swing is in effect, his bottom hand is lower so that his pinkie finger is on or below the knob. Maybe he ought to start taping the knob up like Sammy used to do to remind himself.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
Wow.
Kerry hitting 98 on the gun.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
98mph?
i know we had this conversation about gun accuracy yesterday, but if that's right, wow.dogcatratcheese - March 9, 2008
not sure I believe it isn't inflated...
... but he sure did make that last batter look silly.Orval Overall - March 9, 2008
He's throwing 98mph in camp.
I don't know if that particular pitch was or not, but he's got that sort of speed in him this spring.cwyers - March 9, 2008
Oh wow.
Kerry just totally dismantled that last batter with a high heater. That was filthy.gary varsho - March 9, 2008
Glad I picked up KW
in my fantasy draft today.JohnM - March 9, 2008
i tried to do that
but I lost track of him. That should prove to be a good pick up for you.mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue - March 9, 2008
Kerry
Looked very dominant. Pena just wanted to get out of the box as fast as possible.okiecubbie - March 9, 2008
He's dirty
He looked downright dirty (in a good way) out there.puckishcubsfan - March 9, 2008
Kerry is
looking great today.sue369 - March 9, 2008
Oh darn, a Triple!!!
8-1 Cubbies 8-1!sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
Big Blue Machine
strikes again!PrincetonCubs - March 9, 2008
Good for Haufpauir!!
And Eric can flat out run.sue369 - March 9, 2008
Perfect on the day
Great job, Ward!sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
Holy crap Ward.
sue369 - March 9, 2008
Carmen Pignatiello
Did Len say he was from Aurora,Il cuz if he is I may have a new favorite cubNIUcubbie - March 9, 2008
Ayup.
Local boy.cwyers - March 9, 2008
Went to Providence Catholic HS in New Lenox
n/tAl Yellon - March 9, 2008
I knew this
but not that he was from Aurora. Gives Aurora people someone to be proud of in addition to tom skilling of courseNIUcubbie - March 9, 2008
Yes
Yes he is or at least he's from the suburbs. I worked with his brother for awhile. heard some stuff second hand.puckishcubsfan - March 9, 2008
Pie
IF this kid can cut down on his Ks we might have something pretty special here.I fear us giving up on him. I have a feeling patience will pay off with him.
Hendry has held onto guys too long that is true. But he's held on to some other guys and let them develop too including 2/5ths of our rotation especially our ace.
puckishcubsfan - March 9, 2008
He's having a very solid spring...
Small sample size caveat, of course, but he's currently at .296/.387/.593 so far this spring.SouthernCub - March 9, 2008
Another nice play by E-Patt
JohnM - March 9, 2008
Slaughter rule should be instituted today...
It's looking ugly.cublessinmilwaukee - March 9, 2008
Patterson, unlike Pie, actually has...
...pretty good numbers against lefties in the minors, despite what Bob is saying about Patterson being limited to a platoon role.cwyers - March 9, 2008
I interpreted Bob differently...
it sounded to me like Brenly was saying that the Cubs are doing the right thing by letting Patterson get a look against LHP, because he's been an everyday player in the minors and it didn't make a difference to him down there.SouthernCub - March 9, 2008
You're probably right.
I'm technically working right now, so my attention is drifting in and out.cwyers - March 9, 2008
In either case...
I agree with you (and I think Bob). Patterson isn't a platoon player.SouthernCub - March 9, 2008
Patterson...
looked just like his brother striking out there. Same reaction after missing the swing, same posture walking back to the dugout. Deja vu!Ryetronics - March 9, 2008
Alright everybody
Get outta your seats!! Let me hear ya!A one, A two, A three...
Take me out to the Ballgame...
Take me out to the crowd...
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack...
I don't care if I ever get back...
For it's root root root for the CUBBIES...
If they don't win, it's a shame...
For it's 1! 2! 3! strikes you're out...
At the ole ball game!
sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
sue
you happy to see Murton play? that red hair was blazin!drewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
I'm glad
I got to see him play today. He's been doing OK.sue369 - March 9, 2008
pie is beginning
to show is value..Chanman25 - March 9, 2008
11-1
Can we just go ahead and skip the 9th?sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
I think Lou wants Marmol to work the ninth.
See how he handles the pressure of having the bases empty, protecting a 10-run lead against the Royals farmhands.cwyers - March 9, 2008
Go Felix!
get that confidence flowingPrincetonCubs - March 9, 2008
wow.
I'm glad I don't live in Kansas.I think Pie is squashing a LOT of doubts.
drewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
He's looking
good isn't he?sue369 - March 9, 2008
Uh-oh! Neil Cotts!
We could still blow it!drewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
Nah.
Even Cotts couldn't blow THIS lead.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
we'd hope...
but anything's possible. :Pdrewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
What's Pie's line now?
I'm really rooting for him to win the full job job in center, and I'm rooting for E-Pat to win a job on the bench.Unique - March 9, 2008
.321/.406/.531
Can we stop the Coco Crisp talk now?Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
I never understood why it was
even a topic of discussion. Pie is already superior to Crisp now, and he hasn't even tapped into his full potential.Unique - March 9, 2008
Miscalculated.
It should read .321/.448/.607.Al Yellon - March 9, 2008
even better!
drewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
Pie had a great day.
Good for the young man!Hopefully Spring Training is not "meaningless" for Pie.
TheEman - March 9, 2008
Doubtful that it's meaningless for Pie...
spring stats tend to be meaningless for veterans. But for a kid who has succeeded at every level of the minors but struggled in his first year in the big leagues, a monster spring could do wonders for his confidence.SouthernCub - March 9, 2008
You had the OBP right the first time...
He's had 32 PA, with 4 walks. So he's 13/32 in terms of OBP, which is .406.SouthernCub - March 9, 2008
E-PAT BLASTS IT!
13-1!!!sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
ok, that HR by Patterson
was just MEAN... poor Royals, gettin' beat up on... :Pdrewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
Trade E-Patt tonight!
(maybe the Royals will take him...)PrincetonCubs - March 9, 2008
I would not trade E-Pat for
anything stupid. He is a special talent -- I would only trade him in a package for something big.Unique - March 9, 2008
"Special" might be a bit strong...
...but I'm not saying trade him for nothing, just that his recent string of performances may have put his value higher than it was previously. I don't think he's going to be reeling in any huge fish for us, thoughPrincetonCubs - March 9, 2008
If you think he's showing his true talent level...
...why trade him? If you think this is just a flukey run, why do you think that professional baseball scouts are so much dumber than you are?cwyers - March 9, 2008
oy
this was just a simple comment made in jest. But I think historical spring training trades have shown that scouts and management are reactive (perhaps overly so) to spring performance.Scout x thinks E-Patt is a good prospect. But he has a rough showing in the show in 07, and gets drummed back to the minors because of an attitude problem. Scout x second-guesses his judgement over the winter, tells mgmt to lower their estimates in a trade, deal doesn't happen.
Spring comes around, E-Patt hits well, Piniella smiles at him, teammates give him highfives, the sun shines. Scout x says, well, maybe this is the real E-Patt. His mgmt readjusts their assessment, the deal that hasn't happened (i.e. Roberts) happens.
I'm no baseball insider, but I assume this isn't totally implausible. It all depends on how much you believe in E-Patt...I personally don't, and would rather have someone like Roberts. YMMV.
PrincetonCubs - March 9, 2008
No,
he wouldn't bring us anything special in return, but we could package him. But the bottom line is -- I wouldn't trade him. I've been fond of him since we drafted him. I don't care anything about who his brother is -- the guy is a baseball player.Unique - March 9, 2008
E-Pat!
Win that job!Unique - March 9, 2008
well it seems we have a 2b that is LH
his name is Eric Patterson. Don't get Roberts and we have a 2b that could be as productive as him in Patterson. Plus we need Marshall and GallagherChanman25 - March 9, 2008
Patterson had a good day
on both sides of the ball but his defense at second is below average.Unique - March 9, 2008
E-Pat's bad
D is the reason that the Cubs have been trying to convert him (unsuccessfully, it seems) to an OF.TheEman - March 9, 2008
Yeah
I think he could get better though. Maybe Quade can help him turn into at least an "average" 2B.Unique - March 9, 2008
Another of the fun
"IF's" we all discuss during a baseball year for our beloved Cubs!E-Pat COULD be a great top of the order player, IF...
TheEman - March 9, 2008
Fly it, Chicago! Cubs Win!
sanantonecub - March 9, 2008
Excellent game!
w00t!Fly the flag!
drewishdrewid - March 9, 2008
All around
good game. Hope to see many more of these.sue369 - March 9, 2008
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.