I thought the Cubs were off today, but according to the schedule above, they're playing Indiana Jones. (And the way things have gone the last two days, he'd probably hit a three-run homer off Jose Ascanio.)
Last night, it was the intrepid Carlos (Let's Call Him Indiana Just For The Heck Of It) Lee who sent the Cubs to their second straight loss, 5-3 at the hands of the Astros. As good as the Cubs have looked at home, they've struggled on the road -- haven't won a road series since sweeping their first road series of the year at Pittsburgh.
Thank heavens they're headed back to Pittsburgh this weekend, right?
The game started out well, with Derrek Lee (who was supposed to get the day off, but likely talked his way back into the lineup) hitting a two-run HR in a three-run first inning. In the bottom of the first, Ryan Theriot made a catch of a C. Lee foul popup tumbling into the seats down the LF line to end the inning. Hero, right?
Nope, goat. In the very next half-inning, Theriot singled with two out and promptly got picked off. No big deal, right?
Yes, big deal. The Cubs didn't get another baserunner until Micah Hoffpauir doubled leading off the seventh, and by then Carlos Lee had slammed a three-run homer off Sean Gallagher (on an 0-2 pitch), giving Houston a 4-3 lead, which they extended to 5-3 in the fifth on a sequence that finally got Lou to say, "Enough!" and pull Gallagher... Lance Berkman, who had been 0-for-9 in the series, got hit, and stole second when, apparently, everyone in blue jerseys fell asleep for about five seconds. Temporary narcolepsy? That's the only explanation I can think of, because Berkman has never been known as a speed guy (he's been running more this year; that was his 9th steal of the season, equalling his career high).
Anyway, Geoff Blum then singled him in and Lou yanked Gallagher. The bullpen (Michael Wuertz, Scott Eyre, Jon Lieber and Bob Howry) did a good job of keeping the game within reach, throwing 3.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts, although Wuertz had some trouble finding the strike zone, loading the bases with two out before striking out Shawn Chacon to finish the inning.
It seems time to revisit the fifth spot in the rotation; Gallagher has now had only one good start out of three, and there are other options without acquiring someone from outside the organization -- Lieber, Sean Marshall or Kevin Hart.
Which brings me to this week's Sports Illustrated, which has, I think, their best cover in years:
What this is going to mean, essentially, is that come the trading deadline, there are going to be a lot of teams trying to get rid of older players with deadweight contracts. That means there may be some pitching help available. The question is, do the Cubs want to take on another albatross of a contract, when they already have quite a number of large, backloaded deals? If they can acquire a veteran arm and get the other team to eat the money, sure, why not? But if it's going to cost them too much in terms of either money or prospects or both, I'd just stick with the internal options, as noted above (Lieber, Marshall, Hart, or the almost-forgotten Rich Hill, if he's healthy). Speaking of healthy, there are rumors that Carlos Zambrano has something wrong with his shoulder. Not so, as Bruce Miles tells us:The Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks and Minnesota Twins, which according to baseballreference.com are the three youngest teams in baseball when it comes to position players, were a combined 74-57 (.565) through Sunday, with a total payroll cost of $167 million. The three oldest clubs, the Blue Jays, Yankees and Tigers, were a combined 60-74 (.448) at a cost of $445 million.
Teams have embraced a new paradigm: The young player is more important than ever before. The success of every-day players from the 2005 draft (Justin Upton, Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzki, Jacoby Ellsbury, for example) and pitchers from the '06 draft (Tim Lincecum, Max Scherzer, Joba Chamberlain, Luke Hochevar) has persuaded front offices to give opportunities to their youngsters. And teams now love to dole out multiyear contracts -- as long as they go to young players who tend to stay off the disabled list and have their best years ahead of them.
So. Stop worrying. The Cubs still have not lost more than two in a row, and going into Pittsburgh, that's not likely to change. Relax and enjoy the day off, and check out BCB reader gary varsho's off-day fun post.Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano went so far Wednesday as to invite reporters to watch him throw his next side session.
Zambrano and the Cubs displayed varying degrees of anger -- from red-hot to blue-flame hot -- over a published report that said the ace of the pitching staff had stiffness in his right shoulder and neck area.
The report listed "shoulder" first, and that's what set the Cubs off.
Zambrano and the Cubs' brass said Zambrano has had nothing more than a stiff neck since his start Saturday against the Pirates. They attributed it to the way he slept.
"I'm not hurt," said Zambrano, who later flexed his muscle. "I feel great. Just check out my outing Friday."
0 recs | 172 comments
How is
Hill doing at Iowa? He was so good for us in the past, it’s hard to believe that he wouldn’t be able to get it back together soon. If not Hill, then I say Hart. But I really think if we pick up a pitcher from outside, were probably not going to get anything better than what we’ve already got.
adam316 - May 22, 2008
Hill is currently on the 7-day DL with back stiffness.
gary varsho - May 22, 2008
That 7 days is almost up, isn't it?
Wasn’t that after last Friday’s start?
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
He was placed on the 7-day on May 19. Sullivan noted it in his Hardball blog.
He didn’t say if it was retoractive to last friday or not, so I’m assuming he’s not eligible to come off until the 26th of May.
gary varsho - May 22, 2008
I don't see why they wouldn't have made it retroactive.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
Me neither.
Maybe Sully forgot to include that bit…..
gary varsho - May 22, 2008
they would if he was either really hurt
or they want to give him more time to get his head right without making it seem like he needs to get his head right. Of course, that makes us think he needs to get his head right.
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
Lou said it himself, upon the news
"I don’t think it’s serious," Piniella said. "Probably more of a mental break than anything, I’d assume. That’s just my assumption.” [The break] may not be bad. It might be the best tonic of all. But I haven’t heard anything wrong of a serious nature, anything fundamentally wrong with his back."
Needs a mental break from back stiffness? OK, Lou.
JohnM - May 22, 2008
And if we think he needs to get his head right..
then he might think he need to get his head right. Which of course, may take more time to get his head right.
:)
Bump Bailey - May 22, 2008
i know it's kinda funny
but I think he’s stuck in a IF-THEN loop. I really do.
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
Diagnosed With Acute Recursion
To take his place, Fibbonaci has been recalled.
SecondSon - May 22, 2008
I don't know what scares me more...
that someone posted a Fibbonaci reference or that I actually understood it.
ballhawk - May 22, 2008
You think that scares you?
I actually bought a book about that and the Golden Ratio TO READ FOR PLEASURE!!! LOL
BigJohnAZ - May 22, 2008
Pedantic programmer here
In what language will IF-THEN loop? It’s a conditional structure in every language I’ve seen. Except Lisp, where it’s a list, because everything in Lisp is a damn list (it’s a function or maybe a macro, and both of those things are lists… unless I’m wrong because I don’t know anything about Lisp… Lisp docs call it a “special form”. It’s probably usually pre-compiled and specially optimized in C instead of being expressed as a defun or something because they couldn’t afford to have critical parts of Lisp implemented in a language as slow as Lisp). If it loops… then your processor is probably broken.
aldimond - May 23, 2008
NERDS!!!
daver - May 23, 2008
How about this?
0000 BEGIN
0100 ASSIGN VAR (A,’Edmonds’)
0200 ASSIGN VAR (B, ‘sucks’)
0300 IF A .EQ. B THEN
0400 GOTO 0300
0500 ELSE ENDIF
0600 END
ballhawk - May 23, 2008
rofl!!
Emelie - May 23, 2008
LOL
Bump Bailey - May 23, 2008
basic. Or maybe PASCAL.
10 IF NAME$=Hill
20 THEN GOTO FREAKOUT
drewishdrewid - May 23, 2008
Z
“Just check out my outing on Friday”
OK, lets see it.
Hammer - May 22, 2008
Not Friday yet, is it?
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
Soon enough
My point is I want him to go out and kick some ass.
Hammer - May 22, 2008
Not done reading the recap
but just had to say I agree, that SI cover is pretty cool.
tony412 - May 22, 2008
When it came in the mail..
I thought they made a mistake and sent me the SI For Kids…
Bump Bailey - May 22, 2008
+1
californiachicagoan - May 22, 2008
+2
Bricks and Ivy - May 22, 2008
sometimes there are no answers
we beat the …....outta the best team in the nl. we beat the ….outta the mets. we pretty well go into houston and shut out berkman and lose 2 of 3. my momma said there would be days like this—my momma said. just forget about it and move on to the pirates and hopefully demolish them.
cubsluver22 - May 22, 2008
It seems when we play at home
5 or 6 guys are hitting the stuffing out of the baseball, on the road, only 1 or 2. We should have swept the ‘Stros IMO. Dempster walks only 2 but gives up the GS and Gallagher gives up a 3 run jack on an 0-2 pitch. If those few pitches had different results, we probably win all 3. But, that’s baseball and we’ve got to start a new streak in Pittsburgh.
BigJohnAZ - May 22, 2008
Gallagher
What I liked about Gallagher last night is how often he got ahead of the hitters, often getting to 0-2 counts. What I didn’t like was what happened too often in those counts…
John Q Freejazz - May 22, 2008
Today's Shoe
sums it up
Emelie - May 22, 2008
Yep, that certainly does!
daver - May 22, 2008
+1
BigJohnAZ - May 22, 2008
Seems to me the Astros are always tough to beat at home.
I think the last two losses really come down to lack of offense. Demp had a weaker, though not altogether horrible, outing. Gallagher wasn’t great last night, but he kept the Cubs in the game. I guess if any pitcher in baseball was due to have a good outing it was Chacon.
In other words, as frustrating and disappointing as these last two games were, I don’t think the Cubs played poorly per se - they just couldn’t push enough runs across the plate. I knew - just knew—that last night’s early three-run lead wouldn’t hold up. I think, unless your No. 1 or No. 2 starter is on the mound, you have to score at least five runs in the Juice Box to have a chance. The heart of the ‘Stros lineup is damn imposing.
Fortunately, the Cubs don’t play them again until mid-July, and I won’t miss Fat Elvis, Miggy Stardust or Punter Hence one damn bit.
daver - May 22, 2008
Oddly...
... a bad Cubs tearm in 2006 went into Houston and swept them in August and was 5-4 there.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
Hoffpauir
Did Hoffpauir get any chances in left field last night?
I saw his at-bats, and he certainly ripped those double. While he didn’t look good against Valverde, neither did Lee.
John Q Freejazz - May 22, 2008
I know he got at least one (heard it on the radio), and he seemed to have no trouble making the catch.
daver - May 22, 2008
Hoffpauir
He didn’t have enough chances last night to come to any real conclusion on how he will fair in LF. I will say that he hasn’t hurt us any yet, and that is all you can hope for or ask out of a player in his position.
I think he is what we all thought, a guy that can spell a few regulars if/when needed and a LH bat to spell Ward. I was happy to see him get the call up, and get those two doubles last night.
Tangled Up In Blue - May 22, 2008
I really hated last nights loss
Gallagher looked liked his stuff was solid, evident of getting Berkman on strikes twice. But the hanger to Lee, I wanted to toss eveything that wasn’t tied down.
I think Gallagher has the “stuff” but maybe behind on his approach to the hitters.
Just want to see the Cubs get a series win on the road against a good club.
Grockcubs - May 22, 2008
I also hated the loss
but for different reasons. I didn’t think Gallagher had his “stuff” last night. It’s hard to judge outs, but I can tell you that even when the Stros batters were grounding/lining/flying out, they were hitting the cover off the ball. And 8 hits in 4 innings really doesn’t help his case. I honestly don’t see how he’s much better than Marquis at this point and believe he’s had his chance. And as Al said, I think it’s time to revisit the 5th rotation spot.
Jayo525 - May 22, 2008
I guess
to make my point clearer is his velocity was strong, and threw some quality pitches, however putting hitters away and commanding the strke zone was lacking.
I believe when he learns to pitch he should be an effective 3 or 4 starter.
Grockcubs - May 22, 2008
Ascanio pitched the same way the other day, and got called the next Marmol.
But then many people weigh results over process.
californiachicagoan - May 22, 2008
Maybe it is SI that is stealing ideas from Al
One of the first posts I read on BCB. Addicted ever since…
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2006/5/28/191112/827
madeindetroit - May 22, 2008
LOL
I forgot about that one!
But that game was pretty bizarre. I do remember that.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
Mini throw up
tony412 - May 22, 2008
Wow!
This statement puts everything into perspective. Yeah, it’s not a good feeling to lose two in a row, but it could be, and has been, a lot worse.
Wow, what a horrible, horrible team that was….
Tangled Up In Blue - May 22, 2008
Yeah, that gives me the chills.
Incidentally, Boom-Boom Bynum batted ninth for the O’s last night and went 1 for 3 with a double. There. Now your day is complete.
daver - May 22, 2008
And he has started nine games at SS for them.
Frightening.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
Boom-Boom
Nice! I seen that in this morning’s box scores. It reminded me of looking at the O’s boxscores last year and seeing CPat’s name. Chills indeed.
Not exactly what I wanted to think about on the off day : )
Tangled Up In Blue - May 22, 2008
Goat......no
Before giving anyone the horns, let’s examine the facts. The team’s OPS is .894 at home and .714 on the road. The worst roadies are Sori, Fuku, Johnson and DeRosa. Add to that the horrible acquisition of Edmonds and you have the recipe for failure. Perhaps the occasional start of Hoffpauir in RF and Fukudome in CF is worth looking at.
tharr - May 22, 2008
Last night was depressing.
After the 1st inning the only bright spot was the obscene laughter when Berkman waltzed, skipped, lollygagged to 2nd base. The fact that they called it a ‘steal’ is funny…...it was handed to him on a platter. Then I had to listen to the stupid Astros fans ‘remind me’ that the ‘Cubs Suck!’ (that was original) as I walked out of Minute Maid.
iluvryno - May 22, 2008
Is it me or does Berkman
and actually waddle when he runs.
Jayo525 - May 22, 2008
Yes - no doubt.
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
DLee crossing the plate in the 1st.....I had great seats, no?
iluvryno - May 22, 2008
WOW - great shot. And yeah, GREAT seats!
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
Yeah, nice seats!
daver - May 22, 2008
Great shot, great seats!
I am jealous, even if you did have to endure a lose and Houston fans…
Tangled Up In Blue - May 22, 2008
I can deal with only 1 of 3 from Houston - they're hot
But what bothers me is the lack of offense by the Cubs in the later innings. It used to be our trademark in 2008, but not in this series, or on the road in general.
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
No Soriano, D Ward, or Cedeno at bats.
californiachicagoan - May 22, 2008
Not worried about Gallagher
He will be fine eventually. This year? Remains to be seen.
He obviously had some nerves last night, losing focus on the Berkman steal and just trying to finish the inning after the ricochet off his leg. I like what Lou and Jim are doing. They’re giving him another start, to see how much of it is just rookie shakiness. If he can settle down in his next 2-3 starts, then great. If not, by then Marshall will be ready, Hill may also, and even Kevin Hart will have been stretched out as a starter.
cubzfan - May 22, 2008
Yep
Sean Gallagher is going to be quality pitcher in this league. It might not happen in the short-term but it will happen eventually. His stuff is good and you have to like how he goes about his business on the mound. He reminds me of a souped-up version of Steve Trachsel in his prime. That can be a good thing for the Cubs.
MDBNIU - May 22, 2008
I think that was...
the nicest thing I’ve seen you write about a Cub. It’s good to know it’s not always negative.
Damen Jackson - May 22, 2008
I'm tellin' ya, he's been different today.
I still think it’s the breakfast cereal. Maybe he had another bowl for lunch. Because, y’know, there’s never a wrong time for breakfast cereal.
daver - May 22, 2008
yeah, well
Teams have embraced a new paradigm: The young player is more important than ever before. The success of every-day players from the 2005 draft (Justin Upton, Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzki, Jacoby Ellsbury, for example) and pitchers from the ‘06 draft (Tim Lincecum, Max Scherzer, Joba Chamberlain, Luke Hochevar) has persuaded front offices to give opportunities to their youngsters.
Except Pie.
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
I gotta admit...
...the same thought flashed through my head when I read that. Just when it seemed like the Cubs were making some progress on getting themselves into the 21st Century (acquiring Dome, taking more walks, etc.), they take a step backward and acqure an aged veteran with highly suspect offensive numbers. But I’m still going to give Jimbo Hollywood Ballgame a chance! Keep hope alive!
daver - May 22, 2008
And Cedeno
Bump Bailey - May 22, 2008
at least Cedeno is getting some starts and is called off the bench
and WASN’T sent back down. He prolly doesn’t have any options left, tho.
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
You are correct...
Cedeno is out of options.
SouthernCub - May 22, 2008
True..
Just wish Lou would start him more…
Bump Bailey - May 22, 2008
I really believe
his time will come. Theriot can’t possibly keep this up forever.
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
Yeah...
It’s like the way to win now is to go with your youth. Fascinating theory!
DGU - May 22, 2008
On the Road...
...Obviously the Cubs need to get better on the road and it will ultimately be the key to winning the division but only 4 teams are above .500 on the road this year. And if you look at last year both the Angels and D-backs won the division at 40-41 on the road. Being 9-11 on the road right now isn’t as bad as it may seem.
seang03 - May 22, 2008
I guess just restlessness
at least on my part. Maybe I think they can’t continue there hot pace at home. Like to see late hitting also on the road. Just like to get a solid lead in the division, this club has the ability to do that.
Grockcubs - May 22, 2008
The Cubs couldn't win at home
Last year, but finished about the 500 mark. I admit I am starting to worry about our road fortunes, but
You have to think Soriano and DeRosa’s road hitting will improve. It is Fukudome that iterests me. Why is he struggling? New parks, new routine? It is not like Wrigley Field was familar to him in April and he still raked.
patron - May 23, 2008
Hi Al,
Couldn’t agree with you more about sticking with the youngsters and looking within the organization rather than without. I would like to see them keep Gallagher in the lineup, give him a chance to get some experience and show us what he’s got.
These losses do not bother me, although losses in May still count in September, because we are not going to win every series. I do know that they are going to have to find a way to duplicate on the road their home success. However, this is the first time in a while that the Cubs have a real home field advantage!
By the way, Al, I want to thank you for the professional way you handle this website. It is a pleasure to come here and read your insights every day.
Mr W - May 22, 2008
Is Fukudome...
...in a ‘mini-slump’?
Thoughts?
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
He could use a blow once in awhile
He looks tired. All Japanese imports to MLB have had to adjust to the more intense playing schedule and travel. Looks like Kosuke is feeling the affects. I’d like to see Lou Piniella give him a day off here and there.
MDBNIU - May 22, 2008
I Could Use A Blow Myself
but the missus won’t be home until later.
SecondSon - May 22, 2008
wow
Hammer - May 22, 2008
You're delusional
after 20 years the only difference between your spouse and your job is that the job still sux.
cubfever7 - May 22, 2008
double wow
Hammer - May 22, 2008
Touche
and LOL
SecondSon - May 22, 2008
Literal LOL
californiachicagoan - May 22, 2008
LOL
Bump Bailey - May 22, 2008
You went there...
santoswoodenlegs - May 22, 2008
A hooker once told me she had a headache
cubfever7 - May 22, 2008
My wife has cut me down to once a month, I'm lucky I know two guys she cut off completely
cubfever7 - May 22, 2008
My wife and I were happy for twenty years...then we met
Thank you….don’t forget to tip your waitress:)
Bump Bailey - May 22, 2008
LOL - nice
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
Hard to tell...
He had an .837 OPS (.416 OBP) in April and he has a .732 OPS (.370 OBP) in May. The biggest difference is that his average is lower. His walk rate is about the same, and his extra base hits are down.
The question is whether this is a slump or whether he’s really a .280ish hitter and not a .310-.320 hitter. He’s not likely to produce much power, and he’s always going to get a lot of walks.
SouthernCub - May 22, 2008
Pie and Cedeno
I’d really like to see these two get more of a fair shake instead of playing time going to the likes of Fontenot and Edmonds. But if the top brass won’t give them that much, then for their sake I hope they’re packaged in a deal someplace where they can play every day while netting the Cubs one more solid starter or outfielder.
SecondSon - May 22, 2008
I wonder how long the 'Edmonds Experiment' will last...
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
If he continues as is...
it will be over in a few weeks.
If he starts hitting, he’ll be here all year.
SouthernCub - May 22, 2008
Maybe Like the Kendall Experiment
Youth will ultimately be served and Pie will be as good as Soto was at the end of last year.
SecondSon - May 22, 2008
Old Paradigm
Right on, there is no reason, given the quality Pie has displayed in the minors, that he cannot be right up there with the rest of the young players producing. As soon as this nostalgia of signing slow wash-out veterens like Edmonds wears off, with his sub-par performance, they will bring Pie back. Or lest he gasp gets traded away to become the next Curtis Granderson.
StevenABQ - May 22, 2008
Edmonds will be gone soon enough.
californiachicagoan - May 22, 2008
you mean he's gone now?
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
lol
sue369 - May 22, 2008
Really OT: Bally's Loop Manager
Scroll down to the bottom. Side gig??
tony412 - May 22, 2008
well, he only pitches once every five days...
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
ESPN: "Source: Baseball might try replay in Arizona Fall League"
Hmmmmmmm…
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
as long as it's not for pitches, I'm not sure
that it’s a bad idea. Certainly for controversial calls on pick-off attempts or stolen bases, it could help.
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
See fanpost Speed Up The Games!
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2008/5/22/534089/speed-up-the-games
This would be MLB contradicting itself but no surprise there.
tony412 - May 22, 2008
if it makes the calls
more accurate, I’ll take the slight slowdown. Rarely are there more than two controversial calls a game; if there are, the umps need to know they’re screwing up.
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
It's high time for this in the Arizona Fall League
Way too many home run calls are blown in the Arizona Fall League, often in games that really matter. This is a great move.
John Q Freejazz - May 22, 2008
Well played.
+1 to you, sir.
gary varsho - May 22, 2008
Home Run calls only
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
Agree.
DeRoMyHero - May 22, 2008
It would be cool
if instead of Lou throwing a red flag on the field for a review requst, he throw out a full gatorade cooler or wind up and whip a baseball at the ump.
tony412 - May 22, 2008
Which Cub manager was it, I think in the 70s, who threw all the bats onto the field?
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
It wasn't a manager.
It was Fergie Jenkins.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
andre dawson (?) also did that in the 80s after a 3rd strike call
and the bleachers responded by throwing all their beer onto the outfield. i’m sure Al hated the latter but it was pretty cool for a kid to watch on tv!
joeschmitt - May 22, 2008
That must be the one when Joe West
was the ump and Dawson got fined, then wrote on the memo section of the check, “Donation To The Blind”.
Bump Bailey - May 22, 2008
Yep, that was the game.
It was, IIRC, in 1991.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
nice, thoughtful recap, Al
Re: rotation; I don’t think it’s time to “give up on” Gallagher, but all the same, I’d like to see Marshall get his shot. I’ve always been bullish on Marshall.
Re: youngins: Anyone ready to buy out some of Soto’s free agency years with a big contract? If he keeps playing the way he has been, he could be the face of the Cubs through the duration of Soriano’s contract.
DGU - May 22, 2008
No need to do so yet.
Go ahead and wait until at least next season.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
Screw that - Get Kendall back!
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
Make sure the knees are holding up, I guess?
Here’s the question, then – if he’s likely to do it this year, but gives indications that if he keeps hitting with an OPS over .900 through to next year, that he won’t do it then, would you sign him now or not?
DGU - May 22, 2008
I think I would.
Because if you wait till next year and he does it again, it’ll cost you a LOT more.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
Agreed
It would be a big investment now, but if Soto keeps performing at this level, he would be very cheap for a number of years to come.
gwood - May 23, 2008
3 runs
in Houston against that pitching staff. You aren’t going to win like that.
californiachicagoan - May 22, 2008
Top two only got on once a piece
and bottom 3 spots, including Fontenot’s PH (which by the way he, like a lot of young players, is not suited for PHitting) were a big 0-fer.
californiachicagoan - May 22, 2008
If Houston scores 2 you do.
Hammer - May 22, 2008
I understand what...
...you are saying, but you are not going to score – 5,6, 7 runs every single night. Sometimes, the other team pitches well and they shut you down.
In those circumstances, you have to out pitch the other guy if you want to win those games, because your offense is going to go cold at times, no matter how good it is.
MPH73 - May 22, 2008
Funny - the question yesterday was would LEE get the day off...
...and Soriano sits instead, though I agree with that decision.
malicedoom - May 22, 2008
Pie
I wish he were hitting more in Iowa. Only one hit in 23 ABs, for a .043 BA, .185 OBP, and SLG of .174.
He also has an error, and has one SB and one CS.
Not very encouraging. Unless he improves, I think Edmonds is gonna be around for a while.
zevkalman - May 22, 2008
Pie's production is irrelevant to Edmonds' tenure. And vice versa.
If nothing else, the Cubs can bring up Eric Patterson or Matt Murton and have one of them in the OF with Dome and Sori, or stick with Hoffpaiur in RF. What seems most likely is that Lou’s favorite Mike Fontenot will play 2B, Dome will play CF, and DeRosa will play RF.
The Pie era is over in 2008. The Edmonds era probably has a few more days to extend itself. After Edmonds, it’s whatever gets us through to the inevitable trade for a lefty veteran stick (glove optional).
DGU - May 22, 2008
Putting Hoffpauir in RF...
... is something the Giants would do, not a team attempting to win a World Series.
Micah Hoffpauir is David Kelton is Jason Dubois is Phil Stephenson is Ozzie Timmons is Eddie Zambrano is Karl Pagel is all the supposed power prospects the Cubs have ever had who never panned out.
He’ll get his cuppa coffee and head home to become a high school baseball coach and eventually get inducted into whatever state he moves to High School Hall of Fame.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
Ha, Id be happy with that.
Im happy for Micah. Lou did a good thing by putting him in a small leftfield. I beleive its worth a try on a regulars day off.
Hammer - May 22, 2008
I agree
except that Hoffpaiur hits left-handed and you might as well play him in RF if the other option is Fontenot at 2B and DeRosa in RF.
DGU - May 22, 2008
Oh, and, to be clear
I’m talking short-term band-aid to get us through to the trade for the veteran.
DGU - May 22, 2008
I wouldn't do it except in a dire emergency.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
I think he probably had Micah...
penciled in at 1B, and after Lee’s begging, didn’t want to break the guy’s heart.
BTW Al—you forgot to mention Brooks Kieshnieck.
IowaCubs- - May 22, 2008
Kieschnick
Lasted longer than the others—had 256G as a hitter, 74 as a pitcher.
Shanghai Badger - May 22, 2008
Kieschnick...
... might have had a good career as a middle reliever if he had been made a pitcher when he turned pro. He didn’t really have a position in the field - he was a DH in college - and the Cubs tried to make him a left fielder, something he was really bad at.
If they’d have let him pitch, he might still be active.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
I wouldn't do it either
I’d bring up Murton or Patterson – actually, I’d bring up Pie – but I’m trying to figure out what Lou will do, which brings us back to playing time for the “Cajun Connection” (that sounds like one of those bad 1980’s WWF tag teams with matching colorful costumes, one of the ones who always got beat down by whomever Mr. Fuji was managing; paging Santoswoodenlegs).
DGU - May 22, 2008
OK...that's enough for today...
santoswoodenlegs - May 22, 2008
santos
You have just topped yourself. I didn’t think it was possible, but that is the cat’s meow, right there! WOW!!
Disturbingly, awesome!!
Tangled Up In Blue - May 22, 2008
the Theriot guy
is quite well done!
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
and if you look close...
you can see the excellent job SWL did blending Li’l Mikey’s facial scruff with the remnants of Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart’s most excellent goatee. Ahh… the Hart Foundation – that was a fun tag team to watch. Though I hated their manager – Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart. I’d take Mr. Fuji over him anyday…
ballhawk - May 22, 2008
Really?
Because I think they’re basically the same hitter.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
I think you're right in that Hoffpauir is not the answer...
...to a question you want to be asking yourself in a contending season. But I think you underestimate Lou’s affinity for a certain kind of minor leaguer. From the Trib:
Sun-Times:
So, like it or not, it’s something the organization may be considering.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
Cant be any worse
then something they have recently considered that is 2-15 and has looked pathetic doing it.
Hammer - May 22, 2008
Yeah, so long as you completely ignore defense...
...there’s absolutely no way that Hoffpaiur can be worse than Edmonds.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
where's he gonna
PLAY???
drewishdrewid - May 22, 2008
Presumably they're not benching Lee or Soriano long-term.
What they would most likely do is move Dome into center and have Hoffpaiur field one of the corners. I’m hip-deep in writing a long essay about this for GROTA, but suffice it to say I’m not a fan.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
Lemme save you the time....
::::::::::::::::::::::::::THOUGHTS ON HOFFPAIUR AS A CORNER OUTFIELDER::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::BY:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::cwyers::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It’s a galactically stupid idea.
The end.
santoswoodenlegs - May 22, 2008
The question isn't why it's a stupid idea.
The question is why it’s an idea. I have some notions in that regard that I’ve been letting simmer for a while, and I think now’s as good a time as any to try and put them down on paper.
Short version: the Cubs have developed a very odd habit of taking minor leaguers who are past the point of prospectdom, and come up with the idea of working them into the lineup by moving them up the defensive spectrum. It’s a very odd way of doing business.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
I think the biggest reason it's an idea is because Lou is fixated on getting a lefty bat with some power.
If you don’t accept that as a premise, then I’ll be very interested in reading your essay because quite frankly, if Hoffpauir hits right-handed, I don’t think we’re even close to having this conversation.
ballhawk - May 22, 2008
I understand his fixation on having a lefty...
...and I understand the notion that Hoffpaiur hits for (some) power. Where I stop being able to follow the thinking is the idea that Hoffpaiur is a right fielder.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
Obviously Piniella values the LH power...
more than defense in RF.
SouthernCub - May 22, 2008
I understand that.
But Micah Hoffpaiur isn’t exactly Adam Dunn here, either – there’s little in his minor league numbers to suggest he’s a substantial improvement at the plate over Mike Fontenot, actually.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
Agreed.
If they’re going to dump Edmonds, then bring Pie back. Screwing around with Fukudome is just plain stupid;.
Al Yellon - May 22, 2008
As was sending Pie down in the first place,
so stupidity in their handling of Dome should come as no surprise.
gary varsho - May 22, 2008
I didn't say it was a good idea...
I was just suggesting Lou’s reasoning. I don’t think Hoffpauir will get a long look. As you said, he’s not Adam Dunn. If he’s a butcher in RF and isn’t hitting, he’ll go back to the minors.
SouthernCub - May 22, 2008
I think I lost all faith in Cubs management to recognize...
...the difference between marginal talent and major league talent at some point last September.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
Agreed...
SouthernCub - May 22, 2008
Seconded.
gary varsho - May 22, 2008
100% agree
Micah Hoffpauier is a 28 year old minor league journeyman and whose training has been 99% restricted to 1st base. No way, no how he should be looked upon as an option in the lineup or the outfield. This ain’t Kansas City boys and girls.
MDBNIU - May 22, 2008
True...Kansas City has won a WS in the last 30 years.
santoswoodenlegs - May 23, 2008
And yet...
... he is being looked upon as an option in the lineup. Does this mean Lou is a guess-lineup-writing hack of a manager?
ballhawk - May 23, 2008
lol
sue369 - May 23, 2008
Baseball's power outage...
I wish more attention would be paid to baseball’s lack of homeruns in the post-PED era. This is a pretty good article on the modern era of home runs.
I’m no Moneyball expert, but you’ve got to believe that the deciline in the home run ball has helped teams with smaller payrolls such as the A’s deliver runs without relying so heavily on “expensive” stats like homeruns. Just a thought.
IowaCubs- - May 22, 2008
My blockquote...
doesn’t necessarily support my hypothesis… i was trying to make a point about last year’s relative power outage and try to tie that to the success of the Marlins, Rays and A’s. Oh well…
IowaCubs- - May 22, 2008
I don't think that the decline in home runs is purely a function of PED usage declining.
I think it probably has more to do with changes in the baseball (like the humidor), among other things.
But a decline in home runs, and thus the run scoring environment, would tend to (slightly) increase the value of things like the stolen base. The A’s, for what it’s worth, have a tendency to find home runs relatively cheaply by valuing them above batting average, taking on Rob Deer-types more than other clubs would.
cwyers - May 22, 2008
Pie and Colvin both 2-3 so far tonight...
SouthernCub - May 22, 2008
wonderful.....
come on Felix.
sue369 - May 22, 2008
Indiana Jones
I saw The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at 12:01 Thursday morning. By far the worst one. There were…aliens. But go see it-it sure as hell is entertaining.
cubs2234 - May 23, 2008
If we go 6-3
the rest of the month, it will be back to back 17 win months. So even though it has felt bad lately, they could still have a nice month.
Rick B - May 23, 2008
Felt bad lately?
They are 9-4 in their last 13 games. That ain’t too shabby.
MPH73 - May 23, 2008
Depends on your definition of lately...
We’ve lost our last two and three of our last five. So by the definition of “performance over the previous five days, I’d say it has felt bad lately. And over the past two days, I’d say the same. If you extend “lately” to be the past two weeks, then yes, we’re doing quite well. I realize your overall point and agree. But it seems like Rick B is saying the same thing you’re trying to say.
SouthernCub - May 23, 2008
You are correct
n/t
MPH73 - May 23, 2008
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