When even the Fox-TV color commentator notices that things aren't working, maybe Cubs management ought to sit up and take notice.
Eric Karros was a standup guy when he played for the Cubs, and he still is a standup guy, and doesn't mince words. During today's telecast he did so in a nice enough way that you don't even realize how bad he was ripping Lou and Jim during today's 8-2 Cubs loss to the Cardinals that, in a twist on the old phrase, "wasn't as close as the score indicated". It was the Cubs' fourth loss in a row, the longest losing streak of the year
Now, in fairness -- the Cubs are now missing three key performers. Milton Bradley is out till who-knows-when, and Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Marmol suffered minor injuries Friday night and are out for only a few days, so the Cubs are not playing at full strength. But that is also the problem. Jim Hendry did not assemble a team that has suitable backups so that the Cubs could weather losing a starting player or two. Last year's team could -- Alfonso Soriano missed a third of the season in 2008, and the Cubs were a competitive 28-26 in the games he didn't start. This year, they don't seem to be able to win any games when two of their big bats are on the bench, and there is zero flexibility on the bench -- had anything happened to Mike Fontenot, Aaron Miles or Ryan Theriot today, we would have seen Soriano at second base, because he's the only other player on the team with experience at 2B.
Unless you want to see Micah Hoffpauir, Koyie Hill or Reed Johnson play second base, that is. Oh, and Hill hasn't played at all -- not a single at-bat -- in 12 days, despite playing well during spring training and in his six games played while Geovany Soto is out.
Maybe that's Lou's way of saying to Jim Hendry, "Get me some help!" He's done this sort of thing before, making a public protest without saying anything specific. I'll repost Lou's quote made after last night's game:
"We've got no bench," Piniella said. "We've got an extra catcher [in Koyie Hill] and [Micah] Hoffpauir and [Joey] Gathright. We're going to have to get somebody in here."
And speaking of Gathright, he's basically on the team to be a pinch-runner. So being picked off this afternoon negates any value he has -- that gives him one stolen base and one caught stealing, essentially a worthless addition to the roster. Can we please just release him and sign Jim Edmonds? At least Edmonds can hit, or he could last year, and he could hardly be worse than Gathright, who can't hit at all.
There's no sense ripping apart today's game, except to mention that even Karros questioned the move of Soriano down in the lineup, saying his approach would be different in the three spot, and I agree. I think I need go no further than these Soriano splits:
2007 Hitting Leadoff: .308/.345/.579 2007 Hitting Elsewhere: .162/.225/270 2008 Hitting Leadoff: .287/.350/.544 2008 Hitting Elsewhere: 0-for-10 2009 Hitting Leadoff: .317/.406/.633 2009 Hitting Elsewhere: 1-for-8
Look. The guy's your leadoff hitter. He's done well in that role -- especially this year, with the .406 OBA so far. Why screw with it? Mess with some other part of the order -- let Geovany Soto hit cleanup, drop Derrek Lee to 7th, hit the pitcher 8th -- but put Soriano back in the leadoff spot.
In any case, Jim and Lou have to sit down soon -- after tomorrow's game wouldn't be too soon -- and make some roster moves. Bringing Jim Edmonds along when they leave St. Louis would be a good first step. I'll leave this post with one positive from today's game -- Sean Marshall threw a nice six innings. I realize he was scheduled to lead off the 7th, but I think I'd have stuck with him for one more inning. Karros didn't have very nice things to say about David Patton, saying that Patton didn't approach the AB of Colby Rasmus and Albert Pujols with proper pitch selection and he was absolutely correct. That doesn't mean Patton shouldn't have been in the game or that he can't contribute to this team, only that they have to throw the right pitches to the right hitters, especially when the wrong one turned a 3-1 game into a 7-1 game.
Finally, for you ledge-jumpers: the Cubs are 8-8. It's way too early to panic. It is NOT too early for them to make some changes. Get 'em done, Jim.
0 recs | 414 comments
First
I turned the game off after the grand slam. Looks like I didn’t miss much.
santo4hof - April 25, 2009
Nope.
You sure didn’t.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
in a bad funk
Definitely not going to throw the towel in on the season but this team is in a funk. Does Edmonds even WANT to come back? The guy wasn’t in spring training with anyone, can he just pick up a bat tomorrow and be back with the team? I’d think not but you never know.
I think any significant loss of Marmol would be the most devistating thing to happen to this team, without him the bullpen becomes pretty terrible.
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
I have heard that Edmonds has been working out...
… and definitely wants to play. It might take a few days worth of minor league games, but I’d still do it.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
and he can probably still play CF
even w/o getting his batting timing back.
santo4hof - April 25, 2009
I would not trust Edmonds in CF anymore
FlimtotheFlam - April 25, 2009
More a bat off the bench and insurance in case Gameboard continues to miss games...
Not as a full time starter….
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
plus if Hendry finds an AL suitor for Hoff
Edmonds can back up Lee
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
I wouldn't either
But his bat is a good backup for Bradley. They could keep Dome in center and put Edmo in right, where he’s played 220+ innings in his life.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
I'd trust him in CF the number of times he had to play there.
Edmonds was competent in CF last year. He’d be fine on a temporary basis. He can still hit.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
His UZR was around -10
So it’s pretty clear that his days in center are over. Edmonds would probably be around average in a corner.
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
I don't think UZR provides clarity regardless
but using it to judge a short season is pure crapshoot. Nothing about his defensive skills should be assumed from that.
ol Pete - April 26, 2009
You're right
However, he was also -1.8 the year before, and he is now 39. It is very unlikely that he can play a passable center field.
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
Plus....
How would Edmonds help in the infield, which is where there is a shortage? Gathright can go to AAA and get some work, his wheels are a nice addition when everyone is healthy. But right now, Ramirez’s injury is exposing our biggest weakness. Soriano, Bradley, Fukudome, Johnson, and Hoffpauer is all the outfield assistance we need. Edmonds would bring absoluteley nothing over any of these guys.
DEEEIP - April 26, 2009
Gathright, IIRC, cannot be sent down without his consent.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
Your right
I live in STL and he has been on the radio a couple times stating he still wants to play
FlimtotheFlam - April 25, 2009
I heard it would take a few weeks for him to be ready.
I’d rather see a 4 corners guy than Edmonds.
DGU - April 25, 2009
Edmunds is somewhere bending steel gurders
And picking his teeth with the leg bones of the animals he’s hunted and killed, just lying in wait for the call… he’s like a predator.
lswaidz - April 25, 2009
he learn that from Lilly?
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
I can't remember specifics.....
But I’ll bet the Cubs didn’t lose 4 in a row until late August last year….
That said…last year …was just that…last year….
I’ll bet Philadelphia lost 4 straight sooner than that….and the Dodgers were under .500 until when (though this division will take a better record than that to “be had”)?
kcjones - April 25, 2009
Actually late June 2008
Lost one to the Orioles in Wrigley and then went down south to the Cell where they lost three straight. Of course they were 19 games over .500 at the time so losing 4 in a row didn’t mean as much as losing 4 straight today with a 8-8 record.
What concerns me most about this mediocre start is that it may set the tone for the first half of the season, digging a hole too deep to get out of once the second half starts.
I am still optimistic, but concerned.
JFCubFan - April 25, 2009
Is Jake Fox worth giving a look? I know he has been hitting well, but he only plays 1st and 3rd. Who at Iowa would be worth a call-up that could help? Also, can we end the David Patton experience? The jump from ‘A’ ball to the big leagues is made successful by few. That last one I remember doing that wears # 5 for St. Louis. We all know he’s on a different planet from the rest of us.
jselinger24 - April 25, 2009
Jake Fox doesn't play third base.
Or, if you put him out there, you could watch him wave at balls as they go by him. He’s a DH.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
Al – is he awful in the outfied as well? Another Micah in the making out there?
jselinger24 - April 25, 2009
Worse.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
Just what we need
Another mediocre hitter who can’t play more than 1, maybe 2 positions.
Poloplaya14 - April 25, 2009
Gathright
wanted to dig a hole in the dugout and pull it over him. If he’s released now, his major league record would just be slightly larger than Moonlight Graham’s. One SB, one “hit,” one picked off: one official cup of coffee.
santo4hof - April 25, 2009
Well, except for...
… the 1145 AB he had over the last five years for Tampa Bay and Kansas City.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
d'oh!
he sure looked like a raw rookie today.
santo4hof - April 25, 2009
The whole team looked like rookies
or AAA talent at best, it was embarassing… and being in Peoria I’m going to hear about these two games for the next 2 weeks, minimum… ugh.
lswaidz - April 25, 2009
hmm?
Gathright has played 4 seasons in the majors
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
So with the Gathright pick off, the Cubs are now 7 for 15 on base stealing this year.
This is pathetic. Why is this guy on our team if we are going to be under 50% in stealing? Cubs do need some bench versatility. Even if they have to bring hungry guys up from Iowa, at lest they will be of more value than this guy’s limited role.
LAcarl519 - April 25, 2009
You think the bench is bad now
Just imagine what we will be throwing out there when Soriano has his annual groin pull and has to miss 4 or so weeks
CubsBall2202 - April 25, 2009
On moving Soto 4th
He hasn’t done any better than whoever else they put there. IO definitely think they should keep Fonzie at leadoff though, because he definitely is more comfortable there.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
This just stinks of 2004
I know it’s early, but seeing St. Louis on fire and the Cubs with injuries and not playing well, it just looks too familiar.
Mapmaker - April 25, 2009
Cardinals have injuries too
Remember this is all happening with Carpenter and Glaus on the DL
FlimtotheFlam - April 25, 2009
But look at how their "fill ins" are doing...
That’s the difference. Would you rather have Joey Gathright or Colby Rasmus on your bench right now?
lswaidz - April 25, 2009
Barden/Thurston have been dynamite so far this year
FlimtotheFlam - April 25, 2009
Do you
Expect it to continue? I’m not saying the Card won’t contend with the Cubs, but they won’t be this good. They’re just hot.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
Thurston looks good to me.
DGU - April 25, 2009
So does Rasmus
But it probably won’t continue.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
The Cardinals aren't going away
they’re a good team and laRussa, love him or hate him, has a knack for getting guys to overachieve.
That being said, it’s still way too early to even think of giving up. But Hendry has to start making moves right away. It doesn’t STAY early for very long.
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
I didn't say they'd go away
I said they aren’t going to be this good all season. They’re extremely hot right now, and Rasmus, Barden, and Thurston probably won’t continue this.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
Rasmus will be alright this season
and a dreadknaught in seasons to come.
DGU - April 25, 2009
Rasmus is going nowhere
BB-rates/plate discipline are amazing and he’s just now starting to hit the ball with authority.
joker24 - April 25, 2009
Thurston
He’s really had no track record in the big leagues. Never had any oppurtunties either. I wouldn’t pencil him in as being a big contributer.
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
Ah, well, in his case
I don’t mean “good” as in “big contributor” but more in “I wish we had him instead of Miles.”
DGU - April 25, 2009
Right now I wish we had Paul Popovich instead of Miles
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
But those aren't unexpected injuries
in the same way that MB’s isn’t unexpected.
DGU - April 25, 2009
Well I thought Glaus would at least wait till the season started to get hurt
Carpenter was just a matter of time
FlimtotheFlam - April 25, 2009
Glad I wasn't the first...
to make this comparison… yes it is very early, but something about this team makes me feel like 2004. All of the “experts” handed us the division title before the season started. “The class of the Central.” Not to mention the really high expectations.
Please let me be wrong!
FloridaCubsFan - April 25, 2009
No, I've been thinking that for awhile now
In ’04 everybody kept sayong that the Cards were playing over their heads and would come back to earth. Problem is that nobody bothered to tell the Cardinals that.
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
Let's wait
at least a month or two before we start making 2004 comparisons.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
I agree
But I can’t help this feeling right now…
*Tells himself “stay positive stay positive we could be the Nats we could be the Nats”
FloridaCubsFan - April 25, 2009
Just, um, blah....
1. Let’s hope Riot’s ankle isn’t bad enough to have him sit, because then you will see Fonzie at 2b.
2. I’m not sure why you even have Patton in there in that situation. Didn’t Lou basically say he was the mop up man the other day? And to keep him in when he loaded the bases? WTF?
3. I don’t think Fonzie batting first would change how pathetic he looked on breaking balls today.
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
When I saw Lou leave Patton in, I thought -
- oh he’s so frustrated, he just wants to give Patton a lesson. Then when Patton came out again for the next inning, I thought, – we’re giving him back to the Rox tonight. I could be totally wrong, but that was my thought.
DGU - April 25, 2009
It definately reeked of some kind of "message".....
…what that message was, I’m not sure…
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
Leaving him in doesn't matter
It’s the way he was used in this game that upsets me, personally. Why are we running an unproven pitcher out in a game like that? About the game with a 5 run lead? He should be pitching in that spot to get comfortable, so in September when we have a 3 run deficit we can put him out there and not sweat… I just don’t get it.
lswaidz - April 25, 2009
When Patton was brought in
he was facing the bottom of the lineup, plus Brendan Ryan who is the equivelant of the bottom-of-the-lineup v. RHP. I think that was what Lou originally thought and it made sense.
But leaving him out there to face Rasmus and Pujols when it was clear he didn’t have his command/control smelled like punishment or resignation that we had lost this game or both.
DGU - April 25, 2009
or a test to see if he is MLB ready when we need a MLB ready pen
cannot tell how a pitcher will bounce back and react if you never put him in that situation.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
a number of these guys
seem to suffer from ADHD. Can’t track a long fly…get picked off first…WTF?
I know this disorder, as we have one at home. Concerta, anyone??
thermal54 - April 25, 2009
I remember the Cards LF
dropping an easy popup the other day, without the sun in his face.
JFCubFan - April 25, 2009
I wouldn't be opposed to bringing back Edmonds
Even cold, he’d still probably have a more competitive at bat than Joey “I’m only here because I’m fast” Gathright
Walker71421 - April 25, 2009
Two fun games
I just did a round trip from Chicago to central Wisconsin, timed my travels to listen to both games… ugh.
I don’t consider myself to be a ledge jumper and frankly find that term kind of insulting. I realize that there are some people who are extreme, but most of the people who are being critical aren’t saying the season is over, they’re just saying that there are things that they are seeing that are concerning. Some may say “small sample size”, and thats fine, but that isn’t going to stop me from analyzing what I see, be it 5 games in or 50 games in. Think this is too soon or too small of a sample size? Well Lou’s line-up change as well his voicing of concern about the lack of offense over the last week would say that maybe there is validity to making observations over 2 or 3 weeks of play.
Anyhow, Al, I agree with much of what you say here and I think that Lou did something in shaking up the line-up. You mention the lack of back-ups, but to be honest, do we really think that the outcome would have been much different had Aramis Ramirez been in the line-up? I don’t think so. I really hope that D. Lee shakes out of his early season slump but he is showing real reason for concern. Further Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot are showing real reason to question if they are full time players rather than platoon guys. If Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano don’t step it up, the depth and quality of this rotation, which supposedly set the Cubs apart from the rest of the league may prove to be not the advantage that we all though the Cubs had. The team wide approach at the plate, team wide, getting ahead in counts and then meekly popping up a 3-1 pitch, wasting their fair share of RISP opportunities is coming back to haunt this team.
I’m not ledge jumping but I am concerned. I’m not saying that the season is over, however there are some pretty talented teams in the division and the Cubs need to shake out of this because spotting the Cards or even the Reds a 5 game lead would be a big mistake.
dmlichte - April 25, 2009
Rec'd
DGU - April 25, 2009
+1
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
recd
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
The Ride Continues...
This would fall under the section of the “ride” that goes: "There will be bad days. There will be some REALLY bad days, but that’s part of “the ride”.
A rough patch no doubt, but only 10% of the season has expired. The Cubs are 8-8 (or twin Dolly Partons as we say on the golf course) and there’s still a ton of time to fix what isn’t working.
So, after you Mr. Hendry….. time to get busy.
Tomorrow’s another day and great wins come at some of the most unexpected times.
GO CUBS!
Zeke - April 25, 2009
I just don't get it Lou
You were dead serious about Soriano staying as your leadoff hitter to the point you didn’t want anymore questions about it, now this? Hit him first, period.
Sign Edmonds, I agree, unfortunately there are other holes. I am afraid the Miles signing reminds me of a dose of Nefi.
Rough waters ahead, lets hope it doesn’t take long to ride it out.
Grockcubs - April 25, 2009
If you're going to sign Edmonds, you make Hoffpauir irrelevant too...
If you get him to be a PH and backup OF (and I’d have no problem with that, so long as nobody expects a repeat of his unbelievable 2008), you might as well demote both Gathright and Hoffpauir and bring up a corner IF. It would make the most sense for that corner IF to bat RH and have a bit of pop, so that we’d have 3 capable hitters off the bench instead of two capable hitters, a pinch runner, a utility fielder, and a catcher.
Of course, what Piniella is failing to note is that we have only three bench players because he has chosen to stick with 12 pitchers and two of his position players are now hurt. So he will either have to DL one of Ramirez and Bradley or get rid of a pitcher if he wants to have more than 3 guys available on the bench.
SouthernCub - April 25, 2009
You're exactly right about Edmonds making Hoff irrelevant
Gathright is a pinch runner/ defensive replacement and that’s not what Edmonds would be doing. He would fill role Hoff now has plus he could play center unlike Hoff. Hendry already decided he’d rather have Hoff than Edmonds so we shouldn’t expect to see him brought back off the scrap heap.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 25, 2009
Why couldn't you have both?
You’d then have two LH backups, one who can play 1B, the other can play OF. Gathright can’t do anything but pinch run.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
Because we need another infielder...
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
that is where you shorten your bullpen by one
and add an IF
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
we can't shorten our bullpen....
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
11 pitchers should not be a problem
we are carrying 12
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
and if a starter gets bombed....
….we use most of our bullpen and then have to call Iowa the next day.
We don’t have a day off for 3 weeks, carrying 11 would not be wise.
carmen_fanzone - April 26, 2009
The only thing I worry about...
is what happens if they DON’T make the moves. What is Hendry and Lou are resigned to keep trotting Cotts out there? What is this is a “learning” year for Patton? What is Rami’s back is worse than HE thinks? What if Bradley plays 50 games…? This is what I’m worry about right now… how the team is performing in April means nothing to me… it’s the teams apparent inability to adapt to this current situation that has me worried. If the past has proven ANYTHING to me, it’s that the Cubs have a difficult time learning from their mistakes… and when they do learn, they over compensate, and everyone sees it coming. I could care less what happens in April… and most of May… it’s how the team adjusts to this offensive drought that will prove whether or not they rebound and show up again in the Playoffs… I desperately want to be a glass half full guy (you have NO IDEA how many posts I typed up, re-read, and said “wow I sound like a ledge jumper now…” and deleted) but this current trend needs to STOP and the team needs to make some changes to move forward…
1.) Get Bradley to the DL
2.) Cotts DFA, Worrel or another decent lefty up
3.) Rami 15-day DL, and bring up Jake Fox or Josh VItterss and just play them… good or bad, we need to see how these kids respond in the big show
4.) Sit Lee every 3rd or 4th game and get Micah sometime in his natural (and future) position at 1B.
5.) Finally (and I hate to say this, and I was a proponent of his signing) outright release Gathright. He’s hurting the team, and he’s a liability… there are better options for his roster spot in AAA or AA.
Ok, that’s my pseudo-ledge jumping post… on to tomorrow’s game :-)
lswaidz - April 25, 2009
it’s the teams apparent inability to adapt to this current situation that has me worried.
+1
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
is = if in a lot of that
sorry, stream of consciousness :-) the heart of every ledge-jumping poster!!
lswaidz - April 25, 2009
I agree with all you said and couldn't have said any better
I said this the last two seasons and I am repeating it again..It’s not about loosing in April but it is more about how you are loosing. Piss poor fundamentals, inability to execute a sac bunt, repeated TOOTBLAN’s etc etc.
I don’t have a clue about what the heck Miles and Gathright are doing on a 140M team. Our team construction is really bad.
Like you said injuries do happen, but the frustrating part is why the heck we do not have a backup plan? The manager is saying that he doesn’t have a bench to play. What the heck is the GM doing?
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
Miles was signed to replace DeRosa...
And Gathright… I dunno, he must have been owed a favor or something. He looks good on paper, but in practice he’s… bad. Miles has potential to be a good fill in, but he’s not MDR, and never will be. Imagine how different things would be if we had DeRosa… I wouldn’t even CARE if Bradley was out 66% of the games… we’d have 20-25 HR’s from right and a CLUTCH hitter which this team DESPERATELY needs right now. I really need to get over my DeRo man crush…
lswaidz - April 25, 2009
Yes, you do
And there’s no guarantee DeRosa would be much better. He isn’t exactly setting the world on fire in Cleveland right now.
I think one thing Piniella has been very good at is that he isn’t afraid to make changes if something isn’t working. The anti-Dusty, if you will. I’m confident he and Hendry will smooth this out.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
No....BUT
He has more RBI’s than ANY Cub right now
kcjones - April 25, 2009
Again, KC,
the Tribe scored 22 in one game. And he had, what, six that day?
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
It's not just the RBIs
It’s the versatility.
He can play anywhere and we don’t have that guy right now.
slcathena - April 25, 2009
That is what I see also
Losing DeRosa means you lost someone that could play anywhere on the diamond for you guys. As a Cardinal fan he was my favorite Cub last year.
FlimtotheFlam - April 25, 2009
DeRosa
also was not a great defensive repalcement, just able to man the area. I have heard that his defense cost the Cubs between 9 and 11 runs on numerous radio shows.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
by acutal stats
His defense was around average at all positions.
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
that is correct
derv - April 26, 2009
may I correct you
Miles was signed to replace Font/Cedeno as versatile player off the bench. DeRosa was moved to open the everyday starting position for Font.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Agree
Trading Derosa was a horrible decision. Hendry got caught with his pants down on that one. He thought he was getting Peavy and it fell through. Its time to realize that Hendry screwed and accept that Derosa is gone. It still hurts though.
shastamasta - April 25, 2009
please tell me you joke about bringing Vitters up this soon
for the love of God, he has not seen AA yet, and that would be career suicide. We have rushed enough playuers up only to see them fall flat and die in the pressure while being forced to play at a level they are not prepared for.
if you want to rush him up, might as well just trad him instead, that way we get something for him, instead of killing his career.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
further...
… bringing him up now gets his MLB service clock started, something you delay as long as possible w/ prospects. Vitters will be at Wrigley in late 2010 at the earliest.
dmlichte - April 25, 2009
honestly
a lot of knee-jerk reactions here. I’m a cards fan and, realistically, you guys are probably still strong favourites for the division.
Some bad moves this summer but once your offence gets going I can’t see you running this rut forever. You’ve the best rotation in the NL (arguably the Giants could contend if Zito wasn’t so putrid) and a fairly solid lineup. If Marmol and Gregg remain healthy I still reckon it’s going to be tough to be up with you come September.
However, I would advise that “fastball, up and centre” is not a signal you want to flash again with pujols at the plate ;-)
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
We will win the division, no doubts about that :-)
I think the NL wild card will come from the east and so that leaves the cards out of the equation completely.
It is just that we are holding ourselves to higher standards.
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
you're possibly right
wildcard won’t come from the west, that’s for sure. I reckon you’ll take the division and we’ll have the WC. I think we’ll be the best two records in the NL come the end of the year, of course that’s contingent on injuries. I don’t think either team has much depth, especially in terms of pitching (we can probably take a couple of position players going down, pujols aside, and you’re probably better equiped for another SP going down).
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
NL East is crap
FlimtotheFlam - April 25, 2009
Also,
I would advise you guys to enjoy this April as much as you can because bad days are ahead :-)
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
Equally
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
I would advise you to enjoy Aaron Miles as much as you can
because you’ve got another 11 months of his $5m skillz.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
lol..good one..
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
sign of a true friend
they stab you in the heart, not the back
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
You know...
For a Cards fan, you’re awful reasonable. :)
(Actually, it’s nice to have non-troll Cards fans around from time to time. Allows for interesting views from the other side.)
CubsWin!Oregon - April 25, 2009
If you sign Edmonds, which I would like, but wont happen
he becomes the CF, Reed is your bench RH hitter, who takes Sori’s spot for defense in the 8th or 9th. This is all contingent on MB not being in the lineup for a while. The Edmonds move allows you to put ARAM or Bradley on the DL, get them healthy for a while. But all this is based on signing a 41 year old who hasnt had a spring training or seen a pitch in 7 months. That I know of.
louslovechild - April 25, 2009
Edmonds only has value if one of two things happens...
1) Bradley is out for a long time;
2) the team gives up on Hoffpauir.
If (1) is the case, then Edmonds is likely to disappoint. I can’t imagine that the guy will come close to repeating his 2008. If (2) is the case, then Edmonds is likely to be a big addition. He’d provide great defense at the corner OF spot, maybe could spell Lee at 1B occasionally, and could be a solid bat off the bench and platoon mate for whenever Bradley or Soriano are hurt.
Not to be lost is that we don’t actually know if Edmonds has any interest in coming back.
SouthernCub - April 25, 2009
Exactly
He would cost nothing, produce more than Miles, maybe even Hoff, and can play 4 positions. Hoff can’t play one, and it allows Reed to be a RH pinch hitter. The last time I checked we didnt have one of those.
louslovechild - April 25, 2009
Let's not forget that it took Edmonds, what, 2 months to get his bat going last year
which was blamed on him not preparing for the season like he normally did.
DGU - April 25, 2009
Good point.
I still remember in that Colorodo comeback game, Len and Bob were wondering along with the rest of us if that was his last game in a Cubs uni. Lucky for us that’s the day his bat warmed up.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
Edmonds
I’d be shocked if Edmonds actually repeated his 2008 and brought life back into this team. Things like that just don’t happen twice.
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
2009 Edmonds = 1999 Gaetti
that is my main fear. we would be hoping to catch lightening in a bottle
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Bingo
The Cubs did the right thing by letting Edmonds walk. Keeping him had Gaetti written all over it.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
+1
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
You can't make that comparison just because ...
… the two players are (approximately) the same age. Look. Sign Edmonds. Just like last year, if he sucks, let him go. I still think it’s worth a chance. He cannot be worse than Gathright.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
I agree with you on Gathright. He is just a waste of roster space
I think edmonds is done but if Hendry thinks he can contribute and make us even a little better then go for it. But we also have a problem with our infield and it is a bigger monster. I am going to reserve my judgement but I am not convinced that Fontenot is an everyday player. TheRiot is not a SS but would fit in nicely at 2nd. We don’t have anyone backing up Aramis at 3rd.
With a healthy MB I think we are a good team, not a great team but a good team which is why I don’t understand why Hendry didn’t have any backup option(s). Kosuke was a mystery going into the season and thank goodness he is coming around so far.
Our lineup construction is really really bad. We have way too many holes. More importantly we were pretty pathetic executing fundamentals so far.
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
I bet Ballgame would play for another $500 - $750k
derv - April 26, 2009
Guess who else is available...
…the mighty Jacque Jones
derv - April 26, 2009
but....
a) Edmonds can’t play CF any more, or hit lefties anymore
b) Soriano is an above-average left fielder
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
I agree. I don't think Edmonds is the solution.
Heck I don’t know the solution right now but certainly know that any attempt to catch lightning in a bottle twice is very risky and can be utter stupidity
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
False, I think
Soriano is an above average LF is pushing it. Who knows what Edmonds can do? He played amazingly well in CF for a man of his age. He could do the same job that Fuke or Reed is doing, easy.
louslovechild - April 25, 2009
"He could do the same job that Fuke or Reed is doing, easy."
Easy? Really?
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
Really
He is not as fast, but he can judge a fly ball better than anyone on our roster. He knows his range, and he is always, or at least it seems that way, in the right spot. Reed and Fuke are not CFers
louslovechild - April 25, 2009
fukudome is a better CF than 2009 Jim Edmonds
and it’s not even close. Honestly, that’s just the way it is.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
Play Edmo in right
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
Soriano IS an above average LF
occasionaly slip-ups aside, all defensive metrics rate him above average. His arm is excellent. He’s pretty quick. Wacky routes aside, LF is a BADLY fielded position in general. He’s not a good fielder, but he’s above average for where he plays.
Jim Edmonds is a bad centre fielder now. He’s not quick enough. UZR has him as a below average fielder the last two years (pretty terrible in 2008) as a CF. He hasn’t played baseball in 8 months. He is probably a decent corner outfielder but is most assuredly a mediocre CF at best. The guy is 41 years old.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
PS
agree that Gathright’s a waste of space. there’s a lot of better OF on the FA market right now.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
Goes back to the offseason moves
which I still do not understand. Gameboard played, what, 30 games in the OF last season? I still say that Abreu was the perfect fit for our team.
Dero-I understand he had a career year and the “sell high” theory, but what did we get for him and how are they helping us? His versatility would come in HUGE right now.
Gathright-traded Felix Pie and signed essentially the same player but older?
I just really hope that JH sees something in the bigger picture that I’m missing.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
I thought you guys were crazy when you traded DeRosa than signed Miles
Your right that Abreu would of been a lot smarter cause you could of kept DeRosa and Marquis. Marquis is not that bad of a pitcher in reality.
FlimtotheFlam - April 25, 2009
Abreu only looks better because he's cheaper.
And he’s only cheaper because the market collapsed, which it wouldn’t have done until we signed someone. With Abreu our regular RF, we’d have health but poor defense. We need good defense with our other OFs that are out there and can take a risk on health.
DGU - April 25, 2009
Abreu
has played over 150 games every year. and he is a career .300 hitter who can steal and run the bases.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
Right - I agree on all that.
He also rated as one of the worst defensive OFs in the game the past few years.
DGU - April 25, 2009
No worse that Gameboard
and his $30 mil sitting on the bench.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
20 mill if he sits all year
and he won’t. He’ll play and play well; the hope and gamble is that he does that in the playoffs.
DGU - April 25, 2009
He has 1 hit so far
in what, 27 at bats? And I just can’t be optimistic about him and his health, seeing as how 95% of his games played last year were as a DH.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
That's your perogative.
He was recovering from surgery last year and the Rangers had other OF options they liked anyway. Bradley has shown that he can play 80 games in the NL before. He’ll do it again.
DGU - April 25, 2009
80 games=half the season
which equals .500. which equals our record now. Do you like the way the team is playing now?
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
Abreu last year
stole 22 bases. Caught stealing 11 times. Net value = slightly less than zero. Abreu’s ability to run is currently worth pretty much nada. He’s appalling defensively. He’s a slightly better hitter than one or two OF you’ve already got. He’s relatively expensive, old, and isn’t any sort of improvement over Hoffpauir.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
how is +11 slightly less than zero??
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
Outs hurt more than moving up a single base.
DGU - April 25, 2009
An our made on the basepaths hurts your team
nearly three times more than a stolen base is worth.
You need to steal at least about 65-70% of the time, otherwise you’re hurting your team. A 66% steal success is basically worth nothing, arguably slightly detrimental.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
110 games of Bradley > 150 of Abreau
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
No, because...
… when Bradley is not in the lineup, his replacement is far worse than Abreu.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
Micah's defense is not that much worse than Abreu's
DGU - April 26, 2009
His offense is though
derv - April 26, 2009
110 of Bradley and replacement level player > 150 of Abreu
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 26, 2009
You can probably prove that statistically.
But in real life, it doesn’t work that way.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
yeah, it does work that way which is why you can prove it statistically.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 26, 2009
who is also a terrible defender
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
Abreu is really not a fit for the Cubs these days
he’s probably a slightly atypical DH. His defensive misadventures just about wipe-out any value he has outside of DH or PHing…
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
And Bradley and Hoffpauir bring better defense?
Fraggin Judge - April 25, 2009
Exactly.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
Bradley does.
When he’s healthy.
DGU - April 25, 2009
Hoffpauir is a better defender than Abreu in RF
heck, I expect I probably am…
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
Abreu's prowess at the plate
more than makes up for any alleged defensive lapses he would commit.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
Tell that to Zambrano
Seriously – we scored more runs than anyone but the Rangers last year. We didn’t need a defensive train wreck just to get another hitter. That’s why we can afford a half-season worth of Milton.
DGU - April 25, 2009
we can't score runs right now.
and part of the reason is our big FA signing is sitting on the bench. So yes, we do need another hitter. This is NOT 2008.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
We're a little cold and a little unlucky
these things even out over the course of a season.
DGU - April 25, 2009
So, Lee, Fontenot and Soto struggling to hit is Bradley's fault?
The offense has gotten off to a slow start but it’s only 16 games. Really, to lay blame on Bradley at this point is rather silly. By the way, if Bradley even plays in 100 games he will bring this team more value than Abreu would have, his stats prove it. In case you forgot he led the AL in OPS last season, he can and will hit.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 25, 2009
your thinking is off a ways
because if you were right, Hoff and Fox would BOTH be starting
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
not true
He is a below average player when you take into account offense and defense
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
A big if every season, especially in the NL.
There’s something to be said about consistency, and Abreu brings that every season.
Fraggin Judge - April 25, 2009
including consistency in being bad in the OF
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
agreed
real head-scratcher. I think the Cubs front office have actually (contrary to what a lot of folks have asserted) made some very astute moves the last two years, but the Gregg and DeRosa trades in particular were baffling. Giving Miles $5m isn’t the sort of thing that’s going to badly hurt a team with the Cubs’ payroll but it is symptomatic of a worrying inability to assess major league talent. His 2008 season was totally BABIP-driven and he’s basically the definition of replacement level. For a contending team, that’s a wierd move.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
I think
that Miles made sense to Hendry for these reasons –
1) He gave Lou a switch hitter for the bench;
2) His splits work on his career to make him a good platoon partner for Fonty
3) I think Jim hoped to screw St. Louiss’ infied; unfortunately, that didn’t quite work. Thurston looks good and I think Schumaker’s going to make it.
DGU - April 25, 2009
That may be Hendry's reasoning
but what the heck a switch hitter can do if he can’t hit the darn baseball. Miles is looking like Neifi v2.
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
He's always
Kept a high average with the Cards. It still has a chance to be a good signing.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
Miles career average is a wopping .280 with the cards
his OBP is a paltry .327, career. He’s also a so-so 2B and a very bad SS. And he has no power. He stinks.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
Geee
That sounds like someone else on this team…
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
Except Theriot (?) gets on base and is an average defender
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
I just have to say, really quickly
that Pie was better than Gathright last year, and has a ton more potential than Gathright this year.
DGU - April 25, 2009
Agree completely.
ambrosiadreams - April 25, 2009
+1
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
No to both.
Fraggin Judge - April 25, 2009
yep
sue369 - April 25, 2009
That move didnt make sense then, doesnt now and probably never will.
….Lou just didnt like him, period.
JB 23 - April 25, 2009
"Mr. Potential" is hitting .163...
I’d call it a draw. They’re both worthless.
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
That's three times better than Bradley.
I haven’t seen Pie’s ABs this year, and I don’t know how he looks, but the player who’s earned scouting raves for years and has power potential is not a draw with the player who just can’t hit in a 1000 tries.
DGU - April 26, 2009
Potential doesn't mean much if you don't realize it....
Pie career BA: .213
Gathright: .263
carmen_fanzone - April 26, 2009
And, yeah, I'm sure Pie will be 3x better than Bradley by October...
…right.
carmen_fanzone - April 26, 2009
No to Soriano leading off.
Theriot is doing a very good job leading off so far. There’s no reason to change that.
We need Soriano to drive runs in, not to hit solo shots. He’s the only power hitter left in that lineup after all the injuries. I’m suspicious; maybe Soriano is swinging at everything to convince Lou to move him back in the order. The last thing this team needs is that kind of Manny-like shenanigans from a selfish player. So, I won’t help Soriano in that effort, if that’s what he’s after. If it’s just that he’s incapable of driving in runs from the 3-hole, then he’s worthless to the team, IMO.
Fraggin Judge - April 25, 2009
I agree if only that could work somehow.
Time and again it’s proved that Soriano cannot hit anywhere but leadoff. It has been tried and tested. What are you going to do? Trade him? Send him to Iowa? It may be a mental thing with him. After all the trial and errors you just have to accept that and move on.
Like Karros mentioned today on the broadcast just because Soriano hits all those HRs in the #1 spot doesn’t mean that he can repeat that else where.
I would say move Soriano back to #1 and leave Lee in #5/#6 where he really belongs.
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
Myth: Soriano can only hit 1st.
This is what he did before he became a Cub:
1st: 2520 AB, .293/.340/.544, 333 RBI
3rd: 630 AB, .260/.310/.452, 92 RBI
5th: 583 AB, .268/.312/.513, 107 RBI
4.3 times more batting 1st than 5th. 4 times more batting 1st than 3rd.
RBI projections if he had batted as much 3rd or 5th in his career:
3rd: 396 RBI (plus 63) 5th: 428 RBI ( plus 95)
Right now we need Soriano to drive runs in, not to lead off. He’s the only legitimate power hitter left in the lineup. If the guy cannot get that in his head, he’s not helping the team. The numbers show he can be productive hitting lower in the lineup. He just needs to get off from that offensive slump he’s in right now. (Unless he’s just striking out on purpose, and that’s another matter entirely.)
Fraggin Judge - April 25, 2009
So, friday night you were glad to see Theriot come up in the 9th instead of Soriano?
If you would rather see Theriot get more at bats than Soriano then you aren’t interested in seeing the team have the best chance of winning.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 25, 2009
Egg-sactly.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
Soriano could have batted in any position today
and he still would have been swinging at those sliders in the dirt, winning my vote for the most ugly strikeout of the year.
JFCubFan - April 25, 2009
How did you like his swings on the 5 home runs he's already hit from the lead-off slot?
From the lead-off slot Soriano has hit homers to give the Cubs the lead in the bottom of the eighth and the top of the ninth, his team’s last at bat. Had he been lower in the order he most likely wouldn’t have come to the plate and the team would have lost. He also hit a game tying homer in the 8th inning of another game. It only makes sense to get him as many plate appearances as possible.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 25, 2009
The thing is
Soriano’s leadoff homers aren’t that valuable because they only lead to 1 run. If Soriano batted down in the order, he would get less at bats, but would also hit more homers with runners on base.
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
And you know this how?
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
+1
I don’t know why people take it for granted that Soriano’s production would carry over to wherever he will hit in the lineup. Karros mentioned this yesterday, may be it’s a mental thing with him.
It’s far more important to keep Lee away from the #3 spot until he can prove that he is a #3. Heck, I have more confidence in Fukudome hitting in #3 than Lee right now. So -
1. Soriano
2. Fukudome
3. Aramis
4. Bradley/Soto
5. Lee
6. Soto/Fontenot
7.Fontenot/Reed Johnson
8. TheRiot
9. Pitcher
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
Because it is true
If Soriano batted third or fourth, he would naturally come up with more runners on base. As a guy who’s biggest strongsuit is hitting homeruns, he should be hitting with more runners on base. As Fraggin Judge showed in this comment, the “fact” that Soriano can only hit leadoff is a myth. Over a large sample size, Soriano would hit just as well anywhere else in the order as he would batting leadoff.
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
Soriano is this team's best option at lead off.
Do not tell me Theriot is a better option because he isn’t. There is no way it makes sense to have Theriot getting more at bats than Soriano. If Theriot gets on base in the 8 hole then that will help increase Soriano’s rbi. Soriano’s career numbers are lower when he bats down in the order because he doesn’t see as many fast balls. The lead off slot sees a higher percentage of fast balls than any other slot in the order. This team has won two division titles with Soriano at lead off and will win another this season.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 26, 2009
So your argument is essentially
“Becasue I said so”?
Shanghai Badger - April 26, 2009
I didn't read it that way at all.
There were several specific reasons given in that post.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
No he isn't
Soriano’s biggest assets are his power, and his ability to hit for a relatively high average. Those are two qualities that you want with runners on base. The leadoff hitter comes up with the fewest runners on base of any spot in the lineup.
Soriano’s weakness on the other hand, are his ability to get on base at a high clip. That is a quality that you don’t want in your leadoff hitter, because you want a guys on for you 3 an 4 hitters to drive in. Because of those two factors, Soriano is an ideal #5 hitter. He will still get a lot of opportunities to drive in runners, yet his OBP deficiencies won’t be as detrimental, because the #6 hitter usually isn’t as good as the guys in the middle.
Also, I don’t want Theriot in the #1 spot, because he simply isn’t that good. You generally want to put your best hitters in the #1-#5 spot’s so that they will get more at bats. Given that, I would put Fukudome leadoff, because he has the least power of your best 5 hitters (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Bradley, Fukudome), but he gets on base the most. I would bat Bradley second, as he is your best hitter, and that is where they should bat because that spot has the best combination of getting more at bats, and hitting with runners on base. I would bat Lee third and Ramirez 4th, then Soriano 5th. 6 and 7 should be Soto/Fontenot, 8th should be the pitcher and 9th should be Theriot.
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
The only thing I agree with on what Al and others are writing is:
that the Cubs don’t have a legitimate leadoff hitter. But right now, Theriot is among the leading hitters in the NL, so, I’d rather see him on base in the 1st inning before Soriano and subsequently, instead of the automatic out the pitcher is before Soriano before his 2nd and 3rd at bats, that is before the pitcher is pinch-hit for. But I agree. If Fukudome stays consistent all season long, he is a possibility to lead off too. This is all about increasing RBI’s, that is, scoring more runs, it’s not about Theriot or Soriano necessarily. There’s a reason power hitters bat in the power spots in a lineup.
But the argument appears to be just hipothetical right now, because Lou went back to leading off with Soriano.
Fraggin Judge - April 26, 2009
did they adjust the ABs down
since he would have less ABs batting 2nd, 3rd, and so on? Each drop in the line up is approx. 18 lost ABs for a season
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Theriot is doing a good job leading off?
2-for-9 in two losses is a good job how, exactly?
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
Exactly, Al
Lou probably just wanted to shake things up. I’d be shocked if he didn’t lead off with Soriano tomorrow.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
except
Riot has been up to the plate in at least three or four very clutch situations and not been able to get the job done.
Soriano has always said that he’d do whatever Lou wanted him to do. To accuse him of deliberately sabatoging the team is ridiculous and offensive.
Put him back at the top of the lineup. That’s where he hits the best, period.
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
Folks...........
This weekend you’re witnessing the Cubs play a team with less talent but FAR superior management. If Lou was half the manager Tony is the Cubs would be capable of winning 100 games.
Clutche - April 25, 2009
AGREED!!
+1000
As much as I HATE admitting it!
The E-Man - April 25, 2009
As a Cardinals fan
you are sorely, sorely mistaken. LaRussa is not a good manager by any stretch of the imagination. He’s not terrible in the way that He Who Shall Not Be Names in Cincinatti is, but he’s by no means even vaguely logical. He makes bad moves week-in, week-out, plays meaningless career records in his team selection, and has bizarre favourites in the team. He also “plays hunches” bafflingly and throws away outs on stupid stuff like hit-and-runs and squeeze bunts (although, less so this year).
Piniella managed horribly today but, honestly, put TLR or LP as skipper of the Cubs, and they’d win the same number of games regardless. It really doesn’t matter as much as you think.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
I tend to agree with you on that.
Fraggin Judge - April 25, 2009
He's won..........
5 pennants and 2 World Series. Enough said.
Clutche - April 25, 2009
Last 1 WS and 2 pennants
was won with an exceptionally good team with the best non-Bonds player of this generation. He’s done OK at making the playoffs, I’ll admit, but he’s had a lot of talent in his career. I didn’t say he was bad, but he’s not someone who can magically make wins appear more than any other manager. In fact, there’s half a dozen managers (perhaps more) in MLB i’d happily rather have. Like I say, he does immensely stupid things OFTEN.
Day before yesterday, he allowed our SP to take an at-bat, then subbed him out for a reliever before he’d thrown a pitch in the next inning. Reasoning? Ermmm, it’s the 7th inning in a close game and we might run out of PH subs. Great, so why not let the starter hit on the OFF-CHANCE it goes to extra innings and we might (shock-horror!) have to let a reliever hit in 4 or 5 hypothetical innings. Yeah, he does stuff like that.
Felonius_Monk - April 25, 2009
Any manager's move can be...........
second guessed. The point is he delivers, and in many cases, with less talent than his opponent.
Clutche - April 25, 2009
Is Pujols part of the less talent TLR wins with?
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 25, 2009
A talented player...
would have hit that Grand Slam even farther than Pujols did today…Pujols only has “Primary-Parking-Lot power”, not “Overflow-Parking-Lot power” like more talented players…
It’s amazing really, that LaRussa is able to make due with him… :)
CubsWin!Oregon - April 25, 2009
only 1/25 th of team is he
Clutche - April 25, 2009
Surely you don't think...
that all players contribute to the strength of a team equally? He’s 1/25 of the roster sure, but he’s a much larger percentage of the formula that ends up determining their record, and thus how people judge LaRussa.
(In other words, he’s so good that it offsets his teammates, thus making it easier overall to make the team win, which makes everyone else on the team look better by extension).
It’s why it’s helpful to analyze a team with regard on its players’ WinShares.
CubsWin!Oregon - April 25, 2009
Not true...........
he doesn’t hit a grand slam if the three on base didn’t do their job
Clutche - April 26, 2009
which was what?
watch Patton slide balls past the plate out of the strikezone?
You cannot possible suggest that Pujols is not a key member of the Cardinals offense, who produces far more than an equal share. Granted, that 2-3-4-5 is producing amazingly well, but Pujols is the heart of the team.
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
all players, including Pujols, play to a higher level for LaRussa
Clutche - April 26, 2009
agreed
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
Pujols is the best hitter of his generation.
Are you really going to claim that TLR is what makes him play at a high level? That is just silly. How did Mantle, Mays and Ruth manage to excel without the great Tony LaRussa? You can’t give LaRussa credit for Pujols, he’s an all-time great. Your argument loses all credibility when you try and claim Pujols is just one of 25 and that LaRussa has made him play at a higher level.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 26, 2009
That is so wrong it's not even funny
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
thank you
I have been trying to explain this to every non-cards fan in the world.
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
stop trying.....
they just don’t get it
Clutche - April 26, 2009
you realize
he’s disagreeing with you, right?
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
I do...............
they don’t get it
Clutche - April 26, 2009
is it management
or development of the farm that is allowing Tony to turn piss into gasoline?
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
we have had a terrible farm when Tony's mancrush Jocketty was running the show
When we hired Luhnow and Mozeliak, our farm system has improved dramatically.
vivaelpujols - April 26, 2009
you're talking about a guy
who batted Kahlil Greene fourth, and arguably managed his team out of the series win in Chicago two weeks ago with bad moves at the plate.
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
again.........
you can criticize isolated moves, but he is a winner in the long run
Clutche - April 26, 2009
He has won when he had talent.
Managers don’t win without out talent, just ask one if you don’t believe me.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 26, 2009
BTW - my call...
Lou is done after this year.
The E-Man - April 25, 2009
BUT RYNO'S NOT READY YET!!!!!!!!
louslovechild - April 25, 2009
Alan Trammell.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
Joe Girardi...
(I’m betting he isn’t the Yankees manager after this year…once the Yankees miss out on the playoffs).
CubsWin!Oregon - April 25, 2009
he might be gone pre ASB
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
If he goes (not on his own) then Hendry should be gone way before that.
In all I wish Lou treats position players with the same contempt that he has for pitchers :-)
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
You probably
Couldn’t find much better. But I was for Girardi in 07, and I still wish they would’ve signed him.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
Really?
After the crappy job he’s done in NY? He seems overmatched as a manager. So did Trammell when he was managing.
Lou’s not going anywhere, anyway.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
What about when Lou's contract is done?
Look what Girardi did with the 06 Marlins. I think he’s a good manager.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
I also beg to disagree
Lou is washed up
derv - April 26, 2009
Yeah, he just about ruined Josh Johnson's arm...
… and talked to a division opponent’s starting pitcher about some of the things he was doing as manager. I think Girardi is toxic as a manager, and this is coming from someone who wanted him, too.
It was the 2007 Marlins, not the 2006 Marlins.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
Ummm no
It was the 06 Marlins. Freddi Gonzalez was the manager in 07. Since when is 157 innings a lot? How did Girardi ruin Johnsons his arm?
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
Sori finally gets off to a hot start...
and Lou moves him down. That really pisses me off. The bullpen, aside from Cotts, has been fine. So they dump Vizcaino and bring Shark up. WTF? If you wanted Shark in the pen, then they should’ve just put him there from day one. That’s basically telling the rest of the players that no matter how good they perform, their job isn’t necessarily safe. I know that’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s true.
This season is off to a very, very shitty start. And Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry are most to blame.
kanderber - April 25, 2009
bullpen has been fine?
I am a big fan of Gregg but the guy has got off to a rough start except for the game one week ago today. Heilman and Marmol has been decent but I think if we don’t have Marmol its a GIANT weakness for this team.
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
Heilman
Has been just short of great. It would be great if he could keep it up.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
heilman should be starting
brian custer - April 25, 2009
Instead of who?
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
Marshall probably
To bring anther lefty to the bullpen to dump Cotts. If anyone is going to be starting, it’s Shark. If Heilman starts, that leaves a HUGE gap in the 7th inning.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
I still don't think Shark has 3 pitches fully developed...
…which may be the problem.
derv - April 26, 2009
Someone other than Heilman
And I don’t expect it to be soon.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
8-8 is very, very shxty?
No. It isn’t. It isn’t great, either.
It’s the very definition of average.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
Very, very shitty is relative.
When you’re coming off a 97 win season, and heavily favored to run away with the division, yes, 8-8 is shitty.
kanderber - April 25, 2009
Do you think when they won 97 they might have had a stretch where they went 8-8?
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 25, 2009
The 2008 Cubs...
… went 6-10 over a 16-game stretch from June 17 to July 3. Not coincidentally, that’s just after Alfonso Soriano went out after he was hit in the hand.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
Their September
wasn’t a bed of roses, either.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
No, it isn't
Sorry to disappoint you. Maybe you should have a little perspective.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
Yes, it is.
But I’m not going to tell you to get some perspective because we disagree on the definition of shitty.
kanderber - April 26, 2009
I prefer MEDIOCRE
kcjones - April 25, 2009
Has anyone noticed
The Bucs and the Reds have passed us in the division.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
its SO early
you realize this? There are still 146 games to go. This time last year the Cubs were 10-6 and Rich Hill won his only decision of the year. Jim Edmonds was hitting .217 in San Diego.
So many things can change during a season. You just can’t panic or pay much attention to the standings in April, but it is pretty much beating a dead horse.
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
I know
I’m just pointing out.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
Why?
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
I'm not going to doubt
The Reds. They’re a pretty good team. The Pirates not so much.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 25, 2009
I agree
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
cmon
the Pirates are playing WAY over their heads. This is all magnified because of the few number of games that have been played. Do you honestly think that the Pirates will be playing like this in August?
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
No
I already said that. But the Reds are pretty good.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
The 2006 Reds started 20-9.
How’d that work out? I’ll let you look it up. (Hint: not well.)
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
Geez
I didn’t say they’d win the dang division. I only said I wouldn’t count them out.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
where is Kenny Lofton at
???
cozmotaylor123 - April 25, 2009
long since retired?
Might as well call back Rickey Henderson too :)
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
Screw Edmonds -
I want Barry Bonds – he’s like Milton Bradley, but talks to the media more.
DGU - April 25, 2009
Hell...
People can make fun of me, but I’d take Bonds in a heartbeat. Sure he has PR liabilities up the wazoo, but he’s like an aged Jordan: only a shadow of his old self, but still better than most.
(Though I don’t know if he’s even capable of playing in the field, so I guess that’d kinda be a problem. :))
CubsWin!Oregon - April 25, 2009
Ricky
is the greatest…not a bad idea
cozmotaylor123 - April 25, 2009
YES I HAVE........
Hope that the Cubs brass also takes note of it …..Take a good look in the dugout and tell me what you see ?? Someone had better start making decisions now that will lead to the W flag going up,,,,,,
cubs north - April 25, 2009
Patton over Vizcaino
I know Vizcaino doesn’t exactly have the greatest track record behind him, but he was throwin the ball well. Look, I’m no expert but I’m pretty sure having an ERA of 0.00 generally indicates you’re better than someone with an ERA up over 11. Is it possible to bring Vizcaino back and drop Patton?
Poloplaya14 - April 25, 2009
Vizcaino
It seems like there was more involved in the decision to let Vizcaino go than just baseball numbers. He was late and didn’t have a great attitude.
IMO Patton never was going to stay with the team all year and if he did it would be something of a minor miracle. He had a great spring training and earned a look but thats about all he will get.
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
No the Cubs released Vizcaino
Now if he cleared waivers and they said pretty please I am not sure but I would not hold my breath. The Cubs will pay for him regardless of if or where he plays so why in the world would he agree to be a Cub again.
Doggie Stalker - April 25, 2009
Lou doesn't choose who plays
based on who is doing better at the time.
DGU - April 25, 2009
The lack of execution of the basic fundamentals so far is a little scary...
…poor defense, missing the cutoff man, ill-advised SB attempts, today’s pickoff and inability to execute the sacrifice.
Good teams execute consistently and certainly when you’re not hitting you really need to execute to stay in the game.
JB 23 - April 25, 2009
Cubs have scored 6 runs in the last 4 games...
4 of those 6 came after errors…
kanderber - April 25, 2009
offense is DOA
but I refuse to believe it will stay this way for long. Fontenot, Soto and Bradley will all contribute at some point this season. Mark my words :)
jeff_pico - April 25, 2009
Fontenot will contribute...
he came up with several clutch hits last year-the problem is that he’s being asked to do too much as any everyday player-his weaknesses are getting magnified.
I don’t doubt that Bradley will hit-he pretty much always has-but his health is going to be an ongoing concern (and his early refusal to talk to the media is adding drama we definitely don’t need now).
Not sure what to make out of Geo. As has already been mentioned, he seems out of shape-also, the league has had a chance to adjust to him.
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
exactly.
he was my biggest concern coming into the season. in 10% the games, he has over 20% of his career high in ABs. he is not an everyday player, and it is showing.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
It's way too soon to make any judgment on Fontenot.
If you are going to say Fontenot’s not an every day player are you also going to say that Geo is going to have a bad year? Basing your opinions on the first 16 games may be a bit hasty.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 26, 2009
And they scored 26 runs the 4 games before that.
So who are they? Which four games do we judge them on? Cmon.
Rick B - April 25, 2009
I just wanted to add this...
… a year ago, many of us were screaming, “Don’t sign Edmonds! He’s done!” We were, obviously, wrong.
Now we’re all screaming, “SIGN EDMONDS!” We trust that he’s not done.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
Hendry must think he's done or he would have signed him instead of going with the Hoff.
I think Jim probably did the right thing. Hard to believe at this point Edmonds would have much impact.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 25, 2009
More than Gathright, I'd guess.
Example: Edmonds could have started in CF today against Boggs — then Reed Johnson would have been available on the bench.
I think the reason Hendry (and every other GM) stayed clear of Edmonds was they thought his salary demands would be too high. I suspect that now, they’d be a lot lower.
Al Yellon - April 25, 2009
Yeah, salary probably wouldn't be that high.
The problem is he has had zero at bats and probably not ready to go. If you have Edmonds why would you need Hoffpauir? At least Gathright can play all 3 outfield positions and pinch run unlike Hoffpauir.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 25, 2009
I dunno about that,
It was time to give Hoffpauir a legitimate shot at the big league club because of how he had proven himself in AAA.
Edmonds was the odd man out.
I’m surprised no team has picked him up yet, especially the Yankees.
Here’s to hoping that he becomes a Cub sometime in the near future, and I agree with Al and everyone else that has mentioned it: Gathright has only one weapon; and that is speed. I’d much rather have a useful guy at the plate who also can still play a solid OF.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
not me
Clutche - April 25, 2009
Well then here's double irony for you -
last year I was one of the few who thought he was a good signing from the beginning, but now I think he’s done.
DGU - April 26, 2009
I checked the box score and it appears that Cotts pitched and didn't walk anyone--woohoo!
Find the positives!
DudeVf11 - April 25, 2009
My 2 cents so far.
This Cub team has frustrated me the most in my recent memory. I wasn’t frustrated at all through bad stretches last year, I didn’t read too much into slumps or injuries. I was confident that the team would turn it around… and they did.
Not to say I have lost hope…. I’m just nervous I guess you could say. I don’t want this team to be the Detroit Tigers of a few years back (were unanimously favored by sports writers, it seemed like, to run away with the AL Central… and they didn’t)
I’m no where near those that say “Ohhhh I’m not gonna watch this team. I’ve had enough of this garbage.” I won’t abandon ship, ever. Things need to change. We’re at .500, yes, but I feel that if we don’t get some things fixed we could falter further which would could be devastating to the team.
We NEED to dump Gathright for all the reasons stated previously.
We NEED to do something with Patton.
Eric Karros elaborated perfectly on the quizzical pitch selections today. You throw a 2-1 breaking ball to Barden (A guy that has gotten off the an excellent start, yes, but is likely in just a good stretch) which isn’t even close. Really good pitch selection to Pujols….. he should NEVER EVER get a fastball anywhere close, regarless of how many ducks are on the pond. Walk the guy with the bases loaded. Who cares? We also should research the possibility of picking up a solid bullpen arm. Who that is… I don’t know.
We NEED to put Milton on the DL.
Could we even sign Edmonds after this and give Gathright a few starts to see if he’s worthy of a roster spot on this team? I see no possible way Milton Bradley gets back to 100% without making a trip to the DL.
As I said, this team deserves patience. I just feel like some things need to change. I don’t have very much confidence in this team, which is killing me.
Sorry for the rant.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
what a nightmare
derv - April 25, 2009
I think Patton was throwing whatever Soto told him to throw.
And it is always idiotic to walk people in front of Pujols. And I agree Gathright is wasting a roster spot.
I’m not happy with what I am watching only because of their stupidity. The Cardinal pitchers didn’t throw Soriano a strike today. How long does it take him to see that. Gathright should be cut for being picked off in that situation.
But they lost two to Cincy because they pitched two good games and our defense sucked. They lost 4-3 Friday. D. lee hit a line shot that would have scored the 4th run. Today, Marshall hung a 0-2 breaking ball that Soriano didn’t get to. And then Patton let the game get out of hand. But they are not getting the hit with RISP. They’re batting about .222 with RISP. That will change.
But they have to get healthy. The Ramiriz injury hurts. But Hendry based alot of this teams success on Milton Bradley. So far, he has not contributed.
Last year they were a team. They haven’t become a team yet this year. Only time will tell if they will come together.
Rick B - April 25, 2009
Good post...
that echoes my thoughts, all in all.
Rec’d.
CubsWin!Oregon - April 25, 2009
Soto didn't tell him to groove a fastball right down the middle...
That much was obvious based on Soto throwing his arms in the air right after Pujols hit the ball.
kanderber - April 26, 2009
one radical idea and a few thoughts
If Lou continues to insist on tinkeering with the lineup, why not put Soto in the 2 hole for a week or two to get his bat going? Don’t laugh. We need to get him going and he will see better pitches and he will be forced to hit to the right side. I’m not suggesting this as a permanent move. Maybe just until we get Bradley back from a trip to the disabled list and his suspension.
When Bradley gets back Hendrey should send Gathright down and bring up Fox for the bench.
For those of you who want Edmonds, all I have to say to you is “Gary Gaetti.” The magic only works once with this age group. We were lucky last year—don’t push it.
Sean Marshall did a great job today. Lock him in as the fifth starter.
Patton is overmatched. A championship club can afford to keep a guy like this and develop him. Are we a chmpionship club…………or do we need to fill his spot with a more established pitcher?
PalatineRol - April 25, 2009
Gary Gaetti...okay that's a VERY good point
I still have nightmares about the cubs deciding to go into ’99 with him as starting third baseman
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
Edmonds
Edmonds wouldn’t and shouldn’t play everyday anymore. He wouldn’t be too happy with a part time role.
Steve Stone would have called the Gaetti nightmare you described as “first guessing.” I felt the same way.
PalatineRol - April 25, 2009
How do you know?
How do you know Edmonds wouldn’t be happy with a part time role?
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
How can you say that Edmonds wouldn't be happy with a part-time role?
You don’t want the guy—cool, people get it.
But that comment is only credible when it comes out of Paul Cohen’s mouth.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
not happy
There were times last year when Edmonds was not happy being platooned with Reed Johnson. Add Bradley to the outfield this year and Edmonds would probabley see even less time.
PalatineRol - April 25, 2009
Really?
Jim Edmonds was signed to this team last year to do exactly that. The man can’t play every day in the first place.
Come on, man. Give me a break.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
sorry
I was as pleasantly surprised as most were that Edmonds did so well last year. He did well and I did like him.
With Kosuke, Bradley and Reed Johnson, what do you do with Edmonds? Where does he play? Are you suggesting that he just pinch hit? i rather have Hoffpauer as a PH.
PalatineRol - April 25, 2009
I'll lay that out for you.
Bradley to the DL.
Kosuke in RF
Jim Edmonds, Reed Johnson platoon in CF.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
I get it
And just how long is our $5 million man, Milton going to stay on the DL for you to make this work?
PalatineRol - April 25, 2009
and how much does Edmonds ask for
finances do come into play, right?
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Considering he averages 100 games a year....
and that Dome/Reed need, um, days off…..PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES.
But, hey, you lost me at:
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
considering he is 41 now
and the thought of him prodcing for 100+ is most likely far fetched.
lets also remember Edmonds does not fix all our troubles. He is not the LOOGY we need.
and there is a decent to good chance he will not produce as well as you are expecting, and that will lead to the next 100 FanPosts about why he should be released.
we got lucky with him last season, and as much as he helped, it would be best suited to look elsewhere OR offer him a minor league contract and see how he produces there for a few weeks before we insert him anywhere on the MLB roster.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Is he a better option than Gathright?
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
if he is such a great vet
why has NO ONE signed him?
30 GM’s disagree with you
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
And San Diego released him last year...
…so what’s your point?
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
that was called
SD asking “why are we paying him this much?”
Cubs would be asked to pay much more than league min I am sure.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Is he a better option than Gathright?
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
He's 38.
Not 41. He’ll be 39 in June. He still has something left, too.
mattisnotfrench - April 25, 2009
Correct. He is my age
derv - April 26, 2009
oops on the age
Cubbie-Tim - April 26, 2009
I respectfully disagree
I don’t think there is enough playing time for 4 guys to play two spots.
My comment about Hoffpauir was that if Edmonds was going to be a PH, I would rather have Hoffpauir’s bat. Sorry
PalatineRol - April 25, 2009
You do if one of those guys only sees the field 95 games....
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
Uhhh... until he is 100%??
Bradley to the DL
Sign Edmonds
When Bradley is 100%, bon voyage, Joey Gathright.
If Reed is asked to play everyday I can see him breaking down at some point in the season.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
Reed said he
wants to play everyday.
sue369 - April 25, 2009
Understandable.
I’m afraid that if he does play everyday, sooner or later that back is going to flare up on him.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
the back can flare up easier
when not being stretched out and not being used. playing daily is better for a back, rather than sitting on the bench
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Regardless....
I don’t think that Reed Johnson’s desire to play everyday should deter the Cubs from exploring options to get another OF bat (i.e. Edmonds) to replace Gathright.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
how nice woud it be
to have a farm worth a damn to bring someone up instead of looking to 41 year olds to improve
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
On that I will agree with you, my friend.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
There are people
Hendry just doesn’t want to use them, and I hate that about him. Have you ever thought about Jason Dubois? He’s hitting 400+ with 3 homers in Iowa.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
He's just not an option
derv - April 26, 2009
He can't do worse
Than Gathright. Give him a chance before you spend 3 million to sign a vet who might not have anything anymore.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
Agreed - I just think he is not an option with our management staff...
…for whatever reason
derv - April 26, 2009
That's what I'm saying
I hate how Lou and Hendry MUST spend 3 mil on a old, possibly washed up vet instead of bringing up a younger, and cheaper person from the farm system.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
and you believe at 41
Edmonds will be the savior we need? We got lucky, and we should count our blessings.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
I don't believe he's a savior, no.
I feel the guy has some gas left in the tank and would be a valuable option to us at this point.
As you said, we definitely need to look at acquiring a LOOGY, too.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
only way he should be signed
is a Minor Leageu contract, and see what he has in a few weeks.
that will not fix any of our offensive woes before mid May or later
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Nobody's saying he's the savior...
..and you have no way of knowing how he’d produce or if we “got lucky”.
He’s insurance. If Bradley breaks down, if someone slumps. He’s a better option off the bench than Gathright. A more viable left handed bat off the bench and able to play multiple games if we really need it.
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
but seems that way
with the “Edmonds can blah, blah, blah”
he is not going to produce as well as last season, i would be willing to bet my left nut on it.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
We were saying that last year, as well..
He was treated as a savior a couple times last year.
The guy deserves another shot.
Wouldn’t you take him over Gathright?
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
If he accepted a Minor League
non guaranteed contract, and proved he can still play in Iowa first
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Good thing we didn't do that last year...
…he never would have seen Wrigley
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
last year when we signed him
he was not 7 months removed from seeing live pitching
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Some would argue Gathright's had the same absence...LOL
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
I am by no means a fan of Gathright
but to sign Edmonds and not see a single “tryout” in ST or Iowa is not a bright idea.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Meh...
He deserves a little more credit than that. Give him some bucks in a contract, nothing to major.
If he pans out, excellent. If not, hey whats another couple million, right?
::cough::Marquis, Vizcaino::cough::
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
he deserves nothing
more than a chance, and since he has not seen live pitching since October, you make him earn a roster spot, like anyone else.
I hate when people say “he deserves a ring, a shot, etc” when those are earned not given.
what he did in 2008 does not win a single game in 2009. and to be part of 2009, you need to earn adn deserve it.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Well, what you're assuming and what I'm writing my be 2 different things then
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
So...
It’s last year minus DeRo.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
You're just making shit up now....
No where was it said or even implied that Edmonds wasn’t happy platooning last year.
And I would think a 41 yr old ballplayer who’s gotten no interest from other clubs to come back would JUMP at the chance to come back to a familiar ballclub with a chance for a pennant, no matter how much playing time he gets.
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
THANK YOU.
Holy shit.
p.s. I heard Jake Fox doesn’t want to be called up anyway because he wants to be the every day starter at 1B. Doesn’t make much sense to add him to the roster.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
Fox on the bench...
…helps us how? Another pinch hitter that can’t play a position.
And I’ve said it before….Patton should not have been put in that situation. Lou basically called him the “mop up” man earlier in the week. So why is he in there when it’s 3-1? And why is he STILL in there with the bases jacked and Pujols up to the plate?
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
Fox can hit
Fox can hit off the bench. Gathright cannot. We really don’t need Gathright in the field (at least when Bradley gets back) and his running is of no use right now. Get a hitter to pinch hit—Fox.
PalatineRol - April 25, 2009
We need an infielder, not another OF.
That’s what’s hurting us most with these injuries…lack of flexibility.
carmen_fanzone - April 25, 2009
Because the way they
have been hitting and scoring runs recently, trailing 3-1 could be considered mop up time.
qccub - April 26, 2009
NIGHTMARE ????
Yes you are right …How Gathright and Miles fit into this roster I don’t know …The ship is way off course and needs someone to take charge …..I am not giving up but they need help soon ….
cubs north - April 25, 2009
I'm reading comments about making roster moves...
Dump this guy… dump that guy… move this guy to this spot in the line-up…
NONE of these things are the reasons we’re losing.
We’re losing because WE PLAY BAD BASEBALL. Period.
1. Execute a friggin sacrifice bunt for once
2. Hit behind the friggin runner.
3. Don’t get picked off base
4. Don’t make the 1st or 3rd out at 3rd base
It’s absolutely embarrassing to watch the Cubs fail to execute the fundamentals of the game on a daily basis… especially when we play St. Louis and have to watch every guy in their line-up lay down a perfect sacrifice bunt or hit behind the runner.
You want this team to get better? Then, hold your manager accountable for poor baseball. They better start working on fundamentals every day.
SackMan - April 25, 2009
I agree, completely, with your post....
but I feel like there’s more to it. It’s bad fundamentals combined with the fact that we have no bench.
That’s why dumping excess baggage (Gathright, Patton, Cotts) and adding players that are more versatile is necessary.
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
+1 on all
I think it’s high time to make our coaches accountable for all the BS play we are watching in every game. What the heck are they doing?
But you got to admit that St. Louis is pathetic at catching routine popups. They are playing very bad defense too.
cubsnlinux - April 25, 2009
St. Louis is playing very poor defense...
But… they will improve. They have infielders in the outfield, and outfielders in the infield.
At the same time, our outfield defense with Soriano and Hoff has been ugly too. But, I can tolerate that to an extent… that’s purely a talent level issue. However, there’s no excuse for poor fundamentals in the major leagues. And everyday… the Cubs are making a mess out of fundamentals.
SackMan - April 25, 2009
100 % RIGHT ......
Even the kids in Little League know that they make a bad play they are held accountable. At every level this happens …..But the Cubs appear differant …..This i beleive has been a ongoing problem and led to their failures …..
cubs north - April 25, 2009
2004 all over again I'm afraid
2008 was a season where we were blessed with lots of great years and few injuries.
I don’t think I can ever forgive Jim Hendry for shedding Mark DeRosa. That is the one player who hurts the most.
BLou - April 25, 2009
I still think Marquis
then DeRosa
Marquis allows Marshall to be the swingman again, and Cotts is no longer here
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
What really bothers me is that
so many of us who questioned those moves at the time turned out to be right. I mean, why is it that Hendry didn’t seem to see what we did? No legitmate back up for Ramirez at third, an inexperienced second baseman, etc.
It’s almost like he was so frustrated with the last two playoff busts that he started making changes just to make changes.
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
Well he did TRY to get a vet back up
but none of then worked out in Spring Training. No magic in a bottle like Reed Johnson.
Doggie Stalker - April 25, 2009
Turned out to be right?
Really?
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
Marshall would not be a good replacement for Cotts
He is a LONG guy , we need a LOOGY or close to that. Heilman is now the long guy. The Marquis trade was a waste but I like having Marshall as a starter.
Doggie Stalker - April 25, 2009
i like him starting as well
but he reminds me more adn more of Mulholland, who made a living as a swingman, and I see marshall fitting that role well. He would be better than Cotts as a LOOGY, maybe not the prototypical LOOGY, but sufficient.
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Marshall's highest and best use is in the bullpen
I wish Piniella would bite the bullet and shove the Shark in the rotation, even if he isn’t altogether ready and struggles. Marshall is needed in the pen.
BLou - April 25, 2009
On what basis would you make such a claim ?
Shark unlike Marshall has never shown the ability to start on the major league level and as I recall you are big believer in
not experimenting at that major league level. Likewise Marshall has been used almost exclusively out of the pen in long relief a role now filled by Heilman. Just because we screwed up and released Eyre and have yet to find a LOOGY don’t try to use two players in roles they are ill suited too. Someday maybe Shark is a good starter but not this year.
Doggie Stalker - April 25, 2009
You're absolutely right.
JefF7 has not shown on any level that he has the control to be a starter. It would make no sense for him to replace Marshall in the rotation as Marshall is a better pitcher.
Acapulco Taco Pie - April 26, 2009
Hendry;s flaw
Is working TOO closely with his managers be it Dusty or Lou. Lou wants more left handers we get Milton,Miles etc and dump DeRosa. I have said before I would prefer a GM that puts together the team he thinks can win and lets the manager do the best. The blame for holes in this club are shared between Hendry and Lou.
Doggie Stalker - April 25, 2009
I agree with you completely
blame should be shared equally between Hendry and Pinella.
It’s funny but I used to really believe in GM’s working with their managers but now I’m starting to question it.
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
I said it in February
Hendry took a 97 win team and turned it into a 90 win team
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Right now I'll be ecstatic with 90 wins
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
This Cub team right now is more like a 85 win team
This is a team with holes and doubtful to have the benefit of so few injuries and so many big years as was the case in 2008. The law of averages is catching up to the Cubs in this regard.
The bullpen is a clusterfu*k. Simple as that.
BLou - April 25, 2009
Hendry
Jim Hendry is a master at getting good players. He is not to this point very good at assembling a “team.” The pieces need to fit. He has not been able to do that during his tenure.
PalatineRol - April 25, 2009
Do I hear 80?
The farther down in this thread you go, the fewer victories you find.
It’s Panic City.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
I love you, whoever you are...
…your optimism is inspiring!
derv - April 26, 2009
lol..most of the time it's _scary_ too
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
Christ
Shedding credibility by the post, you are.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 25, 2009
Pound sand
If you want to live with your head up your keester in denial about this roster, then by all means go right ahead.
BLou - April 25, 2009
DING DING DING!
I think this may be the first legit Blue-Mike “Pound Sand” of the season!
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
No
Moving DeRo was good, in my opinion. Fonty is a good player, and should serve as a good 2B for years to come. DeRo isn’t exactly lighting up Cleveland either, with a near Mendoza average.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
HOPE NOT....
But the DeRosa deal made no sense at all…..It appears they had no backup plan …Lets hope tomorrow is a better day ….Got a feeling it will turn out ok…..
cubs north - April 25, 2009
Last year of DeRosa's deal.
Trading deadline deal, anyone?
EJThunder - April 25, 2009
still wish Hendry had called Kenny Williams
when he wanted to move Dye. I know he is a righty and all, but how nice would he look in Cubbie Blue manning RF
Cubbie-Tim - April 25, 2009
Righties=Kryponite to Lou
bluekoolaide - April 25, 2009
Marshall channeled Trachsel
in the 4th inning and it cost the team 3 runs. His rhythm was lost while the Cards took the momentum. Later in the inning he got beat by the #7 and #8 hitters on 0-2 counts. Compare that with the Cards who destroyed Soriano today by never throwing him a strike. Marshall pitched a very good game with the exception of that inning.
After today I’m convinced Sori should never bat anywhere but leadoff, His body language gave away his feelings which turned into terrible plate appearances. Sure, he should be able to adjust, but apparently he isn’t capable.
Finally, this team seems to lack the passion to be champions so far. And while it is still incredibly early, our lack of fundamentals must be addressed immediately. I want to see a team leader step and demand better focus. Trouble is, who are the team leaders who can do that?
tharr - April 25, 2009
Soriano
I agree. I was long a proponent of getting Soriano out of the leadoff spot, but no more. Whatever the reason, he’s just not going to do well anywhere else. I certainly don’t believe that he’s trying to fail, but the fact is that this has impacted him.
dmlichte - April 25, 2009
Both rec'd
I hope the experiment ends today.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
I also agree...
we shall see
derv - April 26, 2009
meh
4 game losing streaks happen. Lou’s changing of the line-up doesn’t bother me. With no A-ram and no Game I don’t really expect the lineup to be that potent. Sori has been very clutch all year and he is very good in the leadoff spot but I don’t begrudge Lou trying to put him in a position where his instant offense might result in more offensive production earlier in the game.
Sometimes struggling will result in a team finding itself. We can only hope that is the case with the Cubs this year, and that our injured guys get back soon.
Cubinator - April 25, 2009
Admitting DeRosa Trade a Mistake
They went overboard on lefties and switch-hitters. That might all click when and if Bradley ever gets back in the lineup and stays there. Till then we’re stuck. Last year the team had hitters below the 4 spot who could hit and hit for power making it possible to put runs on the board even when the big 3 didn’t produce. This year, so far, the likes of Soto and Fontenot haven’t turned in on.
If Edmonds can still play, I wouldn’t mind having him back on the roster.
Bullpen has to be fixed.
AboutTheCubs - April 25, 2009
Glad I missed the game.
dtpollitt - April 26, 2009
I told you so
I posted in an earlier fanpost about the Cubs being short handed. the way their lineup is constructed, they’d have 3 players on the bench that wouldn’t get much playing time. Now what to do? Jim Edmonds? Is he even in game shape? Is A-Ram gonna be out for a while? They oughtta sit Uncle Miltie for a couple of weeks.Lou has over-worked the bullpen. Might need 4 pitchers to replace the burned out arms come June.Back up the truck Lou & Jim, the recycling bins are ready to be emptied
LarryCubFan - April 26, 2009
Honestly
Why the F is Bradley not on the DL?
We need another body asap. I dont seem to see the question being asked
Hammer - April 26, 2009
Lou seems to want him
To pinch hit.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
I understand
but with the other injuries and lack of depth we need another body.
Someone like Bradley who cant run is a very specific pinch hitting situation. Yesterday I was missing Marquis a bit too. An extra bat and runner off the bench and I am almost positive Marquis could handle the outfield.
Hammer - April 26, 2009
I agree
I think they need to bring someone up. Seriously, Dubois might not be bad.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
Dubois? Did I just go back in time to 2005?
bluekoolaide - April 26, 2009
He's hitting over 400
In AAA, with 3 homers and a 700+ slugging. I would say Fox, but there’s really no room for him.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 26, 2009
So how does that make room for Dubois?
He can misplay the same positions as Fox.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
I agree...
…with what someone said above that the management has to start taking accountability for what has gone wrong with this team.
derv - April 26, 2009
Soriano back to leadoff
as per twittermeyer..
I like this move!
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
sunday lineup
Soriano
Riot
Dome
DLee
Reed
Fonty
Soto
Miles (Arghhh)
Harden
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
dammit
you beat me to it.
and as long as Rami is on the bench, Miles is going to play.
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
that's true about miles..unfortunately
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
but I am glad that Soriano is back to leadoff..
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
I am too
although reverting the change so soon means that it really wasn’t given time to take. Lou’s in a bad spot, damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t.
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
True
without Ramirez in the lineup, there really isn’t anyone who has shown the ability to drive in runs this year to put in the middle of the lineup.
qccub - April 26, 2009
Right now
Soriano is the only true homerun threat in that lineup. I realize there are other guys in there who have shown power in the past, but none of them have so far this year.
Some people are ripping on Hoff, but I thought his role was going to be much like Ward’s last year; pinch hit and an occasional fill in at first or in right. He can do that well; he is hitting the ball with success. Why not play him at first every fourth or fifth day? It’s not like Lee is tearing it up right now.
I thought that the Derosa trade was a bad move because he was such a flexible player; granted he wasn’t great at any position defensively, but he was adequate. I’m pretty sure he isn’t going to be hitting .203 all season. But, what’s done is done and I do believe that this team is going to pull out of their funk at some point and win the division this year. The Cardnals have looked better than I thought they would be so far.
qccub - April 26, 2009
Much better.
Glad Lou is listening to us. (Yes, I’m being facetious.)
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
AZPhil over at TCR who usually presents a balanced and objective analysis
thinks that the cubs should trade Bradley at the deadline, move Dome to RF and put Reed Jo in CF.
http://www.thecubreporter.com/2009/04/25/youve-waited-100-years-without-pennant-how-about-eternity#comments
Sheesh I think the cub fandom has become this bad 16 games into the season. The disease is spreading wide and fast :-)
cubsnlinux - April 26, 2009
What's happening
I think is that Cubs fans are thinking that we should win like we did last year. This team is just having a rough patch, they all do.
At some point, the sooner the better, the guys who are slumping will (hopefully) turn it around. We can’t keep depending on the home runs, we need to find a way to get hits with guys on base.
Someone needs to tell those fans that you don’t win 97 games every season.
Vermont Cubs Fan - April 26, 2009
Why isn’t the pregame up? It’s 2 hours before game time.
dtpollitt - April 26, 2009
None of the other games at 2 PM EST/1 PM CDT are up yet, either.
Vermont Cubs Fan - April 26, 2009
Sheesh!
You posted this at 11:15. It should have been up at 11:15 — two hours before first pitch at 1:15.
Al Yellon - April 26, 2009
fonzie
soriano was moved down to provide some power in the 3 hole.with bradley and ramirez out there is no power. if you can hit leadoff you can hit 3rd. lets not use that as an excuse. this will be a very long season.plain and simple this team is not as good as last years.we lost too many key contributors.
NOMAR - April 26, 2009
pregame is up
jump
drewishdrewid - April 26, 2009
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