NOTE FROM AL: Due to the quick game last night, this recap was actually posted at 8:35 pm Monday... I've moved it to the top of the front page this morning, for those who weren't online Monday night. (This is why it refers to "today" and the other games still in progress.)
Last year, the Cubs were 14-4 against the Pirates -- 7-2 at Wrigley Field, and 7-2 at PNC Park.
Thanks to the wacky schedules that we are now forced to become used to in major league baseball, the Cubs, who had played the Pirates 12 times by this calendar date in 2008, had faced them for only one series so far this year before Monday night -- winning two of three at Wrigley Field in late May. Today marked the Cubs' first visit to PNC Park this year; they had done so twice by the end of May, 2008.
Maybe this is what the Cubs needed -- a reminder of where they did well in the past. They sure looked like the Cubs of 2008 in an efficient 3-1 win over the Pirates, starting the final leg of a so-far-unsuccessful 1-6 road trip with a victory.
Thanks to the fast win, this will be a fast recap.
This is how Cubs teams won a year ago -- timely hitting, the occasional home run, good defense and solid pitching. Rich Harden, who got hit pretty hard in his last two starts, was nearly unhittable Monday. He scattered nine hits -- eight singles and a double, threw strikes (65 in 102 pitches), and with one walk and nine strikeouts looked like the Harden we got last year when he was acquired from Oakland, the dominant Harden, the guy who could strike batters out almost at will.
Where have these guys been the last week?
The runs scored with seemingly great ease -- a timely two-out hit from Andres Blanco with a runner in scoring position (when's the last time we saw that? -- answer: I can't even recall), a home run from Ryan Theriot (when's the last time we saw that? -- answer: June 7), and a RBI double from Milton Bradley after Geovany Soto walked leading off the fourth inning (and when was Milton's last RBI? Believe it or not, more than two weeks ago, June 12, when he had a two-RBI double off Kevin Slowey of the Twins).
Now, that's more like it, right? Obviously, there's a lot more work to be done, but a win like this gives something to build on. In addition to Harden's fine pitching, Carlos Marmol had an uneventful inning (the last time he had a truly uneventful inning: four appearances ago in Detroit), and Kevin Gregg finished up easily for his 13th save. Jake Fox had a pair of hits and scored the first run of the game. And Sam Fuld, just recalled from Iowa, got into the game pinch-running for Fox... and promptly got caught stealing. Sorry, Jessica.
It was the Cubs' fastest nine-inning game of the season, two hours and seventeen minutes. The win moved the Cubs to within a half game of idle Cincinnati. The Brewers, at this writing, lead the Mets so, with the Cardinals apparently about to lose to Tim Lincecum and the Giants, Milwaukee will go into first place alone, a game ahead of St. Louis and remaining 3.5 games ahead of the Cubs.
There is work yet to do. But tonight makes a good starting point. Keep up the good work.
0 recs | 408 comments
I don't care who they are playing right now
I will take a win anyway we can get it. I hope we make it two in a row tomorrow. This will be a much nicer night than last night.
LT - June 29, 2009
At least they won
since I couldn’t get it on TV in downstate Illinois ON MY BIRTHDAY!
But, seriously, if Harden rounds back into form, the Cubs will have the best starting pitching in the league.
cubzfan - June 29, 2009
happy birthday!
sorry to hear you couldn’t see the game…i hate when that happens
daily2b - June 29, 2009
happy birthday!
Allie - June 29, 2009
Good
one more solid outing from Harden and we can trade him and actually get something for him. Oh wait, thats right, Hendry is in charge.
wild bill - June 29, 2009
How about
Elvis Andres from Texas? They could really use a starting pitcher, and we could really use a quality middle infielder. He’s a shortstop, but that’s ok because Theriot isn’t.
tomas21 - June 29, 2009
there is zero chance
that Texas will give up Andrus. We’d have a better chance of getting Pujols.
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
+1
He’s young and the reason that Michael Young was moved to third. They want to hold onto him.
Musicdude10 - June 29, 2009
So Elvis has left the building
and we still can’t get him ?
Doggie Stalker - June 29, 2009
Why in the world
Would we trade someone who has the talent to be one of the best starting pitchers in the majors? All Andrus is is a worse version or our current shortstop.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
yeah ummm no
If you rather have theriot you are nuts
Glacier - June 29, 2009
Really?
What am I missing here? In what aspect of the game is Andrus better than Theriot, other than fielding.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
Big difference in the point of their careers.
Andrus is super cheap at the minimum for the next 3 seasons. Cost is very important to the Rangers as they don’t want to add payroll.
Too early to say what kind of player Andrus will turn out to be. Give him a little time. The Rangers brought him up right from AA so it’ll be a couple of years before we will know.
cowsarecool220 - June 29, 2009
Andrus looks to have a nice future
But my argument is If you’re trying to win now, why swap the player on your team with the second best average, and believe it or not, third most bombs, for a player in development. The disrespect for Theriot around here is really starting to tick me off. His fielding is below average, but that will lose you one game at most.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
+1
and Theriot is a solid .290 to .300 hitter, year in and year out.
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
i didnt know you meant for winning now
even then i still think id take andrus. there is a BIG difference in there fielding. but like i said if you are talking about winning now than yeah its debatable but for the future andrus is going to be better
Glacier - June 30, 2009
So
other than doing what you need most from a SS, theriot is great.
I will never get this.
Allie - June 29, 2009
Yeah, but he's scrappy
Shanghai Badger - June 29, 2009
So
You wouldn’t want J-Roll, just because he isn’t a great fielder.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
Not particularly
Although, it would be nice to have a baserunner who is actually as fast as they think they are.
Allie - June 29, 2009
For that topic
Refer to this post.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
He's solid
And his offense is a lot better than Theriot’s.
Shanghai Badger - June 29, 2009
really?
you should look up their batting averages…
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
yes b/c thats the best way to evaluate offense
Allie - June 29, 2009
Oh is it
Look up homers and rbi’s while you’re at it.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
big difference
Rollins: .211/6/23
Theriot: .283/7/29
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
Thank you
I thought I was the only Theriot supporter on this whole site.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
not at all
in fact, when I read your comment earlier it made me want to write a fanpost to put an end to this Theriot bashing nonsense once and for all. The guy has the highest BA of our players that have played all year, and has nothing to hurt the team.
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
and has nothing to hurt the team.
while I have grudgingly come around to view Theriot as a good batter and a competent short stop, that’s all he is — competent. His range is small, and his arm is… not good.
drewishdrewid - June 29, 2009
And he STILL doesn't know how to tag out runners
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
It's Fox's fault
Trammell has been spending all of his time teaching Fox to play third, thus Theriot’s defense around the bag (which Trammell used to work extensively with him on) is slipping.
Or something like that.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Makes about as much sense as
Some of the other arguments we see on here!
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
I was trying.
These last few days have been reminiscent of the end of the 2008 season.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Oh, I knew you were being facetious
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
I know.
You’re one of the sages around here.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Can I be Thyme?
then all we need is a Rosemary and Parsley and we’ll go on tour.
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
it's all yours.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
I'll be parsley.
I love that stuff. I don’t care if it’s a garnish. I’m eating it.
daver - June 30, 2009
Ballhawk, are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
maybe, but if Simon & Garfunkel turn us down
I say we hook on with Frankie Valli and the Jersey Boys tour.
Yep, we’d call ourselves “The Four Seasonings”
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
btw - thanks for having my back on the Michael Jackson fanpost
I don’t know what KOW was thinking but if Al hadn’t closed comments, I think Mt. Ballhawk might have erupted.
To paraphrase Hank Hill: “that girl ain’t right…”
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
I haven't look at that post at all.
Now I think I’ll go see. :D
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Oh man...
…now I gotta read that thread. I’d been avoiding it and almost all Jacko-related online content like the plague.
daver - June 30, 2009
Yeah, I just got done reading it.
wow.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
tevye quotes
BLou being BLou
Worf with a heart
KOW being KOW
Nipples on Buttcheeks
everything a BCB OT post needs!
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Well, more of a Tevye-inspired comment
Or a paraphrase. But, yeah. It had everything.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
by the way
the music is more listenable too because you’re getting old. :P
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Getting?
I suppose the over-40 crowd would take exception to me saying I’m already there, but I sure know I’m not 20 anymore!
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Just read the Jacko thread.
If that’s not Klassic KOW – unhinged, illogical, reactionary, barely decipherable – I don’t know what is.
And according to her sig line, she’s on Twitter as “puckyprosecutor” but, when I searched for that user name, no results came up. Unbelievable.
daver - June 30, 2009
Y'know, I like to think that I'm pretty good about
not getting pissed off about stuff on here — I do slip sometimes.
That thread, however, is as angry as I’ve been on this site . . . and a week later, I’m not embarrassed about being angry.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Nor am I
at least you got a chance to express yourself. I’m still simmering…
But hey, if I can survive a Crawdad attack, I’m sure I’ll survive a KOW stampede… ;-)
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
No problem
The Shanghai guy was livid, I can tell you that.
I’ve definitely learned a lesson (that I hope I remember) . . . unless she’s talking to me, I’m staying away.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
I just read it. Wow.
Just needed a cell number and a pot luck list to make it all time classic.
N Oakley - June 30, 2009
Somehow, I don't think I'm invited to that picnic
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Shucks
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
his defense hurts us
do people actually think he is a good short stop?
Glacier - June 30, 2009
Not according to UZR.
Theriot’s defense at SS saved the Cubs 4.1 runs over a league average replacement in 2007, .4 runs over a league average replacement in 2008, and 4.9 runs over a league average replacement thus far in 2009. For his career, Theriot has saved 8.4 runs over a league average replacement at SS.
So, based on this controversial but pretty detailed defensive rating system, Ryan Theriot’s defense has not hurt the Cubs, it has helped them.
daver - June 30, 2009
Damn
I just spent the last 20 minutes or so looking up various stats to make this argument. He’s not Orlando Cabrera, but he’s still a valuable asset.
dr stabbingworth - June 30, 2009
He's competent
but I’d still like to upgrade him if possible.
Servicable isn’t the same as good.
Allie - June 30, 2009
Look at career numbers
Then tell me that June 30 is an indicator of how they will finish
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
So since Rollins and Theriots
range factors only have a .04 point difference, I guess Theriot is solid too. There settled.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
Ah, the old "I'm right so this is done retort". Damn, you told me.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
probably
bad timing for mentioning rollins. he sucks this year. i think he has the lowest OBP in national league
Glacier - June 30, 2009
that is half of the game
Grockcubs - June 30, 2009
I feel like
I"m the only one here that doesn’t want to trade Harden. We need him and he isn’t worth another bat, unless it’s a very good bat.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
Not only do I think trading Harden is stupid....
but I am really pissed off about the Tribune’s “fan” poll in which 57% said we should let Zambrano go.
DO PEOPLE THINK GOOD STARTING PITCHERS GROW ON TREES?????
Actually, I think many of the voters in the poll where probably White Sux fans hoping to spark a trade for Big Z.
Seriously, letting either Harden or Zambrano go is a typical old style Cub dumb ass move (see, “Brock, Lou”, “Matlock, Bill”). Starting pitching has not been the problem on this team. Timely hitting has been. Last time I looked, neither Z nor Harden were being paid to hit (I know that this has not sunk in for Z yet). Z is the best, most durable starter the Cubs have had since the first incarnation of Greg Maddux.
I really can’t live with watching a great Cubs starting pitcher celebrating a series win for another team.
Cubfansince1957 - June 29, 2009
I spent a lot of time tonight
arguing with a friend who thought that was a good idea. He seemed to believe we could give away Z and then magically get Peavy (la la la la he’s hurt can’t hear you) or Cliff Lee.
Why we would do this was mystifying. And there is no way it could happen without some pretty serious 3 team trade action going on.
chitownhawkeye - June 29, 2009
yeah that article was a joke
plain and simple
Glacier - June 30, 2009
Looks like we could have traded Heilman to the Indians for DeRosa
and they would have been better off. Perez was put in tonight in the 9th with White Sox up by two. He hit the first two
batters HARD, walked the next guy , one wild pitch and two hits. Gave up 4 runs in 2/3rds of an inning. It would have taken Heilman at least two inning to do that ( just kidding I still kind of like him for long relief).
Doggie Stalker - June 29, 2009
And for your peace of mind...
Fuld was caught stealing on a pitchout. :)
srwilly - June 29, 2009
Which Brenly called correctly
GoCubbies34 - June 29, 2009
He calls a lot
Of things correctly. If I’m not mistaken he’s called two of Hoffs homers this year.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
he really is a fantastic color commentator
especially when he gives insights to what catchers are doing (signs, etc). I really learn a lot from him watching games.
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
Not only does Brenly know his stuff
But his presentation also is good. He talks smoothly, clearly, doesn’t stumble over himself. He seems like a natural broadcaster.
I liked him in his first stint with the Cubs, back in the ’90s on radio. I think WGN wanted him to stick around in the off-season and do studio announcing and call-in shows, etc., but he decided to get back into the on-field side of baseball.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 29, 2009
Agreed
I really like Bob.
And he and Len keep getting better at playing off each other.
Allie - June 29, 2009
He is good...
…in fact he is damn good!
He is easy to listen to and he talks in a way that is very easy to understand. He also doesn’t speak like he invented the game, like a previous Cub’s TV color guy.
MPH73 - June 29, 2009
I'm not going to break bad on Stone
I like him, and I like Brenly, too. Now, I’ll talk crap about Hawk all night …
Not Bruce Froemming - June 29, 2009
Ok, then I will...
Stoney is a now a bitter man, with an axe to grind.
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
Agreed.
But, I also agree with everyone above who likes Brenly. He’s cogent, doesn’t hesitate to criticize and explain WHY he’s criticizing, and he and Len have a real good thing together.
I think we have several of the best broadcasters in the business.
Al Yellon - June 30, 2009
I have to agree. I'm sure there are findable comments
where I moaned about Brenly when he arrived. He’s evolved as a broadcaster and become great.
N Oakley - June 30, 2009
I did too when he first started...
but I made an effort last year to listen to Len and Bob more and I’m a better fan for it.
Chris Dobbertean - June 30, 2009
i was one who previously disliked brenley as well
he has changed me though. good work BB
Glacier - June 30, 2009
I thought he was great on the radio, too, and although I was suspicious
of his re-hiring (Dusty wants a friend to kiss his butt), and at first it seemed that he was too easy or silent on poor Cubs play and decisions, I think he was and is reasonably critical of the team’s play and decisions.
DudeVf11 - June 30, 2009
I loved Bob on WGN
when he was there the first time and was ecstatic when the D Backs hired him as manager. He did what he was supposed to do, win a championship. I like his style as a manager and broadcaster.
BigJohnAZ - June 30, 2009
I know I actually turned on just as he was on.
Can’t blame him for that because I am sure he did not steal on his own.
Doggie Stalker - June 29, 2009
all I know is we are now 1-0 with Fuld
now, had we done this a week ago like I called for… ;)
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
BB mentioned that Fuld will be starting in center field tomorrow.
Bradley’s getting the next couple of days off to get his act together and Fukudome is going to right field.
cowsarecool220 - June 29, 2009
After Bradley's nice day today...
I’d actually like to see him in there tomorrow and see if he can get on a little roll here.
CubsBullsBears - June 29, 2009
Agreed
He hasn’t been that bad as of recent.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
The problem is his left handed swing.
That’s what he’s going to work with Von Joshua on.
cowsarecool220 - June 29, 2009
Yep
his LH swing is a mess.
hopefully a few days of work will get him going. we could really use him
Allie - June 29, 2009
Yeah, and it stinks too
Cause thats the reason we signed him.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
Bradley looks much slower
from the left side of the plate. He swings through a lot of fastballs, fouls off breaking balls. I was watching a game from last year when he was with Texas and he seemed to start his bat a lot faster. He seems indecisive.
stickdino - June 29, 2009
I have been a Bradley basher
I think he should start tuesday. His one AB on the left side last night, he smoked the ball to second. He gets a couple of knocks and we sit him? Cubs need his bat, start him.
Grockcubs - June 30, 2009
I'm with you.
He’s had lots of problems hitting lefthanded this year. But we really don’t have any choice other than to let him work it out.
Despite my “Bradley must go” call, I’m still hoping he turns it around.
Al Yellon - June 30, 2009
But he would be "working it out"
He’d be getting heavy time with VJ instead of starting.
If a game or two helps him really get going, I say its worth it. Plus, it would let him rest whatever nagging injury is next on the list.
Allie - June 30, 2009
Milton's LH splits are KILLING his numbers.
He’s hitting for a .651 OPS in 149 PAs lefthanded (and, FWIW, he’s BELOW the Mendoza line in batting average), while he’s hitting for a .897 OPS in 64 PAs righthanded. I’m tempted to suggest he just stick to batting righthanded until he gets his confidence up but then he may get only rustier from the left side. Plus, that’s a pretty small sample of right-handed hitting.
daver - June 30, 2009
Wow I have to change my schedule
and I may actually have to watch a game. Might be bad luck for the Cubs.
Doggie Stalker - June 29, 2009
I'd be surprised
if that actually happens. Bradley had a very good day today.
drewishdrewid - June 29, 2009
Can't we have 1 post on this blog
That don’t have something about Mark Derosa in it. Geeeez
cubsluver22 - June 29, 2009
Well...
… I didn’t mention him.
Al Yellon - June 29, 2009
But he did
LT - June 29, 2009
how about this 1?
jesus christos - June 29, 2009
no
it’s in the bcb rules somewhere
tim815 - June 29, 2009
I only mentioned him to get your attention
that was the ugliest thing I have seen in baseball all year.
From now on I might start every post with " What would DeRosa think of this ?"
Doggie Stalker - June 29, 2009
WWDRD?
drewishdrewid - June 29, 2009
Now that's funny!
cowsarecool220 - June 29, 2009
I'll buy a bracelet!
Chris Dobbertean - June 30, 2009
hmmm...
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Heckler post
Heckler had a good article about DeRosa that was directed at Derosa fans like me. I am now duly chastised.
wccubfan - June 30, 2009
Peavy!
Shanghai Badger - June 29, 2009
I saw the "highlights" of Perez's outing last night.
Pretty scary stuff – he nailed Alexei Ramirez in the head and then got Jermaine Dye on the wrist. The Sox players seemed to handle it pretty well at the time, but I don’t know whether there was retribution later in the game.
daver - June 30, 2009
I wonder if the good Dr.
is yelling at Indians fans about retribution.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
I heard he tried to scuttle onto the field...
…and nail Perez in the ass with one of his pincers but was captured and subsequently boiled and devoured with butter by security staff.
daver - June 30, 2009
well, he knows where I am
and so far I haven’t seen/heard a thing.
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
he emailed me last night
with, basically, “WHERE’S YOUR NL CENTRAL NEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOWWWW!”
I told him to quit caring about other teams, and get back to caring about his own.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
hmm...
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
need more
carapace.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
I had no idea what "carapace" was so I looked it up. From Wikipedia:
Learn something new every day…
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
well
there might be some of that in the hat thingy.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
common usage/slang
also includes references to people’s skulls (specifically the top and back of the head) or head protection. Technically, its the back (dorsal), but as you can see in the image above, it appears to the unedumicated as part of the head.
CyberCyclist - June 30, 2009
Well if he's hitting White Sox
perhaps Phil Rogers should suggest Perez be traded too, since hitting White Sox batters clearly means you let emotions get the best of you at all times.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
what a tool
itd be nice if chicago had any decent writers. miles sully rogers….. all complete jokes who know nothing.
Glacier - June 30, 2009
I've never had a bone to pick with Bruce Miles
he seems well-informed and reports what he knows. More often than not he doesn’t appear to interject his feeling into stories (as Sullivan can do from time-to-time) or write a knee-jerk reaction (as Rogers did and does).
So if you’re going to read a Cubs beat writer, I’d recommend Miles actually.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Agreed
He’s not afraid to be critical, but doesn’t go over the edge.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
speaking of hitting batters hard
watching angels v. rangers and vivente padilla almonst clocked vlad…what a jerk that guy is
daily2b - June 29, 2009
ha ha
back to back homers off padilla
daily2b - June 29, 2009
Perez clearly had NO control
but it was UGLY. I would not be surprised to see Ramirez or Dye out for a few games or on the DL. It was really scary.
Doggie Stalker - June 29, 2009
that is too bad
i know that stuff hurts. i have a bruise from gettin beaned LAST WEEK!! and that was just 80-85 mph
daily2b - June 29, 2009
Whodathunkit
Mike Fontenot is our defensive replacement at 3B.
But anyway, good win Cubbies!
DGU - June 29, 2009
I didn't get why Lou didn't just move Freel to 3B.
daver - June 30, 2009
Great game
for Bradley — 2-4, and one of those two outs was a SMOKED liner off a 94 MPH fastball; just right at a guy. He made some good catches in right, too.
And how about that bullpen, issuing NO WALKS!
drewishdrewid - June 29, 2009
Marmol especially
8 pitches, 7 strikes. Just what the doctor ordered!
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
yup
the doctor order a heavy dose of Pirates baseball!!
TJ3117 - June 29, 2009
Marmol is definitely
starting to throw strikes. In his last two appearances, if he’s missed the strike zone, they’ve still been close.
stickdino - June 29, 2009
No walks, beautiful
Grockcubs - June 30, 2009
I'll give an answer a shot:
Al: “Where have these guys been the last week”
They have NOT been playing the PIRATES!
The E-Man - June 29, 2009
Hey, whatever works!
Al Yellon - June 29, 2009
Casey McGehee hit a grand slam for the Brewers tonight.
First of his career. He made a silly error off a lazy pop-up, and proceeded to come around in the bottom half of the inning and hit the tar off the ball to dead center @ Miller Park.
dtpollitt - June 29, 2009
yes, and living in Mets territory
I saw both plays. Made me think for a minute that he could’ve filled in admirably for Rammy, but then again had Fox been called up a month and a half ago he probably could’ve done just as well if not better than McGehee has been doing.
ambrosiadreams - June 29, 2009
That is true
But I do wish we had McGhee back, because Fox isn’t a middle infielder.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
I'm certainly
not going to be pining for Casey McGehee, thanks.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 29, 2009
Who said I was pining?
I just said it would be nice to have him back, after all, he is on the 2009 pocket schedule.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
The next DeRosa!
Shanghai Badger - June 29, 2009
Who do you suppose the Cubs could trade
to get McGehee back, anyway???
Not Bruce Froemming - June 29, 2009
Z, of course.
drewishdrewid - June 29, 2009
Get 'er done, Jim
Z likes pitching at MIller Park, anyway …
Not Bruce Froemming - June 29, 2009
And Soriano and Bradley
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
what the hey
throw in Soto.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Especially if he's got a few bags . . .
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
all the better!
Think of how big Prince will get when he has a whole nother set of munchies.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
The consequences could be disasterous!
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
I definitely don't think Hendry should try to get him back...
…but it appears to have been an unfortunate decision to let him go. He could have taken over third base seamlessly after Aramis went down and spared the team a lot of confusion. And if he’d given the Cubs this much production, well, they may not be looking up at the Brewers right now.
daver - June 30, 2009
which you know
is a condition devoutly to be wished. to not. be. looking up.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Not unless a safe or anvil is headed your way.
daver - June 30, 2009
not even then
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
Ha! Good satire
This was a joke post, right?
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
I overstated things a bit by implying McGehee alone could've put the Cubs in first place.
However, I do believe Hendry made a mistake by letting Casey go. This team went into the season with next to no depth at the third base position, and McGehee could have provided that. And I would say Casey’s .964 OPS (in 125 PAs) speaks for itself.
daver - June 30, 2009
as I've said before
Miles was supposed to be “that Guy.”
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Yes
I’m not going to lash Hendry for taking a pass on Casey F. McGehee. Boy, if only all GMs could do their jobs in hindsight, everybody would go 162-0.
And yes, you overstated things by a lot more than just “a bit.”
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
It's not about hindsight.
It’s about foresight – there was no one standing behind Aramis Ramirez at third base. I don’t think it was necessarily within Hendry’s power to predict the way McGehee has broken out. No one saw that coming.
But I don’t see what it could have hurt to keep him in the Cubs organization until they identified another player clearly capable of backing up third base – and, no, Corey Koskie doesn’t count.
daver - June 30, 2009
Whatever
Based on Ramirez’s history, he figured Fontenot or Miles could handle 3B for the 10-20 games Ramirez typically misses in a season. Nobody — and I mean nobody — could have foreseen a scenario in which he would miss two months.
Maybe Cubs fans have found a replacement for all their DeRo angst.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
No one could have foreseen a scenario...
…. in which a starting player gets seriously injured?! After losing Nomar in ’05? After losing DLee in ’06? After losing Soriano twice last season?! After Kerry Wood and Mark Prior?! You construct a roster with depth because any player can get seriously hurt at any time.
C’mon, NBR, you’re still stuck on the individual instead of the issue. This isn’t about Mark DeRosa or Casey McGehee. It’s about risk management – poor risk management.
daver - June 30, 2009
I stand by what I said
Nobody could have foreseen Ramirez being out of the lineup for two months. Find me a team that has a backup at every position that’s equal to the starter, and I’ll give you $1,000 fictional dollars.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
I don't think he was saying equal to the starter
I think he was saying competent to play the position.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Ah, but I never said that, did I?
I never said the Cubs should have a backup who’s equal to the starter. But they needed to have a reasonable backup at every position. Micah Hoffpauir at 1B? Reasonable. Koyie Hill at C? Reasonable. Joey Gathright as 5th OF? More reasonable than some might say. Aaron Miles at 2B? OK, probably not reasonable, but it’s the thought that counts.
There was no one to backup the SS and 3B positions coming out of spring training. No one. That was the problem. Casey McGehee would have been a reasonable 3B backup to keep stashed at Iowa. Grooming Jake Fox for the job would’ve been reasonable as well – especially after Corey Koskie vanished and ultra-especially after Aramis went down.
daver - June 30, 2009
That's a great point. The capable backup doesn't need to be on the MLB
roster, but the contingency plan needs to be in place.
N Oakley - June 30, 2009
Yeah, just like...
…it was great to have Andy White in Iowa in case Theriot got hurt. Of course, Blanco came up anyway.
daver - June 30, 2009
The backup was in place
His name is Mike Fontenot. And Miles was supposed to play 2B in that case.
Not Hendry’s fault Miles is hitting 100 points below his average the past two years.
Wagging your finger at Hendry for not keeping Casey McGehee is laughable. Wag it at him for giving Miles a two-year deal all you want.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
Oh, I'm wagging because of that, too.
But Fontenot was not a reasonable replacement. He’d never played 3B at the major league level and had barely played there in the minors. Plus, y’know, he was essentially the starting second baseman. McGehee’s natural position was third base.
daver - June 30, 2009
Yeah, I don't think Fonty was actually the backup
Sadly, I think they thought Miles was.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
I seem to recall...
…Lou or Hendry saying something to this effect – that Miles would see time at 2B, SS and 3B. Again, that just seems like a drastic overvaluing of his skill-set.
daver - June 30, 2009
I think they looked at last year's stats
“Oh, he played there.”
I’m only being kind of facetious . . . it seems like there was no real scouting done at all. He was available and they jumped on the chance.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
dood
EVERYTHING has eben a drastic overvaluing of his skill set. You can trace every infield problem back to Miles not being the player Lou & Jim expected him to be.
Fonty at third? Because Miles can’t do it.
Riot plays almost every game at short? Because Miles can’t do it.
No RISP for Sori to K with? Miles can’t hit.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Fontenot, with his 85 major league at-bats against LHP
That was a pretty big gamble to assume that he could hit LHP like he hits RHP no matter the position. I guess Miles was the insurance option, but hindsight is 20/20.
dr stabbingworth - June 30, 2009
Well, I think the position did matter...
…or at least it may have. Leave Fontenot at his natural position, where he excels defensively, and maybe his bat is more consistent. And if it’s not, use a league average guy like Bobby Scales to take ABs vs. LHP. But don’t give Aaron Miles a two-year deal.
daver - June 30, 2009
I won't defend Hendry on the length of Miles' deal
but I will defend him for signing him.
And I will defend Hendry for waving bye-bye to McGehee.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
Alright, well...
…gambling on Aramis’ well-being to the extent he did was far too rich for my blood. And I don’t think Aaron Miles – on any type of contract – could have given the Cubs anything that Bobby Scales couldn’t have.
daver - June 30, 2009
If Hendry honestly thought Aaron Miles could play third base...
…well, then I really have to question his presence of mind. Maybe he was distracted by the Peavy deal.
daver - June 30, 2009
Maybe after getting Roberts, Fontenot was destined to play 3rd...
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
I don't have a problem with them letting McGehee go.
What I have a problem with was the Cubs not playing Jake Fox at third base immediately after Aramis went down (at least in Iowa).
His .946 OPS (in 56 PAs) would have helped a lot in the first month after Aramis went down.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Well, yeah...
…if they’d let McGehee go and turned to Jake Fox and said, “Alright, damnit, you’re playing third base come hell or highwater,” I wouldn’t have a problem with releasing McGehee. It just seems like the Cubs figured the third base thing would work itself out, and I guess it has – but the team has suffered.
daver - June 30, 2009
Agreed.
While you can’t necessarily plan for a two-month injury (insert Milton Bradley pun here), the Cubs left themselves extremely vulnerable at third base.
And with a guy killing the ball at Triple-A begging to play third, why it wasn’t done in the aftermath of the injury continues to boggle my mind. That’s why the Cubs have roving instructors – send the Infield Instructor to Iowa on May 9 (Day 1: Post-Ramirez) and have him teach Fox third base, instead of relying on Trammell to do so at the Major League level.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Yes
b/c craptastic middle infielders are the thing we’re missing most.
Allie - June 29, 2009
Yes
This craptastic infielder would be leading our team in ops if he was on it.
wrigleyrocker12 - June 29, 2009
Good thing he's playing third base then.
daver - June 30, 2009
Case of the bobblehead
My Harden bobblehead I got in the mail was damaged and had to be on DL. He had 2 bad starts.
I fixed it and he dominated tonight. Coincidence??
ak123 - June 29, 2009
Not at all.
Encase that thing in bubblewrap and store in a cool, dry place.
daver - June 30, 2009
My Kip Wells Bobblehead has been
In the freezer since he signed with the Cardinals for the 2007 season. He has never been any good since.
Doggie Stalker - June 29, 2009
I left my Prior, Dusty, Woody & Sammy mini bobbleheads in the freezer when I moved out of downtown...
I wonder if they are still there?
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
why are people freezing their bobbleheads?
is this something common?
Glacier - June 29, 2009
The moral of this story is.......
bobbleheads are silly, STOP BUYING THEM!!!
cowsarecool220 - June 29, 2009
Never bought one in my life. Mine were a gift from a good friend...
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
They must give them away at every Milwaukee home game,
my cousin-in-law has a closet full of ’em.
Blue W - June 29, 2009
I've been to one game at Miller Park
and they gave away Pete Vuckovich bobbleheads. I was cursed at by some mildly intoxicated 20-something fan because I wouldn’t give mine to him. I had on a Cubs jacket, which probably outraged him even more….. and they were playing the Astros.
stickdino - June 29, 2009
Like I would BUY a Kip Wells Bobblehead ????
Got it in Pittsburgh in 03. Going back through the airport in the morning I got selected for the extra security check and the guy laughed when he was going through my stuff and said " You are wearing a Cubs hat but you have a Kip Wells bobblehead ?"
Sorry Kip I never would have killed your career and put you in the freezer if you had not signed with the Cardinals.
Doggie Stalker - June 29, 2009
My Prior bobblehead
is on the DL
CyberCyclist - June 29, 2009
That's how it was packaged.
Blue W - June 29, 2009
for some reason,
I keep finding it in my linen closet. weird.
CyberCyclist - June 29, 2009
Ha!
Allie - June 29, 2009
It didn't come with the official towel drill® towel?
you got gypped my friend.
Blue W - June 29, 2009
Has it lost weight...
…since you’ve had it.
MPH73 - June 29, 2009
it repeatedly falls over from its shrunken calves
TC Cubby - June 30, 2009
Do you have a
Pujols bobblehead? If so freeze it too.
LT - June 29, 2009
I think you might be confusing a bobblehead
with a voo doo doll.
cowsarecool220 - June 29, 2009
maybe if you get
a braun, pujols, and fielder bobblehead and give them the same treatment. i’m just sayin’.
tim815 - June 29, 2009
You can leave that thing right where it is.
daver - June 30, 2009
On the good news front...
Rami scheduled to begin rehab assignment this Thursday! Boo-yah.
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
how many games is he going to play
jesus christos - June 29, 2009
Haven't heard that yet... I'm guessing at least a week's worth.
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
4-5
is what I saw.
drewishdrewid - June 29, 2009
sounds right.
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
Saweet
I’m going to the July 10 game against the Cards. Looks like maybe he’ll be back.
tomas21 - June 29, 2009
If that's the case
There’s a good chance he’ll be back during the Braves series next week.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 29, 2009
That's good news
even if I am kind of bummed. It sounds like I’m going to just miss him for the Brewer series this weekend.
Blue W - June 29, 2009
If he goes on a rehab assignment Thursday...
… and plays 4-5 games, the most likely day for return would be Friday, July 10 vs. the Cardinals.
Al Yellon - June 30, 2009
do we know where?
heine41 - June 30, 2009
Possibly with the Chiefs
They’re at Kane County through Friday.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
Damnit
Right team, wrong locale
heine41 - June 30, 2009
boy
if he goes to Kane County, it’s gonna be a mad-house.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Any clue where he'll do his rehab?
It’d be great if we get him in Peoria… maybe he and Josh Vitters can have a chat, and he can remind Josh how to hit home runs…
lswaidz - June 29, 2009
I'm guessing no Peoria. Although that would be great for P-town.
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
I would assume not
although I wouldn’t mind it. Just a stone’s throw for me.
Blue W - June 29, 2009
I'm just glad I'll get to see him when they come out to play the Dodgers...
My first trip to Chavez Ravine.
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
Never been that far west
the renovations look great on tv.
Blue W - June 29, 2009
Chiefs are out of town
until July 4. Although they are at Kane County before that, so it’s possible the Cubs will have him play for Peoria over there, since it’s so close.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 29, 2009
The Chiefs play at Kane County...
… Thursday & Friday. Then they are home for a week. That probably makes the most sense.
Al Yellon - June 30, 2009
Harden's First Win Since May 12....
that’s sad
In Piniella We Trustiella - June 29, 2009
seems like...
the first normal win for the cubs since than too.
TJ3117 - June 29, 2009
Yep.
Tonight was very much like 2008.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - June 29, 2009
Gregg is finally starting to look like the guy we THOUGHT we signed...
lswaidz - June 29, 2009
i bet the warmer weather is helping his knee
its hard to get loose in the cold, esp after surgery.
Allie - June 29, 2009
He was always that guy...
Jimmyeatworld - June 29, 2009
yep.
drewishdrewid - June 29, 2009
Oh and it's also good to see the Cubbies wore blue in memory of Billy Mays :-)
lswaidz - June 29, 2009
So good to see Rich Harden get back to his old self.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - June 29, 2009
Lilly vs. Ohlendorf tomorrow.
I like our chances. Hopefully we can get hot before the ASB.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - June 29, 2009
Funny how a win
make me feel so much better. :D
sue369 - June 29, 2009
MAYBE JUST MAYBE....
This is the series that turns the team around . It’s a W and we will take it…Go Cubs ..
cubs north - June 29, 2009
people said that when the cubs swept cleveland
jesus christos - June 29, 2009
well
people say that this is next year every year. I dunno why we can’t hope that this series is the series where they turn it around.
If they can split with the Suds and Cards on this trip, I’ll be happy. If they actually gain ground before the all-star break, I’ll be ecstatic.
drewishdrewid - June 29, 2009
Same here.
Hopefully ARam will be back in time for the STL series.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - June 29, 2009
no problem with laying on the hope here. maybe this IS the series that turns it around.
what amuses me though are the folks that say “this is the series” or “this is the year” or “I call home run” and they do this series/year/batter after series/year/batter. Then when it actually happens, they go running through the streets of BCB-land “I called it, I called it, I called it…”
crack me up…
ballhawk - June 29, 2009
They deserve credit
for their persistence, not for their prognostication capabilities.
vonde6 - June 30, 2009
Yeah, playing and beating the Pirates
is going to turn this team and season around. They’re the eternal NL central ragdoll everyone abuses.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Well, all I heard last week was how close they were to the Cubs
And if you DON’T beat the Pirates, then everybody’s bitching about that, too. “You lost to the Pirates? What the hell’s the matter with you?”
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
With the Cubs record
There is no team that they can take for granted. Time for a little humility.
vonde6 - June 30, 2009
It's just 1 game vs Pitt
not a playoff clinching win. We still only had 7 hits and were 1-9 RISP. Marmol looked under control and didn’t overthrow anything. Gregg did a nice job. But Soriano is still brutal against LHP. Let’s see how we finish the games before the break to make suggestions that this game may well turn the season around.
tharr - June 29, 2009
Talk about a wet blanket...
:)
CubsWin!Oregon - June 29, 2009
who peed in your cheerios :)
heine41 - June 30, 2009
I know this probably has been said already
Why does Bradley have to yap or hand gesture everytime he gets a hit or an RBI? Just shut the **** up and go about your business like you’ve done it before. I knew this guy was a headcase, but come on already!
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Amen, brother!
Itchy - June 30, 2009
In the not to distant future...
…standard uniform issue will include the over-sized “Number 1” hand. They will fold into their back pockets and when a player does anything of note, e.g., walks out to his position between innings, they will reach for the hand and thrust it towards the crowd. Of course, the hands will be plastered with sponsor ads, so it will cheapen the moments.
DudeVf11 - June 30, 2009
Why do people make complaints like this about a player's behavior? If it's nothing
obscene, then what difference does it make to you? You sound like some stuffy old guy that wants players to act the way they did back in his day. Player today are different and they behave different. At first it was complaints that he wasn’t hitting, now the complaints are that you don’t like the way he behaves when he gets a hit hit or an RBI. If you don’t like it, don’t watch him. Problem solved.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 30, 2009
not really a big deal
other than Milton says he wants to do his job and not be noticed….which is it??
taunting back to the other teams/crowd is probably going to get you noticed.
cozmotaylor123 - June 30, 2009
Sound like nitpicking to me. We have bigger fish to fry here.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 30, 2009
Bigger fish to fry
This team’s mental capacity is the size of a walnut. Bradley yapping everytime he gets a hit is like a salesman/woman saying “in your face” to his competitor everytime he closes a deal. Let’s all give the man an applause for his 17th freakin’ RBI of the season. He should definitely write a book or something and tell the public/fans just how he accomplished this feat.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Funny, I don't see a lot of people complaining about this trivial crap. The Cubs have a
lot of issues to address and this is not one of them. Many players signal to other teamates in the dugout when they get a hit or an rbi and I don’t see you complaining about that. Perhaps you just have a complaint with Milton. If that is the case, don’t dress it up in a garbage post like you did. And for the record, the gesture has absolutely nothing to do with saying “in your face” to a competitor. He was asked about this weeks ago and he said he was acknowledging teamates for giving assistance from their times at bat.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 30, 2009
It wasn't directed toward his teammates
That’s wishful thinking cause he has a history of being distracted by fans’ taunts all throughout his career. What player(s) do you know that gestures “keep on talking” to their teammates in a very hostile manner? It’s a huge issue when he’s not producing runs; if and when he turns it around I’ll be the first to ignore his antics, but until then he’s gluton for the punishment. Tell me, what’s so garbage about a post that’s critical of the Cubs’ biggest issue this year?
propheteer - June 30, 2009
because of course
your opinion of gestures made in a game you see on the television is more correct then the man talking about the gestures he made himself. o.0
The Cub’s biggest issue this year is lack of offense, not the gestures a player makes when they get a good hit.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
No, his history tells me.
It has nothing to do with the angle or shot of the camera. He also did the same darn thing to Cub fans at his first home game. Which leads me to believe it was directed towards either Cub fans (most likely), or Pirate fans. All this guy is leading the league in is getting injured and feeling sorry for himself.
$294,117.65 for every RBI so far, that’s the Cubs problem.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Your last sentence stated eloquently what the Cubs problem with Milton is. Not
guestures made towards fans, opponents or teamates.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 30, 2009
Lose
What don’t you understand about this statement? I could care less what Milton is doing, with the exceptions of getting injured or suspended, if he had 40-50 RBIs by now.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
you just proved his point.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
I'll spell it out for you
All I care about is his run-production. When he’s not producing he looks like a crybaby, selfish, non-professional idiot with his rediculous antics. An organization will “put up” with his kind of behavior when he’s an asset for the team; he’s currently not an asset, but a detriment. Is it possible for you to read between the lines?
propheteer - June 30, 2009
except you also seem to care
about his gestures. Perhaps also his aftershave and his underwear.
If all you care about his run production, then yesterday should make you happy, because he hit the ball well three times, and got an RBI.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
=selfish player, not a team player.
When he’s gesturing towards fans, then yes I care cause it takes away from the game, his teammates, and his team. In words easier to understand, it affects his play. Please don’t tell me you can dispute his horrific numbers? A AAA minor leaguer could do better he’s doing right now….oh wait his name is Jake Fox!
propheteer - June 30, 2009
You can't prove any of this, especially any effects it may have on his play or the team's play
You seem to be projecting what you want to think about Bradley. If you dislike the guy, then fine. Just don’t pretend it’s because he waggles his hands after a base hit.
If another player says he selfish, then I’ll believe it. But from what I’ve seen, he’s an intensely competitive player who wants to succeed and gets intensely frustrated when he doesn’t.
I don’t even understand where you get the protecting his “delicate image” stuff.
dr stabbingworth - June 30, 2009
Media
Hey, when the Cubs signed him I wanted him to succeed, and I still believe he can. I understand he’s fiery and ultra-competitive, but the proof is in the pudding. How many times have we seen him go to the media and say I’m misunderstood, or talk about himself but not the team? It leads me to believe that he is more interested in proving people wrong, more than helping his team win. Tell me, why didn’t he just accept the suspension earlier in the year? It’s because he thought the umps and league did him wrong. It had nothing to do with the team, and he could’ve sat out while nursing one of his many injuries. You apologists need to take off your Cub-colored glasses and get some perspective.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Delicate image
You would agree that his persona is kind of delicate, right? Another word for it is insecure. Make sense?
propheteer - June 30, 2009
what?
first of all, you realze that reporters and editors decide what is printed, not the interviewee.
Secondly, he talks about the team all the time — mostly about how he’s down on himself for letting them down.
He didn’t accept the suspension earlier in the year because:
1) He was right
2) The Players Assoc. default is to appeal
3) HE WAS RIGHT
4) He was supported by his manager
5) HE WAS FREAKING RIGHT.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
He was right
but again he showed why he’ll always put himself before the team. That’s nine, count them nine teams! I’m sure you can point to what went wrong all nine times while apologizing for MB.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
he’s been traded twice. His other moves have been as a free agent. And exactly how did it hurt the team? He missed a single game.
You have continued to fail to prove your point.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
how does it affect his play? Please use facts to support your argument.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
It's not quantifiable
but when he’s 271 points below his OPS and 83 points less than his average from last year it certainly makes you wonder. It’s definitely not his physical ability I’ll tell you that much.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
once again — how does it affect his play?
Use facts.
If it is unquantifiable, then you cannot quantify it — and therefore, you cannot make statments like “It’s definitely not his physical ability I’ll tell you that much.” At least, not without looking like someone who is attempting to promote opinion as fact.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Two aspects of any sport
Physical and mental. Which one does Bradley have down pat? The physical side of the game hands down. What do most rational people say about hitting or pitching a baseball? It’s 90% mental. Once again, I go back to all the mental mistakes this year. Oops…I threw the ball into the stands and there wasn’t three outs. Oops…I forgot to think about the possibility that the outfielder might catch this ball and force me out. Oops…I forgot I would be suspended if I make contact with the ump (right or wrong it doesn’t matter, rules are rules). Oops…I put my own motives ahead of the team’s when I didn’t just accept my suspension when I was hurt and couldn’t play anyway.
Please…offer some more excuses for a player who can’t think of anymore to cover his ass.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Facts you say
Where are the facts that promote defending a guy who can’t find anyone to defend his actions?
propheteer - June 30, 2009
So being a smartass means you're selfish?
Really?
Awesome. I’ll have to keep that in mind.
Allie - June 30, 2009
That's pretty selfish of you
N Oakley - June 30, 2009
Couldn't have missed my point more entirely
Nothing to do with being a smartass, and everything to do with selfishness. Please read the gazillion posts above and below. I’m officially done!
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Yes it does to me
He was being silly doing the “talking” hand gesture.
All the weeks of talk about having some fire and fun… and MB starts to show that side and someone flies off the handle saying he should just “shut up and play”.
I don’t understand.
Allie - June 30, 2009
I interpreted it a different way
I don’t believe for one second it was directed to the dugout. If someone is having fun with teammates don’t you think a smirk would form on his face instead of a scowl?
propheteer - June 30, 2009
You're basing all this on his facial expression?
Wow.
daver - June 30, 2009
I love how you people
take one, tiny part of my post and twist it beyond belief.
“A tiger never changes his stripes”
I’m not the only that believes his antics are rediculous. This is from our own AL.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
You people?!
daver - July 1, 2009
Ah, the funny race card!
propheteer - July 1, 2009
Are you sure he was gesturing at his teammates?
And, if so, do you really think he was doing it in “a very hostile manner”? I saw the first few innings of the game on TV and heard a lot of heckling, which echoed nicely in the half-empty ballpark. I figured Milton was gesturing at the heckler(s).
And I, too, would disagree that Milton’s rather dramatic approach to the game is a huge issue. His lack of offensive production is what matters.
daver - June 30, 2009
I don't think it's at the other team
it’s a way to connect with the players in the dugout.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Exactly
He’s doing it all for the wrong reasons, and putting himself above the team.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Um no
Just like Geo/RJ point at the dugout are “putting themselves” above the team? By being silly? Playing with their teammates?
He makes himself laugh and no one sucker punched him later… I think his teammates were okay with it.
Allie - June 30, 2009
Where's the proof?
That he was directing it towards the dugout. He did the same exact thing directly toward Cub fans when he hit his first HR of the year at Wrigley. Basically, telling us to shut up by gesturing with his hand up and down like a person’s mouth. It’s way different to point to the sky or to the dugout acknowledging teammates.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Wheres the proof he was taunting fans?
Isn’t it just as likely is something funny and innocuous?
Or does that just not jive w/ your image of MB so it doesn’t count?
Allie - June 30, 2009
I gave you proof
He made the same exact gesture at Wrigley as he was walking back to the dugout. He was indisputably facing the fans and gesturing towards the stands after being berated for his play on the first road trip. Also, if a player is motioning towards his teammates, the said person usually has a smile or is smirking cause it’s funny. Last night he had a look of disdain on his face while using his fingers and thumb to mimic fan chatter.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
I didn't see it
But whatever.
MB is obviously a horrible guy who taunts little children in the stands. There could never possibly be another explanation for what he does.
Lets just assume the worst about everyone!
Allie - June 30, 2009
Agreed
It’s good to see a little exuberance. It is good to have a reason for some.
vonde6 - June 30, 2009
Totally agree.
As long as they aren’t punching babies in the stands, players can act however they want to act. It’s all just static. The results are what matter – and, last night, Milton had pretty good results.
daver - June 30, 2009
So you're also upset with Theriot, Fontenot, Geo, Lee, etc?
Because they all do (or did last year) that finger waggle thing after base hits.
dr stabbingworth - June 30, 2009
Depends on the context of it
Don’t get me wrong I like a little emotion from players, but only when it benefits the team. Bradley seems to be directing it towards Cub fans and the opposing team’s fans. Thus, he’s doing it all for himself and his delicate image.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
which is a statement
you make with no support.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Huh?
Soto, Fonty, Lee, and the Riot were all producing last year. That’s why it’s fine to talk/gesture a little when a player is producing, not good when you have 17 RBIs, 5 HRs, and an OPS barely over .700 in 59 games. How’s that for support?
propheteer - June 30, 2009
the lack of support
is for the comment of whom he is directing it towards.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
That's why I responded to his comment which was directed towards me.
Did you fail English comprehension in school?
propheteer - June 30, 2009
wow
reading fail. It’s ok. There are programs.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Certainly on your part
propheteer - June 30, 2009
no
not really.
You keep making a supposition with nothing to back it up.
Which is, of course, not new.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Please see all those numbers you missed 6 posts up.
Those are all anyone needs to see/read/ or hear when talking about how pathetic Bradley has been this year.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
no one denies
that he’s not playing as well as we expected or wanted.
Prove that it’s related to hand-gestures. Prove that you can make that connection by watching through a TV screen.
Go on. Use facts and citations. Back up your statements with verifiable content.
I’ll wait.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
I don't need to
His hand gesture at a home game this year after hitting his first HR and last night’s were identical. The first time it was directed to the fans, which leads me to believe it had nothing to do with fraternizing with teammates. My original argument is that he needs to worry about his performance and not the fan’s or media’s perception of him. It’s always been his problem, why can’t anyone here understand that? He has a pattern of behavior that even the most inexperienced of all therapists would say is holding him back in his career. Everyone would agree that he has all the physical talent in the world, but for some reason he can’t really break out or play consistently. Hmm…I wonder what his problem is? Maybe it’s because he can’t get a grip of his emotions and always lashes out no matter the consequences.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
I never said it had anything to do with his hand gestures
I mentioned he needed to concentrate on the game only, and not worry about what’s out of his control. Please see my original post:
See, absolutely no correlation between his hand gestures and his lousy numbers. I was insinuating that he’s trying too hard to justify/fulfill his contract or worth to the team.
Trying too hard and worrying about things out of one’s control= certain failure.
propheteer - June 30, 2009
I'm done
propheteer - June 30, 2009
Hey, uh, thanks again for McGehee.
He had a bad, no, really terrible error last night that allowed 2 runs, but then hit a grand slam to put the game out of reach. McGehee has really taken the sting out of Bill Hall sucking and allowed Counsell to fill in for Weeks instead of spending most of his time over at 3rd. I’m assuming he won’t maintain that .400 OBP and .956 OPS over the long haul, but he’s a major reason we’ve been able to hang with the Cardinals despite our sub-par starting pitching.
Fair is fair though. We’ve floundered just enough the last month (Cards too) to keep from burying you while ARam is out. Should be a fun second half…
Ted Simmons Speed Camp - June 30, 2009
Raise your hand if you expected McGehee to do anything like this.
Or even make the 25-man roster.
Al Yellon - June 30, 2009
I can raise my hand on the second statement.
But not the first.
He’s only gotten 110 AB, so he may be in line for a correction (i.e., a slump).
Ted Simmons Speed Camp - June 30, 2009
Al, Carlos Marmol hit a batter among his four outs in that "uneventful" game in Detroit.
Fortunately, the other three outs were strikeouts. My wife and I were sitting behind home plate and Carlos plunked the Tiger batter solidly on the left hip, drawing an “ugh” from the hitter and an “ooooh” from the crowd…
Zeke - June 30, 2009
Has to suck facing a guy like Marmol when you know how hard he throws and how wild he is
dr stabbingworth - June 30, 2009
Well, the Cubs were just as skiddish facing Zumaya
and his pitches SOUNDED every bit as fast as the 101-104mph they were posting on the scoreboard- 10 mph faster that Marmol.
Zeke - June 30, 2009
Forgot about the HBP
and I was sitting right behind home plate, too. Good seats, no? Those must be the “cheapest” good seats in MLB.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
We had upgraded from our seats in section 116. $77 per ticket less the $39 already paid.
Not bad at all…
Zeke - June 30, 2009
I wouldn't call the Bucs any names until
after the Cubs finish the season with an .800 winning pct against them.
Until then…they won last night; nice, now let’s win again tonight.
Not to be too cliche’ like here, but one game at a time. Just win the next game.
blackhawk24 - June 30, 2009
After this last month, one game at a time is no
cliche.
N Oakley - June 30, 2009
Bucs had Cubs disease last night
No clutch hitting with RISP.
dr stabbingworth - June 30, 2009
The Cubs did too
1-9 with RISP. Just don’t notice it since they won.
Archie - June 30, 2009
Hmmm...
So he was nearly unhittable except for the nine hits he gave up? To the Pirates? I didn’t see the game but seeing that number in the box score kind of worried me.
jasoniniowa - June 30, 2009
I thought he looked really good through the first 4...
after that he seemed to be working out of trouble the rest of the night.
Blue W - June 30, 2009
Yeah, that was an incongruous pair of statements...
The better way of saying it was that he wasn’t getting hit too hard. But the Pirates did hit .300 against Harden last night.
SouthernCub - June 30, 2009
Agreed on the disconnect
Al was obviously a little giddy with the win.
vonde6 - June 30, 2009
Uh, well he did say "nearly."
Seriously, a lot of those hits were gifts from the BABIP Godz.
daver - June 30, 2009
They are calling for a chance of t storms tonight in pitts
If this game gets PPD, will they play a Double Header tomorrow or wait till Sept?
Bricks and Ivy - June 30, 2009
We must be trying for the all time record on PPD games this year.
Damn you, Tom Skilling!!
…Wait, does he control Pittsburgh’s weather too?
Blue W - June 30, 2009
He controls ALL weather!
Quick, somebody hand me a puppy. I’m sorry, folks, but his Skilling’s bloodthirst is unquenchable!
daver - June 30, 2009
you think
a puppy is gonna be enough?
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Maybe not.
We might have throw in a kitten, possibly a couple baby chicks – he goes through those like popcorn.
daver - June 30, 2009
he said he wants to sacrifice a live chicken.
(aw crap, now I’ve gone and broken one of Worf’s 10 things that are killing the Cubs. My bad.)
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Speaking of Tom Skilling...
Here’s an instant video classic from February, 2008 – shortly after Zell took over the Tribune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgiZvE7iWhI
You probably have to be somewhat familiar with WGN and the morning news team to truly appreciate it, but I showed it to my non-Chicago family and they busted a gut. Good stuff.
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
I bet he uses that sprinkle-on nacho cheese.
Delicious, but Evil
Blue W - June 30, 2009
Whoa, Now he's disrupting my ability to use the "reply" feature...
His power knows no limit!
Save yourselves!!
Blue W - June 30, 2009
I can't help but read that and think that he must sound a lot like gilbert gottfried.
Blue W - June 30, 2009
By the way, looks like the Pirates roster may be a little different before today's game
Aside from the Hinske deal (OF Garrett Jones was called up from Indianapolis), Nyjer Morgan and LHP Sean Burnett may be sent to Washington for Lastings Milledge and Joel Hanrahan.
So, the Pirates may be playing shorthanded tonight. Something to watch for.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
wow
they’re in sale mode.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Why would they want Milledge?
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Why would they want Joel Hanrahan?
He is a train wreck.
Wad - June 30, 2009
Milledge has more talent than Morgan
Maybe they think they can get his head screwed on straight.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
That's the thing, though
Everyone thinks, “We can fix this guy” . . . and then they find out they can’t.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Agreed.
I won’t complain if Pittsburgh wants to weaken themselves by doing this.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Why would the Nats want Morgan?
Who knows what lunacy lurks in the minds of GMs…
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
But...but...
…why would they trade Nyjer Morgan? Why he’s the Juan Pierre of the future!
daver - June 30, 2009
Plus, if Morgan gets traded
then Jeff Salazar gets called up to take his spot. Get excited, Buccos fans.
I should know more when I head over to Victory Field for tonight’s Indianapolis Indians game in an hour or two.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Maybe Freddy Sanchez
will end up in a Cubs uniform by mistake somehow tonight and leave town with him before anybody notices.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
Santo Francesco?
he could replace that other saint who played here…
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
With all these saints playing for the Cubs,
You would figure they would have won a World Series by now, no?
Not Bruce Froemming - June 30, 2009
Nice guys don't always win championships.
That’s why Santo Marco was shown the door for Milton.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Santo Ronaldo never won one
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
indeed.
Perhaps the Cubs are trying the Four Horsemen approach – D-Lee, Milty, Lilly and Scrappy.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
And if that doesn't work
They can sign you, me, ballhawk and daver for the Four Seasonings approach.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
At this point, whatever works.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
I made a real nice play at third base last night
Of course, it was 12" softball….
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
When not at second base
I can coach the hell out of the third-base coaches box.
We’re on our way, I tell ya…
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Ah, dumping Garfunkel, I see
Taking our time, but don’t know where?
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
if we play well enough
we was [would] all [be] on the cover of Newsweek.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Does this mean they'd also have to acquire
Jorge Julio?
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
nope.
but Julio Franco could be a hitting coach/emergency first baseman.
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
YES! Then I'd no longer be the oldest player on the team... ;-)
ballhawk - June 30, 2009
If one of us was on second base and another got a hit
The first one would be Homeward Bound.
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Whoever emerged as the leader among us could claim
“I Am A Rock”
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
If we struggled, instead of boos, we'd hear
The Sound Of Silence
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
If we got the team through rough times, we'd be
Like A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
of course, after every tough postseason we can sing
April Come She Will
Bill Potter - June 30, 2009
Cubs just called up Spellcheck, and sent down Ascanio.
SackMan - June 30, 2009
Oh... link
Cubs to call up Samardzija
SackMan - June 30, 2009
In Ron Santo voice...
Geez! What is goin’ on?!
daver - June 30, 2009
well
Samardzija has been starting at Iowa, and he’s done well, adding a more effective slider to his repertoire of a fastball and a split-finger pitch.
If this is true, then ok. Let’s see what he’s got. I really wish Guzman could come back from the DL faster, tho.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
if Shark can do what he did last year
… and Guzman can come back strong, our bullpen could improve substantially.
elgato - June 30, 2009
I hate this move
Leave Jeff at AAA and let him work on getting better.
And Jose had done well… why is he going down?
Anyone got an update on Gooze?
Allie - June 30, 2009
No, but here's an update on gauze.
Who knew?
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Well... thats a random link
Even from you!
Allie - June 30, 2009
I am the Dorito Bandito!
daver - June 30, 2009
Folger's IS good cooking!
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
We've secretly replaced Shanghai's car with this Bagel
Good to the last drop.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Great
now I want a bagel.
I’m hungry.
Allie - June 30, 2009
Was it selfish?
;-)
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Course it was
All for your link stat whore ways and disrupting the team, dontcha know??
Allie - June 30, 2009
Still nowhere near 20k
>sigh<
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
You're closer than me.
Allie - June 30, 2009
How many did your previous incarnation have?
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
No idea...
10K? Maybe?
Allie - June 30, 2009
Well, then, we're at about the same count
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Maybe..
Technically… but she doesn’t exist anymore. So did her posts really happen?
Allie - June 30, 2009
we can search for them.
and get results.
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
True
but the you’d have to do a count of them by hand. I had her deleted. I have crazy powers!
::evil laugh::
Allie - June 30, 2009
Freaky
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
He has a NTC but may be they are showcasing him?
cubsnlinux - June 30, 2009
Peavy!
daver - June 30, 2009
Roberts!
cubsnlinux - June 30, 2009
McGehee!
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
DeRosa!! ...Oh! wait.
cubsnlinux - June 30, 2009
Edmonds!
Allie - June 30, 2009
Brock!
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
LEEEEEEEEROOOOOOOY JENKINS!
drewishdrewid - June 30, 2009
Kevin Millar!
cubsnlinux - June 30, 2009
Gabby Hartnett!
Blue W - June 30, 2009
Harry Steinfeldt!
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
Aubrey Huff!
cubsnlinux - June 30, 2009
Bless you!
N Oakley - June 30, 2009
lol
cubsnlinux - June 30, 2009
Steinfeldt? Who are these people?
daver - June 30, 2009
Cosmo!
Shanghai Badger - June 30, 2009
wtf
Jeff Stevens has to be pretty pissed right about now. Also, Ascanio seemed to be doing pretty good after a rocky start.
dr stabbingworth - June 30, 2009
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