NOTE FROM AL: Once again, the Cubs and Pirates played a swift game Wednesday night, so this recap was originally posted at 9:07 pm Wednesday ... I've moved it to the top of the front page this morning, for those who weren't online Tuesday night. (Again, that's why the "tonight" references.)
So this is all it took?
Benching Alfonso Soriano for a day and starting Sam Fuld in left field?
Fuld made the most of his chance, leading off the game with his first major league hit, a double (yes, Jessica, they saved him the ball and probably pulled the usual trick, where they scribble all over a fake ball and give that to him, then hold the real one for later). He also made two fine defensive plays, capped by his bullseye throw that caught Jack Wilson trying to score in the fifth inning.
And just to make it an all-Fuld night, he caught a fly ball for the final out of the Cubs' 4-1 win over the Pirates. Derrek Lee chimed in with his 12th homer of the year, and Kosuke Fukudome also went deep, his first homer since May 26. Fukudome also made a nice diving catch in center field tonight.
Is it too early to start beating the drums for Randy Wells for Rookie of the Year? Seriously, who else in the National League in his first season is doing what Wells is? (Colby Rasmus, maybe.) Wells has made 10 starts, thrown 63 innings, and if he had enough (it'd be 75 at this writing, equalling the number of games his team has played), he'd rank third in the NL with a 2.43 ERA. Wells won't appear among the league leaders, most likely, until after the All-Star break, but his seven strong innings today make him one of the most consistent starters in the league. He's had only one bad start among his ten.
All told, the Cubs put up five extra-base hits including a triple from Geovany Soto, only the third of his major league career. It was suggested in one of the comment threads not long ago that Soriano's travails the last two months might be because he is trying too hard to carry the team in Aramis Ramirez's absence.
There's something to this, I think. Soriano is an all-out kind of player -- all or nothing, as we have too often found out. If he thinks he has to carry the weight of two players, it's no wonder he hasn't been hitting. If this theory is correct, Soriano should take off on one of his hot streaks as soon as Ramirez returns to Chicago on Monday after his three-day rehab assignment this weekend (incidentally, anyone here who's going to the Kane County game on Friday, please take photos!).
I was out for a while tonight and was listening on the radio, and in between the usual "Gosh!" comments from Ron Santo, there was some cogent commentary from Pat Hughes about Fuld, who told the broadcast team that during his brief callup in 2007, he didn't feel comfortable because he hadn't been to major league spring training and didn't really know anyone on the team. This year, as a member of the 40-man roster who had some shot, at least, of making the club out of camp, he said he knew many of the current players -- and on the current team, there are five other players who spent significant time at Iowa this year and two others (Koyie Hill, Micah Hoffpauir) who spent much of last year there as a teammate of Fuld. Watching Fuld bat tonight, he looked completely different than that kid who endeared himself to Cubs fans with his crashing-the-wall catch that resulted in a double play on September 22, 2007 vs. the Pirates at Wrigley Field. It's one of those things you can't put a statistical measure on -- he looked more confident, as if he belonged on a major league field, whereas he didn't really look like that two years ago.
Me? I'd start him again tomorrow. Ride the hot hand. Lou likes doing that. And thanks for the show tonight, Lou -- that's his first ejection of the season, arguing a close call at first base where Wells almost beat out an infield grounder. (Replays were inconclusive to me, though Len & Bob thought he was safe.) Lou could sit Milton Bradley tomorrow and play Fuld in right field. (Thanks, Milton, for the pair of walks tonight, I guess -- though I thought we signed you to be a big bat in that cleanup spot. Glad you bumped up your OBA.)
In any case, the Cubs ended the road trip with a series win and crept back to within 3.5 games of first-place Milwaukee (two down in the loss column -- win three of four this weekend and they'd be tied in the loss column). Nice way to start a new month.
0 recs | 513 comments
I will even look forward to rolling back
the tape from FSN Pittsburgh tonight.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 1, 2009
Very Classy Title..
Giving Fuld some props. I was VERY, VERY, happy to see the 1-2 spots in the Cubs order get on base tonight. Whoever leads off and bats second, despite their name and contract, needs to do that for us. Two runs in the first says it all.
DisCUBbobulated - July 1, 2009
Now THIS game was fun
Let’s have more like tonight and no more like last night, OK?
ChipSet - July 1, 2009
I think i'm owed an apology!! :)
for being lambasted a week ago when I called for Sam Fuld to be promoted to the big club. He’s not Albert Pujols, but this energy and making things happen is exactly what I was talking about.
ambrosiadreams - July 1, 2009
Are you serious?
You don’t think he’s Albert Pujols?
lexmarklover - July 1, 2009
I don't think he's Albert Pujols.
jerry morales rules - July 2, 2009
I've never seen them together in the same place
He might be. It could just be a clever ruse!
chitownhawkeye - July 2, 2009
I probably scoffed...
…so I’ll give you some props. Fuld played as advertised tonight – high energy, good defense and – mea culpa – a fine choice in the leadoff spot. Of course, it was just one game – and these were dilipated Pittsburgh Pirates. But Fuld may turn out to be a good 5th OF/pinch runner.
daver - July 1, 2009
Sorry you are way late
I have been waiting since Sept of 07 for them to bring Fuld BACK.
Doggie Stalker - July 1, 2009
Yep - you've been flying the Fuld flag for a long time.
Last night was a big win for you, too!
daver - July 2, 2009
Sam Fuld From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chicago Cubs — No. 27
Outfielder
Born: November 20, 1981 (age 27)
Durham, New Hampshire
Bats: Left Throws: Left
MLB debut
September 5, 2007 for the Chicago Cubs
Samuel "Sam" Babson Fuld (born November 20, 1981, in Durham, New Hampshire) is a Jewish-American left-handed Major League Baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Fuld is the son of Kenneth Fuld (Chairman of the psychology department at the University of New Hampshire) and Amanda Merrill (New Hampshire State Senator), and got his start playing baseball when he and his grandmother played with wiffle balls.
zevkalman - July 1, 2009
I think his grandmother wrote this wiki...
..the grandmother that played wiffle ball with him. :)
adam316 - July 2, 2009
More good news...
…. Giants just tied up the Cardinals in the top of the 8th.
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
they did it in cubs fashion though. bases loaded no outs and only 1 run
jesus christos - July 1, 2009
Hey, a run is a run, right?
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
ofcourse
jesus christos - July 1, 2009
Soriano needs to be moved into the #5 or #6 hole - PERMANENTLY
Lou Piniella infuriates me greatest via his special treatment on Soriano.
BLou - July 1, 2009
How about to the bench for a few days?
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
Lou won't do that
Unfortunately. Lou embraces a different set of standards and roles for Soriano. I for the life of me don’t understand it. And despite my serious issues with Soriano, I’m not sure I understand WHY Lou feels so compelled to treat him with kid gloves. Seems to me that Soriano doesn’t need to be pampered or treated differently. He just wants to play baseball.
BLou - July 1, 2009
Well, if the theory you mentioned holds true...
…maybe Lou should leave Soriano on the bench until Aramis gets back. I kinda doubt he’d do it – Lou probably wants his “horses” for the Milwaukee series. But, I have to admit, it was nice to not see Soriano at the plate tonight.
daver - July 1, 2009
I expect
Sori will sit tomorrow. Get him his rest, get him back to Wrigley, and we’ll see what happens. Fuld is an able temporary fix.
drewishdrewid - July 1, 2009
Was anything more said about him talking his way into playing last night?
I’m just wondering if Lou regretting that decision lead to tonights night off. And considering the result, I hope it lasts for at least 1 more. More time for him to rest the knee (if it is truly injured), and hopefully light a little fire under him.
chitownhawkeye - July 1, 2009
Not buying the excuses on Soriano
I dont’ think it is a question of leg health nor do I think he needs a fire lit under him. I think his struggles rest entirely with the fact that he is and has forever been a guess hitting hack. But unlike years past he is caught in the deepest funk he has ever been in and hasn’t gone on any of those patented hot streaks. He is swinging at everything these days and has God-awful at bats. The one thing he needs to do is switch to a lighter bat instead of that telephone pole he uses. Soriano HAS to make accomdation to age. Otherwise he will very soon struggle to hit .200 in this league.
BLou - July 1, 2009
He said "guess hitting hack"
it makes me all warm inside.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - July 2, 2009
I think Sori would try to change things (lighter bat, better batting stance) but I just
don’t think he is a smart baseball player. I’m not dissing his passion or his athleticism, just his mental makeup.
zevkalman - July 2, 2009
Ahh, warm fuzzies from the good old days.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
Bingo
Time to make adjustments. A lighter bat is a good start and the easiest to do.
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
I agree.....
but Lou still needs to move him out of the lead off position
Clutche - July 2, 2009
Perhaps
it’s not Lou’s decision. Maybe Hendry promised it as a condition of signing here.
tomas21 - July 1, 2009
Can't possibly be.
If I was the manager, I’m out.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 1, 2009
Caption
I’m pretty sure that’s not the way to do the heimlich maneuver
chitownhawkeye - July 1, 2009
Who would have pegged wells as out best pitcher at the all star break?
10 starts with his numbers isn’t just luck, but it will be interesting to see how the league tries to adjust to him. I hope he’s a ROY candidate – that will mean the Cubs have ineherited an unexpected gift this year. If he keeps this up, is he a playoff starter over either Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, or Harden?
DisCUBbobulated - July 1, 2009
Oh geeze, relax.
We don’t need to be worrying about playoff starters from 4th place.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
winning playoff games is pretty much all I care about this year..
I am very interested to see if Wells can be a pitcher who adjusts to batters in big games.
DisCUBbobulated - July 1, 2009
I gotta agree with ARob here . . . let's get to .500 first
Then talk about 3rd place, then 2nd, etc.
Worrying about post-season rotations for a team in 4th with a losing record is kinda silly.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
or arrogant
vonde6 - July 2, 2009
That, too
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
Yes, Wells has been fantastic.
It will be an interesting test when he faces some teams for the 2nd time and sees the adjustments. I may be wrong, but I don’t think he has faced the same team twice yet?
DudeVf11 - July 2, 2009
you are correct
He will face the Atlanta for the 2nd time in his next start.
desmoCubbie - July 2, 2009
the Atlanta Braves*
desmoCubbie - July 2, 2009
Al, are you kidding?
So you’re upset with his 2 walks tonight? Let me help you with something here. With those 2 walks, Bradley’s WPA tonight was .017. You know who that’s better than? Well I’ll give you a list:
Soto
Fox
Theriot
Hoffpauir
Blanco
So complain about them. You don’t need to take a cheap shot at a guy who actually contributed to the win tonight.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
Two walks is good. And Bradley has been hitting the ball lately. I think he's a keeper.
zevkalman - July 1, 2009
I guess.
I just figure a guy making the money he is making to be a middle-of-the-order bat should have more than 17 RBI on July 1.
I’m still not impressed.
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
Do we have to do this RBI thing every night?
I’m going to hold off, since I don’t see a point in re-hashing it, but it’s just a stupid stat to complain about. Anyway, I think it’s out of line for you to say Bradley is just “bumping up his OBA” as if it’s just some selfish act. Those walks helped the team, and they came in two very good at bats.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
Let those AB turn into hits with RISP and I'll be a lot happier with him.
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
Walks aren't actually AB...
But either way, there’s no reason to be complaining about what he did tonight. I honestly believe you don’t like him, and it seems like you have a personal agenda in attacking him every night. I have a feeling that if he got a game winning hit, you would just post something snarky that half gives credit.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
No, then I'd give him full credit.
And you’re right, I was against the signing before it happened, and I have yet to see anything that changes my mind.
If something does, I’ll be happy to admit it.
You’re nitpicking with your “AB” comment. Of course, it should have been plate appearances.
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
That's the thing
What we’ve seen from you until this point is your hellbent ways about not giving a crap about anything Milton Bradley does. You said you ‘gave him a chance’ and I seriously doubt that.
Do us all a favor, leave it alone until the end of the year then you can shove it in our faces, but until the second half is over you’re spinning your own wheels.
Rage and Grace - July 1, 2009
The season's almost halfway over. Let's take a look at his highlights.
Milton Bradley is being paid 30 million dollars to hit around .240 with 17 RBI’s. He has not hit left-handed whatsoever. He has had several of his infamous “strains.” He has been suspended. He has thrown a live ball into the stands after losing track of the number of outs in the middle of an inning. He has been involved in a heated altercation with the manager of the ballclub and subsequently been sent home mid-game. He has publicly stated, essentially, that he doesn’t feel happy here. He has accused MLB umpires of plotting against him.
If Al doesn’t like him at this point, well, that seems like a pretty fair shake to me.
He has taken his walks. Walks are good. Is a .355 OBP enough to overcome his other shortcomings? For 30 million dollars?
No.
TheTruth11 - July 1, 2009
rec'd
Tekboy - July 2, 2009
He isn't going to make $30M
Bradley will never play enough games to get that 3rd season guaranteed, so technically he’s only going to make $20M.
tripdenten - July 2, 2009
Yes, he will.
That’s the unfortunate thing. He only needs to play in 14 more games to get the third season guaranteed.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Darn.
What is the # of games he needs to play? Is it only 75? I thought it was something like 125. That is unfortunate.
tripdenten - July 2, 2009
Yes, it is. 75 games.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
umm... he's only being paid $9M for that .240 and 17 RBIs
you’ll have to wait until the end of 2011 to judge if you got your $30M worth out of him.
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
You forgot his frequent "brain farts" on the basepaths
and his desire to go unnoticed and unbothered while picking up a nearly $20,000 WEEKLY paycheck…
How dare anyone question “The Mighty Favog”?
(BCB bonus points for anyone who knows this reference…
and no fair Googling…)
Zeke - July 2, 2009
Muppet Show - Land of Gorch
It is so sad I know that.
CubSteve - July 2, 2009
You mean the heated altercation where the manager subsequently apologized to him?
Way to be objective.
He hasn’t performed the way anyone — himself included — wanted to. Hopefully, that changes. You can’t just decide, after less than 1/2 of his first season, that he’s a bust.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
the manager apologized for one thing that was said
Not for removing him from the game.
elgato - July 2, 2009
nevertheless
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
it's an important distinction
By not pointing out that Lou wasn’t entirely apologetic, you’re letting Bradley off the hook for all the tirades he’s had this season.
elgato - July 2, 2009
Which
if I’m recalling properly, is two.
The one where he took the bat to the gatorade dispenser, and the one at the Cell.
o.0
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
depends on how we define 'tirade'
Broken bats over knees? Getting tossed by umpires? Refusing to talk to the media? Alleging conspiracy theories?
It just seems that your default position is to defend Cubs players even when it’s pretty obvious that they’re being jerks. I totally agree that Milton has more than two years to turn things around, and I’m rooting for him to do so.
But by glazing over significant on-field issues, you’re not being very objective.
elgato - July 2, 2009
I don’t think I’m glazing over significant on-field issues, and neither is Bradley. He takes full responsibility for his on-field issues.
Arguing with the ump, when you’re right, isn’t a tirade. breaking a bat over your knee isn’t a tirade. Refusing to talk to the media isn’t a tirade. Thinking that you’re being treated unfairly isn’t a tirade.
Taking a bat to the gatorade cooler and smashing things for three minutes, that’s a tirade (See: Dempster, Ryan). Having to be physically removed from the basepaths for arguing with an ump is a tirade (See: Theriot, Ryan). Arguing with the ump for five minutes is a tirade (see, Zambrano, Carlos — and I loved every second of it). Jumping the dugout fence and arguing with an ump after being thrown out of a game you weren’t even playing in is a tirade (See: Lilly, Ted, also see: manager, punched).
He’s passionate, he hates it when he plays poorly, he wants to prove himself, perhaps too much. I don’t give a damn who he talks to, I don’t give a damn who he feels is conspiring against him. I lean towards believing him over everyone else every day I see him take more and more crap for things that he didn’t do, or things that he does that no one else gets crap for.
The only VALID complaint Cubs fans have about Bradley is his lack of play, and he has aired that complaint about himself OVER AND OVER AND OVER again.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
No, Drew ...
I think you’re overstating — which is fine. But there are more valid complaints against Bradley than performance. Most of them STEM from his frustration about his lack of performance.
I’d say publicly venting about an umpire conspiracy against you IS a tirade. Also, we’re not talking about one broken bat or one argument with an umpire — ala Dempster and Lilly. We’re talking about a streak of outbursts. I agree that Zambrano is in the same category as Bradley, but that’s not a great defense for Milton.
elgato - July 2, 2009
make up your mind
is it an outburst or is it a tirade?
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
wow, we're kind of picking at nits, aren't we?
elgato - July 2, 2009
not really.
words have meaning. I prove that what Bradley is doing isn’t a “series of tirades”, you start calling them outbursts. Those goalposts are on wheels.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Badger's right ...
you’ve got your defend the Cubs goggles on. I admire your energy and enthusiasm. I hope Milton plays up to the defense you’re giving him.
elgato - July 2, 2009
I tend to agree with Drew on this one. You can't condemn Milton
for his behavior and give the rest of the team a free pass. If Lou didn’t like the outburst, he should have addressed it earlier to all of the members of the team. To jump on Milton at that time was disengenuous and Lou correctly apologized. Obviously, Lou and everone else has a problem with Milton’s production, but you can’t point to the isolated incidents of his outburst and relate that to his on-field production. It doesn’t wash.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 2, 2009
Lou apologized for his choice of words
And besides Zambrano, has anyone had as many outbursts (sorry, Drew) as Bradley?
elgato - July 2, 2009
well
if we’re supposing that there are “outbursts” we don’t know about, then isn’t it entirely possible that Derrek Lee is overturning tables in the clubhouse nightly?
I hear that Sam Fuld is tripping guys who walk into the shower.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
I never said ANYTHING
about outbursts that we don’t know about, Drew.
elgato - July 2, 2009
no
but Shanghai did. Am I having one conversation with three or four people, or three or four conversations each with one person?
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
you picked at me about ...
outbursts versus tirades. I think I can call you out when you misquote me.
elgato - July 2, 2009
I didn't misquote you
I simply included different comments in the discussion. I apologize if you felt that I was attributing Shanghai’s words to you inappropriately.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
fair enough
For what it’s worth, I don’t think we should assume Milton is an ass behind closed doors. I was very careful to avoid saying that.
Which was why your comment ticked me off. But we cool now. :)
elgato - July 2, 2009
No. I didn't say secret tirades
Piniella said he’s done it more than once.
Why is that so freaking hard for you to accept?
I’m not out to get the guy, I don’t hate him, I don’t cheer against him.
HE’S DONE IT BEFORE. THE MANAGER SAID SO AND NO ONE DISPUTED IT.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
where has Lou
talked about Milton having tirades that weren’t public? I don’t remember seeing anything about it. Lou said that he reacted to Braldey’s outburst at the WS game, but that he was really talking about everyone’s behavior.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Forget it
I really am done with this now. Because no matter what I say, you’ll look for some minutae to dispute, whether or not it has to do with the larger issue and claim it makes your point.
Because that’s what we’ve spent the last 20 minutes doing, and I’ve got better things to do. Or at least more fun things.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
so now
you’ve made an assertion that you’re not backing up.
Ok.
I’m not looking to argue with you, man. If nothing else, it disturbs BLou’s assumption that we’re the same person. Or proves it. :P
But I think it’s very uncool to suggest that Lou was chastising Bradley for outbursts that we don’t know about and can’t support factually. If you’ve got an article where Lou talks about Bradley going off in the clubhouse where no one but the team ,saw, then fine, I’ll be happy to read it.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
ha!
Dinky Column!
TDubb - July 3, 2009
Prove it. I'll wait.
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
lol
I can’t, of course.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
He didn't apologize for the actions
In fact, he reiterated that he felt it was right.
He apologized for the profanity in the tunnel.
He also said it wasn’t isolated with Bradley.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
and yet here we are
arguing over Bradley. Why is that?
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
No, I was replying to WMHG
I can’t have this discussion with you anymore, at least not now.
You staunchly refuse to be reasonable on the topic and jump over anything in a comment while avoiding the larger issue.
Your comment above about Fuld tripping people and Lee throwing things pretty much settles it for me that you’re not going to be objective, so I don’t wish to continue the discussion at this time. I really don’t want this to get ugly.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
the thing is
I feel that I have been VERY reasonable about this topic.
I do not see how you can deny that Milton Bradley has been taken to task for things that other players get away with, by the press, by Al, by commenters, by Cubs fans in general. It’s staring you right in the face.
And when you can’t support your argument, you suggest that the Cubs are really angry at Bradley for his SEKRIT CLUBHOUSE FITS!
Come ON. Be upset with him for his poor play. I — and Bradley himself — join you. But the rest of this, it’s BS, inflated by the media to sell papers.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
right ...
because the media told Milton to go home in the middle of Friday’s game. And the media suspended Milton for arguing with an umpire.
elgato - July 2, 2009
not at all
but Lou apologized for his comments to Bradley, and Milton’s suspension was reduced, and if Lee had had that argument with the ump, everyone would have been up in arms over it.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
it's not "inflated to sell papers"
reporting on the actual events surrounding Milton is good copy.
elgato - July 2, 2009
if only
that is what was happening.
But I don’t believe that it is. Publishing an article that asks “will Milton Bradley be booed before his first at bat at Wrigley” is NOT reporting on actual events surrounding Milton. Neither is treating his altercations with umpires different than other Cubs’ altercations with umpires.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
what article said he'd be booed before his first at-bat?
If one exists, I’d love to see the link.
elgato - July 2, 2009
all I can find is this
http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/newsstand/discussion/unfriendly_confines_milton_bradley_aware_of_wrigley_reputation_for_racial_t/
Which refers to a Sun-Times article which is no longer available.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
I did also find this
http://blogs.suburbanchicagonews.com/bauman/2009/01/who_will_milton_bradley_kill_f.html
But that refers to something else, and isn’t exactly something lots of Chicagoans would have seen.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
oh, I see ...
the articles were posing the question, not making a prediction.
elgato - July 2, 2009
We are soooo close
to the edge
-→digitalbenjamin - July 2, 2009
sure
but based off of dubious journalism…
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Done discussing this
This isn’t fun anymore.
elgato - July 2, 2009
That was my point, Badger. This never should have
be directed at Bradley. Lou had had enough of the entire team behaving this way, but many took it as indictment of Lou’s feling towards Bradley’s performance on the field. That was clearly not the case.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 2, 2009
I don't disagree in the big picture
Supposedly this happened more than once with Bradley. That was my point.
But the discussion went off the tracks long ago.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
You're right. I don't even remember
what the hell we were talking about.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 2, 2009
I never knew in the first place.
daver - July 2, 2009
Where are we, anyway?
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 2, 2009
"We're on a road to nowhere..."
btw – how do you guys get those musical notes in text form?
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
Hold down the Alt key...
…while typing 13. That will give you this: ♪ 14 gives you this: ♫
daver - July 2, 2009
Daver beat me to it
Ha! Musical beats! Anyway, there are a lot of other characters, too.
Like this.
ƒ▼♣◘
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
It's fun to play around with.
• ◘ ○ § ↨ ↑ ↓
Interestingly, Alt 54 = 6
Why not just use the 6 key?
daver - July 2, 2009
I noticed that, too
One day, I’ll be bored enough to find out how many combinations there are until it restarts.
Does letters, too. Odd . . .
☼☺○
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
It's fun to play around with.
• ◘ ○ § ↨ ↑ ↓
Interestingly, Alt 54 = 6
Why not just use the 6 key?
daver - July 2, 2009
Hmm... I need a Mac translation
I don’t have a plain “alt” key – it shares space with “option” key.
Here’s what I’m getting so far
⁄‹ ⁄› and ¡£ ¡¢. Not exactly musical notes, but then again, neither is my voice…
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
Man, it's gonna be a loooong day
til the Brewers game, ain’t it, ballhawk?
dtpollitt - July 2, 2009
PS - Macs rule
dtpollitt - July 2, 2009
yabbut I just had a chocolate covered donut
to commemorate the visit of his royal bigness Prince Fielder.
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
I agree with this agreement
That is part of why an apology from Lou was due.
vonde6 - July 2, 2009
I doubt it's two
It’s two that we know about.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
oh, give me a BREAK!
now he’s secretly having tirades???
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Do you HONESTLY believe that everything that happens gets reported to drewishdrewid of BCB?
Piniella commented that the helmet thing had happend 4 or 5 times already.
Stuff happens that we don’t know about. You think Piniella has it out for Bradley, so he benched him because of ONE incident?
Really?
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
I don't think Bradley
was benched at all.
Words have meaning. Slamming down a helmet — which Al complained about some other player getting suspended for a few weeks ago — is not a tirade.
The definition of tirade: a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly censorious language. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tirade).
Basically, what you guys are saying is that you don’t want Bradley to react to anything, unless it’s happy smiles and cupcakes.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Drew, that's not what we're saying
And you know it.
You’re often one to defend Lou’s actions. In a way, that’s what we’re doing here. Lou acted after he thought Milton had blown up too often.
Frankly, I agree with Lou. That doesn’t mean I don’t want Milton to do well, however.
elgato - July 2, 2009
I don't think
Lou thought at all.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
and, no -- Milton wasn't benched
elgato - July 2, 2009
Yeah, he was
He was removed from the game and sent home.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
benched, to me...
is more than three innings. He was in the starting lineup the next day.
elgato - July 2, 2009
Fascinating. You complained yourself about nitpicking.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
fair point
:)
elgato - July 2, 2009
Props to you for the acknowledgement
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
Oh, come on
Where did I say that?
I really respect the fact that you and I can disagree without being disagreable with each other – but you’ve got the “Cub defender goggles” on here.
Bradley WAS benched – he was sent home, too. The manager was fed up with the slamming stuff from him.
Go ahead and get hung up on semantics; you didn’t answer the question.
Do you honestly believe that you know everything that Bradley has done that would reasonably piss Cub personnel off?
Because if you do, then it follows that Piniella has an agenda against Bradley. Do you believe that, too?
Incidentally, I find it interesting that you consistenly bring up Zambrano getting different treatment when this topic comes up – yet you’re one of the staunchest defenders of his actions, too.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
where did you say that?
Right here:
You think Piniella has it out for Bradley, so he benched him because of ONE incident?
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/7/1/934984/sam-fuld-leads-cubs-to-4-1-win#17711740
Bradley was not benched. He was in the lineup the next day!
I do not believe that Piniella has an agenda against Bradley. I do believe that we know about most of Bradley’s “outbursts/tirades/etc”.
I like players with passion. You and I have long disagreed on the effects of Z’s passion.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
No, Drew. Where did I say he can't react.
Instead of answering the question, you are picking at semantics.
This is going nowhere; a bit disapointing.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
you complain
about his reactions — even the ones we don’t know about.
o.0
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Drew, you're an amazing man......
you are never wrong
Clutche - July 2, 2009
bull, and you know it
I admit when I’m wrong. I’ve done it in the past. And you should talk — you just transferred your dissing of Lee to Soriano.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Wrong again....
I’ve dissed Soriano since day one
Clutche - July 2, 2009
uh-huh.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Here's an example from April my friend......
Soriano……………………..
by Clutche on Apr 11, 2009 7:14 PM CDT on Overflow Thread 1: Cubs vs. Brewers, Saturday 4/11, 6:05 CT
best LF in baseball? Come on……runner on first takes third on a single to left. He sucks!!
Clutche - July 2, 2009
yawn
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Are one word expressions your way of saying..............
I’m wrong
Clutche - July 2, 2009
yes
my one word expressions are my way of saying you’re wrong.
I’m sorry. I was wrong. You’ve been a Soriano hater from the start. Feel better?
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
I would think you'd feel better......
that you manned-up. Kudos.
Clutche - July 2, 2009
lol
“manned up”
what a ridiculous phrase.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Sheesh
Man up is so 2008. Next thing you know we’ll be bringing back “all in”
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
whoaaa...
your command of the cliche vernacular is just SICK! ;-)
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
ya think?
Clutche - July 2, 2009
So is "Cubs Win" unfortunately
Clutche - July 2, 2009
Don't go there!
daver - July 2, 2009
or a you just tired.........
from arguing with everyone this morning?
Clutche - July 2, 2009
Call me crazy...
But give me a guy that’s vocally and visibly upset about not pulling his weight any day.
Anyone can slump. And Milton is not the only guy in pinstripes right now in the midst of one. But I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a professional athlete counter it with anything but abject apathy. This guy clearly wants to earn his keep, so personally, instead of booing him, like most of this famously pathological fanbase is doing, I’m giving him the latitude.
BT Ichib - July 2, 2009
agreed
I am glad that he cares. It’s one way the guy is endearing.
elgato - July 2, 2009
Couldn't agree more
Bradley might be struggling, but who isn’t? D Lee is hitting the ball, and that’s about it. The previous right fielder(KF) hit under .200 for June. If he’s not your cup of tea Al, I get it. This whole team sucks and thankfully so has the rest of the division. As of today, Lee is picking it up, Bradley seems to be warming up, Fukudome had a good game in CF and the rooks seem to be making themselves comfortable. This team cannot afford to be bound by big $$ and must play to win. Or else, I’ll be back here reading what you have to say and watching their pathetic performances on a regular basis because I am a Cubs fan and we are all a little f’d up for sticking with this team even though they cause me nothing but grief except for the times when they send me to euphoria, as I am an unbalanced human being. (deep breath)
At what point, and I doubt tonight’s hat throw does anything, does Lou have to take responsibility for this team? This is a team of proven grade A ballplayers, and even without Ramirez, they’ve looked like a AA team. He’s said many times, “I put a lineup together and they’re supposed to play”. If that is the case, I would have done it for two season tickets. OK, one. You drive a hard bargain.
In response to TheTruth11 post below, the Cubs knew what they were getting with Bradley, and both Hendry and Pinella seemed comfortable with the signing and Lou has failed. Up to this point. Tonight’s game proved, to me at least, that this team is ready to step it up.
PS, Derosa’s OBP is .334. I liked him too, but the #‘s don’t lie. You can’t score unless you’re on base. Just sayin’
DEEEIP - July 1, 2009
I disagree that the Cubs "knew what they were getting" with Bradley.
They signed him to be a middle of the order run producer. He isn’t.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
He's never been someone who drives in a ton of runs
Although he generally scores a decent number of them. I don’t think they were expecting an RBI machine (or, if they did, they were being dumb). They were probably not expecting 17 RBI at this point either.
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
In that case, I think they were being dumb.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Very true. And for this Hendry should be
faulted.
However, it’s reasonable for us to want him to play, at a minimum, to his career averages and actually be a switch hitter.
If he was doing those things, we would have no right to complain about him, just Jimbo for overpaying him.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
Except his career averages are over the course of a full season, and not just half.
Too early to say he won’t hit those averages, although he’s going to have to have a much better second half to do it.
If he lives up to his career averages, we did NOT overpay for his production. And if we make the playoffs and he goes on a tear, nobody is going to be upset if he had a down year. So let’s wait and see before we judge his entire contract to be a failure.
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
Not looking for an argument, but Bradley's career averages do not equate to a contract
for $10M per. His 2008 performance warranted, but his career did not.
I’m just saying it’s not Bradley’s fault he was offered a great contract. His career 162 game averages per BR are: .278/.369/.452 with 86 runs, 33 2B, 20 HR, 77 RBI, 77 BB. However, he’s never played 162 games in any year. Pro-rate that production to 120 games and it’s 64 runs, 24 2B, 15 HR, 57 RBI, 57 BB. link
I’m saying if he gives his expected career production over the number of games I expect, the 120 game numbers AND can hit LH, I can’t bitch about Bradley. I can moan a little on a Cub GM rewarding another career year.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
Given the current contracts we have on our team
At this point I’m more worried about the money we’ve given to Fukodome, Soriano, and Miles . . . not to mention the players we’ve paid to not play for the team. Milton being a couple of million overpaid would more or less be par for the course for this team.
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
I fully agree, but
it’s not one player or waiting out the contract on one player. It’s having the next 5 years tied to large NTC contracts where the GM bid against himself.
I can’t complain about production if the player (Bradley/Soriano, etc) matches career average production.
Hendry has done a lot of good in his time as GM, I’m fearful he (hearts reference) tried to shoot the moon for 2008, 2009, 2010 and the talent petered out faster than he planned.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
he has not yet been.
two and a half years seasons to go.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
There's a difference between...
“He isn’t’ and “He hasn’t been.” I think the latter is more accurate.
In other words, he hasn’t been…yet. History suggests he will be though.
For all the talk about people being open to change their minds on Bradley…they’ll never get there if they refuse to acknowledge that it takes a while to overcome early struggles in your “season stat” numbers.
By continually pointing to the season stat line, if makes it awful convenient to ignore the improvement in performance from month to month…which is what Bradley has been doing.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 2, 2009
RISP
And just how, exactly, is Milton supposed to drive in runners from scoring position when nobody’s on base?
Both of his selfish walks last night came when he led off the inning. Sorry to interrupt your agenda by pointing out this fact.
Mike D. - July 2, 2009
MB is hitting .060 points below his career average with RISP
.205 versus .263. While the Cubs stink at getting runners on, he’s not close to his career when they are there either.
Don’t understand the agenda comment.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
I'm referring to last night
And Al’s smarmy implication that Bradley is selfish for driving up his OBA (sic)
My point is that as a leadoff, the only runners he had a chance to drive in existed in his head.
Mike D. - July 2, 2009
Ever heard of hyperbole?
Apparently not.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Smarmy?
Milty’s had 50 plate appearances with RISP, 39 official at bats and is hitting a paltry .205.
His average with RISP should be higher. If he’s a middle of the order hitter, his RBI total should be higher.
Agreed, he’s shown no hitting approach normal to the #4 or #5 spot.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
A whole FIFTY at-bats?
Wow. With samples sizes like that, I can so why you possess so much conviction.
Do you also walk out of movies halfway through?
I’m by no means a rabid Milton Bradley fan, but I think the urge to jump on his nuts seem rather pre-meditated. Using one of the more nebulous stats like RISP, particualarly with such a small sample size speaks to this.
Me? I’m willing to give the guy more than 3 months (in which he’s played roughly 2) before I run him out oftown on a rail.
Mike D. - July 2, 2009
I have often...
… even when I’ve criticized Milton, said I’m willing to admit I’m wrong if he turns it around.
Yes, leading off innings with walks is a useful skill. I know that’s one of Bradley’s strengths. All I’ve been saying is that the contract the Cubs gave him was commensurate with a guy who should be a middle-of-the-order power bat.
I’ve seen none of that yet.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
And I'm merely saying there's still time.
To quote your old mantra, Al, “Patience”.
I’ll be willing to call this Candy Maldonado Part Two if his numbers on the first of August are no better than what they are on the first of July. By any objective analysis, however, one shouldn’t be surprised if he progresses to his career norm, at least somewhat. I’m going to hang my hat on that for now and reserve any sweeping, scorched-earth proclamations. In the meantime, I see no reason to belittle his ability to take a walk. That just reeks of Dusty Baker “Clogging the bases” idiocy.
Mike D. - July 2, 2009
I wasn't ignoring this response, been busy.
I’m certainly not a proponent of the Baker philosophy. I just think that the dollars spent and the return so far on Bradley have been a complete waste of time.
If he does return to those career norms, great — because the Bradley proponents will have been right, and the team should do better. I’ll be happy to admit I was wrong.
I won’t hold my breath waiting, though.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
I have seats down the right field line Friday...........
so I’ll let Bradley know you’re pulling for him, and remind him that I don’t think Al can hold his breath much longer.
Clutche - July 2, 2009
Thanks!
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Run out of town?
I said his average with RISP should be higher and he should have more RBIs as a middle of the order hitter, whether from hitting with RISP, extra base hits driving guys from first, or home runs.
So, it’d be okay with you if he was worse?
If you’ve read any of my other comments today, I believe Bradley not producing as a middle of the order hitter is more a criticism on Hendry’s analysis than Bradley’s skills.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
And if I haven't read your comments?
I was initially responding to Al when you jumped in with your blather about RISP, which I think is, overall, a poor metric by which to assess players. Nonetheless, you appear to be making the mistake that every word I wrote was directly in response you. It wasn’t. Sorry for the confusion.
I’m not about to wade through everyone’s comments before I qualify my own. Al is the one who suggested the Cubs get rid of Bradley and it is that notion that I had in mind when I made my “run out of town” comment. Nonetheless, i’ve grown weary of this discussion and have no intention of pursuing it further. Feel free to have the last word.
Mike D. - July 2, 2009
How is that a stupid stat to complain about?
He has 17 RBI as a middle of the order bat. That’s PATHETIC, plain and simple. In fact, I don’t think we talk about RBIs enough on this board. Our lack of RBIs is precisely our problem; we get hits, we just can’t drive em in.
That’s not a stupid stat; it’s the ballgame for us.
reedjohnson - July 1, 2009
Adam Dunn has 56 RBI. Just sayin’, that woulda looked nice.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
RBI's are a stupid stat to complain of
It’s a terrible metric.
Rage and Grace - July 1, 2009
I'm sorry
I meant to say RBI’s are a stupid stat and warrant their complaints. Sorry.
Rage and Grace - July 1, 2009
Agreed.
But when you’re comparing 17 RBIs to 30, 40, 50, or 60 of comparable guys, it’s a pretty obvious problem for our team and especially for Milton Bradley.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
.360 OBP
and a .270-some BABIP. His slump has been a problem, but honestly as soon he breaks out of it (which should be around the time Ramirez comes back) this team is going to tear the living shiet of of….everything.
Rage and Grace - July 1, 2009
Good. That BABIP should be up to .320 or higher by the end of the year, if GameBoard doesn't suck ass
and we can continue to get production from Lee and typical Aramis back. That’s a good 3-4-5 if. If.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
you got it my friend
Barring some act of god we’re not going to worry about ‘If’.The odds are just….just not likely.
Rage and Grace - July 1, 2009
Glad his metrics are to your approval.
If you happen to be correct and he does break out of it, I’ll be happy to admit I’m wrong.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Seriously.
Wins are a stupid stat. RBI’s aren’t perfect, but they are certainly representative of this club’s struggles.
TheTruth11 - July 1, 2009
True
But not necessarily Bradley’s struggles. You can’t drive then in if they just aren’t there.
DEEEIP - July 1, 2009
Explain to me, then, why the Cubs rank dead last in BA with RISP.
The runners ARE there.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Where can we look up Milton's BA with RSP?
The team stranding runners isn’t the same as Milton stranding them.
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
He's at .205 this year, .263 average for career
link
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
Thanks.
Wish I knew why our team was so “unclutch” this year.
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
I don't get it either.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
Well, they are dead last with RISP
but aren’t they also ranked 28th in having RISP?
I pulled up the espn stats and sorted for RISP and am I reading it correctly. Filtered for “Scoring Position” it shows 214 total bases, 28th in MLB, followed only by Seattle and San Diego. BA for RISP is dead last at .216. Link
Baltimore in contrast is first in BA with RISP of .299 and 9th in TB with 289.
I don’t read the runners as being there. I read the Cubs as struggling to get RISP and really struggling when they appear.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
My guess is the runners are there but they just aren't there often enough.
If I’m not mistaken, RISP stats are typically dubious because they’re based on such small samples.
daver - July 2, 2009
See my post above. Did I read those numbers correctly?
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
It looks like you are reading them correctly...
…and your conclusion makes sense to me. Maybe a bona fied sabermagician can weigh in.
daver - July 2, 2009
A team can't suck both at BA with RISP and having runners in RISP
and hope to compete. If they can’t reach the mendoza line for BA, they’d better put more runners in RISP to make up for it. Substitute the quality for some quantity.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
I should add, we could expect this team to be better when
they are in scoring position.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
there's still not impressed, and then there's harping on it
also, there is literally nothing that annoys me more than “he’s making the money to be more productive!” If someone can actually point to me a study that shows more money=more production, I’ll shut up about it, but until then, it’s a ridiculous comment.
Also, I’m not Milton Bradley fan, but that’s because I don’t believe he was the best guy out there when we signed him, but what the Cubs signed him for, and what he can actually do might simply be two entirely different things. If the Cubs had signed Alfonso Soriano to be a gold glove defender in left field, who should you be mad at because he wasn’t?
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
Bradley only has 184 ABs. I'm guessing we might also complain about our left fielder
who has 32 RBIs in over 300 ABs and who makes a LOT more money. Just sayin’….
zevkalman - July 1, 2009
I'm not impressed with Soriano right now, either.
I’ll wait & see whether the return of Ramirez lets him relax and hit the way he can.
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
both Soriano
and Bradley have a long track record of success. They should both be afforded the wait and see approach. Bradley probably is a better hitter historically (though Soriano has a little more power), so if anything Bradley is more likely to turn it around. People may have figured out they just need to never throw Soriano anything middle in and he’ll never hit it hard again. Bradley probably has a little better approach.
tomas21 - July 1, 2009
Bradley has a better approach than Soriano...ha ha
That’s because Soriano has no approach whatsoever at the plate.
reedjohnson - July 1, 2009
Perhaps if Lou.....
batted Sori before Rami or Lee he would see more fastballs
Clutche - July 2, 2009
Milton Bradley was signed to help the Cubs win baseball games. Drawing walks helps teams score runs which in turn, helps teams win baseball games. Simple 1st grade logic would then dictate: drawing walk = good
scrappywhiteguy - July 1, 2009
That's what I'm saying.
Al, I know it’s your blog, but a little more objectivity would be nice.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
You would also think that since he has been in a horrible hitting slump all season, he would be given credit for still being able to contribute offensively by taking BB’s, while he works through this funk. But I don’t have an irrational vendetta against MB either.
scrappywhiteguy - July 1, 2009
Don't a lot of Cubs fans complain
about swinging at the first pitch, bad at-bats, etc?
Then why the hell are you bitching about Bradley getting walks and having patient at-bats?
Chicago Cubs fans: The most neurotic in professional sports.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 2, 2009
"You" not being scrappywhiteguy
but “you” being Al and others who seem to value patient at-bats selectively.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 2, 2009
I like patient at-bats.
Bradley isn’t being paid to take walks.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Why did we all love Fukodome last year for teaching the team how to be patient then?
And how is it a problem if Bradley exhibits the same kind of patience we loved so much with Dome?
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
Apparently, it's not rubbing off the way it did last year.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
why is that Bradley's fault?
He’s getting on base any way he can. Isn’t that his job?
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
No, his job is to hit in the middle of the order and drive in runs.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
His job is to help the team win
He did that last night.
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
Uh, yeah, it's his blog, and he has a right to say whatever he wants
Al has been far more objective and positive than most, so I think you’re a bit ridiculous for asking for more objectivity from someone who runs a fan blog. Like, what do you want him to say? Geez, this isn’t the AP we’re talking about here.
Craig in South Bend - July 2, 2009
Uh
Dusty, is that you?
krummy12 - July 1, 2009
Al, you know money is not a measure of a player's ability
It’s what the team determined to be his signable, market value at that given moment.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 1, 2009
And the Cubs overpaid for Bradley.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
How can you say that...........
when he’s only played 3 mo of a 3 yr contract?
Clutche - July 2, 2009
because comparable free agents got less
Even if Bradley plays great from here on out, Bobby Abreu is making $5 million, and Dunn is only guaranteed two years (whereas Milton’s about to be guaranteed three).
elgato - July 2, 2009
If over the course of the next three years he outperformes Abreu and Dunn.....
then your argument/comparison doesn’t apply
Clutche - July 2, 2009
He would have to outperform them by a lot
I’m still pulling for Milton. But the fact is that he got more — compared with Abreu, a LOT more — than other lefty corner outfielders who are putting up better numbers.
elgato - July 2, 2009
I agree......
and I hope he does
Clutche - July 2, 2009
I agree that Milton's been overpaid compared to Bobby
But why is it necessarily a bad thing that we have him under contract for 3 years instead of Dunn’s 2?
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
Too soon to draw that conclusion
Clutche - July 2, 2009
Right, I guess that's my point.
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
It's not too early to say Milton
got more money than anyone else. That is fact.
elgato - July 2, 2009
I guess the best thing to do given that is to root for him to end up being worth the investment.
At the end of the contract, we will know for sure. Remember Alou?
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
I totally agree with you
My point is that Hendry probably overpaid.
elgato - July 2, 2009
probably is
key word here
Clutche - July 2, 2009
here's the thing
Can Milton perform so much better than the other free-agents available last winter that his contract — one of several that will bind the Cubs hands until 2012 — won’t look too high? Sure.
But Hendry probably could have paid less for Bradley OR less for one of the other corner guys available last year. That will be important if this team fails and a shakeup is needed in the offseason.
elgato - July 2, 2009
delete "probably" from the second graph
There’s no question that Hendry could have paid less than $30 million over three years (with the option) to get one of the corner guys.
elgato - July 2, 2009
agreed.....
but that doesn’t mean it’s a better deal until we see how each performs over the next few years
Clutche - July 2, 2009
here's hoping
I just wish Hendry would have found a way to get Milton for less. I think he could have.
elgato - July 2, 2009
actually, there's probably some question
see my response below for more details.
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
absolutely correct.....
the question is will he earn it?
Clutche - July 2, 2009
that's easy ...
if he doesn’t improve, we’ll wish we only had Milton for two years.
I know the opposite is true. But based purely on the amount of money he received, Milton got more money than other comparable free agents.
elgato - July 2, 2009
you have to look at the timing as well
Here’s how it shook out for the Four Corner Offense (Ibanez, Bradley, Dunn, Abreu) this past-offseason.
Ibanez (12/16/08) – 3 yrs, $31.5M
Bradley (1/6/09) – 3 yrs, $30M (let’s just assume the 3rd year will vest)
Dunn (2/11/09) – 2 yrs, $20M
Abreu (2/11/09) – 1 yr, $5M
So Ibanez actually got a little more and Dunn the same but one less year. You could make the case that Dunn will make more in year 1 of his next contract than Bradley will in year 3. Dollar-wise, the only real bargain here is Abreu.
Should Hendry have waited out the market and tried to get a better price? Perhaps, but the selection would have diminished. I can only imagine the howling on here in February and March if Hendry had let the other GMs make the decision for him and we had ended up with Abreu by default.
In my opinion, Dunn has performed as expected. Ibanez has overachieved and Bradley underachieved. As for Abreu, well, I must admit the $5M price tag does look nice, but I’d still rather have any of the other three than Abreu. Yes, even Bradley.
Regardless, year 1 is only half over – let’s check back in October. And next year and the year after as well.
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
Reasonable assessments like this will get you nowhere.
Might I suggest the Caps Lock?
daver - July 2, 2009
You're right of course.
I really should channel my inner Austin Powers right after the unfreezing process
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
May I suggest...
…BILLY MAYS!!
dtpollitt - July 2, 2009
dtpollitt - July 2, 2009
is that
the picture version of CAPS LOCK?
Just post it twice?
Archie - July 2, 2009
Here's the other thing on this
I don’t think the market would have fallen off the way it did so long as the Cubs were still out there shopping. Abreu signed for less because the Angels already had a full OF when they signed him and no incentive to pay big when they were already paying Sarge Jr.
Plus, Abreu’s not showing power this year anyway, so from the “Walks don’t help us” perspective, he’s really no better than Bradley.
DGU - July 2, 2009
This is reply to Clutche.
How can you not say Bradley was overpaid?
See my post above. Did we expect Bradley to play 162 games? If so, his 162 game production (career average) of 20 HR and 77 RBI doesn’t smell like a $10M a year player. If he was only expected to play 120 games, those numbers fall even more.
If you agree Bradley was paid on 2008, he was overpaid.
Right now, I want to see him play to his career. I don’t care about 2008 anymore.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
I can't say he's been overpaid.............
until he fulfills his contract and his performance to that end will determine if , in fact, he was overpaid
Clutche - July 2, 2009
I see two different judgements from this discussion.
1 is a judgement of Bradley which can’t be made until the contract runs out. Someone offered him the dollars and he took it. His compensation is for future performance.
Hendry analyzed Bradley’s past performance and the market to determine the contract offer for Bradley. It is fair to say Hendry overpaid by putting too much credence in Bradley’s 2008 numbers, and misjudged the free agent market.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
Al, unfortunately the Cubs over pay
for most free agents they sign. Then on top of it they throw in a no-trade clause.
cubdreamer - July 2, 2009
Sigh.
Unfortunately, that has been the case in recent years.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Oh I dunno... we have a leadoff hitter who puts up middle of the order numbers
seems to make as about much sense as a middle of the order guy putting up leadoff numbers…
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
I thought OBA was why we got him?
He had the highest in AL last year.
Anyway he can contribute is good with me! Especially since Hoffpauer seems to be slowing down even if he gets some great clutch hits.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
he was signed to balance the order
jesus christos - July 1, 2009
I am baffled also
If Milton is supposed to have a great OBA, OPS, SLG, OPS+, which leads to runs scored, Why has never scored more than 80 runs in a season, and a RBI high of 80, and twice over 20 homeruns?
I guess he gets hurt alot.
I hope the Cubs have a great second half and Milton goes off.
Grockcubs - July 1, 2009
You realize that rbi and runs scored are dependant upon a player's teammates, right?
Acapulco Taco Pie - July 1, 2009
I understand that
Then why did the Cubs sign Bradley is my point. If RBI’s and runs scored is dependent on teammates, then don’t sign Bradley and start Fuld/Taguchi in right and have great gloves.
Everyone talks about all this OBP,OPS,SLG garbage, then I make the point he has never scored 80 runs, had an RBI year of over 80 once, 20 homeruns twice in 9 freaking years, then I get “well you know RBI’s and runs scored is dependent on teammates”
Well what is it? Why the love for Bradley? What does this guy do. He gets alot of walks lately, well thank-you very much. Hell with knocking a run in once in awhile, Oh thats right RBi’s doesn’t mean anything. How many freaking times has he come up and failed to knock in a run. To many, and yes besides Lee the whole team has. However he is getting paid a ton to do what all of you says he doesn’t have to do.
Just nuts.
Grockcubs - July 2, 2009
That's a question for Jim Hendry, and not Milton Bradley.
I wouldn’t say there’s very much love for him, but people are making him sound like a scapegoat for the Cub’s problems. Most of us are simply saying two things: 1) you can more or less look across the entire Cubs lineup for players who are struggling to get on base and RBI and 2) give him more than half a season before you judge his signing as a failure.
madcow256 - July 2, 2009
So sad about Soriano's pathetic defense and offense too!
DrCrawdad - July 13, 2009
Caption
Right hand on blue…
claypot33 - July 1, 2009
Sam Fuld....Pffft!
So Taguchi would’ve had three hits at least. :-p
Okay, I’ll give props to Mr. Fuld for tonight’s sparky performance. Hope he keeps it up. In addition, Randy Wells continues to impress. And he was safe, for the record.
Goodie1969 - July 1, 2009
Go Fuld!
Let’s hope he keeps this up!
TheHawkRules - July 1, 2009
Theoretically the Cubs could be in first place by Sunday night :)
Lets do it! Turn this pitiful season around.
jeff_pico - July 1, 2009
Now THAT'S optimism!
Stranger things have happened…
Zeke - July 2, 2009
I was thinking the same thing about Wells
I have a feeling he’s going to get overlooked for ROY unfortunately and that’s fine. Let him stay under the radar and get us wins!
ak123 - July 1, 2009
That'd be fine with me.
But seriously — other than Colby Rasmus, who is having a decent but not great year — name me one other NL rookie doing as well as Randy Wells.
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
I can't think of one
I haven’t followed the entire league as much as I did last year.
I think in 5 or 6 starts if he keeps it up then there will be more serious discussions.
As for people wanting him to be on the All Star Team. I think it would be interesting to see how he pitches in a high pressure situation (if they let him pitch). I’d rather see Lilly on the team though.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Amazingly
we’ll probably get to see Jason Marquis on the All-Star team. One year late, but still…Marquis? Anyone who says they predicted this at the beginning of the season is lying.
Goodie1969 - July 1, 2009
Good for him then
He’s pitched well. He earned it then and even had he pitched that well last year he would have been overlooked by Wood, Zambrano and Dempster.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
maybe not this....but historically, he gets off to good starts
and turns attrocious after the all star break.
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
Jason Marquis...
if he keeps this up….would be a candidate for the Cy Young Award.
Unlikely, given his usual 2nd half fade.
But still, you have to give the guy his due.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 1, 2009
What else would you expect from him
during a contract year!
cubdreamer - July 2, 2009
had we helped him out with our offense and pen during his first few starts he might have a shot
but he’ll probably end up with 10-12 wins (and that’s IF we actually start playing winning baseball) that might not be enough to impress the writers enough to give him the award
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
Well
Randy Wells falls into that suspicious category whereas Colby Rasmus is a legitimate talent with a bright future. I think that will have something to do with the final vote tally for rookie of the year.
I like Wells. What I can’t figure out yet is if he can semi-sustain this or whether this is a modest run of the best success by far he will ever taste. The one thing that does impress me is his mound composure and apparent pitching intelligence. Those characteristics bode well for him not simply being a lightning in a bottle kind of performer.
BLou - July 1, 2009
A few options in the NL
McCutchen (PIT)
Hanson (ATL)
Rasmus (STL)
Fowler (COL – he’s fallen off a lot though)
Maybin (FLA)
No other names really come to mind… at least not yet. I think the AL has a lot more potential ROY’s than the NL.
lswaidz - July 1, 2009
You must have just searched a preseason list or something, because 2 of
those guys have been complete bums. Maybin is hitting .202 with a .589 OPS
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
Naw, just the guys that will most likely be considered...
Unless someone else steps up like Wells has been… chances are it’s going to be a pretty weak class.
lswaidz - July 1, 2009
Maybin and Fowler will not be considered.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
He still have VOM, right?
Sorry, that was just mean.
chitownhawkeye - July 1, 2009
Maybin is not even in the bigs right now
I’m watching him, as we speak playing centerfield for AAA Denver
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
He'll probably be back up...
I just looked it up and he’s hitting over .400 at AAA, must have fixed something.
lswaidz - July 1, 2009
you're looking at some old stats
He was hitting .331 coming into tonight, and is down to .326
He’s also doing it in the minors, and even if he is probably going to be back up at some point, if it’s not soon, and he isn’t red hot the rest of the way, he won’t get any votes
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
.417 in his last 10 games, sorry
lswaidz - July 1, 2009
Isn't that the New Orleans Zephyrs?
Sobenergy - July 1, 2009
yeah, USED to be Denver
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
McCutcheon is going to be an exceptional player with time
Hence why Pittsburgh smartly moved Nate McLouth and robbed the Braves of some very fine top shelf prospects.
BLou - July 1, 2009
Dexter Fowler
DGU - July 1, 2009
What, no one has yet suggested that Fuld
permanently replace Soriano in the lineup?
I mean, obviously I’m not going to.
Brett Taylor - July 1, 2009
Waiting for Jessica....
Al Yellon - July 1, 2009
Sorry I am not THAT crazy
I want him to earn a place on the bench. However right now Soriano is truly terrible and maybe either has an injury he won’t admit or needs to be given one. He should just rest for two weeks.
Doggie Stalker - July 1, 2009
Sori needs a mental holiday while being lectured on bat speed, bat weight, and pitch selectivity.
zevkalman - July 2, 2009
Let him play until Aramis is back
I think Soriano will bounce back with Aramis in the lineup.
He might be one of those guys who needs a big hitter like ARam playing for him to be comfortable. Obviously this is not something we want to say about our high priced LF but if he hits the crap out of the ball starting next week, then who cares, we’ll have ab etter chance to win the division.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
That would be ridiculous.
Fuld has proven nothing. Micah Bowie and Andrew Lorraine and Ryan O’Malley came up and pitched lights out in a start, then they were exposed. He’s not a very good hitter. If he gets another week, he will be exposed as they were.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
But until they expose him
you use it to your advantage
chitownhawkeye - July 1, 2009
The problem is
by the time you realize he’s exposed, he’ll have played long enough to have negated all the good he did earlier. So it’s a push.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
Is an exposed Fuld any worse
offensively than what Soriano has given you the past month or two? I doubt it, and worst case scenario he is a significant improvement defensively and on the basepaths.
Oh, and if HE doesn’t hit, I bet a lot of money he wouldn’t insist on batting first.
tomas21 - July 1, 2009
He has no right to insist anything.
Soriano is a proven MLB hitter with an impressive track record. Fuld should be sent packing the day Ramirez returns. Until then, I hope he hits well.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
how exactly is Fuld ever supposed to attain "an impressive track record" is he never get a chance to play?
santoswoodenlegs - July 2, 2009
Felix Pie
would like a word.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Felix Pie could have been our 5th OF
And maybe he’s Soriano’s “Fuku-friend”
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
yes indeed.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Here we go again.....
Please find anywhere other than some blog where Soriano has said he must hit leadoff. He has said he prefers it but has also indicated he would move if Lou wants him to move.
rlpete - July 2, 2009
in fact he's said he'd hit wherever he's asked to SEVERAL times
just like the whole “He’s lazy and doesn’t care” argument. I think all the Sori hatred stems from the fact that when he got traded to the Nationals, he said he didn’t want to play the outfield.
Not a ridiculous thing to say considering it was a contract year, and he’d never played there. But from that point on, people decided certain things about him as a ballplayer that are unprovable, and untrue
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
I for one.........
decided certain things based on observation and his performance as a Cub
Clutche - July 2, 2009
What I want to see from Soriano is the effort Sam Fuld..........
displayed last night!
Clutche - July 2, 2009
yep
We’ve already seen this early this year in Bobby Scales, but yet people are still need to see it to believe it with Fuld.
jeff_pico - July 1, 2009
I think it depends on what you're looking for.
Granted, if anyone thinks Sam Fuld is going to appear out of nowhere and be the protypical leadoff man we’ve all been longing for, they’ll probably be sorely disappointed. But as 5th OF/pinchrunner, he may provide some value. And don’t sell Bobby Scales too short, he wound up with a .799 OPS in 66 PA – not too shabby for a utility guy on his first callup.
daver - July 1, 2009
I really hope this is the start of something...
but I want to see this consistently for the next 11 games until the break. I genuinely hope Fuld plays himself into the 6th/7th inning Soriano replacement. I really liked him when he came up, and will never forget that catch he made… unreal stuff… clearly the kid is a sparkplug… now we just need to get the fuel/air ratio right, and we’ll be good to go.
On a side note, I was in the car when Derrek hit his home run… any estimate? Pat and Ron made it sound gigantic… even Ron was finding interesting new adjectives to describe it :-)
All-in-all, good game… let’s go get ’em tomorrow.
lswaidz - July 1, 2009
There's no consistency for this team.
It’s either a 0fer performance from everyone on the team while our starter gives up <4 ER in 7 IP
or
A solid 3-1, 4-2, or the like win, looking much like a capable and cognizant team that fluidly and smartly bundles walks and fundamentals together
or
A complete sh*t-show, like a few days ago.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
There's no consistency for this team.
It’s either a 0fer performance from everyone on the team while our starter gives up <4 ER in 7 IP
or
A solid 3-1, 4-2, or the like win, looking much like a capable and cognizant team that fluidly and smartly bundles walks and fundamentals together
or
A complete sh*t-show, like a few days ago.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
you can say that again!
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
Sorry bout that.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
Yeah I can’t get excited on taking a series vs the Pirates, BUT its better than losing 2 out of 3. I’m by no means optimistic about this team and I wish I could be, but you never know when they just might turn it around. So frustrating. Looking at past performance the talent is all there.
jeff_pico - July 1, 2009
What also bothers me is the BA with RISP
They were bad last night, too
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
Do you think
Lou’s ejection has sparked the team?
:) Sorry had to say it and if they go on a winning streak we can all joke and laugh about it later.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Oh god... here we go :-)
We’re never going to hear the end of this if they start winning… I forgot he even got ejected… Pat and Ron kinda downplayed it.
lswaidz - July 1, 2009
Haha :)
Just preparing everyone for it!
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Yep, done deal
get ready for the playoffs…..
LT - July 1, 2009
The whole team, first Geo and now the whole team?
I thought he didn’t know a steroid from a reefer.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
One of the more enjoyable games I've watched all year.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 1, 2009
Enjoyable or relaxing?
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Soriano
I said this days ago, the only way you’re going to get improvement out of Soriano is to challenge his pride. Sit him down for several days, possibly until the ASB and if Sam Fuld is going to act the part of a leadoff hitter, you’ve got a perfect way to do it.
If Soriano wants to play, he’ll change his approach and he’ll start figuring things out. There was absolutely no comparison between Fuld’s approach in the leadoff spot and Soriano’s. Fuld brought energy, professional AB’s and hustle.
Before you condemn me for jumping on the Fuld bandwagon, it’s one game…and one game only. But even so, there was a stark difference in their approaches.
Let Soriano sit for awhile. Sometimes athletes backed into a corner are at their best. By sitting him and challenging him, something that hasn’t been done in his Cubs tenure, Soriano would indeed be backed into a corner. And it just might help this ballclub.
krummy12 - July 1, 2009
I don't buy it
Soriano doesn’t need to be challenged. And I don’t buy that his leg is hurt to the point where performance has been hindered. What ails Soriano is that as time marches on he is not going to be able to maintain his guess hitting hacking ways if he intends to be major league serviceable. He’s entering his mid-30’s and swinging a telephone pole up there from his knees as he tries to guess pitches. That strategy isn’t going to work too much longer. The days of knowing that a hot streak is just around the corner are winding down. Soriano HAS to make meaningful changes to his hitting approach. Otherwise he is going to crash and burn in rapid colossal Andruw Jones type fashion.
BLou - July 1, 2009
This time I agree with you
Soriano needs to adjust as he ages or it will be ugly. He is now on the wrong side of 30.
rlpete - July 2, 2009
Decline at 33 is GRADUAL
Soriano has fallen off a cliff since April. This is NOT because he hit some wall of 33. Something is wrong, physically or mentally.
Doggie Stalker - July 2, 2009
I'm going with mental.........
Clutche - July 2, 2009
I'd really like to see...
Blanco in there more often. Sure, he doesn’t hit much, but the guy can flash some serious leather. That play he made in the first saved a run, and the game could have turned out differently if not for that nice play he made on the slow roller. Switch Blanco and Riot. Just a suggestion. Good win tonight. We needed it.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 1, 2009
More often?
He’s basically been the everyday starter the last few weeks. And Theriot has been a plus defender this season, no real reason to mess with that.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
Well, let me put it in other terms.
No more Fontenot. At all. Blanco only for the rest of the season.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 1, 2009
Fontenot is a whisker away from going back to Triple A for good
BLou - July 1, 2009
maybe he should be,
but Hendry aint gonna do that. That would be admitting he made a horrible mistake handing the job to him in the first place, and Jim doesn’t do well with admitting mistakes
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
YOU ARE 100% CORRECT...
What Mistakes ?? They would have no part of it would they ??
cubs north - July 1, 2009
BS
Jim Hendry has repeatedly owned up to his mistakes.
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
I disagree
I’m no Hendry apologist, but he dumped Izturis and his favorite catcher.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
No facts allowed :-)
rlpete - July 2, 2009
Fontenot against rightys has been fine, much better than Blanco,
and his defense has been good as well. They should platoon.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
Errr, MUCH better?
coming into tonight,
Fontenot is hitting .236 against righties
Blanco is hitting .235
And Blanco is a better defender than Fontenot, Fontenot has played his way into a backup role, he doesn’t even deserve to platoon at this point
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
also Fontenot hasn't had an extra base hit since June 9th
Blanco has had two in that time. Blanco isn’t a super stud, but he’s better than Fontenot, and shouldn’t have to share the job with him
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
They should platoon.
Fontenot is hitting 236 with much more power, and his defense is well above average.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
he's showing no power at all
which I’m fairly certain I pointed out. He had some pop before pitchers saw him every day, he has now had the kind of slide that gets you benched. And his defense is average, not well above average
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
third base!
I think that Fontenot may come back a little during the second half when he can settle in at second base again. All that time at third played with his head.
PalatineRol - July 1, 2009
hes been playing at 2nd base lately and still isnt doing that good
jesus christos - July 1, 2009
agree, but......
Give it time after the break when he doesn’t have to go back to third at all
PalatineRol - July 1, 2009
I agree.
And Blanco needs to be available to backup/relieve Theriot as well.
daver - July 1, 2009
yeah
Blanco IS the everyday 2b right now. Lou might work Fonenot back in when Aram comes back but mostly its been Blanco.
jeff_pico - July 1, 2009
Adam Wainwright is sporting a fantastic mustache right now on ESPN.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
pubestache
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
I'm watching that, too.
Bad stache – but quite a pitching performance. 9 IP, 1 R, 12 Ks, 3 BB. Damn Cardinals.
daver - July 1, 2009
Are the Cardinals the favorites to win the division now?
I mean, they have Carp & Wainwright & Pujols & DeRosa now. The Brewers have minimal pitching and have choked the last two years (or burned out) down the stretch. Not to get all philosophical or debate-y here, and I know there’s a hellva lot of baseball left, but I think the DeRo move lets the Cubs know the Cardinals are flexed and ready to win this year.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
DeRosa is hurt.
Bad wrist.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 1, 2009
Yes, I know. For like 5 games.
He’s not hurt like Aramis hurt.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
they're all bad
Who knows whats going to happen to this division. Its not over for any of the 6 teams, if any one of them decides to get hot and play good baseball consistently its there for the taking.
I’m not that much more impressed by the Cardinals than I am the Cubs. Same goes for the Brewers.
jeff_pico - July 1, 2009
Yes
BLou - July 1, 2009
No
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
Ask after Sunday
A lot is to be said after Sunday’s series with Brewers.
We have potential to be .5 in the lead of the NL Central or 7.5 games back.
Considering A-Ram won’t be back yet…this is probably the most important series of the year.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Just to add
We might be bad on the road but we have the 3rd best home record in the NL. This homestand is so important for the next week.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
yes
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
Of course
Stupid is as stupid does.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 2, 2009
you're absolutely right
St. Louis is horrible, how ridiculous to think they’re the team to beat right now. I mean, they’ve got a good rotation, and a good offense, and are just a game behind a suddenly slumping Brewers team, but obviously, it’s just non-sensical to think anyone other than the Cubs is the team to beat.
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
Hey, another satirical post!
Nicely done. DeRo putting the Cards over the top. Laff riot.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 2, 2009
what's amazing is how you completely ignored the rest of the post
once DeRosa was brought up.
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
Are the Cardinals the favorites to win the division now?
I mean, they have Carp & Wainwright & Pujols & DeRosa now. The Brewers have minimal pitching and have choked the last two years (or burned out) down the stretch. Not to get all philosophical or debate-y here, and I know there’s a hellva lot of baseball left, but I think the DeRo move lets the Cubs know the Cardinals are flexed and ready to win this year.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
i have to agree with you
they’re in it to win it, that was a bold move they made right there
laidbackliam - July 1, 2009
More satire!
Wow, you guys are at your Monty Python best tonight. You beat The Heckler every which way but Sunday.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 2, 2009
you're being
very repetitive tonight. :D
drewishdrewid - July 1, 2009
I’ll be at the game in peoria. tickets on the third base side, just behind 3rd base. I’ll take plenty of pictures, will try to move around to get some of his at bats.
laidbackliam - July 1, 2009
Have fun!
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Which game in Peoria?
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
saturday
you going to be there?
laidbackliam - July 2, 2009
Nice way to start the month.
This was a fun game to watch. Dome really needed that homer. Hopefully he gets back to hitting again. Sam had some great plays tonight. Hope he gets more playing time.
sue369 - July 1, 2009
ESPN Coverage
No worries Al, Baseball Tonight didn’t even talk about Wells pitching performance.
He’s still under the radar (but wishing he were pitching vs. Milwaukee).
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Yeah but we will miss Gallarado.
Which is fine with me.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
Agreed!
Don’t forget, 3rd best home record in NL. Says something considering our struggles.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
He's pitching against Jurrjens (sp?)
most likely in Atlanta. Thank god we weren’t the victims of an almost no-no against him.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Sam Fuld is slowly becoming ...
gasp the next DeRo on this thread … it’s one game. i enjoyed the hell out of it … but he hasn’t done any work in Bosnia yet.
junkhorse - July 1, 2009
closer to the next Bobby Scales
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
exactly ...
junkhorse - July 1, 2009
I can't believe the Rockies or Giants would be leading our division right now.
Makes me want to vomit.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
Giants have a SICK rotation right now
and two aces with Cain and Lincecum
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
Plus Johnson is pitching much better of late.
rlpete - July 2, 2009
Giants are the wild card now
rlpete - July 2, 2009
Uh Oho
Bob Howry pitching in the 10th lol.
He’s been good this year but he wasn’t good vs. Cardinals last year.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Walk-off homer for Colby.
Birds 2
Giants 1
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
Who was the pitcher?
:)
I’ll leave the board now.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
You called that, yes sir.
Wasn’t necessarily his fault. Third base error led to the homer, so it’s a blown save and a loss, but unearned.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
home run Howry hurting us without even being on the team anymore
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
because of a dropped popup and pitch that might have been strike 3 nonetheless
jesus christos - July 1, 2009
Wouldn't have mattered...
as he probably would have given it up to Pujols anyway. Once Gas Can Howry comes into a game, you pretty much know it’s over.
TarHeelHawk - July 1, 2009
That's for sure!
It was straight down the middle and over the fence!
Itchy - July 1, 2009
Fuld made two plays tonight Soriano wouldn't have
Soriano has a decent arm, but the play Fuld threw out Wilson on I doubt even a healthy Soriano gets to in time to make the throw. And, the diving/sliding catch. It isn’t just bad defense like we could have gotten from Dunn that bugs me, it is indifference that really bugs me. That is what you get from Soriano. Money dictates that Soriano will play, but at least Fuld will be able to come in for defensive purposes until Johnson comes back.
Nibbles - July 1, 2009
Are you f-ing kidding me?
Soriano has a decent arm? His arm is better than Fuld’s, and one of the best in the majors.
ARob1 - July 1, 2009
Yes, and no.
He was ranked the best LFer by THT last year, but his UZR/150 isn’t as good as other LFers – a career 7.8, with a -5.3 this year (I’d credit that negative to playing hurt, wouldn’t you?). Well, that’s the quantitative analysis, but as for qualitative, I think Soriano’s arm benefits from his lack-a-dasial approach to fielding, which looks a hellva like jogging or dogging it on a regular basis. Base runners interpret that as an opportunity to take an extra base and BAM!, Alfonso throws guys out. Frankly I think he could be an even better fielder if he didn’t go 1/2 or 3/4 in the field some times.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
It should be noted that...
…Soriano has less than 1,000 innings in LF so far this year, so those results may be misleading.
daver - July 2, 2009
Soriano=no hustle
Clutche - July 2, 2009
I'm not hight on Soriano these days, but
I’ve never thought that the case. He’s a very smooth runner with no confidence in his fielding. He’s an odd combination of fast and tentative.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
It really seems like...
..the leg injuries he suffered in ’07 and last season have hurt his confidence in his legs.
daver - July 2, 2009
indeed
at the same time, he’s made some very good running catches this year. I really have to wonder how much of this is fatigue.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Disagree as well
His fielding is more tenative than not hustling. He never looks comfortable in left field to me.
rlpete - July 2, 2009
dude, don't let your hatred for Soriano cloud your judgement
Soriano has one of the best outfield arms in the game. It’s a freaking cannon.
And I honestly wish I could figure out where this rumor that Soriano doesn’t care got started, because it’s utterly ridiculous.
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
I agree with you on that.
The guy’s been playing hurt for awhile, and I think his defensive slump this year (and offensive, for that matter) goes to show that he wants to play every day as he is paid as a (or THE) leader on the team. I do think Lou’s penchalent to never bench him hurts the Cubs, however.
dtpollitt - July 1, 2009
I can't disagree with you there
if Soriano IS actually hurt like they claim, I don’t understand why he hasn’t been getting more days off. We’re babying Bradley, and throwing Soriano to the wolves. Makes no sense
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
It's been the norm
on this board since I joined, over two years ago. Makes no sense, but there you are.
drewishdrewid - July 1, 2009
Well, blind squirrels find a nut sometimes ...
I agree heartily with this post.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 2, 2009
The people that said Jacque Jones was lazy and didn't care
had to find another place for their misdirected anger.
rlpete - July 2, 2009
He's quick from glove to hand
His best asset is that the time from which he gets the ball to when he releases it is probably the smallest in the league. The dude has super quick hands.
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
TWSS
Clutche - July 2, 2009
BAM!
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
♪ ♫ He's a magic man! ♪ ♫
daver - July 2, 2009
Hey - I figured it out!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
As with most things in life… when you don’t know the answer, just copy off your neighbor. Cut-n-paste is a wonderful thing…
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
Yes, but in the wrong hands....
1. A collective outfield that is the most expensive in baseball that has put up abysmal numbers. Soriano is awful. Kosuke is So Taguchi with 40 times the salary. Milton has gotten off to just about the worst imagineable start. Meanwhile the guy who should be receiving much more playing time, Reed Johnson, is hurt and has a manager who plays salary over impact.
2. A gaping hole at 2nd base. The 29 year old minor league journeyman Fontenot turned back into a pumpkin. Is this really shocking?
3. No DeRosa, who quite simply was a very integral and MVP-like performer for the Cubs in 2007 and 2008.
4. Loss of Ramirez. Who knows what his comeback looks like the remainder of the season given the type of injury he had.
5. A terrible bullpen.
And the real tragedy of all of this is that the Cubs were blessed with very fine starting pitching for the first half. That was the time when this team needed to seize the day and get to 15 games up over .500.
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
I see what you did there
and a cold chill just went down my spine…
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
aaaaaahhhhhhh
chitownhawkeye - July 2, 2009
well, i'm not going to say he doesn't care,
but it does read as selfish to me that he essentially refuses to make adjustments at the plate. if he would shorten up his swing a bit more often, be a bit more disciplined in terms of pitch selection, and so on, he could really help this offense. now, maybe he simply can’t make the adjustment, though i find that hard to believe. more likely, this is the approach that got him here and that made him very successful, and i can understand how that would make a person stubborn. i’m not really going to take the piss out of him for it, but it doesn’t help the team—and, to get back to the point, it can come across as a selfish/lazy attitude. and, we must admit, he doesn’t always hustle in the field and he gets distracted out there from time to time.
buckmulligan - July 2, 2009
Agree with the posters above.
Soriano’s arm is one of the strongest in the majors.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 1, 2009
he's certainly accurate.
he has that power fade down perfectly.
buckmulligan - July 2, 2009
He wouldn't have run on Soriano
Soriano has a good arm. He led NL with throwing people at home I think the last two years (I’m prob. wrong on that fact though).
They didn’t know Fuld that well. They were testing him. He threw him out.
ak123 - July 1, 2009
Sori
could have made that first play. Note, I say “could have” — if you give Fuld that play, I bet he doens’t make that throw 7 times out of ten.
The second one, probably not. Fuld is an able temporary fix.
drewishdrewid - July 1, 2009
Sweet Lou
that was not your best performance tonight. Next time I expect more vaudevillian stunts worthy of a curtain call. How about a pratfall ot two or a head first slide into 1st base. A funny red nose would be nice. Oh well, we won the game and you had time to work on your next appearance on ESPN.
tharr - July 1, 2009
I'm honestly not certain what the point of this post was
WanderingWanderer - July 1, 2009
I honestly don't know
why you’re confused.
tharr - July 1, 2009
Oh, delicious ironing
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
Yes, that collared shirt looks delectable.
daver - July 2, 2009
Ron thought Wells was safe at first, as well
Gotta say, it was kinda nice just listening to the game while reading a book. I recommend such an activity for anyone who occasionally gets too wound up watching the games. Far more relaxing.
Clutch16 - July 1, 2009
My wife recommends
listening to the game while doing the dishes. Husbands listening while doing the dishes, specifically.
TC Cubby - July 2, 2009
but you'll get soap suds
on your keyboard.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Welcome To Machine
lexmarklover - July 1, 2009
What do you think?
That’s alright, we’ll tell you what to think!
daver - July 2, 2009
have a cigar.
buckmulligan - July 2, 2009
Caption:
I’m Ted Lilly! I’m Ted Lilly! I’m Ted… no, I’m not.
drewishdrewid - July 1, 2009
apollo 11 lift off
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/ap11ann/kippsphotos/39526.jpg
brian custer - July 1, 2009
What was the purpose of this comment?
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Was wondering the same thing.
Cool picture though.
AndrewJStone - July 2, 2009
I'm guessing it has something to do with Aaron Heilman...
…though I’m pretty sure he didn’t pitch last night.
daver - July 2, 2009
to show the Apollo 11 lift off.
obviously
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
Great job by Randy
He’s definitely helped keep the ship afloat during this early summer swoon. It’s great to see Lou/Jim resorting to bringing up an infusion of youth from the minors. Go Fuld!
propheteer - July 1, 2009
ROY and Fuld
ROY – The NL crop is a bit weak this year. Often times, name recognition plays a key role. A long way to go, so a lot can change, but Fowler/Hanson/Rasmus will likely be in the race for awhile. There’s some other guys that might be able to emerge – for example, I’m not a big Sean West fan, but if he keeps it up and the Marlins stay in contention, he could certainly factor in.
Fuld – I want to see Fuld get an extremely long look. No a game here, a game there, and get sent back down. The reason is that, I don’t trust fukudome to get it going again. Here’s hoping, considering it’s a sunk cost, but I think CF is a key concern for us. The CF market doesn’t look all that great in terms of options that we can afford and perhaps makes some sense. Fuld, if he can do enough, might be that number 2 hitter, a guy with superb discipline and enough speed. I’m not suggesting we “bench” anyone, just give Fuld enough PT to see what he can offer. If he succeeds, that may fill a couple concerns for us. If not, no harm done really.
toonsterwu - July 1, 2009
That's a good point about Fuld, CF and Dome...
…though, ironically enough, Kosuke had a good game last night, too.
daver - July 2, 2009
The 2010 market looks horrendous in general
Not that it matters since we’re maxed out.
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
Fuld should get a chance
But to think at the expense of Soriano, don’t see it. GIve Dome a day off or two. Lou won’t sit Soriano for an extended period, which in Lou’s case one day.
Wells has been great. If he can keep this up, what a huge surprise.
Grockcubs - July 1, 2009
Roster
Fuld – I’d like them to give this player a good look. They expect Ramirez, Johnson and Guzman to be activated next week. Wondering who is going to go down.
AboutTheCubs - July 1, 2009
What kind of reaction
Do you think we’ll see from MLB about Lou’s ejection tonight?
Also, I ask this to Al and others who saw the game, was Wells safe on the call at first? I saw in the game threads that both the Pirates radio and TV announcers thought it was a bad call.
I still hope it energizes the team, like a similar tirade did in 2007. :)
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 1, 2009
what kind of reaction are you expecting?
Lou got ejected. So what – it happens. I didn’t see the game but listening to Pat & Ron and watching highlights on the news, it sounded like your usual run-of-the-mill ejection. Close play, call goes against Cubs, Lou gets pissed, runs out, has some words, throws hat on ground and ump gives him the thumb.
No physical contact, no base-throwing, no dirt-kicking, no bat-tossing… No big deal. He’ll get the standard ejection fine, whatever that is.
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
It was a really close play at first.
Could have gone either way.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
I think he was already pissed
about that foul call on Wells’ smash down the left field line, 2 or 3 pitches previously.
thermal54 - July 2, 2009
the league does not suspend someone for a simple ejection
had he made contact with the umpire, or flipped out, he might be facing a suspension, but not every ejection merits one
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
The Cubs played well against a bad team tonight
This is not a great feat but it is something that the have not done much of all season.
So what is different tonight?
Great pitching…we have gotten that all season.
Extra base hits…something new
No Sori…I wonder?
It should make all of us wonder also. I hope Sori sits today because if they play the same way against the Brewers as they did tonight it begs the question “Is Sori the problem.”
One game does not make a pattern but I think it is worth keeping an eye on.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - July 2, 2009
By that logic, how about...
no Lou?
DGU - July 2, 2009
Works for me
Doggie Stalker - July 2, 2009
no, it doesn't beg the question "Is Sori the problem."
It may beg the question “Is Sori tired from trying to carry the team or injured.”
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
or, is he declining with age and his lag between hot streaks grow longer.
All are good questions, wish we had a better idea on the answer.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
milton bradley
milton bradley is currentle tied for 250th place in the rbi chase in the major leagues, glad we got him
ktowncubby - July 2, 2009
the award for most oblivious comment of the day goes to ktowncubby!!
ARob1 - July 2, 2009
thinking milton bradley might be good player to send down AAA needs a person who can walk two times a night.
ktowncubby - July 2, 2009
so do the cubs
ARob1 - July 2, 2009
oh. god. you're back with more nonsense
It was funny the first time, but, (and I never really say this to people) you don’t seem to actually know much about how the game works
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
I was hoping he was being sarcastic.....
but I’m afraid he wasn’t
Clutche - July 2, 2009
There's no mystery what killed this team in 2009
1. A collective outfield that is the most expensive in baseball that has put up abysmal numbers. Soriano is awful. Kosuke is So Taguchi with 40 times the salary. Milton has gotten off to just about the worst imagineable start. Meanwhile the guy who should be receiving much more playing time, Reed Johnson, is hurt and has a manager who plays salary over impact.
2. A gaping hole at 2nd base. The 29 year old minor league journeyman Fontenot turned back into a pumpkin. Is this really shocking?
3. No DeRosa, who quite simply was a very integral and MVP-like performer for the Cubs in 2007 and 2008.
4. Loss of Ramirez. Who knows what his comeback looks like the remainder of the season given the type of injury he had.
5. A terrible bullpen.
And the real tragedy of all of this is that the Cubs were blessed with very fine starting pitching for the first half. That was the time when this team needed to seize the day and get to 15 games up over .500.
Prognosis? Cubs will battle for 3rd or 4th place in the NL Central. St. Louis will win the division and Milwaukee and Cincinnati will duke it out for next in line honors.
BLou - July 2, 2009
WTF?
Even after a win you’re making posts like this? You say the same shit every day!
kanderber - July 2, 2009
Hah. We posted about two seconds apart.
Glad somebody else is noticing BLou’s falling off his rabble-rousing game.
AndrewJStone - July 2, 2009
You know, you could save yourself a lot of time by just copying and pasting these in every thread.
We get it. You think these few specific things. Restating them over and over as if they are new, brilliant ideas is getting old.
Put a new spin on your shtick man. Freshen it up. Improvise. Think on your feet.
AndrewJStone - July 2, 2009
He didn't?
I swear i’ve already read this exact post.
chitownhawkeye - July 2, 2009
minor word changes
the bit about how Dome is really So Taguchi is fairly new.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
this is the real problem with summer
all the freakin reruns.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
SBN Feature Request
Deny the use of “copy” and “paste”
dr stabbingworth - July 2, 2009
Sam Fuld should replace Kosuke for the time being
PIniella will never bench Soriano as there are a different set of roles in place for the man. But Fuld should bat leadoff and send Kosuke to the bench for now. Then when Reed Johnson comes back it should be a true platoon with either Fuld or Kosuke.
I’ve seen enough of Kosuke. We are paying $48 million for So Taguchi’s twin with the bat.
BLou - July 2, 2009
Got to give you this -
You’re at least willing to keep making this case against Dome the day he goes 2/4 with a HR.
That said, Dome clearly has more talent than So Taguchi. What makes him so maddening are these stretches where he is less prodcuctive than So Taguchi. I don’t know if he’s overplayed and exhausted, if he can’t adjust quickly, or what it is, but the Cubs need to figure it out and stabilize him.
DGU - July 2, 2009
And it's that comment...
That makes me believe that BLou doesn’t even watch the games.
CubsBullsBears - July 2, 2009
that would require
caring about whether or not they win or lose.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
or he's smart enough to realize that one game doesn't mean Dome is suddenly going to turn it on
I really hate defending BLou, because I think he might be the only person here more irritating and pompous than Not Bruce, but just because Dome had a good game against some very mediocre pitchers doesn’t mean he’s suddenly back.
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
it doesn't mean
he’s So Taguchi, either.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
you're right, Taguchi has put up better numbers
:)
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
I think Dome...
…mentally fries out when he plays for extended periods. I have no idea why, but thats usually the explanation when a guy can look so good and so bad.
MPH73 - July 2, 2009
Because he's
an above average platoon outfielder
Clutche - July 2, 2009
If that's the case he should do better when RJ comes back.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Absolutely
Clutche - July 2, 2009
That makes some sense.
DGU - July 2, 2009
I think...
…a lot of guys who play well when they part-time are like this, they just can’t maintain the same level of focus when they play extended periods.
MPH73 - July 2, 2009
thank you for the comment i agree 100 percent
ktowncubby - July 2, 2009
You're welcome.
daver - July 2, 2009
dude, hit the reply tab.
seriously
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
whats wrong when johnson comes back of having Fuld batting leadoff with theriot-lee ramirez-fox rf- hauf cf- soto- bblanco line up. and having bradley and soriano pinch hit until they can prove they might be able to hit the ball.
ktowncubby - July 2, 2009
HOFF! HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF
HOFFPAUIR
ARGH!
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
wait a second
you have hoff in CF?
Allie - July 2, 2009
lol
I just noticed that. Egads.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
Maybe he meant Soto in CF.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
Can RJ
play catcher?
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
apogize cant type. but platoon johnson in cf
ktowncubby - July 2, 2009
platoon with who?
hoff?
yikes.
Allie - July 2, 2009
whom
Clutche - July 2, 2009
a young kid like fuld could spark the team especially when he makes a tenth of what bradley does.
ktowncubby - July 2, 2009
bet he can even count to three
ktowncubby - July 2, 2009
Please use the "reply" link when you are answering a post.
Otherwise no one can tell who you are replying to.
Al Yellon - July 2, 2009
I don't think he reads replies to his comments
In Tuesday’s recap, he had some . . . interesting thoughts.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
it's stream of conciousness, Al
he’s not actually doing anything other then talking to himself.
drewishdrewid - July 2, 2009
He's groovin', man. It's improv. Let him go.
daver - July 2, 2009
I think we took 2 of 3, so it's good to win a series.
I think we are even with the Brewers this year so it’d be a nice step in the right direction to take this series. If the Cubs win a few series now then maybe we’ll start talking about how a team has “fought” through (although “endured” or “sat around” might be better choices) some challenges and remains in contention.
DudeVf11 - July 2, 2009
For those that questioned Lou's outburst...
It fired up at least one player that led to a positive performance:
CubsBullsBears - July 2, 2009
Meh
Wells had already pitched 5 good innings.
I had no issue with the outburst, but it had little to do with Wells’ performance.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
Wells himself said it pumped him up for the 7th...
And he went out and pitched a nice quick 7th, probably a coincidence, but I’ll take the kid’s word for it.
CubsBullsBears - July 2, 2009
Oh, it might have had some effect
I just don’t think that it was huge.
I suspect Wells was asked about it first, and he gave a good answer.
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
+1,000
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
Wainwright
Adam Wainwright threw over 120 pitches last night. Could the DL be far behind?
KedzieKid - July 2, 2009
Was Dusty managing the deadbirds? Did anyone notice in the Reds game last night that Cueto
was hurting early in the game and still threw 108 pitches in the game? Some of that tough love from Dusty. Even with all of that the Reds 2-hit the D-Backs in the game. Arizona really stinks now.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 2, 2009
I had posted at the
beginning of the Bucs series, that the next 12 games may determine if the team would be buying or “selling”. So far, its 2-1 in the first three.
A split with the Brewers here does nothing. With a strong home-stand, the team could incredibly enough be a game or so out of the top spot. What a shitty Division.
I was really glad Soriano found some bench for a bit. How nice to see a competent LF’er.
Also, Andres Blanco is a terrific fielder – a real gem. However, and Brenley remarked on this, his AB in the 8th inning – swinging at pitches almost hitting his foot – reveal profound weaknesses at the plate. So – if the team was not last in baseball with RISP – and he bats 8th, these things can be covered up more easily. But now, we have too many guys floundering. Perhaps – if the baseball gods take pity – the team will start hitting before they are too far out of it to climb over multiple teams.
The E-Man - July 2, 2009
Jeff Baker is a Cub
Itchy - July 2, 2009
check the fanshots from 3 hrs ago
Clutche - July 2, 2009
Best part of last night's game
was how Wells maintained control in the first and held the Bucs to 1 run. He doesn’t get rattled, maybe Z should take some advice from Wells.
So pumped I’m going to tonight’s game, much happier now the Cubs won that series. I usually don’t like to overstate things, but this series and homestand is huge for the Cubs.
slocs55 - July 2, 2009
Remember when the Cubs were good...
and people didn’t fight on BCB all day long? Those were the days…
digitalbenjamin - July 2, 2009
You callin' my sister fat?
(Drags digiben outback)
dtpollitt - July 2, 2009
well, is she?
ballhawk - July 2, 2009
I don't have a sister...
dtpollitt - July 2, 2009
not a thin one, anyway...
digitalbenjamin - July 2, 2009
rec'd cuz I LOL'd
WanderingWanderer - July 2, 2009
Certainly, not 2006.
N Oakley - July 2, 2009
♪ Boy, the way Glenn Miller played ♫
♪ SONGS THAT MADE THE HIT PARADE ♫
Shanghai Badger - July 2, 2009
♫ Zambrano smashed the Gatorade ♫
♫ Those were the days! ♫
santoswoodenlegs - July 2, 2009
NL ROY
Someone posted a discussion on ROY so far over at Sickels and it made me realize that I completely forgot about Jordan Zimmerman. Huge fan of his long range potential – didn’t think he’d be this good right off the bat. The ERA is high, and he might not get enough wins with the Nats, so he might not win it, but after thinking about it, Zimmerman would be my top NL rookie right now.
toonsterwu - July 2, 2009
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