PHILADELPHIA -- I didn't even wait for Jayson Werth's home run ball to land in the seats before I was out of mine and up the aisle and out into the parking lot. Trying to beat the horrendous traffic from the night before, you know. You could still hear the sounds of Green Day emanating from the Wachovia Center down the street from Citizens Bank Park, not to mention the loud cheering of the remnants of a sellout crowd of mostly Phillies fans (there were a few more Cubs fans last night, but we were still in the extreme minority).
Let's start with the good news. We got "good" Rich Harden last night and there appears to be something to the idea that the Cubs should start him only in night games, and primarily on the road. Harden gave up only four hits and struck out six in seven fine innings of work. Harden now has a 2.23 ERA in seven night-game starts (44.1 innings) and a 7.38 ERA in nine day-game starts (42.2 innings, virtually the same). Six HR allowed in night games, 11 in day games. 25 walks in day games, 13 in night games. Home-road, basically the same: seven road starts, 2.03 ERA, 7 HR and 14 walks, nine home starts, 7.59 ERA, 10 HR, 24 free passes. You get the idea. As much as the Cubs can, they'll try to slot his starts on the road, or at least in home night games.
Cubs relievers also rose to the task, at least for 5.2 innings of one-hit ball before Jeff Samardzija lost his command after retiring the first two hitters in the 13th inning without incident. Two walks -- making the Cubs' total seven -- preceded Werth's home run.
Joe Blanton matched Harden -- allowing one run in seven innings; the only difference was the method. Harden gave up a solo HR to Jimmy Rollins; Blanton, a single to Ryan Theriot and a RBI double to Kosuke Fukudome. Blanton wasn't fooling anyone; a large number of Cubs hit the ball hard but right at someone (particularly Pedro Feliz, who snagged several line drives at 3B).
Phillies relievers were just a little bit better than Cubs relievers, and that was the difference. The Cubs had only one baserunner after Blanton left the game, when Brad Lidge hit Aramis Ramirez with one out in the ninth inning (note to Lou: the Phillies put their closer in the game. Why didn't you?). He was quickly erased on a double play. Further note to the relief pitcher comment: the Phillies have on their staff Chan Ho Park, a former starter (he's started seven games this year and made 20 relief appearances) who can go several innings in a game like this one; his three shutout innings with five strikeouts helped save the Philly bullpen.
Paging Lou: you have a pitcher like this on your staff! His name is Sean Marshall, and he was wasted by throwing to two lefthanded hitters, then being yanked for Aaron Heilman. You can forgive me for thinking the game was over right then, but Heilman managed to squeeze out of the inning -- but not before issuing yet another walk, his 30th in 44 innings, raising his WHIP to 1.62, the highest it has been since his rookie year. Can we please just release him?
Lou hinted in his postgame remarks that there may be deals to come:
"You know what? We might need a couple hitters here at the trading deadline," Piniella said, then ended the postgame discussion.
We'll see. There are nine days left. Give the Phillies some credit -- they are, after all, the defending champions and the hottest team in the game. Let's break their ten-game winning streak this afternoon, get one game out of this series, and end the road trip with a 5-2 record. The pregame post will be up at 10:30 am CDT.
0 recs | 535 comments
What jumped out at me...
Was that the Cubs didn’t draw one walk. 13 innings of baseball and not one walk is inexcusable.
kanderber - July 22, 2009
Yep.
And Cubs pitchers walked seven. That’s the proverbial “recipe for disaster”.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
It's hard to walk
with the strike zone given to Blanton. Seemed like the outside corner (and low) were extremely liberal for him last night. For the Cubs pitchers, for whatever reason, not so much. Is the plate ump related to Blanton or something? A Phillies fan?
cubmudgeon - July 22, 2009
The mating call of the loser
is the blame of the umpire
Worf - July 22, 2009
I don't think anyone
was saying the same thing last year when Ed Hochuli made that “excellent” call in the San Diego v Denver. I believe that the Ref had a big impact in the game.
The same goes when an ump gives the low outside to the pitcher of the opposing pitcher.
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Losers blame the refs
Worf - July 22, 2009
Worf
God I hate agreeing w/ you. It’s unnatural.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
It's like when
You start making out with your sister, you know it wrongs but it feels…. Oh wait yeah agreeing with Worf is bad!
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
I thought the umpire was liberal
with the strike zone for both teams. From my biased perspective, we got squeezed a couple times, but overall I had no complaints. I wasn’t too upset with Samardzija walking the two lefties, especially after he got behind because either one is capable of ending the game. I was not happy, though that he didn’t show a little more focus when pitching to Werth. I guess that’s why he was the fifth option out of the bullpen.
CubbieFaninOhio - July 22, 2009
Speaking of walks...
I tuned in about the 11th inning and was disgusted by how quickly the Cubs were making outs! They were either swinging at the first or second pitch almost every time!
Very frustrating for the fans!
Why can’t these guys take pitches like the Phillies do. One sequence, Ibanez never took the bat off his shoulder and got a 5 pitch walk. Meanwhile Reed johnson goes up there and has a 3-pitch strikeout (swinging on all three).
Cone on Cubs!
CubFanSince1970 - July 22, 2009
+1
That was my biggest beef. They really didn’t work the counts. I think Fontenot swung at the first pitch every at bat.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
I think this is a question of philosophy. When Von Joshua came up, he specifically said he wanted people to be more aggressive. Also, if the ump is giving the opposing pitcher a liberal strike zone, you have to swing at pitches that might be balls because if you don’t, you’re going to fall behind in the count quickly anyway.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Or make an adjustment because that philosophy and approach wasn't working...
2 runs in 22 innings. Yuck.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
go back
one more game. suddenly, it’s 13 runs in 31 innings.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
You can't treat each team/series the same...
Every team makes adjustments to strength and weakness. What works for the Nat’s may not work for the Phillies. I would have to go back and look at hitting logs but they may have been more patient and saw more pitches vs. the Nats.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
I'm just saying.
screaming about 2 runs in 22 innings doesn’t make much sense. It’s the ultimate in small sample sizes.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
The whole season
With very few exceptions that seem to occur when the very worst of pitchers are around, has been filled with crap like 2 runs in 22 innings.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
Who's screaming?
Their approach hasn’t worked this series. Time to make an adjustment. If you don’t, you’re probably going to fail again.
You bring up small sample sizes yet throw out 13 runs in 31 innings. Try again.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
that would be
a larger sample then 2 in 22. Try again.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
How about the whole season?
Is that a big enough sample size for you?
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
Hey-O!
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
+1 ballhawk
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I wonder
what that number actually is, actually.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
383 runs, 92 games
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
That comes out to 4.16 runs per game
I’m assuming we’re still down in the lower third of the league in runs scored, but 4 runs a game surprises me. I didn’t think it’d be that much.
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
actually
neither did I, but the blowouts we’ve had do help.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
I didn't, either - but last year they were over 5
855/161 = 5.31
Pretty big difference.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
that is
a big difference.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
That's why we were in first last year and not this year
BigJohnAZ - July 22, 2009
I do as well
Half of my comment was to zing you for your constant statistical back-n-forthing with people to prove without a doubt that yes, it is possible to beat a dead horse again and again and again…
…but the other half was figuring that you would probably look up the number and comment accordingly. But I see that Shanghai has beat you to the punch.
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
To add to Badgers stats according to ESPN
The 2008 Cubs ranked second in the majors with 855 runs scored. This year, they’re on a pace to score 680.
Runs (382) 13th
Doubles (155) 13th
Batting average (.249) 13th
On-base percentage (.323) 12th
Slugging percentage (.403) 9th
OPS (.726) 10th
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
we should fire the hitting coach again
that worked well the first time
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
I blame the bats
Anyone know where to get a live chicken?
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
No marbles!
Oh, wait – the sequel was awful.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
I'm not sure how to look up RISP stat
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Please don't.
It will make everyone sad.
aldimond - July 22, 2009
By 9 innings? Hilarious...
Considering they rank in the lower half of nearly all offensive categories, your counterpoints aren’t changing my mind that they have a good approach at the plate.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
*DON'T have a good approach...
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
well
it adds almost 33% to the sample size.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
A third of a small sample size is small
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
and a sample size a third larger
is still small, but larger then the first one.
What’s your point?
I’m saying that the sample sizes are SO SMALL that by adding a single game, you end up with completely different numbers.
2 in 22 innings is less then 1 run per game.
13 runs in 31 innings is about 4 runs per game.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Well, the larger point is, I'm with Fishbone regarding the approach
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
I'm not sure
I’m not with you on the hitting approach myself.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Out of 16 NL teams:
Cubs rank:
Runs: 13
Hits: 14
RBI 13
Batting Avg: 15
Total Bases: 11
OPS: 11
OBS: 13
Again, You aren’t going to convince me their approach to hitting is good. It’s not.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
damn you beat me by 2 minutes
I even had the tab open.
bows to you fishbone
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
It's all good :)
Especially since you’re reinforcing my point!
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
That doesn't prove anything about approach.
It proves their results have been crummy; you can take whatever approach you want, and if you just don’t hit the ball your numbers will look awful. I think the Cubs just flat haven’t hit the ball this year — to some degree that affects how pitchers attack you and changes your approach as well, hitters that are slumping will see plenty of first-pitch strikes compared to guys that are hot.
aldimond - July 22, 2009
The Nats don't count...
Seriously.
CubsBullsBears - July 22, 2009 via mobile
YES THEY DO!
they’re a major league team that this team plays, and every win counts. Pete’s sake.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
They do indeed count
But on a weighted scale.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
no they don't.
a win is a win is a win. Beating the nationals carries the same value — 1 — as losing to the Phillies — 1.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
In the standings, yes, you are right. Evaluating a team, you're dead wrong.
And that’s what people are getting at. Winning 4 games against anyone is tough, but to say that’s a sign that the offense is starting to click is neither objective nor realistic.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
rec'd
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I’m relatively certain that I didn’t say that.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
I'm relatively certain that no one said the wins agains Washington don't count, as well
So are you saying it’s ok that you jumped to your conclusion, but mine was illogical?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
you are?
your memory is failing you.
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/7/22/957597/pitching-good-hitting-not-so-much#18511035
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Obstinate, Drew.
You read that and honestly think the poster means the wins don’t count in the standings?
Really?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
lol
yeah, I’M the one being obstinate…
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
yep
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
Yeah, that pretty much speaks for itself.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
they are the worst team in major league baseball
every win counts, but when we’re talking about how a team is performing, their performance against that team versus one of the better ones, is relevant
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
I don't understand why people want players to take pitches..
..Why? Taking the pitch doesn’t do much. Unless it’s your first at bat of the game or first at bat against the particular pitcher in the game, you’ve already seen pitches. By taking pitches, you risk taking the best 1 or 2 pitches you’ll see during the at bat (or maybe even best pitch he’ll see the entire game). They also risk falling behind in the count.
I disagree with taking pitches under most circumstances. If it’s a good strike, swing away!!
Cubs and Hawks fan - July 22, 2009
You can take pitches all you want.
It doesn’t help if they’re strikes. For the game Phillies pitchers threw 162 pitches and 115 of them were strikes. Now, that counts swings, and some of the strikes were definitely out-of-zone swings, but that’s still an excellent strike rate of 71%; the relievers (45 strikes in 61 pitches for 74%) were even better than Blanton (70 strikes in 101 pitches, 69%). When the pitcher is throwing early strikes you just have to hit them.
Harden had a pretty good strike-throwing day himself: 74/116, 64% strikes. The relievers weren’t quite as good (54/101, 53%). But it’s not just a matter of wildness. The Cubs pitchers had to face slugger after slugger in a situation where a home run meant an instant loss. They were nibbling and pitching around hitters all day (except Guzman, who got 3 quick outs, Marmol, who threw out of the zone a lot but blew fastballs right by hitters when it mattered, and Samardzija in the 12th), and for 12 innings it worked, especially on Ryan Howard, who chased almost everything.
aldimond - July 22, 2009
All together now
THESE ARE NOT THE FREAKING NATIONALS!
Worf - July 22, 2009
Thanks for pointing that out. I wouldn't have known that if you hadn't. I thought
all the teams were the same and they just wore different uniforms. I feel much better with your insight.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 22, 2009
Let's not start getting all "Lord of Flies" with each other...
Zeke - July 22, 2009
Good, because I'm fat and wear glasses...
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Some people need to have things repeated to them
A lot.
Worf - July 22, 2009
I don't know. I don't recall a lot of folks expecting the Phillies to lay down and let the Cubs walk all
over them. They are the defending world champs. They came into this series with a long winning streak. Everyone knew it was going to be a tough series even if the Cubs had been swinging the bats well, which they haven’t all year. So I really don’t see how pointing out that we aren’t playing the Nationals anymore really add a lot of insight to the discussion.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 22, 2009
Really?
We don’t play 162 games agaisnt the worst baseball team in the league every year?
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Nope...Selig hates us apparently
Worf - July 22, 2009
Damn used cars salesman.
That what we get when the Brewers owner becomes the Commish! IMPEACH, IMPEACH, IMPEACH
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Deals
The best deal I can think of is the deal that frees us of Lou Piniella. I’d rather wait until next year than cave to Piniella’s ever continuing wishes. It was because he wanted more left handed bats that a 97-win team was dismantled and reconfigured into this mess. Jim Hendry may have made the deals, but if Lou said to Jim in the offseason, “We just need to tweak a few things here and there,” then the moves would not have been what they were. As far as I’m concerned, we’ll need a new GM after the season that isn’t a yes man to celebrity managers. But for now, the Cubs need a new voice in that dugout. Lou’s lost it and has to go.
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
+ 1 Billion
And I think this comment was more a way to shed himself of blame should the season continue to fall apart. He can stand up at the end of the year, and claim he wanted to improve the team but Jim wouldn’t do it.
Knowing full well that the Cubs aren’t really in a position to acquire very good hitters
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
It's funny that you said "+ a billion", yet you didn't rec him...
not that I agree with the two of you… just noting that.
As for lou making that comment because he wants an out, that’s crap. He says what’s on his mind, and last night, what else could he have said? Hitters need to hit or we won’t win anything- against the Nationals or the Phillies.
smash! - July 22, 2009
The play of the game for me was the grounder off Lidge's foot
that could have easily been the break we were looking for, but instead bounced right to Rollins for an easy double play. Two on with one out gives us a chance to push across the go-ahead run. But it wasn’t to be. Exciting game to watch, but a crappy ending.
DKT - July 22, 2009
It looked like Rollins had it either way...
he was coming over to cover 2B already because of the hit and run, so he was already standing on 2B when the ball reached him anyway. The kick by Lidge didn’t really change the direction of the ball – it just popped the ball up to chest high, making the play even simpler. But that was going to be a double play either way.
That’s one of those situations in which the hit and run can bite you. If Ramirez isn’t running, Rollins is probably playing more of a natural shortstop and that ball might sneak through. And yes, that was extremely unfortunate, and we never challenged again.
There was another play of the game – Ibanez making the diving catch on Koyie Hill’s line drive to LF. If that gets through, Hill is on 2B. Then we probably see Jake Fox come up to bat and maybe a pinch runner for Hill, where a single could win the game. But Ibanez makes the catch, and no harm is done.
SouthernCub - July 22, 2009
I think he would have had that ball, too. The unlucky part was that it didn't bounce behind Rollins after hitting the foot.
DudeVf11 - July 22, 2009
agreed... or into RF...
SouthernCub - July 22, 2009
My son caught Rollins' home run ball
and gave it to a young Cub fan sitting near him.
mlern - July 22, 2009
lol nice
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
i just don't understand why these players aren't hitting. It's defying logic.
The Cubs need hitters.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
Too old, too hurt, too overrated
Worf - July 22, 2009
I don't think age is the issue here...
The “old” guy (Lee) has been our best hitter. None of the other guys are old enough to where age should be a reason for falling apart.
I agree that Bradley and Fukudome were overrated, though Bradley is playing worse than should be expected even after discounting for being overrated.
I have no explanation for why Soriano has taken a two-month nosedive after being fantastic up until early May. I have to believe it’s injury-related, because this is a longer slump than anything he’s done before and it came out of nowhere.
SouthernCub - July 22, 2009
Is it possible that
Worf is right? Maybe the core, with the additions from last year, are on the downward slope?
Bradely: IMHO he was past his prime when we signed him
Soranio: Wrong side of thirty and starting to slide?
DLee: Hot now but dug a big hole at the beginning, maybe starting to show signs of age?
A-Ram: If he wasn’t out he could have carried the team
Fukudome: An enigma wrapped in a riddle
Soto: Sophmore slumps?
2B: A big hole
Theriot: Consistent hitter, always brings his best game
Starting Pitcher: carried the team this year
Bullpen: Just like every team needs work
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Soto:
Fat, drunk and stupid
Worf - July 22, 2009
don't you mean
Fat, high and stupid?
katie casey - July 22, 2009
DOOOOOOONUUUUTS
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
The quote is from Animal House, though
I was torn. Had to make a judgement call.
Worf - July 22, 2009
TOGA TOGA TOGA TOGA
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Oh sure, you remember this.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
That is a classic
A book written by Samuel Clemens is not that important to me
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
I think we have different standards for classics.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Animal House, Stripes, & The world according to Garp
These are the classics that all children should have to watch!
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
And Porky's
Worf - July 22, 2009
Meatballs.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Blue's Brothers
and not that flaming pot-o-pooh remake in 2000!
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Slapshot
BigJohnAZ - July 22, 2009
haven't seen Animal House in awhile
katie casey - July 22, 2009
It should be mandatory viewing
every two years. You shouldn’t be able to vote unless you’ve proven you’ve seen it that year.
Worf - July 22, 2009
It was funnier when I was in college.
Not so much now that my daughter is about to go.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
TOGA TOGA TOGA
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Pinella says Bradley needs to relax
Maybe Geo can share some of his stash with Gameboard before (or during) the game.
CubbieFaninOhio - July 22, 2009
Cubs can do a Jimmy Hendrix night
The purple haze could be a cover for something else
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
I doubt the Cubs are going to get much from Bradley the rest of the way...
I don’t think he is comfortable here. Always talks about the media, etc… You can’t tell me he didn’t know what he was getting into? It’s like mixing oil and water.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
I think of him as poison
and he’s polluting the well.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Well put...
I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt when he signed but my patience has run out on him. Not a good fit.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Well we can trade him to KC
Won’t be much media there.
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
OR MAYBE TORANTO 4LIND!!2!!
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
There WAS a lot of good stuff in last night's game...
Cubs’ hitting notwithstanding.
You could chalk it up to good pitching shutting down good pitching, and that IS true, but since we’ve seen this refrain over and over (dozens of times) this season, it’s just another good GREAT start wasted by the inability to hit, play fundamental baseball and hit in the clutch.
While it really serves no purpose, I’d still be interested to see the Cubs’ stats of just how MANY great starts they have squandered so far this year. Not the MLB definition of a quality start (which results in an ERA of 4.50!), but a REAL one- three runs or less given up by the starters and relievers TOTAL over 9 innings.
Anyone want to crunch those numbers?
Zeke - July 22, 2009
Good Stuff from Last Night's Game
1) The Earth Didn’t Crash Into the Sun
That’s it. I’m out.
Worf - July 22, 2009
Aw, c'mon. There was more than that Worf.
Granted, ya gotta DID for it a bit, but there were some good things. Perhaps “a lot of” was overstating a tad on my part…
Zeke - July 22, 2009
Extra inning losses are the worst
You invest so much time and then see a failure.
I’m not my usual happy Worf-self. I am angry Worf today.
Worf - July 22, 2009
Grrrrawwwwfffff!
Zeke - July 22, 2009
WORF SMASH!
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
There is a happy Worf?????????
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Lots of world ending scenarios didn't happen last night.
Crashing into the sun is the least of my worries.
Top of my list would be extremely contagious strand of ebola virus is leaked.
Then there’s always zombies.
Nuclear holocaust is about number 7 on my list.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Where does a super flu fall on the list?
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Super flu is a subset of the ebola.
Since they’re both viruses. I read “The Stand” when the Swine Flu scare was going around. That was freaky-deaky.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Still quite possibly the best muscial opening to a tv show ever
Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper” played in the background during the opening scenes of “The Stand” mini-series on TV. That was freaky-deaky…
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
I'm still holding out hope that Harry Potter is real
and the wizards and witches at Hogwarts will save us from zombies if it comes to that
Worf - July 22, 2009
HARRY POTTER'S NOT REAL?!!!!!!?!?!
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Harry is pre-occupied getting busy with Ron?
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
No, no, no, no ,no...
Harry-Ginny; Ron-Hermione
Snape-Himself
Worf - July 22, 2009
How Tom Riddle gettin with?
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
a muggle.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Muggle Porn
ALRIGHT!
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Well of course not. It was a "night" game, silly.
Today’s game (12:05 pm Central start) is the real test…
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
no Harden implosion
That’s a HUGE plus.
rgonzale - July 22, 2009
Love to see a pitchers duel like that. That was a fun game to watch...until the end.
At one point I was hoping Lou would put Jake Fox in to pinch hit. Hill could have used the rest by then, especially with an early game today. Instead he puts in Bradley.
Marmol looked amazing.
Oh, what was up with WGN showing that poor guy losing his ice cream over and over and over? I had the TV on mute. Were they talking about it on the air or something? They showed it like 18 times.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Agreed- Best Charlie Marbles has looked this year!
Zeke - July 22, 2009
It was old man ice cream porn
I’m sure there’s a market for it somewhere
Worf - July 22, 2009
Um. not sure what old man ice cream porn is...
Zeke - July 22, 2009
You just saw it last night
Worf - July 22, 2009
I revert to my last post. Not sure what you mean...
Zeke - July 22, 2009
I believe that refers to the slow-mo cam of the guy licking his ice cream cone
SouthernCub - July 22, 2009
OK. Now I get it...
Zeke - July 22, 2009
if it's supposed to make you desire a ginormous soft serve twist cone
it worked for me
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Ah. OK. Now I'm getting it...
Zeke - July 22, 2009
I went to the freezer and got an ice cream sandwich after about the 4th time they showed it!
DMCub - July 22, 2009
I'm on a diet.
So it just left me frustrated.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Totally OT I LOVE ice cream
There are some wonderful yogurts/ soberts (SP?) substitutes that have less grams of fat and calories.
if you are willing to pay a bit more to get Haagen- Dazs. Where you can barely tell the difference.
http://www.haagen-dazs.com/products/yogurt.aspx
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
mmm!
now to find a good low fat cheese that doesn’t taste like wax
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Even being born and raised in WI
I can’t help you w/ that :)
But hope you enjoy the ice cream. its a far more cheery to think about then this series :(
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Was in Sheboygan last weekend.
My husband found this raw farmstead cheese at a farmer’s market. I thought I died and went to heaven. Was in Madison the weekend before. Lots of wonderful ice cream there. Especially at the Babcock Hall Dairy Store. Talk about heaven.
Sorry for getting so OT.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Babcock Hall ice cream is NEVER OT
Had some myself yesterday . . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
(drools)
dtpollitt - July 22, 2009
Hiya, Dan. You see HP6 yet?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
True screw fat content on that it is awesome!
During the summer there is a farmers market on Saturday mornings. That is also awesome. So many choices, but truthfully it runs from 6 to maybe 10ish. About once or twice a summer I get up extremely early so I can make it there by 7, b/c once it hits 9ish too many people and not as good of a selection.
(believe it or not I don’t work for the tourist bureau)
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I had about an hour in town and had to make it a point to get some ice cream
Of course, had the sun been out, it would have been a beer on the terrace instead . . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Madison tour bureau
should at least give a few free gift certificates to you me and Dan for all the positive PR they get on this board :)
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I think anyone that's ever lived there does the same, though
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
And I don't work in the dairy industry,
but I am a big promoter nonetheless.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Mmm... Graters Ice Cream....
one of the few good things to come out of Cincinnati.
No, Skyline Chili is NOT another…
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
Mayor Jerry Springer?
Is that one?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Ah, Jerry "I think I'll pay for a prostitute with a check" Springer...
Oh, he’s on a list alright but not that one.
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
Marge Schott?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Who's next - Joe Morgan?
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
The Bengals!
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
♪Perp walk like an Egyptian♫
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
But Fox is the "back up catcher"
So you can’t use him unless you actually are willing to let him come in and catch. The joys of not actually having a real back up catcher.
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
So when is Soto coming back?
katie casey - July 22, 2009
You could use Fox in the OF or at 3B...
… and then bring him in to catch. Gee, kind of like Lou did vs. the Cardinals.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
It would work
If anyone thought Fox could really catch. I mean can you imagine him in there if Rollins and Victorino got on ? They would probably both still 2nd, 3rd and home.
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
"Still"?
Steal, more likely.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
They could do that against Hill, too.
Though the odds of it go down.
Fox can catch. He’s not going to be Koyie Hill behind the plate, but he’s not going to single-handedly lose the game for the Cubs, either.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
I think he easily could
I would hardly trust him to call the game but as for steals ( got it right that time) you have to be kidding. You think they would not have every guy run on Fox, a guy who has never caught in the majors and last caught two years ago in the minors save an inning in a blow out where no one was going to steal ? If the Cubs had ANY confidence he could catch they would have both rested Hill and let Fox bat as needed. I can’t think of anything I find more
insane about the current team then trying to claim a fake back up catcher is OK and damn the consequences .
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
The Phillies wouldn't have everyone run. You're being hyperbolic, I think.
Yes, they run would with Rollins, Victorino, Werth. It’d be guaranteed. But those guys are running on Koyie Hill, too.
Fox has been catching since he was 8. He was a third-team All-American in college, where he was coached by Mike Matheny’s old coach. Don’t you think if he’d been awful in college, they could have moved him around? Part of the reason Fox no longer catches is because he got into an argument with Scott Servais, not necessarily because his defense was terrible.
Now yes, he hasn’t caught in two years, pretty much. That’s the biggest issue. But if he has been working at getting the rust off catching as much as he worked to become competent at third base, I think things will be fine.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
Like I keep saying
If he IS a back up catcher than USE him. Don’t let Hill catch every damn inning.
He surely HITS better than Hill so if they had ANY faith he could really catch he would be doing it.
Sorry but being good in the minors TWO years ago and good in college do NOT cut it in the majors. and people give ME a hard time thinking Fuld should be in the outfield.
This is an INSANE situation.
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
Why are we in the minority on this?
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I just don't see
why we can’t try it. The entire staff was wrong on Fox not being able to play third competently. Why not try this?
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
because the situations aren't the same
they had never really given Fox a chance at 3rd. They gave him a chance at catcher, and he was terrible enough that they wanted him to learn a new position.
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
there's been
some debate on that.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
by who? You?
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
actually, no
there’s someone who says that Fox was a highly rated catcher in high school and college, and when he got to the minors, apparently there was a difference of opinion between him and Scott Servais (I think) who wanted him to change stuff Fox wasn’t comfortable changing.
With the standoff, they moved Fox away from the catcher position.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
there's someone?
is it Farney?
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
heresay from a single person
yep I guess that qualifies as a debate.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I can't remember their name
but they post here. Maybe they’ll see it and speak up.
Fact of the matter is, people — we thought Fox would be a Keystone Kop at third, based on what the minor-league coaches told us. They were all wrong. Why are we, therefore, presuming that they’re NOT wrong about this?
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Yeah, I'm that person.
And yes, I’ll concede that Fox isn’t going to be Koyie Hill behind the plate.
But I’ll contend that he can catch, and that part of the reason for his perceived “defensive liabilities” stems from an altercation he had with Scott Servais while Servais was the Cubs Minor League catching instructor.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
I'm willing to consider that might be true
But I couldn’t resist my comment above.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
No worries.
I’m just reporting what I know from some sources close to the situation.
Hill’s going to be a better defender than Fox, no doubt. But I think Fox’s offense is needed in the lineup right now, and I don’t think he’ll be a trainwreck behind the plate.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
I agree with that
Hill is brutal on offense.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Yep.
Though maybe the Cubs are worried about Rollins, Victorino and Werth running – I could understand that.
Maybe a game against a station-to-station team like Cincinnati would be better for Fox to get his feet wet, but I don’t see the point in keeping his bat on the bench right now.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
Something else that bothered me
Howard was 75 feet to 2B before Samardzija threw a pitch that was subsequently fouled off last night — what’s up with that?
It wouldn’t matter WHO was catching. BB was right – someone on the IF has to yell out.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
That was awful.
Thankfully, Ibanez had to protect on a 2-2 pitch.
If Lee is playing behind, he has to let Samardzija know. And Samardzija has to vary his looks so that a runner can’t break that early.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
Thanks for the info
If he is a capable catcher, why wasn’t he able to get his feet wet against the Nats? Even if just for a few innings.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Probably for the same reason
he didn’t play 3B at all in Iowa after Ramirez went down. So in other words, who knows?
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
I think it's a media conspiracy!
Oh, wait — this doesn’t involve Milton Bradley, so the unsubstantiated, anonymous quote can be used as supporting evidence. My bad . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
but
I’M the one who is obstinate.
Dood.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Lighten up, Francis
And if you really think someone was saying wins against the Nats don’t count in the standings, yeah, you are.
Because any reasonable person can infer that they were talking about the team’s performance – but you were parsing words to support your argument, and it wasn’t working all that well.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
b/c 3rd base and catcher
Even if there is proof that he can be an average catcher. He’s spent so long in the minors that he doesn’t know prolly much about the ins and outs of the Cubs pitching staff, not to mention the hitters on other teams.
If it was him going from catcher to 3rd I’d be incredibly more comfy.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I agree which is why this is yet another ridiculously stupid roster move
by Lou and Jim. The Cubs had already tried Jake at catcher and were completely unimpressed. The fact that they went with him as the “backup” catcher instead of calling a real catcher up was mind boggling stupid.
They’ve now relegated one of our better hitters to barely ever playing.
please fire these morons
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
ok I guess now there are now more than 2 of us.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I'm in
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
are YOU eric HANNA's mom?
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
I agree - use him.
So if you’re a good catcher in high school, in college, and in the minors, it stands to reason you can probably do a competent job for a game.
The Cubs should give Fox a chance behind the plate – as I maintain, he won’t cost them a game.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
I agree on Fox......why not put him in there?
…I mean this guy has been hitting and he cant get into the lineup.
JB 23 - July 22, 2009
because we have morons for manager and general manager
truly, 100% morons
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
Not morons so much as pig headed guys
…who don’t want to admit how badly they’ve screwed things up.
Somebody should remind Hendry that he has very little to lose by making moves, etc., since, either way, his career as a GM is hanging by a thread right now.
bluekoolaide - July 22, 2009
Pig headed, or incompetent
either way, they need to go away
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
I turned it off after the Cubs half of the 9th. Didn't want to see how we would lose it.
But I am impressed that we kept at it for so long in extras.
As for Lou’s comment on getting a hitter or two:
1. Are the Cubs and/or Lou convinced/concerned that Aramis will be going back to the DL or just unable to provide much?
2. When are we going to see the MB that is “back”? Lou is working with him, how about playing him? I guess he did get an AB last night?
I wouldn’t mind seeing Fukudome and Bradley 1-2 in the line-up. At least let them contribute through their ability to get on base, which is pretty good.
DudeVf11 - July 22, 2009
Bradley
is in the lineup today. Book it.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Not a very bold prediction...
With a lefty pitching today. I’d rather see Fox in the lineup.
CubsBullsBears - July 22, 2009
You might see both.
Fox could catch or play 3B.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
it's just an answer to Dude's question.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
also since the club said Bradley would be back on Wednesday
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
my point.
that makes it.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
2009 Cubs are garbage
It has been a perfect storm of awfulness. This team can’t beat quality competition and continues to piss away solid starting pitching. It really is too bad that Ricketts isn’t already in charge so the overdue extreme purge and rebuilding job can begin.
BLou - July 22, 2009
I can't decide
Out of that BLew rant, which is the better band name:
“Perfect Storm of Awfulness”
or
“Overdue Extreme Purge”
Worf - July 22, 2009
I hope Tom Ricketts has some Rocky Wirtz in him
That’s the only thing that can keep me motivated on this team right now. The future and a different strategic direction.
BLou - July 22, 2009
Secretaries are screaming, paper is flying, interns are being flogged
And through the foggy din, a heroic figure arises…
“WE HAVE TO KEEP BLew MOTIVATED!”
Worf - July 22, 2009
No one is forcing you to stay here. You can take your rants and go somewhere else. Anybody can
stand by the side of the road and toss rocks. Add something to the debate.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 22, 2009
I was always good at skipping rocks!
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Who are you, Huck Finn?
Worf - July 22, 2009
I can be your huckleberry.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Ok Lunger, let's dance
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
I do have to paint a fence
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Huck Finn =/= Tom Sawyer?
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Ok I read one of those like 20 years ago
in my old age I get confused
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
You are forgiven.
Your penance shall be to say one nice thing to Worf.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
That would fall under cruel and unusual punishment, I believe
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
C'mere... give us a kiss!
Worf - July 22, 2009
No tongue!
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
We are not a government entity. That doesn't apply here.
Your frivolous appeal costs you sanctions. 2 nice things now.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
I'm filling for a stay of execution
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Only applies to public/government action, still.
All decisions here are binding and final.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Fine
Worf you are a wise man who know much about baseball
Worf you have the looks of Brad Pitt and Tom Cloney.
(Ok I just threw up in my mouth a little)
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
BCB appreciates your willingness to concede to arbitrary rulings of random posters.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
Who the hell is Tom Cloney?
Worf - July 22, 2009
George's uglier 3rd cousin, twice removed
It’s like the Baldwin brothers
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
I totally have the Rush song in my head now
Worf - July 22, 2009
but he loves the attention he gets here.
Why else would have come back under what 4 different names?
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
♪I guess we'll never know . . .♫
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
But.. but.. but he's been a die-hard Cubs fan since 1977!
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
"Overdue Extreme Purge".
Works on many different levels.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
Bandmembers
Are all super skinny models.
or
Old men taking fiber pills.
Arbusto - July 22, 2009
or both
that one on the right – not so skinny. hubba hubba
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
♪How can it be permissible?♫
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
piss away solid.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
You should take a vacation
Go somewhere nice and not watch the Cubs for a week. I think it would do you and probably a lot of fans on here good.
ak123 - July 22, 2009
He watches the Cubs ???
That is would be waste of his valuable time. He just reads line scores since that is all he needs to attack.
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
The only thing missing from the title of this post is a link to Da Coach
proclaiming, “…and Wollford still can’t cover anyone!”
DudeVf11 - July 22, 2009
STOP. SAYING. REBUILD.
Ugh. $130 million dollar teams do not rebuild. The Marlins rebuild. The Rays too, or the Orioels. $100 million dollar teams restructure, rejigger, reload… but do not “rebuild” in the way you keep claiming needs to be done.
You don’t see the Yanks rebuilding after an off year, right? How about the Mets, Red Sox or Dodgers?
They way you say it, it sounds like Ricketts is going to blow the whole thing up, allow for a 5 year period of sucking, literally start from scratch. Its not realistic.
AndrewJStone - July 22, 2009
Liked Theriot's new look.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Yeah, it was long overdue
scrappy players should have high socks
bren - July 22, 2009
Another kick to the groin
Phillies got a lot of breaks for sure; Cubbies got none. With our luck, the Phillies will pad their lead enough that they fall out of the Halladay race and Doc ends up going to the Cards or Brewers. A double whammy.
CTCubs - July 22, 2009 via mobile
Word here in WI is that the Brewers AREN'T
willing to give up what the Jays want… Which seems to be a lot.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Ricciardi hinted that Doc might not even be traded
he doesnt seem to be getting the offers he wants
bren - July 22, 2009
I guess it would be tough on any team to trade
your top prospects for one guy. Especially, if it’s 4 or 5 guys. Could set a team back for a long time.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Or it could help your team immensely
Look at the Rangers right now and what they’ve done with the pieces Atlanta sent in the Texeira deal.
If they get the right offer (and I don’t see it happening), they could bolster some areas of weakness and challenge Boston and New York for some of the 2010’s.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
The article I read...
… said Ricciardi set a July 28 deadline for himself to deal Halladay. That’s only six days from now. Prediction: he’s not going anywhere.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
That sounds familiar
If im the Phillies, I wouldnt let a Kyle Drabek prevent me from getting one of the top 3 starters in the game, especially when he’s still under contract and your core guys are in their primes, they could make a huge run over the next few years with all those hitters and Hamels/Halladay
bren - July 22, 2009
Well, if they are in good position with minor leaguer to do that then,
yes do it. Halladay is under contract for another year. It’s probably not only Drabek or I would expect the deal to be done already.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
*minor league talent
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Yeah, but he's been mentioned the most
I dont know much at all about their system, so if it was Drabek and Happ for Halladay, Id be a bit hesitant b/c Happ is been great for them so far….but you can make an argument that Halladay is the best starter in the league
bren - July 22, 2009
I understand...
He is one of the best. With a lot of tread on those tires… Drabek and Happ may be the next Halladay. Either way, the Phillies future is very bright.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
That depends on how soon Drabek/Happ etc can contribute consistently
Outside of Hamels, they dont really have any starters that scare you, do they? Despite the fact that we made Rodrigo Lopez look like Cy Young, I think we got them beat in that regard
bren - July 22, 2009
Not really... I guess Happ does... The guy is 7-0 with a 1.15 whip.
He seems pretty dominating and making a difference with them already this year. Moyer is consistent though. Doesn’t scare me but will get his 15 wins a year.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Good game - bad loss
Last night’s game was a great pitching duel. If not for some great plays by the Phils at 3b and diving catch by Ibanez in the 9th, it could have been a different result. Harden looked great and Marmol was throwing well.
And to top it off, I got to meet Al!
sdurst - July 22, 2009
Nice to meet you!
Too bad it wasn’t at a win.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
Don't worry
I’m bringing my personal 8 game winning streak to Philly today.
And I’ve seen Zambrano hit 5HR in person. Not too shabby since most games I ever catch have been at Shea.
ak123 - July 22, 2009
We are going to hold you personally responsible if the Cubs don't win today.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
Can you hold me personally responsible
Since they did win today?
:)
ak123 - July 22, 2009
big game today
The Cubs need to show they can rebound from a tough loss like last night’s. Unfortunately, I don’t think they can.
elgato - July 22, 2009
I wonder if Lou noticed.....
….the Phillies used their back up catcher last night WITHOUT ANOTHER ONE ON THE BENCH!!!!
Liked Marmol’s outing. That’s the Carlos of old. Agreed about Marshall’s use. We have GOT to use him longer. Frustrating to watch so many hard hit balls get caught.
Need to shake up the lineup today. Need a good Z on the mound.
carmen_fanzone - July 22, 2009
That's because they probably have an emergency catcher somewhere
Our emergency catcher IS our backup catcher.
This is an intolerable situation. I can live with Fox being the backup catcher, but we need to have an emergency catcher behind him.
Worf - July 22, 2009
I guess Wuerth is their emergency catcher...
carmen_fanzone - July 22, 2009
We do...
His name is Randy Wells….extreme emergency required…but it is he. For those who don’t know, Randy was a catcher before converting to a pitcher. If he was not on the DL, it would be Aaron Miles…so even on the DL…Miles inflicts damage on this team.
TheRiot Police - July 22, 2009
I noticed
This was because there back up catcher can actually catch. He sucks as a hitter so putting him in to pinch hit was a bit odd be he did go in to catch so that made ok. Assuming Hill catches today he will have caught
22 innings in under 24 hours. Good one.
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
Even Lou/Henry supporters
Have to realize just how insane that is. Can you imagine 22 in 24 hours and two off days between now and August 17 for Hill.
Best case scenio from what I have read is that Geo will be If it looks like few days into August to return from the disabled list. . But they won’t know until the end of this week if this is true or if it’ll take a few more weeks.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Yeah but we don't need another catcher!
Hill will be fine, I mean he catch 162 games, all catchers do it. And if something happens to him we have a superstar back-up in Fox! I mean come on how many games he caught now, like .3. He’s ready to fill in everyday in Hill goes down. And if Hill does go down we can always use Zamabrano as the back-up to Fox!
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Double agree on use of Marshall.
We can’t continue to waste him on one or two hitters all the time.
Did anyone see the look on his face when Lou signaled to the bullpen? He just shook his head like: “I can’t believe he is taking me out”.
I totally agree with Marshall on that one.
CubFanSince1970 - July 22, 2009
Especially when he brings in Heilman to replace him....lol
I’d be pissed, too.
carmen_fanzone - July 22, 2009
Personally, I would like to see him in the starting rotation until
Demp comes back. I don’t have a lot of faith in Hart.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 22, 2009
Exactly!
katie casey - July 22, 2009
Normally I would agree
But as I was avoiding watching the game and standing outside listening to play by play blasted in the
rest area just outside the seating area I heard the Phillies announce say Werth was 3-6 off Marshall with a home run and a double. At least that is what I think the said
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
Who cares?
This is baseball. It’s 6 at-bats, not 6 tennis matches or 6 marathons. Anyone can go 3-6 with a homer and a double off of anyone. It’s pretty much meaningless.
aldimond - July 22, 2009
I can see Piniella's
point to not use Gregg. Its easier to put Lidge in when the Phillies are the home team. They score and its over. The Cubs, as you know, would have to preserve a lead. One way or the other, the lack of runs was going to force someone other than Gregg to pitch in that spot.
TCobb1911 - July 22, 2009
Yes,
I think if we took the lead, he would have put in Gregg. But then I can’t really read Lou’s mind. I’ve thought other things before and he confounds me.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
I've tried to explain this before to people in here but got bashed...
You can’t throw Gregg on the road in a tie, end up taking a lead and then trotting The Shark, Stevens or someone with no experience closing games out there. Especially in Philly. Now I know they lost anyway but Lou was thinking right.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Ah yes, the delusional lemmings of BCB continue think this Cub team is just a win streak away from greatness
BLou - July 22, 2009
They are.
katie casey - July 22, 2009
not from greatness.
this team is pretty crappy, but crappy might contend.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
Feel better?
carmen_fanzone - July 22, 2009
I'll feel better when Kenney, Hendry, Fleita, Wilken and Lou are gone
BLou - July 22, 2009
Then you'll stop with the "BCB lemmings" crap?
Because I’m not seeing a lot of positive comments at all about last night’s game.
carmen_fanzone - July 22, 2009
WOW Lou is now on that list????
Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago, that we were lemmings b/c he didn’t believe Lou was doing his job?
Whats next Harden you golden boy (who cant pitch day games or @ Wrigley) you turning on him also after last year that none of us understood how pitching was king?
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
he's already started calling Harden
“frail”.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
and to think I missed that.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I know.
:D
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
You may be waiting a long time to feel better, then.
Those who think that current management is going to be shown the door upon a Ricketts takeover are likely to be disappointed.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
And this somehow comforts you ?!?!?
BLou - July 22, 2009
Not necessarily.
I’m just saying that if you expect Ricketts to blow this team up, I don’t see it happening.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
yeah
You pay 900M for an underperforming, but still contending, team in this economy, it makes ZERO sense to begin rebuilding now. Ricketts will need the revenues derived from a contending team to satisfy creditors and debt obligations.
CTCubs - July 22, 2009 via mobile
I'm gonna buy stock
in whatever pain-killer or alcohol you use. Because I don’t see significant changes in the front office, and Lou will only go if he wants to.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
If we miss the playoffs...
You don’t see Ricketts giving Hendry the boot?
CubsBullsBears - July 22, 2009
yes.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
sorry to butt in
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
I think he might anyway
A lot of people like to bring their own guys in
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Exactly.
Speaking of changes, I am curious about Ryno, after a few years in the minors, is it likely they will bring him up as a bench coach or hitting coast. Or put him right in the hot seat as manager
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I think it depends on where Trammel is
If Trammel is hired somewhere else, I could see Sandberg being the bench coach. Otherwise, he’s probably got at least one more year in the minors.
I don’t think he’d be the hitting coach either way.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
So your saying he'll likely be brought in to be manager
not hitting coach, bench coach etc?
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Bench coach, maybe
But I don’t see them dumping Trammel to do it.
Hitting coach, I doubt it. If he really is seen as a manager in waiting, I don’t think that position gets him closer.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Now if only Maddux could get sick of golfing
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Not yet
Heck is dropping the kids off at school and picking them up. going to little league games with his son and teaching his daughter how to drive. He is going all Mr. Mom.
To make it worse after the Braves ceremony Cox said they had talked about his having a role with the Braves next year at least in Spring Training. I wish he did not hate cold weather.
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
so you're telling me there's a chance?!
Blue W - July 22, 2009
Do you think he's got a decent enough relationship with Sandberg to overcome the weather?
Himes continues to plague the Cubs . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
I'd be content if it was a couple years from now
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
I don't see that
no. I think the ownership transfer won’t happen till the middle of the offseason at best, and he won’t want to change horses mid-stream.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Im betting Hendry will be around!!!!
Bitch all you want to about Hendry, I’ll bet there’s a good chance he’ll be around for awhile and not because he’s got 3 three more years on his deal. Did you know BLou that Ricketts is from Omaha and he funded alot of programs at Creighton in the late 80’s and 90’s and guess what BLou? Who was the head coach of the blue jays baseball team? Jim Hendry!! so you can keep your bitching, its going to be in vein for awhile.
Slamdog - July 22, 2009
The funny thing is, they theoretically are.
Yes, I know they’ve been mediocre all season. But because of the division’s lack of a dominant team, they’re still only 2 games out.
Yes, this is a flawed team, no doubt. But I’d rather see the Cubs try and win a division that’s there for the taking than raise the White Flag, a la the 1997 White Sox.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
A White Flag trade won't work for this team
Hendry still has all his eggs in the “win now” basket. Now obviously the hitters on this team aren’t aware that the Cubs window for a World Title is probably only open one more season, but Hendry can’t blow this up. It would be his final act as Cubs GM IMO.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
That's what I'm saying.
And with the Cubs 2 games out of first in a mediocre division, there’s no need to blow things up in the next 9 days.
If Hendry does anything at the deadline, it will be to supplement this roster and try and win the division.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
To make a legit run at the World Series
this team either needs to make a real trade for a really good player, or a flat out miracle to happen.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
clicked post too soon
I would stick with the roster as it is, because its not worth wasting a prospect when you have a team that isn’t really primed for much success.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
I see them adding a bullpen arm, maybe.
Also, they may do nothing at this deadline, but then make a move before the Sept. 1 deadline and hope they can get someone through waivers.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
Well hopefully that doesn't come at the expense of any sort of useful prospect
Either go balls out all in and make a Godfather offer for Halladay or stick as is an hope some miracle happens.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
I doubt it comes at the expense of a top-tier prospect.
I see the Cubs trying to make more deals in August than I do over the next 9 days, but that’s me.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
Hendry seems to have more luck with guys that have been given up on
Than he does signing players he thinks are good.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
just need to find a way to sneak into the playoffs and then get lucky.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
Theoretically, I could get a million dollars for correctly guessing a number between one and ten.
It doesn’t mean that it’s likely.
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
Four?
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
I didn't even think of a number
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
Did I win?
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
You can't win if there was no number picked
Sorry
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
Six?
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
You're going to keep guessing, aren't you?
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
It's 3.
it’s always 3.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
And the Lord spake, saying,
“First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then, shalt thou count to three. No more. No less. Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once at the number three, being the third number be reached, then, lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in My sight, shall snuff it.”
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
so I win?
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
No
I don’t even have a million to give away. I just felt like quoting a Monty Python film.
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
and for that quote, we're all winners.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
π?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
mmm... cheesecake...
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
well, you'd have a 1-in-10 chance of it happening.
the Cubs current playoff odds are better than 1-in-5. There’s no need to throw in the towel when you’re 2 games out of first, IMO.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
Never said I was throwing in the towel
It’s just not the most encouraging prospect.
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
Fair enough.
I know it’s not encouraging, especially the way the Cubs have looked these last 2 games, but they’re 2 games out of first and tied in the loss column with St. Louis.
The division is winnable, as of today.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
Not greatness
Just an 8 game streak away from 1st place. We are still only 2 back in the standings
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
what the hell are you talking about
find one post in this thread where anyone said that.
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
For me it was a great game to watch, bad outcome
I love to see a pitchers duel and it was sure that last night. Harden was the best he has been all year and our bullpen (until the 13th) was awesome. Love to see that radar gun hit 96.
I read all the trade posts in the fanpost yesterday. For Lou to say we need some hitters I just can’t see a position for them given our payroll. If Hendry thinks outside the box, he has to trade away some people that everyone on BCB says are untradeable. I just don’t see anybody taking them because of salary, age, worthlessness or whatever. Best case is we start hitting.
If there is any position open it would have to be middle infield. Could there be a wild trade for a hitter (my guess is a top of the order guy as opposed to a RBI guy) that works? I would like to see it. Like Lou said last night, we’ve played this game before, I would like to compliment my hitters for a change.
mrcubsfan - July 22, 2009
Phillies and Dodgers are the teams to beat
No question about it. If either gets Roy Halladay (or St. Louis), then that team will be the clear cut team to beat for the NL Pennant.
I get the sense that Halladay is going to wind up a Yankee however.
BLou - July 22, 2009
I'll repeat my prediction above.
Halladay isn’t going anywhere.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
They've really said as much. The rumor is that they have set the price so high that no one will bite.
Toronto has complained for years that they cannot compete against Boston and New York because of the market size. Tampa’s success has put a lot of pressure on Toronto and they will look even worse if they dump Doc and don’t get a big return. They are trying to buy time for the current management group. If they dump Doc, they will likely have to move Rolen or Scutaro or Rios or maybe even all three. The fear is that the fans don’t want to see them blow up the team, but they really need to do it to follow the Tampa model.Who knows what they will do?
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 22, 2009
I would bet Halladay gets traded in the offseason.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
They are still going to want a teams 4 best prospects for him
and I don’t think anyone is going to give up that much
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
I don't think anyone gives that up either...
but his value is at it’s peak right now. When people don’t want to deal with them because their asking price is too high and they can’t trade him, then the Jays will be forced to move him for a lot less when his demand is down. They don’t HAVE to trade him now. They will next season… or let him walk and get nothing.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
I would like the great defenders of Alfonso Soriano to explain his swing against Chan Ho Park
The guess hitting hack has infuriated me for 2 1/2 seasons. But despite all the hundreds of horrendous swings he has taken over his tenure NOTHING quite tops his swing and miss against Chan Friggin Ho Park last night. Soriano missed that one pitch by a full three feet.
BLou - July 22, 2009
yaaaaaaay
he said “guess hitting hack”. I no longer have to read the rest of this thread.
desmoCubbie - July 22, 2009
He forgot "lazy"
But yes, classics are always in fashion.
Clutch16 - July 22, 2009 via mobile
King
What is, “Pitching?”
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Don't share the spirit of your comment
But, that was a really bad swing and a miss. 3 feet is really not an exaggeration.
StevenABQ - July 22, 2009
Indeed.
I don’t usually get in on the Soriano bashing too much, but that pitch started off the plate and finished in the middle of New Jersey (I checked Google Earth, and Jersey is indeed to the first-base side). The swing only made it out to the near bank of the Delaware River.
aldimond - July 22, 2009
Just further proof this is a .500 team
Lou still wants a lefty power bat, still. We had it last season from Jim Edmonds, and Hendry swung and missed on his replacement.
Still want to use Aramis’ injury as an excuse? I’m pretty sure that guy is back and they still managed 2 runs in that last 22 innings.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
Thats why we cant expect too much from Ramirez
He said it himself, he wont be 100% until next year. Im trying to fend off visions of 2004, but theyre not making it easy
bren - July 22, 2009
Hence another log on the fire that says this season has been over for weeks
But alas, some Cub fans shall forever wait for the guess hitting hack to carry this team.
BLou - July 22, 2009
Well you gotta take some solace in the mediocrity of the NL Central
Im having my doubts that we’ll make the playoffs, but there is a glimmer of hope b/c of our division. So whats more likely?
a) the guys all get hot and rip through August and September and take over STL
or
b) we keep treading water, make a final push, and lose to the Cards by 1.5 or something like that?
bren - July 22, 2009
Good question.
I want to say A. because I know they can do it… But they have played like B. all season and I’m not sure that is going to change this year. It’s not early in the season anymore.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Yeah you nailed it
Look at the roster on paper, and its still impressive, but its been a perfect storm of career worst slumps and/or injuries for our key hitters.
bren - July 22, 2009
the roster doesn't look that good.
we have no real stars (save a healthy ramirez). dlee is a good player, but aging. that’s it. zambrano is okay. lilly grinds. were just not very good. we have a lineup seemingly full of guys that can get hot, but are poor fundamental ballplayers.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
'a' is not even a possibility in my opinion.
it’s either:
tread water, fall short (most likely)
tread water, sneak in (possible)
suck.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
To me it seems like Lou and Jim aren't on the same page...
and Lou’s voicing that. I honestly don’t think Bradley was the left handed hitter he wanted and in a way voicing that through the media.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Meh
Lou’s been in enough rodeo’s. At his age, he doesn’t need to play to the media to get his point across. I don’t buy that his comments have any intention of sticking Hendry. I think he’s being pretty blunt about what he believes his club needs at this stage of the season and nothing more.
krummy12 - July 22, 2009
Well, He's saying he STILL wants a left-handed bat.
That’s all Hendry gave him this off-season. So it tells me Lou isn’t happy about what he got for Christmas.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
I think yesterday's comments might be more designed
To light a fire under the collective ass of the offense.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Probably
The problem is that that is Lou’s only strategy. I find it almost odd that an “old school”manager keeps coddling players. Bobby Cox would have pulled Soriano out of the game on Monday after his lax attitude in letting the ball go right out of his glove.
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
At least Sori now does get pulled for defense late in close games
That never used to happen and Piniella swore up and down he wouldn’t do it.
Thing is, everyone thinks Sandberg will be tougher on players, but the reality is that’s not really how the game works anymore. It’s too bad.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
I think they're designed more to pretend he's not responsible at all for this mess
which is a fallacy, but a fallacy he’d love to have people believe
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
I'm not so sure
I doubt he’s worried about his legacy being tainted by one season. And if he wants changes, truly wants them, I think he’d go to Hendry directly.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
yeah, and they all exploded.
he still doesn’t have the bat. we chose wrong. ibanez or dunn were the correct choices (though both would have probably bombed for us).
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
I think I read a few weeks ago that Lou wanted Ibanez
But Hendry already had his heart set on Milton. Now I was a big supporter of the Milton signing when it happened, and I won’t deny that. I still think he can be very helpful to this team, but it is clear that he isn’t a great power bat. Quite frankly he never really was a great power bat
nji232 - July 22, 2009
Well then whos held accountable?
Hendry for signing him? Lou for not getting through to him? or Bradley himself?
Its gotta be Hendry, he’s really messed up a great thing, so does he get off scott free?
bren - July 22, 2009
Top down
I’d say both Hendry and Piniella
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
Hendry. HIS moves didn't work out.
I don’t think Lou was standing over Jim’s shoulder every step of the way.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Plus Piniella for collective failure
0-6 in the playoffs and now this.
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
Meh on the playoffs
He didn’t tell the team to stop hitting.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
But what was consistent?
His managing.
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
That's not why they lost
The only issue that I have with the managing in the playoffs was how he handled Fukudome.
Game 3 was the only game that he should have started, and it was the only game that he didn’t start.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
And...
I think the only reason Kosuke played was because DeRosa strained his calf the last week of the season. I don’t think he could play the outfield. But… I certainly wouldn’t have hit him 2nd.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
8th would have been a better choice
Why not play Johnson instead, though?
Dome had a history against the Game 3 starter . . . and he sat.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
I totally agree...
Especially, after Lou saying he was done with Kosuke.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Removing Zambrano in 07
was a horrible move, not using Lilly at all last year didnt help, not having the balls to move Soriano down earlier didnt help
bren - July 22, 2009
Sigh.
They scored 1 run in game 1 of 2007. ONE.
Didn’t matter who was pitching, did it?
Would Lilly in the lineup have caused them to score more runs? The hitting was the problem.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Two years in a row
The Cubs did not hit in the playoffs two years in a row. You have to start pointing fingers at that point. I know I wanted Piniella gone after last year’s October debacle. There’s no question in my mind that he is not a good postseason manager apart from the fluke sweep of the Athletics in the 1990 World Series.
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
That's 6 games, though
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Can a sweep be a fluke?
bren - July 22, 2009
Ask the 2005 Houston Astros about fluke sweeps
Ace Venom - July 22, 2009
If that's a fluke, why can't 2008 LA be?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
True
but Z was great that game and to pull him to save him for a fictional game 4 was ridiculous.
But I see your point
bren - July 22, 2009
I didn't agree with the move at the time
And actually, I still don’t agree with it.
But too many people (I’m not saying you are, mind you) use that as a crutch. They just didn’t hit.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
And I think them not hitting...
is a reflection of how the players handle pressure not the manager “managing” them to hit.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Exactly
And I think that’s why Bradley was added — to put a chip on the shoulder.
Well, that part worked, anyway . . . unfortunately, the chip is a little oversized.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
If that was the reason Bradley was added, it was a big mistake.
We needed someone to hit and drive in runs. In case management has forgotten that’s the way to win baseball games.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
Oh, I think they expected him to hit the way he has
And frankly, so did I.
The issue that I have is, they obviously didn’t do their due dilligence on his personality.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
*the way he has in prior years
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
If they expected him to hit this way, they made a big mistake.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
C'mon, you know what I meant
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Do I?
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
PV!
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
And he's not taken well to the "Chicago pressure."
Even he has said it’s a lot larger than what he thought it would be.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
He does play a fine victim, though
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Woe is me :(
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
Maybe they can trade him to Houston
Can you imagine him and Hawkins on the same team?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Hawkins has drawn raves from the Houston media for his good clubhouse presence.
Makes me believe he must have had a personality transplant since he was a Cub.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
He'd have to have
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Life is much easier when there are no expectations..
….I doubt the Astros faithful have really pushed Hawkins much
JB 23 - July 22, 2009
I thought Cubs players stood up for LaTroy also.
I’m pretty sure it was the media and some fans that didn’t like him because of some comments he made in interviews.
Because I have a (small) amount of experience with this, I just want to point out that it’s very difficult for people with certain types of personalities to deal with public performances like interviews, especially when reporters ask stupid questions or behave adversarially, as they typically do. The Hawkins that the media sees and the one that the clubhouse sees could be very different people. He isn’t and wasn’t a perfect person, nobody is, but I never heard anything bad about Hawkins from his teammates.
aldimond - July 22, 2009
Hendry is going to get a ton of blame
I think this past offseason is going to cost him his job.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
Thats my opinion, but I dont see it
He’s still made some great moves, most early in his regime, Lilly was a stroke of genious, Soriano was grossly overpaid, but integral to the past two division titles, and Bradley has been well, Bradley.
So it all depends on Ricketts and whether or not he takes the long or short view of Hendrys reign.
bren - July 22, 2009
Hendry deserves credit for taking that 2006 team
and making them division champs one year later, and a 97 win team the year after that. He did that though at the expense of the future, he is now paying for that lost gamble.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
He also assembled that 2006 team
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
haha
tousche
bren - July 22, 2009
Very, very, very true
Look (in my best lou voice), he has set this team up for a multi-year stretch of awful baseball with the hope that before that happens the team would have won a World Series.
He failed, time to bring in the next GM.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
I agree
He’s made good and bad moves, but the farm system stinks, his best trades have been salary dumps by other teams and he bids against himself.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
but think of the players you could sign for soriano's money.
yikes.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
it's certainly not bradley.
they signed him. he’s trying. hendry is pretty lousy. i think any gm in the league could have built a better cubs team given the resources hendry has had during his tenure. he’s done a plus job with pitching, but the man is terrible at evaluating offensive strengths and weaknesses.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
The problem I had with the signing from the start
is that it was beyond OBVIOUS that Bradley wasn’t a real power bat. His career high is 22. The fact that the Cubs ever looked at him as a power bat is why I have never liked Hendry, and am beginning to despise Lou
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
The Ramirez excuse
Is complete and utter nonsense. Some people foolishly believed he would come back in mid-season form when in fact it was entirely more likely that he would come back just as he has…with little or no production. The guy is playing with one arm and shouldn’t be expected to do anything…and his production so far has certainly supported that. Other guys don’t have that same excuse yet their flaws and failings have been overlooked or minimized because Ramirez was somehow going to solve them. Flawed logic to say the least.
krummy12 - July 22, 2009
agreed. i'm surprised ramirez has been this good.
people were expecting rami to just waltz back into his old form. i doubt he gets back to that form for a long, long time, if ever.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
Memo to Lou
Yes, you need at least one hitter but you’ve got a perfectly viable option sitting right next to you in Jake Fox. His buddy Soriano hasn’t produced for the better part of this season and certainly not over the past 10 weeks save his two-game “hot streak” against Washington and a bucket full of bloop hits. He continues to embarass himself at the plate, in the field and on the bases yet he gets penciled into the lineup daily. He whines and complains when he is out of the lineup as if he is entitled to be there simply because he’s getting paid an enormous amount of money whether he plays well or continues to flounder. It’s mind-numbing when you think about it. All Fox has done is hit wherever he’s been the entire 2009 season and all it’s earned him is a closer look at Soriano’s ineptitude.
Hey Lou, you may still need a LH hitter but your RH hitter and LF replacement is standing or sitting 20 feet from you. Go ahead and use him regularly.
But the sum of this season is and will continue to be that on a team with little or no speed, you’ve got three guys that were counted on as being major run producers doing little to nothing in that department for a variety of reasons. Between Bradley, Soriano and Ramirez, the Cubs are probably going to end up getting about one-tenth the production they expected going into the season. If those three guys don’t hit…and hit a ton…over the next 70 games, that will be what is written on the tombstone for this club.
krummy12 - July 22, 2009
I'm reminded of what Dallas Green said when he arrived in 1982...."guaranteed contracts, not guaranteed jobs"
This is a mantra that Hendry and Lou need to embrace right now. Bench Soriano and Bradley regardless the contracts. Stop the entitlement and embrace a meritocracy.
BLou - July 22, 2009
I think I have to agree
we have the Reds, Astros, Marlins and Reds coming up. Sit Soriano and Bradley half of those games (maybe more, maybe less than half) and see where it takes us. Unless someone goes on a big streak in our division, we’ve proven that .500 baseball will keep us in the mix. At that time, make a decision for the rest of the season. If Sori and Bradley don’t get the hint and start hitting, go with guys who are. Even Hoffpauir has hit better the last week or so. I would sit Aram too, I just don’t think he’s healthy yet.
What are we going to do with Miles? Leave him at leadoff at AAA? What a waste of money that was and he is not hitting that well there either!
mrcubsfan - July 22, 2009
I vote that we leave Miles
as the Philly airport – as in released.
Ihatethecards - July 22, 2009
He will be very confused if you leave him in the Philly airport
as he is in Iowa.
Doggie Stalker - July 22, 2009
Leave him in the Des Moines bus station, then.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
Can we just throw him off the bus and leave him along the roadside?
gaclaudy - July 22, 2009
Maybe he can be sent to Dyersville
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
New Position for Miles:
Left Out.
mrcubsfan - July 22, 2009
besides Miles, I also think a guy like Fuld can really help in
one run/extra inning games. Why Fox and Fuld are not seeing playing time is beyond me.
Is Lou worried about Soriano’s ego, or Hendry’s?
LAcarl519 - July 22, 2009
I realize Fuld is in Iowa...we need him with the 25 guys in AAAA.
LAcarl519 - July 22, 2009
Ramirez should go under the knife to get that shoulder fixed the right way for the long haul
BLou - July 22, 2009
that one thing i agree with you on
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
that's tantamount
to flying the surrender monkey flag.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
why? he's going to hurt himself even worse. Plus, he's not even hitting right now.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
let me take that back.
I don’t mean surgury, i’m talking about putting him on the dl and let his rest for a couple weeks
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
surgery*
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
not gonna make much difference.
this isn’t like a strain. i don’t really think he’s in much danger of hurting himself ‘worse’, he could re-separate it of course.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
well
that’s very different then going under the knife.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
they are not simply going to 'get the hint'.
i expect bradley to continue at this pace all year. soriano will probably hit 8-10 homeruns and hit around .260 or so and continue to be completely unreliable. i wish we would just get some professional ballplayers. that’s one thing you can say about fukudome; he doesn’t act like a teenager.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
too bad he's ridiculously overpaid
for what he gives you. Much like every other Japanese position player. I really wish Hendry had learned that offensive stats from the Japanese league simply don’t transfer over
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
I want Aubrey Huff or Luke Scott.Those players are hit.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
nevermind, Aubrey Huff hasn't played OF in 2 yrs.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
I wanted Scott last offseason.
He’d look real good in RF right now.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
Felix Pie is available for the princely sum of bus fare
BLou - July 22, 2009
No thanks.
You did happen to be right about Pie, at least.
Al Yellon - July 22, 2009
yeah blind squirrels can even sometimes find nuts :)
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Well, if you say everyone sucks, you're right more often than not, right?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
good point
This is a sport where 7 out 10 times failing is consider a great season for a hitter. So failure is a bigger part of the game then most other sports.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Same old 2009 Cubs
1st inning: lead-off man gets on, can’t even get him to 2nd base
3rd inning: lead-off man gets on, can’t even get him to 2nd base
4th inning: lead-off man gets on, we finally double him home with 2 outs, and leave Fukudome stranded on 2nd.
And, to play 13 innings of baseball, and not even fin a way to get Jake Fox a single at-bat is flat out inexcusable.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
you didn't mention we went the last six innings without a hit
that’s ridiculous considering the pitchers we were facing
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
We also went 13 innnings without drawing a single walk....
in a friggin 1-1 ballgame.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
We also only saw 162 pitches in 13 innings
Compared to the Phillies seeing 217 pitches.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
Thanks...
Helps my points above about their approach being bad at the plate.
Fishbone2 - July 22, 2009
No question, Chan Ho Park has never looked so good. Ever.
JB 23 - July 22, 2009
While it stunk on ice to lose last night
we fought the hottest team in baseball to a standstill last night. Sure, we didn’t find a way to win, but neither did they, till Spellcheck made one mistake.
We’ll get ’em today.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
Against Jamie Moyer?
Who is basically Doug Davis (aka Cy Young when he faces the Cubs) except he throws 10 mph slower. We will be fueling sportscenter stories tonight about how great Moyer is.
nji232 - July 22, 2009
Guess not huh?
sue369 - July 22, 2009
we pitched well.
but we were not close to scoring. that game could’ve gone twenty innings and i don’t think the cubs would have scored. it was simply a matter of time, and it was obvious.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
YAY moral vicories!
we lost. If we fought them to a standstill the game would still be going on.
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
I say we start lobbying for moral victories to count in the standings...
The Cubs would be every bit as good as some people on here seem to delusionally think they are.
bluekoolaide - July 22, 2009
So is Lou.....I did like this comment from last night;
Lou is over it….
JB 23 - July 22, 2009
BTW...
I just remembered that I had a dream last night… that a brawl took place in tonight’s game. Fueled A-Ram getting hit by another pitch and Lou going crazy.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
Yes, but did we win the game in your dream?
That’s the real issue.
Blue W - July 22, 2009
Was it an ♪ awsome dream♫ ?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Erin Andrews won.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
So it was awesome, then.
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Yes.
because if that’s the case, we all win.
Blue W - July 22, 2009
I say we lobby for a rule change
You score a 1/4 run everytime you strand a guy at 2nd… 1/2 run everytime you strand a guy at 3rd.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
you can continue
to refuse to see any positives in anything as much as you want.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
thanks for your permission
not sure I need it for anything.
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
and I see positives in positive situations
like winning ball game. I don’t search for it. Let Royals fans be happy they were tied for a while
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
As for me, I'm the type of fan who actually gets bummed when the Cubs lose...
…I don’t walk away from losses thinking, “well, at least our pitching was good, we’ll get ’em next time, blah, blah, blah.”
A loss is a loss. There are no “moral victories” here.
bluekoolaide - July 22, 2009
Are there amoral victories?
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
ever been to Las Vegas??? ;-)
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
What do tigers dream of when they take their little tiger snooze?
Do they dream of mauling zebras, or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit?
Blue W - July 22, 2009
better yet - Amsterdam?
ballhawk - July 22, 2009
Points taken . . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
I don't see a single person mentioning that we just received the warm and welcoming news...
…that Milton Bradley is now ours for two more years, and $21M.
dtpollitt - July 22, 2009
he can always be traded
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
Crikey
What other team in their right mind is going to take this whack job cancer?!? NOBODY. I think you could include 98% of his salary in the deal and there would still be no takers.
BLou - July 22, 2009
You don't know what other teams what. Period.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
Well, good luck with that theory
I’d like to know of one professional baseball team on the planet who is having front office discussion of how they can’t wait to pry Milton Bradley away from the Cubs.
BLou - July 22, 2009
Theory? It's far from theory, it's fact.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
Kindly describe the wondrous market for Milton Bradley??
BLou - July 22, 2009
any team that wants a hitter
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
You do understand if you're going to claim it's a fact
you need to actually back it up with more than “any team” otherwise it’s an opinion
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
it's fact that he's tradable ... i think a lot of mlb players are tradable
why do i need to back that up? because it makes so much sense that you don’t understand …
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
because you're claiming it as a fact, and it's not
it’s your OPINION that other teams would want to take on his salary and attitude. It’s not a fact.
This is not grad school level thinking, a fact is something that is indisputable and is supported. An opinion is something someone believes, but can’t prove
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
apparently you say all this but what do you have to back up your statements?
and lol it is fact that he can always be traded.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
what statements?
that your opinion is an opinion?
Now you’re not making any sense at all
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
Tell me why “he could always be traded” is not fact.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
because it's your opinion, and you have no facts to proof to back it up
I’m just going to point to my explanation of the difference between a fact, and an opinion instead of typing it again.
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
omg i'm not talking about fact or opinion
i’m talking about your view on bradley and why YOU don’t think he could be traded
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
I never said he COULDN'T be traded
But it’s not a fact that other teams want him. I just get annoyed when people hold up their opinions as unquestionable facts.
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
You might want to give up huffing your Elmer's glue
BLou - July 22, 2009
you might want to stop posting comments that you don't even believe just to get attention
it’s very pointless and stupid.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
He hasn't done anything to help his trade value
And… saddled with two more years and $20 mil.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
there's no way he stays here for the entire three years.
this relationship will come to an unceremonious and early end.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
Right before the new year
I said Bradley will be Jacque Jones Part 2, and pretty much got ridiculed for it. I knew this was going to happen. Stop overpaying by millions for average players.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
I think Bradley would technically be Jacque Jones part 3
Dome was part two. We’ve had some truly bad rightfielders over the last few seasons
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
This is what happens when your minor league system continues to be awful
Hendry has utterly failed in building a quality and reliable farm system. And it has resulted on over-reliance on free agency to be the salvation.
BLou - July 22, 2009
We're paying gobs and gobs of money for this outfield.
And we don’t have a legitimate superstar to show for it. And no… Soriano is not a superstar.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
soriano isn't even league average.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
For the momey we're spending, and the market we play in...
We SHOULD have a real top flight superstar on this team. And, we don’t have much of anything that resembles one. Sure, DLee and ARam are great players to have… but neither of them is a superstar… a game changer… an intimidator that you pitch around.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
i really hope the cubs make a push for pujols
if he goes to free agency. throw everything at him, if only to drive the price up.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
Interesting thought
Not sure when he is FA, but is it while DLee is still under contract?
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
My point is...
We should already have a guy near Pujols territory on this team, for the money we’re spending. There should be a league MVP on this roster for that money.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
Talk about setting an easy target, 75 games for a 3rd year? (right?)
…I mean that wasnt really a stretch goal for a guarenteed 3rd year, more like a slam dunk.
JB 23 - July 22, 2009
The wondrous financial acumen and dealmaking of Donuts Hendry
- Can’t build a farm system
- Trade prowess is largely limited to salary dump moves
- Guilty of awful scouting evaluation (Soriano, Kosuke, Bradley, Miles, etc.
- Addicted to overpaying in free agency
- Bids against himself in contract negotiations
- Changes the strategy for winning on an annual basis or whenever his latest manager whispers something else in his ear
BLou - July 22, 2009
good.
I still believe that Bradley will come through for us.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
wow, after falling completely flat.
he’s have to play above his career highs to have any shot at salvaging this deal.
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
I don't know
what his stats will look like at the end of the year. But if he can get back to norms just for the second half, we’ll win more ball games.
drewishdrewid - July 22, 2009
If Ryan Theriot grows wings...
maybe he’d be a better short stop.
Madison Cub Fan - July 22, 2009
Ryan Theriot was playing LF last night...
Seriously. How many times did he have to go all the way out there and catch a ball for Soriano?
SackMan - July 22, 2009
Okay, so the fact is that nobody really knows what Ricketts' approach will be
…once he (finally) takes over, I can’t see how anybody with a brain in his head can come in and keep following the status quo. This team is overpad and over the hill. Our minor league system and player deelopment can kindly be called “mediocre”.
I don’t know how many people remember just how bad the Cubs were at all levels when Wrigley sold them in ’81 but teh first thing the Trib did was hire Dallas Green, a smart, tough baseball man, and essentially hand over the reins to him. Within two years he built a contender and, shortly after that, the barren minor league system actually started producing major league ballplayer.
In my perfect world, Ricketts is already thinking about what to do and who to bring in. Maybe I’m completely off base with this but the thought at least gives me some small bit of hope.
bluekoolaide - July 22, 2009
We need Ricketts to be Rocky Wirtz redux
Come in and take a buzzsaw to things. And I could care less if it takes the Cubs several seasons of rebuilding. Tear this thing done and do it right for a change.
BLou - July 22, 2009
Heck, I'd love to see them pry Green back from the Phils as a consultant
Shanghai Badger - July 22, 2009
Agreed.
Dallas Green on his worst day is better than Hendry on his best.
bluekoolaide - July 22, 2009
I hope he goes out and basically steals away the farm system directors from a succesfull program.
Twins, Rays, Marlins, etc.
You build us a scouting and developmental system like that… in the market we’re in… and very, very good things will happen.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
Larry Beinfast of Florida is the guy I would love to see hired as VP of Baseball Operations
Steal him from the Marlins by providing him a “promotion” to VP level. Then get out of his way and turn him lose for a few seasons.
BLou - July 22, 2009
Roster Management
After a night of reflection
-Several times during the game, Len and Bob talked about the reluctance of Lou to pinch hit for Hill because of his concern about using Fox in a one run game.
Well, how about this. Why in the hell can’t the Cubs move Baker (Jeffy — not Dusty) off the roster and replace him with one of the guys at Iowa — Chris Robinson comes to mind.
Then if the need arises to pinch hit for Hill, the Lou can use Fox and not worry about his lack of catching skills. Not using Fox is ridiculous. The guy can hit, is hitting, and his bat is needed.
Having that other backup catcher would allow the Cubs to use Fox in other situations without the fear of not having a backup.
THIS IS JUST COMMON SENSE. Having Robinson or some other backup is the right move. Just get rid of Baker.
Again last night — Why didn’t Lou put Fox in the OF instead of Johnson. Fukudome has had some nice games recently. Fox had a nice game on Sunday and given the history of the Phillies park, would’t his bat look a lot better on the field rather than on the bench?
Lastly — what was that I’ll kiss you if you’ll kiss me exchange between Lou and Charlie Manuel in the last Phillie at bat? Could you imagine LaRussa doing that during a game?
All that tells me is that Lou wanted the Phillies to swing and get the game over with. That is certainly the impressiono that I was left with.
Well, Lou if that is how you feel maybe you should be going back to Tampa and roll some cigars. Because that is not how Cubs fans think or feel. Your act is getting tired.
ceegeewow - July 22, 2009
their roster management this off-season, and season
has been a notch below horrific. I’ve never seen a team make the wrong call on a player and situation as often and consistently as Jim and Lou have this year
WanderingWanderer - July 22, 2009
no doubt. i really don't think these guys know what they are doing.
how in the hell have they not brought in another backup catcher? what is with these idiots?
buckmulligan - July 22, 2009
To play 13 innings and not find a single at-bat for Jake Fox
is flat out inexcusable.
Get him up at the plate somehow… and then stick him in RF, so you don’t lose your back-up catcher in case of emergency.
SackMan - July 22, 2009
Adam LaRoche has been traded .... don't know what team though
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
Rumor has it that its San Francisco.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
that's what i'm thinking as well
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
It's to the Red Sox
here.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
talk about great news for LaRoche ... from the Pirates to the best team in baseball
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
Lowell's hip must not be too good.
If he camos back in decent shape, then LaRoche becomes a late-inning defensive replacement.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
according to a blogger on mtr who said the Red Sox would be the team like half hr before
now says that Jack Wilson will be traded to the Sox as well. It helps the Cubs i guess.
lexmarklover - July 22, 2009
Very interesting.
Bill Potter - July 22, 2009
This is my biggest gripe, especially since I’m a Sean Marshall fan. I don’t get it…
smash! - July 22, 2009
Too predictable for comfort
Can’t express the frustration better than has already been. This team is lucky to be in 2nd place; albeit now tied with two other teams.
Some changes I would make. Play Soriano and Ramirez less. Play Fox and Bradley more, but have Bradley bat right all of the time. Bring Fuld up and I don’t know who should be sent down or released to make room for him. Try to trade Bradley. Put Bradley on the trade wire, and take him off and keep him if nobody wants him or if a deal can’t be reached. Ease off of the right / left match-ups and sacrifice some defense when necessary; favoring instead who can hit, who can hit both right and lefthanded pitching, and who can hit for extra bases.
Totally agree, there is no excuse for Jake Fox not coming to the plate last night.
AboutTheCubs - July 22, 2009
At some point....
…..like defensive substitutions, can’t we make offensive substitutions?
I mean, aside form pinch-hitting for pitchers?
The Jade Scorpion - July 22, 2009
"You know what? We might need a couple hitters here at the trading deadline,"
With that bold statement, Pinella has become my favorite Cubs manager of all time………………..at least when he’s not sleepy…………..
The Jade Scorpion - July 22, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.