Back at Wrigley Field for the first time in 12 days, Cubs hitters saw the wind blowing out at a reported 9 MPH (that boxscore number is wrong -- the wind was howling out a lot stronger than that), and cranked up the longball.
Mike Fontenot, Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Jeff Baker (his first as a Cub) all homered and the Cubs hung on for an 8-5 win over the Reds when Lou insisted on using Kevin Gregg in the 9th inning again in a non-save situation -- even though Jeff Samardzija had gotten up to throw when Lee's homer gave the Cubs an 8-3 lead. Again, Gregg stood in the bullpen as if to say, "Get me out of this situation!" Samardzija could have kept warming up and the Cubs could have sent Carlos Marmol out to loosen up on the mound, then the Shark could have come in ready to go.
Instead, Gregg managed to get two outs sandwiched around a single, but then gave up two more hits and a walk, leading to two Cincinnati runs and bringing the tying run to the plate in the form of Cub-killer Joey Votto, who has hit 10 of his 41 career homers against the Cubs. Gregg got Votto looking, and all's well that ends well, I suppose, even though Gregg had to throw 22 pitches to get through that ninth inning.
It was especially nice to see A-Ram have his big day; 4-for-5 with two doubles and a homer, and he drove in runs in his first three at-bats. This is what the Cubs have been missing, Ramirez's big bat in the middle of the lineup, the only one that opposing pitchers really fear every time up. I think that makes the entire lineup better -- there's no statistical evidence to prove that, of course, but today the Cubs pounded out 14 hits and drew three walks and generally looked good in just about every inning. The only real mistake made was by Randy Wells in the second inning. Seriously -- you're facing Aaron Harang, a man with 389 career AB, a .087 batting average and four extra-base hits, all doubles. Why would you give him any pitch he could hit? Harang slammed a three-run homer; fortunately, Wells settled down after that and gave the Reds only two singles for the final four innings he threw.
The biggest news today, however, was made off the field.
I know there's been a lot of angst thrown around here about the Cardinals' trade for Matt Holliday, sending their top prospect, Brett Wallace, and two other good minor leaguers to Oakland. Frankly, this doesn't worry me as much as it would have if the Cardinals had picked up Roy Halladay -- which, now, they can't do, since Toronto would have wanted Wallace as a centerpiece. Holliday's a good hitter, but to expect him to put up the numbers he did in Coors Field is a mistake. Plus, I suspect the Cardinals, who are facing the Phillies and Dodgers in their next seven games, will find that a little tougher run than beating up on the Nationals, as they did last night.
Further big (and bad) news was revealed today -- Ted Lilly will miss his next scheduled start and is likely headed to the DL, as mentioned by Lou in his postgame remarks -- Ted will have a MRI tomorrow and then they'll decide. Kevin Hart will move up to throw tomorrow, and Rich Harden on Sunday -- which isn't good news because you all know his record in day games. Carlos Zambrano will go Monday, and Ryan Dempster will return from the DL to pitch on Tuesday. Dempster was throwing off flat ground in the outfield before today's game and looked fine, not favoring the toe at all, so I suspect the Tuesday date will be just fine.
Also heard today that the Cubs are working on a deal to get some pitching help (without revealing who, I think we'll all be very happy if this deal gets completed) and are also still in the market for a catcher. The injury to Lilly, I would assume, may press the pitching-possibility deal into high gear (that's my speculation).
There were a ton of Reds fans in attendance today, seemingly more than usual, including a group of college-age men and women who spent much of the game trying to get the attention of Reds LF Jonny Gomes (why, I have no idea). The steady stream of people at the day-of-game ticket windows made today's paid crowd 41,406, the second-largest crowd of the year (the largest, also on a Friday afternoon, was 41,509, June 12 vs. Minnesota).
Despite the injuries and turmoil, the Cubs could pull to within 1/2 game of first place if the Phillies can beat the Cardinals tonight. They have won 8 of their last 12, dating back to the St. Louis series before the All-Star break. Keep the faith, everyone. The race is just now heating up.
0 recs | 601 comments
a very nice win
i was especially pleased with the relievers. heilman had a nice afternoon. showed what he is capable of
brian custer - July 24, 2009
Is Deep Goat your source on the possible pitching help?
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Yes.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
So we're getting Marquis back after all....huh.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Um...
… I can tell you that is NOT who the Cubs are after.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
My kingdom to see Chamberlain in blue pinstripes
As a Nebraska fan, it pains me every time I see him wearing black ones.
sanantonecub - July 24, 2009
not knocking cornhuskers
but joba is over-rated, injury-prone and a hot dog
brian custer - July 24, 2009
If the Cubs got Chamberlain
They would be foolish enough to use him as a reliever
berselius - July 24, 2009
idk this would get annoying very quickly
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Um....
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
good point
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
So Erik Bedard it is!
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
scott kazmir
is rumored to be very available
brian custer - July 24, 2009
hmmmm.....
tim815 - July 24, 2009
It's interesting
He’s been such an up down pitcher all year though, kinda like Rich Harden.
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
kazmir has way more
upside
brian custer - July 24, 2009
Keith Law Doesn't like him
Injury history, declining performance over the last two years, loss of control, velocity and movement…
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Exactly.
His underlying metrics suggest he’s a declining pitcher at this point, perhaps due to that nagging elbow injury.
No thanks.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
if we can get him on the cheap
maybe he could be a reliever.
tim815 - July 24, 2009
Well...I guess that's possible.
I’d rather get Beimal or Sherrell (though the later requires prospects unfortunately).
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
i agree. Scott Kazmir is the left handed RIch Harden.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
I'm going by
His stats. I would definitely like Kazmir, but when the rotation is all healthy, what do you do?
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
win a bunch of games
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
touche
BadDecisions - July 24, 2009
all kazmir has ever needed
was a good pitching coach. the kid is electric when healthy
brian custer - July 24, 2009
So you're saying he'd flourish
…as a Cardinal?
ScottieG33 - July 24, 2009
so we're going to get a good pitching coach too?
Finally!
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
Not if Kaz
Continues his performance.
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
maybe kazmir
can go to the pen
brian custer - July 24, 2009
Peavy!!!!!!!
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - July 24, 2009
I'm not that lucky.
slcathena - July 24, 2009
is this a starting pitcher or relief?
desmoCubbie - July 24, 2009
Hmmmm I give up
Brian Roberts can’t pitch right?
Actually, my source at work (whatever credit that may be), said that Mets might be shopping any pitcher but Johan. He said he had no idea who they were trading with but Micah Hoffpauir would be a fill at 1B for them.
This is probably 110% wrong though and I shouldn’t even post.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Starter
Is it a starting pitcher?
rtraugs25 - July 24, 2009
we'll find out in due course
and i trust al and his source.
tim815 - July 24, 2009
Al is implying we are getting peavy!!!!!
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - July 24, 2009
Who is still on the DL.
I can say it’s not Peavy.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
Why do you even mention a trade?
If your not gonna tell us who it is? I really don’t see the point in doing that!
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Why not keep it to yourself
Since that is essentially what your doing anyway?
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Because I want you to know that I've heard things that the team is working on...
… while protecting my source. I’m not sure why that’s so hard to understand.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
It's not
It’s perfectly understandable. Thanks for passing along the info, Al!
DamonBerryhillsMitt - July 24, 2009
Maybe I'm stupid...
but I actually enjoy it. I can then entertain myself by trying to figure out who you could possibly be talking about. :)
I’m assuming it’s a 3-way trade with Chad Fox + a PTBNL going to the Royals, Aaron Miles + a letter of apology to the D-Backs, and the Cubs getting Zach Greinke and Dan Haren.
:)
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
lol!
“a letter of apology to the D-Back” hahaha good one
Glacier - July 25, 2009
If your protecting your source to tha extent
That means he don’t won’t anyone to know that he is an insider. Sorry Al but your all over posters for not posting links or backing up their rumblings. I fully believe you have a descent source but if it’s that closed door of info that you can’t even give us a name, then why post it?
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Because some of us like it?
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
SOmething positive to talk about
So we don’t bitch at each other too much
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Cuz most people on
this site don’t get their panties in a bunch over Al passing along whispers about a potential upcoming deal. They actually appreciate it.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - July 24, 2009
What the hell
does it hurt? You seem to be the only one bothered by them.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
I think he just
tends to get a little salty when he doesn’t know everything.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - July 24, 2009
That must be it.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
Uh, because he's the damn creator of this blog?
And because, quite frankly, he’s a way more credible source than any of us? He’s met with Cubs’ staff and personnel, sat in the bleachers for decades, and has gained a loyal following. What the hell have I done? Posted 10k comments of worthlessness on a blog. I think he’s WELL within his rights to post a rumor without giving a source.
Dan
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
I myself have only posted around 1200 comments...
but I like to think that I’ve made them extra worthless to compensate. :)
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
I'm not discrediting
any of that but if you can’t even tie a name to the rumblings—what’s the real point? It’s like he’s trying to prove that his source has some real inside info by posting some nameless rumor, Hendry is working on a week before the trade deadline. I mean really???? MLB gm’s actually work on deals to better their respective teams a week before the trade deadline? Who’d a guessed!
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
I suppose you will not be satisfied until Al removes the offending post, divulges his source, or apologizes to you.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
I'm cancelling my
account with this bogus site.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - July 24, 2009
Call the NYPost. They may post a picture of the offendee in the nude.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
you owe me a new laptop
I just barfed all over mine
LT - July 24, 2009
O NO!
Someone alert the press, he is cancelling his account on BCB :(
desmoCubbie - July 24, 2009
SI & ESPN do this ALL THE TIME.
And guys that are tied to one team are much more “in the know” than broad insiders like Gammons or Kurkjian, IMO. None of this matters; his source is not going to be unmasked, nor should it be.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Not asking for his source
Asking for a name.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Source & player are closely tied, no?
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Then why post anything at all?
That’s my point. Not real hard to figure out that deals are being bandied about a week before the deadline.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
I'd argue that most of the good deals for the Cubs over the last few years we NEVER heard about beforehand.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Yeah, I never saw the Bradley deal coming.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
He said "good deals"
Poloplaya14 - July 24, 2009
(dying laughing)
Just…
(dying laughing)
berselius - July 24, 2009
Because it's his blog and he can.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
I get your point...
and think it has some merit. I just don’t mind the titillation, myself.
But I agree it doesn’t exactly add a journalistic perspective to the site (though I’m not sure that need be a requirement on a blog).
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
If Al was asked not to
reveal the name he shouldn’t. What’s so hard to understand?
sue369 - July 24, 2009
Sue369
Why do you feel you need to defend AL? I clearly responded to him and I think he’s very capable of responding back to me if he wishes.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
She's a motherly figure here.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
ahh poop
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
And I think she's the president, if I remember the election poster correctly.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
I did catch a
16# Northern once. It was pretty big.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
He did answer your question
but you don’t seem to either accept his answer or don’t understand it. He’s not going to reveal any names. Let it go.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
and again
I said nothing to you, as I was clearly talking to Al. I’m sure he can speak for himself. Why do you feel the need to keep butting in?
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
May I remind you
“Because I want you to know that I’ve heard things that the team is working on…
… while protecting my source. I’m not sure why that’s so hard to understand.”
He did speak for himself
chitownhawkeye - July 24, 2009
My source tells me
That if Soto doesn’t get healthy soon, Hendry is gonna make a move for another catcher.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Al hasn't had a perfect track record
He’s floated alot of wrong ideas about Deep Goat, he predicted that Fox wouldn’t be called up the very day that he was called up, I don’t mind the speculation but that doesn’t mean anything is going to happen.
I’d like to see this team actually get it together with the group on the team. THAT would impress me more than getting more bodies on the team.
Although they do need a catcher pretty bad.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
That's why I think he's protecting a player's name here
So that if it’s wrong he won’t hear about it here.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
because then he'd have to hide his head in shame?
At his own blog? You’re reaching….
carmen_fanzone - July 24, 2009
I clearly posed a question
and statement to Al. Not to carmen_fanzne, n to Sue 369
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
You know Al's email?
Left side bar.
carmen_fanzone - July 24, 2009
It's tiresome reading the
same thing from you over and over. Why do you feel he needs to tell us anything?
sue369 - July 24, 2009
That's like me saying
my source says that Ruben Amaro is working on a deal. It’s gonna be a starting pitcher but I can’t tell you a name.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
So?
sue369 - July 24, 2009
ahh poop
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
You must really
like poop. You say it a lot.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
saying poop
or defending others positions without coming up with ones own stance or opinions obviously would make me a better poster. I’m striving for excellence that’s all.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Keep trying.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
I'll do
what I can do when I can do it.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
you realize
that this blog works like a giant chat room, right? It’s not like you’re trying to have a conversation in the corner.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
(huddles in corner)
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
yes, yes
pat pat
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
::puts arm around Dan and whispers in his ear::
what is drew talking about?——
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Gammons isn't tied to one team?
Huh.
Clutch16 - July 24, 2009 via mobile
Gammons
is all Red Sox all the time
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
He used to be
I think he’s actually gotten better in the last few years. In the 80s and 90s that was pretty much all he ever talked about. Just my perception though I could be wrong.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Are you jealous
because that’s how you are coming across? Get over it.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
Good evening Sue.
Hot here in KS; same in IA? I may be attending the DMB show @ Cubs AAA stadium in a few weeks!
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Hi Dan.
Yes it’s very warm here today. Next week lows in the 50’s. Very strange weather this year so far. I’ve never seen DMB but do like some of his music. Enjoy the show and the stadium is very nice.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
ahh poop
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
I know I've never interviewed Crane Kenney or Mike Fontenot
berselius - July 24, 2009
Your source(s) hear anything about hitting
perhaps a player that can lend some flexibility to the lineup???
blackhawk24 - July 24, 2009
I appreciate this.
It’s similar to a lot of radio shows where one of the baseball reporter types discusses rumor about transactions. In fact, I don’t want to know the source because then the source will no longer provide these tidbits.
DudeVf11 - July 25, 2009
to shut up those
who say hendry isn’t trying
tim815 - July 24, 2009
What should he post to shut up the ones who say Milton isn't trying?
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
It's in my contract that I comment here.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
I don't have a problem with Hendry trying
I guess, although he’s been so wrong so often this season, I’m afraid he’ll trade for a guy that is clearly injured and will get one start for us before he goes on the DL
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
if the Phillies can beat the Cardinals tonight
count on it
brian custer - July 24, 2009
Good win
But I just noticed there’s ads here for the new Prison Break movie, which by the way, was ok.
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
I liked it!
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
I liked it
But I thought they stretched it a bit too far with having to make ANOTHER breakout.
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
Scott Kazmir?
ESPN rumor central claiming Rays are shopping him.
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Didn't see Custer's post above, apologies
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
no problem
you gave the link
brian custer - July 24, 2009
a game of tribond for y'all
jeff baker, mike fontenot, derrek lee
tim815 - July 24, 2009
Answer: Who are Andres Blanco and Ryan Theriot?
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Biggest trade rumors...
The only thing I’ve heard that the cubs want are relievers: George Sherrill or Chad Qualls….Starting pitching would be nice…especially Kazmir
BadDecisions - July 24, 2009
OT: Funny Headline of the Day
Also under ESPN Rumor Central…
TRADES: Yankees pursue Wang replacement?
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
lol
hillarious
BadDecisions - July 24, 2009
LOL!!
That’s 10 times funnier because it’s the Yanks.
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
+1
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
becuz he serving up
Wang Chung?
tim815 - July 24, 2009
Everybody Wang Chung tonight
LT - July 24, 2009
LMAO
Love it! (I bet they don’t get one.)
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
hilarious laughter ensued after i read that
burncruisin - July 24, 2009
+1
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Organ transplants can be a very touchy procedure
Zeke - July 25, 2009
Unless any of these pitchers can hit..
..in the middle of our lineup and help our putrid offense, I’m not interested.
Our pitching has been good enough all year. And since Lou denies to use Fox over Bradley, we need offensive help..
MattHaggard - July 24, 2009
we hit 4 home runs today
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
So just forget all those games whee we’ve scored one or two runs?
MattHaggard - July 24, 2009
Now you're catching on...
carmen_fanzone - July 24, 2009
While you are absolutely correct...
IMHO we do need hitting help. Two of the HR were by our legit HR threats and the other two were by 10hr/season hitters.
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Rami can't catch up to reals fastballs yet FWIW
MattHaggard - July 24, 2009
musta beat the sh*t out of
some hangers today, then
tim815 - July 24, 2009
is that out of the realm of possibility?
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
That was my next statemetn
He’s still recovering…so I guess I should revise my statement to One legit HR threat, two 10HR/season hitters and one recovering slugger
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
a real backup catcher
will help the offense, as we could actually use fox then
tim815 - July 24, 2009
Agreed 100%
But Al said we’re looking at a pitcher or two..
MattHaggard - July 24, 2009
That's what I've been yelling at the TV the last couple weeks
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Hill is a real backup catcher.
What we need is a starting catcher.
Poloplaya14 - July 24, 2009
A real catcher
Will help with the pitching. ERA has gone way up IMO. Soto might have had problems hitting but you knew he was calling a good game every day behind the plate.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
It's not hard to tell if ERA has gone up.
So it’s not really something you should say “IMO” about. You can look it up.
And I could, too, but I’m not gonna, because ERA is unstable enough for pitchers. The signal-to-noise ratio in catcher’s ERA is minuscule.
aldimond - July 25, 2009
Maybe I don't want to look it up
That’s why it’s in my opinion. OK? Thanks!
ak123 - July 25, 2009
With the possibilty of Lilly & Dempster struggling with injuries the rest of the season...
…you at least have to seriously consider adding pitcher. In any event, you have to consider improving the team through deals that make sense.
DudeVf11 - July 25, 2009
Good to hear Ronnie.
He said he’s not 100%, but he sounded pretty good. Get well wishes.
Nice to see Heilman have a 1,2, 3 inning. Marmol too. Gregg makes me crazy. Why was he in there?
I believe it was SackMan who called it earlier that A-Ram was going to breakout today. Breakout indeed!
katie casey - July 24, 2009
I'd welcome the pitching help but
I would be just as excited to see another catcher on the roster. Hill is servicable, but if Geo isn’t even swinging a a bat yet, I think its time to get someone that has some offensive talent. Six extra base hits in something like 120 AB s for Hill is pretty bad.
DC Cubbie - July 24, 2009
What a difference A Ram makes.....
…A little surprising since he said just last week he wasnt going to be close to 100% this season. He sure looked it today.
I have to wonder how important the off day was for his performance today?
I think today makes 8 wins in the last 11 games. Not too bad…..gotta keep it up
JB 23 - July 24, 2009
Cliff Lee
Aren’t the Indians shopping him???
BadDecisions - July 24, 2009
Cliff Lee circa 2008
Yes Please!
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
I would
Certainly take this years version.
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
How about Dan Harren.
I am sure he could be had by anyone for right package. Not sure why we have not heard more about Dan Harren and Cliff Lee from the national media. Not talking about Cubs specifically but I would figure those two guys are available for the right price.
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
I was thinking the same thing....
I was also thinking about Jarrod Washburn too. Id like to see that guy in blue pinstripes
BadDecisions - July 24, 2009
Ya I have heard some talk about him.
But the word from all the quote un-quote mlb insiders is that Seattle has not made up their mind yet if they are sellers or buyers.
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
Washburn is incredibly mediocre
no thank youi
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
Well...
He does have the 2nd best WHIP in the AL (4th best in MLB), and has the 5th best ERA+ (9th best in MLB).
That’s not too shabby.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 25, 2009
Oh My God HELL NO.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Well since he is LH Lou wants him to keep the lineup from getting to RH.....
JB 23 - July 24, 2009
Not to bring bad news
But take a look at Hollidays numbers at Busch Stadium.
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
so he can hit pitchers that used to pitch for
the tean that he will now play for. very vital.
tim815 - July 24, 2009
gotta like the trend though :)
n
kcjones - July 24, 2009
Someone wanna give Lou a call....
and let him know, even though it is the 9th inning (or bottom of the 8th at home), and you closer is warming up, it is ok to let another pitcher go out there if finish the game when you are leading by 5 runs. Closers don’t like to go in for mop-up duty. Isn’t there someone on the bench who hasn’t pitch in like 10 days that you can run out there to finish up the game?
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
who in the jeff stevens
could you be talking about. i agree, but at least we won
tim815 - July 24, 2009
Meh...I'd complain about him bringing in Heilman in a 1 run game before I'd complain about him using Gregg in a non-save situation.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
yeah I was wondering what that was all about?
Did Lou just want some excitement today? He was sleepy and needed something to wake him up so let’s run Heilman out there, that should get the blood flowing!
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
and Heilman
performed
excellen…excellantl…excell… pretty darn good!drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
Couldn't bring yourself to type it, could you?
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
actually
I couldn’t spell it. :D
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
I think it was more the fact that Shark did not get enough time to warm up.
And I remember earlier in the year saying that if Gregg gets warmed up you might as well use him any ways. Personally, I would have rather have seen Shark. And than I was thinking if he did not get enough time to warm up why not have marmol go out there to stall and just throw warm up pitches. And I than was wondering if Marmol was not already back in the clubhouse icing his arm and Lou did not have that option. Did anyone remember if Marmol was in the on deck circle during Milton Bradleys at bat in the 9th inning? Cuz if Marmol was still around in the dug out Lou should have used carlos to stall until Shark was ready.Well at least that is my opinion. However with the outburst of runs it would not surprise me if marmol had already hit the showers and was icing his arm.
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
Sound Logic there
but I like Lou said, Gregg had this look on his face like, do I really have to go in? I think maybe a word or two to Rothschild about it might help the situtation
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
Oops..
I gotta stop doing that
“Lou” is suppose to be “Al”
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
Paging Dr. Freud...your table is ready...
Zeke - July 24, 2009
Lou is always on mind, Lou will always be on my mind
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
You and Willie Nelson. BTW, he wants his $.03 royalty payment for using his lyrics...;)
Zeke - July 25, 2009
holliday is in the cardinals starting lineup tonight
burncruisin - July 24, 2009
So if he hit a HR we automatically surrender, right?
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
What
are we the Paris Cubs?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Bon Jour Y'all
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
Bon Jovi, everybody!
Chanman25 - July 24, 2009
For what it's worth
Here’s tonights Cards lineup
Lugo 2B
DeRo 3B
Pujols 1B
Ludwick RF
Molina C
Ankiel CF
Ryan SS
Piniero P
wrigleyrocker12 - July 24, 2009
boy
Lugo didn’t get any downtime.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
i think
you forgot someone
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
He who shall not be named.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
when did the cards aquire tom riddle?
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
They're not playing
with a left fielder. LaRussa is SNEAKY.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
No one hits it there anways,
This way, he has a extra bat to come off the bench!
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
not bad, but that bottom three of the lineup flat out sucks
Chanman25 - July 24, 2009
I wonder if we can trade soriano for strasburg straight up
Tongue in Cheek
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Well the way things look
We would have to pay the posting fee to get him from a Japanese team.
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
I really hope
when Al’s source talked to him about the deal he told him that Vitters wasn’t a part of it. I would hate to see Hendry go knee-jerk and trade him
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
we wouldn't
“all be happy” with that sort of trade. the way al phrased it, he has a good idea of the particulars. and al has a value for the quality prospects in the system.
tim815 - July 24, 2009
so its
Aaron Miles and Sam Fuld for Cliff Lee?
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
Cleveland can through in V-Mart..
I guess the Cubs could eat the salary if Cleveland really wants us too.
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
Sam Fuld
would be worth at LEAST Sizemore, V Mart and Lee. Maybe Kerry Wood as a throw in
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
As far as I know, Vitters is not being mentioned.
He’s not going anywhere.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
it was a good win.
obviously the Cubs who played against Philly in that last game showed up today. I REALLY like seeing Rami get it going, even if he doens’t hit an HR every day. :D
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
Al that was a great recap and summary of today's wheelings and dealings.
Thanks for the great blog, I don’t thank you enough.
I think picking up pitching help is a mistake. We need offense, not arm hurlers.
And yes, you are correct, you cannot easily quantify Aramis Ramirez’s contribution to this lineup as far as ferocity or fear-inducing tendencies, but he is one of the best players in baseball. I favor statistics myself, but this goes well beyond that. Everything “clicks” better when he’s here.
Dan
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
the only
offensive positon we can really upgrade at is 2B.
Freddy Sanchez would be alright but you can never have enough pitching (especially with lilly hurt)
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
We could upgrade that position yesterday...
by putting Theriot there and getting a SS.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Is Neifi available?
gaclaudy - July 24, 2009
That's an offensive upgrade if the SS hits better than Bakenot.
I actually have some hope for the Bakenot platoon. I think they’ll hit better than any cheap SS the Cubs might find.
aldimond - July 24, 2009
If we trade players...
we won’t necessarily get a cheap SS.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
as much as many have ragged on Theriot in the past
He’s put up a great season this year, and has actually been the team’s most valuable position player to this point. HIs defense has improved this year too
berselius - July 24, 2009
I also think
It wouldn’t be wise to move him to 2B this year. I don’t play baseball but I would imagine that mentally, it would be hard to re-adjust to a position every day after playing SS for 2 years. That could affect hitting and that wouldn’t be wise.
I’m all for that in 2010.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
I'll take issue with the comment that his defense has improved
he’s a decent offensive player for his position, but he is a minus in the defensive department at shortstop
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
His UZR this year is 3.7. His WAR is 2.5, or $11.1.
drewishdrewid - July 25, 2009
where did the skankees always fail
in the playoffs? pitching. they have done nothing in the playoffs for 9 years and have always had plenty of offensive firepower.
PITCHING PITCHING PITCHING
GET KAZMIR!, HENDRY!
brian custer - July 24, 2009
Because we had offense in the playoffs the last two years?
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
I think it can be argued that
The lack of offense in the playoffs during last two years – especially last year were brought on by tightness and extreme pressure. We need our own band of “idiots” who don’t give a shit about history.
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
I'm pretty certain Milton Bradley doesn't give a shit about history...
or listening to batting coaches…or managers…or common sense.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Does he care about this?
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
and
i’m pretty sure you dont know anything about bradley outside of what you read
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
and observing his behavior
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
lol
you watch him for a few hours at at time while he plays baseball. That really qualifies your opinion of his mental state.
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
He did throw a live baseball into the stands
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Uh...
you mean GENTLY TOSSED a baseball into the stands, thinking he was giving someone a souvenier?
He’s not like that one minor league who’s on trial right now for hitting a fan.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
Wrong focus
The key word was LIVE BALL
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
You were talking about his mental state, were you not?
Unless you’re saying he thought the ball was alive and it scared him or something, then who gives two sheets whether it was live or not.
It was a mental mistake that a number of other’s have made; it doesn’t make him a mental case.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
Did you just think that I thought
that he thought that the ball was ALIVE??
I’m sorry, but that’s funny.
No, I was pointing out the following: Milton has made many, many mental mistakes (your words) which indicate a mental state that is not conducive to good baseball.
I’m certainly not trying to insinuate that Bradly has a mental illness, which I suspect is the reason you’re getting huffy. Nobody’s talking about his mental health.
We’re talking about his baseball IQ here.
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
And I'll add the following:
I DO HOPE he performs better in his time as a cub. I’m rooting for success wherever it comes from.
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
No, I'm talking about his mental health.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
I was being cheeky about the ball being alive.
See Dan’s comment below. I don’t think you guys are on the same page. I’m disagree with Dan’s view, which it appears you aren’t subscribing to either.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
Just like how Koyie Hill forgot how many outs there are the other day
Obviously, he could snap at any moment
berselius - July 24, 2009
as it relates to him playing baseball...yeah.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
here's the thing
Bradley is doing almost everything we thought he would.
He gets on base better than anyone on the team, he crushes RHP, he plays an average RF. The ONLY thing lacking is hitting from the LH side. Thats a mechanical flaw that will get fixed sooner or later.
Bradley is a good baseball player going through a extended rough patch, I hope you will be a big enough person to eat crow when he starts to hit from the LH side.
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
I will change my signature to honor him if he does that.
But he’s not really “crushing” RHP…..I think you meant LHP…and he’s not “crushing” that either.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
ops is
.883
that qualifies I think.
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
and most of that is comprised of singles and walks.....
74 PA vs LHP
-———-1 HR
1 3B
4 2B
CRUSHING?
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
its kind
of hard to cherry pick 74 PA.
OPS is OPS any way you want to slice it. Besides Bradley was never a major HR guy and I never understood why people thought he would be.
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
and I don't understand why you think he "crushes" LHP
he’d be better served trying to slap basehits to the opposite field the rest of the year than the looping hacks he’s been taking lately.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
because
he has a ops of .883. If you dont like the way he gets there thats fine but .883 is “crushing” . That stat is neutral just a record of what he has done, how you choose to interpret it is up to you.
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
So if he his OBP was .520 and was slugging .363
He’d still be “crushing” LHP. Got it.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
well if we
want to take it into the realm of the absurd I guess not.
Bradley is slugging .478 fwiw
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
with a grand totoal 6 extra basehits
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
sigh
you castrate the guy before he was signed, you rail on him before the season is done for what he hasn’t done well, you pretend to know his inner psyche, and now you want to negate the things he does well because you dont like how he does them.
I think it might be time to admit that you were never going to give this guy a chance. Either way, I’m going to move on from this one
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
problem solved.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
May I please be included in this group?
I think I was its founder.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Wow, Can I have some of what you are smoking?
Bradley was brought here to be a LH rbi producer. He hasn’t crushed ANY pitching this year. He can take a walk with the best of them. That is good for obp, doesn’t produce a lot of runs. What are you talking about?
BleedsbluinMI - July 24, 2009
That's right!
Getting on base NEVER results in any runs scored!
berselius - July 24, 2009
Hmm, just re-read my post.
Doesn’t say in there anywhere getting on base doesn’t score runs. The point is a middle of the order guy’s role is to hit for power and rbi, first. Of course taking a walk can score runs.
Bradley was brought here to be in the middle of the order. Through 94 games he has 6 homers and 22 rbi, 8th and 9th on the team, respectively. He is behind Soto, Fuk, Fonty, Riot, and Hoff in both categories.
I know nothing of his inner psyche and badly want him to succeed, but those number speak for themselves so far.
BleedsbluinMI - July 25, 2009
As we all know, the signature changing is the most elusive of all BCB statistics.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
sigrng
my sigrng is .940 over the course of a season.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
Okay, drew, you got me.
I lol’ed at that. +1
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
we need to keep track
of all the stats we’ve collected. VOM and sigrng is all I can remember, but wasn’t there a BCBCOM or something like that?
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
I dunno...
…I work in special education. Between SWL and me I think we got it covered.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
::fist bump::
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
???
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
i actually did that
Chanman25 - July 24, 2009
That's cuz you're a stand-up gentleman, Chan.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
you know
its what I’m here for..
Chanman25 - July 24, 2009
well
if Hendry has a time machine and can get the 06 version of Kazmir then go for it. But Kazmir isnt that pitcher and has major issues. I’ll pass
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
Thank you. Me too.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
"Arm hurlers"?
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
You know, those that throw their arms out....
carmen_fanzone - July 24, 2009
YEAH! ARM HURLERS!
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
I'm trying to imagine someone actually vomiting arms, but it's just not working.
SWL- wanna help with the imagery?
Zeke - July 25, 2009
Hey Al - Question:
What was the time frame of this deal? If you’re able to divulge that?
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Probably by the 31st of July...
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
you're a wise man
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
har har
I mean is this happening TONIGHT or it’s going down to the wire. There’s still a whole week left.
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
That, I don't know.
However, sooner would be better.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
sounds to me like
as soon as both sides agree to the final deal.
tim815 - July 24, 2009
Let's guess
Tues the 28th at around 8pm Central time.
blackhawk24 - July 24, 2009
Ooooh! This is like that episode of SBTB when Zach puts a calendar out on Belding's kid!
And Mrs. Belding gets stuck in the elevator!
I predict: Sunday the 24th at High Noon.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Wow, a Saved by the Bell reference. Now, I am impressed...
BleedsbluinMI - July 24, 2009
you sure
that’s the word you’re looking for? :P
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
I was trying to be nice...
Did make me laugh, though.
BleedsbluinMI - July 25, 2009
Monday, July 27
NOON
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
my thoughts on the mystery pitcher
I really hope it isnt washburn. I dont think it will be because i dont think they are sellers. I would hope for kazmir or someone like that. I just dont want to trade vitters. Unless its halladay and then good riddance to josh. Btw i am glad that the cards got halladay. There farm system is done.
fischisgod - July 24, 2009 via mobile
Correction:
Holliday, not Halladay.
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Good call
fischisgod - July 24, 2009 via mobile
my thoughts on the trade
the mystery pitcher(s) will be adequate with low/middle basement and moderate ceiling. the key will be one of the people going away.
tim815 - July 25, 2009
All my Mets friends (former roommates) organized themselves and sent me the following text message:
HAPPY HOLLIDAY!
I laughed.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
I hope the didn't strain anything in doing so.
It is always sad when friends hurt themselves…
eths - July 25, 2009
20
bucks says its Kerry Wood coming back to the Cubs with the Indians eating a huge part of the $. Give the fans something to cheer about
CalCalender - July 24, 2009
That's the last thing I want.
Well, not the last. The last thing I want is a 8 year Milton Bradley extension. But if we have any slice of winning this year, I am not interested in a nostalgic trade, even though I don’t think we should have traded him in the first place. Turtle isn’t my favorite reptile.
Dan
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
BUTHE'S GOOD IN TH CLUBBHOWSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem. Sorry. I was just Hannah-tized for a second.
(I don’t know why, but I first read “8 year Milton Bradley extension” as “8 year old Milton Bradley.” I’m not sure which would be worse. :)
(I kid, I kid. I still like Milton).
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
to do
what, exactly? Kevin Gregg is being a better closer this year, by far.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
Never thought I'd say this in a million years
No thank you to Kerry Wood.
I do believe that in a few years, if he continues being healthy he’ll return to the Cubs. Just not this year.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
I don't think Al thinks we'd "all be happy"
with that move.
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
Cards smokin the ball
no results, but lugo and dero hit it very hard
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Seriously Al
Al, I find your reasoning pretty shaky here. With Harang’s career batting stats, wouldn’t you assume that he could not hit any pitch?
vonde6 - July 24, 2009
LOL
Well played.
Goodie1969 - July 24, 2009
LOL
Maybe. But still, just throw the guy fastballs. Why would you risk hanging a breaking pitch?
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
how about this one out of my backside
tennessee infielder nate samson for pirates lefty reliever john grabow
tim815 - July 24, 2009
done
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Fox, Stevens, and a minor leaguer for Stephen Drew.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Hasn't he played rather poorly this year?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
His HR numbers a down a bit...
but he’s still getting on base well and is an actual SS.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
ML SS?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
most definitely.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
where do I sign?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
LOL he was 26th in the MVP vote last year!
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
we should get a cards - phils
game tread going
brian custer - July 24, 2009
im in
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
post a link
tim815 - July 24, 2009
i don't have
the skill
brian custer - July 24, 2009
i am watching game now. Holliday about to lead off top of 2nd.
both teams went 3 up 3 down quickly in the 1st
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
also watching
go Phillies!!
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Al...
Can you at least tell us if the guy the CUbs are supposedly working on getting has been rumored to be on the block?
illini23 - July 24, 2009
i love the reaction of fans
to rumored trades. wait it out, y’all. we’ll be happy if it happens.
tim815 - July 24, 2009
The answer to that is...
… I’m not sure.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
Matt Holliday. Infield hit.
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
holliday kills one
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Matt Holiday steals second.
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
Al- I think the pitcher is Steve Trachsel
I’m not really sure If I’m happy though.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
shut it!!!!
daily2b - July 24, 2009
and promptly steals 2nd
daily2b - July 24, 2009
and moves up to 3rd on ground ball.
if they bring him home. talk about manufacturing a run.
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
I will say one thing about Holliday
He still has not touched home vs the Padres in that one game playoff.
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
I will say this for Dero
He still doen’t have the cheesy porn stache
daily2b - July 24, 2009
he had it in houston
MandMexpress12 - July 24, 2009
u mean Texas?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Goodie1969 - July 24, 2009
since Al said we would all be happy then I guess I'm happy
Doug Davis? Lee? No way it’s Halladay. You’re scaring me. It might be Marquis.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
clemens
daily2b - July 24, 2009
doug davis
Doug Davis would be good to have, that way we’d never have to face him again.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
F U Ankiel Cards 1-0
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
and now a rain delay...
with lightning.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
NICEY!!!
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
god voices
his opinion
brian custer - July 24, 2009
sweet
rain delay
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Al, can you tell us if its a starter or a reliever?
Milton's Gameboard - July 24, 2009
righty or lefty?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
or both!?!?!!
Chanman25 - July 24, 2009
OK, I'll go that far.
Possibly both.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
A switch pitcher
?
LT - July 24, 2009
OMG it's the prospect out of the Yankees organization
I just don’t know if he can help us out right now.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
No, it's not.
I’ll say that much.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
Good question.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
AL or NL?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
IL or DL???
Chanman25 - July 24, 2009
AP or IB?
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
boxers or briefs?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Ramirez: 3 Extra Base Hits
It was good to see Ramy break out today. This was just one game, of course. A-Ram is THE bat that the Cubs need to push them to a division title. That doesn’t mean that D-Lee and Gameboard aren’t important, but the team’s offense seems to rely on A-Ram more than the others.
memphiscub - July 24, 2009
"why would you give (a career .087 hitter) any pitch he could hit?"
If BCB had a quote of the year, I would seriously put that in the running.
davidalanu - July 24, 2009
the retort
was pretty good, as well
brian custer - July 24, 2009
like koo's inside the parker
off the big eunuch
brian custer - July 24, 2009
CAN ADAM DUNN PITCH?
I think it’s Adam Dunn!!
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Hey Al,
What do you mean by the, “Get me out of this situation!” comment you made regarding Gregg?
blackhawk24 - July 24, 2009
I think it refers to throwing in a non-save situation.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Up 8-3 and actually having to go in for the non-save situation...
carmen_fanzone - July 24, 2009
I'm thinking it would be a starter
because I really don’t think anyone would truly be excited about Beimel or Grabow, unless its gonna be Sherrill.
But im guessing it could be Haren or Lee?
Proabably Garland though..
Milton's Gameboard - July 24, 2009
my guess, along those lines
it’s not the incoming, but the outgoing. but grabow makes a lot of sense, if “the price is right”.
tim815 - July 25, 2009
We need a started now, not a reliever
ndcubs - July 24, 2009 via mobile
That's true
our bullpen has been real good lately, quite a turn around from the beginning of the year
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Exactly
With the exception of heilman I feel very confident in our pen
ndcubs - July 24, 2009 via mobile
and Heilman
went 1-2-3 in his inning.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
he is amazingly incosistent
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
I suppose
I think he has been getting better.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
But he's consistently inconsistent
For 3 years now….
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Starter*
ndcubs - July 24, 2009 via mobile
could be both. as in, 2 guys (but no girl, or pizza place)
tim815 - July 25, 2009
Haren would be ideal.
I would also deal Vitters for him, as he is on a very friendly contract for being one of the best in the game.
Milton's Gameboard - July 24, 2009
I'd do that deal in a New York minute
salparadise23 - July 24, 2009
And get them to throw in Drew.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
CSN reporting Halladay close to being traded to Phillies
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Whitey Herzog thinks the Cards
will win the division by ….wait for it….8 to 10 games!!
daily2b - July 24, 2009
even after the addition of holliday to the cards?
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
prolly taped before the trade
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Um, that ain't gonna happen.
DKT - July 24, 2009
hahahahahahahaha.
Thanks for that. I needed a laugh.
Is he…um…paid to comment on these things? ’Cause someone is getting ripped off….
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
yeah
knocked me on my ass LOL
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Clearly...
the Cardinals did not consult with Lou or Hendry prior to their trade with Oakland.
They are now overly weighted towards RH hitters. There goes their post-season chance.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
Now maybe Lilly will get a start in the playoffs this year.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Great game today.
Nice to have 4 guys hit homers. So glad to see Aramis hitting like he did today. Hope they can keep this going.
sue369 - July 24, 2009
+1
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Great showing from Rami today
Getting him back to being Aramis is a good thing, lets hope it continues.
Randy Wells on the other hand, he just makes dumb pitches sometimes. Harang should get have gotten a steady dose of outside fastballs, or breaking balls in the dirt. Kudos to him for settling down after that, but he has to be smarter with his pitches.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
Wells is our 2nd best pitcher so far this year.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Doesn't mean he hasn't been going to the zoo on some batters
The Ludwick thing was the start of it, today was especially bad with freaking Harang. If I want to watch a pitcher ignore weaker hitters in the lineup I can wait for a Zambrano start.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
can you at least save this venom for when we lose?
He gave up 3 runs…sheesh.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
..and that itself was avoidable
Soriano misplayed two fly balls that preceded thatHR
daily2b - July 24, 2009
it isn't venom
its just something that I would like to see go away. I said he did a good job otherwise.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
one bad pitch
otherwise very solid effort
daily2b - July 24, 2009
I actually think people aren't giving Harang enough credit for what he did
While the pitch WAS a hanging meatball, Harang still had to put a great swing on it, getting the sweet spot of the bat on the ball. Very smooth soriano swing at 1/2 speed.
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
Good Lord
You are supposed to throw strikes to a pitcher with a .087 lifetime batting average. There should not be any question here of pitch selection — the only crime would be to walk him. Even a blind mouse occasionally finds the cheese.
vonde6 - July 24, 2009
my personal 09 record has improved to 2-1
wierdly enough my mom said that she had to go to the bathroom, and while she was going that the cubs would hit a home run. a few minutes later aram left the building
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
i would not be excited for sherrill
He is alright but not VERY excited. @ this point i have no idea. I would love to do but doubt we could afford it a gutting of the farm for martinez and cliff lee. But thats absurd. I have no idea. I would be fine with grabow or beimel but it wouldnt make me say wow by any means. We really need a backup catcher. Jake fox is useless if we are just faving him to catch. I dont think we need to panic and think we can win the wild card or division still but seriously it would be nice to swing one deal for sanchez and grabow and another for kazmir. Worried about the pitching now. It seems that we get one pitcher off the dl another goes on. :( injuries have killed us.
fischisgod - July 24, 2009 via mobile
We're not getting Sherrill
Dave Kaplan said the Orioles asked the Cubs for two of their top 5 prospects and the Cubs were like “Are you high?”.
illini23 - July 24, 2009
Soto reference?
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
haha.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
Yeah I heard that too...
McFail must still be mad at how Pie and Hill worked out.
CubsBullsBears - July 24, 2009
OT: Does anyone know a good site to get ERA+ info on a non-firewalled site?
And other advanced pitching metrics, if possible.
I’m (alas) not a subscriber to BP or MLB-reference, etc….Was hoping that info was around somewhere. Though i’m betting I’ll just have to subscribe somewhere.
Thanks!
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
well
fangraphs probably has most of the metrics, i don’t know about ERA+. baseball-reference has all that stuff too, you don’t need a subscription.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
FanGraphs does not have ERA+.
Please use Baseball-Reference.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Also, try STATSCORNER
If you want some real advanced metrics.
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Sweet.
Thanks!
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
Sorry....
Quick question: What’s the web address for Statscorner? I’m binging it, but not finding it.
Sorry to bug. Thanks.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
http://statcorner.com/index.php
dtpollitt - July 24, 2009
Thanks!
CubsWin!Oregon - July 25, 2009
Huh...
I tried to pull up ERA+ on baseball-reference the other day, and I could’ve sworn it wouldn’t give it to me unless I was a subscriber.
I’ll check again though. Thanks!
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
You can find ERA+ on any player's page on baseball-reference.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
Thanks.
I was just stupid earlier. :) Figured it out though…which doesn’t necessarily mean I’m not still stupid, all things considered, but there you go…
:)
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
This just in
I heard that Jim Hendry was calling other GMs this week to explore trade options.
BREAKING NEWS: Jim Hendry may have already had dinner today
berselius - July 24, 2009
but yourourceas...
h don;t wnt ou to tell anyone right?
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
wtf happened there
your source don’t want you to tell anyone right?
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
+1
LOL
daily2b - July 24, 2009
huh?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
He's being facitious
Getting kind of old actually
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
was referring to sp ;)
daily2b - July 24, 2009
...and even funnier
I thought you were making an age reference
daily2b - July 24, 2009
lol
cubsonWGN4ever - July 24, 2009
I actually predicted something correctly today!
That… today would be A-Ram’s breakout game.
Woo hoo!
SackMan - July 24, 2009
I think you just answered your question right there, Al
berselius - July 24, 2009
lol
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Harang
Harang is a perfect example that given about 400 at bats in the majors just about anyone will run into one and hit a homer eventually. He can have one to tell the grandkids.
Two great offensive teams would have had a 15-12 game out there today.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
my thoughts exactly
at 4-3
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Breaking News: Hendry took a poop
illini23 - July 24, 2009
loose or firm
link?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
Can't be revealed
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Did he give it
a NTC?
daily2b - July 24, 2009
That's amazing.
Adam U - July 24, 2009
who is your source?
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
deep doodoo
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
not familiar with his work
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
According to my source(whom I can’t reveal), Poop will take the place of Milton Bradley in RF for the rest of the reason. My source says: “Hendry feels Poop will be able to provide an upgrade offensively and defensively over Milton Bradley.”
illini23 - July 24, 2009
Bradley has good obp
When he plays in games. It’s just his avg is 230 ish and his power numbers are horrible.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
its a shame he wasnt signed to be a leadoff guy
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
it's a shame
he was signed at all
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
A-BRE-U A-BRE-U A-BRE-U
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Dunn Dunn....
Chanman25 - July 24, 2009
Charmin or Quilted Northern??
Chanman25 - July 24, 2009
Well it's close to the deadline
So even industrial strength may even have some value.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Pure guesswork, but I say....
….the target is Zach Duke.
He’s on the Pirates, and hence available…and wouldn’t cost too much/increase salary….and would be a nice addition. He’s got pretty great numbers this year, too….
Chadnudj - July 24, 2009
Whatever the deal is
It will have to be a relatively cheap talent in terms of salary.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
I'd be all for that...
he’s only make $2.2 mil this year, so he would only be owed around $1 mil or less. 3.38 ERA, 70SO, 33BB, 1.2 WHIP. Solid lefty. Would definitely help out a now suddenly shaky starting staff.
dtc0405 - July 24, 2009
i don't think so.
Al said we would be very happy. That would be a pretty mild happiness for me.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Not that it means anything, but.....
I am watching the Astros/Mets broadcast, and they mentioned the Cubs becoming players in the Halliday deal. Just Saying..
wfree0104 - July 24, 2009
I don’t really want to sell the future for THIS team. I think we can win the division dragging Bradley and Soriano along the way. Are they suddenly going to wake up and play like they should and make us force? At this point I highly doubt it.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Soriano has
Look at his July numbers. And coincidentally we’re winning more games.
I’m not a Soriano defender but when he hits, the team wins.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Soriano still isn't hitting for power
He’s hitting more singles, maybe he’s cutting down his stroke? But I don’t think he’s even everyday player material if he hits .300 without much power.
He hit .216 in May and .198 in June…ouch I didn’t even know it was that bad. 328 so far in July with 3 doubles and 2 homers, 14 singles.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Yes and no
But on this Cubs team, if you’re hitting .300 you need to be in the lineup every day.
I know he’s not hitting for power yet but he’s getting hits and he’s getting these hits in the middle of the order. I know he doesn’t have many RBI’s yet but we’ve won 7 of 10 games with him in that spot. It’s working better for the team.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
I too am worried about selling our future for a team that doesn't make the playoffs...
It’s a tough situation. With the moves the Cards have made and a small one by the Brewers, it sure would be nice to make a move ….I’d actually prefer a big one if it’s possible cause giving up a prospect like Vitters or Hoff or Fox, etc., scares me…but less so if it’s for a proven winner, and more than Bradley for sure. To me taking Peavy when you really want a hitter more makes sense if he’s available only because you know for sure he will add a lot.
Sandberg's evil twin - July 25, 2009
That would make us happy
But cost us the entire farm system. Minimum of Vitters, Jackson, Cashner, Castro, Marshall
nji232 - July 24, 2009
Well maybe
Perhaps Cubs are swinging a 3-way deal?
Remember Manny was rumored to go to Florida where last minute he was sent to LA.
I would be shocked if we got Halliday but I won’t lie, I’ll immediately guy me a Cubs shirt with his name on the back.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
I still think the bats will be fine
and the Cubs don’t have a real Ace starting pitcher. Would it worth it to give up the farm system if the Cubs win the World Series?
wfree0104 - July 24, 2009
of course it would be worth it
But really what makes you think this team is WS winning material? I’m a huge fan and stranger things have happened but a bad offense and a sometimes shaky bullpen? They’ll have to really start being a different team than what they are right now.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Or I have to just go to every game
9 game person winning streak.
Sorry, I will throw this in every thread until I see them lose :)
ak123 - July 24, 2009
the 06 Cards
would like a word.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
well if ONE team did it once, then obviously it will be done every three years.....
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
plenty of teams have backed into the playoffs
the playoffs are a crapshoot. You NEVER know what’s going to happen.
drewishdrewid - July 25, 2009
yeah -- look at the '03 Marlins
Or the ’07 Rockies. At this point in the season, few would have predicted those teams would have won pennants.
elgato - July 25, 2009
Well duh
but with the hitting like it is, that ace doesn’t come with a World Series promise. Not to mention the current “ace to put the team over the top” is Rich Harden and isn’t able to pitch when the sun is up.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
We have 5 #2's
And with an ace…we have to win 1 game in the post season this year right????
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Kevin Hart is a #2?
:) thats a bit of a stretch, but yeah our rotation isn’t bad at all, thats if Lilly is healthy and pitching. The news that his shoulder is hurt is really bad news coming off some knee issues.
Wells could implode at any minute. Zambrano has been pretty ‘consistent’ lately at least for him. Harden has had 2 good starts in a row maybe he can turn it around.
If they do add someone in the bullpen, they might be looking at getting Marshall back in the rotation.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Didn't refer to him
Lilly, Zambrano, Harden, Dempster and Wells have all pitched like #2’s. Harden not as much but he is getting back to the dominance we knew he had in him.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Just make sure Roy Halladay isn't allergic to grass
or something like that before you make an offer.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
WTF is a #2
The Cubs have 5 good pitchers
berselius - July 24, 2009
Exactly
A #2 is a great pitcher, not an ace. That’s what we have.
I feel like Zambrano actually is an ace but since that always seems to cause arguments I just put him in as a #2 to avoid that tonight.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
see all the above posts
referring to “poop”
LT - July 24, 2009
By the way I did check with my sources
And legit sources in NY and they haven’t heard anything about a Cubs trade. This is one person high up at YES Network and another is a co-worker who knows enough people in Mets organization from his time on television.
So while I heard earlier today Mets were going to start being sellers with some pitchers (no Johan), I don’t think it will be with Cubs.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
cardinal announcers will not shut up about the holliday trade
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Last time they made a big trade like this
Dan Haren ended up being Dan Haren. So we will probably talk about Brett Wallace’s 5 MVP awards 6 years from now.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
or be talking
About the 11th Cardinal World Series Ring
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Matt holliday doesn't make them better than
LA or Philly. Try again.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
That's null and void
It makes them a serious serious playoff threat!
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
BLou is that you?
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
That's downright
disrespectful
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Cardinals are 6 games over .500
How are they a ‘serious, serious’ playoff threat? Holiday 09 isn’t going to be much better than Ludwick 08
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Dero,Ludwick,Pujols, Holliday etc
Plus Duncan and Larussa
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Ramirez, Lee, Soriano, Soto, Theriot, Bradley
Plus Piniella and Trammell.
We can beat ’em.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
can I get a hell yeah?
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
Soto's hurt ...
And I’d put Fukudome (who’s quietly hitting again) ahead of Soriano and Bradley.
elgato - July 25, 2009
You're right
But they said on TV Soto can be expected back possibly August 1st. That would be great. And I forgot to add Fukudome on there but I should have.
ak123 - July 25, 2009
the cubs won today
blou will not be making an appearance
CyberCyclist - July 24, 2009
What a miserable Cubs fan he is.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
hes a fan?
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Yea
I think I know his type. I see a lot of them in my office in CT.
Trust me, if we win the World Series this year he won’t be on this site…he’ll be out celebrating like the biggest cubs possible.
Plus, we’re just seeing what the man behind the computer screen types. He might actually be a genuinely nice person you can have a real conversation with in person.
ak123 - July 25, 2009
if we win the world series, I can promise you I won't be on this site either
I’ll be out celebrating my ass off
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
Eh, i doubt that...
… in my experience, people are generally just bigger, more bold versions of themselves online.
Same with drinking. It doesn’t make you in to a new person, it just makes you a bigger version of the person you are.
AndrewJStone - July 25, 2009
if underperforming outfielders means you win a world series
the cubs are in business this year then
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Fine by me
As long as he’s not on an NL Central team when it happens.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
and figures
JA happ implodes against the cardinals
had to be the cardinals
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Well to be fair
it did just happen. It’s their first game playing with him, and it’s big news for them. Len & Bob’d prolly be doin’ the same thing.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - July 24, 2009
Len and Bob nothing
We’re doing it.
chitownhawkeye - July 24, 2009
i know
but their acting like people on BCB when it comes to mark derosa
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Harden
Everyone here was rightfully excited about Harden. Its pretty natural to be excited about your new toys.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Your fault
For watching a Cards game :)
ak123 - July 24, 2009
it's hilarious how no one on this board wants to admit
that it was a pretty good trade, and it makes their team better.
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
that trade made their team better.
lexmarklover - July 25, 2009
I'm not convinced of that.
Short term, maybe. But long term?
The fans on their board seemed displeased, if that says anything.
AndrewJStone - July 25, 2009
including
Cards fans?
drewishdrewid - July 25, 2009
especially cards fans
tim815 - July 25, 2009
Hampton homers off Santana
Astros up 3-1…looks like a ‘keep the pace’ night.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Mets suck
It’s really not fair we’re going to play them when all their players come off the DL.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Mets tie it up 3-3
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Mets still suck
ak123 - July 24, 2009
they did lose 2 out of 3 to the Nats
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Mets are embarrassing to their fans this year
Nats had good pitching in one of those games.
They are just more hurt than Cubs have been and Jerry Manuel isn’t a good manager. Plus with all their minor league controversy the team is really an embarrassment this year.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
something about NYC
that causes their teams to choke against washington
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
I'm channeling my inner Hawk
YES
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Other than the Cubs this day really sucks for our division.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
what a shame, sox just got swept
DC Cubbie - July 24, 2009
what a great way to follow up a perfect game
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Johan, I expected better
5 ER ?
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
He decided
He didn’t want his bullpen to blow the win so he’d handle things in his own manner.
I almost feel bad for Met fans this year.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
I kind of felt bad for Mets fans, but then i thought about the Mets.
and how much I really hate the Mets and any NY team. Basically, I hope the Mets never win again.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Usually agree
But I do feel bad…not for how the team is playing but the embarrassing VP’s they have working in that organization.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
THinking the same thing
2 run homer to Hampton and 2 run 2 out double to Chris Coste. Really?
louslovechild - July 24, 2009
Al people have posed this question before but
reliever or starter?
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
yep
LT - July 24, 2009
are you calling me fat?
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
LOL
I answered above, but I’ll answer again here. Could be both.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
you're killin me ....
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
inquiring minds
want to know lol
LT - July 24, 2009
Well, of course you do.
But I’m still not telling.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
can brian roberts pitch?
DC Cubbie - July 24, 2009
baltimore already got most of what they wanted for him
and it was pretty much free.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
does this mean
he’s a swingman out of the pen? Who do we know who could be both a reliever and a starter?
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
5-4 Astros
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
2 questions Al
1) Is he in American or National League
Ok and since you prob. won’t answer #1
2) If we don’t make a trade, can you reveal at some point next week who the guy was rumored to be?
I remember you said there was going to be a trade a few weeks ago and I don’t think that ever happened. Who was that supposed to be or was that the same guy?
ak123 - July 24, 2009
I think I asked 4 questions lol
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Lets list every pitcher in baseball
one by one until Al doesn’t deny one of them. It might take all night, but I think he might fall for it.
nji232 - July 24, 2009
hahah
I’m intrigued now.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
OK, let's say this.
If this deal doesn’t happen, I’ll tell who the player(s) are… unless I hear the Cubs are still trying to do such a deal post-waiver deadline.
Al Yellon - July 24, 2009
Thank you
What was that other deal you heard about way back when? Did that one die?
ak123 - July 24, 2009
the one for a replacement catcher?
I think he said that one didn’t happen.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
Oh ok
I forgot what the trade was all about at that time.
But we really need a new catcher if Soto is more than 3 weeks away. Hill’s a great comeback story with his hand, he’s fine as a backup but they need someone who can handle the pitching staff better.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
There WAS a deal being discussed for another catcher.
It fell through, from what I heard.
Al Yellon - July 25, 2009
Coste?
The S-T reported that the Cubs looked at him.
elgato - July 25, 2009
OMG he said player(s)
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Does your source hide in dark places like holes dug in the ground?
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
You mean Rich Harden's house?
nji232 - July 24, 2009
lol
sue369 - July 24, 2009
he does like tin cans
tim815 - July 25, 2009
Last question I swear
You said that we would be very happy if the Cubs got this guy. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being Halladay/happiness, where would this big boy rank?
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Instead of pitching
What about a catcher? If Soto isn’t returning August 1st they need to get someone else other than Hill.
The ERA has increased all around from the Cubs since Soto has gone down and I’m not just referring to Lilly’s game.
While Soto wasn’t hitting as well, his presence behind the plate was obvious all season and we need someone who can call a better guy in my opinion.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
mlbtrderumors.....
Had us linked to being interested in Barajas from TorontoI believe a few days ago.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
Dang
wireless keybard
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
LOL
Halliday brings his catcher.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
What if the Cubs traded for a player outside mlb like Carlos Boozer?
that would be something :)
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Bridgeport Bluefish
Maybe we can pick up Adam Greenberg?
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Let's start...
A realistic list of pitcher(s) he could be referring too. I will start—How about a Penny/Saito from Boston. A Zach Duke/Capps from Pitts? Any deal that happens is gonna involve us taking on very little mony IMO.
cubsluver22 - July 24, 2009
penny rarely goes past the 6th inning
and im still a little scared when the game goes to the bullpen
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
would pitt want to junk zach duke?
Capps, mebbe, but grabow makes more sense. if only they had a starter they were fixin’ to relocate. or a starter that wanted nothing to do with wearing the home unis in pnc park. and if only pittsburgh needed middle infielders so they wouldn’t hafta play brian bixler or whoever backs up sanchez when they both get dealt for prospects this week.
tim815 - July 25, 2009
I woudn't be surprised if the person is Scott Downs.
He’s a lefty reliever who’s shut down when he’s healthy. Al, I got you now! :)
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Former Cub, Scott Downs
has been a better reliever than starter that he was with us
dtc0405 - July 24, 2009
WOW Julio Lugo goes yard
and the world has come to an end.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
OMG I actually think i know who it is
I don’t read this website. I just found it through brain trust and skills
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Didn't Gorzelanny...
have some issues with depression that have impacted his playing ability? Or am I mixing him up with someone else?
CubsWin!Oregon - July 24, 2009
I think that was Snell
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
Ah, maybe that was it.
Thanks.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 25, 2009
Grabow and Gorzelany?
Meh….Grabow could be good for an extra arm, but Gorzelany….no way.
jeff_pico - July 24, 2009
Gorz to start...
And Grabow for the pen. Not bad for some low-level prospects.
CubsBullsBears - July 24, 2009
that's what i came up with at work
grabow and gorzelanny or snell
but who are we getting rid of? that’s what’s would make it, FTW
tim815 - July 25, 2009
damn OBP
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
I'm just thrilled...
they actually understand the importance of OBP. I sometimes doubt it, based on how they normally talk.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 25, 2009
he said i would be very happy. this deal is not very good except for Grabow.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Hmmm...
Acquiring 3 players from the Pirates for a playoff push, sounds familiar?
CubsBullsBears - July 24, 2009
Grabow
Gorzelanny AND Sanchez? That’s gonna destroy our farm system.
drewishdrewid - July 24, 2009
i don't think the deal included Sanchez.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
the article
indicated that the Cubs were still looking at Sanchez.
drewishdrewid - July 25, 2009
and mentioned that the Cubs weren't all that interested in him
because of his low OBP
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
That sounds more then “not all that interested in him”.
drewishdrewid - July 25, 2009
DO NOT WANT
berselius - July 24, 2009
Would prefer Duke over Gorzy...
asking price may be too high though
dtc0405 - July 24, 2009
If this is the deal...
Al was talking about I’m going to be pissed. I don’t think anybody would be very happy about this. I mean, it would an okay deal, but not great. Al’s making it sounds like a stud with the “very” in italics.
illini23 - July 24, 2009
also , we better not be trading any of our top 5 prospects
illini23 - July 24, 2009
i really doubt this is the deal
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
what if the bait were
scales, veal (deal completed), barney, and aaron miles.
tim815 - July 25, 2009
lol I'll take it!
lexmarklover - July 25, 2009
Ehhhh
I’d rather see Hart pitch.
If it’s true about sending 4 guys I wonder who it would be? It would have to be cheap players since its Pirates like a Fontenot or Reed Johnson right?
ak123 - July 24, 2009
Hart is NOT better than Gorzellany
elgato - July 25, 2009
He might be better
Than the 2009 version. I looked at his numbers quickly and I wasn’t too impressed.
I do remember Gorzellany from a couple years ago being very good though.
ak123 - July 25, 2009
fwiw
Olney said on BB we were interested in Grabow too.
cubsluver22 - July 25, 2009
BBT
cubsluver22 - July 25, 2009
Gorzelanny IS the answer
but only if we can find away to have him pitch AGAINST the Cubs every 5 days. They drove his ERA up 2 points by themselves last year.
Doggie Stalker - July 25, 2009
No offense to Al, but I have it on very reliable sources...
Mark Prior will make his triumphant return to the Cubs next week. You heard it here first. Get out your victory towels!!
BleedsbluinMI - July 24, 2009
this is a joke right?
illini23 - July 24, 2009
no
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Ya I heard this, I play on a team and one of my teammate's dad is a lawyer for the Cubs,
and he told me that the Cubs were putting together a contract offer for Prior.
dtc0405 - July 24, 2009
This is where if I were drinking milk...it would shoot out of my nose.
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
So you got it....
dtc0405 - July 25, 2009
My source also
said there are strong indications the Cubs and Sammy Sosa have agreed to terms on a contract. Except Sammy to announce his unretirement tomorrow.
illini23 - July 25, 2009
...and my ears...
Zeke - July 25, 2009
Oh yea
I heard new ownership would be adding jobs so there could be more employees.
ak123 - July 25, 2009
LOL Stats Inc. Twitter :
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
Let's hope the rest of Holliday's Cardinals career...
… is as good as Aaron Miles’ Cubs career.
Al Yellon - July 25, 2009
There are rumors that the Cubs are interested in Brandon Phillips.
Yuck. His OBP is terrible. He does drive in runs though.
-Freddy Sanchez: If they make a deal, ok. If not, then I won’t mind.
-Mark Teahan: I like his bat. Not sure if he can field well enough to play 2B.
-Chone Figgins: interesting because he gets on base a lot, give up a lot to get him, where does that leave fukudome as in where does he hit in the lineup,
-Cubs are not going to sign a backup catcher according to Foxsports.
lexmarklover - July 24, 2009
i doubt the angels will give up figgy
but i wont mind if they do
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
Yeah
There’s no way they trade Figgins
berselius - July 24, 2009
Phillips would be very interesting
His bat has slipped some this year, but he’s incredible on defense
berselius - July 24, 2009
Figgins goes to #2
Theriot bats 7.
ak123 - July 24, 2009
I'm a Kansas Citian
and I can vouch for Teahen as a gold-glove caliber fielder at third and above average corner outfielder with a great arm. He can also fill in at all IF positions except for SS. Think DeRo without power, but hovering around .300 he is the best hitter the Royals can offer. Excellent utility guy.
tdubcub - July 25, 2009
im watching mlb tonight
and im sad that the astros got chris coste
jesus christos - July 24, 2009
me too....
but only because of all the picture ideas I could come up with because of his name
santoswoodenlegs - July 24, 2009
Oh man Mets lost again?
If they don’t get their key players back soon they will get in National territory….well not really but just as pathetic.
By the way, I’m shocked nobody posted a fanpost/shot about the whole Mets organization and their VP berating minor leaguers. Did this make news in Chicago?
ak123 - July 25, 2009
ITS ADAM LIND.
HE IS BEING CONVERTED TO PITCHER. HE WILL LEAD US TO THE SERIES. ADAM LIND. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAM LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIND.
tdubcub - July 25, 2009
ADAM LIND ADAM LIND ADAM LIND ADAM LIND ADAM LIND
jesus christos - July 25, 2009
The only pitchers who we would
all be happy about would be Haren, Grienke or Halladay.
My bet? The Cubs are a darkhorse for Roy Halladay.
Unique - July 25, 2009
trades
next week the answer comes.i thought we had no money to spend.and who do we have to trade???? i live in rays country and i can tell you. kazmir is special. like harden when this guy is on forget it. BUT. he,s had a couple of rough years and im surprised the rays are ready to give up. if traded though he probably goes to the angels. the connection is they have the rays x-pitching coach and mgr maddon was with the angels for many years. but hey offer bradley straight up. why not.
NOMAR - July 25, 2009
My birthday is July 31st
and I’d sure like for the Cubs to give me a nice present, or two
WanderingWanderer - July 25, 2009
I'd like a pony...
Zeke - July 25, 2009
After the game on Espn 1000
Bruce Levine said Hendry was looking at a deal for Tom gorzellany and John grabow. FYI….I hope the deal is for Haren!
TheCubsGuy - July 25, 2009 via mobile
If the Cubs were to get Haren, I would honestly shit my pants. I don't care what anybody says, he's the best pitcher in the MLB right now.
lexmarklover - July 25, 2009
I would give up anybody in the minors even Vitters
lexmarklover - July 25, 2009
These, "I've been told the Cubs might get someone...
but I’m not going to say ANYTHING further than that" type of posts really bother me. What’s the point in posting this? We get it, you know someone. If you’re not going to say anything further than that, I don’t see the point. Sorry, don’t mean for that to come off as harshly as it probably does.
kanderber - July 25, 2009
i don't mind because it gives me hope that there could be something good in the future
lexmarklover - July 25, 2009
Agreed...
Hendry has never let a deadline pass without making a deal to improve this team. Something will take place and hearing rumors is what I love about this time of year. Hearing them from AL, makes me feel better because he is a trusted source. He’s not going to just throw information around like me and other posters.
TheCubsGuy - July 25, 2009
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