Everything was better today than yesterday.
Ted Lilly was named today as the Cubs' sole representative to the 2009 NL All-Star team, and went out and threw another solid game. The Cub offense stepped up with 13 hits and a pair of homers, capped by Jake Fox's two-run job to Waveland. (You already know, if you follow either Ballhawk Ken or me via Twitter, that Ballhawk Dave caught that one on the fly.) And summer weather arrived at last, with plentiful sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70's, all adding up to an 8-2 Cubs win over the Brewers.
That made it three out of four in the series, so the Cubs accomplished what they needed to -- establishing that they can win series at home, and against a division rival. That makes five of the last seven, and the team looks like it's starting to play together and with some (for lack of a better term, I'll use Lou's) "Cubbie Swagger". In other words, they go on the field with confidence and everyone contributes.
Derrek Lee continued his hot streak, driving in three runs with a single and a homer; he has reached 15 HR and 51 RBI in 79 games, putting him on pace for a 30/100 season, which would be only the second such season of his career. Kosuke Fukudome had a better day in the leadoff spot, with a pair of hits and a sacrifice fly. Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot also had a pair of hits each, and Fox added a double to his Waveland homer.
Even the booed (and that was ridiculous) Alfonso Soriano had two hits, both balls that were nearly caught in the outfield. But. He didn't appear to be running hard on either ball, and I will not accuse him of loafing, because I don't think that's it at all. I think he's hurt -- you could see him flexing his left leg several times in the outfield after returning to the field after one of the hits -- and the fact that he was the only starter pulled with the 8-2 lead intact after seven innings hints at that. There were unconfirmed rumors floating around the bleachers today that Sori is headed to the DL tomorrow when Reed Johnson returns from the DL. Despite the two hits today, a couple of weeks off wouldn't hurt, especially with the All-Star break about to intervene.
But besides D-Lee, the star of the game was Lilly, who threw 6.2 strong innings and left to a standing ovation (he also got one when he laid down a sweet-looking sac bunt in the sixth). He struck out nine and walked none and made only one mistake, the homer allowed to Prince Fielder. Perhaps more importantly, Aaron Heilman threw 1.2 solid innings of relief without walking anyone (14 strikes in 19 pitches), and Carlos Marmol looked good again; this was a perfect no-pressure situation for him to get some of his command back (17 pitches, 10 strikes).
With the Cardinals' 10-1 blowout of the Reds today, the Cubs remain 2.5 games out of first place, but move ahead of Cincinnati into third, and only 1.5 games behind the second-place Brewers. The Cardinals, Brewers and Cubs have all lost 39 games and the Reds have lost 40. In fact, there are no less than ten teams in the National League whose records are between six games over .500 (St. Louis, 45-39) and three games under .500 (Atlanta and New York, 39-42). That puts those ten teams within 4.5 games of each other, not a significant difference with half the season played. No races in the NL have sorted themselves out yet, not even the NL West -- the Giants have fought to stay within 6.5 games of the Dodgers.
And until the league sorts itself out -- and the AL's the same way; besides the Yankees and Red Sox, there are eight other teams with records between 44-35 (Angels, Rangers) and 42-39 (Mariners), a three-game spread -- don't expect any major dealing to be made. That's 18 teams within a handful of games of each other and four others leading the pack. They all think they still have a chance, and likely, many of them still do. This could be one of those strange years where the talent is spread evenly over many rosters and it might be August or even September before it sorts itself out.
Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride, and remember it continues an hour earlier than the original schedule tomorrow (for national TV on ESPN) at 6:05 CDT.
0 recs | 385 comments
Great Series Win!
(first)
Reddevil - July 5, 2009
Must series win
Hate to say it on July 5th, it would of been ugly if they would of dropped 3 of 4.
Continue this tomorrow night.
Anxious to see the moves. Fox is going nowhere. Lou needs to get him at least two starts a week.
Grockcubs - July 5, 2009
This was most important series of the year so far
Because had we been swept (which wasn’t out of the realm a week ago) we’d be 7.5 games out. We could have legitimately starting throwing the towels in. Thank god it didn’t happen.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Yeah, a sweep would have been bad
3 of 4 losses would have been annoying, but not necessarily a death blow.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Geez.
The Cubs WON 3 of 4! How about some positivity!
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
Al, why is that a response to me?
Go back and read my comment. It wasn’t negative.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
You're right.
Was just trying to continue the thread. Sorry for the confusion.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
S'alright
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
It's more my fault
I started the sweep talk.
But to be fair, before this series, that’s how we were all feeling.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Although, it started in Pittsburgh by winning 2 of 3.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
Your right
But this 4 game series in my eyes was a make it or break series.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Was Ken Macha channeling Ned Yost today?
Watched the game with a Brewer fan buddy of mine. Neither of us could believe that they pitched to Lee in the first or Fontenot in the fourth — and they got burned both times.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Bleacher chants
I talked about this in the game-threads. I’m quite memorized by it actually. Have you ever seen the roll call given at Yankee Stadium by the RF bleachers? I was at the game yesterday and it was one of the coolest things ever.
For those unfamiliar: The guys in the bleacher start with one players name and chants “Johnny Damon”
-claps- “Johnny Damon”-claps -“Johnny Damon”, etc. until he turns around and acknowledges them (this is at the top of the 1st inning). Then they’d move to another player and do the same thing until every player (minus pitcher I think) acknowledges them.I found out this started only 10 years ago or so. I feel it would be cool if Wrigley crowd regulars started their own tradition or even copy that one.
Has there ever been that sort of tradition at Wrigley that I’m brain farting and not thinking about?
If nothing else, maybe this gets Soriano out of his groove since he got it all the time when he played great at Yankee Stadium. Plus when we play Yankees in interleague in 2 years (they’ll come to Wrigley I’m sure) you guys can mock their chant in the bleachers for the Cubs.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Didn't realize that how I have line drawn through words
- claps -that’s what I meant it to look like.ak123 - July 5, 2009
Damn didn't work again
Ok, i’ll stop replying to my own posts.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
There's never been such a tradition at Wrigley.
I’ve heard the Yankee Stadium chant. It’s pretty cool.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
Al, start something there!
Seriously, I feel bringing some sort of connection with bleachers and players like that would make Wrigley even more awesome.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I should talk to the people who sit closer to the field.
It’d be more likely the chant would be heard if it started there.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
Seriously consider it
If any other ball-park could pull off such a thing it would be Wrigley.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
We have the chant
Right field sucks!!
LT - July 5, 2009
doh
I should read more before I post lol
LT - July 5, 2009
Use spaces between the dashes and the words
Like – this – here.
And is the chant a typical sports chant, a la Joh-nny Da-mon! clap clap clapclapclap?
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Thanks
Yea it’s like that. Here’s the link I posted below. I think 30 seconds in it begins:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4kAr0wp_P4
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I think it's great, too.
The only Cub one that I can think of is the “left field sucks – right field sucks” thing when the game is knd of boring. The Yankee one is much better.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Can you guys steal their tradition?
Seriously, rule #1 I learned in Marketing 101 was “Steal Steal Steal”
Rule #2: Nothing is original
In all the ball games I’ve ever been to, I’ve never seen anything cool enough for me to say we should copy them.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I see nothing wrong with "stealing" it
Hell, everyone throws back visiting HRs now.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
They did that at Yankee Stadium
Call it a trade-off.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Works for me
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Then I guess it's up to Al and the reg. bleacher people on here to execute it
LOL, not like this discussion will ever go past the 10 minute chats we’ve had on here.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
It's not easy to get something like that started
But I believe in Al!
Get it done!
(Maybe if you created a fanpost about it in all caps . . . I keed.)
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Haha
Let’s see if Al talks to anyone first (he said he’d try).
I don’t think a fan-post on here would really do much. We’re only a tiny fraction of all the Cubs fans.
Plus I’m shocked at how few people even knew what I was talking about on here. We need to all get out of our CUBicle sometimes :)
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Liine of the day
Indeed. There is, in fact, a league outside of Wrigley Field.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
but I don't like any of those teams.
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
I suppose if the other 29 were contracted
The Cubs would win the World Series.
Probably.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Not
a chance in hell
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
In baseball atleast
I feel like if I was a NY transplant in Chicago who was a Mets fan, I wouldn’t be able to have a talk about my team with anyone in Chicago.
In CT/NY where I live, they seem to know about the Cubs enough to have some conversations.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
not of
any importance. Heck, the other league doesn’t even play baseball!
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2009
Strongly disagree. Stealing chants is really lame.
Wrigley has enough of it’s own traditions, screw the yankees
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
Have you ever seen it?
ak123 - July 5, 2009
It's VERY cool in person.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
I'm sure it is cool.
Just like I think the jump around at Madison is cool. But I would NEVER want my hawkeyes to steal it.
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
Actually, you can have the jump around . . .
I think it looks stupid when we’re getting our asses kicked. And the one time they didn’t do it because of construction, the students protested and stormed university offices like it was a real issue . . . .
Damn, that makes me sound old.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
GET OFF MY LAWN!
Darn kids.
Allie - July 5, 2009
See? You can tell age jokes on me . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
*shakes cane*
chitownhawkeye - July 5, 2009
SWL hope you don't mind
but that image is now my desktop background on the Back Porch PC.
ChipSet - July 5, 2009
Night games.
daver - July 6, 2009
Nope.
And it’s nothing personal, I just think that a stories franchise like the cubs don’t need to be stealing chants. Also the bleacher bums and the players have plenty of interaction. At least in left field where I usually sit
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
So you never chanted, "Darrrrrr-ylllll" then
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
I did :D
At Turner Field, in the nosebleeds behind home plate. Got four whole sections doing it before he managed to strike out.
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Well, now we're REALLY reaching for a solution...
carmen_fanzone - July 5, 2009
I was kidding when I said that of course :)
ak123 - July 5, 2009
OK, good. LOL.
carmen_fanzone - July 5, 2009
Yea but if he did go on DL
And first game back that sort of chant started with his name first…you never know what kind of weird boost that can give him.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
So...
…you’re saying you WEREN’T kidding…
carmen_fanzone - July 5, 2009
No I was
But I’m also saying I’d try anything to get him out of a funk even at great lengths.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Yeah I thought the same thing
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
Video of it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4kAr0wp_P4
The game yelling is kinda obnoxious but it’s really cool!
ak123 - July 5, 2009
That was really cool
SackMan - July 6, 2009
In cricket in Australia this has been a regular thing for decades:
“Shane Warne give us a wave, Shane Warne give us a wave”
Until the player becomes so annoyed with the chants they acknowledge them.
AussieCub - July 5, 2009
There have been a few 'chant' traditions over the years from the LF bleachers...
…but most of them have been aimed at the opposing LFer, instead of our own.
Bottom of 1st, right after the first pitch, someone will yell “Gimme a B”, and everyone responds “B!”; “Gimme a R”, “R!”, etc. etc. until they spell out the opposing left fielder’s name, i.e. Braun for today’s game. After the name is spelled, original chanter will yell “What’s that spell?” “Braun!” “Fee Fie Foe Fum! Braun is a f***ing bum!” although at some point they toned it down to “stinking bum”. This used to happen every game, without fail. However, it’s died away the last few years – maybe down to once a series, if that.
Another classic was to watch the LFer closely and every time he shifts around between pitches, to yell out his movements. For instance, referring to his steps if he’s walking/shifting around – “Left. Right. Left. Left. Right”. etc. etc. Sounds juvenile (aren’t they all?) but pretty funny when executed properly. Even more funny if the player makes some bodily adjustments – “Left. Right. Right. Left. Pick. Scratch.”
And then the classic – “Braun’s got a big ol’ butt, oh yeah! Braun’s got a big ol’ butt. Oh yeah!” Again, pretty juvenile when you read it here on the screnn, but during a game, it can be pretty darn funny. Especially when the player’s get into it, as most of them did. Some would actually shake/wiggle their butt in response.
I remember one time Bernard Gilkey (StL) turned around with a most serious look on his face and slowly raised his index finger to his mouth and then Ssssshhhhhuuuussssshhhhhed us in the best imitation of a BAMF librarian I’ve ever seen. ;-)
ballhawk - July 5, 2009
Never knew that!
Interesting….still think it would be cool if Cubs had one for their own players.
I dunno, I was just very impressed by yesterday at Yankee Stadium during that and I really thought Cubs fans should create their own (or mock-copy) one for Cubs.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Some years back I was in LF on a September Friday afternoon
and a lot of the crowd was Texas Longhorns fans, who were going to South Bend the next day when the Longhorns visited Notre Dame. The visitors were the Astros, and they kept trying to get Luis Gonzales (the future Cub) to give the “hook-’em horns” sign. Gonzales played along a couple of times, but not as much as the Texas guys wanted. They were able to get him respond only when the Cubs had two outs. “Hey Luis, how many outs?” And he’s raise is hand, pinky and index finger extended, to enthusiastic cheers. It was fun.
ChipSet - July 5, 2009
Sori is pretty good with playing along with the fans.
That’s why he’s still got a soft spot in my heart…
I know he’s not very popular this season, but I’m still pulling for him.
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
I'm pulling for him too.
sue369 - July 6, 2009
I want to thank Jim McArdle for transcribing the Fee Fie Fo Fum chant
In ‘Living the Dream’. I generally sit in RF or under the scoreboard, so I’d heard the chant before, but never had any idea what they were yelling.
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Muscle Butt
Greg Luzinski’s old moniker
Employee22 - July 5, 2009
In old Tiger Stadium
Left field and right field would chant back and forth “Fuh Cue” and “Eats Hit”. Got so bad that Jim Campbell close the bleachers down for a week.
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
It is really a cool thing they do.
Ocassionally Jeter will not acknowledge the fans chanting his name for several minutes just to screw around with them. It is very funny.
gocubsgo22 - July 6, 2009
Statement series.
Despite all we’ve suffered through, this team does not appear ready to go away yet. Congratulations to Ted Lilly – he deserves an All-Star nod. And that Jake Fox home run…wow.
daver - July 5, 2009
On the Cub side
Fukudome looked really good today.
Theriot is still swinging like he thinks he’s a power hitter – the pitch that he grounded out to the left side in the first was well outside. If Macha elects to walk Lee, it’s possible that the Cubs don’t score in the first.
Soriano is clearly hurt; I’ve never seen him run that slowly on the bases.
Maybe it’s a good thing that no one wanted Fox . . . if he can learn to be as adequate in LF and RF as he has been at 3B, he could be a very valuable utility guy.
I’m more encouraged than I was four days ago, but the Cubs have yet to show sustained competency. A win tomorrow would be a step in the right direction.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
I must confess...
…Dome in the leadoff spot is kind of a dream come true for me. Unfortunately, I’m still so traumatized by his June numbers that I’m not as excited as I thought I’d be. Nonetheless, he’s looked a little better so far in July, so if he can just keep seeing a lot of pitchers and maintain a high OBP maybe he can stick there long term with RJ leading off vs. LHP.
daver - July 5, 2009
I think it's worth a shot
Either of them are likely to see a decent amount of pitches, anyway.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
I was impressed with his sac fly.
He took a questionable called strike on the outside corner, followed by a nice inside low strike. He seemed to be aware of the scouting report on him, because the next pitch was virtually identical to strike two, but he shortened up his swing and put a pretty good charge on a tough pitch inside to get the sac RBI.
He might be ideally suited to the leadoff role if he can continue to make good adjustments within an AB like that.
Goodie1969 - July 5, 2009
If you're referring to
the sac fly that scored Fonte after Ted’s bunt it was hit on the very first pitch.
TCobb1911 - July 6, 2009
I believe you are mistaken.
Unless I imagined those first two pitches. His triple was on the first pitch.
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2009
Ugh.
Just checked Gameday Pitch-by-pitch recap. His single in the fifth inning was on the third pitch. I have been failed by my memory.
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2009
+1
Only hours ago I was saying “Why would Lou put the one person with a lower .OBP than Soriano in leadoff”.
I know it’s only one game, but it’s still a glimmer of hope.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
But he doesn't
I thought Dome had the highest OBP on the team
Allie - July 5, 2009
In the month of June
Fukudome had a lower OBP than Soriano.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Then say "over the last month"
saying “lower than Soriano” is patently untrue…
Allie - July 5, 2009
Sorry
I made sure to have mentioned over the last month every other time I’ve ever mentioned it. But I’ll make sure to say it every time, you know so you don’t have to have the last word in an unnecessary post each time.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Because asking
over what time span you’re basing a stat is unnecessary.
And I didn’t see an answer the last time I asked. Excuse me.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Well, that was totally unnecessary. I read it the same way.
Take a breath, tough guy.
BleedsbluinMI - July 5, 2009
Nitpicking
- 1
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Its picking nits to ask HOW
you came to a stat determination?
Good to know.
Allie - July 5, 2009
The whole
over the last month argument.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
I didn't know he was basing his
“lower OBP than Soriano” over the last month. That sentence seemed like a season long determination.
Now I’m picking nits and asking unnecessary questions. Awesome.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Absolutely
LEAVE THE NITS ALONE!!! I apologize – when I initially posted I saw nitpicking…now I see your point.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
I just don't undestand why, if Sori is hurt,
would Lou play him and risk further injury. It just doesn’t add up.
Clutche - July 5, 2009
I agree Clutche
and it might be why Al heard that rumors that Sori goes to the DL tomorrow when ARam comes back. Lou might have been thinking “I gotta have at least one HR threat in there with Lee and Bradley until Ramirez returns”.
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
*those rumors
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
Mental DL
There’s been a trend this year of that.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
The NFL has the wild cat...
…we have mental DL stints haha.
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
Because
some times a player may want to play through it and see what happens – if not then they get labelled as a weeny who doesnt have “toughness” see MB
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Or a selfish idiot that is hurting both his team and career.
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
I
give him props for playing hurt – but enough is enough – we have a capable replacement now, get rested…btw I still want to doodle with you avatar.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Perhaps
he was just trying to fill in so we wouldnt have to find another replacement…
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
If Soriano goes on the DL
This will be the first time since he was signed that I personally would not be worried about who will fill his spot. Fox and Johnson will bring in my opinion 4x the output that Soriano has been bringing lately.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Fuld could bring some energy to the lineup, too.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
Wow forgot about him
And I agree but I’m still convinced he had 2 great games, but we have better options hitting wise out there. Defensively, him and Johnson would fun to watch on the field.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I have no doubt that Fox could play LF
at least as adequately as Soriano. That being said, wouldn’t a lineup that includes Rammy, Fox, DLee, Soto, and a “normal” MB be awesome??
ambrosiadreams - July 5, 2009
Intimidating is what it would be.
Goodie1969 - July 5, 2009
With a hitting Fukudome and Fontenot
Just please have our pitching stay solid.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Add in a slap-hitting Theriot and a HBP-taking Cliff
And you pretty much have what we all assumed we’d be getting before Opening Day.
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
define "normal" MB
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
"normal" MB =
more in line with his career numbers that what we have seen so far this year.
ambrosiadreams - July 5, 2009
Don't forget that...
… Ramirez will need a couple days off a week, since he’s not likely to be 100%. Fox will get at least 2-3 starts a week, I’d think.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
Agreed.
I was more referring to if Sori was in fact placed on the DL as has been speculated, I wouldn’t mind seeing him get some starts in LF.
ambrosiadreams - July 5, 2009
Sure hope that's what Lou does
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
Four times nothing
is still nothing.
Skinny Mulligan - July 6, 2009
Watching the Postgame Live show on CSN
Ted Lilly made some very complimentary comments about Mark Buehrle, and seemed pumped about his first half of the season. I could tell because he appeared to smile slightly.
He also was in the middle of an answer when a distant shrieking noise could be heard in the background. He stopped what he was saying, looked up slightly at the gathered reporters, and said “Is that (HWSNBN)?” Someone said yes, Ted rolled his eyes, and everyone chuckled.
Go get ’em, Bulldog.
Goodie1969 - July 5, 2009
The legend grows
Only Ted Lilly has the ability to grow the legend of Ted Lilly!
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Which name is that?
The list is growing people…
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Human Air Raid siren
AKA evil
Allie - July 5, 2009
If given a choice
I think the only person alive I’d chose to listen to a Barney tape over is HWSNBN,
I go on a pretty much hiatus for a week and we win 5 of 7. Good news is we’re going out of town this week so I may be gone all week.
puckishcubsfan - July 5, 2009
He needs to be kicked in the Wickers
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
What is
HWSNBN?
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
He Woo Shall Not Be Named
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Ramirez?
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Or
Voldemort? Either way I aint afraid of either.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
I believe they're talking about a certain famous bleacher bum.
He released an album at one point.
aldimond - July 5, 2009
Obligatory "POTTERGASM!" comment.
HP6 in a week!
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
I see nothing
Are you wearing a Cloak of Invisibility? Do you solemnly swear you are up to no good?
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2009
adjust your monitor's white balance.
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
I'll post a full review, don't worry.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
I can see it
when I scroll up, actually. That’s odd. :P
I like my version better, Hagrid. :P
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2009
I still see nothing
Not fair.
Allie - July 5, 2009
That's...unusual
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
SWL being unfair
or me not seeing?
Allie - July 5, 2009
Why can't it be both?
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
SWL isn't usually mean
well.. at least not to me. :-P
well.. at least not to me. :-Pthe whole other half… yeah that happens pretty regularly. Like… half the time!
Allie - July 5, 2009
Stand back from your computer screen.
Or invert the colors. If you have a Mac, hold Apple+Alt+Ctrl and push 8.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
whoa.
buckmulligan - July 5, 2009
Read the W again
now remember irriation and air raid sounds.
Allie - July 5, 2009
He who shall not be named
Allie - July 5, 2009
Judd Sirot?
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Louder, more annoying
And usually in the bleachers.
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Al?
I have been to two games ever.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
FYI
equating evil & Al is a surefire way to get banned! lol
Allie - July 5, 2009
Yes, I can laugh at this, too.
Kind of.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2009
Not sure how
you can HAHAHAHAHAH get more annoying HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA than Judd HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH Sirott – just seems to be too excited to get the chance…
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Read the W in Clutch's post again
Allie - July 5, 2009
He's got a website
I swear to Lilly this is the only time I will ever post this link.
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Ugh
I curse the person who gave that man server space.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Ok
I have no clue who he is…but if his nickname is Ronnie Woo Woo I could only imagine.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
ignorance is bliss
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
I envy you
I wish I didn’t know who he was…
Allie - July 5, 2009
You will most likely hear him on tomorrow's broadcast
And say, “Oh, THAT guy!” then, every time you hear him afterward, you will despise yourself for being overly-curious.
That which is heard cannot be unheard.
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Wow.
daver - July 6, 2009
This is what we needed
And if we take the next 2 series, the standings should be nicely knotted up.
I realize that it’s not major league pitching, but it sounds like Aramis saw the ball just fine during the rehab stint, which is also very encouraging.
chitownhawkeye - July 5, 2009
Seeing
the ball seems to be a HUGE thing in the big leauges…hitting for power is a different story but I will take a guy who hits for around .300 and not a ton of power right now.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Commercial
Cool commercial for the return of the man.
But it’s a remake of the one they did when Ryno came back off the broken hand in 93.
puckishcubsfan - July 5, 2009
Ever get that Twitter thing figured out?
daver - July 5, 2009
I'm working on it
I’m working on it.
My friend found me. I’ll sign up to follow you maybe that will help.
By the way the pucky prosecutor refers to Bones. My fanfiction.net screen name is the puckish prosecutor.
puckishcubsfan - July 5, 2009
They did a good job?
WGN and CSN took a big hit when Pete Toma went to Pittsburgh. I’ve felt the Cubs broadcasts have gone downhill slightly production levelwise.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I didn't realize that he left
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Yea
Shame too, he was my one source to get my foot in the door with Cubs producing lol. Guess I’ll just stick editing in CT :)
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I agree that the telecasts aren't what they used to be
Although some of it was bad before — zooming in so tight on the ball during throws or on fielders during fly balls . . . no perspective. Don’t get me started on the field-level, behind the plate camera . . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Were you that guy at Cubs Convention in 2007????
I remember someone talked about that for like 5 minutes at the WGN Meeting that year.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Yep.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Was more like 1 minute
And I waited till the end. . . .or close to it.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Well I remembered you for it!
I introduced myself to Pete that day. He helped me out immensly for the next few years with Cubs related stuff with work.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Cool - must be a decent guy
Even if he had no idea what the hell I was talking about.
Shanghai Badger - July 6, 2009
Look!
You’re famous!! Old man river talking about how everything sucks and was so much better when he was younger!
Allie - July 5, 2009
Live as long as I have and someone will remember
Ya just have to grumble a lot
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Yes.. you're ancient
Both ways uphill and all that, right?
Allie - July 5, 2009
Without shoes
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Well
Just remember to grumble. I’m sure us whippersnappers will listen.
Allie - July 5, 2009
You kids these days don't listen to ANYTHING!
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Except for the noise on the ear things
(which is what my grandad used to yell at me when I had headphones on)
Allie - July 5, 2009
Yeah, but if that drowns out HWSNBN, I can't find fault
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Noise canceling earbuds FTW!
:-)
Allie - July 5, 2009
Goodie1969 - July 5, 2009
Not an iPod girl
I love my $8 earbuds from walmart.
They’re awesome.
Allie - July 5, 2009
I agree.
The commercial is simple “They’ve missed his glove, they’ve missed his bat (over highlights of him making great D play and then a homerun). Aramis Ramirez returns Monday” or something like that.
puckishcubsfan - July 5, 2009
Breaking news
The AL has just forfeited the all star game. They can’t take the idea of facing Ted Lilly.
puckishcubsfan - July 5, 2009
the video on mlb.com of fox’s homer shows dave with the ball
jesus christos - July 5, 2009
thats cool
go dave!
Allie - July 5, 2009
Complete with Ballhawk.Net T-Shirt. Shameless plug. :)
Goodie1969 - July 5, 2009
Sportscenter has the highlights
And Ted looks awful in the ugly red cap.
I really don’t like those hats at all. Great message/service… but still. UG-LEE
Allie - July 5, 2009
Agreed.
Glad they’ll be gone tomorrow.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
I hear they're doing all white ones next year....
…so we have THAT to look forward to.
carmen_fanzone - July 5, 2009
Won't they be back ofr Labor Day?
Allie - July 5, 2009
Let's hope not.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
I thought they said they were
for the holidays.. you know Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor day…
I could be wrong (hope so!)
Couldn’t they have found a less horrid shade of red?
Allie - July 5, 2009
Yeah, should have been a darker red
Looks more like Cardinals than the red on Old Glory
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
September 11
Not sure about Labor Day
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
seriously?
September 11 is to be commemorated by major league ballplayers wearing red hats?
(&%&$^&%($%^&%#$%^$
#$%&^(%^.drewishdrewid - July 5, 2009
better to wear NYPD and NYFD hats IMO
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
They did it last year w/ the blue ones
Don’t know why I got it mixed up w/ Labor Day…
Allie - July 5, 2009
Enough with the red hats already!
It’s stupid to have everyone wear red hats.
Ace Venom - July 5, 2009
I hate teams that wear red hats.
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
I assume each team gets the revenue from the hats sold...
…can’t imagine they’ll be going away anytime soon.
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
Money goes to MLB's fund for veterans
It’s a decent cause, even though the hats are ugly.
Of course, I’m sure the Cards, Reds, etc didn’t care for the blue ones.
Shanghai Badger - July 6, 2009
At least they didn't have the softball jerseys on, too
The white pants, blue shirts and red hats made them look like they should be making balloon doggies.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
I love the blue jerseys.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Yes, but you can't see . . .
Hate ’em. Especially at home.
And the tri-color outfit was really bad.
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Hey
Blind jokes. Already?
I really do want a blue Ramierz jersey someday…
Allie - July 5, 2009
Blind, blond, whatever works.
;-)
Shanghai Badger - July 5, 2009
Well
I’m not a blond.
but I do love the blue jerseys. But they did look awful with the red cap or the old red-billed road cap.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Speaking of blind...
what happened to the half blind girl…can’t remember the rest of her screen name.
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
She's still here...
just a different username now.
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
Hmm okay. Thanks.
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
lol
Allie - July 5, 2009
who could it be???
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2009
no idea!
god she really dropped off the face of the earth, didn’t she?
Allie - July 5, 2009
a BCB Mystery!
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
dun dun dunnnnn
Allie - July 5, 2009
I'm slow.
cubswynn - July 5, 2009
well, i hear she
made the screen name change under the radar…
just here one day, gone the next.
Allie - July 5, 2009
LOL
I can’t believe no one figured this out yet.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2009
Some have
Apparently not everyone though
Allie - July 6, 2009
It's Sue, isn't it?
Shanghai Badger - July 6, 2009
Its Emelie
Don’t tell anyone!
Allie - July 6, 2009
well, if no one is brave enough to give out her new ID...
then clearly she is…
SWSNBN!
ballhawk - July 6, 2009
SantosWoodenSneakersNightlyBlogNation?
Shanghai Badger - July 6, 2009
Bradley!
Shanghai Badger - July 6, 2009
PV
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2009
Roberts
Shanghai Badger - July 6, 2009
Dun dun DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNN...
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2009
So do I.
sue369 - July 5, 2009
Have to agree
Just not a huge fan of the blue alts – you called it on the “softball jersey” thing.
StevenABQ - July 5, 2009
Do. Not. Want.
I’d rather they wore the 1979 road uni’s than the current blue alt tops.
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
which pitchers do we catch vs. atlanta?
tim815 - July 5, 2009
wells and jurrjens
jesus christos - July 5, 2009
and Vasquez
We miss Hanson & Lowe
Doggie Stalker - July 5, 2009
Wells/Jurrijens
Vazquez/Demps
Kawakaami/Z
Allie - July 5, 2009
I like those matchups.
Vazquez’s career ERA in Wrigley is 4.91.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
And we finally get to see Jurrjens
Managed to avoid the kid on the last couple of series, but the youngster matchup tomorrow should be interesting. Don’t know Kosuke and Kenshin will be able to go out for dinner, though, with them facing each other on getaway day.
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Yadier's first ASG appearance?
How did that happen? (Not that he made it, but that this is the first time!)
Allie - July 5, 2009
Hopefully the sight of Ted on the mound
doesn’t rattle him too much.
Goodie1969 - July 5, 2009
It'd be weird if Yadier caught Lilly during any inning Ted pitched.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
I imagine he would break out in a cold sweat if Ted ever shook him off.
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
that wouldnt happen in the first place, ted controls catchers minds to set up for the pitch he wants
jesus christos - July 5, 2009
He'd rather catch than be collided into by him
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Someone on the Brewers' staff has waaaaaaay too much time on their hands
A lot of teams mark up their own batting practice balls, either with a logo stamp, or they’ll write team letters (H for Houston, LA for Dodgers, etc.) on the sweet spot. Not sure why other than to help make sure which ones are theirs when they gather them up after BP.
But the Brewers have taken this to a new level. Someone took the time to write all sorts of pithy comments on their BP balls, some just generic phrases “Oh, that one hurt” to more Cub-specific “Goat this”, etc. etc. Here’s a picture of the two I caught yesterday.
Have to say though – I was impressed with the penmanship.
ballhawk - July 5, 2009
I wonder if they do this for every BP game...
…or just the Cubs.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Thats funny
Allie - July 5, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
rec'd
ha!
Allie - July 5, 2009
+1
Ace Venom - July 5, 2009
funny!
thanks for the smile swl.
santo4hof - July 5, 2009
This is why SWF is the Photoshop King
Image editing skills + a rapier wit = genius
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
Who?
daver - July 6, 2009
Bridget Fonda, silly
or maybe it was Jennifer Jason Leigh… Never was quite sure which one the movie title referred to…
ballhawk - July 6, 2009
Ha, I remember that movie.
Think it referred to Leigh – wonder whatever happened to her. She could play a great crazy chick.
daver - July 6, 2009
I 'caught' what you did there...
ballhawk - July 5, 2009
Most excellent!
Send that one to the evil BCB!
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 5, 2009
Beautiful Ballhawk
Grockcubs - July 5, 2009
I voted for Inge & Pablo for the Final Vote.
Inge is solid and Pablo has been just about the most enjoyable, jolly fellow in baseball to watch this year.
Oh, and I brushed shoulders (literally) with Steve Stone yesterday after the Royals beat the White Sox. He was walking briskly out of the stadium with a roller briefcase in tow. I wanted to say something, but I’m not one for funny, pithy one liners.
Dan
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
I voted for Sandoval and Kinsler
Seriously, Kinsler is the best second baseman in the AL.
ambrosiadreams - July 5, 2009
I won't be surprised if
Sori is put on the DL. Hopefully the rest will help him and he will come back strong after the AS game.
Lou said he will start Aramis tomorrow. I’m wondering if Lou will only play him for part of the game? Hopefully they keep Fox for just that type of situation.
Great game today. I love when it’s a team effort.
sue369 - July 5, 2009
DL question
I always get mixed up.
Even though it’s 15-day, do the 15 days count as part of the All-Star Break?
ak123 - July 5, 2009
if he gets dl on the 6th
he can come back on the 22nd
tim815 - July 5, 2009
lou said he wont have aram play full time so baker or fox will fill in for him
jesus christos - July 5, 2009
LSA
CaliCub - July 5, 2009
if anyone knows
which minor leaguers of note will be “rule 5 eligible” this offseason? i have too much time on my hands and am throwing together a tentative 40-man
tim815 - July 5, 2009
Probably too early to tell.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
Anybody watching this Dodgers-Padres game?
Padres score 5 times in the 9th to force extras.
Curtain Jerker - July 5, 2009
dodgers getting their
bad play out of their system be4 playing the brewers this week.
tim815 - July 5, 2009
Hopefully
Brewers play the Cards and the Dodgers, could be a tough week for them…
Curtain Jerker - July 5, 2009
No
But just saw the highlights on BBTN…
Allie - July 5, 2009
Went to the thirteenth inning.
Dodgers won, 7-6.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 5, 2009
Peter Gammons just called Jason Marquis
“The perfect model of consistency.”
In related news… I just choked and died.
Reddevil - July 5, 2009
espn fails
yet again
cubswgnrocks - July 5, 2009
I don't agree
I never understood the Marquis hate.
Sure he was “overpaid”… but he wasn’t anywhere near as awful as everyone said.
Allie - July 5, 2009
How true.
When he was on his game, he was as good as they got.
It’s just that he tended to be inconsistent on occasion.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 5, 2009
He's right...
Marquis is a world-beater in the first half, and then gets beaten by the world in the second…every year. Sounds like consistency to me…
Curtain Jerker - July 5, 2009
certainly consisent in terms of being a workhorse
I think that is a fair comment. Not sure if you can really extend the comment beyond that. He’s had a great season, his penchant for giving up HR combined with Coors – who would have thunk it? There are great signs of life from some struggling hitters (Fontenot, Fukudome, Soto) which bodes well for the 2nd half
BeltwayCubsFan - July 5, 2009
I took exception
b/c when Marquis takes the mound, you never know if he’s gonna give a quality start or get hit all over the yard. He would vacillate between the two from start to start!
Reddevil - July 5, 2009
The most consistent thing he's ever done
Is pitch his best against former teams….Cards learned that 2 years ago and we did this year.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Yes, he was 3-1 against the Cardinals in '07
1-0 at Wrigley, and 2-1 at Busch Stadium.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 5, 2009
He's not as awful as everyone like to say he is
He’s averaged ~200 IP and 14 W for the last 6 years.
He’s prone to a big inning and not always great in the 2nd half… but he’s got pretty good stuff.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Marquis' problems
are similar to Heilman’s. When he gets in a jam, he tends to nibble, and that leads to walks.
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2009
TWSS
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
LOL
digitalbenjamin - July 5, 2009
Listen he was a good pitcher
Just not good enough to start a game in the post season.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Fifth starter blues
Pretty sure he’s written an album’s worth of those songs.
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
neither was lilly apparently last year
argh
BeltwayCubsFan - July 5, 2009
Just watched Dome's triple
…on NHK news show… that’s way to go!
dragonsfanatic - July 5, 2009
That triple was a thing of beauty.
I hope he keeps hitting like that. Today was a very good day for Dome.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
I hope he keeps hitting like that AND stays in the leadoff spot.
daver - July 6, 2009
LAST!
digitalbenjamin - July 5, 2009
Nope.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
Fail
LT - July 5, 2009
Nein
Ace Venom - July 5, 2009
Chaimainen!
dragonsfanatic - July 5, 2009
HA!
“Noped” by Al
digitalbenjamin - July 5, 2009
so is there any word on who got the axe yet
jesus christos - July 5, 2009
No, and...
… I doubt there will be before tomorrow afternoon. They don’t have to decide till then.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
We needed to win this series.
This is huge for us. Now, let’s go beat up the Braves and Cardinals before the break!
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 5, 2009
huge stretch coming up before the break.
like to see them run the table.
buckmulligan - July 5, 2009
Soriano
You can be mad at him all you want but you got to give him credit for trying to play through an obvious injury. It’s not like he has financial incentives to play hurt. He knows his team needs him to perform and perhaps not only was he hurt he was trying too hard.
Some time off would help him and it helps that 4 of the 15 days would be taken up with the All Star Break.
You never know how having an injury time missed being taken up partially by the all star break can make a difference. In 2003 Prior got hurt right before the all star break so one of his missed starts was during that time. Cubs win the division by 1 game. instead of missing 4 starts Prior missed 3.
puckishcubsfan - July 5, 2009
If a player is obviously injured and not helping the team, he needs to go on the DL.
None of this “credit”. He’s not helping the team by doing that.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2009
See Derrek Lee 2006
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
And then Prior missed
2007 2008 and 2009 season.
If Soriano is hurt he needs to be on DL as it can have detrimental affects on his career for a very long time if not treated properly.
Personally, I really don’t think he’s injured.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
OOOH, PURTY!
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2009
Pretty much never in doubt, huh?
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
If only
That could be the line for game 7 of the WS while I am in wrigleyville.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
How about games 1 - 4 instead?
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
Or any game in the post season
1 win is proving hard enough… 11 looks darn near impossible.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Because
I am a glutton for punishment – that and if there is a game 7 I will be there in Wrigleyville (I live in Des Moines) for sure.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Ask
the Buffalo Bills how hard it can be to win the big game….I heard a comic once say that there are poor kids in Belieze that think the Bills ar ethe greatest team ever.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
Scary
I just agreed with Joe Morgan!
“Just run through the bag, you get there faster!”
Scary.
Allie - July 5, 2009
well
that’s little-league base running 101. I suppose it’s good that he knows that, but…
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2009
You agree when someone uses common sense?
Agree with me then…Don’t take a bath with a running microwave.
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
More that Joe Morgan uses common sense
thats whats scary.
Allie - July 5, 2009
That's how I keep my bath water warm!
I hate it when it goes all chilly…
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
I'm not totally sold on Dome batting leadoff
He seems to have altered his hitting approach and is attacking far more pitches early in the count. He’s hitting the ball better – and harder – no doubt, which is great, but he’s not seeing a lot of pitches relative to last year or earlier this year. I’m not saying that I’m mad for Fuld, but the guy knows how to work a count. I’m not sure such player (proven at least) exists on our roster.
BeltwayCubsFan - July 5, 2009
2 games in leadoff for both of them
and you’re going to say Fuld is the more proven one?
Allie - July 5, 2009
Could be Von Joshua's work
We hear Von wants batters to be more aggressive.
Ace Venom - July 5, 2009
Milton still likes to watch strike 3 alot.
santoswoodenlegs - July 5, 2009
Remember
Today’s pitcher was AAA Iowa student.
Von Joshua should know him better than any other pitcher we’ve seen. Plus Fox knew played with him too. Let’s just see it continue tomorrow.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
So would you rather have the production...
Or more pitches seen? As long as this approach is working, then I’m fine with it. Dome is still one of the best we have at working the count and taking pitches when needed.
CubsBullsBears - July 5, 2009
You know
I bet there is a statistical postive correlation between pitches seen and batting average.
hansman1982 - July 5, 2009
hello!! been on vacation in the Carribean for a week and was unable to watch the Cubs this week
What happened?? Something about Baker being acquired? And Soriano still sucking??
Chanman25 - July 5, 2009
Derrek Lee carried us to 3 victories over the Brewers.
Brewers looked horrible all weekend (sans Saturday), and our starting pitching was excellent (sans Harden). Rich looks like he’s missing his spots by quite a bit. Aramis will be back on the team tomorrow, and there’s a rumor (I wish) that Soriano will go on the DL tomorrow.
Oh, and Ryan Braun called out his pitchers today, saying that our staff is “much” better, looking like all #1s or #2s.
And we have one all-star, Theodore, which I am more than happy with. We don’t deserve any more, and I think we could use the rest.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
thanks!
looks like it was a great week of baseball
Chanman25 - July 6, 2009
Safe to say:
The demise of Derrek Lee has been greatly exaggerated.
BT Ichib - July 6, 2009
Excellent starting pitching...
… will make opponents look horrible. In the one game the pitching wasn’t great (Harden’s start) the Brewers looked awesome.
AndrewJStone - July 6, 2009
Are you saying pitching is king?
Shanghai Badger - July 6, 2009
Question...
Has anyone given the thought to working Jake Fox out at second base. I realize the last thing you want is to move a below average defender a new position…but isn’t it worth a look? Our offensive potential could be amazing!
Notorious REL - July 5, 2009
We have about 5 2B on this team already.
If Lou is smart, he will spot start Fox in LF or RF. Soriano needs rest, and Bradley will assumingly not play all of the next 7 games.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Well...
that’s if you consider Aaron Miles a major league baseball player – let alone a second basemen. And a .200 avg doesn’t really do it for me either.
Notorious REL - July 5, 2009
Miles, Blanco, Theriot (formerly), Scales, Baker, Soriano. All of those players, I believe, have experience @ 2B. I may be wrong.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Forgot Fontenot
Allie - July 5, 2009
Whoops.
He really sucks this year. I don’t know what to do with him, frankly. I’m unclear if his spot-starting last year is how he should be properly used or if it was an abboration of a career average-below average ball player.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
I know it's a small sample size, BUT
Mike Fontenot in his 15 AB so far this month is hitting .467/.500/.600
I hope this is the start of his resurgence…
CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) - July 6, 2009
he's been playing
out of position for the majority of the year. Give him time back at his primary position, hmm? He’s already putting a knock on the ball.
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2009
I hear that.
But Theriot and Soriano arent’ second baseman anymore. The only thing Aaron Miles can do better than me is in the grow-a-goatee department. Scales is clearly nothing special. And we got Baker for a guy named Al Albuquerque. I don’t think it would hurt to give Fox a shot. That’s all I’m saying. We need his bat in there – everyday.
Notorious REL - July 5, 2009
I agree with the goatee. It’s brilliant.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Brilliantly terrible.
Notorious REL - July 5, 2009
He's not going to learn 2B for the first time
at the big league level.
He’d at least played 3rd before.
I agree on the “moar Fox” part, but 2nd base isn’t easy.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Can’t be any more difficult than third base. It’s not called the “hot corner” for nothing. Obviously learning how to adjust to playing on the opposite side of the field could take time…but it seems like he has been able to pick some things up rather quickly. And it’s not like I’m ever imagining him as a gold glover. Just someone who’s bat more than makes up for his defensive inefficiencies.
Notorious REL - July 5, 2009
Our middle IF is shaky enough
without putting someone who’s never played there before there.
Fox is a converted catcher. 3rd isn’t (or so I’ve been told) that much different than catcher. 2nd with all the footwork around the bag is WAY different.
When the main strength of your team is starting pitching weakening that by putting craptastic defense out there doesn’t make sense.
Allie - July 5, 2009
I just thought of this...
…but Jake is a stocky guy. He’s built like a catcher, so I would think it would be difficult to maneuver and have the athletic ability to play 2B compared to C, 3B, and LF.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Yeah
I don’t know how naturally athletic he is either.
That’s another thing to consider.
Allie - July 5, 2009
How can it not be?
All of our guys play there – it must be the simplest position to play, right?
:P
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Well what's the solution?
Other than trading Fox in the off-season to an AL team for something useful?
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I'd much rather trade Micah.
He has more value in a DH role, and Fox, IMO, is clearly a better defender and more versatile to boot.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Agreed
Micah needs every day work in Iowa.
I know it’s only like 10-15 games for Fox and we have this love-fest for him due to the HR and the walk he had two days ago but is this guy for real or will he be like Micah and come to earth in a few weeks?
ak123 - July 5, 2009
hoffs k rates are increasing at chris davis levels
jesus christos - July 5, 2009
And his walk rates are decreasing at ronny cedeno levels
ak123 - July 6, 2009
Letting Fox play a corner OF spot
spot start for Rami at 3B while he rehabs… and deal with next year when we have to.
Allie - July 5, 2009
Just for giggles...
…Fox actually has a UZR/150 of 8.6 in 12 games at third, which really is WAAAAAAY too soon to project anything, but his defense in LF and 3B this year has been between 8-11 runs higher than average. FWIW, Ramirez is about a career average defender at third, but has seen a somewhat dramatic increase from negative runs to average if not slightly above average.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Can you explain those numbers?
I for one don’t know what the 8-11 runs on average means. Does that mean causes more runs or saved runs? And 150 of 8.6 what’s that too?
Thanks
ak123 - July 5, 2009
UZR is ultimate zone rating...
…which helps project the defensive performance of a fielder. Per 150 is simply that number of games. UZR uses the fielder’s arm range (“Does the runner advance on a ball hit to him?”), double play balls, range, and errors to create a metric that assesses his value over the “average” fielder. Soriano is one of the best in MLB in arm range, and, odd as it sounds, range.
Essentially, an average defender (like Aramis’ career -1.0) would save 7.4 runs per year less than Soriano, which is his career LF UZR/150. Now, I shouldn’t be comparing Soriano to Aramis, but it’s just for example purposes. Does that help a bit?
Dan
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Yes thank you
So I get this clear, the more games Fox plays at 3B the better a projection. And since he had only one real problem so far (a bobble I think), his runs saved are pretty high.
And unless Fox exceeds all projections and predictions which is entirely possible, his UZR will go down as time goes on?
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Uhhh, I don't make the metric, but
I’d say at least a half season or somewhere in the neighborhood of 60-70 games at a position before I’d feel real comfortable knowing how good a defender a guy is. He’s got about a dozen right now @ 3B.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Well obviously
But my question was more on the lines of understanding what the UZR stood for.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I don't understand your question then?
It’s hard to judge Fox, because as Allie said, Fox used to be a catcher, so there’s a lack of confidence in those numbers. If he had played 3B in the minors I’d be a bit more sure that those are close to his real numbers, but I dunno at this point. Plus, he won’t be starting @ 3B nearly as much with Aramis coming back, so I’m sure it can be hard for a defender to learn a new position AND play sporadically!
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Ah nevermind
I’m not wording what I want to say. But in my own world, I’m making sense and answering my own question :)
ak123 - July 6, 2009
Cool
So Aramis really has improved. Its not just wishful watching on my end? :-)
Allie - July 5, 2009
2007 was his best year, by far, and he hit .310 and was great at the plate that year, too.
I think he’s gotten better defensively, yes. His range has improved.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
jake fox would be the next chase utley
jesus christos - July 5, 2009
Just want to point out
Ryan Braun couldn’t play 3B adaquetly. Some can argue that Fox in his short time at 3B played better than Braun did in 2007. With that in mind, Brewers found a place for Braun to play the next year.
Obviously Soriano is our LF. People including myself have suggested we have Fox train in the offseason to be the starting 2B next year. Here’s a different idea, what if in the off-season Soriano trains to get in shape to be our starting 2B.
Asking Soriano to move over to 2B right now is probably hard but there’s no reason to not think he can’t work on the position he originally played this off-season right?
ak123 - July 5, 2009
While Soriano clearly isn’t the answer in left field defensively (or offensively, at this point)…i wouldn’t see the point in placing two guys in new positions.
Notorious REL - July 5, 2009
It's not new positions
Soriano knows 2B and Fox needs to learn LF which he’s getting experience in spot-starting this year.
I don’t think it’s as far-fetched as you might think.
Then Cubs don’t need to go look for a real 2B in the off season (which they would have had to do anyways if they had DeRosa since he was going to be a FA)
ak123 - July 5, 2009
I'd say "knows" is a bit of an overstatement.
daver - July 6, 2009
There's little value in doing this.
Soriano is a very bad second baseman, like costs a team 10-15 runs a game with his sub-par defense there. He is a very, very good outfield defender (his experience at all three positions are at least worth 7 runs a year), and his arm is amongst the best in the game. Jake Fox, although we have too small a sample size at the major league level to project out, can probably safely be assumed to be an average outfielder. It’s pretty risky to move two guys around when Soriano hasn’t played second in almost 5 years.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Well that's why
I said this off-season and not now.
I’m starting to like Milton Bradley but to be honest, Fox could probably be playing in his position every day with equal to better numbers for a lot less money.
ak123 - July 5, 2009
Soriano
had multiple seasons of work at second base and still was bad. He doesn’t seem super-coachable, and isn’t good anywhere defensively.
I like thinking outside the box, and I do agree Fox should be in the lineup, but the Soriano to second base experiment already failed, and that was when he was younger and healthier.
tomas21 - July 6, 2009
10-15 runs a *game*
That’s pretty bad, all right…
Clutch16 - July 5, 2009
Damnit, Clutch, you caught me.
dtpollitt - July 5, 2009
Soriano...
Is absolutely not a “very, very good outfielder defender.” He has a good arm, yes. But he takes bad routes and gives up on way too many balls. He’s probably average at best.
kanderber - July 6, 2009
As an outfielder, career, Alfonso Soriano has a 25.2 UZR, with a 7.4 UZR/150.
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2009
I can only go by the eye test
And he fails that one pretty badly
Mapmaker - July 6, 2009
your eyes
deceive you. His statistics are the truth.
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2009
Like when he breaks forward on a ball over his head?
Or takes a bad angle on a ball off the wall/ivy?
Have you actually watched him in the field?
Mapmaker - July 6, 2009
Those misplays might not show up in the "E" column
but they are definitely painful to watch.
Mapmaker - July 6, 2009
He might “know” the position, but hasn’t really played it in years. And if I remember correctly, has said he doesn’t want to play second anymore – could be wrong about that. I just wouldn’t see the point in messing with that too much.
Notorious REL - July 5, 2009
I confess I'm giddy about Aram
To the Tune of “My Boyfriend’s back”
Note Aramis Ramirez is not my boyfriend. We are both married and have children. I do think he’s better looking than people give him credit for though.
To the National League pitchers
Don’t even have to change the words to two lines
To the pitchers
Aramis is back he’s going to save our reputations
If I were you I’d take a permanent vacation
You’re going to be sorry you were ever born
Cause he’s kind of big and he’s awful strong
puckishcubsfan - July 6, 2009
Re:
well, I’m glad you cleared that up…
ballhawk - July 6, 2009
I was checking TMZ for clarification
ak123 - July 6, 2009
Sac flys
I believe the Cubs had two sac. flys for the whole season going into yesterdays game. They doubled that output in one afternoon!
KedzieKid - July 6, 2009
wow.
buckmulligan - July 6, 2009
Ticket question
Anyone know if I can leave tickets at will call for someone else to pick up (even if I already have them)?
tomas21 - July 6, 2009
You want to drop them off right ?
yes easy I do it all the time but you leave them at Window 13 which the courtesy drop off window. They give you an envelope
and you right the person’s name on it and the come ask for them and show ID. Works great.
Doggie Stalker - July 6, 2009
If you'd like to leave some for me, that'd be great
WanderingWanderer - July 6, 2009
First, Hooray for the win
I know I’m usually a negative nelly, and I wasn’t around yesterday, so I’m sure some have put me in the category of those who are unhappy when the Cubs win. Couldn’t be farther from the truth. I watched the game and celebrated the blowout.
Second, if Soriano IS hurt, why the hell does Lou keep trotting him out there? I understand that it might be smart to wait to DL him until ARAM, Reed, and Guz come back today, but why not rest him until then? Fuld did a fine job in the two games he was actually allowed to start, and you could still go to Soriano as a pinch hitter if you felt you needed him.
It’s not all about not wanting his putrid bat in the lineup either, if he is hurt to the point where he can barely run the bases, isn’t continuing to put him out there risking further injury? This seems like the anger that is directed at Soriano (and to some extent I’m guilty of getting PO’d at the guy) should be directed at Lou instead, especially if he does go on the DL today, for terribly mismanaging this situation, and putting the guy in a situation where he can only fail
WanderingWanderer - July 6, 2009
Up in Milwaukee and Down in St Louis
There have got to be some people thinking they didn’t make hay when the sun shines when the Cubs had all these injuries and now in 1 day they are improving their lineup, their bench and their bullpen all in one fell swoop.
puckishcubsfan - July 6, 2009
Today
is a pretty exciting day of “acquisitions” for the Cubs.
gwood - July 6, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.