Before I discuss the bullpen meltdown in last night's 7-2 Cubs loss to the Dodgers, I'd like to say one thing very loudly to Lou Piniella so it can't possibly be missed:
Thank you. Miles came up with two runners on and two out in the top of the sixth, pinch-hitting for Tom Gorzelanny -- there's a questionable move right there, because even though the Cubs had a runner in scoring position, Gorzo had kept the game close and had thrown only 82 pitches -- and that's when I got an email from my friend, BCB reader bison:
Should I write the 4-3 down now for Miles, or wait until it happens???
Sure enough, Miles grounded to second base to end the inning, and the Cubs had only three singles the rest of the night.
Look. I'm sure Aaron Miles, like the Cubs' other not-good Aaron (Heilman), is a fine human being and is nice to his mother and loves animals, but he simply cannot play major league baseball any more. He now has one hit in his last 21 AB (.048) -- that was the completely unexpected triple he hit in Coors Field on August 8. During that time he has also had the famous double-clutch play that turned a routine ground ball to shortstop into a base hit, and grounded out more times than I care to remember. He just shouldn't be allowed to play any more; I'd have rather seen Rich Harden pinch-hit in that situation last night than Miles, or simply let Gorzelanny bat for himself.
The Cubs' loss coupled with the Cardinals' 5-1 win in San Diego put the Cubs a season-high seven games out of first place and six games off the wild-card lead. With 43 games remaining in the season, however, there is still time to right this ship. I won't give up until the math turns a lot more south than it is now -- deficits larger than this one have been made up with less time left in the season.
The other day, many of us were lobbying for Angel Guzman to take over from Kevin Gregg as closer. After last night's grand slam by Russell Martin... maybe that desire was premature. Guzman was awful, giving up a pair of singles and an intentional walk to load the bases after a sacrifice, before Martin cleared 'em with his home run, reminiscent in tone to James Loney's slam in the NLDS at Wrigley Field last October.
That's all bad. So let's talk about a couple of good things that happened last night: Kosuke Fukudome had an excellent game, hitting his 11th homer of the year (more than he did all of last season), also drawing a walk and going 3-for-3. At .864, his OPS is now approaching the territory we all hoped it would a year and a half ago. He is hitting .343/.460/.598 since the All-Star break with 4 HR and 18 RBI in 30 games, outstanding production. Keep it up, Dome. Also, Jeff Baker doubled, extending his hitting streak to 10 games, and Kevin Gregg threw a scoreless inning. That last may not seem like much, but Gregg is going to have to contribute somewhere, and beginning to get his head on straight by throwing well in a blowout is, at least, step one to coming back.
All of you can give up if you want. I won't until the proverbial "fat lady" has finished singing. To me, she's only clearing her throat. Keep the faith, and go Cubs.
0 recs | 917 comments
Soriano
I’ve been bashing him and last night AGAIN, bases loaded, he swung at pitches an ocean outside of the strike zone not once but twice. What is wrong with this guy and how am I going to put up with him for 5 more years at this rate? We could have started off with a big lead…..$18 million does not buy much.
mrcubsfan - August 21, 2009
We had Weaver on the ropes right there......
…You just know that Torre was laughing having witnessed that so many times himself. “Just throw it out of the zone, he will chase anything”
I mean really Sori, how hard can it be? You KNOW he isnt going to throw you a fastball. Just wait and get ahead in the count so he has to throw you the same meatball he threw to A Ram. HOW FREAKING HARD IS THAT??
JB 23 - August 21, 2009
Soriano is killing us.
The catcher was setting up like 2 ft. off the plate! Cmon. Put in Fox or Fuld. There is no more time to wait.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
I noticed that, too!
I mean, I’ve noticed it before – but it was particularly blatant last night. Can Soriano really not see that out of the corner of his eye?
daver - August 21, 2009
As if the hint that the batter before him was being walked to get to him wasn't enough to wake him up.
That certainly should have.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
Even Bob pointed it out
“goodness, did you see how far Martin was in the LH box?”
Allie - August 21, 2009
I was
pretty much yelling that at the TV last night.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
It's like watching a bad horror flick.
“He’s behind the door! The killer is behind the door!”
:::SLASH!:::
daver - August 21, 2009
ya, that was the part when Miles was grabbing his helmet and bat in the dugout
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
He uses a bat?
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
depends on your definition of use
what is, is?
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
♪♫ Hit me with your rhythm stick. ♫♪
Hit me! Hit me!
Je t’adore, ich liebe dich,
Hit me! hit me! hit me!
Hit me with your rhythm stick.
Hit me slowly, hit me quick.
Hit me! Hit me! Hit me!
eths - August 21, 2009
Amen. Did you see how the catcher was almost 3 feet outside the strike zone?
jakeleneva - August 21, 2009
You can call him Russell Martin, if you like
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Not a Soriano basher per se but the "book" is clearly out on him
Have you noticed that there is a pattern of IBB’ing the guy ahead of Sori so they can pitch to him? They would rather pitch to Soriano with bases loaded then Fukudome with 2 guys on. And then sucker him to swing wildly at those outside pitches.
WAKE UP LOU ! ! !
JFCubFan - August 21, 2009
Couple that.....
….with his inability to catch up on a lot of fastballs this season. It’s gotten downright ugly.
carmen_fanzone - August 21, 2009
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Ron Trauma - August 21, 2009
Sorry, Al, but.............
…………the Chubby Gal is in full voice. This team “looks” defeated and has since the series in Colorado.
On top of that, did anyone catch Lou’s interview prior to the game? I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! Total apologist for the players while refusing to admit there was any inkling of poor play on the field. Disgusting. He’s clearly lost it.
tville - August 21, 2009
Agree...they have looked generally listless since getting spanked in Colorado.
and then I thought the extra inning loss in game 1 to the Phillies was really the knife in the heart.
NashvilleBlue - August 21, 2009
was this more of the
“Well, the other parks are bigger, so we look slower.”
or "we’re built for power, and so when we don’t hit the homerun we struggle’? That one is right out of the Dusty playbook of excuses.
Fire this worthless sack of shit of a manager
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Ow
I’m okay with niot liking PIniella right now, more than okay, but worthless sack etc just isn’t cool.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Worthless - yes; sack of shit - not yet.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Agreed.
The bile around here is starting to get to be a little much. You don’t have the balls or ability to say this stuff to their faces, so don’t say it here. Criticize his decisions, but calling names is wholly unproductive and uncalled for.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
His dribble...........
………..was amazing, wasn’t it? I couldn’t believe the crap being spewed from his lips. I don’t understand how he can make comments like the ones you have mentioned.
Lou needs to go. Period. Frankly, based on his attitude and behavior, I think he WANTS to go.
tville - August 21, 2009
He certainly seems to have that "I can't win here" mope about him
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
Totally defeated.
He looks 10 years older than he really is.
tville - August 21, 2009
You mean "drivel"?
daver - August 21, 2009
I was going to say that
Thanks for being there
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
No prob.
It’s either that or tville played some one-on-one with Lou after the game last night.
daver - August 21, 2009
Both words...........
……….are synonymous with “drool” which is also flowing from Lou’s jowls these days.
tville - August 21, 2009
Eh, I'm pretty sure only "drivel" works there.
I hope your biography is better written than this.
daver - August 21, 2009
Ok, I need to ask
Because I missed the original. What’s the deal with tville’s bio?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
wasn't he going to write one?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Why?
That’s what I’m saying – I don’t know the backstory.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I don't remember the details.
Daver maybe does.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
In a recent thread he claimed...
…. to have had a biography written about him and he was urging someone to read it. I’ve taken to kidding him about it. (And I’ve never really gotten a clear answer on whether he was joking or not.)
daver - August 21, 2009
Amen! He is beyond worthless and full of crappy excuses!!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Is this a template?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Or maybe Itchy's a bot.
daver - August 21, 2009
I'm bot-man...
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
♪♫ deh-neh deh-neh deh-neh deh-neh BOT-MAN!!! ♪♫
daver - August 21, 2009
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
You forgot the word balloon
Saying how all the Cubs suck
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
"Holy weak dribbler, Bot-Man. Aaron Miles is in the on-deck circle again!"
daver - August 21, 2009
♫domo arigato, Mr. Roboto...♪
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Again a terrible way to awake in Europe...
…first thing I heard was the grand slam.
I gotta stop setting my alarm so early…
But then again I probably will make this “mistake” againa and again…
Eamus Catuli
eths - August 21, 2009
see
and that’s when I turned the game off to go to bed.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Yes, me too
The outcome was obvious at that point, given the anemic offense, but there was still time to stop hyperventilating and get the blood pressure back down.
While the fat lady has not sung yet, Len and Bob were starting to pack up their things, and it is important to get a little distance to preserve your personal Cubs fan mental health (if that is not oxymoronic).
Taking Weaver out was eminently doable up to that point. The man was missing his target by three feet on some pitches.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Weren't those
the pitches Soriano struck out on?
tharr - August 21, 2009
those were thrown 50ft off the plate on purpose
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
I was thinking of some earlier pitches
Where I saw the catcher set up, and was amazed at how much he missed by.
The Soriano pitches, unfortunately, were pretty much on target…or as on target as they needed to be.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Yeah, last night truly felt like 'it'. But I'll do my best to keep a positive outlook too.
Just not much to be ‘cheery’ about… to say the least.
malicedoom - August 21, 2009
Hey, if your offense is struggling, just play the Cubs
Ask the Phillies
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Good recap Al
but you seem to have missed the most critical moment of the game.
Ramirez singles to tie it up, Lee hustles in and beats the throw to third, Rami smartly moves to second.
The Dodgers walk Fukudome to face Soriano. Bases loaded, one out in a tie game.
Gets a decent pitch on the first, fouls away. Swings at a slider a foot of the corner, strike two. Swings at a slider a foot and a half off the corner strike three. The cubs had a chance to break the game open right there against a very mediocre pitcher. At the very least they should have taken the lead. Instead they came away with nothing.
The offense did not do a single thing thereafter. Alfonso Soriano is the main reason this offense has been so bad this year, at least since the start of May. The fact that Lou continues to run him out there leads, confirms what I have long thought, Lou and Hendry are more interested in massaging egos than winning ball games.
Ryanocm1 - August 21, 2009
Andrew Jones
comes to mind. The Dodgers were willing to sit him on the bench even though they signed him to an outrageous contract. Soriano is useless in the field and hasn’t hit a homer since the grand slam against the Astros (i think).
VillanuevaExperience - August 21, 2009
Two differences
The Dodgers contract wasn’t as long.
Andruw was in bad shape.
DGU - August 21, 2009
I'll give
you #1 but Soriano doesn’t deserve to be on the field right now. I’d much rather see Fuld out there right now. His average might tail off with more playing time, but at least he has speed and can get on base. The Cubs team speed is pathetic right now.
VillanuevaExperience - August 21, 2009
I don't think there's anyone watching the team that wants to see Soriano on the field at this point.
DGU - August 21, 2009
Oh, there's at least one person
cough, Lou, cough
The Ryno and I Know - August 21, 2009
So are we supposed to wait two more years
when there’s only three more left on that unreal contract to sit him? What’s the logic there?
If he’s hurting us, he’s hurting us.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
I don't know if it has as much to do with egos as it does
the 90 Million he is still owed. I know some will say it shouldn’t matter but you aren’t paying that money to ride the pine. Other than that, I think this post is right on. You just cannot get the bases loaded with 1 out. I couldn’t believe I wasn’t angry or upset or surprised when they didn’t score last night in this situation, it just kind of figured.
niuhuskie224 - August 21, 2009
Head shake
What difference does it make? You’re paying the guy no matter what he’s producing. If he is not producing, and No. 12 is not producing in any way, shape or form and hasn’t done so for the majority of this season, then you might as well sit him on the bench and allow someone else to get the job done. He is not being placed in the lineup because of what he is owed. Perhaps someone should ask Lou why is being played however…and if he doesn’t give an answer, ask him again…and again…and again…until he finally explodes Jack Nicholson-style and gives you “the truth”.
krummy12 - August 21, 2009
at this point, I'd almost rather see a reporter explode a la Col Jessup.
reporter: Lou, about Soriano’s at-bat last night with the bases loaded…
Lou (interrupting): Look, what do you want me to do?
reporter: are you asking me?
Lou (getting noticeably irritated): Yeah, you guys just sit here and ask these questions all night long. I don’t see you out there managing. You may not realize it ‘cause you have it so easy in here, but managing’s a pretty tough job. I said it before, and I’ll say it again. Look, what do you want me to do?
reporter: I want you to SIT SORIANO’s F***ING ASS DOWN!
Lou: (…speechless…)
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
There is no reporter...
In this town that would do that. Not one. No one would even make that suggestion politely to Lou’s face.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
Oh I know...
…but I’m pretty sure they all dream of being able to say do like that. Maybe if one of them wins the lottery…
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
Maybe if Mariotti was on one his "beacon of truth" binges
oh wait, that’s every day!
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
You are correct...
…Chicago is not exactly loaded with quality baseball writers.
Quite honestly, I don’t blame managers these days for being impatient with the media. They are asked so many stupid questions, it becomes clear to them most reporters don’t no squat about the game. LaRussa is a typical example of this, and is the reason why he has such a lousy relationship with the media. Some guys are better at dealing with the political side of the media (like Torre etc.), but I’ll guarantee, the vast majority of managers would rather stick needles in their eyes than to face some of these goof balls they do everyday.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Im not a reporter....but if given the job for a day,,,I'd ask the question
cozmotaylor123 - August 21, 2009
Somebody get this guy a press pass!
daver - August 21, 2009
the better question for last night
Reporter: Lou, with the game tied, why did you opt to pinch-hit Aaron Miles, who’s hitting .182, instead of the other options on your bench — including other left-handed options?
elgato - August 21, 2009
he hit that big triple in colorado...
hes starting to swing the bat better
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
Yes
If we just added another 100 games to the season, I am sure that he could pull out of this stall.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
look
what do you want me to do
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
hand in your resignation
Illicat - August 21, 2009
I'm sorry
I was so stunned that someone was actually willing to go to bat for Miles, I didn’t know what to say.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Well, obviously.
But that’s a fun dramatic moment to
thinkdream about nonetheless.daver - August 21, 2009
It's not a beat reporter's job to TELL the manager what to do
Op-Ed people, of course do, and should. The beat reporter reports the facts, tells the game story. A beat reporter doesn’t do the crap you suggest, if he still wants a job.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 21, 2009
Agreed. It would disgust me to see a reporter sparring with the manager at the latter's press conference.
By the same token, there’s nothing wrong with asking the manager about comments made in the media suggesting Soriano should be benched and Miles should not be used as a PH. Let Lou react. It’s a press conference, not a debate.
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
Do you really think ballhawk is serious?
daver - August 21, 2009
Oh, I'm always serious...
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
At this point, Soriano is like the child that keeps touching the hot plate.
You can tell him all you want about the slider off the corner, and he knows it’s bad for him, but he can’t stop himself.
The only person who can stop him is Lou. And it needs to happen, contracts and egos be damned.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
What in the world makes you think Lou could stop him?
DGU - August 21, 2009
Sitting Soriano down would stop him.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Well, that would stop him,
I read Trey’s comment as suggesting Lou have one of his infamous never-makes-the-hitter-better intensive batting training sessions.
DGU - August 21, 2009
I was thinking more of the
“why don’t you sit the next few out, Fonzie”-type moves.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Well
+1 then.
DGU - August 21, 2009
Fox could wind up swinging at the same pitches
but right now, I have more faith in him to at least put the ball in play than Soriano.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
fox has decent plate disc
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
Most of the time.
Like I said, I trust him more in that situation than Soriano.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
I'm not just sure Lou has that in him.
He’s shown no ability to make that move to this point… what makes it seem like he’ll be able to make it now?
As i said yesterday, i’m worried Lou gave Soriano too much slack in 09 due to his performances in 07 and 08, and now that he’s done that, he’s lost the power to fix him, or force him in to fixes. We may need a “new sheriff in town” situation to truly get a handle on Soriano’s bad habits and unwillingness to adjust. Something as simple as a lighter bat may help. If we here see that, surely somebody in the cubs has as well. The fact that it hasn’t happened, or SOMETHING hasn’t happened, tells me there is a dynamic in the organization that is off.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
I think a lot of that is correct.
I still hold out hope that Lou is looking at benching Soriano as a last resort, and that he’s hoping that Soriano will hit his way out of the slump.
But at this point, the Cubs have to win ballgames and Lou should be starting the 8 position players who give him the best chance to do that. Right now, Alfonso Soriano does not fit into that.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
I wouldn't hold out hope...
…that there is someone out there that can provide a magical fix for Soriano. He is the type of hitter he is, and he always will be at this stage of his career.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
I know that in general, you can't teach an old dog new tricks....
…. but i do have hope, being that Sori’s struggles seem to be mental, more about approach and focus and effort, than physical. It’d take something drastic, which i’m just just not sure Lou is capable of due to their now 3 year long relationship. Hence, the hypothesis that there needs to be a “new sheriff” situation to right him.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
This is why....
…I think this is a waste of energy.
A guy like Soriano has been entrenched in his style for many years. His free swinging ways are also what allows him to go on those red hot tears we have seen.
Trust me, you have a better chance of winning loto, then some guy coming in to change Soriano’s approach, and actually making it work.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Agreed. Plus I don't think the guy has a high IQ, either, that is, he's incapable of figuring out what's wrong.
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
Gammons once said that Soriano was one of the smarter players in the game.
DGU - August 21, 2009
He's reportedly quite intelligent.
Speaks several languages. Can we leave IQ out of this?
daver - August 21, 2009
I'm not sure a high IQ...
…is necessary to be a good hitter.
Hitting is about proper recognition and quick reactions. There have been some intelligent good hitters and some dumb good hitters. Many times, the more you think, the worse off you are.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
That makes a certain amount of sense.
And I’d have no problem with fans calling Soriano a “highly intelligent guy who can’t hit anymore.” But it bothers me when people stoop to the level of calling players stupid.
daver - August 21, 2009
Their dads could beat up your dad.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
I have no problem calling a player "baseball-stupid"
if I feel he has repeatedly shown an inability to grasp and/or execute the basic fundamentals of the game.
But no, I’d never call a player just plain stupid – unless I knew him and could vouch for said stupidness via personal experience.
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
However, Soriano has pride.
It may take some embarrassment to get him to use a lighter bat, and change his approach. It will take more than Von Joshua’s urging to do so.
He will have to hit bottom, and he’s on his way to doing so. He coasted on talent. Now that he’s older, he will have to smarten up. Change will have to come from within, or there’s no reason to write his name on a line-up card, no matter how much he makes.
If not — he pockets the money, sure — but looks really bad to the ‘industry,’ let alone us.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 21, 2009
Re: "Looks bad to the industry."
You think he’ll play a single game after his Cubs contract expires? I both sincerely and unapologetically doubt it. By then, he’ll be one of the richest men in the DR and a moderately wealthy man in Miami.
chilango2 - August 21, 2009
Perhaps Lou
should pinch hit for him with Miles. If that doesn’t get his attention, someone will have to check for a pulse.
tharr - August 21, 2009
LOL
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Who has Lou ever fixed, though?
That was my original point. Whenever Lou lets the media know that he’s working closely with a hitter, nothing good ever comes out of it for the hitter.
DGU - August 21, 2009
Bradley has been lighting it up since he worked with Lou
Wasn’t immediate, but he has gotten better and better since then. Maybe a little credit is due there.
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
That could just as easily be explainned away as
an historically high OBP guy returning to form. The Lou intervention quite possibly (likely) had no nothing to do with it. If he (Lou) is to credit for Bradley’s shape-up, then have him sit with the whole frigging team.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Ok. No way you can say (likely) had nothing to do with it.
I’m not happy at all with Lou, but he does have a little experience in this game.
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
See: my 2nd point.
Are we to assume Lou has given private instruction to Bradley only? If indeed Lou is to be credited with Milton’s “resurgence,” then he should also be assigned blame for not giving the rest of the team the benefit of that same instruction.
And if Lou HAS instructed the rest of the team, then he can’t be given credit for Bradley’s recent performance, as everyone else that he instructed should have had similar results.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Lou did instruct Theriot to try and pull the ball more, too.
And he’s responded with his best offensive season of his career.
Now, it’s just one more player, but I think Lou does/did have a decent eye for batting mechanics.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
And if Lou HAS instructed the rest of the team, then he can’t be given credit for Bradley’s recent performance, as everyone else that he instructed should have had similar results.
As someone who has taught training classes, I can easily say — learning does NOT work that way.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
I think all it takes is common sense to agree with that one.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
You're wrong, but OK.
Agree to disagree.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Wait
what?
He’s wrong that everyone has a different success rate from a teacher?
Ow. My head.
Allie - August 21, 2009
There's a difference between rate and
a complete absence of results with outher batters. I’m going to assume Lou hasn’t worked with anyone else (at least, bnot extra sessions) because a) the media loves to report on those things, and I haven’t heard of any extra attention eceived by anyone, and b) no one else has markedly improved. Soto = still bad. Miles = still bad. Fotenot = still bad. Soriano = still bad.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
So if a student refuses to do homework
It’s the teacher’s fault?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
According to the parents of the kids in my wife's class
yes, even though she calls home to report they’re not turning in homework.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I don't understand your logic and don't care to debate it.
I am not a Lou apologist and was on Bradley when his early season underperformance continued on and on. Things have changed for the better, I recognize that as a positive amongst a lot of negatives.
Lou makes decisions beyond reason, but he has been a great hitter and hitting coach in the past. I think it is ok to admit he may have helped Bradley, as you say and I agree, return to form. My opinion, no I will not search for stats to back this up.
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
People forget...
…that Hendry made a move in regards to the hitting woes – he fired the hitting coach. The hitting coach spend a heck of a lot more time with the hitters than the manager, and it was Hendry’s call on Perry.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Yes
But for the fact that he’d pout and complain and head right to the media just like he did earlier this year when Lou tried to do that.
krummy12 - August 21, 2009
So what?
I doubt anybody, media or fan, would have much sympathy for him at this point.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
Seems like Lou's mailed it in
definitely for the year, maybe for the rest of his contract. Sure would explain the senseless tactics – or lack thereof – lately.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
So my question is...
Why hasn’t he been fired yet? Not petitioning for it, but why isn’t he under any pressure of losing his job?
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
Good question, and I think the reason
is that Hendry lets his managers finish the year so they can save face. Just like with Baker in 2006.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
Two reasons
#1, Hendry knows this would be the second manager he’s hired and fired in 5 years. That doesn’t reflect well on his stint as a GM
#2, Hendry allowed Baker to finish out 2006. He doesn’t like firing managers mid stream, and at this point, what would it do? The team has given up. Many players have commented on it over the last couple of weeks. A new manager won’t fix that.
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Hendry was taken care of...
…contract wise by Kenney, but your right in saying he knows full well a day of wreckening is likely coming.
I’ll say again, focusing on the manager as the main problem (or main fix), is the equivalent of throwing deck chairs off the Titanic. The problems that need to be rectified for long term success go much deeper than the manager, and I am hopeful they will be addressed appropriately this offseason.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Deck chairs off the Titanic...
Isn’t always the case with firing your manager. I know people areound here keep bringing up the late season runs of the Rockies and Astros, well didn’t managerial firings precede these hot streaks that led to post-season runs?
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
Would canning Lou...
…interject some short term life in the club? Maybe, but it would be a bandaid approach to the real issues with the Cubs.
It’s time to get core weaknesses fixed, otherwise we are going to be dealing with the samething over and over again – blaming it on the manager every 2-3 years.
The Cubs need to develop a strong organizational philosophy that prioritizes the right things and permeates throughout the organization (manager, minor leagues, scouts, etc.). Organizations that have to can their manager every few years are usually doing so because the organization itself has problems.
I’ll guarantee, fans in Boston, Anaheim and MN etc. get frustrated with moves their manager makes as well. It’s always easy to lay everything on the manager as an easy fix, but successful organizations value continuity and no better than to lay blame where it doesn’t belong.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
It is a quick fix...
However, Lou is at the end of his career and is likely out after this season or defintely after 2010 if he stays. I’d argue that signing him was a quick fix, he wasn’t here for a long-term organizational overhaul or philosophy change.
He was brought here with a short-window to win the World Series, and it looks like that isn’t going to happen in his tenure. So why not just let him go and see if it sparks anything, if not, you’re still going to be looking for a manager to lead this team into the second half of the decade.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
Which begs...
…the question I have been asking for a couple days;
Do you trust Hendry to hire manager number 3?
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
I don't think so...
You can’t let a guy who’s likely on his way out in the near future (next year or two), to hire your next manager who will likely be a long-term guy who will lead the team through it’s “re-building” phase as some of these contracts expire.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
I agree...
…and I don’t believe Hendry will get the opportunity to hire the next Cub’s manager.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Those teams had the talent. The Cubs don't.
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
not to tease, but
your spelling of “wreckening” is more befitting the situation than how Webster’s spells it.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
I think the phrase is "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic."
But point well taken
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
My immediate and perhaps overly simplistic response...
…is that Lou Piniella is not an “easy fire.” He’s a very prestigious name in major league baseball and presumably has a lot of influence. Add to that the fact that this team has suffered an inordinate amount of injuries and there’s really not a clear, open-and-shut case for firing him – at least from Jim Hendry’s perspective.
daver - August 21, 2009
Lou will step down
citing health reasons…..he doesnt want to do this another year and I am sure his wife doesnt want him to either
cozmotaylor123 - August 21, 2009
except for the part where
he’s talked about staying, sure.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
You can also take that as
sending a message to his team that he isn’t quitting on them.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Lou gives up when he can't win.
He gave up on the Rays before. So it’s no surprise to me if he has given up on the Cubs.
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
He sure did.
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Beyond that...
…at least in my opinion, there is by no means any significant reason for Hendry to be retained in his position, much less trusting him to hire another manager.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Same reason we didn't
add anything at the trade deadline. The sale of the team is imminent. I’d bet Ricketts let it be known that there will be no more stupidity while Rome is burning.
tharr - August 21, 2009
Can you blame him?
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Jim?
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
Also...
…this is another reason to rationalize that Ricketts has front office changes in mind. If he trusted Hendry, he may have let the Cubs know it was ok to something of signficance at the deadline.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Not necessarily
He could just feel that they can’t take on anymore payroll.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Or, he might not have felt the deal was 100% in place then.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
♪Roam if you want to♫
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
♪♫ Rah-hoooock! Lobster! ♪♫
daver - August 21, 2009
Psst...we did add something at the trade deadline.
Two somethings, in fact.
daver - August 21, 2009
I was referring to
a Holliday or Lee or Rios or Lugo etc. something.
tharr - August 21, 2009
There were valid arguments for not acquiring any of those guys.
daver - August 21, 2009
Actually I agree with them
I consider this season over. Adding any more substantial contracts will not change that and limit our reshuffling this winter. When you add the fact that Hendry is walking a tightrope, I do not want him making big deals that will impact the future.
tharr - August 21, 2009
except for the part
where that’s totally not what happened, sure.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Well, after watching how Lou has managed most of the year
I’m not sure he would stop Soriano by sitting him for a prolonged stretch. But Lou is the only one, short of Soriano going on the DL with an injury (if one is there), who can prevent Soriano from continuing to hurt the team.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Right.
It’s almost like the Pie situation. I really don’t care about his development (in Soriano’s case, his improvement); I care about the team’s performance. If those two things are mutually exclusive, the focus and impetus needs to be on the team’s survival and success.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Soriano...
…is not going to be benched for any period of time, it just won’t happen.
If Piniella was 5 years younger, he would probably at least try to do it, but he knows he is at the end of the line and for the Cubs to win now, Soriano is going to have to come out of his funk. You also have the embarassment factor for Hendry and the organization. When an organization commits so much to a guy, it makes them look like dumb shits when he he is riding the pine, even more so them him stinking it up on the field.
I have a bad feeling this thing is going to turn ugly, and just about the entire month of September will be garbage games.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Remember 2007?
Soriano came off the DL that year in late August and hit 15 HR in 31 games to help lead the Cubs to the division title.
I’m not saying that WILL happen. But Soriano is a notorious streak hitter. It COULD happen.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
Can we
really wait for that to happen? The wild card is slipping away.
VillanuevaExperience - August 21, 2009
God bless your optimism Al.....Soriano looks clueless to everything at the plate and in the game.
JB 23 - August 21, 2009
Yes I do remember,
but is waiting for a possible Soriano hot streak really the smart thing to do? Sounds like a crap shoot to me at present.
eths - August 21, 2009
Keep in mind...
… that before he starts his hot streaks he almost always looks this clueless.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
For months at a time?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Pretty much.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
Makes it hard to consistently contend
when one of your key performers has the reliability of a slot machine.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
no, he's never had the prolonged slumps he's had this year
that’s simply propogating a falsehood to claim he has. He’ll go a week or two at the most looking awful, but he doesn’t go MONTHS.
Illicat - August 21, 2009
I wonder whether his rare hot streaks
are worth the prolonged slumps. There is a certain addition by subtraction argument I think Lou can make to put him down if he can objectively look at this overall performance this season. But probably not.
JFCubFan - August 21, 2009
not this year they aren't
this season his hot streaks have been reduced, and his slumps much longer. Hell, he’s basically had three great weeks since April, and the rest has been abysmal.
Lou won’t sit him though. God only knows why. I’m sure we’ll get someone saying “Soriano can’t get better on the bench”
To which I would respond, he’s not going to get better in the field either, and at least we can limit his damage from the bench
Illicat - August 21, 2009
He's hit 5 HR's since May 13. Time's up, Al
BigJohnAZ - August 21, 2009
Desperate times require desperate cluelessness?
I just hope that you are right, I really do.
eths - August 21, 2009
But the problem remains that
he will undoubtedly revert to cluelessness! What’s the solution there?
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
So you're saying a few days off couldn't hurt for Soriano right now?
Just a mental health break, so he can get the visions of sliders 2 feet off the plate out of his head.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
he's had days off
nothing seems to work.
Lou essentially benched Dome for the last two months of last year. I have wondered why that can’t happen to Soriano.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
It's a great question.
Maybe it has to do with the fact that last year, Lou truly believed that Fukudome’s play was a hindrance to the team reaching the World Series. Or Lou just didn’t trust Fukudome to snap out of his slump.
This year, perhaps Lou views Soriano as a necessity to make the playoffs, as off as it may be right now. Or Lou trusts Soriano and has seen enough of this hot/cold streakiness to feel that the only way for him to emerge from it is to keep swinging.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
I've been thinking the same thing...
…but you know what might be keeping Soriano on the field? His July. Seriously, here’s how it breaks down:
March/April: .955 OPS (99 PAs)
May: .657 OPS (119 PAs)
June: .585 OPS (117 PAs)
July: .992 OPS (93 PAs) – that is, .345/.409/.583!!! Did this really happen?
August so far: .444 OPS (67 PAs)
It’s probably important to look at Soriano’s batting average in July, because part of me doubts Lou actually looks at OPS. But, in any case, Alfonso had a HUGE resurgence in July – though he also had markedly fewer PAs than the previous two months.
So I guess I’d say that if Lou isn’t willing to bench him entirely a la ’08 Kosuke, he needs to at least rest Soriano far, far more often. I would start by playing him a lot less in this Dodgers series in favor of the speed/defense of the valiant Sam Fuld and then let Soriano come back and take his hacks against the Nats at Wrigley.
daver - August 21, 2009
the cubs were facing bad nationals and astros pitching
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
True, but the point remains he gave Lou a reason to keep him on the field.
Plus, the Cubs will be facing that same bad Nationals pitching next week – and bad ‘Stros, Mets, Pirates Reds (Cueto was just DL’d) and Brewers pitching next month.
daver - August 21, 2009
I guess
Soriano is hitting below .175 in August. It’s freakin brutal.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
It is.
Honestly, I’d shut him down for the rest of this road trip.
daver - August 21, 2009
But what about the runs he's saved with his defense?
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Well, he's about 50 innings short of the prerequisite 1,000-inning sample...
…but even UZR says his defense has been terrible this season.
daver - August 21, 2009
Numbers
As long as someone is applying numbers to Soriano, is there a way to factor in his misjudged flyballs and miscues in left field that allowed runs or extra bases? His feeble offense isn’t his only problem.
racertom - August 21, 2009
well look at how many triples the cubs have given up
and see how many have gone to left field
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
Yes, UZR accounts for that.
daver - August 22, 2009
I wish there was a way for me to get that image out of my head.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Well
So could an epic Sosa-meltdown with Soriano as the lead character. I’m not saying it WILL happen but it COULD happen.
krummy12 - August 21, 2009
Isn't that happening right now?
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
no
who is Sosa in your scenario?
Illicat - August 21, 2009
MILES!
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
mmm, kinky
daver - August 21, 2009
He is WAY past a hot hitting streak
The is some kind of EPIC fall off. He is not coming back this year at least. Unlike Dom when he was in slump , he is a terrible fielder and has no patience at the plate. What slim chance the Cub have left depends on benching Soriano and playing Fuld & Fox. They also need to get Miles off the roster NOW, they can not wait till Sept. 1
Doggie Stalker - August 21, 2009
Yeah
There’s no way in hell Soriano rights the ship. He’s done as far as I’m concerned this year. I think you’re setting yourself up for disappointment believing that at some point, Soriano is going to come back around.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Unfontunately, he might be "done". period
Guys with a giant swing and little clue of the strike zone can lose it a lot earlier than other hitters. I hope it ain’t so, but I can’t say it’d be surprised if it is mostly downhill from here for Soriano . I think of Bobby Bonds or Mantle and their big swings — doesn’t “age” well (though both of them had ‘dietary’ problems as well).
cubmudgeon - August 21, 2009
All the planets could smash into each other, too
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Or maybe the planets are aligned
and this is the year.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
Well, I'll keep watching.
Even though it’s against my better judgement.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I'll keep watching whether or not this is the year
simply because I love baseball. I really don’t follow any other sports. I just hope for the season to go as long as it possibly can. If not, I plan to try to enjoy every last minute of it. Unless it gives me a heart attack first.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
I guess I meant that I'd keep watching because there is a glimmer
And I love baseball.
I promise I won’t hold you to the “prediction”.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
thanks
katie casey - August 21, 2009
I'm the same way - baseball only.
So I’ll go down with my team, one way or the other. And, once I get past the emotional sting of seeing the Cubs fade (assuming they do – this ain’t over!), it’s always interesting to see how the rest of the MLB storylines play out.
daver - August 21, 2009
This year ihe's on the MDL............
and I don’t think there is a cure
Clutche - August 21, 2009
The guy is 2 years older.
At his age, which I suspect is much more than what everyone believes it is, I don’t think he can or knows how to rebound anymore.
Soriano is behind on the fastball and unable to recognize a slider anymore. That’s a player old and done to me, Al.
(He wouldn’t be the first player from the Dominican Republic to lie on his age and get a falsified record to back up the lie.)
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
And you know Soriano's older based on...
that others lied about their ages?
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 21, 2009
It really doesn't matter why..........
he sucks
Clutche - August 21, 2009
TWSS
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Sorry Al
It cannot happen. This older and seriously flawed baseball player is incapable of going on that kind of streak the same way Sosa is incapable.
Now I happen to think that Sori can be made a better player but that will take acceptance from him that he is incapable of being the old Sporiano.
tharr - August 21, 2009
It "cannot" happen?
What will you then say if he does?
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
I will say that
the Apocalypse is here. I will say that Beyonce and Jessica Biel both moved in with me. I will say that god does feel my pain. And then I will remain speechless.
Now, what will you say if he doesn’t.
tharr - August 21, 2009
Agree
the key moment as you mentioned Soriano out on strikes, when the first pitch should have been driven to the Staples Center, then Baker struck out on a slider that was made to rip.
Martin jacks a hanging slider the two Cubs strikeout on there’s.
Soriano needs to sit for about a week. PERIOD.
Grockcubs - August 21, 2009
Rec'd. Posted my own comment on this before reading yours.
Orval Overall - August 21, 2009
At the very least
all Soriano had to do was stand there with his eyes closed and take a walk.
JFCubFan - August 21, 2009
Start thinking about rebuilding for next year...
This year sure looks like a goner. Maybe Piniella leaves if they don’t make the playoffs?
ronsanto10 - August 21, 2009
Sign who?
No one is going to take our contracts. Maybe we can unload all 2nd basemen, move Theriot and sign a SS. Who else is not back? I would extend Lee while I could. Leading all baseball since June 7 in RBI was the stat they posted last night.
mrcubsfan - August 21, 2009
Well, except the one place that's been pretty good during this slump is 2B.
Baker has done a good job at 2B and has earned the right to win the job next year.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
if that means Theriot is still at SS, then I vote no
DC Cubbie - August 21, 2009
Agreed
I used to defend Theriot. No more. Second base or nothing for him in the future.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
So you feel he should lose his job because of his defensive performance?
daver - August 21, 2009
just moved
to second base.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
The Original Scrappy-Do
David Eckstein, has moved to second base at this point.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Right, but I believe that would be considered a demotion.
daver - August 21, 2009
oh?
because second base is “easier”? I guess.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Basically.
Maybe I’m stretching here, but I get the impression that shortstop is a fairly premiere position. Plus, Theriot has played there for almost three full seasons now. It’s his position. So, to take him out of it would be a pretty big “no confidence” vote.
daver - August 21, 2009
He's a grown man, he'll get over it.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
and if he doesn't
and quits or gets traded, well, it’s not like we don’t have a lot of other 2b in the wings.
I hope they keep Baker.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Same
God, I hope they keep Baker
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
We all said that about Fontenot last year, too
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
We did?
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
That's a fair point.
daver - August 21, 2009
I certainly don't recall anyone asking for him to be our fulltime second basemen
I don’t think we wanted to be rid of him, but I know for sure he wasn’t wanted as the fulltime second basemen.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I like the guy, but
he’s not a full-time 2B. That was exposed this year. .224 / .293 / .379.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
I don't think he got a fair audition at 2B...
…but that’s neither here nor there anymore.
daver - August 21, 2009
He's been auditioning since last year
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
How so?
Fontenot never really got a chance to get settled in as the Cubs everyday second baseman before Aramis went down and Lou stuck Mike at 3B – a position he’d (IIRC) never played at the major league level.
daver - August 21, 2009
Well, I, for one, was willing to give him that shot.
He put up a .900 OPS+ last season (granted, in limited ABs) and he’s got great UZR numbers at 2B. I had high hopes for LBR going into this year.
daver - August 21, 2009
*correction: .900+ OPS
daver - August 21, 2009
not exactly
the same thing. :P
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Occasionally I do make sense.
Even my wife and kids think so. I think.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Fontenot is a decent piece
used properly.
Forced into a position he’s never played at the bigs and then exposed by too many ABs… not so much.
But a platoon/spot starter at second? Good production.
Allie - August 21, 2009
A good back-up - yes.
If only for the left-handedness.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Fontenot
got hosed by the situation. Forced to play a position that he rarely played day in and day out, with little time off.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
yep
katie casey - August 21, 2009
Well, I'm sure he would.
But who do we want to replace him with again? Andres Blanco? Seems like his roster spot is blocked as long as Miles is around. And I have a hard time picturing Lou making that move anyway – especially with Jeff Baker basically hitting a double a game.
daver - August 21, 2009
Can we make the assumption that Miles is gone next year?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
OK, so let's say he is.
Are you saying you still want Andres Blanco as starting SS or that Hendry should look into acquiring another one?
daver - August 21, 2009
if Blanco could raise his BA
to .250, I’d keep him. Young, driven, cheap, controlled for years.
Put Riot at 2nd, or trade him, and put Baker at 2nd. Our infield would be measurably better.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Rapture!
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
What about his OBP and slugging?
Blanco’s defense is definitely great, but it would have to be superhuman all season long to justify having a .250-hitting SS who wasn’t getting on base or slugging.
Seriously, folks, Theriot isn’t that bad at defense – and putting a guy in his position who could very well put up an OPS of 100 points lower would hurt the team.
Now if you could find someone who could match or exceed Theriot’s defense and slug more (say, a resurgent J.J. Hardy pilfered from the Brewers), we’d be talking.
daver - August 21, 2009
Still look into acquiring one.
Blanco, while a plus-plus defender, won’t hit enough. Though I’d keep him to spell Theriot/Baker and act as a late-inning defensive replacement.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Exactly.
daver - August 21, 2009
I wouldn't be opposed to looking into Hardy
Though I suspect the Brewers will not want to trade him in the division.
I could see them moving him to 2B or 3B, though, in the offseason.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
If Alex Rodriguez...
…can deal with it, so can Theriot.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
I sorta see what you mean but...c'mon, seriously...
daver - August 21, 2009
+!
Theriot cannot go to his left to save his life. It’s 2B or out.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 21, 2009
When he couldn't field that line drive right at him for a double play last night
I felt for sure the Dodgers would make him/us pay. Gorz was getting hit hard at the time. Luckily, they did get out of it
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
I didn't fault Theriot on the catch
He was being partially screened by the runner. He should have gone to 3rd, though. Probably could have turned the double by going 6-5-4.
false cognate - August 21, 2009
Yeah, I think Ethier was surprised when he didn't go to third
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Theriot
is the least of this team’s problems.
tharr - August 21, 2009
+1
katie casey - August 21, 2009
Soriano not Miles is the problem
He is the one who whiffed with the bases loaded and one out. He could not even get a fly ball. Managers are intentionally walking batters to get to Soriano. You do that either because you are terrified of the batter or because you know the next batter is likely to be an easy out. This is literally insane. Soriano needs to be benched NOW!. He is not slumping or having an off season, he is a total disaster. I don’t know what is wrong but there is NO MORE TIME to find out. He needs to sit and Fuld or Fox can play in LF. If Lou wants to show he is awake and gives a damn , this what you do.
Doggie Stalker - August 21, 2009
We need him in LF for his Defense.
NashvilleBlue - August 21, 2009
we need WHO in LF for his defense?
I sure hope you mean Fuld. I sure hope you didn’t mean Soriano
Illicat - August 21, 2009
I think he/she was kidding.
At least I hope so.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
We need him in left field for this hop
It builds team spirit.
Lou, please, please sit him, and tell him why: “You sit until you show me you can lay off the foot-outside garbage.”
cubmudgeon - August 21, 2009
I think this comment was made in memory of Eunice Kennedy Shriver
LAcarl519 - August 21, 2009
we need manny in LF for his defense
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
I totally agree.
Right now Soriano is an automatic out. Put in Fox or Fuld. They can’t do any worse.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
But he's got a great arm
Clutche - August 21, 2009
I would agree that, at this point, it appears Soriano is having a very down year...
…and should probably be benched the way Fukudome was last season.
daver - August 21, 2009
hah
we reach. It pains me to say it, but Sori isn’t showing any signs of figuring it out.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
It would be nice if these guys looked like they gave a damn...
after Soriano struck out I think MB just slapped him on the butt like hey man go get em next time. How bout somebody get in somebody’s face and tell them to quit hurting the team. I enjoyed Len for the first time ever saying that Lou should bat Baker in front of Soriano.
Is our defacto leader Derrek Lee right? Lee talks with his bat but he has been a players apologist since day one. I really don’t think I’d care if he’d say something like “I’m doing my part, but the rest of these guys (sans Rami) suck.”
And to Clutch16…do you still believe the Cards will flail in September? I feel a 7-23 month for StL too…As long as the Cards plane lands safely to each city, they can probably coast.
Again…what’s the point of the playoffs..WE WOULD JUST GET EMBARRASED IN THE PLAYOFFS AGAIN. Al save you playoff money and buy your kid more Christmas presents.
Kudos Jim Hendry for this punchless group. Lou should retire. And I’m all for Pizza Face Bob Brenly to manage my team in 2010.
EamuCanoli - August 21, 2009
I do wish DLee would show more leadership...
… but he’s always been a guy who led with his actions, not his words. At least as far as those of us not in the locker room can tell.
In the offseason there was talk of what guy we could get in the mold of the Red Sox “idiots” who wouldn’t care about the curses, the pressure, the whatever else. I think we might also need somebody who doesn’t care about $16 million dollar contracts, about history of play… and is willing to give it to those who are slacking (Soriano) real.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
Lee's a great human being.....
but couldn’t lead a horse to water
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Except for when he was cited by his teammates as a leader in 2007 and 2008.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
only because nobody else wanted the job
Clutche - August 21, 2009
well,
it’s not like running your own successful business.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Clutche Septic Cleaning?
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
I may want to try the Cubs clubhouse then..........but then again
may be too big of a job
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Well, at least then you'd have some inkling...
…of what was going on inside of it.
daver - August 21, 2009
same as what's going on outside........
ZERO
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Have you seen the way these guys take showers?
There’s no fire! No passion! They don’t really want to be clean!
daver - August 21, 2009
and their lockers!
shirts not hung on the hangers properly! Where’s their drive?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
it's always better
to be distinguishable from the stuff you’re cleaning up.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
jealous?
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Untill you are doing well enough to get a BCB pimp cup...
… nobody is going to be jealous.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
LOL - someone needs to photoshop that.
daver - August 21, 2009
not in the slightest
after all, working for someone else means that the accounts payable records are handled by a different department.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
And you can spend the day on BCB without affecting your own bottom line!
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
well
I do get up and walk around every once in a while. Sitting in this chair all day affects my bottom… line.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
You have no idea what goes on in the Cubs clubhouse.
daver - August 21, 2009
You can't predict playoff performance by regular season performance.
How’d that 97-win juggernaut do last October?
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
as expected
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Really?
daver - August 21, 2009
You disagree?
You could see it in their faces. Both the team AND the crowd
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Writing "as expected" makes it seem like...
…you expected them to lose going in. I did not.
daver - August 21, 2009
I expected the worst but hoped for the best
I learned this the hard way
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
I guess that's the safest route to take.
daver - August 21, 2009
When it comes to the Cubs
it’s all I got
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Yep you got me there
The teams you site normally like the 05 Sox and 06 Cards had big leads and it got close…We’re 7 out and 6 in the wild card might as well be 10 with 4 in front of us.
If you see any signs of a Rockies run or one of those A’s runs earlier in the decade, I don’t see it. The teams we’re playing lately. They have our number. They got the book on our hitters.
So say what you will about regular season not mattering…but what 13-14 games ago we were tied for the division lead…this is how you lose…not win.
EamuCanoli - August 21, 2009
But the Cubs are known for making miracles happen!
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Camera
was on Soriano after the strikeout and he did slam his bat in the rack, makes any difference, who knows, but he is killing the Cubs right now. Put Fox in left for rest of the series.
Grockcubs - August 21, 2009
I wish he'd start slamming...
His bat into the ball more often.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
Slamming?
Ill take any kind of contact, or hell non-contact as long as he stops chasing balls that are so far out of the zone its not even funny.
jkobus - August 21, 2009
See? There's some fire! Rejoice!
daver - August 21, 2009
Yeah but
he missed the bat rack the first 3 times.
tharr - August 21, 2009
Damn low and outside bat slots!
(Are they called “bat slots”?)
daver - August 21, 2009
"bat slots" is slang for Transylvania casinos...
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
Gimme a break.
So bickering and getting into shoving matches on the field would cure all their ills. Gotcha. Milton getting into Soriano’s face might make you feel better, but it probably wouldn’t do a damn thing besides add another distraction to a clearly struggling team.
daver - August 21, 2009
maybe theres something going on behind the scenes….
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
I think it's as simple as...
…Soriano is well liked by his teamates, and they feel for him.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Al......
I am with you all the way. If we are 8 out with 9 to go, I am still with this team because they are my team, through thick and thin. Like I have posted recently, if we can trail either the cardinals by 3 games when we play them, or the giants by 4 when we play them, we still have a slight chance. One sweep removes both of those deficits. I can understand those that are pessimistic, but I want my team to win and will root for them to win even though they play like shit. They may not make the playoffs but as long as they can still turn it around, I will root for them.
GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
niuhuskie224 - August 21, 2009
I've been dieing with them for 30 some years and will continue...
but damn, this year I feel like I have watched the same awful game 40 times: good starting pitching, offense not taking advantage of opportunities and a bullpen explosion. What hope do we have that this will not change in the last 40 some games?
NashvilleBlue - August 21, 2009
Make no mistake...
we are ALL still with the team. It is that some of us realize the gravity of the current (team) situation and aren’t gonna act like giddy school kids and pretend that everything is rosy until they are mathematically eliminated. This team for all intents and purposes is realistically finished.
that viewpoint doesn’t make me or anyone else a “lesser” fan than anyone else on the BCB.
CubFanSince1970 - August 21, 2009
You, no.
You are making measured responses and sensible arguments. Its not you and those like you that are “less of fans” in the estimation of the “koolaid drinkers”.
Its those that seem to come here with an air of glee after every loss that are accused of that. If you aren’t here to celebrate the wins, but show up excited and pumped up about the losses, what are you really cheering for?
And there ARE those here who fit that mold.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
thanks for the clarification.
CubFanSince1970 - August 21, 2009
rec'd
Tekboy - August 21, 2009
+1
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Too true.
daver - August 21, 2009
precisely.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
I'm starting to see your point from the other day about how misery loves company.
When they won the other day-307 comments. They lose-so far we are at over 600 and it’s only 2:15pm. That was you that said that, wasn’t it?
katie casey - August 21, 2009
Exactly Andrew
sue369 - August 21, 2009
Still watch
every game as painful and predictable as it is. It’s been a lot longer for me but I agree. At some point we have to face the facts.
racertom - August 21, 2009
We all root for them through thick and thin...............
and we all want them to win, but let’s not deny that this year in all probability is over.
Clutche - August 21, 2009
no.
“We all” don’t, Tyger Tyger burning bright.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
you're so childish
Clutche - August 21, 2009
♫I'll bet you think this song is about you♫♪
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I'm not the stalker
Clutche - August 21, 2009
♫I'm just a giggolo♫
You still haven’t figured out that most of these are non-sequiteurs, have you?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
not you...drew
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Then why did you reply to my song?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
hit wrong reply
Clutche - August 21, 2009
♪♫ Return to sender! Address unknown! ♪♫
daver - August 21, 2009
♪There's no reply at all . . . no reply at all.♫
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
♫message in a bottle... yeah...♫
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
This, from the guy who's determined to "get back" at all the posters that hurt his feelings earlier in the year.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
truth hurt??
Clutche - August 21, 2009
what the hell does that even mean?
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
You'll show us.
Oh yes, you’ll have your day. As soon as the cubs complete their craptastic fall from grace, your victory will be complete!
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
all I can say is.........
I watched them in spring training a gave my opinion in May. It just happens that they performed to my expectations while some here have watched it unfold for months and still think they deserve/will reach the playoffs. Nobody wins here, it’s just some are realistic and some are some are unrealistically optimistic.
Clutche - August 21, 2009
What are your thoughts on Hoffpauir's demotion?
daver - August 21, 2009
He didn't get the job done off the bench..........
so he belongs there
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Fair enough.
daver - August 21, 2009
And your answer to those here that you deem to be "unrealistically optimisitc"...
is to be a jerk and attack them. Well done.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
turnabout..........
is fair play my friend
Clutche - August 21, 2009
or childish...but whatever.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
the only way to treat a bully is..............
punch ’em in the nose.
Clutche - August 21, 2009
So you're a victim of cyber-bullying now?
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Call Dr. Phil!
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
then hold still.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
That's what Soriano says............
when he sees a slider
Clutche - August 21, 2009
You should have seen him last night
He was in rare form.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I was there.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Well
there you go
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
What? I was calm last night
Clutche - August 21, 2009
No
You were incredibly insulting to nearly everyone last night, and proved you only show up when the team loses to troll everyone. Considering the amount of trolling you do, I would say you’re fortunate getting off as light as you do.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
please quote an insult
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Well, Drew wasn't even around, and you trolled him with
“Somehow Drew will find a silver lining for the grand slam………”
Then, you trolled further with:
“And the Kool-Aid kids head for the exits……….”
As if that weren’t enough, you prove you’re a troll with:
“I just can’t stomach the denial these Kool-Aid kids exhibit. Call a spade a spade. The namby-pamby sunshine shit gets real old.”
You then trolled Sue with:
“Where are all your drinking buddies tonight?”
And told Allie to quit flirting. By the time you were done, you trolled Drew one more time, again, when he wasn’t around. Call it an insult, call it a troll, call it what you want, but you were being your usual concern trolling pain in the ass.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
but he didn't "insult" anyone...just the usual passive agressive bullshit comments.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Oh yeah, you're right
silly me.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I'd say I was pretty clear and succinct
not passive
Clutche - August 21, 2009
assessments not insults...........
worse has been said about me and I’m not complaining
Clutche - August 21, 2009
It's cool
It’s only a matter of when, not if with you.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
way to dodge the argument
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
as they dodge the truth?
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Dodge the truth?
Did you not read Craig’s list of quotes? Who is dodging the truth. Oh, those were assessments. Good semantics, Bill Clinton.
Because it is your emotional reality doesn’t make it the truth for the rest of us.
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
It's cool, let him keep going
because he’s getting flagged for trolling with every post. Like I said, it’s a matter of when, not if.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
hide behind your flag
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Anything else?
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
No, I think you've said enough.........
Clutche - August 21, 2009
ok
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
That's a good lookin' flag
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Almost in brand-new condition
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Ha
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
I see you cleaned the dust off
Clutche - August 21, 2009
how's the weather under that bridge?
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Mine's getting dusty.
Even when they won the other night, I didn’t put it out because I was in my jammies already.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
TWHS
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
And the points is? Apart from trying vainly to be insulting...
eths - August 21, 2009
the point is.............
some see this team for what they are, and some see them through rose colored glasses
Clutche - August 21, 2009
and some wish those two groups would grow the hell up and act like adults and get along or ignore each other if they can't.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
+10000000
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
You're so right............
but when I simply called a spade a spade at the beginning of the season I was attacked by the Kool-Aid kids. So it’s fair to say they set the precedent.
Clutche - August 21, 2009
So if I'm hearing you correctly, what you're saying is....
“They started it.”
This is just the reasoning I hear from my 7th grader when his 3rd grade sister is picking on him.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
smart kids you have
Clutche - August 21, 2009
right over
his head.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Soriano knows how it feels too
Clutche - August 21, 2009
you and he
have something in common. Too bad it’s not the $136 mill.
Oh, wait. I don’t think it’s too bad at all.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
now THAT'S AN INSULT
Clutche - August 21, 2009
Why do you follow me like a little puppy?
I’m curious
Clutche - August 21, 2009
That's funny coming from you
trolling Drew when he wasn’t even around last night. It’s not like Drew comes in here talking shit about you when you’re not around.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I follow you
like you’re a little puppy because they have no judgment and do stupid things, and need to be rescued.
Or pointed and laughed at. I haven’t decided which yet.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
As an elder sibling, I must side with the 7th grader.
It’s all her fault…
eths - August 21, 2009
Yes, but the solution to a problem is not always to respond in kind.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
But all third graders are evil demons sent from hell, Ma, it is her fault...
>>going off in a huff<<
;-)
eths - August 21, 2009
Full ACK
eths - August 21, 2009
and you
are exposing yourself to the air undisguised. Does it burn?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Guzman has not been the same since the injury
He is giving up home runs at a mad rate since he returned from the DL. The fact is AL the games back or “math” as you call it really doesn’t matter. It is how the team is playing. There is not a single reliable pitcher in the bullpen other than maybe Grabow. Soriano will likely continue to suck eggs until he goes on some meaningless hot streak in late Sept. after the Cubs are 12 games back of the Cardinals, and the team will continue to play sub-par defense. Other than what I’m guessing will be a consistent starting pitching effort the rest of the way if our starters stay healthy, this is just not a functional team. 84 wins is about what they are good for. A listless, albeit talented team without a rudder.
BeltwayCubsFan - August 21, 2009
But the math does matter
Because they can still come back. I know they look bad but they can. I mean, hell, 3 years ago Tampa Bay was god awful and won 17 in a row i believe, and this year that terrible National team won 8 or 9 in a row out of nowhere.
Is the situation bleak….yes, is it over, its not over unless someone shows me less than 7 games on the calendar.
niuhuskie224 - August 21, 2009
I don't know about "mad rate" re: Guzman.
He’s given up five HR since coming back from the DL and had given up two before going on it.
daver - August 21, 2009
you are igoring the IP# buddy
31 1/3 IP, 2 HR allowed before the injury (that’s 1 HR every 15 IP)
22 IP, 5 HR allowed after the injury (that’s 1 HR every 4+ IP)
BeltwayCubsFan - August 21, 2009
I'm going to invoke my right to cite a small sample...
…and let my attorney speak for me going forward.
daver - August 21, 2009
the most number of innings guz has thrown is 56
hes at 54, that might have something to do with it
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
nope
not allowed to be human and have failings. You’re a cub. gotta be perfect!
Allie - August 21, 2009
for this team to have a chance to even sniff the playoffs this year...
yes, they will all have to be perfect for the next 40 something games.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
good point
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
Scully
The only good thing about last night was that I was able to listen to Vin Scully. Easily my favorite all-time announcer.
NashvilleBlue - August 21, 2009
Did you know that Moises Alou was mauled by a dog when he was a kid?
Vin tells so many interesting stories during AB’s. The guy has so much time to fill, he just keeps talking. Love his voice, though…
DKT - August 21, 2009
God help us the day God calls Vinny home
because we’ll be left with a bunch of lap dogs and schtick-meisters.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
Scully is retiring after next year.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
send in the clowns!
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
He's back to saying year by year
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Vin has already
recanted on the retiring after next year story. He will continue to cut back to be sure, but my guess he keeps doing home games past 2010.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
When did he recant on that?
I missed that.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
2 days after
the story appeared about Scully’s retirement (based on a comment he made in an interview with Bill Plaschke), the Dodgers (with Scully’s approval) clarified that they were delighted to welcome Scully back for his 60th year (in 2010) with the Dodgers and that “if the time comes when he decides to exit the booth, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.”
This clearly was Scully and the Dodgers attempt to communicate that nothing was set in stone and that no decisions had been made, despite Scully’s off hand comment to Plaschke.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
That's because he works alone.
Keeps the chatter going. Scully could read the phone book and I’d listen.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 21, 2009
Amen
Scully is amazing, still sharp, paints a great picture and has great stories. He will be missed. As mentioned there will be nothing left except Stepford announcers.
Grockcubs - August 21, 2009
If you can't score more than 2 off Jeff Weaver
Then you probably don’t have a very good team.
It can happen on occassion, but they do this against most of the Jeff Weaver’s of the NL.
It’s been consistent, it’s been all year.
Soriano’s AB, as noted above, was amazingly craptastic. Martin set up for the last two pitches behind the LHB batter’s box! Those pitches were NEVER in the zone, and he tried to PULL both of them!
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Did you catch Brenley's comment?
He said Soriano would have been a HBP victim if he’d been swinging from the left side of the plate.
Too funny.
tville - August 21, 2009
I did.
And he was right.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
and oh so right
I’d love to see BB’s face when he’s making these observations. I’d bet he has a look of disgust like I know I have. Sori is a sorry-ass excuse for an $18M a year plaer.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
You can almost pencil in...
a strikeout for Soriano (with RISP) just like you can pencil in 4-3 for almost all of Miles’ at-bats!
CubFanSince1970 - August 21, 2009
But what about his defense and assists.........
he has the best arm in the league
Clutche - August 21, 2009
All he needs to do now is field line drives cleanly and without bobbling them
and actually make an effort to get to balls hit in front or to the side of him and those outfield assists will be great
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Lou's decision to use Miles
was inexcusable. But the worst thing was that there were better position players — including lefties — on the bench. In fact, wasn’t Fontenot originally on deck?
I’m not saying that I think Gorzo should have been taken out. But if Fuld, Fontenot or Fox had hit, Lou’s move makes more sense.
elgato - August 21, 2009
I was there last night
Gorzelanny was still on deck until he was called back for Miles.
-Soriano looked completely lost at the plate last night. We were in Section 18 behind the Cub dugout with a front-on view of right handed batters. He was so far out in front of pitches we swore he was swinging during the wind up.
-Fukudome looked amazingly together. That’s been lost in all this.
-Theriot should never bat lead off again. TAKE SOME DAMN PITCHES. EXTEND THE COUNT! he swung at the first pitch of the game. He also blew it on the field at least three of four times.
-Vin Scully loves him some Koyie Hill. I tihnk I do to. His defense and overall catching ability, taking charge behind the plate, imprves all the time. His hitting has improved somewhat too. Too bad it seems no other players listen to him or follow his example. Hill at least appreciates where he is and what he’s doing.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
The leadoff situation is further proof that Lou has no idea what he's doing
He found a leadoff hitter this season in Dome. Then, despite the fact he was doing EXACTLY what a leadoff hitter is supposed to do he inexplicably moved him down. Dome is no more a power hitter than Bradley. There’s no reason for him to be batting 5th.
Yes Theriot has had a pretty decent batting average since he was moved to leadoff, but you know how many times he’s walked? 3 times, in 73 PA’s
Dome takes pitches, and makes the pitcher work. Riot hacks away worse than Soriano does.
Illicat - August 21, 2009
he bats Dome fifth
because he doesn’t want the two regular lefties next to eachother, and Bradley has become a natural second batter.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Beer-
I was on the aisle between 16/18 in row K. If I had known it was you, I’d have bought you a cold one!
bison - August 21, 2009
Hey!
Oh well. We were Row X, seats 7-8 (aisle seats, yay) between 18-20. It the thought that counts though.
Did you hear the group behind home plate near the concourse imitating Ronnie Woo? Ewwwwww…..
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
No...
But I had an anti-woo filtering chip installed in my brain. Works like a charm.
bison - August 21, 2009
I was driving home last night listening to the game on WGN...
and when Koyie walked in the top of the sixth I knew a PH would come in, and I just clutched my steering wheel and said “not MIles…” When Pat announced him I said the same thing, 4-3 inning over. It seemed at that point the game really turned. Soriano’s K with the bases loaded was a blow, but it was Miles AB that got my bile up.
On a positive note, I was coming from the live Rifftrax screening of Plan 9 From Outer Space, so the night wasn’t a total waste.
wallrock - August 21, 2009
My family went to see Plan 9 too.
I stayed back to work and really regret not going. They really enjoyed it.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
I really hope you two mean District 9.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Maybe an Ed Wood's greatest films festival? lol
carmen_fanzone - August 21, 2009
Classic!
daver - August 21, 2009
Yes but
have you seen Plan 10 from Outer Space?
Hilary Lee - August 21, 2009
No, never have. Is that really a movie?
daver - August 21, 2009
That's the one
It was a RiffTrax of this movie, shot live in some theater in Nashville and shown live throughout the country. Basically the guys from Mystery Science Theater 3000 doing their thing (sans the bots). It was awesome!
http://www.rifftrax.com/content
wallrock - August 21, 2009
Dang it!
I wish you wouldn’t keep reminding me how good it was. I can’t believe I opted not to go.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
I just caught how it says "almost starring" for Bela Lugosi.
cute but somewhat sad
katie casey - August 21, 2009
Miles long ago stopped being this team's biggest problem
Our $136 million man is now hitting 6th. Other players are being intentionally walked to get to him.
Getting rid of Miles would be satisfying. But it wouldnt do anything to fix this team.
Worf - August 21, 2009
Well, it might.
It would at least have given Lou a chance to put up an actual major league hitter in that situation.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
Sure, but...
You’re talking about replacing the 25th player with another 25th player.
If Miles didn’t exist, who would be there? Blanco? Scales? Improvements to be sure.
But not seven games back worth.
Worf - August 21, 2009
Probably not.
But it couldn’t hurt.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
I do agree
that there is value to cutting lack of production just to show that lack of production isn’t tolerated.
But I think that message is probably too little, too late.
Miles will be back next year. That’s the fun part.
Worf - August 21, 2009
Let's hope new ownership gives permission to eat the 2nd year of that deal.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
There'd be no better welcome gift in the world than that, i think.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
Everyone prepare your Christmas and/or Hanukkah wish lists appropriately
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
I'll bet....
…. that only happens if Hendry is gone.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Soriano for Zito, straight up.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
You know that's not such a crazy idea
It probably would have been shot down big time a year or 2 ago but now it’s starting to look OK.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
Done.
Not a bad fifth starter – just an overpriced one.
The Jade Scorpion - August 21, 2009
Somewhere in Colorado, Jason Marquis is quietly chuckling...
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
...in a New York accent....
daver - August 21, 2009
I must admit.
I’ve been pondering this idea lately, too.
daver - August 21, 2009
Maybe
but it’ll more likely happen under the parameters of some kind of trade rather than an outright DFA.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
Lou HAD a chance to put up an actual major league hitter in that situation
he CHOSE Miles
Illicat - August 21, 2009
And that's why we're called "die-hard" fans
When the Cubs die on the field like that, it’s hard to watch them…
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
Every loss feels like 5 or 6
But there is still time to right the ship. The Cubs absolutley have to win a few games in L.A. beore they go home to sweep Washington and try to make up some ground.
DKT - August 21, 2009
Uh, Son . . .
There ain’t no time to right the ship. This season is over.
Zooty Zoot - August 21, 2009
If that's the case, I'm staying with the Captain
and going down with it then.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
Let's have the orchestra
play a happy song while we go down…
Hilary Lee - August 21, 2009
TWSS
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
How about "A Dying Cub Fans Last Request"
katie casey - August 21, 2009
"We know the reality - why are you going to mess with a fantasy?"
Name that movie…
DKT - August 21, 2009
really?
october has come so FAST!
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
It felt like October on the train platform this morning.
Ridiculous.
daver - August 21, 2009
honestly
I don’t terribly mind. Let’s me save money on AC.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Yeah, that's true.
I just want to be hot in the summer.
daver - August 21, 2009
This summer has been glorious.
Rain aside, the mild temps are wonderful. Why would you want to sweat for three months when you can be comfortable all day and throw on a hoodie at night?
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
Or a Snuggie™
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
a BCB SNUGGIE???
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
GETIT DON EAL!!!1!
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
ERIC? IS THAT YOU?
You’ve been missed, old friend.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
I'll take the heat.
Then again, excessive air conditioning drives me crazy, so I guess I shouldn’t complain.
daver - August 21, 2009
It's sad that Al considers a 5-run lead a "blowout" these days.
I remember when it took double digits to consider a game a blowout… at what point did this game earn that phrase, Al? When Aaron Miles came to the plate for Gorzo in the 6th with the score tied? That would be my guess.
lswaidz - August 21, 2009
I get bummed when they fall behind by two
Worf - August 21, 2009
When this team gets down by a single run, especially in the later innings, you can call it what you want but it's over.
smash! - August 21, 2009
We really got spoiled by last season, didn't we?
It didn’t matter how many runs they were behind, I always felt they could come back. Ahhh, memories.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
I was half asleep when Lou elected to put Miles in to pinch hit (OVER FOX!) and I literally jumped up...
and screamed “WHAT ARE YOU DOING LOU!?” As soon as he predictably grounded out I shut it off. The first time all year I’ve just given up and turned off the TV. OF course I woke this morning and continued to play the rest of the game on my DVR, though I had no doubt we had lost. I also have NO DOUBT that when Guzman came in he didn’t have it and the inning was going to explode. Then when they purposely walked the bases loaded, I didn’t even have to watch to know the Grand Slam was coming on the next pitch.
This team has become terribly predictable and I have absolutely no faith they’re going anywhere but down this year. Sad. Bring on football season…
smash! - August 21, 2009
He was playing percentages with Miles I suppose
Miles batting lefty with the right handed Weaver. Didn’t matter though. I would hjave preferred Gorzelanny up there to bunt, just like he should have done earlier in the game with guys on when Gorzelanny swung away.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
What percentages?
Miles sucks with either hand. You want percentages, you put your best hitter on the bench in there in Fox. If you want a lefty in there to PH, you use Fontenot.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
I didn't say it was the right move
It was likely that’s what Piniella was doing though
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
I wish we knew...
Why he does what he does sometimes.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
Playing "by the book"
aka “managing not to be second guessed”. Much like the “prevent defense” in football.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
Which book? This Book?
eths - August 21, 2009
Isn't that Manny on the right?
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
lol!
JB 23 - August 21, 2009
it is
FOR dummies after all…
Archie - August 21, 2009
You want Gorzelanny to bunt with 2 outs and the bases loaded?
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Why not?
You’d prefer MIles? Along as Lou had Miles in mind, leave Gorzelanny there. Moreover, in the early innings, the infiled was playing back.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Certainly not Miles.
Anything but Miles.
I just don’t know that I would have had Gorzelanny bunting for a hit with 2 outs and men on 1st and 2nd, that’s all.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
He'd have had a better chance of getting on base than Miles did.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
The one AB he had he hit the ball harder than Miles.
And forced Loney to make a decent backhanded play, too.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
I agree.
Just let Da Gorz swing away – he drove in a run in his last start, IIRC.
daver - August 21, 2009
He did in Cincinnati in his first start.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
At least bunting with 2 outs
would’ve been an unexpected ground ball.
Can you say that for Miles?
Allie - August 21, 2009
Not at all. Miles is a walking 4-3.
Next year, the Cubs should shame him by making him wear #43.
I just don’t think Gorzelanny, unless it’s a perfectly placed bunt, needs to be doing that with 2 outs. Especially given the furor raised when Zambrano attempted this earlier in the year.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
No, a pinch-hitter was the right move
Just not THAT pinch-hitter
Worf - August 21, 2009
First and second, not loaded
I’d have left him in to bat and pitch.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Right, I forgot.
I would have let Gorzelanny swing away. His first hack didn’t look too shabby.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
yeah
Gorzo had settled down and looked like Moyer out there.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
George Will once did a piece on Earl Weaver
and how he went for the kill whenever possible. Will quoted a stat — no idea if it’s true, so put your damn slide rules away — that went like this.
In the majority of games, the winning team scores more runs in a single inning than the other team scores all game.
Worf - August 21, 2009
Casey Stengel....
…. might have pinch hit for Gorzelanny the first time too. Especially since he was struggling then. And Stengel didn’t end up doing too badly for his career.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
To quote the Ol' Perfesser...
“we’re a fraud”.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
Ok, but if you're going for the kill, go for the kill
There seems to be some confusion as to the inning – the Cubs had scored 0 runs that inning. They scored in the 2nd and 3rd; the inning in question was the 6th.
Batting Miles is not going for the kill.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I agree...
Pinch hitter — GOOD IDEA
Miles — BAD IDEA
Worf - August 21, 2009
right
And Lou should have to defend that decision.
elgato - August 21, 2009
This Is True
I conducted this analysis in my statistics class in high school in Maryland in 1981. I went through the Sporting News and collected the relevant information. It may no longer be true, thanks to smaller parks, batters on PED’s, etc., but it was definitely true in the early 1980’s. That’s why Earl Weaver always played for the three-run homer.
Zooty Zoot - August 21, 2009
True
I conducted this analysis in my statistics class in high school in Maryland in 1981. I went through the Sporting News and collected the relevant information. It may no longer be true, thanks to smaller parks, batters on PED’s, etc., but it was definitely true in the early 1980’s. That’s why Earl Weaver always played for the three-run homer.
Zooty Zoot - August 21, 2009
Help
I can’t figure this stuff out. I am double-posting.
Zooty Zoot - August 21, 2009
He was probably saving Fox for the 8th inning...
nyuk, nyuk
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
+1 for the nod to the Howard Brothers (and Mr. Fine)
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
want him to drive in runs that dont exist
always smart to think ahead
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
Only in L.A.
Last night we parked next to a Lexus SUV with license plates that said “NO EMMYS”.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Last time i was out there i got cut off by this crazy teel Bently.
I cut over a lane and pulled up to shoot the stink eye at the driver, and it was freaking Ellen DeGeneres and her hot ass girlfriend from Arrested Development.
Yup, only in LA.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
Since Jim Belushi and Penny Marsahll were there....
… it left us wondering if it were either one of them. That Lexus was a bit beat up.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
You know what I don't like?
The way the screen jumps when you’re posting into a thread. It makes for a boatload of typos.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
It does making typing a bit strenuous.
eths - August 21, 2009
make it green!
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
Rec me them
I can’t do it myself LOL
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
See? Them? Them? Should have been THEN
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
you are hereby rec'd!
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
You are a gentleman
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Drives me crazy, too.
But it’s part of the game.
daver - August 21, 2009
LOL
Yeah, suck it up…
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Alfonso Soriano
Put him on the waiver wire. Just to see if anyone is dumb enough to claim him. It’s our best bet. At the end of the day, it’s not a lack of natural ability. It’s that he’s just too stupid and lazy to merit a position in the Major Leagues. He’s getting paid more than $100,000 a game to swing at pitches my grandmother wouldn’t chase and to stroll non-chalantly in the direction of catchable bloop singles.
Aaron Miles is the opposite. He’s smart enough. He just doesn’t have any natural ability. At least not anymore.
Zooty Zoot - August 21, 2009
That's the thing
Miles DOES care. Soriano? Jury’s out on that one.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Soriano cares
but old habits die hard.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
Soriano cares
He’s just not able to adjust, for whatever reason.
elgato - August 21, 2009
Absolutely...
….we all remember Greg Norman in his prime. The guy won a lot of tournaments but had a tendancy to choke it up big time in the big ones, and blew many a lead in the majors.
Norman was good because he had great physical talent and he played aggressively, which meant he built nice leads in many tournaments. His problems came when he needed to manage his game during the pressure of the back nine on Sunday and he just couldn’t do it. He only had one gear and that was full blast. When he tried to tone it down, the wheels came off.
I see the same thing with Soriano. He is wired to play one way, and I think you have to accept the guy for what he is – streaky as hell!
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
How did you reach this conclusion?
daver - August 21, 2009
oh, please
he may have physically lost the ability to catch fastballs with his bat.
he may have mentally lost the ability to read a slider low and away.
but stop this foolishness about caring. Of course he cares. You don’t get to be a mlb player without CARING about baseball.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
He's probably passed through waivers already.
What the Cubs can do in the offseason, though, if they really want to send a message, is to place Soriano on irrevocable waivers. Any team that claimed him then would receive him, contract and all, for nothing.
It’s an extreme long shot, because let’s face it, no one is claiming Soriano and his contract given the way he has played this year. But that’s one way the Cubs can try and go in the winter if they don’t want to eat money on the contract.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Red Sox did that with Manny a while back....
… no takers.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
That's exactly the scenario I had in mind.
Though I think the Red Sox did it in more of a “Sit down and shut up because no one else wants you and your contract” type move.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Yup
But he was such a prick he just behaved worse. Dodgers got him a year or two later for about nothing last year when they did it again.
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Well, for 2-3 years, he was on pretty good behavior
If my memory serves, the Red Sox did it in the winter of 2002 or 2003. Ramirez was a pretty good sport until the last year of his contract.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
until manny got in a brawl with youkilis
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
I'd bet he went through so quickly no one noticed
and there’s some who challenged if it even happened.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
Likely already done!
daver - August 21, 2009
I was absolutely FLOORED by the Miles move
I had to turn off the tv and go to bed after that inning but I think had I been able to stay up I would have turned it off anyway.
Was that not one of the top 5 boneheaded moves by Lou this year? Take out a pitcher that is pitching well to try and get one run with the worst hitter on the team? I would have rather had Fontenot (or pretty much anyone else including pitchers) bat in that spot! Is it totally out of the realm to have a righty vs righty matchup if the lefty batter is total crap? If we had a righty batting .400 and a lefty batting .100 to bring in to PH in that situation do you HONESTLY go with the lefty???
I can not get over that move!!
AndHart120 - August 21, 2009
You beat me by about 5 minutes or so
Russell Martin wasn’t across home plate when I had to switch off flat screen. Couldn’t justify seeing another collapse in high def.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
I can't be the only one here is is absolutley sick of our pitchers giving up homers
to guys who DON’T HIT HOME RUNS
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
I'm pretty sure the pitchers are sick of it, too
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
No you are not
But Russell Martin isn’t a slack player. I saw the “get it over 1st pitch with nothing on it” to Martin and he clobbered it.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
Anybody here who still defends Lou Pinella
must LOVE watching Miles pinch-hit in key situations. And why not bench Soriano? He contributes absolutely nothing right now.
It’s just amazing how so many players can be underperforming. Why not shake things up?
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Soriano's AB
I know others pointed out his critical at bat above, but I wanted to weigh in.
That AB with the bases loaded is a perfect example of why I’ve never felt Soriano should be moved to an RBI spot in the lineup. His approach, coupled with the pitcher’s pitch selection, when there are RISP is just atrocious. This isn’t to say that I didn’t want him moved from the leadoff spot early this year, because I did, but I never felt he’d be a good run producer.
As far as his At Bat last night is concerned. If he put together a halfway decent AB, and got even one run in a sac fly, the game changes entirely. If the Cubs have the lead when Torre walked Hill to get to Gorzo, there’s no way Lou PH for a pitcher who has been throwing well. Effectively, Soriano’s awful approach with the bases loaded, forced Lou to try to take what was a decent shot at grabbing the lead. It lead to a waste of a plate appearance (Miles was used), and then who knows if Gorzo would’ve fared better in the 6th than Guzman (almost guaranteed)
Now, there is ZERO defense for using Miles as that PH. If Mike Fontenot is on the 25 man roster, that is HIS AB. Fuld should’ve been saved for defense, Fox might get a more favorable matchup later in the game when an XBH is needed, and Miles should ONLY be used as part of a double switch. Leaving Mike Fontenot, the LHB who supposedly hits RHP as the clear candidate for that plate appearance.
If management is sincere about trying to pull off a miracle in the last 6 weeks. Fox needs to be getting the vast majority of starts in LF, and it really should’ve been that way for the last several weeks. I don’t think his .300 average will hold up with everyday play, but his slugging would probably stay pretty good, and in the 6th spot, that’s good enough.
As much as Hendry completely messed up in the off season, which I felt from day one, If Soriano was anything more than a liability since April, at this point the team would be about neck and neck with the Cards. I blame Hendry for doing a terrible job, but the biggest culprit as far as players are concerned is Soriano, and it’s not really even close.
WittyUserName - August 21, 2009
So you're proposing
Batting him other than the top of the order, but in a spot that likely won’t be an RBI position. Where is that, exactly?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
He could bat 10th?
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
LMAO
that’s funny right there, I don’t care who ya are…
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
Fungo?
eths - August 21, 2009
If Soriano was on my daughter's softball team
I’d be batting him 13th.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
What?
I’m not proposing batting him back at leadoff.
I’m saying that he’s a bad run producer. At this point you bat him where he is relied on the least. He hurts less batting 6th, than he does 1st, but he hurts everywhere.
My post wasn’t really about his spot in the batting order, it was more about how that critical AB is a microcosm of how bad Soriano has been for this team.
WittyUserName - August 21, 2009
I said
So again, where is that?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
7th? 8th?
There are spots in the order other than leadoff and run-producing.
Right now, I’d say batting Soriano 7th or 8th (or benching him for Fox for the time being) makes the most sense. But in order for this team to succeed, he’s going to need to produce as a 5th/6th hitter. It puts a lot of pressure on the roster to have an $18 million per year player batting 7th or 8th.
SouthernCub - August 21, 2009
As I said
“At this point you bat him where he is relied on the least”.
So I guess as a PH.
I won’t claim to know all when it comes to baseball, nor Soriano. But I knew that once he stopped hitting at leadoff, he wasn’t going to start hitting at another spot in the lineup. Hopefully as his career progresses, he’ll learn to adapt or become embarrassed, but I was never one to think he’d be better off hitting 5th or 6th, even though I’d really like him to be. Honestly, I’ve had this debate with my Dad several times. He was convinced that the offense would score more runs now that he’s hitting 6th, I remained un-optomistic.
I didn’t want to start up the ‘Move Soriano down in the lineup’ debate again. Really, I didn’t. I simply wanted to express my opinions that:
1. His awful AB was the most critical point of last night’s game.
and
2. Soriano has been the biggest problem for this team on the 25 man roster.
WittyUserName - August 21, 2009
Bottom line
You can’t hide people in a lineup for long. We could bat Soriano 9th and eventually, we’re going to have a bases-loaded two-out situation with the 9th place hitter.
Worf - August 21, 2009
That's what I was getting at
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I agree
But the 7th and 8th hitters are rarely relied upon as vital parts of the lineup. Typically whatever you get from the bottom of the order is gravy.
But I’ve felt for weeks that it made little to no sense for Soriano to be starting with Fox sitting. So I guess I’m saying that Soriano does the least harm when he’s riding the bench.
WittyUserName - August 21, 2009
pull a larussa
bat him 9th and the pitcher 8th – and tell him he’s leading off
doofus cubs guy - August 21, 2009
Len mentioned moving him down even further in the order last night...
…to 7th. Screw his fragile ego….
JB 23 - August 21, 2009
a seventh-place hitter with an $18 million contract
Not saying Soriano shouldn’t be moved down. It’s just amazing how bad things have gotten.
elgato - August 21, 2009
Plus he's going to see even less fastballs down there.
Why pitch a fastball to him when the 8th hitter and the pitcher is coming up next? There’s nowhere to pencil him in in the lineup. Just bench him or suffer his at bats otherwise.
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
Maybe that's the only way he'll learn to lay off those outside pitches.
daver - August 21, 2009
Torre batted him 8th one year in the playoffs. As I recall, they won a WS that year.
Orval Overall - August 21, 2009
No
Soriano has never won a world series.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Was he not...
On the ’99 and ’00 World Series Yankee teams?
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
*Champion
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
Nope - 2001 was his first year
Although he did hit what would have been the WS-winning HR in 2001 (off Schilling in Game 7) had Rivera not blown the save in the bottom of the 9th.
Jody Jody Davis - August 21, 2009
Looks like he played...
A few games in ‘99 and ’00, but you’re right 2001 was his first full season.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
The more salient point
is that 2001 was the first year he was on the Yankees post game roster. He did have a huge potential game winning HR in game 7 in 2001, but it didn’t hold up.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Plus the pitcher doesn't hit in the AL.
With the offense the Yankees had in 2001, even the # 9 hitter was a menace at the plate.
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
Not sure
what relevance the #9 slot has to the discussion. Soriano batted 7th in that lineup, as I recall.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
I mean it didn't matter in 2001 when he hit.
He would see his fastballs because the whole lineup was an offense machine. On the other hand, now, in the NL, he’’ll see even less fastballs if he hits lower in the order.
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
"when" should be "where"
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
Oh. Good point.
Even Rick Monday pointed out that Soriano never saw a fastball he couldn’t hit, and the league has caught on to that.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Amen.
smash! - August 21, 2009
Two years ago it would have been hard for me to imagine
I’d be big time looking forward to the ‘Hawks training camp. Now, I can’t wait for that and the season to start in Helsinki.
It’s gonna be a cruel, long winter for baseball-only fans.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
Weird, ain't it?
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Weird, sad...
pick an emotion any emotion. Pick several of them. I just want to see the Cubs win the WS before I die!
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
Yup, we all say that...
I’m 51 now, and I’m beginning to wonder….
BeerCub - August 21, 2009
Don't remind me, please don't remind me...
I’ll be hitting 50 next year.
eths - August 21, 2009
One of the columnists here had a tidbit in an article about this topic
It went sort of like this: “It used to be we would hear our grand parents talking about seeing the Cubs win a world series before they die. Now our teenagers are saying it!”
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
It's been a cruel, long summer
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
♪It's a cruel, cruel summer♫
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
i hate you
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
♪I hate myself for loving you♫
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
god damn it
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
♪Damn! Soriano's no glover♪
(I’d apologize to Sophie B Hawkins, but the orignal was pretty dumb, too)
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
FAIL
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
♪On, Wisconsin, on, Wisconsin♫
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Winner!
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
♫ Mild und leise - Liebestod ♫
eths - August 21, 2009
I'll bet...
…there is a good chance the Hawks are the most sought after ticket in town within 1-2 years.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Lou is killing this team, plain and simple
I’m trying to think of the last time he did something crafty, and that was back when he put Marshall in the outfield. Since then, it’s just been one mistake after another. I’m not a fan of instant gratification, and I know someone’s history should be taken into consideration when such moves are made, but Lou has to go. And 95% of this is on him, the rest is on the rest of the sheep that allow him to run this ship into the ground. In the very early 90s, wasn’t there a manager for the Cubs that was given the boot by the team in the middle of a game? I’m not calling for that, but when Lou calls on Miles to PH, someone, anyone, needs to step up and say NO. It’s obvious these guys want to win, but they’re not going to with Lou at the helm. Someone else needs to take control if there is to be any hope this season.
I’m still with this team until the bittersweet end, but one thing that has changed is my opinion of Hendry. Hendry may have done some damage with the players that have been signed, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is an incredibly talented ballclub that has been steered to the cliffs by their manager. Maybe I’m too far out there on this one, but it’s just what I believe. I hope better things happen the rest of this season.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
That kind of creativity takes energy
He pulled that stunt with Soriano bouncing back and forth around the infield too.
Creative moves take energy, alertness and a quick mind. Lou is old and tired.
Worf - August 21, 2009
What are you talking about?
The Marshall move, and the Soriano move you mention were both unorthodox, creative moves.
Lou has not quit on this team. His team has utterly failed him.
Orval Overall - August 21, 2009
That was the last actual smart or creative thing he's done
and it happened months ago in the midst of other mistakes, such as sending in the wrong relievers or leaving relievers stay on the mound for too long. And, no one said Lou has quit on the team, the point is, he’s killing what is left of this team’s season. And, how could his players have failed him when he’s the one sending Miles out to PH, or leaving guys who should PH ride the bench?
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
for what it's worth
Lou shouldn’t HAVE to be constantly thinking outside the box. The team should be winning these games with their play on the field, not whatever crafty shank Lou uses to fool the other manager.
That being said, there’s NO WAY Miles should be pinch hitting in critical spots.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
I get what you're saying
and I don’t want to invoke last year, but last year, there were plenty of games where Lou’s leadership and moves lead to them winning games, or at least put them in a better position to win games. I could probably count those moments on one hand this year. Last year, those types of moves made him a better manager than most because the players and the manager were performing very well to give this team some type of advantage. There’s absolutely no advantage to send Miles in to pinch hit, or to leave Baker on the bench, if I can use examples from recent memory, but we agree on that part anyway.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I'm interested now
what moves last year are you talking about? Got an example?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
The best one I can think of
and please excuse me for being vague, would be to, say, call up one hitter to pinch hit, which causes the opposing teams manager to send in one pitcher, and then Lou sends in another player instead, and then the opposing teams manager burns their reliever.
I think I’ve confused myself reading that, but I’m in a fog today with this migraine, so, my apologies.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
oh.
That happened a few times last year. We beat the Cardinals doing that once.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Yeah
Again, I can’t even think of what that particular move is called. I couldn’t even remember Clint Hurdle’s name earlier…
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I don't know
if it has a name, other then “that thing you do where you fake out the other manager by having a lefty in the on-deck circle so he brings in a different pitcher, and then you send out a right-handed batter”.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
actually iirc baker said that was thought up by him and soriano
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
Fall guy
Lou is one of the better managers the Cubs have ever had. There is nothing he or his staff could do during the season to make this a first place team or a WS champion. Nothing! This doesn’t mean he’s perfect or that he does nothing or that he isn’t smart. But what you think he has an impact on or can change is simply not the case and would be of little consequence if he did. This is not an incredibly talented ballclub compared to the others in the league. They’re good enough to be a .500 ballclub primarily because of the starting pitching. Offensively, look at Soriano, Soto, Fontenot, Miles and, for much of the season, Bradley. They haven’t played well and nowhere near expectations. Don’t think anything is going to change unless they play better or are replaced by other players who play better.
Follow the money if you are perplexed by why changes are or aren’t made to the roster and get it straight about who is responsible. The team as a whole is not talented enough to be a first place team. Lou is not throwing any of his players under the bus which is the patience a manager has to have.
AboutTheCubs - August 21, 2009
This is pointless
Again, Lou’s history is irrelevant. What matters is what happens now, and what’s happening now is an old, old man can’t run this time like he used to. And while some players haven’t played to their expectations, it’s Lou’s job to write out the lineup card, make substitutions, etc. When Sori is dying out there at the plate, what sense does it make to continually have him leadoff? When Baker is hot, what sense does it make to start Miles instead of Baker. What sense does it make to PH Miles, a move that has happened over, and over, and over again this year? These are the things the manager has control over. Just because a few players didn’t perform to their expected levels doesn’t mean this is a bad team, or they’re not talented. They are talented, and adjustments should have been made much earlier on to work around this team’s shortcomings. And, this team as a whole isn’t talented enough to be a first place team?!? This team WAS a first place team for a short period of time, and had things worked out differently, they could have been jockeying for that position constantly, instead of playing from behind.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
No
You’re exaggerating the amount of difference your suggestions would have made. By now Soriano should be on the bench, sent home or off the team. No can do because of the amount and length of committment the franchise has made to Soriano. Again, follow the money. Lou works for somebody and he cannot bench Soriano. It is much closer to something like this: when Soriano wants to play, Soriano plays. And when Soriano wants to hit lead-off, Soriano hits lead-off. Sure there are other players who can play an overall better game than Soriano has this season. The point is that any change like this is not Lou’s decision and Soriano gets paid for 5 more years whether he is productive or not. To think that Lou wants Soriano anywhere in that lineup, at this time, is ludicrous.
AboutTheCubs - August 21, 2009
So Soriano writes the lineup card
and the rest of the Cubs organization, along with Soriano, says Soriano plays. Ok. You’re wrong, but OK.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
No
No need to say that Soriano writes the lineup card. Saying that he isn’t being written-off as an expensive mistake. When or if he ever is written-off, it won’t be Lou or whoever is manager who does it. Unless that happens, Soriano is in the lineup and there doesn’t appear to be a good place for him especially when he isn’t hitting. Suggesting he would have been moved, by Lou, out of the lead-off spot sooner, and replaced in LF sooner, had his stats been worse sooner and.the team wasn’t winning. As it happened, the team won 97 games last year and won the division the last 2 years and Soriano was hitting noticeably better than this season.
AboutTheCubs - August 21, 2009
Tell me where I said to not play Soriano at all
And, you still haven’t even addressed the fact that Lou has made would huge blunder after another while managing this team, which is the crux of this issue. You said he’s a fall guy for a team that isn’t talented enough to be a first place team, even though they’ve already been in first place this season. Any time this team gets some forward momentum, Lou makes a change that throws everything out of whack, whether if that’s taking Dome out of the leadoff spot, pinch hitting Miles, leaving Marmol out there to die, sending Marshall out to get one batter out, leaving Heilman out there to die, etc. You’re also suggesting that whatever Soriano says goes, even though that’s not even the case. Again, Soriano doesn’t write the line up card or make substitutions, Lou does, and for you to even intimate that Soriano is out there as much as he because he says so, or because his contract says so is laughable. As much as he’s struggling and not helping this team, wouldn’t you think he would want to sit a little bit more on the bench? Your last two sentences also don’t make much sense. Yes, the team won that many games last year, and he was hitting better. You do realize that things do change and players are able to fall off a cliff, which, right now, Soriano is hanging out with Andruw Jones at the bottom.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
No
I’m the one who said the team would be better off without Soriano in the lineup assuming somebody else would be playing better than he is. I used him as an example of a player who was being counted on to play much better. He is certainly not the only underperforming player.
Your whole take is woefully discounting the impact of players not playing well and not playing as well as the opposing teams’ players. You are much too into how Lou should have or isn’t capable of doing things to not make the underperformances matter. It is totally out of whack; it is wrong.
AboutTheCubs - August 21, 2009
You're completely contradicting yourself
or you can’t express your viewpoint clearly. Yes, he’s being counted on to play much better, and keeps being put out on the field even though he can’t perform. Only at the start of this season, and for a couple weeks in the middle of it was Soriano useful. Beyond that, the writing was on the wall that he wasn’t coming out of his slump and he should have been moved elsewhere in the lineup. That’s on Lou. Bradley being placed in the wrong spot in the lineup until recently is on Lou. Sending in the wrong guys to pinch hit, keeping dying relievers out there for far too long, not making defensive changes when he should, etc. is all on Lou.
Yeah, there are players that underperform, but there are a lot of other players who play very well. The problem is, those players sit on the bench while guys like Miles are sent up to pinch hit or start, or when Soriano is swinging at pitch outs, or when Heilman does his best to show that he can barely pitch at the major league level. I wish you could see that, but you’re more concerned about telling me, “No, No, No.”
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
No
No is what you deserve. Where am I contradicting myself? And what is the difference between contradicting and completely contradicting?
There are players who underperform and you are saying that Lou is the reason they are underperforming or that he can avoid the underperforming. You are saying that because some players are performing well, they should still be winning and it is Lou’s fault that they aren’t. You believe he should be making, what have been losses, wins. He can’t do that, no manager can, and he is not hurting the chances of the Cubs winning games. What you want is not possible for a manager to do, and when you want that it doesn’t make it any more possible.
I already explained why Soriano is out there as much as he is, and I can easily see where another player on the roster, like Fuld for instance, could be contributing more. Overall, I really don’t see a wealth of talent sitting on the bench or in the bullpen that Lou should be using more or differently. Regardless, I think you will get your wish on the young players having more playing time.
AboutTheCubs - August 21, 2009
Lou must go NOW
Agree — the Cubs are not going to right this ship with Lou at the helm. It’s been said a million times, the functional definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Lou is going to do exactly what he has been doing if permitted to manage the final 43 games. And let’s face it — Lou is gone after this season anyway if it finishes up where it looks like it’s going and with the new ownership — so let’s try the long shot of shaking things up. Let Brenly take the team, he’s been practically begging for it ….. and see what happens when he is forced to live up to his mouth. Now we all understand he can’t take the field and that the players are largely responsible …. but a change in on field leadership can’t do any worse.
Hendry well …. he’s another dead man walking. If the Ricketts’ family takes over and makes no major changes their credibility will be destroyed from the outset. Cub fans are not going to tolerate new ownership that buys the team for the better part of a billion dollars and then makes no changes and cries poor. If they aren’t prepared to make changes and sink some additional money into the Cubs why are they buying? Just to milk us poor saps?
I’m with this team through thick and thin no matter what. But man oh man has this been hard to take …..
wrigley1 - August 21, 2009
it's going to be very interesting
to see what actually happens. I can easily see both Lou and Hendry staying next year.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
so can I, and I don't see that as a remotely good thing
Illicat - August 21, 2009
we'll see.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Ah, how quickly they forget.
Last year was epic. The playoffs went poorly, to be sure… but Hendry and Lou built a team that played better than anything most of us had seen as a cubs fan.
I’m not saying they should stay. I’m saying its a little quick to put them out the door.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
For all the good moves Hendry has made, he's made plenty of bad ones
and I’ve been less than confident with Lou’s game management for more than this season.
I don’t look at this season as the only reason to get rid of these two, simply the best one
Illicat - August 21, 2009
A lot of those moves were to win today
the farther we get away, the worse those moves become
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
Pay tribute to Charlie Grimm and Lou Boudreau
by kicking Lou up into the booth and naming Brenly as the new skipper.
CaliCub - August 21, 2009
At least we KNOW Brenly is aware of bad moves, players, etc.
Mapmaker - August 21, 2009
BB would have to get a lot of .....
“things” done in his favor for him to possibly take the job. It’s a whole different world talking up in the booth (“Why can’t our players run hard?”) than being in the dugout and in the clubhouse.
I have to wonder sometimes if its the inmates running the asylum.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
Rec'd -- if BB went downstairs
He’d have to deal with team politics. That said, I would imagine that the first thing discussed w/mgmt would be the right to sit expensive players or otherwise discipline them if the play crappy baseball & don’t perform.
cubmudgeon - August 21, 2009
Or at the very least...
…let Brenly manage the team for the last game of the season so he can yell at everyone he wants to yell at.
daver - August 21, 2009
I would love to see that.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
manager for a day. Heh.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Hell, make it a scratch off promotion!
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Could he do color commentary with Len while managing from the dugout?
This would be outstanding for a day.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Reminds of The Rock commentating
while he was in the middle of a match.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Must see TV!
daver - August 21, 2009
Thats nothing compared to my idea in last nights game thread...
… Fan Cam TV.
Find me investors. This could be huge.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
So it would just be the Fan Cam for the whole game?
I could dig that.
Or maybe have a reality show where you follow three sets of fans throughout the game.
daver - August 21, 2009
this is pure genius
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
MLB.com does something similar during the postseason
They give you 4 camera angles to choose from, including constant shots of the dugout. Though I’d imagine permanent fan cams would be much more popular.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
I was thinking a constat loop of every fancam from Wrigley ever.
Don’t act like you wouldn’t stop and watch this for 3 minutes every time you were channel surfing.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
I wouldn't...
stop for just three minutes.
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Oh, yeah - that would be very cool.
I’d just keep it on in the background 24 hours a day.
daver - August 21, 2009
sure
just do that thing ESPN does with managers during games. BALL-CAP CAM!
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
I do not have the time
to do this, but if anyone wants to take a detailed look at why the Cubs’ wheels came off starting in Colorado, it may be interesting. Gregg. Lou. Lack of RISP success (which has been a constant in 2009). This is now a “classic” Cubs August demise.
When I posted my “17-2, We Beat The Pirates…so what…blah” fanpost, some of you were still very hopeful. Some agreed. Maybe you are less hopeful now.
To me it is all over but the “math”. Yet, I would like to continue to see some bright spots. Maybe a new pitcher will come up from AAA? Darwin Barney? Maybe Aaron Miles could get traded or released…These kinds of things.
September is not far away.
The E-Man - August 21, 2009
♪Wake me up... when September ends.♫
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
♪ ♫ Wake me up, before you go-go... Don't leave me hanging on like a yo-yo....♫
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
Why do you build me up build me up buttercup baby...
Just to let me down…
Hilary Lee - August 21, 2009
Sounds better when you sing it.
daver - August 21, 2009
Soriano isn't the only dog who can't learn new tricks.
Why do I keep coming back for more? You’d think I would stop watching. At least I had the sense to shut the game off last night after the grand slam.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
And I was stupid enough to wake up just in time for the grand slam....
eths - August 21, 2009
Why?
Because you’re a Cubs fan. Likely a diehard Cubs fan. When you switched off – as did I – you were PO’d and rightfully so.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
I'm starting to wonder if it's more of an addiction.
They hurt me. It’s painful. Yet there I am the next day begging for more.
Or maybe in line with the dog learning tricks analogy it’s more Pavlovian.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
that's when I turned it off
but it was because I had to sleep.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Just saw Dome's 3 AB with a homer and basehits...
but so sorry to know Cubs couldn’t win. Looks like you have big problem in the pen…
dragonsfanatic - August 21, 2009
Why he isn't leading off when he's in the lineup is beyond me.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
well ...
it’s because Milton is hitting well in the two hole, and Lou wants someone in the middle of the lineup to break up the right handers.
Not saying I agree with Lou, but that’s his logic.
elgato - August 21, 2009
Yep, you nailed it.
I’m not saying it’s right either, but I do believe that’s why Lou does it.
daver - August 21, 2009
One of the Cubs' biggest problems ...
is that they have a bunch of square pegs that they thought were round, so round that they overpaid for them. Bradley and Soriano aren’t filling the roles the Cubs originally intended for them (and never really have), and Kosuke, despite his strong second half, is grossly overpaid. A $12 million platoon outfielder?
These problems butt up against what Lou wants to do with the lineup and what Hendry wants to do with the organization. With Soriano locked in to left, the Cubs needed to find a left-handed hitting right fielder (or center fielder) — which took Ibanez and Dunn off the table. Enter Milton, who really wasn’t what the Cubs needed, even if he’s not a terrible player.
That’s just one example, of course. Another is that if Kosuke had played better in 2008, DeRosa is probably still with this team, Fontenot doesn’t get over-exposed, Miles isn’t signed, etc.
I could go on. Paying too much for Dempster prompted the trade of Marquis, which makes the team less payroll flexible after this year. The Cubs’ bad moves begat (sp?) more bad moves.
elgato - August 21, 2009
Al, give me a break: Miles but not Soriano?
Look, blame Miles if you must, he clearly failed in a big spot last night. But it never ceases to amaze me how many different games Miles emerges as “the problem” when someone who the team is actually counting on fails far worse in an even bigger spot.
Alfonso Soriano was signed to be a marquee player. I still believe he can be. Last night Joe Torre — his former manager — effectively said he wasn’t half the player Fukudome is, and turns out he was right. It should be unthinkable that a team would walk a batter of Kosuke’s stature to load the bases for a guy of Soriano’s stature. Torre not only did that, he looked brilliant for doing it as Soriano waived meekly at pitches way outside the zone.
Blame Miles if you must, but give me a break. He’s a bit player in this circus. Soriano is supposed to be a big stick, last night he was exposed as an easy out.
Orval Overall - August 21, 2009
Kosuke's stature?
Forget about the past, this season Fukudome is a much better hitter than Soriano. He’s got an .OPS of .902 against righties this year, and is hitting .300 with an OPS of .931 with runners in scoring position.
Walking Dome to get to Soriano is a no-brainer there; Soriano has no stature anymore.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
I don't mean it as an insult, I mean it as a reflection of how baldy Soriano's failed this year
As good as Dome has played this year, he’s still not the guy who scares you in this lineup. Nothing ino his history approaches the level of play Soriano has achieved in the past. There was a time just three years ago when walking the bases loaded to get to Soriano would have been unthinkable. Now its just sound strategy.
Orval Overall - August 21, 2009
All kidding aside...
I’d really like to know what’s going through an opposing pitcher’s mind when they face Soriano. He has to grin a little bit and know that a few sliders wayyyy outside should get him a desired result.
CubsBullsBears - August 21, 2009
I don't blame Miles nearly as much as I blame Lou for using him
and yes, I’m tired of seeing Soriano trotted out there too. I think Lou’s constant use of Miles as a PH is a symptom of a much larger disease. An incompetent manager who refuses to adjust his approach based on the results we’ve ALL seen all season long.
Continuing to send Soriano out there when it’s clear he’s a huge liability is another symptom of that disease
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Yes ...
as I said earlier in this thread, … “the functional definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Lou is going to do exactly what he has been doing if permitted to manage the final 43 games.”
wrigley1 - August 21, 2009
He's going to be allowed to manage the final 43 games
I’m more concerned that he’ll continue his bad managing for the 162 after that.
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Sadly, it's likely right
… that Lou gets to finish out the year. And while rooting for the miracle turnaround, my strong suspicion is we’re in for an absolutely brutal finish with a record well under .500. Our manager and team are on the verge (if not already beyond it) of packing it in for 2009. But perhaps this is what has to happen before sorely needed sweeping changes can be made!
wrigley1 - August 21, 2009
Fire Sale
It is time to take a page out of the Florida Marlins history book and start putting our big $ players out there for trade….. Like anyone would want them…… and get some new “hungry” prospects that really want to play to win. We should start at the Gm Position and work down. Ryno should be ready to move up in the organization.
Icubsfan - August 21, 2009
the difference is, the Marlins fire sales included attractive players, who were GOING to make big money
our fire sale would consist of aging players with terrible contracts
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Have we put any players on waivers yet?
we gotta see if there is a chance to shed payroll and have a little flexibility next year
cozmotaylor123 - August 21, 2009
More than likely, yes.
It’s standard operating procedure for GMs to put players on waivers and Hendry has probably done so.
daver - August 21, 2009
agree....have not seen any rumors of Cubs on waivers..
seems like a lot of other names leak out……
cozmotaylor123 - August 21, 2009
What other names?
Dave is right, as has been discussed ad nauseaum. It’s been done.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Recently?
Sheffield.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Waveland?
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Gary
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I know, just trying to insert a little levity
now *waving hand in front of face, you cant see me!!
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
After someone claimed them.
Ain’t no one claimin’ Sori.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Oh, ok.
Right, no one is claiming Sori.
But, what team could be fooled into taking him? It’s like trying to figure out which kid will accept a trade for a really bad baseball card.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I just don't get why we get 10 comments/day
Where people suggest they put Soriano on waivers like it’s the newest thing and a guaranteed fix.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I know - it's driving me crazy.
daver - August 21, 2009
♫you drive me crazy...♪
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Could be worse
It could be 10 fanposts.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Uh-oh.
Now you’ve done it . . .
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
well, crap.
I had to be the one to do it.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Agree. Can we declare a no "let's put so and so on waivers" day?
Also, the let’s trade Miles for anything of value talk is wearing thin. He’s exposed, nobody will pay that contract.
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
ill give the cubs a bag of balls
i need a new footstool
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
done! please sign here...
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Maybe we need to go the other way
And create a fan post where the Cubs trade Miles for Trevor Hoffman, waive Soriano who is promptly picked up by the Yankees, trade Soto and Theriot for Brian Roberts and Matt Wieters and use the payroll flexibility from Soriano’s contract to hire Ozzie Smith to teach Jake Fox how to play shortstop.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
see, now I can work with you guys..
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
I almost forgot
Trade Kevin Gregg to the Cardinals for Albert Pujols. No, wait, they can’t keep him in FA, and Franklin can’t possibly keep going.
OMG GETIT DON EJIM!!! 1
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
You've neglected the key acquisition.
The cog that will make this whole machine work, the synergy that makes it go…
Mr. Adam Lind
How dare you.
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Whoops.
Man, is my face red.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
you call yourself an internet GM
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Rec'd.
Its an unproductive suggestion, at best. It just isn’t that easy.
AndrewJStone - August 21, 2009
If only it were this simple.
daver - August 21, 2009
As someone pointed out the other day
it’s not as simple as just deciding to blow up the team, and doing so would take years to recover from. You also have to find teams that want these contracts. A decent comparison is the Knicks organization. They were basically driven into the ground for years, and still are in the dirt, with horrendous contracts given to players that don’t deserve them. Hardly any other teams wanted those players, and they’re basically forced to set and wait for 2010 or 2011 to actually be a decent team again. At least the Cubs aren’t as terrible as the Knicks.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
T-shirts!
The Chicago Cubs: At least we’re not as terrible as the Knicks!
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
How about
“Be happy…We could be the Knicks.”
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
The depressing part......
We’ve got 5 more years of Sorry-Ass-ono with the expected diminishing skills (is this possible to go lower…?). Iowa needs a $136million whatever…… This is what farm teams are supose to do……. help the Major League team. PLEASE Iowa put him in your line-up…..!
James031 - August 21, 2009
No Thanks-
I actually enjoy going to the I-Cubs Game…. at least these players really try…..
Icubsfan - August 21, 2009
Lou and Hendry must go, period.
They are the ones directly responsible for acquiring these bums and putting them on the field. This team is a laughingstock and all we get is interviews with Lou blaming all our troubles on the big west coast ballparks?
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Agreed.....
Saying that here for some time….
James031 - August 21, 2009
Good luck..
…getting rid of Hendry.
Is there anyone in the organization who DOESN’T think he walks on water?
The Jade Scorpion - August 21, 2009
Hopefully, the Ricketts family will see right through his bullshit
and can him, ASAP!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
I am always fascinated
by calls to fire Lou and Hendry. Who would you replace them with? It is never a good idea to get rid of someone in management unless you feel strongly that you can hire someone who represents an upgrade and who gives you a better chance to win.
So, who do you hire as field manager and general manager? Brenly? Someone who works for Theo Epstein?
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Bob Costas as GM
and Ryne Sandberg as manager…… They both would cut through the BS and make a team that at least acts like it would want to play
Icubsfan - August 21, 2009
Is this a serious suggestion?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Didn't Costas
pinch hit for Charlie Rose recently or did my eyes deceive me? In any event, I doubt he would want to take a pay cut to be GM for the Cubs.
Sandberg is where, in AA this year? How is the team doing? Is that Tennessee? Do you think he is ready to make the jump from managing in AA to the majors?
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
2nd place
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
Wh...what?
daver - August 21, 2009
I hope that these suggestions are tongue in cheek
Because they are both ridiculous. But I don’t recognize your user name, so I can’t tell how serious you are.
1. Media types are not good management material. The chattering class needs a different skill set.
2. I loved Ryno as a player, but being a good player does not make you a good manager, either. And it is hard to put this delicately, with respect for his playing days, but to also put it emphatically enough to do whatever I can to derail this bandwagon: Ryno is not a great thinker. Not even a very good thinker. I remember watching him being interviewed back in my college days, and us die-hard fans agreeing afterward that it was great that he was such a good ballplayer, because he seemed to be as dumb as a fence post. When he played, his nickname was “Kid Natural”, which is also a warning sign. HINT: When looking for manager material, you should go for the guy nicknamed “The Perfesser” or “Doc”.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Don't consider interviews as a sign of the intelligence of the person.
Some people just don’t interview well.
Sandberg has gotten high marks from the organization for his hard work and his willingness to ride the buses at the lower levels.
Do NOT be surprised if he’s Cubs manager by 2011.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
Sorry Al, but I do
I am a manager myself, and I consider myself pretty good at interviewing job candidates.
Now, I know that a job interview is not the same as a media interview. In the job interview, gauging intelligence and decision-making skills is most of the point. In the media interview, you just want to pry out a memorable quote. However, I do think being thoughtful and articulate is an important part of being a good big-league manager.
I think that, in a lot of cases, you can tell a lot about a person’s intelligence and ability to express themselves from a media interview. You could always tell that Barry Bonds was smart, and that he was sneering at you. Some people are harder to tell, but you still hold out hope, because they don’t say too much — I did not find Sandberg to be one of those cases.
This is just my opinion. So, we will have to agree to differ on this, and I will hope that Ryno does not interview well enough to make your prediction come true.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
He sounded pretty intelligent in his HOF induction speech.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
I'm not saying that Ryno isn't right for the job, but
“willing to ride the buses” doesn’t seem like a reason to name him manager
Illicat - August 21, 2009
What if I told you that he'd preach fundamentals from day one?
and since he’s rode the buses, he knows the organization from the ground up.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
I'm sure a lot...
…of managers preach fundementals, but it’s more about having the right environment to teach them. The major league level is not as conducive, because good or bad habits are usually fairly ingrained by that point. This has to be a staple of your farm system development, and a key recognition of what you are getting when you sign FA’s or trade for guys (through scouting).
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Agreed.
Whether the Cubs attempt to focus on it or not at the Minor League level, it isn’t getting through at the Major League level.
Now if Sandberg was the manager and had a track record of focusing on fundamental play in Single-A and Double-A, I’d look for it to be more of an emphasis at the Major League level, too.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Could be...
..but he is actually in the best position he can be to have a positive influence on improving fundementals – in the minors.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
someone told me that exact thing about Lou
I’d like someone considered a good (and possibly innovative) baseball mind
Illicat - August 21, 2009
ryno is not ready to be a manager
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
I love Sandberg and think he would be a great manager
My son’s middle name is Ryne…
But……..do you hire someone you could never fire???
Is he too big of a CHi Icon?
cozmotaylor123 - August 21, 2009
Detriot had no problem firing Trammell.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Bob Costas?
the sports reporter Bob Costas?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Yep-
He is truly one of the greatest baseball minds out there…. plus it is no hidden fact that he would love to be the commish of MLB
Icubsfan - August 21, 2009
ok, fine
I’m good with him as Commissioner.
But Cubs GM?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
No.
Broadcasters make terrible GM’s: just ask Jim Frey or Hawk Harrelson.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
I keep trying to warn you guys
Last October, I tried to tell you to not be fooled by the Dodgers barely over .500 record, that they had been transformed by the Manny acquisition and were on a major roll going into the playoffs. But, the vast majority on here said the Dodgers were an insignificant speed bump on the Cubs road to the NLDS.
Yesterday, when BCB was full of talk about the Dodgers being in a slump and sweeps and stuff, I tried to inject some reality. I tried to tell you that the Dodger bullpen has been terrific lately, which you saw for yourselves last night. Oh well.
Will be interested to see what Al has to say in his pre game later today. I hope he doesn’t miss the fact that Randy Wolf has been really good lately and that the Cubs offense continues to sputter – with or without Aaron Miles.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Dear Soothsayer:
Will I find love this year? Is there a job change in my future?
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Cute
but my comments re: the Dodgers were/are based on watching them play a lot.
Don’t know what you do for a living, but maybe a job change would help your love life.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
As are my comments.
Perhaps we see different things.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 21, 2009
Well I can
back my comments up with stats, and have. Can you?
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
You're not very well liked, are you?
Orval Overall - August 21, 2009
Nice comment
You’re not very well respected, are you?
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
i believe he defended aaron miles once
so no
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
LOL
that certainly puts it into perspective
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Manny hasn't been so damn good since the break
And it’s more of a case of COLD Cubs bats rather than the Dodgers pitching. The D-Backs and Cards, among other teams, since the break have handled the Dodgers quite well.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 21, 2009
SDSJM
I love ya man, but sometimes I wonder about your baseball acumen. The D’backs and Cardinals did NOT handle the Dodgers bullpen well. I can pull up the stats if you want, but why not just take my word for it. I was at 2 of the 3 D’Backs Dodger games and saw the third. The only guy out of the bullpen they had any success against was Broxton.
Manny looked very much out of sorts in that series – he popped up several times on pitches he usually crushes. He did the same against the Cardinals. But, I notice he was 3 for 4 last night, and scored twice. As you would expect from one of the best hitters in the game, he has made the adjustment. I would be willing to wager he has a productive weekend, especially against left handed pitching. Don’t forget, he missed 50 games and is no doubt searching for a consistent stroke. He looked to be finding it last night.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
My god, won't people ever get tired of the "I was right! Everyone Look at Me! I'm SO Intelligent!
posts? You were right about the Dodgers bullpen. HOORAY! Do you want a cookie?
Something tells me that if we light up the Dodgers pen for five runs tonight, (and no, I don’t actually believe that will happen) you won’t be on here telling everyone how wrong you were.
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Well I would be
sympathetic to your rant, but all I ever did was state the obvious for anyone with even a passing interest in what is going on in the baseball world. (Which, for this purpose, means outside of Chicago).
My post was not to congratulate myself, it was to point out the degree to which so many who post on here insist on keeping their heads in the sand.
There are quite a few people on here who get that. Apparently, you dont.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
what do you care if people keep their heads in the sand?
I’m not one of those people. I didn’t think the Dodgers were going to be a push over. I just don’t understand the people who feel the need to puff out their chest and say “I WAS RIGHT!” on here.
Those posts ALWAYS come off as pompous and condescending.
By the way, if you yourself are saying you’re stating the obvious, why feel the need to keep stating it?
Illicat - August 21, 2009
You are completely misrepresenting
what I posted. Never made any reference to being right, I simply said that multiple times I have tried to inject a dose of reality when the tone on here is a little too laced with kool aid.
I don’t think there are very many others who think the post came off as pompous at all.
The only time I have repeated myself is in response to someone who tried to dispute what I was saying.
I think it is worthwhile to make note once in awhile as to who is correctly assessing what is going on (BEFORE the fact) and who isn’t. Not as it pertains to me, but for everyone.
That is why – a lot of you just aren’t clued in enough to realize it – but this blog desperately needs posters like BLou and a couple of others…not just because he has a contrarian viewpoint to the typical blather on here, but because, more often than not, he is correct.
I think that is why he pisses Al and others off so much. He correctly assessed what was going on with the Cubs some time ago – and since it doesn’t fit the “conventional wisdom” of BCB, he gets attacked, banned, etc.
So be it – if you guys just want to regurgitate the same old nonsense…have at it.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Illicat is right
I am not sure what you think this Blog/BB/Community is about, but your message indicates that the point is “to be right”. Actually, it is to root for the Cubs (see AndrewJStone’s green post on this same thread). This often requires a partial suspension of disbelief. You have to hope that something that is out of your control is resolved, even though you don’t strongly believe that it will be.
If you are more gleeful about being right than disappointed because the Cubs are falling to pieces, then it is questionable why you come here at all. I think that there is some argument that your tone is somewhat pompous when you dismiss all of the rest of us as “the typical blather on here”.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
You guys
are the only ones who brought up the word “right”. I never used it.
And I am not gleeful. You have no basis for making that assumption.
BTW, I do not agree that BCB exists merely for people to root for the Cubs and I don’t believe Al does, either (Al you can correct me if I am wrong).
I thought BCB was a place to hold intelligent conversations about baseball. It is Cubs-centric, to be sure – but if that means you have to look at everything through the excessively skewed prism of Cubs fandom – which I might add frequently loses touch with the real world – then, as I said, have at it. Like they say, you should never wake a sleep-walker, they might trip and hurt themselves.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
azjazzman is right.
I have no problem with contrary opinions. I do have a problem when the posters use profanity and issue personal attacks on other posters. That’s when people get banned.
Otherwise, feel free to criticize the Cubs if you wish.
Al Yellon - August 21, 2009
Right now, Latroy Hawkins could get the Cubs out, as Padres AAA starters just did.
So I’m not showing the Dodgers pitching any loive. They will struggle to stay in first for the rest of the season, no matter what happens for the next three games.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 21, 2009
No way
The Dodgers have received their wake up call and they will respond.
That lineup is loaded. Pitching is solid and, unlike the Cubs they have planned for an immediate fix to their closer problem. They win going away. Bank on it.
BTW, Hawkins has an ERA just over 2 and a WHIP of 1.18 this year, so he is getting lots of people out.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Latroy has actually been a pretty decent pitcher the last couple seasons.
daver - August 21, 2009
I was amazed
when I saw him in the WBC in the spring. He had the same electric stuff, but he had command and a air of confidence on the mound that was amazing. It made me wonder if it was the same guy. Good for him – looks like he has had the light bulb come on.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Yeah, he's still got a bit of an attitude problem (to put it lightly)...
…but he’s pitched pretty well for the ’Stros.
daver - August 21, 2009
Miles is no good, Al, and you're right about him.
But the recap should have been about Soriano’s uselessness. That and not Miles, decided the game last night.
By the way, I can hear the fat lady singing the whole aria very clearly. ¿7 games out in the division and 6 in the wild card? The Cubs are not mathematically eliminated, but their season is over, realistically speaking. There’s nothing wrong hoping for a miracle as long as we recognize it’s a miracle we’re hoping for.
Fraggin Judge - August 21, 2009
I have high hopes for Wells against the Dodgers today
I would like to see him use that pitcher’s park to his advantage.
I am starting to look at the season differently and adjust my Cubs goals to something more realistic.
1. These games against the Dodgers are one of their few chances left to affect the playoff mix, so I hope that they can cause the Dodgers some pain in their playoff run.
2. If we win those last three games against the Cards, we can avoid losing the season series against them. This would be difficult, but a three-game hot streak is still possible, and they usually show some fire when playing the Cards.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
On the topic of mgmt once Ricketts takes over
IMO the mgmt structure running the Cubs will be overhauled. It’ll be very easy to do if Lou chooses to step down, say right after the end of the season.
blackhawk24 - August 21, 2009
I think Lou
will step down. But, then who do you hire to replace him?
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
The three obvious names that come to mind are...
Bob Brenly, Ryne Sandberg and Tony LaRussa. I’m sure a ton of other guys would be interested in the job, but it depends on who’s “available.” If the right guy isn’t available this off-season, I could see Lou coming back for the last year of his contract.
You can’t make a snap decision like this – you absolutely have to have the right guy waiting in the wings…
DKT - August 21, 2009
There's also Trammel
Considering past moves though, I would be scared to death they would hire the Rox old manager, Clint something, the last name escapes me at the moment.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Hurdle
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Thank you!
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
The way the Rockies
did a complete about face after Hurdle was relieved, doesn’t bode well for Clint getting another head job any time soon.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
This is why...
…this focus on the manager is way overblown.
Wasn’t it Hurdles team that won something like 20 of 21 games a short time ago to make the playoffs and eventually get in the World Series?
What happened to that team to make them go on one of the hottest tears ever?
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Yeah
That streak was amazing, with several players getting hot at the same time, but it was also somewhat fueled by a favorable schedule that had them playing most of those 21 games against really weak NL West competition.
They went 7-0 against the Dodgers during that stretch and the Dodgers were totally in disarray.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
You do realize that the same team that was failing with Hurdle earlier this year
all of sudden improved by leaps and bounds when they switched to a new manager, right? So, in essence, the focus on the manager is not overblown.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Let's see how long...
…that lasts.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Well, it's last for a pretty damn long time now
and the Rox are still one of the hottest teams in the NL. I mean, at least acknowledge the fact that the manager does have a significant impact. The proof is right there.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Jump!
daver - August 21, 2009
♪I get up! And nothing gets me down♫
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
♪You've got to roll with the punches to get to what's real♫
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
If they get...
…the right GM, I tend to think the right manager will take care of itself.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
Hahaha
now there is faith for you.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Y'know, on the one hand, I have a hard time picturing...
…TLR ever managing in a Cubs uniform. Then again, I suppose if he really wanted to solidify his legacy as the greatest manager ever, he’d have to win here. Maybe he could bring Albert with him.
daver - August 21, 2009
Zambrano took BP in Peoria last night and hit 6 HRs
according to reports. So much for him listening to team mgmt. and laying off. Face it, nobody has control over these knuckleheads, esp. Z and Sori. What a mess this is!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Good Lord
Throw them a few bones in Peoria, will you?
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Oh man...Worf is gonna go NUTS when he reads this.
daver - August 21, 2009
oh, oh...
eths - August 21, 2009
The farthest I ever hit a pitched ball of any kind
Was the result of a smooth, easy swing.
You’re assuming a bit here.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Not assuming a thing! He was told, no more BP.
He’s there for rehab for problems caused by that very damn thing. There is no sugarcoating this one, period, don’t bother.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Do you have a link for that?
I don’t recall reading “no BP” just that he would cut back or take it easy.
daver - August 21, 2009
yeah it was cutting back
not having bp
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
I don't know exactly what he was told but that sure as hell isn't cutting back!
Either way, it’s ridiculous that he would be jacking HRs out of the park when he’s supposed to be laying off the BP so he doesn’t aggravate it. Face it, the guy is a self-centered knucklehead, just like the clown LF!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
obrien fields left and right field dimensions are 310 ft
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
See, Itchy? Z was probably bunting!
daver - August 21, 2009
or popping up
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
You forgot to say something bad about Bradley, too.
daver - August 21, 2009
And the Aaron Bros.
eths - August 21, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Is that where they build them?
eths - August 21, 2009
Do they offer warranties?
daver - August 21, 2009
what about
lay-away?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Can I speak to someone in customer service about their returns policy?
daver - August 21, 2009
I'm sorry sir
but without a notarized receipt, we cannot accept your return.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Exactly the kind of lay I would stay away from
eths - August 21, 2009
Their return policy sucks -
you get rid of the item but end up paying for it anyway
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Damn, should have just gone to Target.
daver - August 21, 2009
He's a real winner
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Hold on, there, Itchy
First you say he was told no BP. Now you say you don’t know what he was told, and you insist he isn’t cutting back.
So, we’re back to my point. You are assuming.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Yes, so are you. The comment in the Trib said that Carlos was told to cut back
as I said in my original statement. And last night he wasn’t cutting back but hitting tape measure shots out of O’brien Field.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
What am I assuming?
Seriously. Find the assumption and show it to me.
Meanwhile, where was it reported that:
A) He took big cuts
B) He hit tape measure shots?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
You're assuming he didn't do those things
and you have posted no facts. Here’s the link depicting the rocket shots he hit
Itchy - August 21, 2009
http://www.pjstar.com/sports/x1528805027/WESSLER-Cubs-ace-atop-rotation-for-this-Starting-Five
Itchy - August 21, 2009
I think you're
overreacting. Even if he was DH’d for, he still needs to practice hitting.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
I just posted what was reported and was ripped by the you Kool Aid drinkers
Hitting tape measure shots is not practicing hitting by the way.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
it's batting practice
and it’s batting practice in freaking Peoria. I doubt this Wessler guy would out there measuring the distance, and honestly, he seems like kind of a douche.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Probably a Cardinal fan.
If
Itchy - August 21, 2009
No, you were not "ripped" by anyone
And I’ve criticized the Cubs plenty on this site.
What I did was point out to you that you seem to just come here and bitch, without any substance, and in response, you’ve pretty much substantiated that evaluation.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I just gave you your substance
Have another glass of Kool Aid
Itchy - August 21, 2009
What are you
a sock puppet account?
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
What does that even mean?
In your mind, is the qualification for being a Kool-Aid drinker not finding your angry utterances insightful?
If that’s the case, all I have to say is:
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Not to nitpick
but it wasn’t even Kool-Aid those people drank, it was Flavor-Aid.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
IIRC, that crap's quite powdery
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I've never drank Kool-Aid in all my life
so I wouldn’t know, but it always seemed gross.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Same goes for Flavor-aid
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I meant Flavor-aid
I loved Kool-Aid as a kid.
Besides, who ever heard of a giant Flavor-Aid man?
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Not when mixed with Everclear
and a variety of fruits. Kool-Aid is great then (and in moderation, kids).
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Everclear...shudders
Anyway, I was always a Hi C kid, Ecto Cooler to be exact. That stuff was great.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Ecto Cooler.
Great cross-promotion there.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Do they still make Ecto Cooler?
I should look on Amazon.com because you can get cases of Ninja Turtles cereal on there, or at least you used to be able to.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Not according to Wikipedia.
From the Hi-C entry:
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
:(((((((
So sad
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Never? How old are you?
it was a staple in my youth.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
29 in October
My parents bought Hi C when I was a kid, and never bought Kool-Aid or Flavor-Aid, so I never had it, not even at a friends house.
Funny story though, at lunch one day one of the kids has a bottle full of cloudy water and I asked what it was. He told me it was City Punch…It was just sugar and water. That’s it.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I think people quit using it in the 80s
I haven’t had any since about 1980.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Hey, I just posted about what Zambrano did last night
and that I thought he was supposed to take it easy. Sorry if that ruffled any feathers.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
That's not it . . .it's how you did it
And at this point, I’m sorry I said anything.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Actually, you just took a shot at Soriano, Z and the entire organization...
while mentioning that Z hit HR’s in batting practice.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
dude, it's how you presented your post
and you know that.
Illicat - August 21, 2009
By the way
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
I am most certainly not
I said it’s possible that he did not.
Show me where I did otherwise.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
And it's more possible that he did as the article said
You assume he’s swinging smooth and easy.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
actually, you're making assumptions
he’s giving Zambrano the benefit of the doubt, and NOT assuming anything.
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Indeed.
But maybe I do have a learning disability. I’m just now starting to figure out that he sees what he wants to see.
That’s not even considering the moving goalposts at the start of the discussion . . . .
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
it's three hundred and ten feet!
even Mileseven Marshall can hit it that far!drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
he was NOT told
“no more BP”.
This is the national league. Pitchers bat. That means they need to practice it.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Bullshit
He’s paid to pitch and that’s why he is on the damn DL. Wake up, the guy is an idiot!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Good lord
we’re going to have THAT discussion again?
BCB vacay…. here I come I think.
Allie - August 21, 2009
Have you ever posted anything positive
Or backed up the negative with something other than emotion?
A lot of us seem to be noticing this lately . . . .
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Yes, All the time
Look at the thread from Wednesday night.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Saying you think Soriano positively sucks doesn't count.
daver - August 21, 2009
That would be the truth though
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Ah, when they won.
And, no, I’m not going to sift through 1000’s of gamethread comments.
I’m not trying to bust your chops, and you may not even care – you probably shouldn’t care – but angry, emotional one liners seem to be the majority of your comments.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
No, the only thing I care about is seeing the Cubs win
and if they don’t and look bad doing it, I’m gonna say so.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
No one is saying you shouldn't
But all you do is say, “Soriano SUCKS! Bradley is worthless!” There is absolutely no substance to it. It’s like some kind of angry interntet Tourette’s syndrome.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
From game threads, genius, where it's quick and all emotion
Sorry but that’s what you get when you strike out with thw bags full. One more thing: Soriano Blows! Bradley is worthless!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
If Bradley is "worthless"....what is Aaron Miles?
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
anti-matter.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
We need a new word for his level of crapiness
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Shitburglar
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
LOL!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
crapacacious
daver - August 21, 2009
That's pretty much all you post anywhere, "genius"
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Good thing you're here - I had no idea.
daver - August 21, 2009
The guy may be an idiot
but this is the NL – he is expected to swing a bat. It’s called “baseball;” our AL friends may not be familiar with it.
That said – him being out of shape and swinging for the fences every at bat doesn’t help things. He’s always at “10;” we need him at “5.”
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
o.0
DOOD.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
He might be assuming something
but it’s a safe assumption. Carlos rarely has a smooth, easy swing
Illicat - August 21, 2009
I don't think it is
I’m pretty critical of Zambrano, but since none of us saw this, nor do I recall reading any account of how he was swinging, this is just bluster for its own sake.
Shanghai Badger - August 21, 2009
Exactly right
One of the best examples of this I ever saw was the upper deck shot Mark Grace hit in the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium. His swing was so easy, he almost didn’t complete it. He just dropped the bat on the ball and BAM, upper deck.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
wait
he’s supposed to stop taking BP altogether? I’m pretty sure that’s NOT what the agreement was.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
SI reporting:
#mets billy wagner has been claimed. mets have 3 days to do deal with claiming team
Allie - August 21, 2009
Oooh, a mystery!
I ♥ mysteries!
daver - August 21, 2009
Watson!
Encylopedia Brown would like a word!
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Nate the Great will have this solved in no time.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
The Hardy Boys
are on the case!
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Maybe they'll call Nancy Drew
and the Boxcar Children for help as well.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Poriot
will chaperone.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
I'd rather Sean and Gus get a crack at solving this first.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
This
or Professor Layton.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
I'm Batman.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Christian Bale Batman?
Because that doesn’t read deep sounding and gravely enough.
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
Adam West
I’m FABULOUS Batman!
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Sometimes you just can't get rid of a bomb
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
That's right
Robin, but you need to repeat that in the form of a “Holy _______, Batman!” phrase.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Holy Clutche, Batman!
Sometimes you just can’t get rid of a troll!
Craig in South Bend - August 21, 2009
That's right, Robin
but sometimes, in a clutch situation, you can push them off a bridge.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
What's his BA?
This team pitches well enough to win. The problem(s) are in the batters’ boxes.
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
Paging Deep Goat....
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Phillies?
It might be the one piece they lack for another championship, with Lidge stinking it up.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
Hm, decent guess.
daver - August 21, 2009
Um
I’m pretty sure Lidge burned all the bridges there were back to Philly. I would be shocked if it were the Phillies.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
And just to make things even more horrible and awful
The FOX game on Saturday…. Dick f’n Stockton.
I can’t do it.
Allie - August 21, 2009
Is getting hit by a pitch part of Bradley's stradegy?
Does he do it to take it for the team or is it simply that he crowds the plate? If he does it to help the team somehow it makes me respect him more.
BTW- This is a slight diversion for those of us not arguing right now although I truly want to know.
katie casey - August 21, 2009
someones gotta be reed johnson while hes gone
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
I miss Reed Johnson.
When is he coming back?
katie casey - August 21, 2009
He's started light running
but can’t put all his weight on his foot yet.
Muskrat says.
Allie - August 21, 2009
thanks
katie casey - August 21, 2009
I like blueberry and cherry pie, but not at the same time
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Why the hell not? ;-)
stuartscottslefteye - August 21, 2009
well, I guess I've never tried it...
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
he knows it's a way to get on base
and he’s certainly no stranger to pain. I think that if he thinks he’s going to get hit, he’ll take the guaranteed base, and to hell with the stats.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
He didn't even move last night.
Seemed like he noticed Weaver coming inside and decided that should one get away, he’d take and get on base. Worked well when he scored, too.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
I think it's definitely part of his game.
He’s got a great eye at the plate and if getting nicked by a pitch will get him on base, he’ll take it.
daver - August 21, 2009
WTF?
Seriously, Al? You think this team is going to fundamentally change after 3/4 of the season, make up a game a week, and jump over five teams for a playoff spot?
I don’t see it. They had their chance. Even now, there are guys moving on waiver deals that could help this club, and they still won’t move to right this ship.
This team is death.
Damen Jackson - August 21, 2009
What waiver deal guys are you referring to?
daver - August 21, 2009
John Smoltz could have helped this club...
Hell, Ivan Rodriguez could have actually given you something. I could have even gotten behind Aubrey Huff, if the Orioles would have eaten a touch more money.
Damen Jackson - August 21, 2009
Pudge
was on waivers? I thought he was traded.
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
that's how he was traded
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Wasn't it past the non-waiver deadline?
n/t
Damen Jackson - August 21, 2009
yes, since it was like 2 days ago
Illicat - August 21, 2009
Seems like Smoltz was St. Louis bound from the get-go.
I’m not sure what Pudge could’ve done to make a huge difference. Huff’s season OPS is .719. What can he do that Jake Fox can’t?
daver - August 21, 2009
Well, I've heard some stories about Huff that are fairly amusing...
and he’s left-handed. But that’s about it.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
Yeah, Huff's not well....
Like I said though, I might have. He’s a lefty bat that I might have chanced a rebound on. But that’s not really the point. Management seems more than happy to acknowledge the money spent this season as a sunk cost, and just let this team die. That would be fine actually, were it not for this dishonest charade of trying to look competitive.
I’m all for hoping that they can get back to within four or five games by month’s end, get a healthy group together, and make a nice move in September. But even at their best, this team looks thin, and I don’t see them getting help, which is shameful.
Damen Jackson - August 21, 2009
I agree with just about everything you've said.
And yes, Aubrey Huff is one of baseball’s characters, to say the least.
Bill Potter - August 21, 2009
dishonest charade?
really?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Just seems like there's really no help available...
…that would make a significant difference.
daver - August 21, 2009
I'm not sure...
…Smoltz has much left in the tank, but I guess we’ll see.
He may do fine his first or second appearance, but after that, reality will kick in.
MPH73 - August 21, 2009
I just watched Soriano and The At Bat...
I don’t think I can believe what I just saw. I gotta have my meds adjusted.
eths - August 21, 2009
if Soriano striking out on a pitch a foot outside the plate is surprising you
then you do indeed need your meds adjusted
Illicat - August 21, 2009
I knew it was gonna be terrible, but not that it was goning to be that bad...
Please tell me I was only having a hallucination and that it really wasn’t that like that.
eths - August 21, 2009
you can take solace
in the fact that the catcher’s left foot was almost behind the corner of the plate?
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
When I played for a German ball team...
…we were better at the plate than that. As one of two Americans on the team, I was in charge of teaching our players which end of the bat is the business end. The German kids on the team had a better eye than Soriano, after just half a summer. They had never played baseball before. And Germans playing Baseball is almost like Americans playing Soccer back in the early 70’s.
eths - August 21, 2009
I find it depressing that.
The cubs could probably win 20 games in a row, and the way the cards are playing they still wouldn’t be in first place…
Devin B - August 21, 2009
Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports:
The Cubs, in dire need of a closer, are not the team that claimed Wagner, according to a major-league source.
BleedsbluinMI - August 21, 2009
Not surprising
If they were going to invest that much money in an injury-risk guy, they had the opportunity this year with Kerry Wood.
vonde6 - August 21, 2009
deal inked
Tribune Co. says it has signed an agreement to sell the iconic franchise to the Ricketts family. Latest developments from the Chicago Breaking News Center:
http://link.chicagotribune.com/r/P7B0FH/NL8KU/64KYYI/H7T8/IY8CCF/XL/t
Allie - August 21, 2009
link fail
doesn’t work
drewishdrewid - August 21, 2009
Yeah
I fixed it when I posted the fanpost.
And now theres a front pager by Al.
Allie - August 21, 2009
Went to the game last night with KaliCub.
Game itself was nice, aside from the sixth inning. We arrived early enough to see the end of BP, and I got to go get an autograph and a picture with Ted Lilly.
The fans in Dodger Stadium were not that hard on me, in fact, I caught hardly any grief.
Though, KaliCub and I both groaned when Miles was brought in to pinch-hit. I believe KaliCub said something like “Okay, get it past the pitcher’s mound, Aaron!”
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 21, 2009
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