Regardless of what you now think about the Cubs' shrinking postseason chances in 2009, I'm sure we can agree on one thing:
Dick Stockton should never, ever, EVER again be allowed to call the play-by-play of a Cubs game.
Between missing pitches entirely while reading off reams of irrelevant stats, and pronouncing Kosuke Fukudome's name "Koh-SKEE", Stockton has to be the worst national baseball announcer currently calling games -- and that's saying a lot, because there are quite a few bad ones. It occurred to me while watching this game and thinking about the 1969 Cubs/Phillies game that ran on the MLB Network this afternoon, called by NBC's Curt Gowdy, that Stockton and Gowdy were contemporaries calling NFL games in the late 1970's.
Couple that with the fact that Stockton was the announcer for the Division Series games involving the Cubs the last two years -- I don't think the Cubs have ever won a game that Stockton has called -- and he has to go. The commentary would have been better, more informed and useful if Fox had just let Eric Karros call the game himself. Incidentally, when the time comes that Ron Santo will have to be replaced on WGN radio, I'd love to see Karros get a shot at the gig. He's well-informed, has a good broadcasting voice, and is young enough (42 in November) that he could keep the job alongside Pat Hughes for many years to come.
The Cubs lost to the Dodgers 2-0. More below the fold.
About the game itself -- what else can be said when the offense refuses to show up? Thanks primarily to Sam Fuld, who walked twice and stole two bases, the Cubs left RISP in the first, third, fifth and eighth innings. Fuld also made two outstanding catches in left field, otherwise the Dodgers would likely have scored quite a few more runs. The Cubs nearly got a big break in the 8th when Matt Kemp lost Derrek Lee's fly ball in the sun, putting runners on second and third with one out, but Aramis Ramirez's line drive -- which would have scored both runs if it had been two feet to the right -- was right at Mark Loretta, and Fukudome struck out.
I don't know what else to say. Ted Lilly threw an outstanding game today, making only two mistakes, that were hit for solo homers by Kemp and Casey Blake. He allowed only one other hit, a single, and walked no one. He'd certainly have been allowed to go more than six innings -- he threw only 80 pitches -- had the Cubs not had a runner on base in the seventh. Mike Fontenot pinch-hit and flied to left. Lilly probably could have done that. The bullpen did a good job at keeping the game close; Aaron Heilman allowed a pair of singles but John Grabow snuffed that before a run could score.
When you hold a good-hitting team like the Dodgers to that little offense in their home park, you should have a real good chance at winning the game. Instead, the Cubs suffer their third straight loss to LA and are only a game over .500. All we can do is hope the Padres can keep the Cubs "only" seven games behind and hope for better things tomorrow.
Don't give up. Not yet. Keep the faith.
0 recs | 422 comments
Stockton sucks at all sports
MrNFL - August 22, 2009
Al
what were you sitting ready on the post button? I wish you would have had to do a re-write but sadly we are here…
LT - August 22, 2009
Haha I know
I literally just saw the game end on gamecast and was surprised to see this was already up. With this team though, the script unfortunately seems to be the same most nights.
MrNFL - August 22, 2009
yeah
my phone beeped with the tweet right as the last out was made. Al may have just made a hit and run….
LT - August 22, 2009
I was hoping to do a rewrite.
But knowing it probably wouldn’t be necessary. Sigh.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Al, that says a lot that you had the recap "done" before the last out
with the Cubs threatening. You are the most optimistic Cub Fan I know, so for you to do this speaks volumes to me.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
eh, like any good reporter, he probably had the "comeback victory" recap written as well.
Just fill in a few blanks (Riot with a 3 run homer, Gregg with a 1-2-3-9th) and poof! he’s done.
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
Of course!
A rewrite was just waiting!
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Too bad the Cubs weren't in on it
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Guess I should have told them.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Ah, they'd just screw it up anyway
win a game in their last at bat? Pure hubris.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
I'm pretty sure
he does it for most away games.
drewishdrewid - August 22, 2009
No, actually, I don't.
Today, though… seemed like the thing to do.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
my bad
I thought you’d mentioned writing at least part of the recaps for games you watch on TV…
drewishdrewid - August 22, 2009
I have done that occasionally in the past.
Today was the first time I had done that in at least a couple months. And I’ve done it for wins as well as losses.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Tell you what, write a winning recap tonight and maybe the baseball Gods will read it and make it so tomorrow
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
It's a sad state of affairs, when AL
has the Cubs lose recap written before the lose
DisCUBbobulated - August 22, 2009
Or before the 7th inning
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
Al has a template now
It sort like a mad lib for game recaps. Just change some names and it works
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Meh
Just because I don’t have faith in this team anymore, I’m a fan. We’ll see this through to the end.
Ace Venom - August 22, 2009
For better or worse,
we have no choice
stuartscottslefteye - August 23, 2009
Hey in your rush to recap
Did you forget to mention that somebody besides Lilly had a nice game ?
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
nope
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
He mentioned your boy
A couple of times
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
She must have meant
Sori’s walk…
LT - August 22, 2009
Yes that is who I meant
See if Lou had STARTED Soriano we would have won. Don’t know what he was thinking.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
lol
LT - August 22, 2009
I read to fast and I expect it to be in the headline.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Of course you do :D
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
i blame aaron miles
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
There's a lot of blame to go around this year
Ace Venom - August 22, 2009
Well put Al.
eths - August 22, 2009
♪♫..."Meet the new loss. Same as the old loss."...♪♫
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
Pete Townshend sliding across the stage on his knees...
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
♪Another one bites the dust.♫
Fraggin Judge - August 22, 2009
This is The End...
My only friend, The End…
stuartscottslefteye - August 23, 2009
Have to disagree with you about Karros
At least after hearing him today. Was bland and not able to make any interesting comments much less mention the horrible strike zone …other than saying the Cubs can’t hit.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 22, 2009
I give him a pass
Karros has been alright with announcers that don’t suck.
Allie - August 22, 2009
I really hope to see Sam Fuld
get in more AB’s. He seems to provide life/hustle for this team, and he’s still as good a top of the order option as we have outside of Fukudome. That said, with 3 big contracts to appease, he might not see that much time.
toonsterwu - August 22, 2009
Keep the faith?
Really? I’m still gonna watch, but hope for the 2009 season? Going…going…gone!
Canadian Cubs Fan - August 22, 2009
More or less agree
Lets see how much playing time Fuld gets. Also I still have an itty bitty bitty bit of “faith” they can make the post season. I have to as that is
who I am . Sick I know but been like that for years.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
you think they're going to sit a guy making double digit millions
over Fuld’s MLB minimum? Crazy talk.
VegasCubFan - August 22, 2009
It's been done...
Andruw Jones?
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
that was a manager clearly in charge of his team
not the case here
Illicat - August 22, 2009
Strategy
I love the Cubs strategy of hoping other teams lose in order for the Cubs to stay in the playoff hunt. It is truly a genius strategy that will certainly lead to success.
VegasCubFan - August 22, 2009
fork
stuck
Nothing about this team’s play in the last two weeks makes me think they have any hope. Sorry, Al.
elgato - August 22, 2009
I could add more interesting words..........
……………to describe their play, but why bother. You’ve captured the essence of it all. Rec’d.
tville - August 22, 2009
So the odds for post season go under 5% today
Just remember kids for what it is worth. I have that AMAZING record this year and I get in Tuesday for an 8 game
homestand. If they win at least 7 I expect some serious money to cover expenses for the rest of the season but no can do Mets series in NYC as I will be in LA
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Its no excuse....but Wally Bell's strike zones was horrible..
…outside of Fuld and Lilly, I just wish I would have seen anything from this team that resembled that they cared…perhaps that is what it appears to be when you dont score runs.
Nothing is in baseball is harder to watch than when your team cant score runs. Its seems like a punishment…
JB 23 - August 22, 2009
At the game...
and yes, it was pretty bad…Dodger fans suck too…no class, its like being at a Raiders game now…
airweino - August 22, 2009
Someone wrote they gave Fuld a standing O for the catch
If they did , then they are classy.
Also I saw one of my best games ever at Dodger Stadium when Maddux started against the Reds in late August of 06. They were amazing. Totally into the game in which Maddux shut down the Reds , made one AMAZING fielding play and pulled off a suicide
squeeze. Not one person left while Maddux was still in the game and they treaded like a rock star. Normally they do suck but they
were great that night.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
I didn't run into problems -- well, almost.
Except, in the lot, as I waited for the jam to clear….I stood next to my car, drinking a bottle of water….reading the paper….a Dodger ‘fan’ drove by slowly and said…“Going To Come Back For The Sweep Tomorrow??”
I nearly threw my bottle right at his new BMW. But, figuring he might be packing heat, I thought the better of it. He was probably drunk anyway, and was probably tagged with a DUI on his way back to Bakersfield.
Usually, I never run into this type of crap in LA. Nothing happened inside the ball park. They were busy celebrating their win, not dumping on Cubs fans. However, this was a bit more clever/snarky than the usual “100 More Years" or the old faithfuls “Cubs Suck!” or “Go Home!!" So, I guess it’s somewhat better.
That’s a normal part of the Cubs game experience in San Diego. In the park, on the street. Every game, without fail. No exceptions.
And, yes, it was more than Cubs fans applauding Fuld’s marvelous catch and face plant.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 22, 2009
And when was San Diego's last World Series win?
Sure, it may suck to not have won one in over 100 years, but we still have those pennants. Los Padres can call me back when they get their first one.
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
WHY I BLAME THIS SEASON ON AARON MILES
I was at the game on August 5 in Cincy and much to my displeasure that was the same day Aaron Miles was brought back to the active roster. Let me remind you that on that day we were in a virtual tie for first place, since then we are 4-12 and 7.5 games back. I dont know if i have ever hated a player this much…
BelieveinBlue2314 - August 22, 2009
Just wait... I'm sure your hatred of Miles will reach new levels in the weeks to come...
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
You can see the frustration and defeat in the player's eyes.
They don’t seem to expect anything different from this team like the fans.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 22, 2009
I've seen those eyes before...
The last two Octobers.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Well, we beat the rush this year and got it over early
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Sure feels like Oct outside
Allie - August 22, 2009
At least we save on A/C...
: /
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
hey I'm scraping ice off my window already
of course, that’s what happens when you’re 250 miles from the arctic circle
Emelie - August 22, 2009
yuck
60 degrees is as cool as I’m ready to go. :-P
Allie - August 22, 2009
How are you?
How’s the job?
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
Thanks for asking
I’m thriving! Job is fantastic, really into this whole back to nature business … Copper River salmon, fresh picked blueberries, cranes, moose, ravens, fireweed… it’s all good :-D
Emelie - August 22, 2009
Thats good to hear!
Glad things are going well but you’re missed around here.
Allie - August 22, 2009
I miss you all too
That’s the one downside.
Emelie - August 22, 2009
Excellent!
My best wishes!
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
Copper River Salmon rules
had some last year. Awesome stuff. Did my grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with it, yummy.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
So true
there’s nothing in this world like home smoked fresh caught Copper River
Emelie - August 22, 2009
That's it, everybody! When the apocolypse hits down here in the lower 48, we're all headin' north to Em's place and live off the land!
psst… you have cable?
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
Why not? You're all welcome. High speed internet too!
Emelie - August 22, 2009
Jobs?
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
plenty of ice road haul positions open
maybe a shot on the King Crab boats? Um… the army and airforce jobs up here are plentiful. If none of that interests you, you can always live off the grid!
Emelie - August 22, 2009
I like to sit in front of a computer reading this Web site...
If anybody can pay me to do so, I’m receptive to offers.
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
Excellent! I want one of those road haul jobs.
Then when I’m having a bad day and someone talks to me, I can just tell them to “pound ice”.
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
ROFL
You know… we have an ice sculpture festival here… I think you’ve inspired an entry!
Emelie - August 22, 2009
Oh, Em's got cable all right
But it’s fussy – she has to call and get a cable repairman out there often.
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
oh yeah.
Emelie - August 22, 2009
WIsh I had your weather lol 104 and humid again today here
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
low 60s
cool breeze off the lake.
it was nice today
Allie - August 22, 2009
Go ahead, rub it in! :)
That’s my kind of weather.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
I can stand it a lot warmer in August.
Today was a nice day in Chicago… for November.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Yeah, you guys didn't have a summer this year
If I was still living there I would have enjoyed it. I never liked the heat, I have always been an Autumn/Winter kind of person. I know your next comment, why in bloody hell would you move to the Phoenix area? Career advancement and better lifestyle. And, even though I dread June-mid September here, you all know how the remainder of the year is. :-Þ
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
48°C here.
ugh.
ASpecialGuestAppearance - August 23, 2009
Well at least my record remains intact
In games Allie gets to watch… the Cubs look awful.
Allie - August 22, 2009
That's not just when you get to watch, BTW
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
Sure feels that way
Allie - August 22, 2009
I watched the 8th and 9th
and I can’t get over how this team has their hitters up there and simply cannot get the big hit. I mean, Dome had to know the slider was coming and Theriot took a meatball down the gut to swing at a crap pitch. Frustrating to watch.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Might as well play Fuld
At least you know if you have a cheap reserve for next year, or package him up in a deal over the winter. Soriano doesn’t deserve to see the field right now.
Today was just a day that fits a whole pattern for the year. Inability to score with runners in easy scoring position and less than two outs.
Only 40 games left, but to steal from an earlier thread, we need to see if Lou has anything left. Will he just play the string out, or will he actively manage and try to win some games?
Nibbles - August 22, 2009
This "offense" is bordering on comical...
Just an observation, why are there so few knuckleballers nowadays?
cubfanwill - August 22, 2009
you only get to play the Cubs so many times
VegasCubFan - August 22, 2009
Well put.
I was trying to think of a neat and short way to say that and there it is.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 22, 2009
Dear Tom Ricketts
Clean house, no one from top to bottom should be immune. Do what needs to be done to get at least a husting, competitive team out there. More guys like Sam Fuld and Ted Lilly, less guys like Bradley, Soriano, Zambrano, Miles etc.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
add Derrek Lee to the Sam Fuld nd Ted Lilly
but besides that, who knows.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
I like our starting 3B
Just sayin’…
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
Good point
but coming off a severe shoulder injury, I wouldnt say he is untouchable. I guess though, no one should be untouchable from this team.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
He is probably our only untouchable
he’s still young and our only consistent offensive threat. D Lee is another.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Lee is a FA after next year...
Do you trade him next year if he waives his NTC?
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
For Adrián González, yes
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
aaron miles for agon straight up
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
Not straight up
We’ll have to sweeten the deal somehow. Maybe throw in a case of sunflower seeds or something.
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
GETITDONE JIM
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
That's just stupid...
Miles for Pujols and Rasmus.
GETITDONE JIM.
Mike Martin - August 22, 2009
rasmus sucks
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
Rasmus is going to be Cub killer for the next 10 years
Count on it.
Mike Martin - August 22, 2009
who knows?
If they are doing the same thing as this year, absolutely trade him to get something out of him. They aren’t going to sign him for big money again (at least I hope).
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
Boy, that's a tough one
there are so many needs that I don’t know what you do. If they can shore up 2nd and SS and 3B backup somehow without trading him. I guess I try. I think Lee’s wrist injury has finally healed and you still gotta love the glove. Again, tough decision, IF he waives his NTC as you say.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Hopefully...
We won’t be in this position next year so we won’t have to worry about it.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Agree
This is what’s so hard to take, we were so good last year and after this season’s failings, you almost have to blow this team up.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
I feel like next year...
Is the last chance for this team as we currently know it.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Hard to say with all the long tern contracts we have
I’m glad I’m not the GM, I wouldn’t know where to begin. Except you GOTTA get rid of Miles any way you can and get a real closer. I guess that’s where I start lol
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Wingspan?
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
You got me! Term=tern lol
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
with no money to improve
next’s years team will be worse than this years.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
meh
New ownership is probably going to want to make a splash, they’ll make some moves.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
The question is...
Will it be spending money, or trying to shed some contracts?
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
I say both
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
My reply sounds like an oxymoron
but I mean try to move some $ and get some picks, maybe, and go for a FA that makes sense spending the big bucks on.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
That's what we'll wonder the rest of summer
but we’ll have our answer by March.
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
If you believe...
This year was just a byproduct of bad luck and injuries, then next year may be better. I’m afraid I’m not that optimistic.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Hard to say.
The hard line stat folks keep saying the slackers will regress to their mean. I say this year? Next year? Ever?
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
If someone would take
Soriano if you threw in Ramirez, do you bite?
I do.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
No
Allie - August 22, 2009
I disagree
Ramirez is good, but amongst the best hitters in the league where does he rank? 25-30 at best, I’d say.
Soriano’s contract kills this team going forward, if you can use Ramirez to get out from under it, you do it I think.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
3B's are hard to come by.
Especially really good ones.
No dice, man.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
I don't know, 3B has been a black hole on this team since Ronnie
I don’t know if I want to go down that path again.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
If you trade Ramirez...
Then you find a place Lee will accept going, trade Lilly, and see if you find a taker for Bradley. That should shed some $ and hopefully get you some decent prospects in return.
But that’s if you choose to re-build; I think they’re going to take another shot at it next year with this current team.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Unless you're getting something great back
you don’t trade your most consistent (and the closest thing to clutch) hitter on your team.
Allie - August 22, 2009
+1
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Would you consider Ramirez
an elite hitter in this league? If not, he should be movable if it gives you the flexibility to improve. I think you are underestimating just how bad Soriano’s contract is.
But, all points are well taken.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
He may not be an "elite" hitter, but he is on this team
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
he is the best we have
but that isnt good enough as we have seen
If you can get rid of the bad deals that are hampering this team you can start over.
I would not advocate trading Ramirez under most circumstances, but given how bad the next five years can be with our backloaded contracts, he might be the one way to get a breather and start fresh. Otherwise, I think we are in for a slow but steady decline til these contracts come off the books.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
The thing is...
He’s one of the few guys that’s actually worth the money. He took a pretty under market value contract to stay in Chicago.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
I agree
he is well worth his money.
But obviously no one is going to take Soriano off our hands unless their is a huge incentive. Right now, Ramirez might be the only incentive that will do it.
I think Ramirez helps this team a lot, I just think Soriano and his contract hurt it more. Thus id be willing to swallow the bad (trading Ramirez) for the good(ridding ourselves of Soriano).
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
I think you are all forgeting the Ramirez has a NTC too, along with Soriano,
I do not see either one waving it, why would they? Also, keep in mind that Ramirez can opt out of his contract after 2010.
dtc0405 - August 22, 2009
Thing thing really is...
…that these guys aren’t performing. If the Cubs were seven games up, we’d be thinking Hendry was brilliant.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
if we were seven games
up he would be brilliant. We are not seven games up because he has not been brilliant.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
Well put
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
The contract has little...
…physical bearing on how well the players are actually performing on the field.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
no doubt
his signings have not only been wildly extravagent, but they have not been good, baseball-wise. Thats the problem.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
uh
he can’t MAKE them play well. Cmon.
drewishdrewid - August 22, 2009
Yes
I would like to be a contrarian here, too. Just a little better performance in the first half of the season would give them some slack to play with here.
vonde6 - August 22, 2009
No I'm not
I know how horrid the Soriano contract will be going forward.
I just think you’re underestimating Rami.
Allie - August 22, 2009
Maybe so
although I do consider him the Cubs best hitter, bar none.
Im just not sure how the Cubs get better next year. If there is an option of keeping Rami and improving ill take that one over trading him, but what is that option.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
Hope always springs eternal in April
I can’t remember one yet where I’ve thought the Cubs have no chance. They’ll make a few moves like closer, 2b and catcher and there will be ‘hope’ again :)
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
and ill have it to
but realistically, are cosmetic changes going to help.
Who on the Cubs should be considered ascending in their careers? Alot more are descending.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
I don't think so
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Only if we get DeRo and Wood in return
Mike Martin - August 22, 2009
Here we go...
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
What?
DeRo is the king of baseball. If we had DeRo and Wood, we’d finish 152-10. (just because DeRo would need a few days off to keep things interesting)
Mike Martin - August 22, 2009
Rec'd
HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
not sure if this is serious
But Wood probably has been worse than Gregg this year, if you can imagine that.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
I feel that Woody would have been just as good as he was last year
if he would have stayed with us.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
who knows
its hypothetical but he hasn’t been very good for the Indians.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
The sad part is we'll never know
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Why?
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
My personal feeling is that
leaving a team he didn’t want to leave and going to a new league with a new team, a team on paper that wasn’t as good affected his performance. I think comfort factor has a lot to do with people in general.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
A slight possibility, maybe
But I’m with Allie. He wasn’t worth the money.
And if comfort has that much to do with it, Soriano should have hit .300 from the leadoff position this season.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
For once, we agree, sort of.
He was too expensive. But I believe he would have been better than Gregg; the “comfort factor” does have a lot to do with performance. Wood didn’t want to leave; he was pretty much shown the door.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
If "comfort" were such a big deal,
every player who had been with one team for a number of years, then gets traded or signs with someone else, would stink their first year with the other team.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
yes, if all players were robots, and didn't have different
personalities
Illicat - August 22, 2009
If Wood's personality
is such that he can’t bear to play anywhere except Chicago, then he’s not the kind of player I’d want.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
Chipper Jones seems like the same way...
Although, I guarantee that guy can hit wherever he plays. He’s a hall of famer in my book.
cubfanwill - August 22, 2009
I agree he will be in the Hall of Fame
Although he’s on the back end of his career. I still wish the Braves had traded him to an AL team 3 years ago.
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
That makes no sense
If you like Wood’s ability and you’re a Chicago fan and he’s playing in Chicago, then what do you care what his personality would be like if he were playing elsewhere?
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
It makes total sense
It shows a lack of mental toughness, IMHO.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
But if he's here, he's comfortable, so it's not an issue.
if he’s not, he’s not, and what do you care.
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
Using "comfort" as an excuse
to explain away a bad season (or, in this case, to rationalize how Wood wouldn’t be bad if he were playing in Chicago) is exactly that … an excuse.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
Not arguing that
I was just pointing out what I think to be faulty logic in your earlier point about how if his personality is such that he can’t bear to play anywhere except Chicago…
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
But does it
give a clue as to how he would react under pressure? That’s what I mean. And maybe that helps explain things like … well, blowing up in Game 7 in 2003, for example.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
I don't think so
because it’s a non-issue, especially in 2003. He’s playing here in Chicago. Not anywhere else. So his mental toughness (or lack thereof) playing for another team doesn’t come into play.
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
If Wood gets slack for that,
I’d expect Bradley to receive the same slack, too. Don’t think that’s going to happen.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
I'm more willing to give Bradley some slack
In August rather than April. Difference being that he is getting on base more now than then.
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken, George Brett
were all guys who went out of their way to stay with one team. You wouldn’t want those kind of personalities either?
I’m not saying Wood is in league with those HOFers, but it’s ridiculous to say that a player who wanted to play his entire career in one place is someone we wouldn’t want
Illicat - August 24, 2009
Maybe not unless he was 2008 Lidge-like, right?
You can say he wasn’t worth the money, but can you say Sori is? Or any of the others that haven’t performed? Was Gregg worth the money? They let a closer go for $ and signed another that gives up HR’s. I’d rather over pay for Woody than to watch Gregg give up gopher balls in the 9th. We can discuss the Woody thing until the cows come home, we will never know.
I wish I knew what happened to Soriano this year. Honestly, I can put up with his streaky hitting and marginal defensive skills because when his IS hitting, he’s Babe frigging Ruth. But when he’s not, he’s Aaron Miles, for gosh sake. And this year nothing from him since mid May. He’s hit one GWHR in 3+ months and only 4 or 5 since mid May. That’s not why Hendry signed him. Aberration or portend of the future?
I think the NL has found him out and unless he really learns to lay off the outside pitch, what you see is what you get. He had a great AB in the 9th today to extend the inning, but he’s GOT to be able to do that consistently or he’ll never see a fastball middle in again.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
The NL has "found him out"?
Why did it take them 3 1/2 years? (2006 with Washington, too)
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
IDK, but doesn't it seem
that since May they have not given him any meatballs to hit anymore?
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
when they do
he cant catch up to it
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
I guess so
I really haven’t watched them that much lately. Today I watched the 8th and 9th, that’s the most this month.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
That seems to be the problem right there
And it’s been discussed here and elsewhere: that telephone pole he carries out to the plate is now too heavy for his aging arms. Lots of people have seen it and commented on it, but between Lou, Von, and Sori, they can’t seem to figure it out.
I’m all for benching him until the end of the year and then him spending the first month or two in the off-season working on his swing from the ground up, starting with finding a bat that he can actually get around to get solid contact on 90+ MPH fastballs.
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
i guess von and lou need to read more cubs blogs
jesus christos - August 23, 2009
Doesn't mean the coaches haven't figured it out
It’s up to the player to do something. You have to think (most of) these guys have some pride. He has to realize that now, adjustments have to be made.
Soriano could coast on sheer ability with the bloom of youth. Now, can he react to his skills dimishing with age?
We’ll see. Many players at his age have slumped, and then returned with a flourish with hard work and savvy.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
If you were his coach
And you noticed the things that drunken fans can see, why would you not insist on him making adjustments? This isn’t grammar school where he’s a special little snowflake – he’s a professional ballplayer who is not producing. Do things to make him productive, bench his ass, or get rid of him if you can.
There may be things I can’t see here, but what I do see leads me to believe that the problem isn’t going away by itself.
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
Eh
maybe some of his struggles this year are just from moving leagues and harder lineups.
but i don’t think he was worth the money.
Allie - August 22, 2009
Think you forgot Wells, Grabow and a few others.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Good point on Wells
Point I was trying to make was guys who play the game the right way, with intensity, hustle and smarts. Wells meets that criteria no doubt.
Im holding off on Grabow, although he has done well.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
2 out of three for Riot
which is two more than Sori anyway. Hill is 3 for 3 in my book.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Hill needs to be back as the backup catcher
and I guess, Soto will be back as well. Got to hope he bounces back given the dearth of catchers out there, although Im not confident he will.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
catching
Catcher has to be addressed for 2010, they can’t go into the season with those 2 guys and their barely above the Mendoza line contribution.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
what can you do though
Cant spend big money on a catcher. Kind of forced to hope Soto bounces back.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
The 2009 FA market had guys that couldn’t even get a contract like Pudge Rodriguez, I’m sure there will be someone again this winter who can be had that will contribute more than Soto/Hill.
Soto looks like Rick Wilkens more and more.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
Don't throw Soto away just yet
He needs a little motivation, like saying that starting catcher is up for grabs next year, so he had better do some off-season conditioning and come back lean and mean.
vonde6 - August 22, 2009
Soto has earned the right of redemption
We’ll find out if he’s the new Jerome Walton pretty quickly next year. Chilango2 nails it.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
No, I don't think so
I think you need to play these two guys. If it flops again, bite the bullet in July and trade for someone if the team is contending.
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
+1
with so many other positions having problems that’s one you can address like 2b. Let’s hope the Cubs do get someone else to catch. I’d keep Hill and trade for someone in place of Geo…
Sandberg's evil twin - August 22, 2009
Grabow is a great addition
He is a nice, solid middle reliever
vonde6 - August 22, 2009
Looked to me like the ghosts of October were still hovering
And if this particular set of players starts expecting failure on a regular basis, it’ll be time to plow the team under and bring in some new talent.
CaliCub - August 22, 2009
Yep, this looks like the garbage we've seen the past two Octobers.
cubfanwill - August 22, 2009
I don't agree
This team looks more lost and futile, and about a million times more infuriating.
Today’s strike zone should be challenged by the higher-ups of both teams. It was pathetic.
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
Agree on the strike zone
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Something about the West Coast
1, 3, 7, 2, 1, 0 runs in the 6 games so far, not to mention the fiasco in San Diego in May.
Bill Potter - August 22, 2009
its on the road in general
don’t know the runs per game but 26-38 is pretty bad for a team that hopes to contend.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
West coast = road to Ruin
VegasCubFan - August 22, 2009
lol! Good one
Emelie - August 22, 2009
The West Coast tends to be a bloodbath for all Chicago teams
How often has the Circus Trip nearly killed the Bulls and Hawks?
Mike Martin - August 22, 2009
I hope Lou...
Doesn’t use this as an excuse in his post-game.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
hey, what are you going to do?
Emelie - August 22, 2009
"Look, I don't know what else you can do."
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
"we gotta swing the bat better or we arent going to score runs"
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
I know we do this in good fun
but it’s getting ridiculous. Dusty-esque, even. I really can’t hate Piniella.
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
yeah
but every time lou trots miles out to PH, the beast inside of me wants blood
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
I am with Lou in general
But Miles to pinch hit is one of those trying times.
vonde6 - August 22, 2009
While it was awful and frustrating to watch
It’s also a symptom of the Cub’s lack of hitting. Umpires have no respect at all for our hitters and sure squeeze us. As much as I do complain about it with obvious calls, it’s up to the Cubs to do better…only they can stop the vicious cycle.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 22, 2009
oh c'mon
Its not the umpires
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
You sound like Bradley
and that’s not a compliment
Danwood - August 22, 2009
Decided to invest my time this afternoon
mastering the art of carmelizing onions. Much better outcome.
Emelie - August 22, 2009
Watching paint dry is a better time investment.
cubfanwill - August 22, 2009
I wish I could have seen Fuld today though.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Watch the web gems on baseball tonight
I am sure that you will see him
vonde6 - August 22, 2009
sounds tasty
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
man, I bet your kitchen smells good right now!
JB 23 - August 22, 2009
Hey - you have your way of causing tears, we have ours...
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
Pro tip
Cut the onions under running water. Use a sharp knife.
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
Onions make me ill
but i wish I’d copied you and done something more interesting
Allie - August 22, 2009
I went out to a winery in St. Charles County, MO
Enjoyed wine instead of listening to Cubs fan whine.
Mike Martin - August 22, 2009
?
??
vonde6 - August 22, 2009
10th time the Cubs have been shut out and 25th game in which they score 1 or less.
this is WAY past old.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
mmmmmm
carmel
tim815 - August 22, 2009
We were there (and Monterey) on our honeymoon :-)
CaliCub - August 22, 2009
Tasty AND a visual treat
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Yes nothing much to say
The mostly dead most of the year offense is as usual completely dead on the road.
There’s so much blame to go around that you can’t really blame it on any one person. Lee is about the only hitter who I would keep if I could change pieces like a fantasy team.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
tennessee smokies
hit three doubles (one by our pitcher chris carpenter) in the second inning. lead 2-0.
tim815 - August 22, 2009
Damn I wish Fuld could play SS or 2B
Nobody loves him more than me and he SHOULD play a majority of games this year subbing for both Soriano and
Bradley but alas I don’t think he will be a starting OF. I can see everyone bitching that he has no power. I see him as the super sub of outfielders. Ironically you can’t really take advantage of him as a pinch runner until you are ready to put him in as a defensive replacement.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
I'm willing to sacrifice power
For the ability to get on base and then swipe additional bases.
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
What's the point...
If no one is going to drive him in?
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
you mean
like Milton, and is 30 or so RBIs
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
Fuld
He definitely gets an A for effort but I don’t think he’s starting major league material. If he keeps hitting though he’ll keep making a better case for him to make the team next year.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
Hes probably a 4th outfielder
on most teams, but he could also be a starter on some teams, depending on the personnel he has around him.
Ryanocm1 - August 22, 2009
Well I adore Fuld
but I am hoping the personnel around him do in fact make him the super sub "4th " outfielder. Sori is TOAST this year but you can’t trade him no matter what dreams folks post here and while he is far from my favorite I can’t imagine he is really THIS bad forever
so gotta hope for a bounce back next year. I think Fuld is pretty realistic about his role as well . Sorry to say I think it means the end of RJ and I like him a lot.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
He could have easily...
Had Joey Gathright’s spot on the roster to start the year.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
but can sam fuld jump over a car?
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
He can run into a wall
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Power is overrated.
Get on base. And them gimme a bunch of slap happy guys who can hit and run.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
works for the angels
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
I'd take their starting eight...
…and keep our pitching staff.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
then wed win the WS!
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
We'd definitely be in strong contention.
I, actually, would rather pick and choose a few of their players. I like our CF.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
but toriis the man!
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
He is a stud.
Okay, I’ll put Dome in right. Torrii can have center.
You should take a gander at Carlos Gonzalez on the Rockies. He’s a cat I would to have had instead of Milton.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
I wish the organization put more of a premium on defense.
I’d rather have a great defensive lineup and good pitching then lots of power guys.
Allie - August 22, 2009
Indeed
Lou also places little premium on defense . The lack of fundamentals for both batting and fielding is staggering. They should be out
there playing fungo and practicing bunts and fly balls 4 hours before every game if that is what it takes.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Didn't Lou say he wanted this team to be better with fundamentals
when he came on board? Boy, that didn’t last long.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Good analysis.
Fuld will and does make a great 4th outfielder, one who can infuse a game with effort and energy. Sadly, that’s been missing too much this year in some of these games.
Bill Potter - August 22, 2009
I wish Lilly could play RF, CF, LF, SS, 2B, and C
But Lou worrys about his hitting vs. RHP
Mike Martin - August 22, 2009
I was thinking just that on the way home....if only he was a middle IF.
Without power, the kid will never be a starting OF.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
Obviously Miles has a 4-12 record as an active player post DL
what is the record for the entire season for everyone on the active roster?
VegasCubFan - August 22, 2009
We aren't going to be in second place after Monday if we continue to slide
I’m very very considered right now and there is little to hold onto..
Chanman25 - August 22, 2009
What are you considering?
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
haha wow
Chanman25 - August 22, 2009
lol
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
25 jeff bakers is all we need
doofus cubs guy - August 22, 2009
The series so far...
…reminds me of the Dodgers-Cardinals to a ‘T’. Except the Cardinals had some timely hitting that the Cubs haven’t been able to manufacture.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
the Cubs are probably the worst offense in baseball right now.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
Jeez if the Cubs could get the NATS OFFENSE
with combine it with the Cubs starting pitching , they would be doing pretty good.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
So you're saying we should've signed Dunn?
: )
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
I was down with that
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
yup me too
Chanman25 - August 22, 2009
They're certainly not impressive.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
Clearly the Cubs' "unbalanced lineup"............
………..was the reason for failure against the Dodgers last October. I mean, after all the tinkering by Jim and Lou, look how much better the team has fared. Very impressive.
tville - August 22, 2009
Let's say we kept the same team as last year...
And Soriano and Soto both sucked as they have, and Ramirez gets hurt… I don’t think we’re in contention. I think people forget how key Sori and Soto were for us last year.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Rec'd absolutely
This team gets alot worse when you have black holes in so many places. Even a full year of Super Dero probably wouldn’t helped this team the way they are playing now.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
Bottom of the lineup has been killing the Cubs
Soto, Soriano, and Fontenot have been bad all year.
CaliCub - August 22, 2009
Rec'd!
Mike Martin - August 22, 2009
I'll rec too but more on the strength of Soto's 08 performance
he was masterful. I want my geo back!
Emelie - August 22, 2009
This one?
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
Or this?
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Only a man's mind would instantly go to cars
Emelie - August 22, 2009
Nice!
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
Kinda supports my sarcasm.
It’s clear the left handed bats of Aaron Miles and Milton Bradley have not improved this roster appreciably from the 2008 season.
tville - August 22, 2009
Rec'd
You are correct…the hitting has just not been there…you can even add Fontenot to that list of underpeformers from last year…
airweino - August 22, 2009
I disagree. They would be in contention, that is at least closer to the Cardinals and the Wild Card leader.
Fraggin Judge - August 22, 2009
Just to depress everyon a little further:
Cubs Offense Ranks (NL):
10th in Runs
13th in Hits
10th in doubles
5th in home runs
14 in stolen bases
10 in caught stealing
5 in walks
5 in strike outs
13 in batting average
9 in OBP
9 in SLG
10 in OPS
10 in OPS+
11 in sac fly
Yuck.
Allie - August 22, 2009
And it seems like most of the homers have been solo homers :(
Its just a big grab bag of injuries and underperformance. Its depressing.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
I tell you that homers...
…are wildly overrated. It’s even more so when your team is built almost entirely around the long ball.
Who cares if everybody is capable of hitting thirty dingers, if nobody does, and nobody can get on base?
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
It's certainly an off year.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
Looks like...
We certainly belong where we are in the standings based on those numbers.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
we should probably be even worse.
5th in earned runs against
3rd in hits against
3rd in strike outs
12 in walks given
(at least, if i’m eading bb-ref correctly)
Allie - August 22, 2009
After 121 games last year we had scored 645 runs. This year 530.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
We've only given up 21 more runs compared to last year at this time
This shows what we all know-this offense has been our demise. Shaky bullpen, closer, whatever hasn’t done the same damage as no hitting with RISP.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
this decades runs
2000 764
2001 777
2002 706
2003 724
2004 789
2005 703
2006 716
2007 752
2008 855
2009 ?
going to need to average over 4 runs a game the rest of the way to pass the previous low total of the decade in 2005.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
~708
based on this year’s avg/game of 4.4.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Wow, that's really sad.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
You are being nice, Al. That's crap. Only 700 runs from this bunch?
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
'04 seemed like such a powerful offense...
Alou, Sosa, Ramirez, Lee.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Yes, and they still averaged almost a half a run per game less than last year
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
09 seemed like such a powerful offense...
Ramirez, Soriano, Bradley, Lee, Soto.
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
miles
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
miles is deep on the bench if we got what we expected from everyone.
On paper at the start of the season this offense looked pretty good. Of course we all know what it actually looks like on the field.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
Hypothetically, Fontenot would be the starter
Miles would spot-start every 10 days or so. Baker would play in Minnesota. The Twins would be still in contention.
chilango2 - August 22, 2009
Fontenot
Fontenot has been a HUGE dissapointment. I will freely admit I was wrong about him. He went from Little Babe Ruth to ‘marginally better than Aaron Miles’.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
Well, one out of 5 ain't bad - NOT!
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Just Wondering --
With the recent resurrection of Soriano. Soto, Miles, and Fontenot, I was wondering why there has not been more praise and kudos for Hendry’s decision to launch Gerald Perry and replace him with Von Joshua.
Another of General Jim’s useless contriubtions to this year’s success.
ceegeewow - August 22, 2009
Firing the hitting coach never works
its just a “we’ve done something” move.
Allie - August 22, 2009
everyone knows that
and they STILL do it…ridiculous I’m sure Gerald Perry is somewhere having a laugh.
jeff_pico - August 22, 2009
I keep saying...
…that the Cubs should pay expensive consulting fees to Tony Gwynn to put on a hitting camp for a few of the Cubs. If a man with a lifetime .338 BA can’t fix Fonzi and Soto at the dish, nobody can.
LeSaboteur - August 22, 2009
I think the Padres got first dibs on Gwynn.
Fraggin Judge - August 22, 2009
It’s the baseball equivalent of shuffling the deck chairs
….on the Titanic.
JB 23 - August 22, 2009
Don't change the subject
The problem is not Dick Stockton. He didn’t make these 2009 Cubs awful,.
Anybody notice that Sam Fuld stole as many bases in this game as Soirano has since June 20. And has an on-base percentage 100-plus points better than Soriano? ‘course he can’t field as well….
bringbackbanks - August 22, 2009
To be fair
Dick Stockton makes everything awful. He’s like the Anti-DeRo.
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
Exactly.
It was kind of a joke. Kind of.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Sung to "Wild Thing" ----you make EVERYTHING awful---
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
I used to think that admitting a season is over was a sign of a lesser fan.
I don’t think that anymore. Those that admit a season is wasted (or worthless, or a failure) are not necessarily lesser fans, although they may be. They may also be rational, sensible, and realistic. Now I think I’m just preparing myself for the inevitable.
dtpollitt - August 22, 2009
Thank you.
Fraggin Judge - August 22, 2009
For what?
dtpollitt - August 23, 2009 via mobile
Dick Stockton used to call the Red Sox games in the Gowdy era.
His voice can be heard in the original tape of the Carlton Fisk HR.
Obviously Stockton’s grasp is gone. He’s not young anymore, his vision may not be that good and he’s not as prepared to call a baseball game as he was. He can still call a good football game, though.
Fraggin Judge - August 22, 2009
Gowdy was a Red Sox broadcaster before Stockton.
Stockton’s about as good as Gowdy now. And Gowdy died three years ago.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Well played
Stockton’s been crap for over a decade.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Sort of like...
Harry Carey when he was still living. He was a bad joke essentially from the moment he moved to Wrigley. His alcohol addled brain, which had been simmering since the St. Louis days when he was doing God knows what to Gussie Busch’s wife, really fermented in the Cub era. People, such as Al, condemn some announcers without looking closer to home. I’m sure he pays homage to that idiotic statue every day he crosses the threashold.
whosdeadred - August 27, 2009
The Bears have looked awesome so far!
lexmarklover - August 22, 2009
Yes!
Words cannot describe how awesome it feels to finally have a franchise QB in Chicago.
CubsBullsBears - August 22, 2009
Cutler
did well today.
drewishdrewid - August 22, 2009
I guess this guy is happy about Miles's performance with the Cubs.
His preseason wishes became true.
Fraggin Judge - August 22, 2009
wow
hes spot on
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
someone call this guy, and tell him they can have him back for a bag of balls
Illicat - August 22, 2009
They can keep the bag of balls, too, if they take him back.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
Isn't this the same kid
That posted a video last year about how it was so terrible that the Cubs got Jim Edmonds?
vonde6 - August 22, 2009
yes, but at least Edmonds actually helped the Cubs
Illicat - August 22, 2009
This is on the players
Biggest stretch of the season, Phillies, Rockies, go west to SD and LA and fail tremendously. I love to keep hope, however it is gone.
This is an organization failure, a lot of work ahead to do.
Grockcubs - August 22, 2009
MY GOD...
This is such a tired old refrain. Stockton shouldn’t be allowed to do Cub games? How is he biased? He’s not talking up an ineffectual team? This was an age-old argument with the Bears, particularly when Jack Buck did the games. Everyone in Chicago thought he was biased. Explain to me in the Kings English Al, or whoever the spokesman might be, what an announcer on a network game has to do with anything. Performance is on the field, not in the broadcast booth.
whosdeadred - August 22, 2009
I'm curious if you actually read what Al wrote
since he mentioned his lack of competence, and nothing about his bias.
He also isn’t blaming Stockton for the loss. It was tongue in cheek.
I’m as frustrated as you are about the way this team has tanked. But you need to take a breath and realize you just went off for no reason
Illicat - August 22, 2009
Exactly.
Remind me to explain to “whosdeadred” the concept of a “joke”.
Al Yellon - August 22, 2009
You know nothing...
about me. I do know Dick Stockton from 40 years ago when he was on WBZ radio in Boston. To say “incompetent” regarding this man makes me question the competence of the accusers. Attempt to explain the correlation between Stockton broadcasting the two post-season series and the Cubs not winning either of the two games he called. Karma I guess.
whosdeadred - August 22, 2009
what?
Why would someone attempt to explain that correlation when it doesn’t exist, and no one claimed it did. Except you apparently. You are the one who says it’s Karma.
Illicat - August 22, 2009
He's not really biased
It’s just obvious that he does little, if any prep work. The 80-year-old Vin Scully works and preps and is ready to rock each time out.
Stockton’s just showing up for payday. How can you keen mispronouncing names? His producers MUST remind him, or he just doesn’t give a damn, because he’s Dick Stockton.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
Wow, just went back and looked
Cubs haven’t scored a run in 24 innings. I think that’s a season high for ineptitude. CONGRATS TEAM!
Illicat - August 22, 2009
tell that to the red sox
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
the Red Sox who scored eight runs today?
I’m not seeing your point
Illicat - August 22, 2009
they were shutout for 31 innings last week against the yankees
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
okay, Still 24 innings is a season high for us
at the worst possible time.
Illicat - August 22, 2009
Stockton is brutal...
Perfect example… after the first homer that Lilly gave up, Dick called it a “hanging knuckler.” The pitch, obviously, wasn’t a knuckle ball (it was a fastball).
I posed this same question in the game thread, but, honestly… with millions of people who would do his job at a fraction of the salary, how does this man have this job? It’s absurd!
kanderber - August 22, 2009
you could say that about quite a few broadcasters
Stockton at least has put in the time. It’s sad when broadcasters who used to be pretty good-great get old, and deteriorate.
I still remember how bummed I was when Keith Jackson was hauled out of retirement to call a bowl game one last time, and was just brutal. Got names wrong, forgot what quarter it was…….
The new guys, who are awful bother me a lot more than the oldsters who should retire after a great career but don’t. Of course, I didn’t actually watch the game today, so I was saved from his blathering
Illicat - August 22, 2009
Agree
the networks throw so much money at the good PBP folks that I would think that it’s hard to pass up, even if you are set for life like I would assume Keith Jackson was. Or maybe that they are like Favre and miss the camaraderie and the excitement.
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Or How about
Pat Summeral (sp) doing the cotton bowl the last few years. Terrible…just terrible.
TheRiot Police - August 22, 2009
true dat
Illicat - August 22, 2009
Well, remember...
this was Summerall’s comeback after…health issues and (I believe) painkiller adiction. He gets a pass. He seems to be a pretty good guy, in interviews I’ve read with him. He was retired, anyway. He’s not working regularly. In fact, it’s almost unfair to expect the guy to perform after all of these problems.
Stockton gets bubkis.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
Yes
I saw that the radar reading on that was 90 or 91
vonde6 - August 22, 2009
He's like a weatherman (except for Tom Skilling)
BigJohnAZ - August 22, 2009
Just FYI, it’s kind of silly to make fun of how one announcer pronounces Kosuke, when the ‘acceped’ pronunciation would be ridiculed anywhere else in the English speaking world, where he would rightly be called Koe-sue-kay.
“Cose-kay” seems a highly bizarre pronounciation for the rest of the world, so Koh-Skee really isn’t any worse, and certainly not bad enough to make an issue of when there’s no shortage of things to take umbridge with!
dubliner - August 22, 2009
How does *he* pronounce it, though?
That should be the benchmark. Not that I advocate mangling phonetics to a ridiculous point (see also: Sade), but the Kanji→English alphabet translation is always a little rough. In the case of Asians who have used a different set of characters their entire lives, I think the polite thing to do is to find out how they would like their name pronounced and attempt to honor that.
Clutch16 - August 22, 2009
Stockton should also be aware that Alfonso Soriano
is not pronounced “Adolfo” Soriano. Or that when someone strikes out on three pitches for the first out in an inning, don’t say “strike one” as he walks back to the dugout. Or when someone walks on a 3-1 count, don’t call it a strike as he takes his base, and never acknowledge that you screwed up and it was in fact ball four.
Brutal doesn’t properly convey the performance of Dick.
Goodie1969 - August 22, 2009
"Few-cue-doughme"
Stockton is awful.
Allie - August 22, 2009
perhaps he's the 'creative genius' behind all those t-shirts outside of Wrigley...
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
Stockton
“…Stockton has to be the worst national baseball announcer currently calling games…”
Hey, those lousy Cubs don’t deserve any better!
IndyRN - August 22, 2009
No, we deserve better.
Fox can’t hire anybody else? There are plenty of guys that would take the weekend gig.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
I'm telling you, Stockton's got pictures of Murdoch... that's the only possibility.
ballhawk - August 23, 2009
Are you saying
The Sun wouldn’t run them if it meant selling more papers?
Murdoch has no shame at all. He’d not only sell his own mother, but he’d send her COD.
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
ok...
maybe they’re pictures of Murdoch and Stockton… ;-)
ballhawk - August 23, 2009
I'm up for it
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
How someone who completely fails at his job
(to provide accurate play by play) keeps his job while millions of good people across the country are laid off through no fault of their own is something I don’t think I’ll ever understand.
Its not a matter of the Cubs being lousy and not “deserving better”, its someone who can’t do the job and the rest of us not appreciating having to invite him into our houses.
Allie - August 23, 2009
its a cruel world..
jesus christos - August 23, 2009
Makes you wonder how much effort Fox puts into airing MLB
Many times I think they do it grudgingly, simply because there’s an opportunity to make money and nothing more. They let the bean counters dictate the way it should be presented – in other words, maximize profits and cut what is deemed as unnecessary expenditures (e.g. hiring a youthful, competent announcer).
Wholly different than the way the NFL is broadcast. The extra love and attention they pour into televising pro football is very apparent when comparing it to the way baseball is televised.
CaliCub - August 23, 2009
i was just listening to joe maddons postgame conference
and i got depressed because he knew his players names
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
Joe Maddon is a guy I'd love to see in Cubbie Blue
he seems to actually tailor his managing to the strengths and weaknesses of his team, ( no more “we were built for power, so what can I do?”) and seems truly interested in managing. Yes the Rays fell back to earth this year, but considering where they’ve been, back to back winning seasons there is quite an accomplishment.
They had some of the same problems we did, with their big guns getting hurt, they are in a tougher division, and they’re still having a better year
Illicat - August 22, 2009
Dwindling....dwindling....dwindling....
makes my heart cry.
sue369 - August 22, 2009
Cards already up 5-0, Rockies winning 14-9
looks like we’ll be 8 back in the Central, and 7 back in the wild card by tomorrow morning
Illicat - August 22, 2009
8 games back...
I just shake my head in disgust.
cubfanwill - August 22, 2009
Boy, I wish Bobby Cox were the Cubs manager next year...
Although, I doubt that guy will ever leave Atlanta. Plus, Chipper will probably not play for anyone except Bobby, he’d look a lot better in left than the guy we’re trotting out there. Plus, maybe they could bring Brian McCann along.
cubfanwill - August 22, 2009
AND JAIR JURJENS AND MCLOUTH AND JAVY
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
Don't forget about Escobar
cubfanwill - August 22, 2009
theres too many prima donnas on the cubs already
jesus christos - August 22, 2009
Or maybe he could convince his old friend Maddux
That cold weather is not so bad and one year out of the game in enough.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Chipper would look a lot better
As a DH for the Red Sox.
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
At least the team is close...
To being sold that is… but unfortunately my guess is that all the I’s and T’s wont be dotted and crossed until just before the start of next season… oh wait and then the owners will finally vote on it near the end of the first half of next season to finalize the deal. This way if Lou wants to stay they’ll let him and the same goes with Hendry, and all the non-signings as well. So this next offseason will more than likely be the same, if not more dreadful than this one…. at least I am looking forward to Sept. 13th this year overseas… to see if another one of my Chi-town teams will get things going to make me excited…. lord knows the last thing that I want to see is the darn Chi-sox making the playoffs again….. get outta here! Long live Bump!!!
ArmyCubFan - August 22, 2009
What's the NL Cy Young voting loking like?
1) Lincecum
2) Haren
3) Carpenter
cubfanwill - August 22, 2009
Carpenter will get more love because he's a good story, unfortunately.
I hope Lincecum doesn’t get penalized any of that “he’s on a useless team” junk because he deserves it and it’s not particularly close.
cubsforever - August 23, 2009
Um why would Lincecum get penalized ?
His team is in the thick of it. Did you mean Haren who never gets any run support ?
Doggie Stalker - August 23, 2009
Right now, I'd say
1. Carpenter/Lincecum
2. Lincecum/Carpenter
3. Cain
4. Haren
Carpenter is leading the league in ERA and wins. If he finishes as the league leader in both, he’ll probably win the award. If Lincecum takes the lead back in either ERA or wins, then he’ll probably win it. Haren has fallen too far back in ERA and Ks to make up for his 12-8 record (in the voter’s eyes – it’s certainly not Haren’s fault that his record is not so great).
SouthernCub - August 23, 2009
Plus, there are two competitors...
… on playoff contenders, while Haren plays for a bad team.
Al Yellon - August 23, 2009
possibly 3rd or 4th place by Monday
Argh.
Mapmaker - August 22, 2009
Don't exaggerate
They can’t be in 3rd place before Tuesday. The could be TIED for 2nd but they can’t be in 3rd and they can’t get till Wed and that also would be a tie. Got to look on the bright side. I am sure this is what Lou tells himself.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
I thought it was only one game over Houston
I was way off
Mapmaker - August 22, 2009
I had a dream - last night
Woke up in a cold sweat and then slapped my self dreaming about what could of been !
AB
1 Theroit SS
2 Dome CF
3 Lee 1B
4 Rami 3B
5 Ibanez RF
6 Sori LF
7 Soto C
8 Derosa2B
9 Lily P
Sitting in Dugout
P Wells, Harden, Zambrano, Dempster
IF Baker, Fox , Hofpauir,
OF Fuld, Johnson
C Hill
Down the left field line, having a nice chat wuth the fans all dressed in blue
Wood, Gorzelanny, Guzman, Marmol, Marshall, Grabow
Oh how differernt August would feel right now
Thanks Jim & Lou, Hope you enjoy the bass fishing next summer !!!
parrotinct - August 22, 2009
Well you still are stuck with Soriano & Soto
not hitting a lick. Also I don’t buy the Wood would be a lights out closer if only he had stayed theory. Also you don’t GET this group until
late July in any event since Hendry does not pick up Gorzo & Grabow at that point and Baker shortly before so you still have half the season with some other guys.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Maybe it gives him/her all kinds of fuzzy wuzzies
but it still would, in all likelihood, be as inconsistent and shaky as the current team.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 22, 2009
Well, we found out what Hill is capable of, so no great harm there
and all we’d have to do is stick the F-Troop Platoon (Fox & Fuld) out in left until Sori gets his groove back. ARam gets hurt, slide DeRosa over and insert Baker. Ibanez goes down, Lou puts the RH factor (Reed & Hoffpauir) out in right.
So basically the only downside here is the potential for bullpen suckiness until we can get the G-Men (Gorzo and Grabow).
Ahhh…. loves me some hindsight…
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
Um except we don't get Baker till long after A Ram is down
And even as of TODAY there is no likelyhood your man Lou WILL use the F troop platoon in LF. If Lou had used Fox earlier at 3B
and Fuld earlier and more often in LF & CF (with Dome in RF on those days) that might have helped a bit even using the players we have.
I loves me some hindsight too but Lou has no foresight.
PS Fuld ever hits a home run your way just make sure you negotiate an autograph for me when you bargain over what to
give it to him for.
Doggie Stalker - August 22, 2009
Ha! You may have Al wrapped around your finger, but you've obviously never dealt with left-handed Bulgarians before.
ballhawk - August 22, 2009
Please if Al caught a Fuld HR
He would make Sam be the official stat guy of BCB before he would ever think of me.
Doggie Stalker - August 23, 2009
Why do they have our number?
How do the stinking Dodgers always manage these days to do this sweeping business (yes, I know there’s one more game but I have no confidence they’ll win it) to the Cubs??
God, do I hate losing to them. If they could take one series, just ONE, against them, I think it would do wonders for the team’s confidence.
owllover711 - August 22, 2009
Personally, losing to the Padres
is Much worse than losing to the Dodgers. After all, the Cubs and Dodgers are only seperated by three games, all-time. That’s about as even as it gets. Obviously, the series was dead even going into Thursday night.
I hardly think the Dodgers have the Cubs “number.” It’s the freakin’ Padres that kill us time and time and time and time again in SD, no matter what stadium they play in – new, or old
Losing to San Diego is the lowest of the low. Rock Bottom. And, as far as I’m concerned…they ended the Cubs season….again.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
The Cubs have the Cubs "number"
CaliCub - August 23, 2009
Hey, if the pirates can win 5 in a row
the Cubs can turn it around right?
Mapmaker - August 23, 2009
On the bright side
My Dodger Dog was fresh and hot.
The post-game rolled tacos were mighty tasty at Olvera Street.
At least I had that going for me today.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 23, 2009
You have to take comfort
any way you can get it in these desperate times. :)
Not Bruce Froemming - August 23, 2009
Does not having to listen to Miller/Morgan/Gammons tomorrow night count?
That’s always a comfort.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 23, 2009
1-5 on the west coast trip thus far.
8 game back.
Sigh.
cubsforever - August 23, 2009
8 /games/ back, that should say...
cubsforever - August 23, 2009
Man, the Cubs NEED to leave California, just like I did!
Left this morning, made it home about an hour ago.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 23, 2009
I feel so bad for you
You were SO excited about that trip. I was excited to be going back to Chicago next week . I am still am. Need me some good pizza.
Doggie Stalker - August 23, 2009
The game in SD tempered my enthusiasm.
Then, for the game in LA, I was just hoping for a good game.
The Cubs’ record at games I’ve been at is now 5 wins, 2 losses.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 23, 2009
Hey guys, question.
Which FOX team did the Dodgers/Cubs game earlier in May?
Was that Stockton/Karros or Buck/McCarver?
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 23, 2009
mccarver i think
jesus christos - August 23, 2009
Fuld was #1 on SportsCenter
And BBTN.
It really was a badass catch.
Allie - August 23, 2009
Bright move
As soon as the ball was in his glove, he realized the chain-link was fast approaching, and he put his head down and let his cap hit the fence first. Probably instinctive, but it saved him a broken nose.
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
Drat only #5 on MLB network
Missed ESPN.
Doggie Stalker - August 23, 2009
See it
Here.
Clutch16 - August 23, 2009
I did see it on the Cubs site
but would have enjoyed seeing it at # 1 on ESPN. What the hell is THAT THING he wears on his neck. ? Does not look like
jewelry so I have no idea.
Doggie Stalker - August 23, 2009
its his sun glasses
they got shoved down when he hit the fence.
Allie - August 23, 2009
That explains it. It looked very weird.
Doggie Stalker - August 23, 2009
I watched a few times
asking myself the same question. but you see the shades on as he runs and they aren’t on his face when he gets up… so i’m assuming they got forced down by his hat as he hit the fence.
Allie - August 23, 2009
Actually it is not the sun glasses
He has something around his neck in EVERY shot even when he is running the bases. I have no idea what it is.
Doggie Stalker - August 23, 2009
Maybe a puca shell necklace?
it looks too stiff to be a chain?
No idea.
Allie - August 23, 2009
It's a Phiten necklace
It’s a titanium necklace that a lot of ballplayers are wearing now because they claim it gives them more energy. They’re way too expensive and don’t do a damn thing.
Here’s the website
Mike Martin - August 23, 2009
Ick
Sounds silly.
Doggie Stalker - August 23, 2009
if fuld never stays with the a major league club for long
hell atleast be remembered for all the webgems hes caught
jesus christos - August 23, 2009
fonz
we all knew sorianos contract would be a disaster down the line but after 3 seasons??i think reed will be let go in order to keep sam on the team. this kid needs to play. a shame how the cubs seem to quit whenever the going gets tuff. this is a real good team on paper but.
NOMAR - August 23, 2009
YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU DON'T SCORE
For all the problems the Cubs have had this year, it might be interesting to look back at Al’s recaps and break them down the L’s by category. I wonder what it would look like…
Offense / Didn’t Score Runs
Pitching / Got Lit Up
Bullpen / Blown Save
“Give Credit To The Other Team” / “We Just Got Beat”
Maybe it tell us something about this team? Maybe not, but it would be interesting
DKT - August 23, 2009
I think
I would rather hear Keith Moreland in the booth with Pat. I thought he was smooth and inciteful earlier this year when he was on. With the big contracts I don’t know what can possibly be done to salvage this team for next year even!
iowacubfan69 - August 23, 2009
Perfect storm
That’s what happened this season. You had players not only failing to perform at career levels, but injuries to key players such as Aramis Ramirez, Ted Lilly and Carlos Zambrano. To expect the Cardinals to not improve before the trade deadline was flat out ludicrous and they’ve reaped the benefits of our meager year. I’m not in the least bit surprised, but I’m not selling out on last season just because of this season. Kosuke Fukudome has had a good year, rebounding from the previous year. I expect Milton Bradley to have a similar season. Alfonso Soriano’s knees have been an issue this season as has his poor judgment at the plate. The offseason did wonders for Derrek Lee, so it should help Soriano to some degree. These guys just need to stay healthy.
Ace Venom - August 23, 2009
Question on the Cubs Youngsters
Players who become good-to-great everyday major leaguers all start out as rookies, with some raw-ness and incomplete-ness to their game.
Why isn’t everyone here SCREAMING to get Fuld and Fox into the mix as starters ASAP? Is it because a) You have already definitively determined from their limited careers so far that they LACK some tools or character to become major league stars? or b) some other reason? Because from my limited view, Fuld has been an absolute, lights-out sparkplug every time he’s been on the field, full of heart and hustle, and fundamentally VERY sound. I think if Lou had had the balls to play him every day after those 2 great days he subbed for Soriano in June or July, we’d be in much better shape right now and he could be our young, inexpensive, long-term Kenny Lofton.
Fox – has shown tremendous power, like a 45-50 HR a year guy. Very admirable job at 3B, not great in outfield, but not markedly worse than soriano or bradley. So why aren’t we screaming for him to be in the lineup daily, so he too can develop and bloom and become a star… hopefully a better-fielding, higher-average Adam Dunn or Ryan Howard type? Is it because you guys already see that he’ll never be anything more than a bench guy, ever?
I know we are stuck with Bradley & Soriano for now at least. Maybe the Ricketts will dump these guys and absorb the cost. Remember, our ‘03 Should-Been Pennant Winning team didn’t have bombers at every position. They had Lofton and Grudzelaniek and the great Karros/Simon platoon at 1b, and Damian Miller. I could see a lineup of Fuld-Fox-Fuku in OF, DLee-Baker-Riot-Rami-Koyie being enought to win a pennant, with the current starting pitching, and a revamped bullpen.
Also consider… is Soto beyond hope? How much better is he at C than Fox is? Could Fox be made into an everyday Catcher?
cubsgocubs - August 23, 2009
I don't know
if Koyie could be an everyday catcher. Don’t get me wrong he’s been a God Send this year and I would definitely keep him aruond. BUt if Geo can back to what he was last year then he would be the man. Which of course remains to be seen. Jake Fox has been not that bad at all at third base. Unfortunately… we already have a great third baseman cause I would defintiely like to keep him around also. Actually this year has been full of good surprises…Jake Fox , Sam Fuld, Randy Owens..heck even Dome, a lot of people thought he was a total bust and he has really done well this year. No I am definitely not writing off next year already.
iowacubfan69 - August 23, 2009
This team
is not going to the postseason. Just not good enough and there are too many teams ahead of us in the wildcard race. Disappointing season for sure but I am still hopeful they can turn it back around next season.
Jake Fox needs to play. On a team that has went down the toilet primarily because they can’t score any runs, why would you leave a hitter like Fox on the bench? Rotate him around if need be, spell Ramirez one day, Lee one day and maybe a couple of other starts in the outfield every week. Soriano can’t field or hit so what would we lose in left?
The offensive ineptitude has become comical and at this point I never expect this team to drive in a runner who gets on base. I guess that’s just who this years team is. I’ll continue to watch because I always have and always will, but the thrill of a pennant chase is over for me. I will still take pleasure in the few victories they can manage to pick up over the remainder of the season. With the starting pitching we have, there is no reason this team shouldn’t contend next year with a few tweaks to the everyday lineup.
qccub - August 23, 2009
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