Tyler Colvin, the Cubs' #1 pick in the 2006 draft out of Clemson, will join the team in Milwaukee tonight and make his major league debut. Lou says we'll see a lot of him:
"We'll get another outfielder and we'll get a look at our future," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "We'll put him in the outfield and let him play."
Good. Sometimes, solutions to problems are found elsewhere than expensive free agency. The Cubs might do well in 2010 with a platoon of Colvin and Reed Johnson (who may also be activated tonight; Johnson is quoted here as saying, "I'm healthy enough to play.") in center field and moving Kosuke Fukudome back to a position he plays better, right field. Doing that might allow money to be spent to upgrade other positions (perhaps shortstop?) and build a better bench than we've had in 2009.
In addition to Colvin, I'd like to see Jake Fox and Andres Blanco play every day for the rest of the season. Even if Fox isn't part of the 2010 Cubs, if he can put up decent numbers the rest of the year, maybe some AL team would take a chance on him as a part-time DH. Blanco should at the very least be the Cubs' principal backup infielder in 2010, and I think he could push Ryan Theriot to be the starting SS. Blanco hasn't hit much, but he will be 26 next April, doesn't strike out much, and his defense is outstanding.
I like this article on how to choose your favorite player. The choice made here is a good one, too.
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Note: Gorzelanny's numbers below are with the Cubs only. See the pitcher box above for his full-season numbers.
Braden Looper's last start was against the Cubs against the Cubs at Wrigley Field last Wednesday. They hit him pretty well -- nine hits and three walks in five innings, scoring five runs; but Cubs pitching wasn't very good that night. At 5.7 runs per start, Looper has the 2nd-highest run support in the NL (behind only Jorge de la Rosa), 5.7 runs per start, resulting in his 13-6 record.
Tom Gorzelanny is replacing Rich Harden in the rotation; we don't yet know if it will be just tonight, or for the rest of the year. Gorzelanny has made four starts for the Cubs, none since August 20 at Los Angeles. Three of those were decent-to-good; one was horrendous. Overall as a starter, he has a 4.82 ERA in 18.2 innings; throw out the one bad start and in the other three his ERA is 2.08. He is 3-3, 4.92 in nine career starts vs. Milwaukee. Ryan Braun is a particular nemesis -- 8-for-17 with 3 HR.
After national exposure last night, the Cubs now get exposure in only a handful of zip codes on WCIU. If you have EI, you'll get the FSN Wisconsin feed. For other games today, see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Brewers site Brew Crew Ball.
Once again, just two overflow threads today -- 8:15 pm and 9:30 pm CDT. If there's a need for another one, please post as a FanShot.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 453 comments
Milton Bradley sucks.
Had to be done. :-)
AndrewJStone - September 21, 2009
At least Ahab gave us a Bradley free post, yea.
But you just had to go there, didn’t you.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Just playing, man.
Figured it’d give a smile to the people with a sense of humor about the whole thing, and would irk those who don’t… which is fine with me.
No intention of actually talking about the dude.
AndrewJStone - September 21, 2009
We're on the same side, but I'm a little tired of it, too.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Exausted, personally.
Almost a relief he’s gone. Back to baseball!
AndrewJStone - September 21, 2009
Sloth!
Wonder if we’ve seen the last of Harden as a Cub.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
gonna be a lot of that in the next couple weeks
I’d say Milton, Harden, Heilmann and Gregg are pretty much in their final weeks as Cubs. I hope Miles is too. That’s a fifth of the 25-man, and I’d guess Reed Johnson is gone, too.
elgato - September 21, 2009
I have a hunch Reed Johnson will be back.
It’s just a hunch, nothing more. The hunch includes him being the only new contract of the offseason.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
of current players on the roster?
elgato - September 21, 2009
No, in general.
But that’ll not come to pass, just because there are needs that the Iowa kids can’t fulfill.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
I hope he's back.
sue369 - September 21, 2009
I'm kind of indifferent
I like Reed, but he gets paid pretty well on a team that’s about to be in need of cash. My guess is he’s gone.
elgato - September 21, 2009
+1
I’m not sure he brings much to the team that we couldn’t get from Fuld for cheaper. I definitely like him but I can’t see him getting less than a few million dollars from Hendry, and we desperately need whatever payroll space we can get.
madcow256 - September 21, 2009
I want Reed back.
Talk about improving team chemistry- he does it.
Works hard, keeps his mouth shut and is ready to play every day (when healthy of corse…)
Zeke - September 21, 2009
And
Hes a Dropkick Murphys fan!
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
I agree...
…and I wonder how much that will all cost?
MPH73 - September 21, 2009
well ...
you figure Caridad takes one of the bullpen spots, and Blanco takes Miles’ spot. They’re cheap, at least.
elgato - September 21, 2009
If Fox hasn't played to this point, why would Lou put him in now?
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Excellent question.
When he’s DHing somewhere next year hitting .275 with 25 HR, we’ll wonder “Why didn’t we keep that guy?”
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
no kidding,
but we could actually more say while there was a glimmer of opportunity for the Cubs to sneak back into the chase, Lou refused to play Fox regularly.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
But the Cubs needed Scales defense.
and Hoffpauir’s bat.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
If there was any indictment of Lou this year,
that has been the Scales/Fox situation in the last week or two. :(
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
More like the Fox situation all year
I still don’t understand why he wasn’t playing 3rd from the moment Rami was determined to be out for a long time.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Fox's defense has been a strange situation for some time.
The Cubs are adamant that he is horrible at every defensive position, and then when he actually plays those positions, he is…. unremarkable.
I mean, Fox actually got into a feud with (catching coach) Scott Servais because Servais told Fox that he could not catch at a professional level.
When Fox was killing it for 2 months at AAA, we were told that he couldn’t play any position at all – not even 1B, because he was so terrible. If he played 3B, he’d be sailing every throw into the seats. If he played OF, the other players would be at risk because he’d run into them haphazardly and then throw the ball into the seats. If he played catcher, people may actually die just from being exposed to his suckiness.
And now, at the end of the year, he’s played sporadically, managed to finish among the team leaders in most offensive categories somehow, and has logged time at 1B, 3B, OF, and even C. And each time, we got the same reaction.
“Wow, Fox is playing (position). He’s not great, but he’s not embarassing himself, either. He’s probably better than (Adam Dunn, Ron Cey, Michael Barrett).”
D98 - September 21, 2009
Agreed
all the reports of him being “a notch above horrific” haven’t been proven…
Its really ridiculous.
Allie - September 21, 2009
I remember the error he made
of a very catchable ball at first base, on a pickoff throw, that led to a Cubs loss.
He hasn’t been a disaster defensively, but I also don’t think he’s any better than below average.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
He was one of a few Cubs who could hit the ball in that game, too.
Yes, Fox isn’t going to wow us with the glove, but he’s going to hit the ball. That’s more than we can expect from Scales, Hoffpauir, Taguchi and whomever else the Cubs are deluding themselves into starting ahead of Fox.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
I didn't say he's disproven them either
He needs more chances to show us what he has…
But he hasn’t embarassed himself either.
Allie - September 21, 2009
and Fontenot over Baker for a lot of August
elgato - September 21, 2009
Theriot batting leadoff, Soriano STAYING in leadoff
Soriano staying in the lineup…..using Fox as the backup catcher when Soto went down(and never actually playing him) and on, and on, and on.
Lou needs to go
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
LWDYWMTD?
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
wut?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Can we trade Lou and Milton as a package deal?
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
I'd vote yes
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
there have been plenty of indictments of Lou this season
his use of Fox and Scales is just a couple of those
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Another hunch I have is that Hoffpauir will be traded.
Again, it’s just a hunch and I’m not aiming to start any rumors.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
I could see that.
Though it seems the Cubs have been long-infatuated with Hoffpauir, while the opposite seems true of Fox.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
Exactly.
That’s why I believe it’s Hoffpauir who’s being showcased and Jake Fox is riding the pine.
That may be a lot of faith on management on my side, but that’s what I’m thinking right now.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
I would agree...
…I don’t think Fox would be riding the bench as much unless Hendry has been told by someone they want a look at another player or two.
MPH73 - September 21, 2009
I wonder who wants a 30-year old Hoffpauir.
You and I talked about it earlier – I think the Cubs are trying to cover their ass on Fox, in case they let him go in the offseason.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
True dat
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
They're handists.
All hail the mighty lefty!
Allie - September 21, 2009
Can you say Casey Ma-Ge-Hee? Hee-hee...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
That "how to chose your favorite player" article...
… was interesting.
But more important was the writers point about the MLB and its weird policy of removing clips from YouTube (in reference specifically to the dad catching the foul ball and his daughter throwing it back). Such a failed policy, and truly to the detriment of baseball fans.
AndrewJStone - September 21, 2009
I disagree.
The video is still available, you just have to go to the MLB website to view it. (It’s still free to watch the clip on mlb.com.) Driving customers to your website generates $$$$. Sounds like a sound business strategy to me.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
I routinly try to talk my clients out of similar thinking.
People like to play on their turf. This is why its so important for brands to embrace facebook and twitter these days. Your website is nice, sure. And you have complete control over it, which is great.
But everybody is familiar with youtube. Everyone feels comfortable there. People are more likely to click through to a site they have some comfort level with, perhaps even an account at already.
As the article stated:
AndrewJStone - September 21, 2009
Corrected for accuracy.
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
Sadly very true
Allie - September 21, 2009
The NHL has been downright amazing...
… in their embracing of new media. Their twitter and YouTube stuff is awesome.
AndrewJStone - September 21, 2009
MLB gets blasted a great deal.
Personally, I think fans have greater access to MLB games than say, NFL games. You can view MLB games over the internet or purchase the package on cable or satelite.
The NFL, for example, only makes the package of games available through an exclusive agreement with Direct TV. This leaves millions of customers in urban areas (like myself) who live in apartments and are prohibited from their lease (or face the wrong direction) from getting satelite TV, not to mention the millions of fans who simply don’t want Direct TV.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
MLB has held eveyone with Dish Network hostage since their deal with DirectTV.
And their blackout rules are beyond stupid.
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
Are you talking about the MLB network?
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Or Ei
or the overall stupidness of mlb.tv which only works if you’re out of market.
Allie - September 21, 2009
I'm just saying I think the NFL policy is worse than MLB's.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
I don't really see that
Because I live in the market for my favorite team and constantly get division opponents on basic broadcast television.
Which is something I cannot say for MLB even though I live in the same market for that team. But that has more to do with Dish than MLB, I guess and their unwillingness to offer CSN on a basic package. I don’t see well enough for HD to make a difference and am therefore unwilling to pay for it.
Allie - September 21, 2009
I'm talking about the Extra Innings Package.
and the blackout rules for MLB.TV
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
You can't get extra innings on Dish?
Personally, I love MLB.tv. I live in Chicago so I don’t have any issues with blackout rules. I just enjoy watching other games. I really love that I can watch games on my iPod with MLB at Bat.. This is why I think MLB has been very innovative in access to their games.
I do agree that they need to revise their blackout rules.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Nope. No EI on Dish. Sucks big time...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Now that is a bummer.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
I'm ready to see if Direct TV will buy out my Dish contract to get me as a new customer.
They might do it given the economy…
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Being innovative with access to their games?
Not really. They have an app for mlb.tv for you iPod? Great….what about the the 175 bazillion people in the world that would like to watch baseball games and don’t have an iPod?
If MLB would simply let their customers buy the product, instead of holding them hostage to get it, they’d make millions more than they could dream or imagine.
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
Is the problem just with Dish?
Or would you have the same issue with any provider in your area?
Do you have the option to switch providers?
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Is the question to me or someone else?
Zeke - September 21, 2009
SWL
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
I could switch to someone else...
but again, MLB is extorting $ from the providers for them to offer the EI package.
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
OK
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
MLB at bat may be the coolest sports app yet
MLB was really ahead of the curve on that… I hope they don’t f it up.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Hard to say MLB held Dish hostage
Charlie Ergen was offered the same terms that everyone else was. He rejected them. Charie Ergen is famous for not being willing to pay what everyone else is.
Dish Network is a fine company—but no one who cares about sports packages should get it, because Ergen has made it clear he isn’t going to pay for them.
I don’t think you can blame MLB on this one.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
Maybe I was too harsh...
but you’ve got to admit that the original MLB/DirectTV deal was stupid and only after Congress talked about it, did they agree to even offer to let other carriers in on the deal. And yes Ergen turned down the offer to carry it, because they are raping the carriers for the rights.
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
Agreed
Directv was paying for exclusivity and then they didn’t get it. I am assuming they all paid the high rate that Directv was going to pay to be the exclusive provider.
LT - September 21, 2009
No
The contract with DirecTV was renegotiated. Do you think DirecTV was going to pay for exclusivity and then not get it?
DirecTV did get some perks for agreeing to renegotiate, like home and road games for EI and the cable companies opening up channels like San Diego’s Channel 4, Comcast Philadelphia and Rogers Sports (Toronto) that had previously been unavailable to them. (But only for Extra Innings, not in the SD or Philly markets.) Dish was not offered those perks, but that should not have been a dealbreaker.
Sports are a loss-leader for DirecTV. Dish Network was not willing to agree to those terms.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
I'm excited to get a chance to see
Tyler Colvin play. I’ve heard quite a lot about since he was drafted during that miserable 2006 season.
In fact, anytime I see a player make their major league debut or a first of any kind, it’s exciting. It’s literally watching someone’s dream come true which I think is really cool.
Good luck Tyler and I hope tonight will be the first of many to come in the major leagues!
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Not to go old school on everyone, but the Cubs have a guy who made his major league debut late in the season in 1977
in Detroit. He came up with another young player from AA Brimingham for their first taste of the major leagues and wound up sticking and playing together for a few years.
Alan Trammel (and Lou Whitaker).
Together they hold the MLB record for longest tenure (most games played together) at short and second.
Seem like only yesterday…
Zeke - September 21, 2009
They're the ones who made me love baseball.
Blue Heron - September 21, 2009
I've missed Reed and
hope he gets to play tonight. I would love to see Fox get a start too (but I know it won’t happen). Good luck tonight Tom.
sue369 - September 21, 2009
I bet Lou surprises us tonight
elgato - September 21, 2009
Well I won't hold my breath.
sue369 - September 21, 2009
that's a losing bet
unless you’re surprised by poor managing at this point
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
How?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Has Reed been activated from the DL?
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Al said in the preview
that he may be activated tonight and Reed says he can play.
sue369 - September 21, 2009
Oh, I didn't see that.
That’s good news indeed. I’ve missed Reed.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
It's been so long since Johnson has been inserted...
into the starting lineup.
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
nice
sue369 - September 21, 2009
Ohhhh. It took me a minute.
Sheesh!
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Reed
I was at the game last night and reed was taking batting practice and running around fine. It didn’t appear he was hurting at all.
KC in OK - September 21, 2009 via mobile
Today's Transactions
09/21/09 Chicago Cubs activated CF Reed Johnson from the 15-Day disabled list.
09/21/09 Chicago Cubs called up Tyler Colvin from Tennessee Smokies.
Sports_Fan - September 21, 2009
Whoo Hoo!
We get Reed back tonight!
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Lou inserted Miles
into the lineup the day he was activated we’ll see if he does the same with Reed.
sue369 - September 21, 2009
Excellent.
Zeke - September 21, 2009
In case you missed the FanPost by daver
Cecil Cooper got fired today… thoughts?
I think it’s silly, it’s not his fault the Astros underperformed all year and had injury-ward starting pitching.
lswaidz - September 21, 2009
Why fire him now?
Why wouldn’t the Astros wait the 2 weeks until the end of the season? They sure are a puzzling organization.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
McLane is a lunatic
He also fired Phil Garner and their GM in 2007 on Aug 27 when they were sort of “in” the race.
lswaidz - September 21, 2009
What? That's nuts.
Coop deserved better…
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Weird that they'd start the clock on Colvin already
Cubs’ managment of young players is kinda weird.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Why not?
Start him now, its like pre spring training, hey it might even give us something new to watch tonight
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Yeah, we could just teach another infielder to play the outfield.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Colvin was going to be added to the 40 man roster in the off-season
or the Cubs would risk losing him in the rule 5 draft in December.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
I didn't know that
Allie - September 21, 2009
Then does that also mean that his options clock would begin to tick?
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Nope, since the minor league season is over,
the Cubs won’t use an option on him this year.
Next year, the Cubs will use his first option (unless he spends the entire season in the majors). He’ll have at least 3 option years.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
What I meant was
if he hadn’t been called up due to the Bradley thing and been added to the 40 man roster in the off-season. Would have his options began next year no matter what?
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Yes, that's correct.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
TY
so it’s not a bad thing that they brought him up at all.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
I think the only reason he wasn't called up earlier this month
is they wanted him to get the experience of playing in the minor league playoffs.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
That makes sense too.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Doesn't it start his major league clock though?
something about becoming arb eligible.
Allie - September 21, 2009
I don't think that September call-ups count as being on the MLB roster.
I could be wrong on that, but that’s my understanding anyway.
D98 - September 21, 2009
They guy is 24...
…so I don’t see anything wrong with giving him a little taste and see what he can do.
MPH73 - September 21, 2009
Because
people put way too much emphasis on service time and those things. It’s really only important for the big prospects in small markets.
I like Colvin, but I really don’t see him as the type of guy the Cubs are going to be worrying about making a big arbitration offer to in three years. And if he is that type of player, we need to know that now so we can make plans in the offseason. Best that we get a look at him in the majors. Heck, he might not even play in the majors long enough to make arbitration.
Basically, what I’m saying is getting Colvin experience and getting a look at him in the majors far outweighs the downside of him getting to arbitration one year earlier, especially for a big market team like the Cubs.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
Ah
Thanks, Josh. :-)
Allie - September 21, 2009
"he might not even play in teh majors long enough to make arbitation"
that hardly fills me with confidence about the guy.
DC Cubbie - September 21, 2009
Let's be honest
Most players don’t play long enough to get to arbitration. Baseball careers are short for all but the best.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
Yet Aaron Miles has been a pro for nine years.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
The mysteries of life
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
Sooo...
He’s an outfielder?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Lineup, per D-Bag#1:
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
Thanks for the game-winning HR, Jake
Here’s a nice piece of bench.
elgato - September 21, 2009
he's gotta be in his doghouse for sure and that's a damn shame.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
why hasn't Lou been asked about this?
Boggles the mind.
elgato - September 21, 2009
Reporters are still asking about Bradley.
There’s only so much they can do.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Bradley wasn't a story a week ago
Fox was. I understand why there were other things to discuss last night …
elgato - September 21, 2009
because he would make some BS comment about how he "has to find a way to get him in the lineup"
and the reporters would go back to chasing their balls of string. I really don’t get how a rube like Lou has become so beloved by the media in that town
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
at least Scales is out of the lineup
elgato - September 21, 2009
which is weird
because you’d think with the way he was getting played that Scales was invaluable.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
what does Fox have to do to get into the lineup?
Become left-handed?
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
no
become micah hoffpauir
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Wait for Lou to be fired next year.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
can't he be fired this year? Pretty please?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Nah, this season is mostly Voldemort's fault.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
is that Hendry's screen name?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Nope, guess again.
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Hendry's gay lover?
Lou’s gay lover?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Riot in the leadoff spot
(shakes head)
And Fox out in favor of Hoff……again
Lou effing sucks giant monkey testes
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
So
Hoff in left, Colvin in center and Fuku in right?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Okay SWL, get a pic up for that last line...j/k
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
No, no, no...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Dude....
carmen_fanzone - September 21, 2009
I honestly don't think I've seen a worse tweet
Holy crap that is awful (not the lineup). Also no Blanco after a two-hit night is BS
nji232 - September 21, 2009
no, it's Lou
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
My wife teaches Twitter to businesses (I know...)
and she advised me against starting a flame war on Sullivan. But I so want to do it.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
God I feel bad for Jake.
I bet he hopes he gets traded this off season.
sue369 - September 21, 2009
I'm pretty sure he can walk in the offseason.
The Cubs have to tender a Major League contract to him if they want him to stay.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
ah, okay. Thanks.
sue369 - September 21, 2009
I'm 90-percent sure that's what I heard.
It’s his 6th-year in the organization, so I think he can look elsewhere.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
The Cubs have used 3 options on Jake,
2007, 2008 and 2009. Players get a 4th option year based on the amt of MLB service time. (I think it may be that they get a 4th option if they have less than a year of MLB service time, but I’m not sure if that’s correct.)
Regardless, as Jake is still a 0-3 player, in service time, is it almost certain the Cubs will tender him a contract. They will only have to pay him the minimum until he reaches 3 years of MLB service time. At the very least, they will bring him to ST for insurance to injuries on their planned roster. He could always be traded in ST if he is out of options if he is not traded during the winter.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Gotcha. Thanks for the information.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
No problem.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Anyone know if Ryno will be joining the team?
Doesn’t the AA and AAA managers ususally join the team in September when their seasons end?
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Dont know
but i did notice an unfamiliar (old) face in the dugout las nite who was that?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Yeah, I did to now that you mention it. Who was that? He looked familiar...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
santa
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Nah. Too thin...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Personally
I think Ryno needs to be away from the big club until he is named manager. It’s just going to stir up the media into harassing Ryno, Lou, and Jim.
nji232 - September 21, 2009
if it harasses Lou right out of Chicago
I’m all for it
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
so you're saying you don't like Lou
elgato - September 21, 2009
yes.
Yes indeed. I think he should be run out of town on a rail
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
There are many here who agree.
I wonder what the percentages are for Lou’s dismisssal at BCB? 20%…40%
KaliCub - September 21, 2009
Yah
But who would you rather have managing (that isnt under contract)?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Why can't they be under contract?
Joe Maddon is my #1 choice, and you can’t tell me we couldn’t get him away from Tampa
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
I dont know
He seems like he likes to have fun and apparrently thats not allowed in Chicago….. What about Sandberg?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
having fun would be encouraged in Chicago
if winning came along with it
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
I don't know anything about Sandberg's managing prowess
And considering bringing him in as a minor league manager was Hendry’s doing, I have my reservations. I don’t trust anything that Hendry has touched
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
and even if you can't get Maddon
you can’t tell me there aren’t up and comers that good baseball people know, that I don’t.
Just because we can’t come up with a name off the top of our heads is no excuse to keep the waste of space that is Lou in Cubbie Blue
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
I'd like to raid the twins or bosox organizations
they do things right and win.
Allie - September 21, 2009
+1
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Gardenhire's welcome in MPLS seems to be wearing thin...
I’ve no clue why people would want to run him out of town, but that seems to be the sentiment. He still has one year left in his contract though.
Here’s a novel idea: bring back Pat Listach.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
This is why fans don't make baseball decisions.
It would very silly of the Twins to fire Gardy.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
I'd LOVE to see Gardenhire in Wrigley for 81 games every year.
Zeke - September 21, 2009
He's hilarious when he gets all worked up and yells at umpires.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Managers do that?
G’wan!
Zeke - September 21, 2009
isn't that attitude what got us into the Lou mess
to begin with?
Oh he’s fiery! lets go for him!
Allie - September 21, 2009
Fiery is only a small part of it.
Fundamentals! It’s almost a religion to itself in Minny…
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Oh I know
I was trying (and failing) to be funny.
Allie - September 21, 2009
OK. ;)
Zeke - September 21, 2009
I was talking less about gardenhire
and more about someone from their system.
i love that they don’t tolerate pitchers handing out walks and they play really fabulous defense.
wish we had some of that.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Yep. That organization gets more out of their players and payroll year after year than any other I can think of...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Yeah, the Cubs did that
with Andy McPhail. How did that work out?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
So one failure means you don't go back?
Allie - September 21, 2009
There's no reason to go back
I don’t think Gardenhire is leaving the Twins.
I think it’s highly probable Lou will be back next season, and for that I’m thankful.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I personally wouldn't go as far as "thankful," but
I agree.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
I didn't say Gardenhire though
I just said “Twins” when asked about possible up-and-comers we could go after.
What about their AAA guy? Maybe he could be a candidate.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Stan Cliburn would be hilarious.
Great guy.
and if he brought along his twin brother, Stu, to be the pitching coach, all the better.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
I'm not sure the Cubs job
is a good one for big-league managerial on-the-job training.
If he wants to get his feet wet in Kansas City or someplace like that, fine. If the guy doesn’t start out as the second coming of Miller Huggins, the jackals in the media and the bleachers will tear him to shreds before Memorial Day.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Meh
Gotta learn sometime. I’d rather get a young guy on his first job than another old guy on his last legs.
Allie - September 21, 2009
A young guy on his first job
never would last in a place like Chicago.
You could cite Ozzie, but he was a White Sox player who had coached for a World Series champion. But some guy from the minors using the Cubs as his first job? I think the odds of success would be very low.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
How do you know
if success is defined by a Series championship, then we should try whatever we can b/c for 102 NO MANAGER has been successful
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
It's really better not to get into an argument with Bruce
he’s made up his mind, and no matter how illogical it is, he’ll stick to it until his death. And call you every name in the book on the way down
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
If you are smart and state your case well
the way guys like Shanghai and Stone do, even if we disagree, we’re respectful and we get along fine.
If you’re a moron who spouts nonsense 24/7, you get what you deserve.
Which one are you?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I think he is
None of your business LOL
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Booyakasha!
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
LOL
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Who knew throwing out an example of
who I’d like us to go after (and a really generic example at that) would turn into this.
Allie - September 21, 2009
I'm not upset
You said someone on the Twins and I cited the last time the Cubs did that, they got a disaster of a GM. So that’s not always the answer.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I said Twins or BoSox
just someone with a strong baseball mind and strong fundamentals. I don’t know who that is, but I want that guy.
Allie - September 21, 2009
And I want a million dollars
even though I don’t know where I can get it.
Allie, I wish guys like that grew on trees. But I don’t think they do.
I just know changing managers every 2-3 years is not the answer.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
neither is keeping sub par managers
just because you don’t want to make a change. and Lou is EXTREMELY subpar IMO.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
i don't think they do either
all i was saying was IF the manager change went though you’d be more likely to find good fruit on a tree that had deep roots.
thats it.
Allie - September 21, 2009
what a ridiculous bar to set Bruce
so because one time we hired a guy from an organization, and he didn’t work out, no one, at a different position no doubt, will work out either?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
He's not Bruce
He’s Not Bruce.
Get it?
vonde6 - September 21, 2009
my bad
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
That almost makes
my head hurt, v6. :)
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Is nuance lost on you?
Lou is not “extremely supbar” as a manger. His record attests to that.
And I was just pointing out that the last time the Cubs hired a Twins boss, he was a boy wonder who engineered two WS trips and was hailed as what the Cubs had been looking for. How did that work out again?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Like shit
Lou was good in the past. He seems to have lost the will to manage. His moves last night were terrible. They won in spite of him.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Lou is crazy like a fox
(and not Jake Fox, either).
I think he knows when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Hope you are being sarcastic
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
you obviously have more faith
in him than me.
his use of the ‘pen, his having favorites of guys he will play once, they’ll preform and then be ignored for ages is ridiculous.
also his obsession with handedness instead of just going for who’s performing has been over the top.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Your complaints sound exactly
like the ones my Sox friends have about Ozzie, my Twins friends have about Gardy, my Cards friends have about TLR.
In other words, not all that much different than any other manager.
Think about it.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Ozzie IS a terrible manager
Twins fans who complain about Gardy don’t understand how handcuffed he is with the payroll situtation there (not close to what Lou faces)
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Meh
All fans have similar complaints. Its one of the universal things in sports.
Others having the same complaints doesn’t make them wrong.
Way to be dismissive though. That really works.
Allie - September 21, 2009
You can call it dismissiveness
or you can call it nothing out of the ordinary.
All I know is getting rid of managers every few years hasn’t been working for the Cubs. Perhaps the merry-go-round needs to stop.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Maybe it does
But I don’t think Lou is the guy, especially not for a long haul. I’m worried about his health, he looks awful.
And I don’t like the organizations complete indifference to the basics in every level. We have a chance with a new owner to go for a fundamental change. And I don’t believe Lou is the guy for that radical newness.
Allie - September 21, 2009
I believe in fundamentals, too,
but the right place for that is in the farm system, not necessarily at the big-league level.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I believe its an organizational thing
if Iowa watches the big leaguers get away with not doing it and still playing, what incentive do they have to do the right thing?
Allie - September 21, 2009
What kind of an argument is that, Allie?
It is an organizational thing, but its strongest points of emphasis need to be at the lower levels. Then they (hopefully) don’t play that way when they get to the bigs.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
In a big market where you
buy most of your team you don’t always get a chance to instill them with the strong fundamentals.
Unless we suddenly have a shift where we really build through the draft, you need a manager with a willingness to still teach and hold players accountable for doing the right thing.
That may have been Lou at one point, but I haven’t seen it much in his Cubs tenure.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Your off base here...
…and when a player reaches the bigs, the fundementals should already be in place.
This is what quality organizations do to get the most out of their talent, because it is difficult at best to teach players baseball 101 at the big league level.
MPH73 - September 21, 2009
Such as
holding Fox on the bench and folding Scales into the outfield?
tharr - September 21, 2009
I think Scales doesn't figure
into the Cubs plans after this year and probably will retire from baseball once this season’s over. Maybe this playing time is his reward.
As for Fox, maybe he doesn’t figure into the Cubs’ plans, either, but they’re figuring his trade value will go down if he’s exposed more.
Just theories on my part, but none of it makes me want to poleax a manager of Piniella’s caliber.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Rewarding a player like that is really stupid.
Getting him into a game or two is a reward. Benching other players who have been productive is beyond silly and should get Lou and Hendry fired.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
The Fox/Scales
issue isn’t the reason I think Piniella should be history. To me it’s the measure of his inability to deal with the team this year.
His overall decision making seems bizarre this year and I believe he has lost his edge as a quality manager. He does well when things are going well and seems to regress with less than quality teams.
tharr - September 21, 2009
+1
NBF,
I am 100% with you on this, but threads like this are a dime a dozen these days.
I used to enjoy second-guessing Lou’s moves, too, but there are so many who are ready and willing to throw out the baby with the bath water (Fire Lou!) here that I post very selectively. I only have so many hours in my workday, and they sometimes expect me to get some work done here.
vonde6 - September 21, 2009
is common sense lost on you?
again, we hired one guy from an organization, who didn’t even hold the same position, and so we should now steer clear of the organization all together?
And Dusty’s record is pretty good too, you aren’t actually going to claim Baker is a good manager are you?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
That's not what I wrote
but misinterpret it all you want.
I think v6 is 100 percent right.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I don't know.
As long as the manager is learning along the way, I wouldn’t have a problem going with a Triple-A or fast-rising Double-A manager.
Sure, Rochester is no Chicago, media-wise, but managing is managing.
If Cliburn or Sandberg or whomever can come in the door, preach fundamentals, light a fire under the team and manage the personalities on this squad, then I don’t care their background.
That said, I still think Piniella can/should be around in 2010.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
as bad as Kosuke's been hitting
why not start Fox AND Micah?
elgato - September 21, 2009
because Lou is the manager
and he’s not very good
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Fox and Blanco sit again?
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
great minds think alike...
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
No Blanco, No Fox, no joy in La La Land. :-(
Maybe I watch 2 hr House premiere live instead of via the DVR.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
That's my plan.
Although I’m intrigued to see Colvin.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
Which is probably the only reason they called him up
in a last ditch effort to keep the fanbase coming back
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
I Think
They brought him up cuz they know WE ARE DONE, and they want to get a look at him, in a reg season game
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
I think it had more to do with the AA season being over
as they were eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
And
Hes the top prospect from AA
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
I too am excited to see Colvin (I forgot about that!).
I just wish I could watch Len & Bob. Maybe I will have to go with the mlb.tv feed and skip the big screen tonight.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
I will be happy to
be able to get it on FSWI. It’s my only option. :-(
sue369 - September 21, 2009
those bozos are only tolerable when the Cubs are winning.
Let’s hope that is the case this week!!
PS…yo, Sue!
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
Got any red licorice for the game? :D
sue369 - September 21, 2009
no, I am going to slip out for my frozen yogurt & snow caps at some point ;p
how about you?
BTW, congrats to da Bears.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
Thanks...
we just had apple/cherry crisp with vanilla ice cream. :-)
sue369 - September 21, 2009
any word on whether wells gets shuts down?
i find it odd they shut down richie but not randy
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
well, if there's one thing we can be sure of this season
it’s odd roster management.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
richie and randy would make a good sitcom title BTW
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Even better
If it was about a dude with Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Clutch16 - September 21, 2009
its only odd if you're using logic
which is something inapplicable to cubdom.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Sidebar: Over 880 comments on the earlier post/recap of yesterday's game.
That’s the most I’ve seen for a post…
Zeke - September 21, 2009
I'm pretty sure we've cracked a 1000 a couple times
usually on horrid losses
Allie - September 21, 2009
Ah, maybe that's why I didn't see them.
Can’t deal with it when we have horrid losses.
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Ricketts eating $20 million over a deadbeat RF sounds like another horrid loss
for the organization.
From a morale standpoint, I think it was necessary and a shot in the arm for the players.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
Who's this RF you speak of? ;)
Zeke - September 21, 2009
bobby scales
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Scales is getting $20 Mil? Dang!
Zeke - September 21, 2009
500k with the cubs
19.5 mil teaching part time in georgia
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Ghost of Sosa
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
no he got suspended
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Ghos-sa?
Zeke - September 21, 2009
On a Recap post?
Game Threads where no one posts a FanShot overflow, sure, but Recaps don’t get that kind of traffic.
Only thing close was the Cat Thread.
Clutch16 - September 21, 2009
not usually on a recap
but i could’ve sworn we did… maybe i’m wrong.
course…i shouldn’t use “we”… considering I haven’t even read that post. No interest in it.
Allie - September 21, 2009
It's a load of fun
Really. I mean it.
Clutch16 - September 21, 2009
I got my fill of the MB clusterfuck
when I read Bruce’s article on it and made the mistake of scrolling down to the comments section.
Allie - September 21, 2009
Some of us are just gluttons for that sort of thing
Clutch16 - September 21, 2009
We may have on one of the playoff losses last year.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
That one says it got 781.
This afternoon got a hundred more….
Zeke - September 21, 2009
The Cat Thread one I mean...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
The Cat Thread was crazy
The MB Thread was twice as crazy.
Clutch16 - September 21, 2009
i wonder how many "the cubs need to make a trade" has
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Comments? Not too many
Recs? Lots and lots.
Clutch16 - September 21, 2009
Tyler Colvin Era beings
the 4 worst words written today.
He has no business being in the majors. Outside of 1 hot streak in AA, he has proven that he was a bad 1st round pick. If you think Sori swings at everything, wait ’til you get a load of this dude.
No win situation—if he plays really well, Hendry will think (if that is at all possible, right MPH73?), that he can go into 2010 with Colvin. If Colvin plays shitty, then it will show what a bad draft pick he has been.
Oh vey!
socalbob - September 21, 2009
Now that's the way to keep an open mind about a player you've never seen.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
It's a momentous night for Jim Hendry
After seven years as Cubs GM, finally one of his first round picks will play in a major league game.
Jody Jody Davis - September 21, 2009
Really? This is his FIRST one?
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Yep
Ryan Harvey, Mark Pawalek, Josh Vitters, Andrew Cashner, and Brett Jackson are the others.
Jody Jody Davis - September 21, 2009
Tyler Colvin was the first pick for Tim Wilken.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
F7
Clutch16 - September 21, 2009
funny
how many of his 1st rounders from player development days have made it?
socalbob - September 21, 2009
you do realize
that he’s not the scouting director anymore. Still able to make final calls, but by most accounts, the picks are Wilken’s decision now, and before this, the Stockstill’s.
toonsterwu - September 21, 2009
Jesus.
and people think Hendry deserves a job here?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Colvin
I’m not that bothered with pushing Colvin up, as he was going to make the 40 man anyways in the offseason, and AAA season is finished. He also had 2 good months in AA, sandwiched by a bad month. I also wouldn’t go as far to call him a bad pick – I was fine with the pick then, and here’s the thing, from that draft, our top two guys (Colvin/Samardzija) will see big league time. You hope for better, but there’s so many busts. Those two don’t fall in the Harvey category.
Now, I think the general feeling socalbob is expressing, unease about the handling of some guys, is valid for Colvin (and Samardzija). It sure feels like the Cubs are taking a stand on those two, intent on proving folks wrong. They badly mismanaged Shark this year IMO, with the yo-yoing (make him a pen arm would be the route I’d go). Both Shark and Colvin were initially rushed, and Colvin has been at AA for quite awhile now, so you take the numbers with a grain of salt.
Furthermore, I do think there’s a chance that, a tiny hot streak here, and the Cubs may give Colvin a shot. He might be able to succeed, but I’d caution against SSS (remember how Cubs fans got too giddy over Kevin Hart’s SSS)? I hope Colvin is in AAA to start 2010. Now, I’m not foolish – Tyler’s never going to be able to improve his discipline dramatically. But he could use some time to, by most accounts, become more consistent.
toonsterwu - September 21, 2009
precisely
my original reply was to the headline “The Tyler Colvin Era begins” becasue with all due repsect, I don’t think there will be much of a Colvin era.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
I've seen him play live and video
and I’ve seen his stats over his minor league career.
And I’ve read all reports from Baseball America and John Sickels too.
I hope he proves the reports and my thoughts about him wrong.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
What did you think of him when you saw him play in person?
Was it in a minor legue game or in spring training?
(Using the reply button makes it easier to read the comments.)
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Boise and ST
I thought I hit the reply button—sorry.
Plays the OF well. I thought he may stick at CF, but guess that didn’t work out. Decent arm and takes good routes.
Swing was a tad long and didn’t take too many pitches. I was disappointed in what I saw.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
It'll be interesting to see him play in the majors.
I’ve only seen him play in ST on TV a couple of years ago. I’m excited to get a chance to see what he can do.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
I've seen him play live too
He doesn’t take pitches well, that’s for sure, although he does appear to be improving somewhat. But he doesn’t have an out of control swing either, at least not as I’ve seen it.
As far as BA and John Sickels go, neither one of them thought anything of Randy Wells, either. I’m not saying these sources are bad—they’re not. These people know what they’re talking about. But they’re also wrong from time to time and neither one has the resources to really follow the ins and outs of every player in the Cubs system. Often, they repeat information that is old and out of date.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
we are all wrong--it's subjective analysis
I thought his swing was a little long and he definitely took his hacks. Not impressed by him being a 1st rounder from college with the swing and discipline.
His walk rate is borderline pathetic and that always causes problems as players move up.
I hope he turns into a Shawn Green by next April. I really do.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
I know you do
And honestly, I agree with you—I don’t think Tyler Colvin is going to be a starting OF for the Cubs—or for any winning ballclub.
But I am very excited to see him play in the majors because I believe there is a good chance that I am wrong on that issue. And I want to see what he can do against major league pitching. Maybe he’ll stink—then it’s good to know that now.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
my real concern
is for Colvin going “Kevin Mass” on us and forcing Hendry to go to ST with him as the RF. I just do not trust Hendry’s judgment.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
Heh
I’d take Kevin Maas at this point.
But with Colvin, if he does go nuts for the next two weeks and we pencil him into the lineup next year, I’m betting we get a backup plan in place if he falls on his face next spring—even if it’s only Reed Johnson.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
that's my 2nd concern
we’d haqve a pretty awful OF if Reed Johnson played CF and Dome in RF for the season.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
Maybe awful offensive OF
but thats a pretty solid defensive OF isn’t it?
Allie - September 21, 2009
d would be fine
lack of offense.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
i'd rather have a plus defensive lineup
that can scrap out a few runs than a lineup that can’t catch the ball.
maybe that’s just me though.
Allie - September 21, 2009
how you going to scratch out runs?
when those guys can’t get on base?
socalbob - September 21, 2009
dunno
but a team that is incapable of making the basic plays to get out of an inning AND then incapable of doing the little things to get a runner on, over and in was frustrating as hell this year.
so a team that excelled at the first thing would make the latter easier to follow for me.
Allie - September 21, 2009
amen to that
I’m holding out my hope on something big via trade to happen.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
I agree with that strategy.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
Our outfield was actually fairly solid defensively this year
and it got us our of contention by September.
Teams can’t contend with the lack of production we’d be looking at from our outfield unless they get a TON of production from quite a few other places. That would mean Soto returning to his ROY form, and getting a legitmate power hitting middle infielder. I don’t see either of those things happening this offseason
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
what did these guys think of Pie as he was coming up?
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
top rated prospect
due to performance and tools—not the same reports on Colvin
socalbob - September 21, 2009
I saw him play a full year at Lansing. He was good.
I was pulling for him to make it with the Cubs. I still have his bobblehead in my collection of worthless junk…
Zeke - September 21, 2009
They loved him in the low minors
and soured on him as he moved up.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
Too bad...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Colvin's minor league numbers are underwhelming (.785 career OPS)
Then again, Casey McGehee had a .741 career minor league OPS, so who knows?
Jody Jody Davis - September 21, 2009
absolutely
I hope he turns into a monster—we need it.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
McGehee
bought some magic pixie dust in the offseason. The guy from the Crossroads he bought it from is going to expect payment next year.
Colvin’s numbers after he had TJ surgery were much better. He played a whole season with a bum shoulder, and that depressed his numbers.
Still, his numbers aren’t great, even taking that into account. They’re not terrible, but they don’t say “Major league star.” They more say “Reed Johnson.”
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
If he has a career like Reed,
that’s an improvement on virtually all of the #1 picks of the Cubs for quite some time.
Seriously, I’d take that. If your #1 picks turn into decent players, you’re doing well. They don’t need to be stars.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2009
I do think
that Colvin will be a decent major league fourth outfielder, like Reed Johnson is.
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
yeah.....maybe.....well......
I just don’t think he will contribute enough offensively to stick on a roster. And it’s not like he has serious wheels. We’ll see on that one. He could very well be a solid 4th guy.
socalbob - September 21, 2009
Well
I wouldnt put much creedence in either Baseball America or John Sickels, they have really butchered their evaluations of the Cubs especially in the last two years and especially Baseball America which will have to eat crow for quite a few of their comments.
Slamdog - September 22, 2009
you realize it's an inexact science
so, yes, you do put credence into what they research. What a foolish statement.
They spend their entire job in this realm. They have a lot more credibility than anyone here.
It’s not the Bible, but they are pretty damn good at what they do.
socalbob - September 22, 2009
I met Jonah Keri once
Back then, his favorite player was Vladimir Guerrero, which would still be a good choice by his criteria. Of course back then, there were Montreal Expos and he was a fan of them, although Vlad had just signed with the Angels (but had yet to play a game for them.)
Josh Timmers - September 21, 2009
Okay
So has anyone figured out what extra coaches are in the dugout due to september callups?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Hate to do this to you beautiful people, but
Union may file grievance on Bradley’s behalf.
MLBN just tore Bradley a new one.
chilango2 - September 21, 2009
No problem. Hendry will call Fox Mulder and pull out the X File.
The guy is a human/alien hybrid. His contract is void.
The Truth is out There.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
If you knew Hank Moody...
…he puts Fox Mulder to shame.
dtpollitt - September 21, 2009
He works out at my gym (Fox/Hank)
doesn’t wipe up his sweat—gross.
But he is a real nice guy (except for the sweat)
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
Watching The X-Files on Fridays and then Sundays became a religious experience for me. Now, it is watching Californication. That show is incredible.
dtpollitt - September 21, 2009
I really liked the first season of Californication. season 2 was blah.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
This is just the union doing its job
Anytime any player is suspended they file something. They are protecting members of their union, odds are they just want to make sure he gets paid.
nji232 - September 21, 2009
And they want to make sure they don't get sued by Bradley for non-representation...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
yeah that too
this isn’t anything worth anybody freaking out about.
nji232 - September 21, 2009
Nope. Pretty perfunctory, really...
Zeke - September 21, 2009
Isn't that more or less a formality for most suspensions?
AndrewJStone - September 21, 2009
Jake Fox=Keith Moreland with more Pop
Why is it a foregone conclusion that Jake Fox can’t play every day? The 1984 Cubs won hiding Keith Moreland in RF. It’s not like Milton Bradley, Soriano, or Cliff Floyd were Gold Gloves?
I know he has had trouble adjusting to Major League breaking balls, but damn, the guy can rake. Can’t we see more before consigning him to the AL?
perseman - September 21, 2009
Apparently not.
It seems like the Cubs are either showcasing Hoffpauir or trying to keep Fox’s value at its present level, instead of risking it going up or down based on how he performs in the last 2 weeks.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
What?
Trey why wouldnt we want his value to go up, then we could wheel and deal and have a high hand in dealings with other teams.
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Sure you would.
But if he struggles, then the value drops. It’s a double-edged sword.
And right now, for whatever reason, the Cubs seem to prefer Scales and Hoffpauir as opposed to Fox. I can only think they got scared seeing him flail at curveballs 3 weeks ago and decided not to let that continue, lest his value go down.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
Well
at least we know he can hit in a jam right?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
as long as he'll see a fastball or two
I’m comfortable with him at the plate. If it was Cincinnati’s Daniel Ray Herrera pitching, then maybe not.
Bill Potter - September 21, 2009
theres an equal chance his value would go down
im guessing if jimbo plans to trade fox, he doesnt want to take that risk
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
According to Lou, NO!
he will let Theriot make 2-3 errors a week, but Fox makes one error on a pick-off play at first and he is in the dog house forever.
I don’t understand. I’m tilting my head like one of border collies as I write this.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
theriots scrappy
fox isnt
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
No he isnt
But hes a way better hitter!
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
studies have shown scrappiness has a direct effect on hitting ability
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
When did scrappy become the code word
for “small, white and undertalented”…
Allie - September 21, 2009
im not sure
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Baseball Almanac definition of "Scrappy"
Scrappy: (1) a one tool baseball player, (2) a baseball player known as having limited talents but tries hard, but to be kind, an “s” is added to the adjective defining the player’s talents. See Ryan Theriot.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
Here's a thought
Why don’t you e-mail Bruce Miles and ask him to ask Piniella why Fox doesn’t play more regularly? He just might have a perfectly good reason.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I bet he doesn't.
dtpollitt - September 21, 2009
agreed
sue369 - September 21, 2009
I just emailed the question to Bruce Miles.
Do you want me to email it to Aaron Miles too?
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
yes
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
now that would be funny...
to have Aaron Miles ask Lou about Fox’s playing time. that I would pay to see!
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
That would be awesome
Maybe Aaron Miles would discover a second career as a baseball journalist. Certainly would be better than his first career was this year.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Aaron Miles sucks-a rare agreement.....
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Yes, he had a bad season
Unlike many around here, I don’t think he should be executed for it.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I think he should be released.
A long time ago.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
so NBF, what do you do with a guy who bats well under .200?
offer him an extension?
does he make up for it with his fielding? running?
Given that we have Blanco & Baker now—what would cause the Cubs to keep this guy around next year? I am willing to be enlightened…
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
NBF is one of the Cubs biggest excuse makers.
He has no answers
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
conclusions....
stop jumping to them.
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
Please cite where I said Miles should return next year
I defy you to find it anyplace, anywhere.
If you do, I’ll be willing to accept you aren’t a moron.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Please cite where I said he should be executed
I just want him gone
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
I didn't say you did want him executed
Were you absent on the day they went over reading comprehension in third grade?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
You are funny
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
NBF: please don't go there calling me or anyone a "moran"
But if you will note above, everything I stated was done in the form of a question to you, so I was citing NOTHING. All I was asking was (in a sarcastic way) what you wanted to do with Miles.
See, question marks at the ends of statements are that, questions. I was asking what you would want to do with Miles since you seemed to be defending him to some degree.
But turning around and calling me or anyone else on BCB a name seems a rather immature way to banter.
Save that for the Brewers.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
Sorry, Carl, but as Frank Zappa once put it,
you are what you is.
How about this: I want Miles tied to a wooden stake on top of the pitchers mound and have fans stone him until he’s a quivering pulp.
Or maybe they should just try to get rid of him for next season.
Is that acceptable to you?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I'll bring the stake, you bring the stones.
But stop with the name calling. We are all on the same side.
Names are unnecessary. :-)
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
Good point, Carl
I apologize.
What time should we meet at the stoning?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Lou....
“Well were gonna look into getting that young man some more at bats, some time in the near future. Anything else, okay guys well see ya later.”
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Proof, then,
that it’s a lot easier to bitch than it is to do something about it.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Huh?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
People have been wondering for weeks what the deal is with Fox. Don't you think Miles would write it if he knew?
You know Sullivan would.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
You don't know
if you don’t ask.
Maybe neither of them think it’s that big a deal.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Do you think its a big deal? Do you think he should have been playing ahead of Scales?
Just wondering
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
At this point of the season
I don’t think it matters much one way or the other.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
how about before we got to this point?
Because Fox sitting while guys who weren’t remotely productive started over him has been going on for quite sometime. Or are you admitting, that despite your admonitions of anyone else who said it, you actually knew the Cubs were out of contention long before this?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
According to him its ok whatever lou does.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Not to get political
but you sound like some of these idiots who, if you don’t criticize each and every move Bush or Obama make and call for their heads each time, you must love them and think they’re perfect.
I don’t think Lou is perfect. But I also don’t think there is a better alternative out there, at least if you want the Cubs to win it all and do it soon.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
WOW
You are weak debater
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Better a weak debater
than a weak thinker. Then again, I consider the source of this criticism and do what most rational people would — ignore it.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
But, you didn't ignore it
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Fox could have had a solid month of playing everyday
Instead we got Scales, and you give answers like “it does not matter”
What would have been your solution? You usually avoid these type of questions.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
My solution to what?
IIRC, Bobby Scales was quite the flavor of the month around here in May. Kinda like Hoffpauir was, too.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
for about a week, yes
then he reminded us why he was a 31 year old rookie
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Exactly
When I was a kid, I though Oscar Zamora (put that in your way-back machine, folks) was going to be great. But there was a reason he was 30 years old and a rookie.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
and yet Lou is playing him
like he’s worth a damn. Over better players. In other words, what you figured out when you reach adulthood, Lou still hasn’t
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Ever stop to think
Putting Fox in against, say, Carpenter or Wainwright puts him into a position to fail. But putting him in against, say, Mitchell Boggs puts him in a position to succeed.
Of course, guys like Ramirez and Lee play against everybody, but that’s because they’re All-Star caliber good. Fox isn’t. Not close.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Fox is in a better position to succeed than Scales is
against everybody. He’s better than Scales. I think you can admit that. So, yes of course he’ll struggle against the best pitchers in the game, so did most of our lineup. He’s also a better bet to do well than Scales is.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
And you know what?
Probably neither Fox nor Scales will be with this team next season.
Spend your energies thinking of possible alternatives for right field and middle infield in 2010. That’s more worthwhile.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
So, are you under the impression Scales is a better player than Fox?
Because Scales was playing more over Fox before we were really out of contention. Therefore whether or not either is going to be back was less important than which one helps us win this year. Do you think that’s Scales?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
Scales has played in 41 games this year
None between June and September.
Fox has played in 77 games this year, including 42 in July and August, when the Cubs still were considered to be in contention.
I think you need to change your argument.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Not sure how that's relevant
but are you going to answer the question?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
He has a horrible time answering questions.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Here's the answer
I don’t think it matters either way. But since Nunya’s main point — that Scales played more than Fox whie the team was in contention — has been debunked, my answer really doesn’t matter, anyway.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Umm, that's not an answer, and you missed my point
and still refuse to answer the question. My point was, since Scales was called up, in September, he has played FAR more than Fox has, despite the fact that in early September the Cubs were still in contention (if not smack dab in the middle of the pennant race.) Yet we didn’t play the best player we could.
NOW we’re out of contention,and it still makes no sense to just not play fox at all.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
I don't really get why you refuse to answer a pretty basic question
do YOU think Scales is a better player than Fox?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
He doesn't understand....
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Fox is playing
He’s been in 11 games this month.
How many games has Scales played in left field in September? And when in September?
I think there isn’t much difference between the two. Scales has a better glove (in general) than a bat, and Fox has a better bat (in general) than a glove.
You’ll just have to accept that as my answer. Which basically has been my answer all long. Sorry if you don’t like it.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
most as a PH
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Not ony did Fox play more than Scales
But Scales WASN’T EVEN ON THE TEAM in July and August.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
considering you chastised someone for reading comprehension
I’d read what I posted again. Or you can continue to argue something completely different. However you want to play it
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
and yes, to answer your question
I am 99% certain that Fox is a better player than Scales.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
99% of us know this
A few excuse makers do not.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Absolutely...
…and Fox is just not a national league player and never will be.
MPH73 - September 21, 2009
Maybe he fails like most hitters do vs that duo.
Scales sure did….What is your excuse for Lou when he didn’t play vs the AAA pitchers The Nats, mets, and reds were throwing at us? I think he would have been a pretty good option.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Still waiting for that answer. I would love to hear it
Guessing you don’t have one.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Well, he did play
Go look it up.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
You are answering the wrong question
Answer the cards pitcher question
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Who the hell are you, a trial lawyer?
I did answer it. Tough shit if you don’t like it.
Enough.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
I will try again
Why did he not play vs the bad teams with bad pitchers? That would be a good time for him to play according to your logic.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
You also have to go by which pitcher
is pitching that day. Even the crappiest teams have good pitchers.
Of course, simpletons don’t see it that way.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
if lou is hiding fox on the bench to keep his value up
ill take back everything i said about the fox and scales fiasco. but if he isnt.. well you got some splainin to lou
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
to do even
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
Scales is a cute story
and for what he was (a nice energy guy off the bench when we badly needed a kick) he was good.
But Lou’s playing him like he’s something more than that.
Allie - September 21, 2009
so? Lou should play him because MONTHS ago
he was popular?
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
To playing time when Soriano went down
Scales was popular here as a 2b when Fronty sucked and Miles was terrible.
I am trying to go slow for you.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
why all the hate for theriot?
theriot has been the second most valuable position player on the cubs this year.
his fielding is slightly better than average — for a key defensive position like SS, that’s pretty valuable. he’s nothing to write home about, but he’s a decent player and consistent and cheap.
tom s. - September 21, 2009
because he is a terrible base runner, has a subpar arm
and has stopped doing the litle things (like hitting to the opposite field) this season. He should be a second baseman, but Lou steadfastly refuses to play him at his natural position
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
He'll be 30
he’s an idiot on the bases, he’s got the weakest SS arm I’ve ever seen and should not be leading off.
When he’s hitting, he’s a damn find 2B.
Allie - September 21, 2009
I can assure you that as long as our defense is as weak as it has been at 2B/SS
I can’t see us getting very far (in the future). I just think strong middle infield defense cures a lot of ills. I just hope the new ownership makes this a priority.
When you have strong middle infield defense, your pitchers pitch to contact more and stop trying so hard for Ks. It would be a nice change in attitude for our pitching staff if they could have confidence in the guys behind them.
LAcarl519 - September 21, 2009
Look at the Mariners
They stress defense, and that alone has them a winning record despite batting Ken Griffey JR every night
nji232 - September 21, 2009
quick thoughts
a) A Reed Johnson/Tyler Colvin platoon for CF? Seems a bit iffy. I’m hoping for better defense. While Colvin could probably be passable in CF in his youth, he’s still better off in the corners. I worry that the consequence of carrying a Colvin/Johnson platoon in CF would be to carry a pure defensive OF in center.
b) Not sure the Cubs offense is good enough to carry Andres Blanco’s bat as a starter. I mean … the potential is there, but you need Soto hitting, and that’s never a certainty with catchers due to the wear and tear. You need Lee/Ramirez/Soriano at their peak. You need an improved top of the order. You get all those components, and sure, I can buy giving a no-hit/all defense player a starting gig, but those seem like a lot of expectations to carry for the start of a season.
c) I have never been on the Theriot train … but I’ll be a tad surprised if we upgraded at shortstop this offseason. The market’s iffy, trading for a quality shortstop is always iffy. Don’t get me wrong – I wouldn’t mind taking a gamble on say, Ivan DeJesus Jr. or another youngster, but I don’t see that happening (and while JJ Hardy would be solid … don’t see that one either). But even if you don’t buy defensive metrics, Theriot is at least an average defensive player who overachieves relative to his physical capability due to trying to be a “heady” player. He’s been miscast as a top of the order bat – as a bottom of the order guy, where he should be, he’s solid for the role.
d) I would love to see us, for once, only carry 1 backup MI. For that to happen, I think you need a guy that the team buys as the full-time starter, and not in some platoon role. I think Jeff Baker could be that guy … but 2nd base could be a spot to look for a top of the order bat.
toonsterwu - September 21, 2009
Sadly most of us knew Fox wouldn't start today as he was going around the bases
Lou needs to go
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Why not Blanco at SS today?
Got some big hits last night and is a real SS…..
Lou strikes again
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
So how did Fox go to the 26th man on a roster of 25?
Or in this case of September call-ups 41 on a roster of 40???
It really, really makes no sense.
Zeke - September 21, 2009
No it doesn't
Also the one day he did start he batted cleanup. So if you are good enough to bat 4th……
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Aaron Miles batted cleanup this season
doesn’t really have anything to do with Fox, I just like to point out how insanely moronic Lou is.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
So if Tyler Colvin succeeds...
our RF void is filled??
Chanman25 - September 21, 2009
dont jinx it
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
For the time being
I’d like to see Colvin put into #2 hole ahead of Lee and Ramirez. He’d see more fast balls and likely get some confidence.
tharr - September 21, 2009
No
youcant do that hes a rookie!
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
MUST PLAY FUKUDOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.130 hitter of late-even with Reed Johnson back.
Go Lou—-Nice Managing.
One of at least 3 screw up in the lineup today.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
If the Cubs win
I fully expect you to apologize.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Not to you
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
No, you should
apologize to society for being such an unmitigated cipher.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Whatever-Good Comeback
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Or the baby.
Beanie: Don’t say sorry to me, Frank. Say it to the baby.
Frank: Sorry, baby.
dtpollitt - September 21, 2009
have you ever apologized for having an opinion?
I’m guessing not
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
You have to share his opinion or you are wrong.
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
No, you just don't have to be an idiot
Which side are you on?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Usually not yours
Which is a good thing
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
For that
I am thankful.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
ME TOO!
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
Then why are you arguing?
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
That's a good point
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
Fukudome is hitting
.237 in the #2 hole and .260 as leadoff. Bradley was .326/.421 at #2, Bradley got moved down to #5 where he hit .217.
I’d suggest that if Lou’s using a book he needs to get reading glasses.
tharr - September 21, 2009
I wish he would just pick a lineup out of a hat.
It would be better than this
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
oh joy Hoff & Riot
over Fox and Blanco ( sorry for being late to the party but been out for a bit). After all Hoff is so much more likely to
be part of the Cubs future. Does anyone think Lou just benches Fox because he can ? Oh let me guess his reasoning is
“Hey when my veteran bullpen guys blow another lead I NEED a guy on the bench who can come in and hit game winning homer” Makes the most sense.
Doggie Stalker - September 21, 2009
this back and forth pissing fest between NBF TJ11nunyabidness is getting kinda old
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
AGREED
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
LWDYWMTD?
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2009
what
jesus christos - September 21, 2009
What the hell does that mean Santo?
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
Lou's reply to eveything...
Look, what do you want me to do.
sue369 - September 21, 2009
Yeah. Here's what we want him to do: manage well!
Blue Heron - September 21, 2009
At this point, I just want to get a straight answer out of him for a simple question
and I’ll never ask him another question again
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2009
You got it
Now go play on the freeway and waste someone else’s evening.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 21, 2009
You are right it is getting old. Its too easy for me.
He can’t handle simple questions. Time to move on to the game….
TJ11 - September 21, 2009
agreed
sue369 - September 21, 2009
Clutch16 - September 21, 2009
Thoughts
I don’t think we should bring Reed back. I love how he plays but he gets injured all the time. And I’m SO sick of hearing people saying Andres Blanco is such a crappy hitter. In 111 at bats, he is batting .270. I will take that sort of production from a guy as defensively talented as he is. And I think if he is given the chance to play everyday, he will be a solid hitter.
Blanco has a better BA than Fontenot, Miles, Soto, Hill, and several other Cubs. I would love to see him as our SS next year, and Riot back to 2B, with Baker as a utility sub.
Mulhollandmania - September 21, 2009
Finally
Alright im done with the dishes, now i finally get to sit down and watch the Cubs…. Oh wait, I dont live in Chicago. Guess I’ll have to settle for Pat and Ron. I hope Ron makes fun of some of the Brewers’ facial hair like he did Brendan Ryan!
JMG1984 - September 21, 2009
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