The CSN production crew showed, at one point during last night's telecast, video pointing out the differences in Jeff Samardzija's motion in his first, disastrous, start on August 12, and last night. Back in August he wasn't bringing the ball fully back, more or less "pushing" it to the plate; last night he had more of a full extension, hiding the ball behind his back briefly before delivery. The results were better; he gave up only five hits and a walk in five innings and threw 54 strikes in 82 pitches. He had good velocity (hitting 97 on the CSN and stadium speed pitch meters) and his breaking ball looked better; the lack of a good breaking pitch has been one of the biggest criticisms of Samardzija becoming a solid major league pitcher.
Unfortunately, two of those hits were home runs; the one by Prince Fielder came with a man on base and the homer Shark allowed to Jody Gerut was the difference in a 3-2 Cubs loss to the Brewers that reduced their elimination number to 4.
There's no shame in giving up a home run to Fielder; Samardzija became the 39th different pitcher to allow one to him this year. Gerut? Not so much, although the Chicago-area native has had a good September (.327/.377/.551, with 3 HR in 49 AB, two of the HR off Cubs pitching) in an attempt to let baseball people know that he'd like a job in 2010.
Meanwhile, Samardzija's HR cut the deficit to 2-1 and Bobby Scales' RBI double in the 7th made it 3-2 after Gerut's HR. But once again, the Cubs could not get a runner home from scoring position with less than two out; Scales did make it to third but Felipe Lopez made a nice catch of a floater that Ryan Theriot nearly got into right field, and that was the end of the Cubs' best chance to tie the game. Credit also must be given to Brewers' journeyman starter Chris Narveson, who struck out ten.
Unfortunately, the Milton Bradley merry-go-round continues for another day; yesterday he issued an apology for his recent actions in a written statement, which read:
"I chose Chicago as a free agent," Bradley said in a statement, "because I wanted to be part of finally bringing a championship to Cubs fans. I expected to have a great season and I am deeply disappointed by my performance and the team's struggles. I played every game with everything that I had and wanted to desperately win.
"My frustration and disappointment boiled over and I said and did certain things that I regret," he said. "In hindsight, I wish that I had handled certain things differently and I apologize for those things that did not work out for the better.
"The air has been cleared," he said, "and we all want to move on and look forward to better days."
Wow. There's so much wrong with that statement that I can't even really begin to dissect it, except for this: it's yet another example of the 21st Century Celebrity Apology, which is vetted by a lawyer and carefully crafted to say nothing while appearing to apologize. Look at what he actually apologized for:
I apologize for those things that did not work out for the better.
What on Earth does that mean? No specifics, no people mentioned, no one specifically apologized to? All of a sudden "the air has been cleared"? I'm tired of seeing these sorts of apologies, which basically boil down to "I'm sorry you caught me being an idiot, please forgive me so I can keep making these enormous sums of money."
Here's what a real Milton Bradley apology should have looked like:
I truly did want to become a Chicago Cub to bring the team, the organization and the best fans in baseball the championship they have longed for, for over a century. My performance was beneath my own expectations for myself and I wish I had done better on the field and the team had won more games and we were headed to the playoffs.
Recently, I said some things to the Daily Herald's Bruce Miles that were said in anger and frustration and I want to apologize to those I offended.
I apologize to my teammates. I said I worked "harder" than anyone on the team. This is not true. Every single member of the Cubs works hard to better his performance and win, and I don't want them to think I didn't appreciate them as teammates. I am sorry.
I apologize to Jim Hendry. He put his faith in me by investing $30 million of the team's money for me to perform, and I let him down.
I apologize to the entire Cubs organization. I told Bruce Miles it wasn't a positive environment, and that they haven't won for 100 years because of "negativity". That certainly is not true of all the dedicated people on the coaching staff, the scouting staff, and the rest of the people who work hard every day in the office. They all want to win. I apologize to each and every one of them.
I apologize to the media. I'm a private person and sometimes I don't react well to some of the questions you ask. But that doesn't mean, as I told Bruce Miles, that you are "bashing" me. I know you have a job to do, just as I do. I am sorry.
I apologize to all Cubs fans. I wanted to win for you very badly, but I failed and because I was upset at myself, I took it out on you. There were a few bad fans who made nasty and uncalled-for remarks to me, but I don't want you to think that I believe you are all that way. I am sorry.
Now that would be a real apology and if Milton -- or, for that matter, any athete or celebrity caught doing wrong -- would issue such an apology, I think people would go a long way toward forgiving him.
But the "apology" he did issue? Nothing but cover-my-butt. The Cubs may have to eat a significant amount of Bradley's contract to move him, or possibly even release him and pay off the entire deal. It will be an expensive lesson learned for Jim Hendry -- who should have seen this coming -- and the organization as they move into the Tom Ricketts era.
0 recs | 497 comments
Shark homers! And seems to have pitched pretty well.
What’s the world coming to? ;)
Zeke - September 24, 2009
I liked your apology much better Al
Ever think of becoming a spin doctor for political gain?
Scales surprised me with his RBI double. I really wish there were a place for him on ANY MLB team. It seems he has gained some trust of this organization and must be an all around good guy. The players in the dugout seem to enjoy him. I wish him well, I just don’t see how he will make our roster next year.
mrcubsfan - September 24, 2009
Scales, oddly...
…. seems to be much better off the bench than when he starts.
He’s 7-for-11 this year as a PH, with 2 doubles, a triple and 2 HR.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I agree. he may have a role next year as a supersub-pinch hitter
He can play many positions and coming off the bench does not seem to bother him.
The key will be for Lou not to over use him. He reminds me a bit of Lenny Harris.
Not Lenny when he played for the Cubs……but everywhere else. He was an older guy who could play several positions and could PH from the left side. Scales has him beat in the speed department.
Just a thought.
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Seriously?
I would throw up a little in my mouth if Bobby Scales is on the Opening Day roster next season.
Damen Jackson - September 24, 2009
As the 25th man?
He’d be OK as the 25th guy. Can PH, play 3 or 4 positions, pinch-run. Useful in limited situations.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
When you consider our 25th man until Sept. 1 was Miles
Scales is an upgrade.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Maybe as the 25th man...
But I’d still throw up a little bit in my mouth over it.
And seriously, Bobby Scales can’t play three or four positions. The only spot that I would ever be comfortable with him defensively is second base; maybe third if I’m desperate. It’s shameful to watch Lou send the guy into the outfield, especially when it would be much wiser to see if Jake Fox — who could actually have a major league career — could man those corner spots.
Damen Jackson - September 24, 2009
Back before the days of 12
and 13 man pitching staffs, such a player would be really useful. Now, even though they might be more even useful, I don’t know if there’s a roster spot for him.
Of course, we could realize that 12 pitchers is at least one too many.
Josh Timmers - September 24, 2009
Two words
Joey Gathright
tripdenten - September 24, 2009
That was our
25th man to start this season. Scales is a much better player than that, Scales can play more than one position, and can actually hit a baseball!
tripdenten - September 24, 2009
No, the Rule V pitcher was.
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
Scales is much better than he is, too.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
back to the apology(s)
An apology is actually an atonement (fairly current moment for many now), but understand what Bradley’s prepared statement is actually saying or not saying.
An apology is an acknowledgment of an individual’s own actions, it takes personal responsibilities and acknowledges damage, hurt and accountability, furthermore the stuff that Miles reported blamed everyone else for Bradley’s outcomes and his reactionary actions.
This was no apology, it was a professional move to try to save a revenue producer (the agents’ and possibly the player), for if I were the Cubs I might say that Bradley’s published statements voided his contract—-they were detrimental to the team and the organization.
Even your version doesn’t go far enough for it doesn’t offer a remedy, an acknowledgment that the behavior must be corrected by some overt change action.
Ivy Walls - September 24, 2009
Actually, Gathright can probably play all three OF spots.
He’s also likely faster than Scales and I assume we don’t want to get into the jumping thing.
daver - September 24, 2009
Gathright can at least play defense well
Neither of them are major league hitters though.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
Problem...
… Lou never really used him as a defensive replacement. He played in 20 games as a Cub, started one, played in the field in 10 others.
The Cubs could have gotten the same thing from Felix Pie, and then Pie could have filled in when injuries hit.
The Gathright signing was completely pointless.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Agreed on Pie. Cheaper too.
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
Not disagreeing there
I’m generally a supporter of Hendry’s, but the moves I most disagreed with this off-season were the Wuertz trade, and the Pie and Cedeno (essentially) for Heilman trade, which in turn necessitated the Gathright and Miles acquisitions.
I’d much rather have had Cedeno, Pie, and Weurtz than Gathright, Miles, and Heilman. Granted all those moves look worse in part due to hindsight.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
I think I'd have rather had those three BEFORE those deals were made.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
They were debatable at the time
They look awful in retrospect.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
Yep.
Let’s hope someone will take Miles’ contract. It’s possible they might be able to throw him in on a Bradley deal, depending on the size of the other “bad” contract they have to take in return.
Heilman’s better performance lately probably gives him some trade value.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I don't miss Cedeno at all
He might be the dumbest player in MLB. Plus he hasn’t exactly set the world on fire this season.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 24, 2009
I would not be surprised to someday read
that Cedeno has tried to run the bases clockwise.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Speed kills.
In Joey’s case, he wasn’t a good defensive replacement, couldn’t get on base, and was picked off as a pinch runner.
The first criteria is the 25th man has to either play defense, hit, or run the bases, be a rule 5 stash, or be too cheap to complain about. JG was none of these things, just unusable speed.
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
unusuable speed
that’s a very good way to describe JG
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
I still think Gathright WAS a good defensive replacement...
…though he certainly didn’t look that way in a Cubs uniform.
daver - September 24, 2009
He also WAS a good pinch runner. As a Cub, he made
Cedeno look like a wizard on the base paths.
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
But
When did gathright ever show this? All I can remember was him getting picked off, caught stealing, and striking out. The guy was a total bust. Cedeno was a bum though.
tripdenten - September 24, 2009
He really didn't get much playing time...
…and, when he did, he didn’t look good. But, as I recall, UZR gives him very high marks in centerfield – and he defintely has speed if you can figure out a way to get him on base.
Ha, I can’t believe it’s September and I’m still sticking up for Joey Gathright. What is wrong with me?
daver - September 24, 2009
the funny thing is
Gathright has a shot to be on the Red Sox postseason roster simply because he’s fast.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
Unreal.
And how ’bout Chad Gaudin? Will the Yankees take him into the post?
daver - September 24, 2009
That's quite a path
dumpster → curb → playoffs
we’ll see though
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
♪♫ Some guys have all the luck! ♪♫
daver - September 24, 2009
Some of the bloggers seem to want him on the roster
as the long-man.
That’d be a heckuva journey.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
From Garbage to Glory: The Chad Gaudin Story
daver - September 24, 2009
The Merits of Dumpster Diving, by Chad Gaudin.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
he's no Dave Roberts
Joey had a rep as being on the decline with the glove, poor on base skills, and not a good base runner, despite the speed. He was actually pretty cheap for what he offered (warts and all) but, as with most of the dang team, underperformed.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Agreed.
Red Sox fans will liken him to Roberts, solely because of the speed, but it seems to me that Roberts had more “smarts” on the bases than Gathright.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
exactly
Freakin’ Yadi Molina is a better baserunner than Joey. Well, in some regards. Speed is speed, but knowing how to read a move, how to read an outfielder, how to read the ball of the bat, well, Joey’s results indicate those may not have been his strong points.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Sometimes when you're that fast you can get away with it.
I’m sure Gathright was able to do that until a certain time, which looks to be the Major League level.
Who knows, maybe the Sox have worked with him on some of the recognition-type issues he seemed to have.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
Your apology is spot on, Al
And actually one that any reputable PR agent would issue. The first rule of countering bad PR is owning up, coming clean, and being honest about what went down. Anything else only exacerbates the problem and makes it larger — ala MB’s faux “apology.”
My guess is MB thinks he has absolutely nothing to apologize for but his entourage have convinced him that some statement is necessary. The “apology” is the most he would grudgingly oblige.
Emelie - September 24, 2009
I liked Lou's statement in the paper
something to the effect of that’s nice, now we can move on. Very contrite. This chapter is over, turn the page.
mrcubsfan - September 24, 2009
I think you meant "concise", not "contrite".
Right? Lou doesn’t have to be contrite about this.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I think MCF meant Lou was saying Milton's apology was concise.
Zeke - September 24, 2009
LOL
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
All of the above!
mrcubsfan - September 24, 2009
He wont apologize for
anything more because he has nothing more to gain. He’s getting his money that why ‘the air has been cleared.’
Zy Toro Young - September 24, 2009 via mobile
That's the usual disagreement between lawyers and public relations people.
The lawyers don’t want their client to admit to anything while the public relations specialists want to, to improve the client’s public image. Lawyers only care about the consequences (legal and monetary) and don’t care that much about the client’s public image.
Bradley’s apology looks like one a lawyer would suggest and draft.
Fraggin Judge - September 24, 2009
If a lawyer didn't care about the public image
He would advise against any apology at all.
Mike Martin - September 24, 2009
While the fantasy apology you wrote Al is great, it's never, ever gonna happen- from anyone.
Unfortunately, it seems few people ever admit guilt or take responsibility for their actions anymore. It’s the auto accident model. Admit nothing. Agree to nothing. Never, ever say “I’m at fault”. Contact your representatives and let them respond.
Zeke - September 24, 2009
Where does he blame anyone but himself?
“I am deeply disappointed by my performance”
“I said and did certain things that I regret”
“I wish that I had handled certain things differently and I apologize for those things”
Seriously, how much more contrite does he need to be? You guys are ridiculous.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
Bradley can do no right in Chicago
He has been thoroughly discredited and even his “I’m sorry’s” will be torn apart. Just the way it is.
JohnM - September 24, 2009
I cannot see how you can continue to defend this man.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Go ahead and start defending Bradley, Al
that’s how you’ll get Wreckard to slam him. It’s Pavlovian at this point
Worf - September 24, 2009
When was the last time you contributed anything of substance?
Honest question.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
When was the last time you didn't take a contrarian point of view just to be "edgy"?
It’s tired now. Al says something. You say the opposite.
Worf - September 24, 2009
My views are extremely consistent.
The notion that I’m somehow changing my views to play devil’s advocate around here is pretty laughable. It’s not my fault Al’s wrong about so many things.
You never answered my question: when was the last time you actually contributed something to a discussion around here? Your primary purpose around here seems to be to try and drive away the statistically-inclined posters, and fling personal attacks at the players like a monkey flinging feces. You’re the laziest poster on the board.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
Drive away statistically-inclined posters?
Little old me??? ROFL!
Tell them to grow a pair.
Worf - September 24, 2009
I said try
I don’t think anti-intellectualism like yours is going to really bother anyone of the sort but that doesn’t seem to stop you from trying. Over and over again. With the same tired jokes and passive-agressive insults.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
I have great respect for the stats guys
their lunch money spends real good.
Worf - September 24, 2009
lol
vivaelpujols - September 24, 2009
they help me with my math homework...
jesus christos - September 24, 2009
I've really had enough with your cries of "anti-intellectualism".
No one here is doing that.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Sure they are
Yourself included. You backed off your stance, but Tim and Worf continue with ad hominem attacks on anyone that attempts to apply empirical measures to any topic around here.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
It does, however...
… seem at times that Wreckard shows up here simply to take the opposite position to mine, no matter what it is, and calls me “wrong”.
We are all expressing our opinions here. That doesn’t make any of us “wrong”.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
In this case, maybe
I don’t think he’s being devils advocate for giggles, but I would agree it’s an opinion on the sincerity. But this would be an exception.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Al you are one of the most prominent Cubs bloggers on the internet
You get interviewed by other SBN Blogs for the “Cubs viewpoint”. Your articles are linked to on prominent sites like Yahoo and The Daily Fix.
If I’m harder on you than on some of the other posters around here it’s because you represent Cubs fans in a very tangible way.
Frankly, sometimes you come across as someone who doesn’t do their homework. You put out a lot of opinions that not only aren’t based in fact but don’t hold up upon any inspection.
And I think this stems from something that I feel the need to constantly challenge you on, which is that you’ve set up this false dichotomy that there are somehow two legitimate opposing viewpoints: using stats vs using observation, as though these are two mutually exclusive ways to understand baseball.
The truth is that any decision making process involves both observation and fact-finding. You need to be both to evaluate something effectively. But people need to be able to realize that when the facts contradict their observations, the wrong thing to do is to just throw up your hands and say, “Well, they’re both equally legitimate, I guess I’ll go with my gut here!”
And maybe that’s too much to ask of the common fan, who just wants to be entertained. And if I thought you were the kind of person who took pride in their ignorance, like Worf for example, I wouldn’t bother. I’d think you were hopeless.
But you’re not a common fan; you’re a prominent blogger on a subject that I care greatly about. I think you’re a smart guy, and I think you want to be a better blogger and provide insights – which is why I’m often dumbfounded that you’re not willing to not only back up your observations but to actively challenge your own opinions.
So if I come across as harsh, I apologize for those things that did not come across better. I’m just trying to provide a viewpoint that I wish you were more open to, because you’d be a better blogger for it.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
I have already said...
… that I am open to your viewpoint, presuming you are discussing the stat discussions we’ve had in recent days.
Simply taking the opposite position to mine, for what appears to be no other reason than just to do so, not so much.
I agree with the proposition that you can use statistics AND observation to analyze and understand baseball. There’s no question in my mind that’s both reasonable and necessary.
I’m happy to have you here because in general you present your points and back them up and don’t make personal attacks. Let’s keep it that way.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
For the record
This is absolutely not something I do. The majority of opinions you share go unchallenged by me either because I agree with them or don’t find them objectionable.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
Let's keep it that way, then, and civil.
You do seem to be in the extreme minority on today’s issue, Milton Bradley’s apology.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Is getting the majority on your side all that is important?
I ask that with sincerity. The minority aren’t always wrong and often times the majority isn’t right. Just because more people agree with you doesn’t make you correct. Of course a lot of people around here aren’t going to disagree with you because it’s your sight. You might want to consider that the voices that disagree with you are the ones you should be listening to more closely. We all can learn a lot more when we listen to the people that aren’t just telling us what we want to hear.
Acapulco Taco Pie - September 24, 2009
Actually I meant your "site," I don't think your "sight" is in question here.
Acapulco Taco Pie - September 24, 2009
I'm perfectly willing to listen to other voices...
… as long as they present themselves in a civil way and don’t namecall and keep the profanity to a minimum.
Note, I am NOT accusing you of doing any of that.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I agree with you on the name calling and attacks, I just hope you are as judicious with enforcing these standards on those that agree with you.
It’s just my opinion but I doubt Cubbie-Tim would have personally attacked people the way he did this week unless he thought you would tolerate it out of him.
Acapulco Taco Pie - September 24, 2009
Which I did NOT.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I never meant to imply you DID.
Acapulco Taco Pie - September 24, 2009
I know.
Just making it clear.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
His post on Bradley's apology has been recced 5 times.
At least 5 people agree with him. I’m one of them.
Of course, I would hardly describe myself as a master of communication and social situations, in fact I’m pretty much the opposite. But since that pretty well describes Bradley, too, I think it’s a useful viewpoint. My instincts for apologies (similar to public “thank you” speeches) are something like: take responsibility and keep it short… the more people you name the more likely you are to forget someone, the more specific you get the more likely you are to miss something, the more you say the more likely you are to say the wrong thing.
aldimond - September 24, 2009
and a non-descriptive muddled mess of an apology...
isn’t really an apology at all.
santoswoodenlegs - September 24, 2009
It isn't the State of the Union address.
If I wanted to read a page-long apology when someone messed up I’d have gone into business or politics. I went into computer programming; when you mess up you acknowledge it, then you shut up and do something useful. Baseball is a lot more like programming than politics. Get the talking over with and play the game.
aldimond - September 24, 2009
I wish he would have actually spoken...
this “released statement” is lame.
santoswoodenlegs - September 24, 2009
Wanting a spoken apology is fair.
I think it would also be fair to not take questions from the media afterwards — I don’t think Milton owes most of those guys anything. I would accept a spoken apology to his teammates and coaches and a written statement to the press — we don’t know if that has happened or if it will, though I doubt it. I’m not sure if he would be given the forum, but he should at least request it.
aldimond - September 24, 2009
I rec'd his post
because I wanted others to see Wreckards’ and Harrys’ posts.
ILike - September 24, 2009
Oh, I'm totally doing it
Because I got sick and tired of trying with these guys. Any time you dared suggest that something besides stats mattered, you got made fun of.
So now I’m giving it back. It’s a little dance we do and Wreckard is taking it personal again. He’ll leave for a while and pout and then come back and we’ll do it again.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Please show me an example
I asked multiple times yesterday, the only response was Tim’s on VEP’s views on projections, and, sorry, Tim’s take on VEP was inaccurate. I’m still looking for a real example, ad hominem attack would be a bonus.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
More crickets....
chirp chirp chirp
Is no one up to the task of backing up the claims put forth by Cubbie-Tim, Al and Worf? Amongst others.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Let it go, man.
This is a classic “agree to disagree” situation. You aren’t ever going to see it their way, and you aren’t ever going to verbally berate them in to seeing it yours. You love stats, they see something else. WE ALL GET IT.
If you were so convinced you were right, you wouldn’t need to drag it from thread to thread, looking for validation.
AndrewJStone - September 24, 2009
That's not my point
First, I’m not berating anyone or tyring to be right about something. I want to read for myself what I’ve been told over and over. Simple as that. I find it quite interesting that I’ve been attacked as a proxy for other points of view, that are undocumented as best as I can tell.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
I wasn't making a point.
I was imploring you to find it in your heart to understand that not everybody sees it in your way.
Your robotic answer, completely missing that plea, i suppose was to be expected.
AndrewJStone - September 24, 2009
sigh
I’m another straw man I guess.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
You know... you guys would be a lot less insufferable
if you stopped carrying on like Gallileo being persecuted for heresy.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Am I?
Other than Tim’s screed yesterday, this has been thoroughly impersonal. I don’t like the narrative some are consturcting, but I don’t know if that’ mailicious, y’all don’t know me, so I don’t feel persecuted, just confused by the level of minunderstanding here.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
You there, Robot.
Can you even feel feelings?
(dying laughing)
ILike - September 24, 2009
Someone likes ACB
vivaelpujols - September 24, 2009
eths - September 24, 2009
You've got to go back weeks
to find the real epic battles on this. You’ll see it.
Don’t get me wrong, I find some stats interesting and I am glad to see baseball pulling away from the avg/RBI/win paradigm.
There is nothing wrong with new ways to look at human playres. There is something wrong with ignoring their are human players
Worf - September 24, 2009
OT: Thanks for the Pitch F/X Posts
What looks like a strike to the naked eye, and what should actually be called a strike are two different things. For so many of us, we can say a pitch looked high, low, inside, or outside, but we really don’t have any concrete proof of that. PItch F/X has been very eye-opening in redefining how I look at the strike zone with the naked eye.
memphiscub - September 24, 2009
Yes, I'll second this.
I don’t even pretend to fully understand Pitch F/X, but I’ve found it really interesting – not only as a fresh perspective on the strike zone, but also as a way to get a really specific, in-depth look at a pitcher.
daver - September 24, 2009
Pitch F/X ????
eths - September 24, 2009
Um, yeah.
daver - September 24, 2009
I meant to ask what is Pitch F/X
eths - September 24, 2009
Well, hopefully Harry's still here to answer your question.
He’s the expert. It’s basically the very intense, precise analysis of a pitcher’s performance using data gathered from in-game cameras.
Here’s Harry’s Web site.
daver - September 24, 2009
many tnx
eths - September 24, 2009
I'm back
Basically, each MLB park has a pair of cameras set-up to track the flight of the ball from mound to plate. It provides a very nice chunk of data on the ball’s flight characteristics. Speed, spin direction, movement caused by spin etc. It allows you to classify the pitch by the grip used to throw it with alarming precision – as in two-seam vs four-seam fastballs etc. The next step, already released, sort of, are initial flight characteristics of batted balls (sans spin) and, already piloted, cameras on top of the light standards in parks to capture everything. Including pigions and hot dog wrappers, which is actually problematic.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Damn pigeons.
daver - September 24, 2009
Yes, pigeons
not pig ions, as I typed it
Although, I suspect pig ions could be a bother
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Nope they are pigions
eths - September 24, 2009
depends if they're positive or negative pig ions...
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
Are they always bipolar or do swine monopoles also exist?
eths - September 24, 2009
stop it, stop it - you're quarking me up...✾
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
I prefer down quarks myself
eths - September 24, 2009
It would be cool to use the cameras for something like Red Bee's Piero system
I’m studying the site right now – very interesting indeed!
eths - September 24, 2009
How large are the margins of error? Have they been checked?
eths - September 24, 2009
not a big problem
plate location are accurate within an inch, usually within a half inch, and, in some tests run by sportvision but not published, less than a quarter inch
spin movement is a couple inches horizontally and a bit less vertically
release points are a misnomer, although I’ve seen some ideas at getting at that. Gameady uses 50 ft (actually 48.something), I use 55. Some pitchers release around 53 ft (on a y axis runing from the rubber to the back of home plate).
The biggest challenges are comparing games in different parks, since the cameras are never positioned exaclty the same way, amongst other reasons, including human factors. But they’re tractableproblems.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
The biggest challenges are comparing games in different parks...
Yes, but that is “easy” to account for, if you can do a clean calibration for each park. It is “just” a question of trigonometry.
The optical tracking system, which we use at work, mostly for soccer, can be calibrated using the camera images. We do not know head off time where the cameras will be, and there are large variations in pitch size in Professianal soccer. The positions of the field markings are, however, known, just like the plate and the rubber would be in baseball.
eths - September 24, 2009
upps - spelling failures - sorry
eths - September 24, 2009
Well, assuming you have that much coverage
They calibrate tightly around the plate, not so much at the mound, so the release ponit precision is not great, and that confounds the movement values.
Check out this link
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/
scroll down a bit and there’s a goldmine of info. Once you see the imags they actualy get on camera, you’ll see why the calibration isn’t perfect at the mound.
Sounds like some cool stuff you’re working with yourself. What are the applications?
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Wow, just wow. I think alot of people, myself included happen to agree with Al about so many things. So I guess we’re all wrong too. How arrogant can you be?
katie casey - September 24, 2009
He's not being arrogant, he's providing and argument with substance
that happens to be in opposition to the majority opinion. He’s not the one being arrogant.
ILike - September 24, 2009
Yes, the LOL
he posted after a long post on intangibles was riveting. Took weeks in the library that one did.
Worf - September 24, 2009
A post like that most likely deserved less.
Nonetheless, you seem to forget the other 20-some comments he posted on there.
ILike - September 24, 2009
Well there you are
A post likely deserved less.
Why on earth should we give your stats stuff the attention beyond one rat’s fart when you won’t do the same?
Worf - September 24, 2009
And why would you think an opinion off the top of your head
is equally valid as one that someone spent time researching and backing up?
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
How much time did you spend on that LOL?
Did you have to invent the L and the O?
Worf - September 24, 2009
May I buy a vowel?
eths - September 24, 2009
You're really going to call me out on one throwaway joke
When you post almost nothing but throwaway jokes?
You’re dodging the question.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
I post my share of them, yes
But unlike you, I make no bones about it. I’m a wise-ass with a few hot button issues and I don’t apologize.
You on the other hand, pretend like you’re sent down from the Goddess Athena, here to edumacate all of us ignorant heathens. Anyone who dares question you is farting in her temple.
I make throwaway jokes, but I’m not a stinking hypocrite about it.
Worf - September 24, 2009
ILike - September 24, 2009
Well I'm not going to coddle your inferiority complex here
…or question your hilarious self-image as the wise-cracking everyman who shoots from the hip and takes no prisoners.
How am I a hypocrite here? I never said that people shouldn’t make jokes, just that yours were tired and unfunny.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
You're a hypocrite
because you give no thought to someone else’s ideas, yet expect the world to treasure yours.
Yes, “LOL” is quite original and witty. Quite spiffing, that one is.
And let us not quibble about self-images, when yours seems to boil down to being the conscience of the board.
Worf - September 24, 2009
I give thoughts to the ideas of others when they support their arguments
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
in a way you find acceptable
Nunyabidness - September 24, 2009
No one should find "well because I think so" valid support for an argument
Wreckard - September 25, 2009
It's not "my" stats, they're stats indicative of a game.
And it wasn’t “your” opinion as much as it was Cubbie-Tim’s. I would have been more than willing to give praise and little credence to a post that had
1.) A well thought-out hypothesis
2.) Supporting evidence that’s objective, and not from personal accounts
None of that were provided. Heck, it didn’t even have to be from a peer-reviewed article, I would’ve taken a diluted one from ESPN.
This is why others don’t take opinions like “yours” to high value; because it’s not warranted.
ILike - September 24, 2009
As well, one lasting thing about that thread:
Just because something is considered “intangible” shouldn’t warrant intangible evidence with intangible findings and reporting. This leads to Homer buying Lisa’s rock for tiger insurance.
ILike - September 24, 2009
My Favorite "Arrogance" Quote
“I’m not arrogant. I’m just better than you.”
I don’t agree with that attitude, but too many people have it.
memphiscub - September 24, 2009
+1
sue369 - September 24, 2009
Where am I defending him?
Where have I defended any of his recent actions?
I’m questioning the characterization of his apology here. Zeke is claiming Bradley admits nothing. Elsewhere in the thread, people say he’s not taking accountability for his actions.
He does both of these things in the apology. That’s all I’m saying here.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
I agree with Wreckard's refutation of Al's characertization of the apology.
Al takes
out of the context of Bradley admitting he did and said things that were inappropriate.
DGU - September 24, 2009
That's not taken out of context at all.
That’s all he apologized for: “those things that did not work out for the better”.
That’s not an apology. It’s mush.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
The context is that he's apologizing for the things he regrets.
He regrets things he said and did. That’s about as specific as it gets in apologies today. Yes, that stinks, but it’s the world he lives in as much as any of the rest of us.
DGU - September 24, 2009
I agree, Al
but in the end, who cares? The apology wasn’t meant to be an apology, nor was it meant to be sincere.
This is just the little dance we do now. If it helps him move onto another team and we only pay $12 million instead of $18 million, it served it’s purpose.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Much like
Your “sorry if I offended you” apologies. Ironic.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
and I cannot understand why you continue to rip him a new one at every opportunity
“Let it go” – you said that in Ivy Walls’ post. Well, why won’t you let it go? The apology is already old news, yet you bring it up again, dissect it, and write what you think should have been said.
For better or worse – and an overwhelming vast majority of the time it’s for the better – you’re our fearless leader here, Al. And as long as you keep bringing up the negativity of this whole sorry saga, people will keep feeding off it and revigorate (yes, I just made up a word – cross between regurgitate and invigorate) the argument.
I swear, this continuing pile-on reminds of the torture scene from Braveheart where Wallace is being gutted and the crowd cheers. And I apologize to all those of Scottish descent out there because I am in no way equating Bradley’s actions with those of Sir William. But by the holy founders of St. Andrew’s, enough is enough. How much longer is this going to continue? When will the crowd slowly start to yell out “Mercy!”
Well, I’ll be the first – “Mercy!”
Take a deep breath, let Hendry do his magic and invest your time and emotions more productively elsewhere.
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
I'll agree with you that Hendry needs to do his magic with this.
I’ll be hoping and waiting for him to do it ASAP after the World Series is over (not likely that any major deals would be made before that).
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Well, in Al's defense...
…I believe this was his first opportunity to address the apology on the front page. It is a huge news story and probably does warrant a highlighted discussion beyond Drew’s Fanshot.
But I feel your frustration. And the good news is this is more than likely the beginning of the end of Milton Bradley’s time with the Cubs and the endless debates he has inspired.
daver - September 24, 2009
Thanks.
I really wasn’t going to revisit this, but daver is right, the apology IS a big story, and I wanted to post my take on it.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Batten down the hatches
More is coming. It may take until January to move him.
God only knows who else besides day care center workers made racial taunts. More stories will come.
Worf - September 24, 2009
I hope not 'til Jan
but you’re probably right on with this one….yikes!
blackhawk24 - September 24, 2009
Maybe, maybe not
Depends on how hard they want to try to not eat a large chunk of salary and how crucial the return is to them.
I hope Hendry learned something from the mess of 2004-2005 Sosa dealings. That was all he focused on and it dragged on forever.
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
It'll be a balance
If the Cubs slow-play it, they might convince people that they are considering bringing Bradley back, so anyone that wants him has to up the price.
But that would require Bradley to shut his yap and play along AND he has to be convinced that the Cubs really aren’t trying to keep him and this is just an act.
In the end, it’s probably not worth it for what would amount to an extra single A player.
Remember, this isn’t Sosa. Sammy’s exit was bad, but he was still much more marketable in 2005 than Bradley is today.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Apologies=Big Story
This apology is not a story its fodder. It should have been ignored for every reason that it was dissected. It should be a byline to other things that will actually impact the club and organization.
If anyone should be dissecting the Bradley situation and how it didn’t work its Jim Hendry. Jim should be inviting Bradley into his office to have the longest deepest conversation with Bradley about what did not go well so that in working with future free agents Hendry can have an idea about what doesn’t fit. Its not like Bradley is the first failed OF free agent in the last 25+ years. The mental side of playing and dealing with media is becoming ever more prevalent with each passing tweet. Shame on trader Jim for not recognizing this.
KyCubsFan - September 24, 2009
You make a really good point.
In everyone’s haste to pile on Bradley the larger point is being ignored. The Cubs organization needs to figure out how they were culpable in this whole mess and see that it doesn’t happen again. Bradley isn’t the first free agent to come in and be given a hard time by the media and the fans until he’s run out of town. The Cubs made what could be viewed as a risky investment and did very little to protect it or do what they could to maximize productivity. Everyone wants to hear Milton accept responsibility but it’s even more important that the organization figure out how they screwed up.
Acapulco Taco Pie - September 24, 2009
Fair enough. I hadn't considered the front page angle.
And frustration was very much why I posted it. And I probably shouldn’t have used the “rip him a new one” phrase. Al, please accept my apologies for that.
I just can’t get over how much people are willing to keep beating a dead horse. Not that we haven’t beat dead horses here on BCB before – we have. But usually there’s a humorous angle to it or pictures or ALL CAPS or something. But this whole thing just reeks of bad karma and I can’t see any good coming from continuing to talk about it.
I really hate having to ever quote Hawk Harrelson, but w.r.t. Bradley, “It’s ovah” and “he gone”. Let the people whose job it is to deal with this stuff, deal with it, and let us get back to doing our jobs…
…Arguing stats vs gut instinct. ;-)
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
When there's a new story, I don't consider it a dead horse.
This is a new story, and I thought it at least deserved to be discussed.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
You can...putMilton'spaycheckinthemail...eeeeeeeeeYES!
daver - September 24, 2009
oh daver....:shakes head::
sue369 - September 24, 2009
Sorry, I can never resist a good Hawk reference.
daver - September 24, 2009
lol, it's okay
sue369 - September 24, 2009
Rec'd
DGU - September 24, 2009
Rec'd
I used to like to come here to talk about baseball.
Now more and more all I see some people arguing about such inane things. It disappoints me to see Al drop down a few levels like this.
blackhawk24 - September 24, 2009
Well said
Holtzmaniac - September 24, 2009
Wreckard
You and your pesky facts are really frustrating
Holtzmaniac - September 24, 2009
It would only please half the posters here if he
got down on his knees and begged for forgivness.
Mike Martin - September 24, 2009
I think that's basically what a lot of people here are asking for
And even then I don’t think most of them would forgive him and welcome him back. He’s forever dead to them because he said mean things.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
That's a bit simplistic
He shouldn’t be back because his teammates seem delighted that he’s gone, and bringing him back would cause a pretty big rift, not to mention sending the signal that the “former players’ GM” now doesn’t care what the team wants.
He shouldn’t be back for safety reasons, because there are nut jobs that would do who knows what if they were in the stands in RF with him there.
He shouldn’t be back because his history suggests that he really doesn’t get it, and he probably needs help.
He shouldn’t be back because he and Fukudome look like they’re essentially the same player – good OBP, not huge power numbers. Not as good of a fielder as Dome, though. And, the offense could use an injection of OPS.
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
I agree with most of that
But if it’s a foregone conclusion that he’s gone – which I agree it is – why even worried about his apology? It seems like for everyone involved it’s a formality at this point, which is exactly what we got.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
Because it seemed insincere and written by an attorney.
I only wish he’d have written his own, which is why I wrote what I’d have said if I were in his position.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I'm not sure where I stand on that, to be honest.
I’ve participated in the discussion, but I get your point.
However, I think the statement about begging for forgiveness is a little strong.
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
For whatever reason...
…I think many of us have an emotional need – however misguided – to actually feel that Milton is sorry for what has happened. If the apology had been written in a less perfuctory, attorney-esque way, we all might feel a little closer to getting some (and I’m sorry to use this word) closure on this issue.
Most of us here have a pretty strong emotional attachment to the Cubs and this whole Milton debacle has only rubbed salt in the wound of this very disappointing season. I agree that we probably shouldn’t let the verbiage of his apology get to us, but, again, it’s more of an emotional reaction than anything else.
daver - September 24, 2009
I think it has to do with Milton seemingly rejecting Cub fans from the very beginning.
He pushed Cub fans away before they had a chance to be won over by him. I think he must have some serious scars and until he deals with his issues, the cycle will continue.
Personally, I just feel sorry for Milton Bradley. He is a gifted athlete and doesn’t seem to enjoy being a Major league baseball player. I find that very sad.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
It is very sad.
It’s like trying to watch someone steer a car and, no matter how hard they try, they can’t keep from crashing.
daver - September 24, 2009
More like watching someone trying to steer a train.
santoswoodenlegs - September 24, 2009
A runaway train.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Yep
eths - September 24, 2009
Maybe Doc Brown could fix things
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
♪Runaway train, never going back♫
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
I'm right there with you, Trey
Roseanne Cash popped immediately to mind
Emelie - September 24, 2009
Honestly
I was thinking of these guys.
I was angsty back then.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
You know I kind of thought that might be the case...
Roseanne is chick angst.
Emelie - September 24, 2009
This popped into my head too
And I’m not happy about it.
Mike Martin - September 24, 2009
Rec'd
I was just thinking the same thing.
Allie - September 24, 2009
Shark looked better last night
but he still uses that fastball too much, it’s a good pitch, but not one that he should use as much as he does. He needs to work more in the winter leagues if he’s going to make this team next season like the Cubs are hinting.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
I'm glad he's going to winter ball.
Clearly, he has talent and he showed that last night. He needs more regular work and to work on the breaking ball; maybe the Cubs can still get a useful pitcher.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
He showed last night that he might have a floor as a useful relief pitcher
His homer rate is disturbing though.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
Like I said...
… lots of pitchers have given up HR to Prince Fielder, so Shark is in good company there.
It’s the guys like Jody Gerut that he has to stop giving up the longball to.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
ah talk of baseball :)
Let’s play a game of naming all the ex Cubs who are current 4th outfielders for teams!
Gerut
Pagan…
KyCubsFan - September 24, 2009
Patterson...
Mapmaker - September 24, 2009
Which one?
Corey Patterson is about the 7th outfielder on the Brewers.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Ah, he must mean Eric!
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Having a fine year, hitting .238/.306/.365
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
For a Triple-A team
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Nashville Sounds
memphiscub - September 24, 2009
Actually, Eric Patterson is up with the A's now.
I saw him on MLB Network just the other night.
daver - September 24, 2009
Not quite a fit
but Jerry Hairston comes to mind, and Pie
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Isn't Pie starting now?
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Jones is hurt
Otherwise he’s been in reserve.
Adam Jones, btw, is an impressive young player.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Nothing against Gerut
but he’s not someone you expect to crush one like that
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
OTOH...
… as I said in the original post, he is having a good month of September.
And he did have a 22-HR rookie season, though of course that’s six years ago.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I couldn't resist
HEre are the pitchers Gerut took deep, prior to 2009
‘Paul Abbott’
‘Kurt Ainsworth’
‘Bronson Arroyo’
‘Grant Balfour’
‘Rob Bell’
‘Joaquin Benoit’
‘Bartolo Colon’
‘Nate Cornejo’
‘Adam Eaton’
‘Freddy Garcia’
‘Jon Garland’
‘Livan Hernandez’
‘Jason Jennings’
‘Jason Johnson’
‘Gary Knotts’
‘Esteban Loaiza’
‘Kyle Lohse’
‘Braden Looper’
‘Pedro Martinez’
‘Joe Mays’
‘Mike Myers’
‘Danny Patterson’
‘Joel Pineiro’
‘Brad Radke’
‘Rick Reed’
‘Scott Schoeneweis’
‘Brian Shouse’
‘Jeff Suppan’
‘Ugueth Urbina’
‘Luis Vizcaino’
‘Brad Voyles’
‘David Wells’
‘Carlos Zambrano’
‘Jake Peavy’
‘Jon Rauch’
‘Aaron Taylor’
‘Jeremy Bonderman’
‘Wilfredo Ledezma’
‘Les Walrond’
‘Matt Roney’
‘Aaron Heilman’
‘Danny Haren’
‘Rafael Perez’
‘Charlie Manning’
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Looks like a pretty wide-ranging list.
All the way from Jake Peavy to Les Walrond.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Pedro Martinez, Brad Voyles
and who the hell is Brad Voyles?
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/voylebr01.shtml?redir
Worf - September 24, 2009
Shark isn't alone
the HR that Wells gave up to Gerut (a slam on a 1-2 pitch) was a worse infraction.
Shark gave them more last night than I would have expected. Still not sold on him, but he’s pretty damn young.
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 24, 2009
1-2 Counts
That reminds me of a question I always have: Is there any tracking of staffs or pitchers giving up hits on 1-2 counts? It seems like the Cubs give up an inordinate amount of these gaffes.
KyCubsFan - September 24, 2009
yep, the pitcher profiles on espn.com do that pretty well
Check it out, I just selected a pitcher at random – scroll down a bit and you’ll see results on all the counts.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=5019
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
im not sure who that pitcher is...
jesus christos - September 24, 2009
What winter league is Shark going to?
Fraggin Judge - September 24, 2009
Mexican.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
Hopefully Mazatlan
they televise their home games, and it streams free online
The MLB Network will carry some games, too.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Thanks to both of you for the info.
Fraggin Judge - September 24, 2009
ESPNDeportes broadcasts about four games per week too
if you’re into Winter ball.
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
That's nice to know.
I love what MLB Network has done all year. If they carry winter league and/or AFL games, that’ll be a godsend all offseason to those of us who love baseball and want to see some, not to mention being able to keep up with what prospects are doing.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I'll be happy
since my Spanish is not good enough to grasp everything. Last winter, it was Mazlatan games and games from the Venezuelan league. Often interrupted by a message from Chavez or some bureaucrat, but good baseball for stave of MLB withdrawl.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Speaking of the hinting part...
Does any semblance of the “Shark” doing well in September make it even more for sure that Rich Harden won’t be back next year?
I kinda get that feeling more and more.
CubFanSince1970 - September 24, 2009
I wish the Cubs would keep Harden used in the right role
Meaning lots of DL stints to keep his arm rested. He can say whatever he wants, but his arm breaks down with too many starts in a row. We have the pitching depth to use him properly, something not all teams do.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
I think he'd make a great closer.
katie casey - September 24, 2009
But he needs more time between outings than most guys
as a starter. So what makes you say that?
vonde6 - September 24, 2009
Two pitches
By nature, that makes him a closer candidate. But he’s an oddball, since he can do a few things with the circle change, and, as vonde points out, he seems to need extra rest.
But, the same thing may have been said about Kerry Wood.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
I guess because I think of him as a strikeout pitcher
and I think strikeouts are usually more critical when the game is on the line than in the early part of the game.
katie casey - September 24, 2009
what about platooning Harden and Maybe Gorzo for the 5th man?
They both seem to be better off with long rests between starts
Rhymenocerous - September 24, 2009
Harden will get between $8M and $12M through
arbitration and probably a 3 year deal in the $12M range in free agency. He can be great, but as Daver and I discussed the other day, he’s great in half his starts this year, and meh in the other half. The team is .500 in games he pitched this year and that involves coming back to win after he was pulled in a few games.
Does a guy who struggles to start 25 games, an ERA near 4.0, is inconsistant worth Ace money when his numbers, in a year he was considered healthy, average to a #5 starter? Further, he only pitched well in away night games. For a team with 82 home games, most during the day, is Harden worth the money for the Cubs?
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
I wish they had gotten something from the Twins for him.
By the way not letting Heilman go to the Giants was a weird move as well.
I know he has pitched a little better of late but that was a good way to shed some payroll for an easily replaceable player.
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Heilman...
… pitching better lately, might give him some offseason trade value.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I hope so
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
"not letting Heilman go to the Giants"
it takes two to tango.
Unless you think the Cubs would get a lump of coal for him. With the way he has thrown in the last 60 days, they may be able to trade him in the off-season for someone of modest skill.
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
Excellent apology, Al.
If that had been the actual Milton Bradley apology, I would have said: “thanks Milton, all is forgiven, and welcome back to the Cubs. Now let’s rock the league next year!”
CubFanSince1970 - September 24, 2009
Had that been Milton's actual apology, monkeys would now be flying out of my butt...
Zeke - September 24, 2009
It’s like Al said, Milton just gave that canned apology because it’s expected, today’s apology means nothing in the big money celeb world. Screw up (badly) and then come out and apologize for basically nothing. It’s almost like a kid’s passive “sorry” when a teacher or parent makes him do it. Not much depth there.
Fonzie2178 - September 24, 2009
World we live in.
Accountability is non-existent. Milton is no different. Enough of Milton.
Shark did look good last night. Couple of mistakes, but over all not bad. Spring next year could be a telling year for him.
Cubs, go 8-3 to finish the season. At least have some positive feel towards 2010.
Grockcubs - September 24, 2009
6-5 is more likely
Win 1 in SF, 3 against PGH, 2 against AZ
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
That's a pretty reasonable expectation...
…though I’m still hoping to split the Giants series.
daver - September 24, 2009
The Cubs swept a much better Arizona team at Wrigley last year.
They could do it again, especially if they don’t have to face Haren.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Sweeps are tough to expect, though
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
True enough.
Except when you play the Pirates.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Sure, but it even then. Anyone can have a bad start, for example.
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
Or, by the same token, an opposing pitcher...
…can have a ridiculously good start, like Narverson last night. Or Lehr. Or Figueroa. Or…
daver - September 24, 2009
LOL- it has happened a lot.....
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Did Naverson have a big strike zone?
Not why they lost, but from my vantage point down the 3B line, it seemed like he was getting a lot of low pitches. He still pitched well either way.
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
Yeah, the strike zone was huge.
At least according to the CSN postgame report.
daver - September 24, 2009
Watching the game it was huge, I'd agree.
The HP Umpire was giving a Glavine-esque corner, low and away.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
It looked like one strike-three pitch
he threw to Johnson was in the dirt. I think the big strike zone was why so many of those K’s were of the looking variety.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 24, 2009
The second I saw him pause in his delivery
I knew we were done. Just like Doug Davis, we don’t hit those guys.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
Al, if you ever decide to leave the TV industry, you have a future in Crisis Communications.
Now, onto the game. Samardzija was impressive last night, especially given the standard he’d set this season.
My only quibble would be with how many fastballs he threw – maybe he just doesn’t have the confidence in the offspeed pitches yet (or Soto wanted a lot of fastballs). I think continuing to refine his offspeed arsenal in winter ball will help Samardzija a lot.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
One problem with the pitching comparison
It looked to me like the “old” Samardzija was pitching out of the stretch, and the “new” Shark out of the windup. In fact, a few batters later, when there was finally someone on base, he went back to the less upright stance and more hurried motion. Keep in mind at the time they showed the comparison, he had only pitched out of the windup.
cubzfan - September 24, 2009
I try to stay out of the Milton threads so perhaps this has been suggested
But I think the Rays are a good match for him. With Desmond Jennings coming up they are kind of on the fence about BJ Upton. I think Upton would look damn good in center for us.
We give them Milton who plays DH and RF for them, we take Upton and Pat Burrell’s final year ($9mil). If we agree to eat $12 mil of Milton’s deal we essentially pay Upton and Burrell Milton’s money the next two years, and I wouldn’t be opposed to just cutting Burrell if needed.
Blast away.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
If Burrell could play RF, it would be worth it.
But he can’t.
And I don’t see the Rays putting Upton in such a deal, either.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
LF UZR 2006, 2007, 2008
Adam Dunn: -13.7, -18.8, -15.3
Pat Burrell: -10.5, -17.6, -4.3
Not saying I want either of them in right field, but it’s just funny you’d say this after advocating the worse-fielding Dunn out there.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
Yeah both would be awful in right
I would just cut Burrell in this fake trade world, Upton is the prize here. Getting Burrell simply helps the Rays lose a contract and player they might not want.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
Why would you trade for and then cut a valuable player?
It makes no sense.
I just don’t see why the Rays would give us Upton in that deal anyway. They really aren’t gaining anything but risk, and are losing a high-upside player who’s had success at the major league level.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
I agree with that.
Maybe the Rays would take Milton, but there’s no way they give up Upton.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I don't know that Burrell would fit here, perhaps as a pinch hitter
Actually yes I would love him to be the pinch hitter, so forget the cutting part.
As for the Upton thing, this ESPN article details various struggling young players.
Here is the Upton part.
Reports I’ve read suggest they need an OF to go, and Upton is probably the lowest on their list of guys to keep based on his attitude and performance.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
Well a trip over to DRays Bay
what I should have done to being with, reveals that they don’t they will trade him.
Oh well, I’m sure I have more unrealistic trades up my sleeve.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
holy post fail
They don’t think they will trade him. I just skipped words the first time
nji232 - September 24, 2009
bad combo
This would seemingly be a bad fit in an media market that doesn’t do well with stars not living up to expectations: see Patterson, Corey, Bradley, Milton and Jones, Jacques (semistar).
KyCubsFan - September 24, 2009
You can add LaTroy Hawkins and Dusty Baker to that list. Upton would be the next in line, unfortunately.
Acapulco Taco Pie - September 24, 2009
What have the Cubs done to make you believe they could maximize the potential of a player that is perceived as having attitude issues?
I love Upton’s talent but have no confidence whatsoever in the Cubs to get the most out of him. He would be hounded about his past by the local media and every move he made, they would attempt to use it against him and relate it to his past. Once a player has earned a certain reputation the Chicago media is too lazy to form a new narrative. Haven’t we learned anything from this season?
Acapulco Taco Pie - September 24, 2009
Dunn is a better hitter than Burrell.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
This season sure
Over their careers they’re remarkably similar. Here’s their wOBA for the 2006, 2007, and 2008 seasons:
Dunn: .365, .399, .383
Burrell: .381, .391, .374
Obviously Burrell’s been terrible this year, but he’s also been hurt and playing in a tougher league. To me they’re very similar players.
Wreckard - September 24, 2009
Dunn would have been a better fit given Lou's desire for a LH hitter.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
But his defense would've wiped most of it out
He’s really awful in the field, just horrific. They’d have fixed one problem, but created another one.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
The Rays are going to be looking for veteran leaders in the off-season by all accounts
The Cliff Floyds of the world, again.
For some reason, I don’t see them looking to Milton, especially as they look for veteran leadership.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
Obviously any Milton trade could be dismissed bc of his personality
However Tampa is low key, has the clubhouse needed to keep Milton hidden, and seems to have the (excuse the crude but honest racial profile) black players necessary to befriend Milton.
nji232 - September 24, 2009
Kansas City has been mentioned.
The Royals almost got him from Oakland several years ago for Leo Nunez, but the deal fell through at the last minute.
Of course, MB would have to apologize to Ryan Lefebvre, the Royals broadcaster, for the incident last year, first.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
I am sure his agent can type one up
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Maybe he'd like me to write one for him.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
"I apologize for the fact that my attempt to confront you did not work out as planned..."
daver - September 24, 2009
That would be good for me
I can go see him play in April and May in KC. The Royals certainly need a bat (or 7)
nji232 - September 24, 2009
If the Royals really want him
then Ryan Lefebvre will get the message not to talk about the past.
We’re not talking about Ernie Harwell or Vin Scully here.
Had Milton hit .300 and knock in 90 RBIs here, he could have pimp-slapped Len Kasper seven days a week and twice on Sunday and been forgiven.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Maybe McGuire can give him that message!
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
In all seriousness,
True, and he’s not going to be given as much leeway. But if Bradley really was looking to do harm, the credentials of the intended recipient are irrelevant.
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
Making me smile...
Poor len.
AndrewJStone - September 24, 2009
Bradley and Burrell
Interestingly enough, there was an article in today’s St. Pete Times in which a local reporter brought up this very same subject. The bottom line in the story was a tit for tat move — Bradley’s salary vs. Burrell’s. It is basically a wash. No mention at all of Upton.
IMHO the Rays would not do this. They are a small market team aching for revenue. It was a big step on their part to take on Burrell’s salary this year. Their hope was to see the same type of numbers in Tampa that they say in Philly in 2008. That did not happen.
Additionally, Joe Madden would not take any of Milton’s crap. Even the thought of trying to figure the guy out and making him a team player makes no sense for Tampa.
I just do not see any of this happening.
ceegeewow - September 24, 2009
Burrell
Not sure how Bradley fits in with Tampa Bay… but if they get him and get the Cubs to take on Burrell and a chunk of Bradley’s salary. The Cubs could then send Burrell back to an AL club for value. So his lack of defense isn’t really a problem. Whether or not the Cubs get anything of value back from the Rays, this would be a way to get value back for having to pay Bradley’s salary the next two years. Burrell would still have value to a team needing a DH such as Los Angeles or the White Sox, even the Yankees. As long as the Cubs money out was somewhere under $30 million, it would be worthwhile to look into.
jameslcrockett - September 24, 2009
Tampa is said to want veteran leaders
As they’ve had some issues this year (Upton being immature at times, Crawford and Burrell getting into it).
I just don’t see Joe Madden, who was with the Angels during the Jose Guillen days, taking on Milton.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
I don't think a public apology is need at all. But I also think you are correct
that one was not provided, LOL.
If MB wants to apologize to anyone, he may want to consider the organization and teammates, but I don’t think it’s needed either. This was a poor match for team and player and hopefully both learn from their decisions.
However, MB may feel the need to apologize now to help his chances of being traded. I have been surprised by some of the comments from other players and ex-players referring to the chances of not playing again. Even when you are making guaranteed $20 mil+, the possibility of no one wanting you around (for next to nada) might be somewhat sobering. But then again, maybe he’s better off not playing again? That’s something he has to decide for himself and maybe the celebrity apology was just a small but important step for him in making that determination?
DudeVf11 - September 24, 2009
Your apology is exactly what needed to be said
The only thing that could be added was an apology for calling everyone a racist.
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
I like your apology much better, Al.
And, I agree, the apology we’ve been given is merely part of a “plea agreement” that enables the Cubs to save some face (relatively speaking) while paying Milton the remainder of his 2009 salary. I’m guessing many of us will try to parse every word of the apology for deeper meaning, but Milton (or, rather, his attorneys) wrote the bare minimum to move this ugly process along. Substance would mean specificity – and that’s just too risky.
What we’re seeing now has little to nothing to do with baseball. This is more than likely the end of a business relationship occuring in full public view. As someone who tried to be as patient as possible with Milton, and who did everything possible to focus on his baseball talent, I’m sad and disappointed at this outcome.
daver - September 24, 2009
What would have been really fun to see is what Bradley wanted to say before his agent wrote that for him.
Can you imagine the venom
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Someday someone will find the original rough draft...
…and sell it on eBay.
daver - September 24, 2009
Maybe his mom will read on a radio station.....
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
LOL
Emelie - September 24, 2009
You're asking Bradley not to be Bradley
The gamble was that he would channel his anger into production. It didn’t work.
I don’t really care about his apology except to the extent that it helps the team move him somewhere else.
If a team really believes he can help, only a perfunctory apology is necessary anyway.
Worf - September 24, 2009
True-whatever helps get him out.
Whatever happens, Hendry will have to eat a lot to make it happen.
Reminds me a lot of the Sosa situation. We were lucky to even get Fronty there.
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Trivia note:
I know the other guy in the deal — Dave Crouthers. Real nice guy.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Still playing?
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Made it as far as AA
works for Special Olympics on the Illinois side of St. Louis now — puts on events, fundraises, that kind of thing.
Worf - September 24, 2009
sounds like a good guy
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Paul Sullivan tweeted the following last night:
I agree in theory but disagree in practice. The only reason Milton would have for apologizing in person is if he were rejoining the team, as Mannny was. A curt written apology like this, that doesn’t even refer to his teammates, is yet another reason to believe we’ve seen the last of him.
daver - September 24, 2009
Agreed.
I don’t think there will be any in-person apology to Cubs players — since he won’t be one any more.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
It was probably what his teamates expected. A lack of class from a jerk
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
making Manny apologize was silly
He got caught doing something a good chunk of the players have done or are still doing.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Eh, I don't know.
It kind of cleared the air and allowed everyone to feel a little better about the situation. I don’t think it’s going to change anything, but the Dodgers clearly were able to move forward with their season.
daver - September 24, 2009
I guess..
I mean, it hurt the team that he was out for 50 games, but a lot of guys (granted, not Dodgers) made a lot of money and got a ring because Manny used.
That’s my biggest beef with players who were “clean” during the steroid era. Yeah, OK, you didn’t use, but if you hit behind someone that did, you put up numbers that got you bonuses or new contracts.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Hm, that's a good point.
What a tangled web they wove (weaved?).
daver - September 24, 2009
If he is interested in staying in Chicago...
… he should have definitely gone with Al’s version of the apology. It’s specific, yet to the point. It singles out the affected individuals and tries to make ammends.
Maybe he’s not interested in doing that though… maybe he’s just interested in registering an apology out there to appear (yet again) to have turned a page to whatever team he lands on.
Dou - September 24, 2009
Maybe.
I think it’s more likely he “wrote” it under the terms of an agreement to continue getting paid.
daver - September 24, 2009
a very real possiblity
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
I truly believe that most teams
have already made a decision on whether they are interested in Bradley.
For those that aren’t, he could lick Hendry’s boots and it wouldn’t be enough.
For those that are, this statement will suffice.
Worf - September 24, 2009
You are correct
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Agreed.
DGU - September 24, 2009
On the three homeruns
My dad said the same thing that Al did when Fielder homered, and I said the same thing that Al did when Gerut homered.
When Samardzija hit his, I couldn’t believe how far it was going. It was clear off the bat that it was gone.
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
Methinks you bring the Shark good luck.
He pitched five decent innings and hit a home run. We’re transferring you to the BCB Winter Ball office in Venzuela to continue monitoring his progress. Bring sunscreen.
daver - September 24, 2009
Make that a transfer to the BCB office in Mexico
as that’s where Shark will be playing winter ball.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
Dos Equis for everyone
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
Pico de gallo!
daver - September 24, 2009
Carta Blanca por favor
KyCubsFan - September 24, 2009
rec'd
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
Ah, OK - took a wild guess with Venezuela.
daver - September 24, 2009
Well, Matilda DID take me money and run there . . .
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
I wonder who is going to winter ball
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Hopefully Blanco
Shark, Fontenot, and Geo
nji232 - September 24, 2009
Soto is going to Columbia or jamaica
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
I can't spell sometimes
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Sheesh.
Can we let the Geo marijuana jokes go now?
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Thats my last one
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Yes, please.
They got old months ago.
sue369 - September 24, 2009
Columbia? What, is he an English major?
daver - September 24, 2009
The country
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
Colombia then...
Though Columbia works too, if you were trying to make a marijuana joke…
Dou - September 24, 2009
I was
TJ11 - September 24, 2009
ohhhhhhhhhhh
daver - September 24, 2009
Here's a link to
The Mexican Pacific League’s news. Nothing on Spellcheck yet. If you need translations, let me know.
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
And when Winter Ball rolls around
here’s a general site for all the leagues and their stats.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
Here's some more
Venezuelan league http://www.lvbp.com/scripts/home/index.asp
Puerto Rico http://www.hitboricua.com/
Dominican http://lidom.com/
Los Tigres de Aragua, popular destination for Cubs http://www.tigresdearagua.net/
Venezuelan news,baseball home page http://deportes.eluniversal.com/Beis_index.shtml
Cubs stats in winter ball http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/org.jsp?id=chc
Mazatlan game streams are here http://www.venadosdemazatlan.com/tv.html
Venezuela here http://www.lvbp.com/scripts/home/streaming.asp
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Well, I'd say we have the winter leagues covered, now.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
Thanks Harry.
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
At this point the money doesn't matter, Al
Ricketts knows a bad deal when he sees one… you don’t sit on a losing stock any longer than you have to. Maybe you bought that one stock on some speculation they had an incredible new product coming out, and unfortunately when it came out, all it did was kill little children and set puppy dogs on fire. There is no sense just sitting on a bad investment any longer than you have to. If they keep Bradley on this team next year, it’s just going to happen again, and again, and again. He’s a proven bad investment and it’s time to just cut ties, cut your losses, and put people on the team that are better positioned mentally to work and play in this city, and with the other players on the team.
lswaidz - September 24, 2009
Rec'd
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
In other words, sunk cost.
Fraggin Judge - September 24, 2009
also, stunk cost
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
Anyone
catch Brenley’s remarks last night regarding the apology? He has been frank this season, but last night he was as direct as I have ever heard him. I think it is safe to say he knows way more of the real story than the public, including the 0% chance that Bradley ever returns.
Slakkr - September 24, 2009
What did he say?
madcow256 - September 24, 2009
Brenley's
essence was, “good riddance Milton, glad to never see you again.” He went on to observe how dramatically different the club atmosphere has been in the 3 days post mortem. Sorry I can’t quote him directly- he also elaborated on “apologies” of this day and age; his angle was very similar to Al’s.
Slakkr - September 24, 2009
I referenced it in the first pitch thread, I think.
But I agree. BB was very harsh on MB last night.
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
I think Bradley deserves a second chance...
..you can’t just piss away $20 million in this economy.
ronsanto10 - September 24, 2009
They already have.
And “pissing away $20 million” isn’t a good enough reason to give him a 2nd chance.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
$20 million is $20 million......
…in this economy every penny counts. It is sheer stupidity to offer longer than 2 years to any big name FA. If someone else wants to outbid the Cubs, next time, so be it. Just think, we are stuck with Soriano for “only” 5 more years.
ronsanto10 - September 24, 2009
Every penny counts to who?
You’re not paying the $20 million.
Worf - September 24, 2009
The Cubs. The Fans...
If you want to piss away $20 million, then lower the ticket prices.
ronsanto10 - September 24, 2009
They ought to do that anyway, given the current economic situation.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
the $20 million is gone.
so now the question is how to make the club as successful as possible given the situation. saying “bring him back because we spent the $20 million” is the wrong starting point.
if the team has a better chance of success without his cancerous attitude in the clubhouse, then he HAS TO BE GONE. the next answer is how to minimize the loss with him gone. if you have no takers, you eat it. But you build a decision tree based on maximizing value of the team, assuming the $20 mil. is spent.
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
23 million
but whose counting.
Doggie Stalker - September 24, 2009
Wasn't his second chance back in May?
Worf - September 24, 2009
Apology
I call his apology a “non-apology apology”.
Jasely - September 24, 2009
His apology means nothing to me
I don’t think he means it. I don’t think he wrote it. I’d put it at 50-50 whether he looked at it for more than 15 seconds before it was released.
His apology is just cover. He gets paid and the Cubs get to pretend there might be a chance it’s smoothed over, so they get a shot at a AA player instead of a A player.
Worf - September 24, 2009
The dreaming is becoming more difficult...
The Cubbies could still start a 11 game winning streak.
And St. Louis and Colorado and Atlanta and San Francisco and Florida could go on nose dives.
Quae nocent, saepe docent – Eamus Catuli
eths - September 24, 2009
Dreaming is easy.
Facing reality sucks.
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
OK, what does the Latin before "Eamus Catuli" mean?
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
"What hurts, often instructs" or in other words "One learns by bitter (painful?) experience."
eths - September 24, 2009
Thanks for the translation.
It definitely fits this situation.
I wonder why the online Latin translator I found couldn’t parse it.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
because it was an online translator? ;-)
Emelie - September 24, 2009
No
eths - September 24, 2009
Reply Fail - sorry
eths - September 24, 2009
Cardinals lost last night,
yet I’m starting to wake from the dream too.
katie casey - September 24, 2009
"Fauxpology"
That is all.
Clutch16 - September 24, 2009
I think you're hoping for too much, Al
Someone earlier said that Milton has nothing to gain from saying anything more than he did. I think it’s more appropriate to say that very few people would have changed their opinions of the guy if he had been more explicit and apologetic yesterday. So I understand why more wasn’t said in the statement (which, I’m sure, was written only partially by Milton).
I can only envision one situation where Milton could have changed peoples’ minds. If he had gone on an absolute tear in August (post the Justin Lehr game) and kept the Cubs in first. Had he carried the team to the playoffs — or had he been viewed as one of a few guys who did — he could have recovered here.
elgato - September 24, 2009
now that the milton is gone mojo has ended and
the cubs have lost post-milton – i’m done caring about discussions of him – although i fear it will keep coming up all winter as the ‘trade’ or however he is moved will probably take at least that long – i don’t see what hendry loses from waiting -
doofus cubs guy - September 24, 2009
Who won the photo caption contest?
santoswoodenlegs - September 24, 2009
Ballhawk.
I posted it in that thread. There were some real good and funny ones, but that one was inspired.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Good choice - I liked it too...
eths - September 24, 2009
Thanks. I thought maybe I had hurt my chances of winning with my "mercy" missive above...
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
Milton's apology...
All it does is empower him to now point the finger of blame at the Cubs, their fans, etc. when they don’t embrace him and welcome him back. He will be able to say “I apologized! What more do they want from me?” Then, he’ll play the racism card, or whatever is the issue du jour.
Here’s what I want, Milton. I want you to actually apologize to the Cubs organization. Then I want you to acknowledge that you probably shouldn’t come back here, and that you would be best suited in the AL. Then I want you and your agent to work out a deal with a team that actually wants you – for god knows what reason.
Ross - September 24, 2009
You hit on what really has to happen.
I think — and I think this has also been said by some others here — that Hendry will give Milton’s agents leeway to find a team that will take him, almost if he’s a free agent again, only coming with a prepackaged $20m contract. Then Jim will try to work out a deal with that team.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
That would be tampering, right?
Once a trade is agreed, teams have 48 hours to negotiate extensions, waivers of NTC etc. But I can’t recall a situation like you’ve described. With Bud, though, anything is possible.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
Under the current rules, yes, it would likely be tampering.
But in this situation, I suspect such rules could likely be waived.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
If it's in the best interest of the game
or so they say
should be an interesting winter. To me, the whole think is a big dance, Hendry and Bradley, and the MLPBA, have PR in their calculations for sure. We’ll see what happens after the WS is over and things start moving.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
I think the team can give permission for the agent to talk to other teams.
I think that’s why it wouldn’t be tampering, because permission was given.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
OT: µWorf update please!
eths - September 24, 2009
Nothing yet... thought it might be showtime last night
the mucus plug fell out… apparently that’s a sign
Worf - September 24, 2009
All the best & good luck - it sounds like it won't be long now...
eths - September 24, 2009
c'mon Worf - what kind of update is that?
We need to see a thorough statistical analysis, complete with projected delivery times, as well as the M/F splits for all the doctors & nurses scheduled to start over the next several days. Also, it might comfort Mrs. Worf to know the UZRs for said medical team – sometimes those new babies can be quite slippery… ;-)
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
Dude... I said mucus plug
I’m still amazed I kept dinner down after that one
Worf - September 24, 2009
How is your wife holding up?
Best of luck for a safe delivery for all members of the family. (Don’t go fainting on us in the delivery room!)
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
I expect to go home
and find her doing jumping jacks in an attempt to get him to come out. She’s ready.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Poor thing. I hope she has a swift labor.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
break it down by shift
Same nurses, different splits based on shift time. Also measure the number of gloves blown up like Howie Mandel does as a measure of the otherwise intangible fun factor.
Harry Pavlidis - September 24, 2009
MSNBC report 200 people at Pirates game today due to traffic control
in downtown due to G-20 meeting.
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
Is it wrong to feel bad for the Pirates?
Coz I do.
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
a once proud franchise
that has been allowed to go into the toilet; the franchise should be disbanded… i doubt anyone in western pa. would care…
brian custer - September 24, 2009
I saw a tweet from one of the beat writers
that said the upper deck was being closed.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
Just pulled up the game on MLB.TV
The stadium is fairly empty but more than 200 people are there.
You know I feel kinda sorry for them too…
eths - September 24, 2009
I did the same.
it is amusing to watch foul balls rattle around the stands like a pinball machine.
mlb.tv controls the cameras and they are really trying to keep the camera angles tight to the field, so you only see the stands on foul balls.
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
Yep and the quality of the stream sucks too...
eths - September 24, 2009
Don't feel sorry for them, they're in talks with Obama for a bailout.
santoswoodenlegs - September 24, 2009
Oh really ???
eths - September 24, 2009
Well played, sir...
Well played.
Damen Jackson - September 24, 2009
Are they certain it's the G-20 meeting,
or is that the excuse today?
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
maybe they announce John Lovitz is doing the 7th inning stench?
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
There are probably more people at the G-20 meeting than at the Pirates game.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
there are more people protesting the G-20 meeting than at the Pirate game
arghhhhhhh….
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
G20 brings in 4000 people
Including attendees and support stuff, generating approx. $8,000,000 for the local economy, most of which is picked up by the government of the country who hosts the meeting.
Hey, that’s pretty close to the Bucs payroll, isn’t it?
lswaidz - September 24, 2009
that sounds like the payroll for Bronson Arroyo's hair
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
If only his band had spent that much on music lessons...
lswaidz - September 24, 2009
Oh snap!
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
4000 people?
That HAS to be more people than there are at the Pirates game.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
It wouldn't surprise me in the least...
You should have seen the number of SS agents who were running around SLC when G.W. visited the Winter Olympics.
eths - September 24, 2009
Here's a photo direct from Pittsburgh.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
That's a travesty.
Regardless of the specific reason, it’s still baseball.
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
That has more to do with the security in Pittsburgh...
… and the difficulty in actually getting to the park, than it does with baseball.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
This is DURING the game?
That is really sad.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
Yes, DURING the game.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Why don't those people in the back rows move up?
Would security really stop them?
daver - September 24, 2009
The better question is...
… why is anyone in the upper deck?
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Better chance to snag a foul ???
eths - September 24, 2009
I might take a shot at sitting in the dugout.
daver - September 24, 2009
Would you want to be on either team?
Shanghai Badger - September 24, 2009
Sure, put me in coach. I'm ready to play.
daver - September 24, 2009
lol
brian custer - September 24, 2009
People are weird about their seats...
… and creatures of habit. I’ve got a couple of lifelong season ticket holders in the south end zone at Soldier Field that i always stop and check on… wonderful old people… and they are convinced they have the best seats in the house at the front of the 300 level. They don’t want the Bears to upgrade them, and they won’t move forward, even during preseason games where there is room.
AndrewJStone - September 24, 2009
probably salespeople with no calls to make
and they don’t want to get caught by the boss who might be watching on mlb.tv back at “work”
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
Wow, brutal.
daver - September 24, 2009
That's really sad.
sue369 - September 24, 2009
Paid attendance announced in Pittsburgh was 15,892.
About 15,000 of them came disguised as empty seats.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
lol, looks that way.
sue369 - September 24, 2009
Here's some interesting stuff on Bradley.
From Jayson Stark @ ESPN.com:
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Oh man.
Me no likey. At least the names mentioned.
If [name redacted] goes to a NL team, I don’t even want to imagine what’ll happen when said team visits Wrigley. Maybe part of his new contract will include a clause that allows him to sit out games in Chicago.
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
It doesn't have to be those specific players mentioned.
Stark was just giving examples of players with bad contracts. There are others.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Let's remember,
when Hendry traded for Karros and Grud, they hadn’t exactly had a stellar season the year before.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
Karros wasn't that good for the Cubs either.
Grudz, for whatever reason, picked up his hitting big-time as a Cub. But in that case, the Cubs were trading Hundley, who was not only a jerk, but an all-bat catcher whose bat had seemingly abandoned him. I think Bradley still has productive seasons ahead of him, and his contract is less of an albatross than some of the players mentioned as replacements for him.
aldimond - September 24, 2009
Gentle fan base, gentle media market and enough money...
AL teams first, because I think he is a better DH:
Seattle — off in the corner of the world there. Just recently went from a two-paper town to a one-paper town.
Texas — seemed to be the one place he liked being — that’s a Cowboys, college football and Mavericks town
Royals — Might not want to spend the money. Has a bad history there, but you can’t get much quieter.
Tigers — Tough media there, though. Strong manager, but economically depressed fan base might not be in the mood for sob stories from $20 million man
Rays — Could be looking for spark, but have to be careful of major problem in lockerroom
Blue Jays — Also up in the corner of the world. Diverse city, but more intrested in hockey and CFL…
NL Teams:
Nationals — may want to spend money and put butts in the seats
Reds — Just doesn’t seem like something Jocketty would do, but small enough market
Astros — I think this would be a sleeper team
Giants — if media can handle Bonds, they won’t bat an eye at Bradley.
Worf - September 24, 2009
The Texas/Michael Young deal is still the one I keep coming back to.
daver - September 24, 2009
The familiarity can work both ways
Cubs can say, “Look, you know what this guy can do when he’s happy… you should pick up $10 million”
Rangers can say, “Look, we know what this guy can do when he’s not happy… you should pick up $15 mllion”
Worf - September 24, 2009
So Lou will be conducting the negotiations?
daver - September 24, 2009
No, in that case it'd be...
… “Look, what do you want me to do, eat $5 million or $10 million?”
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
ROFL! Too true.
I mean, what can I say?
Emelie - September 24, 2009
Like cool, like totally lou-dicrous,
eths - September 24, 2009
Yeah, that might work.
Also, I read somewhere that Oakland nearly had him traded to the Royals a few years back for Leo Nunez, but the deal fell through. (Can’t find the link now.)
KC might work.
I doubt he’d want to go to a NL team, where he’d have to play at Wrigley next year.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
The Rangers did struggle offensively this year.
Do the Rangers have someone else to play 3rd base?
They also think they will contend next year. Personally, I think it’s likely they will take a step back.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
We've got someone for them to play 3rd
His name is Fox, Jake Fox.
We’ve got someone else too, if they get too snotty about who is picking up what..
His name is Miles, Aaron Miles.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Maybe they'd take Miles' deal, too...
… since the Cubs would be taking on far more money with Young.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Oh man...imagine getting rid of Bradley AND Miles in the same deal.
daver - September 24, 2009
They can move Chris Davis to 3rd and put Justin Smoak at 1B, I believe.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
What about the Padres?
They wanted him back but he chose to sign with the Rangers. Maybe this was because his knee was still heeling, at the time.
I think they’d be an interesting target but don’t see any bad contracts for them to send in return. They’d be a team that’d be willing to take a flyer though.
Actually, with all the angst in the off-season about Milton not being able to play the outfield, I thought he did a decent job in right field.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
Padres outfield is ginormous though
I didn’t realize they wanted him back when he signed with the Rangers, though
Sure, throw him on. I’m with dave, though. I’m thinking Rangers.
Worf - September 24, 2009
It could also be a team that is desperate.
The Blue Jays, Royals and Rangers come to mind as teams that have to win next year or people will get fired. (JP Richardi’s time may have already run out.)
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
Rangers, definitely
Blue Jays, maybe, although that is unrealistic.
I just don’t see how anyone can realistically say that about a Royals GM or manager.
Worf - September 24, 2009
Toronto might work, since...
… it’s an out of the way media market (not in the USA) and there’s a black manager there.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Toronto is a very diverse city as well
Might take a hit on the exchange rate…
Worf - September 24, 2009
I get that impression from the statements
the Royals front office has made for the last year. They appear to be desperate, from their statements.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
they just gave their GM an extension
so I’d say he’s safe. Now, as for Hillman, who knows.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
Can we add Florida to the NL list?
No fans and little media, there, too.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
Yeah, but I ruled them out because of the money
and I HATE trading with the Marlins… I always feel violated after
Worf - September 24, 2009
Yeah, there is the money issue.
But if the Cubs have to eat the cash, then I could see them thinking about it, especially given how Hermida has underwhelmed there.
Though you’re right about feeling violated after trading with them.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
The problem with that is they
simply don’t have any bad contracts to send back in return.
Actually, they don’t have ANY player under contract, except for Hanley.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
You should. With the rumors of what you
had to do with the mascot to make the deal, you should.
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
Well, I can't stand Bronson Arroyo...
…but he does eat up a lot of innings. If the Cubs don’t re-sign Harden they could have:
Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Wells
Arroyo
Da Gorz and Marshall would still be in the pen to take spot starts as needed. Could we really pawn Milton off on the Reds, though? How would he do with Dusty?
daver - September 24, 2009
Dusty will baby him to no end.
Actually, I believe Baker would be ideal for [name redacted], given his history as a “players’ manager.”
But Arroyo would be a pain in our collective behinds.
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
What about getting really creative
and a 3 or 4 teams bad contract swap? Or a swap of 2 bad contracts and then turn around and swap that player with another teams bad contract?
This, of course, assumes that a direct match isn’t out there.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
I like this scenario...
… just for the fun it’d be to watch. Imagine watching the media’s neck veins bulge as they try to keep track as guys like Bradley, Arroyo, Byrnes, Burrell and others bounce around from team to team and less than ideal situation to less than ideal situation.
AndrewJStone - September 24, 2009
It'd be like watching Quentin Richardson this past basketball offseason.
Now that’s a summer.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
I imagine that would make shopping for a house quite challenging.
AndrewJStone - September 24, 2009
I think you just start renting at some point.
But to land in Miami isn’t too shabby.
Bill Potter - September 24, 2009
I can see a bunch of beat reporters texting each other
“OK, what’s this guy like… wait never mind, forget him. What’s THIS guy like?”
Worf - September 24, 2009
Would he be worse than Bradley, though?
At least Bronson would play only once every five days. Come to think of it, though, I’m not sure if there’s a fit with the Reds. I believe they have Jay Bruce in right field and Dickerson in left – two young players.
daver - September 24, 2009
Very good point re: Bruce and Dickerson.
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
This is what makes me think there may be a 3 or 4 teams swap
of bad contracts. Thee doesn’t seem to be a match between 2 teams. In fact, I don’t understand why teams don’t try that approach more. What would they have to lose?
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
It's a lot harder to get an agreement between 3 teams or 4 teams.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Hendry does have a history with this though.
Particularly with the economy being in the toilet, I’d like to see more creativity this off-season with the GM’s.
cowsarecool220 - September 24, 2009
I think you will.
Whether that involves more multiteam deals, remains to be een.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
een=seen.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
speaking as a ballhawk, I would love to see Arroyo come here.
so that ought to tell you that we’d want nothing to do with a man called Bronson…
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
Is not amused.
santoswoodenlegs - September 24, 2009
You just want Howry back
Doggie Stalker - September 24, 2009
I agree completely...
Personally, I still expect to hear from the New York teams as well. The market may not be right for Milton personally, but shipping Luis Castillo here solves problems for both teams.
Damen Jackson - September 24, 2009
Well, at least Castillo could potentially replace...
….some of the high OBP that the Cubs will be losing with Milton. Problem is the Mets have failed to make the playoffs for going on three seasons in a row, so Bradley would be stepping into another high-pressure situation (plus the media, fans, etc.).
I still think the Yankees could do a good job of insulating him, though.
daver - September 24, 2009
Agreed...
The thing is that Minaya seems to want to rid himself of the Castillo contract very badly, and their LF situation isn’t all that promising. I honestly didn’t think someone could be worse than Adam Dunn out there till I saw Murphy.
I’d speed dial the Mets, but yeah, the Yankees could be interesting. He’s a better solution than Damon or Matsui, in my opinion, especially if the Cubs are giving him away.
Damen Jackson - September 24, 2009
Someday, I'd like to share with someone a story of Shark...
…and some racist and anti-semitic John Rocker type-sh*t I heard him say at a bar in downtown Des Moines. I’m just glad I didn’t get it on tape.
IowaCubs- - September 24, 2009
Hoo boy
Worf - September 24, 2009
Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest...
I wasn’t the only one who heard it.
IowaCubs- - September 24, 2009
Just can't be true. He's a domer you know. ;)
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
I wish it weren't :(
IowaCubs- - September 24, 2009
he's young
and mad ea mistake: ireally doubt he meant it…
brian custer - September 24, 2009
OT: I don't follow the Cards... what does this mean?
mlbtraderumorsRT @jorgearangure Cards fans shouldn’t expect Mateo situation to go away. Expect a lawsuit. Could get ugly. Might end up hurting STL in LA
Emelie - September 24, 2009
That's regarding Wagner Mateo, a Dominican signee...
… whose contract the Cardinals voided due to alleged vision problems the kid had.
More details here.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
That sounds a bit unfair.
eths - September 24, 2009
They withdrew a $3m signing bonus from a 16-year-old kid
a red flag came up on a vision test.
The kid will get more looks from other teams. Jeff Passan at YahooSports had a column about it.
Worf - September 24, 2009
The link in my comment is the Passan column.
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
Sorry, my computer is acting up
too much action today! Else I’d have provided the link
Worf - September 24, 2009
Oh no...
eths - September 24, 2009
Here it is - I found it...
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
a red x?
sue369 - September 24, 2009
Hmm... I guess Iowa doesn't get Lance Link, Secret Chimp...
ballhawk - September 24, 2009
:-(
sue369 - September 24, 2009
I don't know.
But I like the way some of those words imply dark clouds over Busch.
N Oakley - September 24, 2009
Thanks, guys. Muchas Gracias.
Emelie - September 24, 2009
OT: 900 posts on Monday and moving towards 500 today...
at least we know why worker productivity in the US is in decline. :-)
But lower productivity leads to the need for more employees, so we are helping the economy by holding down productivity. Keep up the good (bad) work!
Onward, comrades!!
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
But I'm not in North America.... ::sniff::
eths - September 24, 2009
So in that case, you're helping the WORLD economy recover!
Al Yellon - September 24, 2009
yes, we must spread lower productivity throughout the world!
Save the planet.
LAcarl519 - September 24, 2009
♬♫♪ Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now ♪♬♩♫
eths - September 24, 2009
I actually did a bunch of work today
plus had a three beer lunch with my boss. So, what the world needs is more workers like us.
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
Lee Elia...
would be proud of you.
jameslcrockett - September 25, 2009
Going to today's game
I think that the matchup (Dempster vs. Penny) should be one of the best of the series for us, as Dempster has been pretty good lately.
But this will be a tough series for the Cubs. They don’t like these huge west coast outfields, and you could dock a zeppelin in right-center field at [YourTelecomCoNameHere] Park.
Well, be nice to each other on the game threads!
vonde6 - September 24, 2009
Have a good time!
chilango2 - September 24, 2009
bradley
thats not milton talking thats his agent. this guy is gone. the cubs will do whatever to rid themselves of this cancer. and all you bradley supporters just grow up. and miles???? one word. baltimore.
NOMAR - September 26, 2009
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