A surprisingly large crowd -- announced as 36,571, there were probably 30,000 in the house -- showed up to watch baseball at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night.
Too bad the Cubs didn't show up.
I suppose that really isn't 100% fair; credit where credit is due to the Brewers' Shaun Marcum, who almost completely baffled Cubs hitters for eight innings in Milwaukee's 5-1 win over the Cubs. Darwin Barney solved him for a couple of doubles; Randy Wells singled up the middle; Reed Johnson had a pinch-hit single (and promptly got thrown out trying to stretch it to a double by Ryan Braun, who made an excellent throw).
And Starlin Castro hit his 10th home run of the season for the Cubs' only run of the game. In doing so he reached base for the 33rd consecutive game. Only one shortstop in Cubs history -- Woody English, in 1929 -- had a longer such streak, and Castro could tie that by reaching base today.
Here is the list of shortstops who had 10 or more home runs in a season, at age 21 or younger: Travis Jackson, 11 HR at age 20, in 1924; Vern Stephens, 14 at age 21, in 1942; Cal Ripken, 28 at age 21, in 1982; Wil Cordero, 10 at age 21, in 1993, and Alex Rodriguez, who did it twice (36 at age 20 in 1995 and 23 at age 21 in 1996).
That's two current Hall of Famers and someone who's headed there when his career ends, a seven-time All-Star (Stephens) and a promising young player (Cordero) whose career was derailed by injuries and other off-field issues.
I think we've just seen a tiny amount of what Starlin Castro can (and hopefully, will) do on a baseball field. He needs three more hits for 200 this season; it would be nice to see him get those today. He does still need to work on his defense, but we are seeing, I believe, the beginning of a career that will at least become a perennial All-Star career. It's gratifying to watch.
The end of a Cubs career that has been mostly gratifying to watch may be at hand; Aramis Ramirez left the game with a strained quad and said later it may be time to move on:
Was Tuesday his last home game with the team?
"Probably. There's a good chance," Ramirez said after the Cubs' 5-1 loss to the Brewers. "I'm a free agent, and right now I don't know what's going to happen. It looks like I'm going to hit the market."
He'd be the top third baseman available. Ramirez is batting .306 with 25 homers and 92 RBIs. He's been with the Cubs since July 2003, when acquired from the Pirates. He wants to stay in Chicago.
"I've been saying that all along, and it's no secret to anybody," Ramirez said. "It doesn't look that way right now. We haven't heard anything from the front office."
Well, of course Ramirez and his agent haven't heard anything. There's going to be a new general manager hired, and that's who will make this decision. Some of this could be posturing; he keeps saying he wants to stay and as we all know, he has been the best offensive 3B in the National League this season.
In the meantime, the Cubs will continue to try to delay Milwaukee's inevitable division clinching celebration for another day or two by winning their final home game Wednesday afternoon. The Cardinals' win over the Mets Tuesday night means that even if the Brewers win today's game, they cannot reduce their magic number below two before they head back to Milwaukee (since the Cardinals play tonight).
Attendance watch: the largish gathering Tuesday night put the Cubs 12,999 below the three million mark at 2,987,000. This means they'll break the barrier by about 20,000 or so, which will put the season total about 40,000 below last year's (or about 500 per game). The real story is the number of tickets they had to discount to get to that mark. The Cubs did sell out many of the high-priced games; it's the mid-range ones they had trouble selling, and so overall ticket revenues are likely flat at best, and more likely, went down.
It will be an interesting offseason on and off the field. In the meantime, one more game on the North Side this afternoon before the team heads for their final road trip. Today's game preview will post at 11:30 a.m. CDT.
0 recs | 125 comments
Here's to the end of the wrong way
of doing things at Wrigley and the beginning of a dynamic new future. I want us to hire a GM with a plan to address the years ahead, not merely the next year. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
tharr - September 21, 2011
Agreed.
This is much more “playing out the string” than usual.
Al Yellon - September 21, 2011
wishing...
that the cubs would name a gm by sept 30 , but that doesn’t appear as if it will happen . i’m hoping it will be ben cherington .
walterj - September 21, 2011
I am surprised Al didnt have anything to say about the use of Grabow and Ortiz AGAIN down 5-1....
Or maybe he is just tired of having to point out how bad the managing is…..
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
That is EXACTLY when Ortiz and Grabow should be used.
When we’re going to lose anyway.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2011
This is exactly when Gaub and Dollis should be pitching.....
Especially Dollis….He has not pitched yet. The others, Like Hill, should not be playing at all.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Point taken
but I’ve already given up on Quade actually playing the kids.
He’s a dumb jackass who will only play crappy, over the hill veterans. If he’s gonna do that, then he should only play them when we’re going to lose anyway
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2011
Which is pretty much everyday,
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
No.
It’s when Gaub and Dolis should be used.
Dcr18 - September 21, 2011
Agreed.
I’m going to mention this in the game preview. Gaub was warming up, and should have been used.
Al Yellon - September 21, 2011
THANK YOU
Tweeted about this to you Al, glad you’re going to say something. This has frustrated me to no end. We know what Soto/Grabow/Ortiz/etc can do. PLAY THE FREAKIN KIDS. I’m not even opposed to sitting LaHair. If we’re an organization that is claiming to focus on the system and produce good products, we have to see what’s been developing
Musicdude10 - September 21, 2011
Agree
I could not believe it when Ortiz pitched 2 innings and then Grabow. LeMahieu has been up for what, 3 weeks now and has only started 2-3 times. I am tired of this whole match-up excuse. How do you know that he can’t hit LHP if they never get multiple chances to do it???
bazfan1234 - September 21, 2011
Quade does not know what he is doing
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
I think Aram has to say he wants to be a Cub...
but i dont really think he wants to be a Cub. He and his agent are not idiots, they know there isnt a GM in place to talk about anything. why say something like that? He really isnt a 100% free agent, right? he has to be picked up and then decline the pick up right? or not picked up and get two million. i say the cubs pick it up. let him walk from that.
so long and thanks for all the shoes aram.
epsilon - September 21, 2011
I think he has to say it too, Just like Pena has been doing. I see both getting as far away as possible.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Here's my question:
If the Cubs offer to pick up his option and Aramis declines, do the Cubs get a compensation pick? I think the answer is “yes,” but just want to be sure.
daver - September 21, 2011
doesnt that only work with Arb?
epsilon - September 21, 2011
Not completely sure.
I think I’ve read indications the Cubs would get a pick.
daver - September 21, 2011
The Cubs would have to also offer Aramis arbitration
or Aramis would need to sign with another team before the deadline for teams to offer arbitration to their free agents. (The second option is how the Cubs got a sandwich pick for Juan Pierre.)
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2011
That's the info I was lookin' for -- thanks!
Off the top of my head, I’d say GM X should offer to pick up his option. If he accepts, the Cubs have a 2-3 WAR third baseman for next season and another year to look over their options there. If he declines — and then presumably declines arbitration (a safe assumption?) — the Cubs get a high draft pick and the Ricketts’ "player development " train picks up some more speed.
daver - September 21, 2011
I'm pretty sure they'd get a sandwich pick
because Ramirez will be or should be a Type A FA.
tripdenten - September 21, 2011
Has he gotten it up there? Last I checked he was high on the Type B list.
ubercubsfan - September 21, 2011
I know, same the last time I checked it,
I find it hard to believe that he won’t be a type A when the season ends considering the numbers he’s put up and the position he plays.
tripdenten - September 21, 2011
Agreed.
I’d be shocked and more than a little angry if one of the best third basemen in the NL wasn’t classified as Type A.
daver - September 21, 2011
Shame it's based on 2 year average.
If only he didn’t have a bad year last year. Had maybe 20-30 points higher on his AVG and OBP he’d be Type A for sure.
ubercubsfan - September 21, 2011
True,
and that really sucks considering that was his worst season as a pro since 2002, and appears to be a fluke.
tripdenten - September 21, 2011
However, could the new collective bargaining agreement
change compensation for free agents leaving this year? Or will that not go into affect until next year’s free agent class?
There’s been talk of changes to compensation and possibly to how players are ranked.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2011
Hope they use more advanced stats to rank players.
ubercubsfan - September 21, 2011
If they used advanced stats the Cubs brass will not understand them
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Billy Beane will!!!!!!!!!
They made a movie about it!!!!
daver - September 21, 2011
Theriot!!
came thru big time as pinch hitter for ST L. Happy for him; has to be hard to be benched after being a regulr most of season. Cubs can be big spoilers this weekend!!
QuincyCub - September 21, 2011
happy for Theriot?
or are you being sarcastic and i just havent read enough of your comments to pick it up?
epsilon - September 21, 2011
I am happy for him He was right about what he said about the Cubs when he got to the Cardinals.
The Cubs are NOT a winning organization.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Really?
According to baseball-reference, the Franchise Record is 10,308 – 9,774. Good for a winning percentage of .513 (6th for all active franchises). The Cards are at .518 (5th overall).
Don't Fear the Reaper - September 21, 2011
Really????
You would have a great point if it was 1948…….
Its been a while with the Cubs….Try to catch up with the times.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Screw Ryan Theriot.
Dcr18 - September 21, 2011
+1,236, 789. 457
Grockcubs - September 21, 2011
You know, initially I said the samething
but I bet, 90% of BCB’ers would say the samething after enduring last year and this year. I really don’t blame him, this organization has been a disaster.
bazfan1234 - September 21, 2011
agreed, he got lucky
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Make it green
Jody Jody Davis - September 21, 2011
Why?
I mean seriously folks, what is the difference with what he said compared to what everyone complains about here? The organization is a mess right now and has been for a bit. What he said was right…they are competing for a wild card spot and has won a world series recently…the Cubs well, they are competing against the Pirates for 4th place.
bazfan1234 - September 21, 2011
Make it green!
ubercubsfan - September 21, 2011
I never liked him before the "right side of the rivalry" comment.
I was always confused by the Theriot love, even in his one productive year he still was a below average defender and baserunner. But it was his attitude during interviews and such is what made me dislike him more than the ordinary mediocre player.
Dcr18 - September 21, 2011
couldn't have said it better
jesus christos - September 21, 2011
Al, you are at all the games. Is there booing when Quade comes out?
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
So with ARam out a few days.....We will see DJ get some time right?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thats silly talk, of course it will be DeWItt
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Or Baker
I’d like to see DJ at 2nd and Barney at 3rd, see if he can handle it
Musicdude10 - September 21, 2011
We will probably get Baker at 3b and DeWitt at 2b....Quade screwing the fans one more time this season.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
If he's going to play both, I'd rather see DeWitt at 3B,
that’s where he’s best defensively.
tripdenten - September 21, 2011
we got DJ at least...only because its a LHP....
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
I'd probably flip them
Dcr18 - September 21, 2011
It will be sad to say goodbye to Wrigley this afternoon.
If the Cubs really do want Aramis back, Ricketts better reach out this afternoon before the road trip and say at least, wait till I get somebody hired. Not sure if he can play for 4 more years but there will be a lot of teams willing to give him three and maybe four. Without anyone in the wings ready to step in next year, we need him back.
mrcubsfan - September 21, 2011
you're thirty five games under .500 with him the last two years
why keep paying him 16 million when the club needs a total rebuild? You’re not winning with this nucleus next year, period, he’s only getting older and older. Enough, tear the whole thing up, slash the payroll and start from scratch. It’s almost like we’re an expansion team right now. Be honest with the fans, cut the ticket prices and explain we are totally rebuilding.
MikeJW - September 21, 2011
If he hit the last 2 years when it mattered and didnt wait until the Cubs were out of it I would care.
But his useless stats after dont mean much. Same with Pena this year.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
In the trib, Quade said he will stick with Hill and Soto. Maybe Clevenger gets a game in SD...
Yes, because you cant replace .189 hitting Hill……
The Braves really wish the Cards were not facing the Cubs,
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
I read the same thing..
and I thought why not? This season is over why not see what the kid can do?
mikeschieve - September 21, 2011
QIAFI
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2011
Yep....
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Because these lineups are Quade's "Jim Hendry Farewell Tribute Tour"
He basically giving the entire fan base a nice dutch-oven with the bad players his GM buddy gave him.
santoswoodenlegs - September 21, 2011
The whole group must go.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
IFHQ.
epsilon - September 21, 2011
I Freakin' Honor Quade?
Such a strange thing to say!
ubercubsfan - September 21, 2011
I Find Head Quarters?
What a useful skill!
Arbusto - September 21, 2011
I Figure He's Quality!
ubercubsfan - September 21, 2011
IF He Quits...
…we be happy.
daver - September 21, 2011
I Forgot He Quacked.
Blue W - September 21, 2011
I really hope the Cubs can play spoilers for the Cardinals
But playing eff’ing Hill is not the way to do it.
timmyfan - September 21, 2011
As side from the patience (which I hope comes)...
… Castro’s best comparison to me is Derek Jeter.
Take a look at Jeter’s second full season:
.291 BA 10 HR 70 RBI in 748 PA. He had a OPS of .775.
Castro this year is up to:
.305 BA 10 HR 62 RBI in 684 PA. Castro’s OPS is currently .771.
The good thing for Castro is that his OPS is almost the same because he’s .SLG higher than Jeter’s was, but of course, Jeter took alot more walks than Castro has. This is something Castro has to improve on. If Castro can improve that, I can easily see him flirting with an near .900 OPS at this peak.
I’m not saying Castro will hit for 3,000 hits – or that he will lead us to many WS titles, but I think the talent is there. He has some work to do, especially with his defense, but the man’s upside is something of significant notice. It’s all up to him on how good he will become.
Unique - September 21, 2011
I'm not sure Castro will ever really improve on the walks.
It isn’t his approach.
rlpete - September 21, 2011
Yeah I doubt he ever walks as much as Jeter has..
but I think he certainly can improve his walk totals while still being somewhat aggressive.
Unique - September 21, 2011
I think he'll start walking a little more as his power continues to grow.
Dcr18 - September 21, 2011
How many HRs do you think Castro can hit?
Unique - September 21, 2011
I think 15-20 a year for a while.
possibly with a few seasons around 25 sprinkled in. But not just HR power, I think he could have a ton of doubles as he continues to improve as a hitter.
Dcr18 - September 21, 2011
giving ramirez a four year deal would be bad .
i only see him having only two years left as a fielder before he would have to be
limited to a dh .
walterj - September 21, 2011
He is close to being a DH now....We have one in LF too.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
4 Year Deal with limited no trade clause
No trade for 2 years then allow a trade to an AL team so he can continue as a DH if/when his fielding deteriorates. Is he allowed to waive his 5/10 NTC as part of a contract or does that stay in effect until an actual trade is proposed?
CubbieFaninOhio - September 21, 2011
that's a bad....bad....bad idea
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2011
Ditto
2 years max then adios muchacho.
BigJohnAZ - September 21, 2011
Players are not allowed
to waive rights in their contracts they earn by collective bargaining.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2011
Yes.
They are.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2011
In that he could accept a trade
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2011
That is the right players bargained for,
to either accept or refuse the trade once 10/5 rights are obtained.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2011
they are ALLOWED to waive them...
they just dont have to. DLee played the card for the first try and then waived for the braves.
epsilon - September 21, 2011
Exactly, that's what players obtained through collective bargaining.
And players are not allowed to have any language in their contract that waives any rights obtained through collective bargaining. Just like teams are not allowed to do so by MLB. Which is why player contracts have to go through so many lawyers before they are signed by the team and the player.
cowsarecool220 - September 21, 2011
I think
He would take a 2 year deal if the Cubs offered it.
Clark Addison - September 21, 2011
It would take a couple of months, he would have to go out and see that other teams will not offer 4 years either.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Is Michael Young still unhappy with his situation in Texas?
mikeschieve - September 21, 2011
No...he said in the paper the other day how happy he was in Texas....
Probably enjoys being on a good team…..He would not have that here.,
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
He's having a great season, so I'd guess no.
daver - September 21, 2011
I think he was afraid
He wasn’t going to get much playing time. Obviously, he isn’t worrying about that anymore.
Mulhollandmania - September 21, 2011
I thought this was funny...
I assume you’re talking about A-Rod. Do you really think he’ll get into the HOF after he was on the PED list?
timmyfan - September 21, 2011
my personal opinion is yes...
he still put up serious numbers after his “mistake” and he came out and apologized for it as soon as it happened. i think its overlooked when the votes are cast.
epsilon - September 21, 2011
Agreed.
Apologies go a long way. Too bad for Roger Clemens that he didn’t learn that lesson.
Al Yellon - September 21, 2011
I think we'll have to wait and see
If he was to get in, I think you’d have to make a case for Mark McGwire to get in as well. McGwire’s apology didn’t seem to help his cause much, so I doubt it would help A-Rod much either.
timmyfan - September 21, 2011
McGwire's apology ...
… came after a lot of denials, and long after his career was over.
A-Rod’s was pretty immediate, and he has been a pretty good baseball citizen since. I think he gets in.
Al Yellon - September 21, 2011
I agree, the way QGiambi, Arod and pettitte handle the situation was much better than McGwire, Palmeiro, Bonds and Clemens.......
And it shows now.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
We'll see
I just don’t think 75% of the writers who vote will see it that way. Only time will tell.
timmyfan - September 21, 2011
Not sure why I have a Q in front of Giambi......and I agree with you.
I am talking about public perception.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
You probably had Quade on the brain
Although Quade and “handle the situation” don’t usually go hand in hand unless the word badly follows.
Unfortunately it’s the writers’ call. A-Rod might get in, and he most likely will, but I would bet it won’t be a first ballot entry like it would’ve been had he not been a “user”.
timmyfan - September 21, 2011
+1
BigJohnAZ - September 21, 2011
Today's lineup...
features Reed Johnson batting 3rd and Jeff Baker batting 4th. I cannot wait til this f*cking idiot Quade is no longer in charge of this team.
kanderber - September 21, 2011
Not that I defend Quade much..
… but with Ramirez out and a LHP going, exactly who would YOU bat third and fourth today?
Al Yellon - September 21, 2011
I don't really...
have the desire to look at each player’s stats (nor does Quade, apparently), but I gotta think that there’s a better option to hit cleanup than a guy with a 556 OPS since the beginning of JUNE. So, I guess to answer your question: anybody.
kanderber - September 21, 2011
I see your point.
I guess this just isn’t a very good team. But we already knew that.
Al Yellon - September 21, 2011
Hope you see a no-hitter today Al...!!!!!!!
By the Brewers…..
Unless Castro gets 3 to get to 200…
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
OK, well DJ and LaHair are playing...they can get hits too....
Nice to see Barney out after being one of the few to get hits last night.
But we need to see what Soriano and Byrd can do I guess.
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
If Soto is playing, then bat him 3rd or 4th.
tripdenten - September 21, 2011
What is sad is that we have Soriano, Soto, and Byrd in the lineup and Johnson and Baker ARE the better choices....
This team was really put together well!!!
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
LaHair looked baffled by Marcum's slider
Actually, a lot of Cubs hitters looked baffled. From my view down in the right field corner, I saw a few swings that looked like practice swings with a pitching wedge.
But LaHair had one AB where he fought off some pitches. And then Marcum just froze him. Hoping it’s a game that LaHair can learn from.
RiskyBusiness - September 21, 2011
I wanna say...
…LaHair worked at least two full counts. But, yeah, he couldn’t handle Marcum’s out pitch.
daver - September 21, 2011
LaHair did have some good at-bats.
But Marcum was really on last night. Credit to Marcum.
Al Yellon - September 21, 2011
Even if LaHair isn't a starter, his approach at the plate warrants a bench job if he can win it in ST.
This team needs more players with his approach. Remember the last time the Cubs could take pitches and get the opposing pitchers count up? They pretty much owned the NL that year.
ubercubsfan - September 21, 2011
So when Johnson plays today he can bat 3rd...But the guy who starts ahead of him Byrd bats 6th.....
Johnson won the CF long ago…..But Byrd makes more money so there you go,
TJ11 - September 21, 2011
Rock Shoulders is Tweeting
that he hurt his knee. Doctors are looking at it today.
timh815 - September 21, 2011
Apparently his knees are made of softer stuff.
daver - September 21, 2011
I don't know maybe I am in the minority,
I would offer Ramy a 3year deal around 36-40M with some sort of incentives put in. Whether it is good or not Castro has leaned on Ramy/Soriano/ DeJesus for support and language help. I know Ramy is not the most energetic, hustling player the Cubs have had, but he is productive and if removed the Cubs will have a huge void.
I just don’t buy this notion that next year is a wash on Sept. 21, 2011. There is a lot of changes going to take place. Who knows what the new GM will be able to do. There are a lot of variables that will be in place and no one knows how it will shake out.
RIcketts should approach Ramirez and mention once a GM is in place they will talk about a deal.
Grockcubs - September 21, 2011
I want him to stay....
100 percent.
jimvanders - September 21, 2011
I'd rather upgrade SP
and get a 1B of high quality
timh815 - September 21, 2011
CASTRO....
creeping his way to 200 hits. Get there already!
jimvanders - September 21, 2011
Quade is not disappointed with the job he has done.. says he will be back next year.
If you want to raise your blood pressure today, read this.
Unique - September 21, 2011
What would you expect him to say?
I don’t have a problem with this. Not sure why anyone would.
Shanghai Badger - September 21, 2011
Personally?
I like accountability. As unrealistic as it sounds to many, your record speaks for itself. I would never be content with my job if my team has not performed well. Injuries or not.
I don’t expect him to say “I should be fired” but it would be nice to hear “There are things we need to improve on, things I have learned”. Just my opinion.
Unique - September 21, 2011
Exactly, as a professional
he has to approach this as if he is coming back next season, and he is under contract.
tripdenten - September 21, 2011
And this is why we keep seeing the same lineup in September
bazfan1234 - September 21, 2011
He's clearly full of shit when he says he's not thinking about next year
there’s no other reason to continue playing the veterans the way he is.
Other than that, he said what every other guy on the planet in his situation would say. If Quade KNEW he was doing a bad job, he wouldn’t be doing a bad job.
Nunyabidness - September 21, 2011
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