This idea definitely has not hurt the Cardinals, who, bafflingly, are fighting it out with us for first place. We may see this lineup before the year is over. Why? There are a couple reasons why it makes sense for the Cubs, more than ANYONE. Best reason: LaRussa thinks it is a good idea to have RBI opportunities of some kind for his leadoff hitter, and increased RBI opportunities for his #3 hitter.
More RBIs for a leadoff hitter? Do we know any leadoff hitters that would benefit from more RBI opportunities? Secondly, we have a couple pitchers who can really hit. Here I mean Zambrano and Jason Marquis. I believe Zambrano would love the chance to hit eighth, and possibly score another at-bat.
I have a couple ideas about who should move down to ninth. One idea is to bat Theriot there. But what if Soto batted there? If Soto bats ninth, he would have Soriano as lineup protection, and the offensive beat down he is giving the NL might just continue.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Cubs Were 17-10 in April...
This was a great month for the team! Fukudome showed he was a smart pickup, and Derrek Lee is the player he was back in 2005 once again. These two led the offense, along with Ryan Theriot, Geovany Soto, Reed Johnson, Mark DeRosa, and Aramis Ramirez. In other words, the entire lineup had a good month, and two players had a great month. But let's not forget our pitchers: Zambrano pitched like an ace. Ryan Dempster had multiple quality starts. Rich Hill rebounded nicely from a rough start. Kerry Wood pitched like a real closer, and Carlos Marmol was even better than that.
If the Cubs are going to continue playing .600 ball, what issues need to be dealt with?
1. Felix Pie. Can this man hit any better or not? I am surprised that he has been this bad, but not shocked. Maybe he needs to go to a team that has time to just send him out to center, and let him figure out the game with no fans that expect to win right away. Another thing that might be good for Felix is to play for a team that can afford to carry his weak bat for some time. We are almost that team. If we sub Reed Johnson in to the game in later innings, we might be able to get away with this one for a time.
2. Starting Rotation. Zambrano will be fine, and Ted Lilly is improving. But will Ryan Dempster continue to pitch this way for a full season? Right now, Ryan is far and away out-pitching his best years with Florida. Not only would he come down hard for that reason, we also have to remember he hasn't been a starter in years. He will get tired, and if we don't have a backup plan, it will kill us at the worst possible time. That would be August. Rich Hill has had only one good year, but also some potential, with comes with some risk. Jason Marquis, however, has shown that he is unreliable over the long haul. It's not a question of attitude, or pacing, or anything else that can be fixed. The problem is he's not that talented, and needs to be "on" in order to win.
3. Bobby Howry. Does he have enough left to be a part of a great bullpen, or will he be in mop-up roles all year?
4. Geovany Soto. I doubt he will hit .333 his whole career. What will happen when national league scouts turn on to his weaknesses? I suspect he has one or two, at least.
5. Kevin Hart and Sean Marshall. Are these two the answer in the last spots of the bullpen? Hart has won admiration with his attitude, but the results are not there so far. Sean Marshall is a young starting pitcher, not a lefty specialist. that half of the question might be answered by the return of Scott Eyre.
If the Cubs are going to continue playing .600 ball, what issues need to be dealt with?
1. Felix Pie. Can this man hit any better or not? I am surprised that he has been this bad, but not shocked. Maybe he needs to go to a team that has time to just send him out to center, and let him figure out the game with no fans that expect to win right away. Another thing that might be good for Felix is to play for a team that can afford to carry his weak bat for some time. We are almost that team. If we sub Reed Johnson in to the game in later innings, we might be able to get away with this one for a time.
2. Starting Rotation. Zambrano will be fine, and Ted Lilly is improving. But will Ryan Dempster continue to pitch this way for a full season? Right now, Ryan is far and away out-pitching his best years with Florida. Not only would he come down hard for that reason, we also have to remember he hasn't been a starter in years. He will get tired, and if we don't have a backup plan, it will kill us at the worst possible time. That would be August. Rich Hill has had only one good year, but also some potential, with comes with some risk. Jason Marquis, however, has shown that he is unreliable over the long haul. It's not a question of attitude, or pacing, or anything else that can be fixed. The problem is he's not that talented, and needs to be "on" in order to win.
3. Bobby Howry. Does he have enough left to be a part of a great bullpen, or will he be in mop-up roles all year?
4. Geovany Soto. I doubt he will hit .333 his whole career. What will happen when national league scouts turn on to his weaknesses? I suspect he has one or two, at least.
5. Kevin Hart and Sean Marshall. Are these two the answer in the last spots of the bullpen? Hart has won admiration with his attitude, but the results are not there so far. Sean Marshall is a young starting pitcher, not a lefty specialist. that half of the question might be answered by the return of Scott Eyre.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Cubs Sitting at 10-6
The Cubs are playing very well, and yesterday Rich Hill got going. So it seems we were all too concerned about Hill too soon. Like many inexperienced (people get on me when I say Rich Hill is young. Ok, he is late 20s. But he doesn't have a lot of major league time) pitchers, he is inconsistent. But he can still help us win.
The early stars are Derrek Lee-- 6 HR, 13 RBI, .357; Reed Johnson -- .375; Fukudome, .317, with a .431 OBP; Zambrano, 2-1, 3.04; and Dempster, 2-0, 2.37.
Right now, we are tied for second with Milwaukee, chasing St. Louis, 1.5 games ahead.
The early stars are Derrek Lee-- 6 HR, 13 RBI, .357; Reed Johnson -- .375; Fukudome, .317, with a .431 OBP; Zambrano, 2-1, 3.04; and Dempster, 2-0, 2.37.
Right now, we are tied for second with Milwaukee, chasing St. Louis, 1.5 games ahead.
Matt Murton
Murton might be the most talented Cub I have ever seen not get a chance. His problem is that he is not versatile at all; he can handle left field, or maybe first base, and that's really it. After we moved Soriano to left field, there was no place here for Murton. Somehow, the trade never got done.
Now, Murton is back. No doubt he can help us while Soriano is gone. He should get an extended look while Soriano is out. And if Soriano were to keep getting hutr all year, Murton might just be here and put up good numbers. If Soriano gets healthy and stays healthy, they will look to trade Murton. That would be a good thing for everyone; there has to be a team out there that can use a legit 300 hitter.
Now, Murton is back. No doubt he can help us while Soriano is gone. He should get an extended look while Soriano is out. And if Soriano were to keep getting hutr all year, Murton might just be here and put up good numbers. If Soriano gets healthy and stays healthy, they will look to trade Murton. That would be a good thing for everyone; there has to be a team out there that can use a legit 300 hitter.
Marty Brennaman Rips Cubs Fans...
You guys who come here regularly know that I often steer clear of the controversies and focus on the game between the lines. That is my personality; I don't love this game because of who said what, I just want to watch these games and I want the Cubs to get that World Championship.
But this Brennaman thing is a BIG deal. He's talking about US, guys. First - this is not the guy who used to work here; this is his dad, who has been working for the Reds forever. Now on to what he said, and his repeated comments the next day.
The fact that Brennaman got so tightly wound up about this incident only shows how uptight and formalized American culture has become. The Reds' Adam Dunn hit a homer and Cub fans, in a bit of spontaneity and fun, launch 15 balls on to the field instead of just throwing the one back, as we often do.
Mr. Brennaman, this is our secret. Cub fans have turned Wrigley in to a place that allows actions like this; it gave everyone a good laugh. I think that anyone who thinks this disrespects the game has forgotten that the game is about having fun, at its very essence.
This sort of thing is what makes Wrigley the temple of baseball, not the sticky, ancient, wooden seat (though they certainly help). What else is it all about?
Its about throngs of people entering and leaving the stadium in random directions, ignoring traffic rules, and weaving around hucksters selling all things Cubs and many other items.
Its about insisting on day baseball as often as possible, sitting out in the sun on a day off or a half day from work, rather than rushing to the nice modern stadium after work in time for a 715 game.
Its about bars operating just outside the stadium, because some people just love being in Wrigleyville.
All this and so much more. Other stadium experiences are corporate and bland. Somehow, when the Cubs cram more ads in to Wrigley and stick some more screens where they can fit them in, it only makes it better. Why? Because it is all so chaotic. When I see those little signs that show the scores and count electronically along the upper deck, I am aware that they are on the margins, unlike at some stadiums where the big jumbotron IS the game. If I wanted to watch a huge screen, I could buy one and stay at home.
I've done some other stadium experiences and the conveniences are nice. But none of them have been worthy after Wrigley. And its fans have not forgotten the point of the whole deal.
But this Brennaman thing is a BIG deal. He's talking about US, guys. First - this is not the guy who used to work here; this is his dad, who has been working for the Reds forever. Now on to what he said, and his repeated comments the next day.
The fact that Brennaman got so tightly wound up about this incident only shows how uptight and formalized American culture has become. The Reds' Adam Dunn hit a homer and Cub fans, in a bit of spontaneity and fun, launch 15 balls on to the field instead of just throwing the one back, as we often do.
Mr. Brennaman, this is our secret. Cub fans have turned Wrigley in to a place that allows actions like this; it gave everyone a good laugh. I think that anyone who thinks this disrespects the game has forgotten that the game is about having fun, at its very essence.
This sort of thing is what makes Wrigley the temple of baseball, not the sticky, ancient, wooden seat (though they certainly help). What else is it all about?
Its about throngs of people entering and leaving the stadium in random directions, ignoring traffic rules, and weaving around hucksters selling all things Cubs and many other items.
Its about insisting on day baseball as often as possible, sitting out in the sun on a day off or a half day from work, rather than rushing to the nice modern stadium after work in time for a 715 game.
Its about bars operating just outside the stadium, because some people just love being in Wrigleyville.
All this and so much more. Other stadium experiences are corporate and bland. Somehow, when the Cubs cram more ads in to Wrigley and stick some more screens where they can fit them in, it only makes it better. Why? Because it is all so chaotic. When I see those little signs that show the scores and count electronically along the upper deck, I am aware that they are on the margins, unlike at some stadiums where the big jumbotron IS the game. If I wanted to watch a huge screen, I could buy one and stay at home.
I've done some other stadium experiences and the conveniences are nice. But none of them have been worthy after Wrigley. And its fans have not forgotten the point of the whole deal.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Reds Lying in the Weeds...
The Reds' lineup and bullpen yesterday impressed me. There are several competent relievers down in the Reds' bullpen, with Cordero closing, and Kent Mercker to set up along with David Weathers, last year's closer. Todd Coffey is another young reliever with some promise.
The Reds' lineup, 1-8, has only two weak points. One is in center field, where Corey Patterson leads off. Patterson did not impress last year, after scaring Cubs fans in 2006 by leading the league in steals with Baltimore. The Reds' homerrific park is maybe the best place for Patterson to try to revive his career. If Dusty is thinking anything sensible with this move, that's it.
Griffey is still here, and of course, he is not the player he once was, but who is at 38. Adam Dunn is in his prime, and a true homer threat at all times. Brandon Phillips leads the new generation of second basemen with pop, right along with Philadelphia's Chase Utley. Edwin Encarnacion and Jeff Keppinger are solid hitters, and Joey Votto is one the game's brightest stars.
CF prospect Jay Bruce is often called the best prospect in the game. In years to come, Reds fans will get to enjoy seeing him play alongside Cueto, Harang, and Votto. If baseball were at all serious in helping small-market teams compete like football does, the Reds would have the brightest future in the Central Division. But the good players they have now will be gone as soon as the younger players are good enough to need to be paid.
The Reds' lineup, 1-8, has only two weak points. One is in center field, where Corey Patterson leads off. Patterson did not impress last year, after scaring Cubs fans in 2006 by leading the league in steals with Baltimore. The Reds' homerrific park is maybe the best place for Patterson to try to revive his career. If Dusty is thinking anything sensible with this move, that's it.
Griffey is still here, and of course, he is not the player he once was, but who is at 38. Adam Dunn is in his prime, and a true homer threat at all times. Brandon Phillips leads the new generation of second basemen with pop, right along with Philadelphia's Chase Utley. Edwin Encarnacion and Jeff Keppinger are solid hitters, and Joey Votto is one the game's brightest stars.
CF prospect Jay Bruce is often called the best prospect in the game. In years to come, Reds fans will get to enjoy seeing him play alongside Cueto, Harang, and Votto. If baseball were at all serious in helping small-market teams compete like football does, the Reds would have the brightest future in the Central Division. But the good players they have now will be gone as soon as the younger players are good enough to need to be paid.
Cubs Juggernaut?
Maybe it is too early to get excited about the Cubs. Our teams frequently do well at the start of the year; this has been true even with our mediocre teams that came with less talent and even fewer expectations.
But last night we put the hurt on a weaker Reds team, despite playing without Soriano.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=280416116
The Cubs have recalled Eric Patterson from Iowa to fill Soriano's roster spot. He got in the game yesterday. More interesting, strategically, was Piniella's use of Fontenot leading off at second, with DeRosa in left field.
If Patterson shows he is ready to play here, this could be Fontenot's last chance to prove he is good enough to keep Patterson waiting in Iowa. Or maybe now it is time to show the league what Fontenot can do, and trade him somewhere there is an opportunity for a second baseman with a little pop.
Should Patterson succeed, that will put the Brian Roberts rumors to rest for ever. DeRosa would not be happy about becoming a supersub once again, but hey, he's in the big leagues getting regular ABs. At the end of the day, most of us would take that.
Zambrano pitched like an ace yesterday; he beat a team that he should beat. And as always, he contributed with the bat too. Three hits. A personality as large as the body that carries it. This is why I love watching Zambrano, win or lose.
Kevin Hart continues to impress in his bullpen role. His job is to pitch when it is helpful for other pitchers to rest. As he improves his game, he will rise in the ranks of the Cubs' bullpen. It's a long way to the top here - unlike other years for the Cubs, in which after this much success, we would already be wondering if Hart could close.
But last night we put the hurt on a weaker Reds team, despite playing without Soriano.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=280416116
The Cubs have recalled Eric Patterson from Iowa to fill Soriano's roster spot. He got in the game yesterday. More interesting, strategically, was Piniella's use of Fontenot leading off at second, with DeRosa in left field.
If Patterson shows he is ready to play here, this could be Fontenot's last chance to prove he is good enough to keep Patterson waiting in Iowa. Or maybe now it is time to show the league what Fontenot can do, and trade him somewhere there is an opportunity for a second baseman with a little pop.
Should Patterson succeed, that will put the Brian Roberts rumors to rest for ever. DeRosa would not be happy about becoming a supersub once again, but hey, he's in the big leagues getting regular ABs. At the end of the day, most of us would take that.
Zambrano pitched like an ace yesterday; he beat a team that he should beat. And as always, he contributed with the bat too. Three hits. A personality as large as the body that carries it. This is why I love watching Zambrano, win or lose.
Kevin Hart continues to impress in his bullpen role. His job is to pitch when it is helpful for other pitchers to rest. As he improves his game, he will rise in the ranks of the Cubs' bullpen. It's a long way to the top here - unlike other years for the Cubs, in which after this much success, we would already be wondering if Hart could close.
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