2012 Cubs Bill James Projections, Part 1

In Projections by dmick89262 Comments

Over the years a lot of people have claimed that the Bill James projections are optimistic. In a straight player to player comparison it will often seem that way, but the league average of these projections is important to consider. For example, let’s consider a couple examples.

Player A is projected to hit .330 wOBA, league average is .330 wOBA
Player A is projected to hit .340 wOBA, league average is .345 wOBA

Player A looks a lot better with his .340 projection, but it’s actually slightly worse than league average whereas in the first one he’s projected to be exact league average.

This year’s projections do not include hit batters and only a few projections include ROE so the best we can do is ignore them and we reach a league average of .335 wOBA. Adding in the HBP and ROE would probably increase it to at least .340 and it’s almost certainly going to be higher than any other projection system. Moving on.

Player PA H HR BB SO AVG OBP SLG wOBA
Bryan LaHair 316 79 13 27 72 .273 .335 .474 .350
Starlin Castro 669 197 8 38 82 .312 .354 .441 .347
Geovany Soto 499 111 19 59 120 .252 .345 .450 .346
Brett Jackson 282 63 9 31 78 .251 .333 .434 .336
Jeff Baker 176 46 4 12 35 .280 .333 .433 .333
Alfonso Soriano 464 109 22 31 109 .252 .308 .469 .330
Marlon Byrd 592 153 13 36 103 .275 .329 .412 .321
Blake DeWitt 191 45 4 16 26 .257 .326 .400 .317
Tony Campana 143 39 0 8 24 .289 .333 .341 .302
Tyler Colvin 200 44 7 11 46 .233 .279 .413 .296
Darwin Barney 321 84 2 15 36 .275 .317 .356 .296
Koyie Hill 144 30 2 11 34 .226 .285 .323 .274

I expect we’ll see LaHair projected to be the best or second best among the current signed player in most projections. If you’re curious, Carlos Pena is projected to hit .353. Aramis Ramirez is projected to hit .362.


Share this Post

Comments

  1. Rice Cube

    So I guess the Cubs offense is going to be less than average without a lot of outside help.

    For those of you who aren’t watching football for some reason or other, the Rising Stars Game is on in a few minutes on MLB Network and MLB.com.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  2. ACT

    Also, I think this is the only projection I’ve seen that doesn’t give Pena a decisive advantage over LaHair. I’m guessing BJ weighs recent performance more heavily than other systems.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  3. Rice Cube

    Lake must have hit it off a soft spot on his instep, it looked bad for a while but he walked it off and struck out looking on a full count, inside pitch. Given his minor league stats I didn’t think he’d even get to a full count.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  4. Rice Cube

    Junior Lake had a play just now and threw it into the dugout. Hope the Theo Trio has a plan to fix stuff like this, small sample size yada yada.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  5. mb21

    [quote name=ACT]Also, I think this is the only projection I’ve seen that doesn’t give Pena a decisive advantage over LaHair. I’m guessing BJ weighs recent performance more heavily than other systems.[/quote]That would be my guess.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  6. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Thanks for the heads up on that game, RC. Is Vitters on the roster?[/quote]No Vitters, not sure why. Cashner was apparently invited but didn’t participate.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  7. fang2415

    [quote name=mb21]I did a google search for Cubs manager and the first link was to BCB. Couldn’t help myself. I hadn’t been there in a few months (or longer).

    Sveum is to interview with the Cubs on Monday. It’s not surprising that the Red Sox and Cubs have nearly identical “short lists” — Theo and new Red Sox GM Ben Cherington no doubt talked about this after Francona wasn’t retained, before Theo left Boston, and further, these lists are likely who any team would look at if they were seeking a manager now. Besides the Cubs and Red Sox, the Cardinals also are looking — they might actually wind up with Francona, who would appear to be a much better fit for a team like that.

    One. Fucking. Sentence.[/quote]False.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  8. Rice Cube

    One thing I’m noticing is that all the MiLB guys are wearing Great Gazoo helmets. Alternatively, they kind of look like Spaceballs.

    Junior Lake just missed a liner over his head, though Lake didn’t extend his arm all the way or else he might have caught it.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  9. ACT

    [quote name=Rice Cube]One of these Rising Stars teams seems to be much better than the other.[/quote]Who’d have thought that the lesser team would be the one with Cole, Harper, and Trout?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  10. fang2415

    [quote name=mb21]I know the popular thing is to dislike or even hate Jim Hendry, but I can’t: http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7193032/former-chicago-cubs-gm-jim-hendry-finds-mike-quade-firing-understandable%5B/quote%5DI actually think Hendry is kind of un-dislikable. I didn’t always agree with his decisions and I was especially skeptical of his organizational (non-)philosophy. But every piece of evidence I’ve heard says he’s one of the most stand-up guys in baseball, and it certainly seems that way to me. I don’t think people hate him so much as they’re just glad he’s moving on to other stuff.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  11. fang2415

    [quote name=mb21](dying laughing) I guess not. It just seemed like one sentence.[/quote]I almost fell asleep myself after about the fifth subclause. It was only when I went to read the next comment that I looked back up and saw the capital “B”. (dying laughing)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  12. Rice Cube

    They are scoring a lot of these balls in play as “hits”…must be trying to make the kids feel better about themselves.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  13. Rice Cube

    Pitchf/x said McNutt’s fastball is at 95. He only got one out on a strikeout, very nice curveball, and then he was pulled. Guess they needed to get the last guy some work as it’s unlikely there’s a bottom of the ninth.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  14. ACT

    [quote name=fang2415]I actually think Hendry is kind of un-dislikable. I didn’t always agree with his decisions and I was especially skeptical of his organizational (non-)philosophy. But every piece of evidence I’ve heard says he’s one of the most stand-up guys in baseball, and it certainly seems that way to me. I don’t think people hate him so much as they’re just glad he’s moving on to other stuff.[/quote]Oh, there are certainly people who hate him and were cheering when he lost his job (same with Quade). I mean, I’m as happy as anyone that the Cubs are heading in a new direction, but there were people who took it farther than that.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  15. Rice Cube

    I noticed there was no motherfucking tag this time, but thought a more appropriate tag would be “I’m Bill James, bitch.”

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  16. Berselius

    The winter meetings need to get here already. I can’t wait to see what the Superfriends will do once they’re done admitting people to the Hall of Justice

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  17. ACT

    [quote name=mb21]Thanks to his high average, he’s projected to lead the team in OBP (among the current players).[/quote]I can’t believe he’s projected to hit .312. It’s still easier to believe than Campana’s .289, however.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  18. Rice Cube

    [quote name=ACT]I can’t believe he’s projected to hit .312. It’s still easier to believe than Campana’s .289, however.[/quote]You’d think Campana would be able to beat out more than 28.9% of infield grounders.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  19. ACT

    [quote name=Rice Cube]You’d think Campana would be able to beat out more than 28.9% of infield grounders.[/quote]Well, I suppose if he never strikes out or pops up and the infield doesn’t play shallow, .289 would be a reasonable projection.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  20. ACT

    Just had to look it up. Campana had 15 infield hits and 47 groundouts, so he runs out just over 24% of those infield grounders (unless I made a mistake somewhere).

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  21. Title_BU

    Tim Bogar, who mlbtraderumors says is likely to be put into an important role in either the cubs or red sox systems, was once an assistant basketball coach for my limestone (Kankakee, il) blue devils 6th and 7th grade teams. His ex-wife was the English teacher. We played home run derby at the pony league fields. Their farm house was just down the road from my house.

    Santos Sorrow

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  22. fang2415

    [quote name=ACT]Just had to look it up. Campana had 15 infield hits and 47 groundouts, so he runs out just over 24% of those infield grounders (unless I made a mistake somewhere).[/quote][quote name=Title_BU]Tim Bogar, who mlbtraderumors says is likely to be put into an important role in either the cubs or red sox systems, was once an assistant basketball coach for my limestone (Kankakee, il) blue devils 6th and 7th grade teams. His ex-wife was the English teacher. We played home run derby at the pony league fields. Their farm house was just down the road from my house.

    Santos Sorrow[/quote]Well… was he any good?

    After all, youth coaching performance should be a good indicator of MLB success.

    /White Sox’d

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  23. mb21

    [quote name=Title_BU]Tim Bogar, who mlbtraderumors says is likely to be put into an important role in either the cubs or red sox systems, was once an assistant basketball coach for my limestone (Kankakee, il) blue devils 6th and 7th grade teams. His ex-wife was the English teacher. We played home run derby at the pony league fields. Their farm house was just down the road from my house.

    Santos Sorrow[/quote]What’s up, SS?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  24. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/15959762/tebow-can-thank-his-selfrighteous-fans-for-heat-hes-taking[/quote]It must be Sunday. (dying laughing)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  25. Rice Cube

    [quote name=ACT]Well, I suppose if he never strikes out or pops up and the infield doesn’t play shallow, .289 would be a reasonable projection.[/quote]Yeah, I took a very simple approach here. But since Campana is supposed to be working out and bulking up this offseason, maybe that will improve his bunting ability (dying laughing)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  26. Suburban kid 22

    [quote name=Rice Cube]How did Z do otherwise?[/quote]

    rafaelrojasc Rafael Rojas C by harrypav

    Big Z in his first VZ league outing: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 walks, 3 K #Caribes #Cubs
    1 hour ago Favorite Retweet Reply

    .

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  27. Suburban kid 22

    Fuckin hell, MB. All this time you have been giving out prizes of this:

    When you could have been giving out this:

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  28. Suburban kid 22

    [quote name=Mish]http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20111107/BLOGS04/111109824/cubs-take-advice-lower-prices-for-bleacher-seats-season-tickets[/quote]

    “The bleachers are an on-board area for our future fans,” Mr. Faulkner said.

    Oh, so the bleachers are where youngsters and neophytes sit, but the more experienced and mature fan migrates naturally to the better seats closer to the action. Not in all cases, it seems.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  29. Aisle424

    [quote name=Suburban kid 22]Oh, so the bleachers are where youngsters and neophytes and best customers sit, but the more experienced and mature fan migrates naturally to the better seats closer to the action.[/quote]
    .

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  30. Aisle424

    [quote name=josh]When are the November meetings? All the good stuff happens after that, right?[/quote]
    Usually, but occasionally a couple big names come off the market early. I just want a manager picked. Still not sure who I’m rooting for.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  31. mb21

    The organizational and GM meetings take place in mid-Novemeber. A lot of the ground work is laid for trades, which then take place around the Winter Meetings in early December.

    Like 424, I just want a manager. (dying laughing)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  32. binky

    [quote name=Aisle424]Usually, but occasionally a couple big names come off the market early. I just want a manager picked. Still not sure who I’m rooting for.[/quote]That would be nice.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  33. Smokestack Lightning

    [quote name=srbutch5]What are the Giants thinking?[/quote]
    That they’d better get him before the Cubs trade Zambrano for him.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  34. srbutch5

    [quote name=josh]Sanchez had a bad year, Melky had a really good year.[/quote]Don’t know about Sanchez, but Melky looks to have benefited from a great BABIP year.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  35. Berselius

    [quote name=srbutch5]What are the Giants thinking?[/quote]
    There was a good chance that Sanchez would be non-tendered. He had a crummy year and had injury problems. He was going to fight with Zito for the 5th starter spot if he stuck around. Might as well turn him into something if he wasn’t going to stick around due to the cost.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  36. binky

    [quote name=srbutch5]Don’t know about Sanchez, but Melky looks to have benefited from a great BABIP year.[/quote]Sanchez walked a lot, K’s were down, FIP was like 4.30

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  37. binky

    [quote name=Berselius]There was a good chance that Sanchez would be non-tendered. He had a crummy year and had injury problems. He was going to fight with Zito for the 5th starter spot if he stuck around. Might as well turn him into something if he wasn’t going to stick around due to the cost.[/quote]The ultimate indignity.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  38. Smokestack Lightning

    [quote name=mb21]The organizational and GM meetings take place in mid-Novemeber. A lot of the ground work is laid for trades, which then take place around the Winter Meetings in early December.

    Like 424, I just want a manager. (dying laughing)[/quote]
    Me too, but the amusing thing is, I couldn’t care less who they pick because I know whoever it’s going to be is a shoo-in to be awesome.

    Such is the faith I have in the Superfriends. It’s so complete and sycophantic I’m like Incrediboy.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  39. srbutch5

    [quote name=Berselius]There was a good chance that Sanchez would be non-tendered. He had a crummy year and had injury problems. He was going to fight with Zito for the 5th starter spot if he stuck around. Might as well turn him into something if he wasn’t going to stick around due to the cost.[/quote]For some reason, I have Melky being like 35 in my head…I guess he’s 27

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  40. Mish

    [quote name=Berselius]There was a good chance that Sanchez would be non-tendered. He had a crummy year and had injury problems. He was going to fight with Zito for the 5th starter spot if he stuck around. Might as well turn him into something if he wasn’t going to stick around due to the cost.[/quote]
    Wait am I crazy to be remembering Sanchez as having a pretty high ceiling, all those other caveats notwithstanding. Without having done any research, if you asked me if the Cubs could acquire Sanchez on the cheap, (Marlon Byrd? We know Sabean likes years and Byrd’s older than Melky (dying laughing)), I would have said Hell yes.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  41. Rice Cube

    If Bohringer = director of pro scouting, that means Wilken remains director of amateur scouting with no overlap, right?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  42. mb21

    Wilken’s previous title was Director or Amateur and Professional Scouting. He’s even said that was too much. He’ll remain the Director of Amateur Scouting while he and Bohringer report directly to Jason McLeod.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  43. Berselius

    [quote name=Mish]Wait am I crazy to be remembering Sanchez as having a pretty high ceiling, all those other caveats notwithstanding. Without having done any research, if you asked me if the Cubs could acquire Sanchez on the cheap, (Marlon Byrd? We know Sabean likes years and Byrd’s older than Melky (dying laughing)), I would have said Hell yes.[/quote]
    I think the main issue is $$. Sanchez still has a high ceiling but I think the risk is too much to justify the salary he’s going to get in arb.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  44. Snyds01

    [quote name=mb21]Wilken’s previous title was Director or Amateur and Professional Scouting. He’s even said that was too much. He’ll remain the Director of Amateur Scouting while he and Bohringer report directly to Jason McLeod.[/quote]
    every move they make makes so much sense its no wonder its been a way of Life for as long as it has here. Having a director of pro scouts, and one of draft/amateur stuff just makes too much sense

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  45. Aisle424

    [quote name=Snyds01]every move they make makes so much sense its no wonder its been a way of Life for as long as it has here. Having a director of pro scouts, and one of draft/amateur stuff just makes too much sense[/quote]It’s like I switched teams. It really is. It’s weird and I keep thinking I am going to wake up.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  46. binky

    [quote name=GW]sanchez is a classic huge strikeout, no control guy. i’m guessing his park has been pretty good to him in the past.[/quote]Lucky for him, isn’t the park the Royals play in a pitcher’s park as well?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  47. ACT

    [quote name=GW]sanchez is a classic huge strikeout, no control guy.[/quote]Kind of surprising since his fastball averages 90 mph.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  48. mb21

    [quote name=josh]Lucky for him, isn’t the park the Royals play in a pitcher’s park as well?[/quote]I’m not sure what the numbers say, but of the parks I’ve watched multiple games in, that one seems to play like a pitcher’s park.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  49. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban kid 22]Has Jim Hendry been linked with any new GM (or other) job?[/quote]We’re trying to hire him to be the General Manager of Obstructed View.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  50. Suburban kid 22

    [quote name=mb21]We’re trying to hire him to be the General Manager of Obstructed View.[/quote]Nice snark.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  51. Aisle424

    [quote name=Suburban kid 22]Has Jim Hendry been linked with any new GM (or other) job?[/quote]Not that I’ve seen.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  52. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]We’re trying to hire him to be the General Manager of Obstructed View.[/quote]See what happens…

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  53. ACT

    Kaufman stadium park factors from b-ref:

    Park Factors Over 100 favors batters, under 100 favors pitchers.
    multi-year: Batting – 99, Pitching – 100 · one-year: Batting – 101, Pitching – 101

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  54. binky

    [quote name=ACT]Kaufman stadium park factors from b-ref:

    Park Factors Over 100 favors batters, under 100 favors pitchers.
    multi-year: Batting – 99, Pitching – 100 · one-year: Batting – 101, Pitching – 101[/quote]I guess they just build their team for speed because they’re broke.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  55. binky

    [quote name=ACT]Wrigley Field also played as a pitcher’s park this year.[/quote]Has anyone done any actual studies of the wind blowing in/out phenomenon? The radio and TV guys harp on that all the time. I wonder if it really matters as much as they say.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  56. ACT

    U.S. Cellular Field was also less hitter-friendly than normal (it was pretty neutral). It could be that Chicago weather influenced both park (but Wrigley more so).

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  57. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]Yeah, but Gammons tweeted a quote about how his kids are going to be in the schools in Texas for another 3 years. So it sounds like he’s not going anywhere.[/quote]I’m guessing he withdrew his name from the Cubs job at the same time. The beat writers will learn about it in 6 months.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  58. mb21

    I was hoping for Sveum or Maddux. Figured at least one would be available with both interviewing for the Cubs and Sox job. If Maddux withdrew his name, wouldn’t be too surprised to learn the Cubs make an offer to Sveum in the next 24 hours.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  59. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]I was hoping for Sveum or Maddux. Figured at least one would be available with both interviewing for the Cubs and Sox job. If Maddux withdrew his name, wouldn’t be too surprised to learn the Cubs make an offer to Sveum in the next 24 hours.[/quote]
    Maddux was at the top of my list, followed by Martinez (if he is indeed to be interviewed). Bummer if he withdrew his name, but I can see how he’d be happy with sticking with just coaching pitching.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  60. Aisle424

    Wasn’t Sveum supposed to go through the grinder today? What ever happened with that? The media in this town just blows.

    The best I’ve gotten is again from Kaplan saying that Maddux is still going to interview with the Cubs.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  61. GW

    [quote name=mb21]We’re trying to hire him to be the General Manager of Obstructed View.[/quote]
    his first move would be canning mb21. he’s learned his lesson in that department.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  62. fang2415

    [quote name=Aisle424]Wasn’t Sveum supposed to go through the grinder today? What ever happened with that? The media in this town just blows.

    The best I’ve gotten is again from Kaplan saying that Maddux is still going to interview with the Cubs.[/quote]Yeah, I remember that Sveum and… somebody else were supposed to interview today.

    If Maddux really withdrew from Boston for family reasons, then I could see the door here still being slightly open because Greg would be in town. Still would depend on all kinds of stuff, but that could be a reason that he only withdrew from the Sox and not the Cubs yet?…

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  63. Suburban kid 22

    [quote name=Berselius]My favorite scenario is having the Maddux brothers in the dugout[/quote].[/quote]
    It just feels right.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  64. Suburban kid 22

    [quote name=mb21]The beat writers will learn about it in 6 months.[/quote]Liars, suckers. Give me a shovel.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  65. fang2415

    [quote name=Suburban kid 22]I say “Svee-um”. I don’t care if it’s right.[/quote]It sounds like a bodily fluid when it’s pronounced like that. I assume that’s why he doesn’t pronounce it like that.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  66. mb21

    [quote name=GW]his first move would be canning mb21. he’s learned his lesson in that department.[/quote]Any GM worth a shit would make firing me their first act as GM.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  67. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Maddux was at the top of my list, followed by Martinez (if he is indeed to be interviewed). Bummer if he withdrew his name, but I can see how he’d be happy with sticking with just coaching pitching.[/quote]I haven’t heard anything about Martinez being interviewed.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  68. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]Any GM worth a shit would make firing me their first act as GM.[/quote]Why would they re-do something we’ve already done?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  69. mb21

    The Red Sox have Martinez on their list at the bottom (as a just in case every other candidate sucks and/or declines the job). I haven’t seen him linked to Chicago yet. Did I miss something?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  70. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]I haven’t heard anything about Martinez being interviewed.[/quote]Yeah, but he’s been on all the lists claiming to have the “short list” of candidates. DeMarlo Hale is another one where I haven’t heard about an interview, though he might be in the Francona area of not needing to be interviewed in the same manner as the others.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  71. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]Why would they re-do something we’ve already done?[/quote]I’m assuming any quality GM favors making things officially official.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  72. GW

    [quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Maddux withdrew only from Boston and according to MLB.com is still a candidate for the Cubs.[/quote]
    wouldn’t surprise me if he’s not too keen on dealing with that pain in the ass front office after the francona debacle

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  73. Rodrigo Ramirez

    [quote name=GW]wouldn’t surprise me if he’s not too keen on dealing with that pain in the ass front office after the francona debacle[/quote]
    That or he believes Sveum is their guy.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  74. Mercurial Outfielder

    [quote name=mb21]I agree.[/quote]And the same goes for the stuffed shirts at PSU that allowed this creep to rape little boys for 35 years. Just as guilty.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  75. mb21

    [quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]And the same goes for the stuffed shirts at PSU that allowed this creep to rape little boys for 35 years. Just as guilty.[/quote]Yep. Still not sure what to think of Paterno on this. I’d like to know more and I’m sure we will.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  76. uncle dave

    [quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]And the same goes for the stuffed shirts at PSU that allowed this creep to rape little boys for 35 years. Just as guilty.[/quote]I’ve never understood why these cover-ups are so pervasive (Catholic Church, Boy Scouts, etc.) — I mean, how fucking difficult can it be to fire a child molester, anyway? That seems like a pretty easy call to make.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  77. Aisle424

    [quote name=uncle dave]I’ve never understood why these cover-ups are so pervasive (Catholic Church, Boy Scouts, etc.) — I mean, how fucking difficult can it be to fire a child molester, anyway? That seems like a pretty easy call to make.[/quote]Because it doesn’t end there. The whole program would have suffered because they employed a child molester for all those years. He wasn’t a new hire or anything, he was almost as ingrained in the Penn State program as Paterno was.

    Nevertheless, there are things where I understand why shit gets covered up, but child molestation is just this side of discovering the guy is a serial killer. You don’t cover that shit up because it might damage your prospects of being able to recruit for a few years. Just reprehensible.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  78. Berselius

    I hope they investigate those involved in the University Police investigation back in the 90s, where Sandusky as much as admitted that inappropriate things happened. And prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  79. Berselius

    From what we know it sounds like Paterno’s ass is covered, legally (though morally is another story). Still, I would be shocked if he is still the head coach next year. He got his wins record, this should be enough for him to retire quietly.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  80. uncle dave

    [quote name=Aisle424]Because it doesn’t end there. The whole program would have suffered because they employed a child molester for all those years. He wasn’t a new hire or anything, he was almost as ingrained in the Penn State program as Paterno was.

    Nevertheless, there are things where I understand why shit gets covered up, but child molestation is just this side of discovering the guy is a serial killer. You don’t cover that shit up because it might damage your prospects of being able to recruit for a few years. Just reprehensible.[/quote]Of course it absolutely had to do with protecting the institution (and the people associated with it) by not blowing the whole issue open. Still, I can’t help but think that it’s one of those times when someone tells you “well, it’s not that simple…” and you can only really respond by noting that they are wrong and it is, in fact, just that simple.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  81. Berselius

    [quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I really don’t like the way the author soft-peddles the allegations concerning victim #2[/quote]
    What was left out? It’s possible some more stuff was leaked/revealed since this was written

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  82. Aisle424

    [quote name=uncle dave]Of course it absolutely had to do with protecting the institution (and the people associated with it) by not blowing the whole issue open. Still, I can’t help but think that it’s one of those times when someone tells you “well, it’s not that simple…” and you can only really respond by noting that they are wrong and it is, in fact, just that simple.[/quote]Absolutely. This wasn’t him banging strippers and hookers, or a closet coke problem. The guy was fucking children. It doesn’t get more clear cut, but there they were letting this sick fuck get away with it because they didn’t want to have to work to rebuild some lost image. It is wholly depressing.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  83. uncle dave

    So we can hope and assume that this will result in criminal charges for as many guilty parties as possible, and at the very least in the firing of anyone who was complicit. (To say nothing of the likely onslaught of civil cases by victims, of course.)

    The question that I have, though, is this: what does it mean for the PSU athletic department generally and the football program as a whole? Are we in death penalty territory here?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  84. Aisle424

    [quote name=uncle dave]So we can hope and assume that this will result in criminal charges for as many guilty parties as possible, and at the very least in the firing of anyone who was complicit. (To say nothing of the likely onslaught of civil cases by victims, of course.)

    The question that I have, though, is this: what does it mean for the PSU athletic department generally and the football program as a whole? Are we in death penalty territory here?[/quote]No players made any money over this, so I doubt it.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  85. Berselius

    [quote name=Aisle424]No players made any money over this, so I doubt it.[/quote]
    It’s possible there was an agent within 20000 yards of the incidents. If so – death penalty.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  86. Mercurial Outfielder

    [quote name=Berselius]What was left out? It’s possible some more stuff was leaked/revealed since this was written[/quote]The GA saw Sandusky having intercourse with the 10 YO. That’s clearly stated in the grand jury report, as well as the conclusions that this incident is where the most provable amount of lying and cover-up occurred. That is also stated int he grand jury report.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  87. Mercurial Outfielder

    [quote name=Aisle424]No players made any money over this, so I doubt it.[/quote]Exactly. There’s nothing ehre the NCAA cares about. Just the well-being of untold hundreds of children who have gone through the Second Mile program since 1977.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  88. Berselius

    [quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Exactly. There’s nothing ehre the NCAA cares about. Just the well-being of untold hundreds of children who have gone through the Second Mile program since 1977.[/quote]
    I’d love to see the hammer come down on all these guys, but I don’t care if the NCAA doesn’t do anything. Not their jurisdiction.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  89. Mercurial Outfielder

    [quote name=Berselius]I’d love to see the hammer come down on all these guys, but I don’t care if the NCAA doesn’t do anything. Not their jurisdiction.[/quote]Right. Fuck NCAA sanctions. These fucking asswipes should be locked in a cell with a fucking Rancor.

    As far as the program is concerned, they’re done. This will happen organically. What recruit will want to be associated with this program now?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  90. Mercurial Outfielder

    [quote name=GBTS]Are the Bears really the only defense in the NFL that relentlessly pursues the ball? Announcers tend to think so.[/quote]Also Jay Cutler never shows emotion, and apparently there was some fog at a game played by these two teams in the past. We have now exhausted ESPN’s talking points for the game.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  91. Berselius

    [quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Right. Fuck NCAA sanctions. These fucking asswipes should be locked in a cell with a fucking Rancor.

    As far as the program is concerned, they’re done. This will happen organically. What recruit will want to be associated with this program now?[/quote]
    Any recruit that knows he would be a king of that tiny-ass college town and play every game on national television.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  92. Berselius

    Also any recruit that knows that he would be within walking distance of Herwig’s Austrian Bistro at any given moment.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  93. Aisle424

    [quote name=Berselius]Any recruit that knows he would be a king of that tiny-ass college town and play every game on national television.[/quote]Yep. They aren’t the ones getting ass-raped.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  94. mb21

    [quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Just read that Maddux will interview Wed. with Cubs.[/quote]Based on his statement I’d be very surprised.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  95. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]Based on his statement I’d be very surprised.[/quote]
    I’d be surprised if he takes it too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he only took the job if his brother is also interested in joining him. I think Greg is even less interested in a coaching job than his brother is for the manager job.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  96. Rodrigo Ramirez

    [quote name=Berselius]I’d be surprised if he takes it too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he only took the job if his brother is also interested in joining him. I think Greg is even less interested in a coaching job than his brother is for the manager job.[/quote]
    I disagree. From his quotes in the latest Trib article he seems very open to managing. Especially with a team like the Cubs.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  97. melissa

    [quote name=mb21]Based on his statement I’d be very surprised.[/quote]
    Normally, I’d take a wait and see approach but since it “just feels right” to Alvin, I’ll make an exception here. (dying laughing)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  98. mb21

    [quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]I disagree. From his quotes in the latest Trib article he seems very open to managing. Especially with a team like the Cubs.[/quote]Here’s what Maddux said a little while ago:

    “I could give more reasons why an opportunity like this should be taken rather than not, but the reason for withdrawing my name from consideration comes down to a family decision. My wife and two daughters are together in the same state for the first time in three years and words cannot describe my happiness. The game of baseball has many sacrifices but being apart from family is the toughest. I feel there is too much distance between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Boston to see my family as much as I’d enjoy.

    “Again, I thank Ben Cherington and the Boston Red Sox for the flattery, honor, and compliment of considering me for their position.”

    http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2011/11/07/rangers-pitching-coach-mike-maddux-drops-out-of-red-sox-managerial-search-for-family-reasons/

    This doesn’t sound like a guy wanting to leave Texas. Chicago isn’t as far away as Boston, but this is the 21st century. The distance by air from Chicago to Dallas isn’t all that much longer than it is from Boston.

    He hasn’t yet canceled his interview with the Cubs, but is talking it over with his wife tonight.

    I don’t see him interviewing for the job.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  99. GBTS

    [quote name=Berselius]What happened?[/quote]Matt Forte fumbled because he was thinking about how Jay Cutler was visibly upset with Sanzebacher the previous play for dropping a sure first down.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  100. mb21

    What’s funniest of all is that this was a clubhouse full of male athletes. If you’re looking for a manager who is going to speak differently in that moment, you’re going to be looking for a long time.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  101. melissa

    [quote name=mb21]What’s funniest of all is that this was a clubhouse full of male athletes. If you’re looking for a manager who is going to speak differently in that moment, you’re going to be looking for a long time.[/quote]
    Earl Weaver disagrees. (dying laughing)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  102. Berselius

    [quote name=Colin Wyers]The technical term for that is “econometrics.” RT @jc_bradbury Make shit up with numbers ≠ analysis.[/quote]
    (dying laughing)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  103. GBTS

    [quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]You’re right, MB. I was reading Sveum’s comments. Sorry about that.[/quote]Please reread the post about posting.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  104. Rice Cube

    Were there other legitimate candidates besides Mike Maddux, Sveum and Mackanin? If Mackanin is too old and Maddux doesn’t want to move, then I’m guessing Sveum is the new manager especially since he once coached for Theo.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  105. fang2415

    [quote name=mb21](dying laughing) @ mgl: http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/is_this_the_kind_of_manager_you_want_for_your_team/

    Who cares what words the manager uses in what should have been a private clubhouse discussion? (dying laughing)[/quote]MGL is an idiot. That was a terrific motivational speech in that context. Except maybe for the part where he encouraged them to swing at everything. (dying laughing)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  106. Rice Cube

    [quote name=GBTS]Jay Cutler just drilled Roy Williams in the gut in stride from 50 yards away.[/quote]He was sort of covered but it’s still annoying that he didn’t pull it in.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  107. Suburban kid 22

    Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux is up next Wednesday after pal Dale Sveum interviewed Monday. But nobody seems to know for sure whether Maddux will pull his name from consideration as he did from the Boston Red Sox process on Monday.

    Without additional word from Maddux about their opening late Monday, the Cubs are proceeding as scheduled, even after Maddux cited family considerations and Boston’s distance from the Dallas area in taking his name out of the Red Sox running.

    The Cubs are expected to try to schedule Cleveland Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. — who’s scheduled to interview in Boston on Wednesday — for later in the week.

    The Cubs have not received permission to interview two other known would-be candidates of interest: Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Dave Martinez and Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale.

    pergordo

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  108. Berselius

    [quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]http://praiseball.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/the-best-of-mgl-october-2011/[/quote]Pure. Win.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  109. Berselius

    [quote name=Mish]The sheer length of that has me (dying laughing)[/quote]
    Are you an expert on the typical length of MGL-blasting blog posts? Don’t laugh so soon.

    /MGL

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  110. Rice Cube

    I don’t know mgl all that well (I usually associate “The Book” with Tango) but it seems to me the guy has some weird hybrid troll/superiority complex. But I won’t be wagering on that because I don’t have concrete evidence, nor have I ran the numbers.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  111. Mucker

    I think the Bears’ offensive line was the key to yesterday’s W. How often can you say they didn’t allow a sack and really did a great job on run blocking? I thought Lance Louis did a great job on Cole all night.

    Bennett looks like he’s going to be a pretty good WR in that offense. Hester is still not a WR. Where was Knox? Roy Williams needs to play with some consistency.

    Defense looked really great at times but McCoy made them look silly on numerous occasions. Urlacher, Briggs and Peppers were beasts.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  112. GBTS

    [quote name=Rice Cube]I don’t know mgl all that well (I usually associate “The Book” with Tango) but it seems to me the guy has some weird hybrid troll/superiority complex. But I won’t be wagering on that because I don’t have concrete evidence, nor have I ran the numbers.[/quote]Run the numbers on whether or not you have to run the numbers before you say something like that.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  113. Rice Cube

    [quote name=GBTS]Run the numbers on whether or not you have to run the numbers before you say something like that.[/quote]I don’t understand why people are calling me out about this.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  114. Aisle424

    [quote name=Rice Cube]From PAWS? I might be interested.[/quote]
    A family in St. Louis has to move and they can’t take him with. He’s only 9 weeks old. We’re not sure of the breed. Looks like a beagle to me, and he is from a breeder.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  115. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Aisle424]A family in St. Louis has to move and they can’t take him with. He’s only 9 weeks old. We’re not sure of the breed. Looks like a beagle to me, and he is from a breeder.[/quote]OK. I asked the wife but I bet if you post it on your FB someone will jump at it before we do.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  116. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]I think he may have coached his last game.[/quote]I don’t see how he can possibly go on with business as usual.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  117. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]I don’t see how he can possibly go on with business as usual.[/quote]No, there is no more business as usual. Doesn’t matter what the PSU team does on any Saturday as long as he’s coaching. I don’t know what, if any, his involvement was, but I think it’s clear the best thing for PSU is to have a new coach by Saturday.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  118. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]No, there is no more business as usual. Doesn’t matter what the PSU team does on any Saturday as long as he’s coaching. I don’t know what, if any, his involvement was, but I think it’s clear the best thing for PSU is to have a new coach by Saturday.[/quote]Yeah, but who? I find it hard to believe that others didn’t have some knowledge of what was going on. If nothing else, probably rumblings amongst the staff that maybe they should never let Jerry Sandusky alone with any of their own children or friends’ children.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  119. Aisle424

    Even if there are people in the program who are completely knocked over with this news, the perception will never be that way until everyone is replaced by an outsider. That can’t be done by Saturday, so the questions will still go on. Maybe not as heavily as when it was JoePa, but the “What did you know?” When did you know it?” questions will be there for anybody who has anything to do with that program.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  120. mb21

    That’s a good point. I will say this: this is undoubtedly Paterno’s last year. I’m trying to give him the benefit of the doubt until we know more. He’s had a great coaching career and even if he followed the law, this tarnishes his career. This, unlike steroids, tarnishes a career.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  121. GBTS

    My friends and I are discussing if there is possibly a worse thing PSU could have covered up.

    Like, for example, if this guy was murdering undergrads. How many bodies do we need before that cover up is worse than raping at least eight children? Four? Five?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  122. GBTS

    [quote name=Aisle424]A family in St. Louis has to move and they can’t take him with. He’s only 9 weeks old. We’re not sure of the breed. Looks like a beagle to me, and he is from a breeder.[/quote]This is the cutest thing to every happen to this blog.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  123. mb21

    [quote name=GBTS]My friends and I are discussing if there is possibly a worse thing PSU could have covered up.[/quote]Star athletes taking steroids. That’s a major no-no. Everybody makes mistakes. Some will get murdered and some innocent people raped. Honest mistakes that anyone could have made. But taking steroids is a conscious decision that cheats his own team, the fans, the other team, all other players in the sport 72 years and younger, local and state government, Congress, the UN, and the NCAA.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  124. WenningtonsGorillaCock

    [quote name=mb21]Star College athletes taking steroids earning money. That’s a major no-no. Everybody makes mistakes. Some will get murdered and some innocent people raped. Honest mistakes that anyone could have made. But taking steroids earning money is a conscious decision that cheats his own team, the fans, the other team, all other players in the sport 72 years and younger, local and state government, Congress, the UN, and the NCAA.[/quote]
    Fixed.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  125. mb21

    Is some team really going to give Cespedes $30 million? I’d love to see the Cubs sign him, but not for that much. Cut it in half.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  126. Rice Cube

    MLBTR says Beltran is Type A but cannot be offered arbitration, so if he’s still on the market after the arb deadline…Cubs keep draft pick?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  127. mb21

    [quote name=Rice Cube]MLBTR says Beltran is Type A but cannot be offered arbitration, so if he’s still on the market after the arb deadline…Cubs keep draft pick?[/quote]Yeah. He won’t be signed until after that arb deadline (November 23rd?)

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  128. Rice Cube

    [quote name=GBTS]What if Sandusky had plotted 9/11? Would that be a worse cover-up? It doesn’t necessarily mean he would do it again.[/quote]Is this what a “straw man” looks like? I’m not too good with the fancy jargon.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  129. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Yeah. He won’t be signed until after that arb deadline (November 23rd?)[/quote]That sounds much more ideal and cheaper. What’d be a good theoretical Beltran contract? 3 years, $30-$35MM?

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  130. Mucker

    [quote name=GBTS]What if Sandusky had plotted 9/11? Would that be a worse cover-up? It doesn’t necessarily mean he would do it again.[/quote]No but I’ve heard conflicting reports he was the 2nd gunman on the grassy knoll.

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0
  131. ACT

    [quote name=Mish]http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/blog_article/10000-day-versary-the-sandberg-game/[/quote]If I remember correctly, I read a Baseball America panel a long time ago on which recent players should be in the HoF. All of the panelists thought Sandberg would get in except Keith Olbermann. His reasoning was that Ryno didn’t have a “defining moment.”

      Quote  Reply

    0

    0

Leave a Comment