Lineups
Reds
CF Drew Stubbs
SS Edgar Renteria
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
LF Chris Heisey
C Ryan Hanigan
3B Chris Valaika
P Bronson Arroyo
Cubs
RF Kosuke Fukudome
SS Darwin Barney
CF Marlon Byrd
3B Aramis Rodrigo
1B Carlos Pena
C Geovany Soto
2B Blake DeWitt
LF Tyler Colvin
P Casey Coleman
Game is on FOX, so many of us are blacked out.
Obstructed View Forum
Obstructed View is a blog created solely for entertainment and informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Chicago Cubs or Major League Baseball in any way. The opinions on Obstructed View are not endorsed by the Chicago Cubs or Major League Baseball and do not represent their views.
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stercus ad temere intempestivo temporibus
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Game threads are only for Berselius and MB21?
Perhaps 424 or AC will grace us with a new thread.[/quote]No, but I figured if someone else really wanted one either berselius, AC, or 424 would post one for the front page. Or if not that then someone else would just post one of their own that would get moved to the front page.
[quote name=mb21]No, but I figured if someone else really wanted one either berselius, AC, or 424 would post one for the front page. Or if not that then someone else would just post one of their own that would get moved to the front page.[/quote]Fair enough.
(I’m watching you.)
[quote name=Horny Goat]he’s also hitting a lot of pop-ups in May. not making good contact at all. I make a point in watching all his PAs.[/quote]Yeah, some of what is happening to him of late is luck. Some of it is just regression. The kid has a ton of potential, but that walk rate is awful. I wouldn’t even care that much about him being a single machine if he could take some walks.
[quote name=mb21]True. Batting average on line drives is about .750. The thing is that there’s very little skill in hitting line drives.
Albert Pujols career LD% (since 2002): 19.1
A-Rod: 17.7%
Ichiro: 20.2%
Chase Utley 21.1%
Ryan Braun: 17.9%
League average is around 19.5% and over a large enough sample there’s very little difference.
There have been only 34 qualified hitters since 2002 (combined years) who have a LD% over 21%. Only 5 below 17%. Among all hitters who have qualified for at least one batting title in that span, over their careers since 2002 the spread is 15.2% (Hunter Pence) to 24.9% (Todd Helton).
This doesn’t take into consideration the scorer error that is more prevalent in some parks than others because of where the scorer is located. I’m guessing if you used Gameday data the range since 2006 would be about 16% to 23%.
There’s some skill, but it’s not like home runs where some batters have a true talent HR of about 40 or 45 per season while others have below 5.
Starlin Castro career: 20% LD rate.
If a person has a high BABIP while also having a high LD% early in the season we can’t call it luck as I have not done, but we do know the LD% is going to go down and as a result, so will the BABIP. His .346 BABIP last year wasn’t sustainable. The reason was because only 3 people since 2002 have a BABIP higher than what Castro posted last year.[/quote]
You named some pretty good hitters, MB. I haven’t studied it too much, but it’s always bugged me. It seems like the definition of line drive is debatable. Are Pujols’ LD’s harder to defend than Darwin Barney’s, for example?
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, some of what is happening to him of late is luck. Some of it is just regression. The kid has a ton of potential, but that walk rate is awful. I wouldn’t even care that much about him being a single machine if he could take some walks.[/quote]
I don’t think he’ll ever take a lot of walks but he’s not a hacker either. He doesn’t swing at many pitches out of the zone.
MB, when you said “there’s very little skill in hitting line drives”, that may be true, but the force at which they hit them differs greatly between Pujols and Darwin Barney, to cite an extreme example, and thus makes balls in play different to defend. I think so anyway.
[quote name=Horny Goat]You named some pretty good hitters, MB. I haven’t studied it too much, but it’s always bugged me. It seems like the definition of line drive is debatable. Are Pujols’ LD’s harder to defend than Darwin Barney’s, for example?[/quote]Pujols would undoubtedly be hit harder, but Barney is still going to have a ridiculously high batting average on line drives.
On the other hand, fielders play deeper for Pujols so they have a better chance of cutting down those line drives in the gap. If Barney splits the gap on a liner, there’s little chance anyone is making the catch considering the fielders are playing in. In the end, I’d guess Pujols has a slight advantage.
good quote from Starlin today in the daily herald. He is aware pitchers are trying to get him to chase bad pitches and go out of the zone. Good to see that he knows what the issue is.
that wasnt a great throw from Geo
[quote name=mb21]Pujols would undoubtedly be hit harder, but Barney is still going to have a ridiculously high batting average on line drives.
On the other hand, fielders play deeper for Pujols so they have a better chance of cutting down those line drives in the gap. If Barney splits the gap on a liner, there’s little chance anyone is making the catch considering the fielders are playing in. In the end, I’d guess Pujols has a slight advantage.[/quote]
what about balls that aren’t defined as line drives? those one hoppers that guys like Pujols blaze past the infielders. When you hit it harder, you simply have a much better chance of getting a hit. I have no doubt about that. How much more? I don’t know how to quantify it.
The Fox Scouting Report on Casey Coleman called him “A poor man’s Greg Maddux.” I’m thinking he’s more like the homeless crack addict’s Greg Maddux.
[quote name=dylanj]good quote from Starlin today in the daily herald. He is aware pitchers are trying to get him to chase bad pitches and go out of the zone. Good to see that he knows what the issue is.[/quote]
he hasn’t gone too far out of the K zone though.
coleman can be a 4 or 5th starter in the NL.
That isnt greg maddux though (dying laughing)
[quote name=melissa]The Fox Scouting Report on Casey Coleman called him “A poor man’s Greg Maddux.” I’m thinking he’s more like the homeless crack addict’s Greg Maddux.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
I can’t imagine comparing him to Maddux
i might be crazy but i havent seen a lot of bad AB’s from Castro. He isn’t chasing awful pitches but he isnt making great contact right now either.
It really bugs me when they compare smallish guys without a hard fastball to Maddux. It’s an insult to Maddux and an unfair comparison to the current player.
you know maddux in his prime threw his fastball at 90-92. its not like he couldnt throw a good heater
[quote name=dylanj]i might be crazy but i havent seen a lot of bad AB’s from Castro. He isn’t chasing awful pitches but he isnt making great contact right now either.[/quote]
I’ve seen the same thing. I just think pitchers are throwing him more off-speed stuff early and he has to adjust. He’s shown that he can quickly adjust and I expect him to. It’s almost like people expect the kid to hit .400 seems like people need to relax a little.
Yeah, I don’t like the line drive classification all that much. The key with Castro is that he is hitting it on the ground a lot, and not walking much. It’s a high average approach; would be nice to see some more power.
[quote name=dylanj]i might be crazy but i havent seen a lot of bad AB’s from Castro. He isn’t chasing awful pitches but he isnt making great contact right now either.[/quote]
he’s swinging at more pitches earlier in the count that’s for sure. He was much more patient until about 10 days ago.
[quote name=dylanj]you know maddux in his prime threw his fastball at 90-92. its not like he couldnt throw a good heater[/quote]
Very true. People, especially commentators will tend to reference or only remember how hard he threw late in his career.
overall the cubs have been swinging at the 1st or 2nd pitch the last 10 games.
[quote name=melissa]I’ve seen the same thing. I just think pitchers are throwing him more off-speed stuff early and he has to adjust. He’s shown that he can quickly adjust and I expect him to. It’s almost like people expect the kid to hit .400 seems like people need to relax a little.[/quote]
Yeah, this. Castro is going to be a very good hitter…for a shortstop and I’ll be happy to see his power develop be I don’t think he’ll ever be the kind of guy who will anchor a lineup or be the best hitter on the team. Too many people are setting their expectations too high for him.
Was that a hit and run? Surprised Kosuke was safe at 2nd.
cubs .215 risp
not good. maybe wait for your pitch once in a while?
another first pitch. makes it easy.
[quote name=Horny Goat]cubs .215 risp
not good. maybe wait for your pitch once in a while?[/quote]
Moreleand said that the Cubs are third in hitting in MLB and 27th at hitting with RISP. It’s a way of life.
[quote name=Berselius]Yeah, this. Castro is going to be a very good hitter…for a shortstop and I’ll be happy to see his power develop be I don’t think he’ll ever be the kind of guy who will anchor a lineup or be the best hitter on the team. Too many people are setting their expectations too high for him.[/quote]
Fuck that. I was looking forward to Castro hitting .400. the first one since Ted Williams! What do I have now??
[quote name=Berselius]Moreleand said that the Cubs are third in hitting in MLB and 27th at hitting with RISP. It’s a way of life.[/quote]
the cubs are the royals
There was a lot of talk earlier in the season in the media and from the Cubs org about how they see Castro as eventually a #3 hitter. Even if that does happen, I don’t think it’s good to tell everyone you expect this kid to hit 3rd because then anything else will be seen as a failure. I was hoping they would just leave him in the 2 hole regardless of how things are going but the rest of the lineup is so shitty (and Barney’s early success) they’ve had to move him around.
I don’t think he’s had that many bad ABs right now, but the strikeout rate is about the same as it was in April. Maybe he’s swinging and missing more. I don’t know. I don’t really even care that much about that to be honest. There are two things I care about: his GB% and his inability to take a walk. Only 7 qualified hitters have a lower BB% and only one of them is having a good season. Only two of those with worse BB% have a worse ISO. That’s because everything he hits is on the ground.
He’s still really, really young so there’s plenty of time to improve. People won’t like the comparison, but right now Starlin Castro is a slightly altered version of Ryan Theriot. Theriot was far superior in plate discipline and Castro has more power. Neither are good baserunners or fielders. Theriot was destined for 2nd base and Castro probably is too.
Theriot from 2007 through 2009 was a league average player so there’s nothing wrong with being comparable to a league average player. Especially when you’re 21 years old.
Yes, I’m comparing a 21 year old to someone who was much older, but the point stands. The biggest difference between the two was that Theriot was in his prime and Castro is years away from it. Castro should be the significantly better player by the time he was the same age as Theriot.
the radio is about 5 seconds ahead of the reds extry innings thingy
[quote name=Berselius]Yeah, this. Castro is going to be a very good hitter…for a shortstop and I’ll be happy to see his power develop be I don’t think he’ll ever be the kind of guy who will anchor a lineup or be the best hitter on the team. Too many people are setting their expectations too high for him.[/quote]I don’t expect that. I just want to see improvement. So far we’ve seen none. In fact, we’ve seen him regress. I said entering the season all I really wanted to see from Castro was a slightly better BB% and some better fielding. That’s it. I don’t care about the home runs or anything else. I wasn’t looking for a walk rate of 15% or anything. I was thinking 6.5%. If he’d have done that, I’d have considered it a solid season for Castro in terms of becoming a better player.
I don’t think anyone is worried about Starlin Castro. I certainly am not, and I surely don’t think he’s ryan fucking theriot (dying laughing)
im excited for Julio Teheran’s debut
[quote name=dylanj]im excited for Julio Teheran’s debut[/quote]
I can see that.
[quote name=mb21]
The biggest difference between the two was that Theriot was in his prime and Castro is years away from it. [/quote]
I would quibble with the fact that even in his prime Theriot didn’t have the range or arm of Castro. Theriot was a guy with limited abilities defensively and often tried to make plays beyond his capabilities and I don’t see that with Castro. At the plate Castro seems to have way more gap power than Theriot even if he doesn’t hit a lot of home runs.
also by this time next year this will be a Royals blog. Maddog and I will finally have a chance to see a good team play nearby
[quote name=Horny Goat]I don’t think anyone is worried about Starlin Castro. I certainly am not, and I surely don’t think he’s ryan fucking theriot (dying laughing)[/quote]I am. 2.7% BB rate. The bottom line here is that if it doesn’t improve, Castro won’t be very good. That’s worse than Soriano. The worst Soriano has ever had in a full season was 3.1%. Soriano slugged .547 that season. It’s 5.9% in his career. The good thing for Castro is that he makes so much contract and pounds it into the ground so his batting average will probably always look pretty nice.
c’mon dimwitt! fuck, it’s a miracle if he or Colvin ever get a hit with the way they get used.
I’m not. 141 PA
im not worried about that rate because again, i dont see him chasing shitty pitches. he can work a count but the difference is when he gets a strike he puts it in play. Unless he fills out and starts putting the ball in the air he is going to see slumps like this because the luck dragon is what it is.
If Castro needed a mental day off why not give him Friday so he has two off days in a row? I think it sucks that they are sitting him in the nationally televised game. To me it’s almost kind of a smack down, take a seat Mr. Cover of Sports Illustrated, we don’t care if Fox is in town.
i am worried that colvin has pretty much outlived his usefulness
[quote name=mb21]I am. 2.7% BB rate. The bottom line here is that if it doesn’t improve, Castro won’t be very good. That’s worse than Soriano. The worst Soriano has ever had in a full season was 3.1%. Soriano slugged .547 that season. It’s 5.9% in his career. The good thing for Castro is that he makes so much contract and pounds it into the ground so his batting average will probably always look pretty nice.[/quote]
oh good grief MB.
don’t you like anything? (dying laughing)
[quote name=melissa]I would quibble with the fact that even in his prime Theriot didn’t have the range or arm of Castro. Theriot was a guy with limited abilities defensively and often tried to make plays beyond his capabilities and I don’t see that with Castro. At the plate Castro seems to have way more gap power than Theriot even if he doesn’t hit a lot of home runs.[/quote]I mentioned the power. What Theriot had that Castro didn’t was some form of patience. FWIW, range factor has Castro below average (both last season and this year), but better than Theriot. That’s likely because Castro makes so many errors and fails to convert them into outs.
[quote name=dylanj]im not worried about that rate because again, i dont see him chasing shitty pitches.[/quote]
THIS
[quote name=dylanj]also by this time next year this will be a Royals blog. Maddog and I will finally have a chance to see a good team play nearby[/quote]I’m looking forward to that, dj. I’ve got tickets to 6 games there this year. 3 vs the Cubs and 3 vs the Yankees in August. I’m hoping another one or two of their prospects are up by the Yankees series.
Castro will stop making routine errors. He’s only 21. Forgive me for drinking koolaid but jeez.
im going to the 3 cub games too. should be fun, that stadium is fucking awesome after they worked on it
[quote name=Berselius]I’m not. 141 PA[/quote]http://www.fangraphs.com/library/index.php/principles/sample-size/
im just curious to see how we handle brett jackson. To me, that kid is ready now. So we need to clear an OF or two
[quote name=dylanj]im going to the 3 cub games too. should be fun, that stadium is fucking awesome after they worked on it[/quote]Yeah, it’s almost like a new stadium now. I like that ballpark a lot these days. I don’t get over there as much as I’d like though.
ANOTHER ROYALS BLOG.
[quote name=dylanj]im going to the 3 cub games too. [/quote]Who would have thought the first ever OV-CON would be held in Kansas City?
[quote name=dylanj]im just curious to see how we handle brett jackson. To me, that kid is ready now. So we need to clear an OF or two[/quote]Entering the season he was the 2nd best outfielder in the organization behind Byrd. Byrd only had a small advantage over him. I’d move Byrd to RF and let he and Kosuke platoon and bring Jackson up later today.
here is my very uneducation opinon on Castro.
I think he has a good eye, he can tell the difference between balls and strikes. However, he has a freak ability to hit the ball.
Typically you take pitches if you know they are a ball or if you dont think you can make good contact. I see Castro take on the obvious balls but as soon as a strike comes in the zone he is making contact. So i dont know if he will ever walk that much but I dont think he is a free swinger like Soriano or Patterson who just dont know what a ball is
[quote name=mb21]http://www.fangraphs.com/library/index.php/principles/sample-size/[/quote]
Then start bitching in 59 more PA. We’ve got a lot more info from his 2010 numbers.
[quote name=dylanj]im just curious to see how we handle brett jackson. To me, that kid is ready now. So we need to clear an OF or two[/quote]
I can’t wait. seriously. “Put me in coach”
no matter what i say about Wilken Jackson was an inspired pick. pretty damn impressive
By the way, the Fox dicks said Kosuke was left off the 2008 postseason roster. Are they right? I don’t remember that at all.
no he was on the roster. he started game 2 of the NLDS
votto with men on usually doesnt end well
[quote name=Horny Goat]Castro will stop making routine errors. He’s only 21. Forgive me for drinking koolaid but jeez.[/quote]Everybody always says that and they point to a couple shortstops who did stop making them. There are literally dozens and dozens of shortstops who continued to make them and were forced to move to a different position. It’s not like I haven’t considered this or haven’t even looked into it. I just don’t think the information is the least bit valuable. There are also examples of 21 year old who had little power who went on to become elite power hitters. The reason we don’t mention it with Castro is that the overwhelming majority don’t.
I think Colvin would be fine with more PAs. He barely plays. platoon him with Byrd for fuck sakes, just to get him some PAs
coleman!
i think Jackson could end up being a lot like Drew Stubbs of the reds
who are the fox announcers? I’m on radio today
[quote name=Berselius]Then start bitching in 59 more PA. We’ve got a lot more info from his 2010 numbers.[/quote]Is this the only year his walk rate has sucked or something? Since 2010, there are only 15 players who have a lower walk rate.
Is there some rule against criticizing Castro that I’m not aware of? Was there a memo?
[quote name=dylanj]coleman![/quote]
mancrush?
[quote name=mb21]Is this the only year his walk rate has sucked or something? Since 2010, there are only 15 players who have a lower walk rate.
Is there some rule against criticizing Castro that I’m not aware of? Was there a memo?[/quote]
I thought you set the rule, MB (dying laughing)
rain delay at fenway. cmon fox, switch us over
[quote name=Horny Goat]who are the fox announcers? I’m on radio today[/quote]
Thom Brenneman and McCarver
DP!!!!!!!!
Coleman! only 31 pitches!
[quote name=melissa]Thom Brenneman and McCarver[/quote]
my favorites
[quote name=mb21]Is this the only year his walk rate has sucked or something? Since 2010, there are only 15 players who have a lower walk rate.
Is there some rule against criticizing Castro that I’m not aware of? Was there a memo?[/quote]
I don’t think there’s any problem in identifying trends and weaknesses. I just think that when you’re looking at a 21 year old player it’s really tough to predict what he will or won’t be. Just like I don’t care for analysis saying he should be a #3 hitter, I also think it’s way too soon to assume there will be things he can’t overcome or do.
[quote name=mb21]Is this the only year his walk rate has sucked or something? Since 2010, there are only 15 players who have a lower walk rate.
Is there some rule against criticizing Castro that I’m not aware of? Was there a memo?[/quote]
Someone must have left the TPS cover sheet off your memo, MB (dying laughing).
I’d rather just take a wait and see approach with Castro. I would love it to see his BB rate improve but I just don’t think it will ever be very good. Castro will be a good hitter for a SS but I don’t expect him to be a superstar. I’m happy to root for that chance but I’m not wringing my hands that it’s not happening.
i think in 5 years castro will be the best SS in baseball
[quote name=dylanj]i think in 5 years castro will be the best SS in baseball[/quote]
I think in 5 years Castro will be a 2-3 WAR SS
fuck the rays
arroyo getting squeezed
[quote name=dylanj]i think in 5 years castro will be the best SS in baseball[/quote]
I’m really hoping that will be the case. There is so much to be pessimistic about when it comes to the Cubs that I at least want to have some optimism when it comes to Castro. I also think Castro is deserving of that optimism. I don’t need fun-suckers bringing me down, there’s twitter for that. (dying laughing)
to make matters worse, grace is calling the rays game
[quote name=dylanj]i think in 5 years castro will be the best SS in baseball[/quote]
sweet!
ahem. actually I think he’ll be a fine player whether it be SS or 2B. He has too good an eye, too wicked a swing.
[quote name=GW]fuck the rays[/quote]
I don’t like the sun either
[quote name=GW]to make matters worse, grace is calling the rays game[/quote]
I don’t like the Grace either
Melissa, I have mentioned several times he’s very young and should get better. I’m also well aware of that. I think we all know that. I shouldn’t have to qualify every statement by including that.
I’m saying that right now, it’s more than a little concerning.
c’mon Aramis!
[quote name=Berselius]Someone must have left the TPS cover sheet off your memo, MB (dying laughing).
I’d rather just take a wait and see approach with Castro. I would love it to see his BB rate improve but I just don’t think it will ever be very good. Castro will be a good hitter for a SS but I don’t expect him to be a superstar. I’m happy to root for that chance but I’m not wringing my hands that it’s not happening.[/quote]Neither am I. I also don’t think he’ll ever be a superstar. I think he’ll put together some season where he’s worth 3 WAR and that’s probably his ceiling. Maybe a little higher if he hits for more power. By then though he’ll probably be at 2nd base and have less mobility so maybe not after all.
[quote name=Berselius]I think in 5 years Castro will be a 2-3 WAR SS[/quote]Yeah, I agree with this 100%. That’s also based on the assumption that his walk rate will improve slightly. I’m not asking for much as I said, but cutting it in half from last year is not a step in the right direction.
[quote name=mb21]Melissa, I have mentioned several times he’s very young and should get better. I’m also well aware of that. I think we all know that. I shouldn’t have to qualify every statement by including that.
I’m saying that right now, it’s more than a little concerning.[/quote]
I get that and I don’t think you’re being overly harsh or critical. You’ve given plenty of basis as to the genesis of your concerns. I don’t have a problem with what you’ve said and I think it’s good to point these things out.
apparently there are now real pics of OBL
sorry to change the subject
[quote name=Horny Goat]apparently there are now real pics of OBL
sorry to change the subject[/quote]http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/07/pakistan.bin.laden.intelligence/?hpt=T1
[quote name=melissa]I get that and I don’t think you’re being overly harsh or critical. You’ve given plenty of basis as to the genesis of your concerns. I don’t have a problem with what you’ve said and I think it’s good to point these things out.[/quote]
I like your paragraph. Why is everyone so serious today (dying laughing)
[quote name=Horny Goat]I like your paragraph. Why is everyone so serious today (dying laughing)[/quote]
[quote name=mb21]http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/07/pakistan.bin.laden.intelligence/?hpt=T1[/quote]
kanye west launched a new line of scarves?
trying to find the bunt-signal pic
there was a security threat no matter what so they might as well release the pics/videos I guess
Just wondering if MO’s head exploded just now.
DeWitt!
dimwitt DINGER~! no WAY!
[quote name=Rice Cube]Just wondering if MO’s head exploded just now.[/quote]
It’s so Cubs to have a base runner eliminated on a double play followed by a solo home run.
[quote name=melissa]It’s so Cubs to have a base runner eliminated[/quote]
FIXED
I wish I was listening to Brennemmmmmann now but I don’t wanna jinx it.
Cy Coleman pitching a gem
[quote name=Berselius]trying to find the bunt-signal pic[/quote]
I got nothing, b (dying laughing)
[quote name=Horny Goat]Cy Coleman pitching a gem[/quote]
He’s only walked one and I was about to say that it’s good to see him throwing strikes, but he’s only thrown 45 strikes in 76 pitches. The Reds are just swing happy today I guess.
the reds are hacking? no way
It needs to be reiterated how great it is that Zonk does the 5th inning instead of Judd now.
Kosuke with a double
Judd takes the place of Pat.
[quote name=Horny Goat]Kosuke with a double[/quote]
Kosuke stranded.
Is Zonk getting better in the booth? He wasn’t great at the beginning of the season, despite his success as a sub last year..
[quote name=Berselius]It needs to be reiterated how great it is that Zonk does the 5th inning instead of Judd now.[/quote]
Absolutely correct. I hate Judd but I’ll still complain about Moreland talking about Peen-ya going against Vol-kwez yesterday, it got on my nerves.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Is Zonk getting better in the booth? He wasn’t great at the beginning of the season, despite his success as a sub last year..[/quote]
I think he’s doing fine, but I don’t have high expectations. He seems like he’s settled in a bit.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Kosuke stranded.[/quote]
[quote name=Horny Goat]Judd takes the place of Pat.[/quote]
Judd goes in when Pat leaves but Moreland takes over play by play thus limiting Judd’s ability to talk which is always a plus.
[quote name=Horny Goat]Greg Coleman pitching a gem[/quote]Get it right.
More ground balls for Coleman today but he’s still giving up more fly balls than he did last year.
[quote name=melissa]Judd goes in when Pat leaves but Moreland takes over play by play thus limiting Judd’s ability to talk which is always a plus.[/quote]
aha. this is the first time I’ve listened to a complete radio game in years because of Ron’s death. I missed last inning while listening to CNN.
coleman is on fire today
[quote name=dylanj]coleman is on fire today[/quote]
4 of his 6 K’s were on Votto and Bruce
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Get it right.[/quote]
I know Gary Coleman, but who the hell is Greg?
Coleman’s ERA has plummeted to 5.55
Pena: bunt single, IF single today.
Pena has to get his BA up somehow
[quote name=Berselius]Pena: bunt single, IF single today.[/quote]
Had they not been in the shift Phillips probably makes that play. Shift gets Peenya 2 hits. (dying laughing)
another out on the bases. It’s a way of Life
tootblan
How many outs does this team make on the bases? It’s ridiculous.
Soto is making me sad. Back to the #8 spot *sigh*
Why was Pena on the move? Bah.
Was that a botched hit and run? Why the hell would Peenya be running?
[quote name=mb21]How many outs does this team make on the bases? It’s ridiculous.[/quote]
http://www.howmanyoutsdoesthisteammakeonthebases.com
were the fuck was that last pitch?
[quote name=dylanj]tootblan[/quote]
if you’re just tuning in…
Thrown
Out
On
The
Bases
Like
A
Nincompoop
here we go
[quote name=dylanj]were the fuck was that last pitch?[/quote]
Low and inside but borderline. Could have gone either way.
bring in white castle!
[quote name=Horny Goat]bring in white castle![/quote]
You got the “white” part right (dying laughing)
[quote name=Rice Cube]You got the “white” part right (dying laughing)[/quote]
we’re gonna need a bigger boat
another cubs loss
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing), this stretch singer is the worst I’ve ever heard
Keep Calm and Carry on…Let’s see what happens.
they misspelled Caray
[quote name=melissa]Keep Calm and Carry on…Let’s see what happens.[/quote]It just might work
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing), this stretch singer is the worst I’ve ever heard[/quote]
I’d rank him behind Ditka and Ozzy Oz
who was the stretch singer? Fox doesn’t show it.
this is pathetic (dying laughing)
I don’t know who that guy was trying to sing
cubs are gonna be swept
Can’t wait til college football, though spring and summer is nice.
The Cubs are losing even though they scored a run? No way.
I have a feeling this AB ends like this:
Bruce 1
Russell 0
(dying laughing)
there wouldn;t be a reds game at wrigley without a HR
I was wrong. Shows that I know.
(dying laughing) at Phillips and Fukudome
Marcos Mateo is still on this roster? Isn’t there someone in the minor leagues who is better?
[quote name=mb21]Marcos Mateo is still on this roster? Isn’t there someone in the minor leagues who is better?[/quote]He’s needed for one-run games in the 8th inning, MB.
Isn’t Angel Guzman supposed to be back one of these years?
Mateo!
http://www.isntangelguzmansupposedtobebackoneoftheseyears.com
I still have a mark on my wall from the 2003 NLCS. I had to buy a universal remote after that. Good thing I got over my anger.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]www.isntangelguzmansupposedtobebackoneoftheseyears.com[/quote]
thanks, SK
2 weeks! can’t wait.
[quote name=Horny Goat]I still have a mark on my wall from the 2003 NLCS. I had to buy a universal remote after that. Good thing I got over my anger.[/quote]This roommate I used to have in college was a big Yankees fan and I come home one night at about 2:30 am and turn on the tv. I look over to my left and there’s this huge hole in the wall. The Braves had taken a 2-0 lead in the World Series. The Yankees would come back and win the next 4. I thought the Braves were unbeatable at that point. They’d scored 46 or 48 runs over their previous 5 games after trailing the Cardinals 3-1. That was when Eckersley stared into the Braves dugout, wasn’t it?
Castro and Soriano on the bench. probably won’t reach the box.
Shiner beer reference from Zonk. +1
Could this be 2007 Aramis moment?
/Alvin
[quote name=Horny Goat]Could this be 2007 Aramis moment?
/Alvin[/quote]This team is different from that one, HG. They won’t have one defining moment. (dying laughing)
that would seriously make my evening though
Aramis fighting
well, at least we have Peeenya and the pinch hitters
[quote name=Horny Goat]that would seriously make my evening though[/quote]DREAM ON, IT’S 2011
(dying laughing) at Michael Jordan calling Cubs fans zombies.
[quote name=mb21]This team is different from that one, HG. They won’t have one defining moment. (dying laughing)[/quote]
No DeRosa on this team so there’s no chance.
[quote name=Suburban Kid](dying laughing) at Michael Jordan calling Cubs fans zombies.[/quote]
wut?
/Ryno
this team is just awful. no other way to put it.
I think it’s time to look at a realistic payroll for next year and the list of free agents. I have no idea who they are though. I haven’t been following MLB as much this year for some reason. I have more positive things going (dying laughing)
[quote name=Horny Goat]wut?
/Ryno[/quote]Brennaman was talking about Game 6 and Game 7, which he called for Fox in 2003, and how when he left the ballpark after one of the games there were “hundreds of thousands of fans” on the streets outside who had been waiting to celebrate. Then he came across Michael Jordan who was “hiding behind a cement wall”. When asked what he was doing, Jordan said he didn’t want to go out among the thousands of zombies (stunned fans after loss).
PENA!!!!
Pena found his power stroke
yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(dying laughing)
PEEN-YA POWERRRRRRRR
suck it tHom
oh fuck that sounded good (dying laughing)
never heard that story, SK. thanks. really
“No doubles defense is like a prevent defense in football.” -Tim McCarver
Is that like a misting station, Tim?
c’mon colvin you bench warmer
[quote name=melissa]“No doubles defense is like a prevent defense in football.” -Tim McCarver
Is that like a misting station, Tim?[/quote]
Timmy is such a poet
Colvin needs more PAs doesn’t he? Cubs aren’t going anywhere. why stunt his growth so much? that’s on Quade. he hit 20 HRs last year for fucks sakes
(dying laughing), just the cubs fucking luck
(dying laughing).
yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh no,. fuck. what a break for CIN
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing).[/quote]
(dying laughing)
How many times does the ball bounce over the damn wall? Only when it will prevent the Cubs from getting the winning run. It’s a way of [L]ife.
how does a ball bounce over the fence at fucking wrigley??? only the cubs (dying laughing)
[quote name=Horny Goat]how does a ball bounce over the fence at fucking wrigley??? only the cubs (dying laughing)[/quote]
Stubbs probably would catch that ball normally, I think the rain threw him off a little. Wasn’t an error but probably should have been caught.
this team is cursed
When I first heard of the ball bouncing over the fence I started wondering how often that happens in LF at Fenway. (dying laughing)
this is comical
[quote name=dylanj]this team is cursed[/quote]false
cubs win finally (dying laughing)
April Kosuke for the win!
That’s a big win.
[quote name=mb21]false[/quote]
(dying laughing)
I love Kosuke
[quote name=mb21]That’s a big win.[/quote]
Absolutely Correct. 1 of at least 70. (dying laughing)
Banzai motherfuckers.
go cubs win
/Lou
It’s quite possible that Peen-ya’s homer will be the defining moment of the Roller Coaster ride to .500. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Horny Goat]go cubs win
/Lou[/quote]Great tune.
Last year’s team does not win this game!
[quote name=mb21]When I first heard of the ball bouncing over the fence I started wondering how often that happens in LF at Fenway. (dying laughing)[/quote]
albert einstein would have disagreed with you
[quote name=8volumesthick]Last year’s team does not win this game![/quote]
winner winner jimmy johns dinner
[quote name=8volumesthick]Last year’s team does not win this game![/quote]
But this team does because they are 11-0 in games that they lead going into the 6th inning.
/Ari Kaplan’d
But this team does because they are 11-0 in games that they lead going into the 6th inning at home against the Reds.
/fixed Ari Kaplan’d
It’s April 37th right?
[quote name=8volumesthick]But this team does because they are 11-0 in games that they lead going into the 6th inning at home against the Reds in May.
/fixed Ari Kaplan’d[/quote]
Fixed again
ya know why the Cubs won today? reverse psychiatry:
[quote name=Berselius]Fixed again[/quote]
touche
this is the kind of game the Cubs lose
my mind cannot comprehend this.
DPleted
nobody gets the WKRP reference? damn
I think Fukudome should be leading off, Castro 2nd. Every game. Maybe put Pena in the third spot for a while. Ramirez 4 and Soriano 5. What you think? I’m not high on batting order but maybe leaving it the same would help.
I just watched on mlb.com the replay of Fukudome’s walk off. If that’s a national broadcast call by thom brennaman, he should be fucking ashamed of himself. I know he’s a douche by this is call is pretty indefensible.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_05_07_cinmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=video
it may be a context/continuity thing with tHom Brennaamman’s call.
[quote name=Horny Goat]it may be a context/continuity thing with tHom Brennaamman’s call.[/quote]
Or, it could be the douche nozzle stuck up his ass.
there has been a rich hill sighting at fenway
[quote name=melissa]Or, it could be the douche nozzle stuck up his ass.[/quote]
though he did say “Pena more than capable of one mighty crack of the bat of tying this game”
then… crack. so I give him partial credit (dying laughing)
You can set your watch to this shit.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]You can set your watch to this shit.[/quote]
It’s quantifiable.
Hmm…Verlander and Gallardo are up to something today.
Gallardo just lost his special something.
9th inning in DET-TOR
Two outs.
[quote name=Rice in IE limbo]Two outs.[/quote]
Two outs left, that is.
[quote name=Rice in IE limbo]Two outs left, that is.[/quote]
False.
[quote name=Rice in IE limbo]Two outs.[/quote]
Correct.
That radar gun can’t be right…Verlander is still throwing 100mph.
No-hitter un-jinxed.
Dude has ice in his fro.
Justin Verlander is good at sports.
Rice in IE limbo?
Serves Thom right to have the Reds lose a heartbreaker after spending 20 minutes talking about the Bartman Game for no reason.
[quote name=Rice in IE limbo]That radar gun can’t be right…Verlander is still throwing 100mph.[/quote]
I think he hit 100 in the 9th during his last no-hitter too.
[quote name=mb21]Rice in IE limbo?[/quote]
My Chrome was being retarded and IE wouldn’t log me in right.
I’m surprised the Cubs haven’t signed Kevin Millwood.
Wellemeyer ——-> retirement
Given how little the Cubs have been playing Colvin lately, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sent to AAA to get regular playing time and call up Perez.
I wouldn’t be surprised either, b. Quade has done a very poor job at getting playing time for the backups. Soto has played nearly every game, which certainly puts to rest any idea about Hill ever getting many starts in his place. I get that it’s tough to take Fukudome out, but Marlon Byrd wasn’t hitting there for awhile.
It’s obviously a minor complaint when we’re talking about NOT playing backups, but it’s weird.
[quote name=mb21]This roommate I used to have in college was a big Yankees fan and I come home one night at about 2:30 am and turn on the tv. I look over to my left and there’s this huge hole in the wall. The Braves had taken a 2-0 lead in the World Series. The Yankees would come back and win the next 4. I thought the Braves were unbeatable at that point. They’d scored 46 or 48 runs over their previous 5 games after trailing the Cardinals 3-1. That was when Eckersley stared into the Braves dugout, wasn’t it?[/quote]
When I was a kid I slammed my fist into my parents living room wall during the 1984 Orange Bowl, you know the one..when Neb went for 2 vs Miami.. I did it when we were down 31-17 and fumbled it away in the red zone, like the 7 yard line or something. My parents had to re-plaster the wall. Jesus I was pissed! moreso than the 2 point fail. that was just a numb feeling.
Of all the close games the Huskers were to a national title that never was, that one was the most heartbreaking. Even though Neb went on to win 3 in the 90s, I’m still angry when I think about that game (dying laughing)
When the Bears lost the Super Bowl, I went out and torched a YMCA.
Uh, I mean, I smashed my stereo.
[quote name=GBTS]When the Bears lost the Super Bowl, I went out and torched a YMCA.[/quote]
I wasn’t too pleased when the bears lost to the colts, but it wasn’t the same. the first half sure was fun though, especially the opening kickoff. wow. Hester all the way, damn. good time.
[quote name=GBTS]When the Bears lost the Super Bowl, I went out and torched a YMCA.[/quote]That really sucked because I was inside YMCA when you did that. I barely survived.
[quote name=Horny Goat]I wasn’t too pleased when the bears lost to the colts, but it wasn’t the same. the first half sure was fun though, especially the opening kickoff. wow. Hester all the way, damn. good time.[/quote]I have this theory that returning the opening kickoff in a big game results in a loss 100% of the time. the one time Iowa did it was in the 2003 Orange Bowl. They lost. See. 100% failure rate. The lesson we learned is do not return the opening kickoff for a touchdown.
[quote name=mb21]I have this theory that returning the opening kickoff in a big game results in a loss 100% of the time. the one time Iowa did it was in the 2003 Orange Bowl. They lost. See. 100% failure rate. The lesson we learned is do not return the opening kickoff for a touchdown.[/quote]Ohio State did it when they lost the NC to Florida too. If I were a football team and I got the opening kickoff, I would immediately run out of bounds. It just might work.
as Vin Scully sez… good night everybody!
No more Ethier hit streak.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]
[/quote]
LIKE!
[quote name=Urk]LIKE![/quote]How are the band and dissertation going Urk?
[quote name=Suburban Kid]How are the band and dissertation going Urk?[/quote]
Well, the dissertation is going a lot better since I quit the band, which is pretty predictable. I got my adviser to shave a chapter off the plan, and have two of four written. If I can write like the wind over the next couple of months, I will actually be done in August or September. The band, Hott, has another bass player, a young kid, so its old punks up front, young punks in the rhythm section. I think they’re doing ok. Thanks for asking.
that pic of that 45 made me laugh when I saw it. I expect it’ll be appropriate a lot this season.
Sounds good. Still wouldn’t mind reading the book when it’s done.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Sounds good. Still wouldn’t mind reading the book when it’s done.[/quote]
you bet! and thanks, I’m flattered. you can read a rough chapter or two if you want. can we send each other stuff thru this intertube portal here?
[quote name=mb21]I wouldn’t be surprised either, b. Quade has done a very poor job at getting playing time for the backups. Soto has played nearly every game, which certainly puts to rest any idea about Hill ever getting many starts in his place. I get that it’s tough to take Fukudome out, but Marlon Byrd wasn’t hitting there for awhile.
It’s obviously a minor complaint when we’re talking about NOT playing backups, but it’s weird.[/quote]
Yeah, it’s definitely strange. Earlier in the season it seemed like Fukudome wasn’t getting nearly as many PAs as he’s getting now – mainly when Reed Johnson was hitting. He’s pretty much seized the leadoff spot now against RHP, which I like to see.
Soto has been slumping but I’d still much rather see him in the lineup than Koyie. I think Hill has only started 3-4 games.
Lineup today vs some RHP
Fukudome
Castro
Byrd
Ramirez
Baker
Soriano
Pena
Soto
Demp
Looks like they are throwing Cueto after all
Stubbs
Renteria
Votto
Phillips
Bruce
Gomes
Hernandez
Cairo
Cueto
I’d never have guessed that we’d see Renteria in all three games this series.
[quote name=Urk] can we send each other stuff thru this intertube portal here?[/quote]You can hit me up at suburbankid76 within the gmail domain.
[quote name=Berselius]
I’d never have guessed that we’d see Renteria in all three games this series.[/quote]Didn’t Janish get hurt in the first game?
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Didn’t Janish get hurt in the first game?[/quote]
That’s not a recent game – do you expect me to remember things in such antiquity
Also I think Janish was playing 3b in that game
[quote name=Berselius]That’s not a recent game – do you expect me to remember things in such antiquity
Also I think Janish was playing 3b in that game[/quote]So you do remember it. Quit lying. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]That’s not a recent game – do you expect me to remember things in such antiquity
Also I think Janish was playing 3b in that game[/quote]Right, but with Rolen and Janish both unavailable, Renteria rises to the top of available options for the left side of the infield.
Also, if Friday isn’t recent, then neither is Twin Peaks.
Case closed.
TWSS?
[quote name=GBTS]TWSS?[/quote]GBTS, I didn’t realize you lived in Barrie, Ontario.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/862396-canadian-mans-online-date-turns-out-to-be-his-girlfriend
New filler: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/atat-ballpark-vs-wrigley-field.html