Houston Astros @ Chicago Cubs

In Game Threads by dmick89259 Comments

Kerry Wood, 20 strikeouts

Astros wOBA wRC Cubs wOBA wRC
Craig Biggio .406 .82 Brant Brown .361 .64
Derek Bell .387 .72 Mickey Morandini .349 .58
Jeff Bagwell .422 .83 Sammy Sosa .425 .84
Jack Howell .372 .63 Mark race .377 .65
Moises Alou .419 .77 Henry Rodriguez .361 .58
Dave Clard .252 .20 Jeff Blauser
.299 .35
Ricky Gutierrez .301 .35 Sandy Martinez .341 .48
Brad Ausmus .318 .39 Kevin Orie
.241 .15
Shane Reynolds .180 .00 Kerry Wood
.168 .00
4.7 4.3

 

Starting Pitcher IP/GS FIP
Shane Reynolds 6.00 3.45
Kerry Wood 6.00 3.16
Bullpens xFIP
Astros 3.85
Cubs 4.55

Score: Astros 4.1, Cubs 3.6
Win Probability: 48.9%


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Comments

  1. WaLi2

    [quote name=GBTS]Brandon Guyer —–> Up[/quote]
    [quote name=Rice Cube]Wow, Brandon Guyer just got called up by the Rays.[/quote]

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Brandon Guyer ===>>> Tampa[/quote]
    Hey guys, did you hear Brandon Guyer got called up by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays?

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  2. BradleyWoodrum

    Also:

    Max Ramirez —-> released

    Dunno if you guys heard, but apparently Koyie Hill has apparently won not only the backup catcher’s role, but also the starting AAA catcher’s job. Simultaneously.

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  3. bubblesdachimp

    One of my fraternity brothers went to grade and middle school with him. One day he was flipping through my BA handbook (not a baseball guy) and looks at this guy on the Cubs and goes “WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BRANDON GUYER?”

    I was like i dont know some guy we drafted from UVA.

    He got really excited and has been following him since

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  4. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]One of my fraternity brothers went to grade and middle school with him.[/quote]
    I really hope your frat brother and Guyer were there as guest speakers…

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  5. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]I really hope your frat brother and Guyer were there as guest speakers…[/quote]
    confused i am.

    Are you excited by chris culliver btw?

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  6. WaLi2

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]confused i am.

    Are you excited by chris culliver btw?[/quote]I think he is insuating that if they weren’t there as guest speakers, they went to middle school to “play” with little boys and girls.

    Guyer is a beast.

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  7. Berselius

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]Max Ramirez was released.

    Oh, and Guyer was called up.[/quote]
    Bin Laden ——->dead

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  8. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Are you excited by chris culliver btw?[/quote]
    As an athlete, hells yes. That’s how you draw up a CB.

    I haven’t watched any tape on him, so I don’t know much else about him. Can he play CB in the NFL?

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  9. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=WaLi2]I think he is insuating that if they weren’t there as guest speakers, they went to middle school to “play” with little boys and girls.[/quote]
    That’s sick.

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  10. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]As an athlete, hells yes. That’s how you draw up a CB.

    I haven’t watched any tape on him, so I don’t know much else about him. Can he play CB in the NFL?[/quote]
    I saw every single gme he played having gone to USC. Amazing athlete. Fast as shit. Can def. play corner or safety. Might be better as a safety. Makes a bunch of boneheaded penalties.

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  11. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]I saw every single gme he played having gone to USC. Amazing athlete. Fast as shit. Can def. play corner or safety. Might be better as a safety. Makes a bunch of boneheaded penalties.[/quote]
    From what little I’ve seen, he’s definitly physical and athletic. My only question is how fluid are his hips?

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  12. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]From what little I’ve seen, he’s definitly physical and athletic. My only question is how fluid are his hips?[/quote]
    +1 faget point for you.

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  13. mb21

    [quote name=WaLi2]Hey guys, did you hear Brandon Guyer got called up by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays?[/quote]No, was he called up today?

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  14. mb21

    [quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]Also:

    Max Ramirez —-> released

    Dunno if you guys heard, but apparently Koyie Hill has apparently won not only the backup catcher’s role, but also the starting AAA catcher’s job. Simultaneously.[/quote]He’s impressive, Brad. I also have a source that confirms he won the starting job in AA.

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  15. WaLi2

    What’s the thoughts here on Castro batting third? Doesn’t he bat 3829895 times better at lead off?

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  16. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]He’s impressive, Brad. I also have a source that confirms he won the starting job in AA.[/quote]
    He’s only started 3 or 4 games this year. He’s gotta keep those skills sharp so he moonlights with the I-Cubs

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  17. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Didnt have a chance to take a walk[/quote]
    He was tryin’ ta make his mind up. Which pitch can he take?

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  18. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]He was tryin’ ta make his mind up. Which pitch can he take?[/quote]
    +1 faget point. Good reference

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  19. Berselius

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Brenly really really really hates soriano[/quote]
    For what it’s worth, I’ve felt that Bob has been much less harsh on Soriano this year. His criticism on that play was pretty oblique too.

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  20. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Berselius]For what it’s worth, I’ve felt that Bob has been much less harsh on Soriano this year. His criticism on that play was pretty oblique too.[/quote]I’m stuck with Brennaman and Brantley. Shudder.

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  21. uncle dave

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]Wood: 9 IP, 0 H, 1 “H”, 20 K, 0 BB

    Not bad.[/quote]
    I was gonna drive up from Champaign to see that game, but it was kinda raining a bit so I decided not to. No regrets, I swear…

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  22. bubblesdachimp

    So if Ramirez doesnt start power hitting, i assume we decline that option. Sign Pujols have him play 3rd and Fielder for first?

    Amirite?

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  23. Lukas

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Volquz has a straight filthy change[/quote]
    This is 1998. Volquez is only 14 years old.

    Woody looks good so far. Suprised there are no walks yet. (dying laughing)

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  24. Lukas

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Garza almost killed pena[/quote]
    Thats impossible. Pena won’t even be drafted for another month. (dying laughing)

    ok I’m done now (dying laughing)

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  25. dylanj

    [quote name=Muck Muckintuck]Hey, how did Barney just go to 2nd base like that? What’s that called?[/quote]
    its called a stolen base

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  26. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=dylanj]its called a stolen base[/quote]
    b(dying laughing)o(dying laughing)o(dying laughing)ol Nice

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  27. mb21

    [quote name=WaLi2]What’s the thoughts here on Castro batting third? Doesn’t he bat 3829895 times better at lead off?[/quote]There’s not really a difference in hitting in various lineup spots as far as true talent is concerned. The better question is why the hell is Starlin Castro batting 3rd? Maybe he belongs in the top 5, but he certainly shouldn’t be hitting 3rd. For those complaining that Byrd was batting 3rd, you should be going nuts that Castro is.

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  28. mb21

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]So if Ramirez doesnt start power hitting, i assume we decline that option. Sign Pujols have him play 3rd and Fielder for first?

    Amirite?[/quote]That could happen. I’m sure if you pledged a donation of $50 million per year they’d consider one of them.

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  29. mb21

    [quote name=Lukas]This is 1998. Volquez is only 14 years old.

    Woody looks good so far. Suprised there are no walks yet. (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) I don’t know what game these others are watching. Garza? Who the fuck is Garza?

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  30. Mucker

    [quote name=mb21]There’s not really a difference in hitting in various lineup spots as far as true talent is concerned. The better question is why the hell is Starlin Castro batting 3rd? Maybe he belongs in the top 5, but he certainly shouldn’t be hitting 3rd. For those complaining that Byrd was batting 3rd, you should be going nuts that Castro is.[/quote]Agreed. Is there an ideal spot in the order for hitters like Castro who have speed make, good contact but don’t walk much?

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  31. mb21

    [quote name=Muck Muckintuck]Agreed. Is there an ideal spot in the order for hitters like Castro who have speed make, good contact but don’t walk much?[/quote]You like to have your speed guys in front of batters who hit mainly singles. A guy who can get into scoring position in front of a power hitter isn’t nearly as valuable as people think for obvious reasons. Castro really isn’t a speed guy though. He’s more the kind of guy you’d like to have hitting after a speedy player. He hits tons of singles.

    Ideally you’d have him hitting after Darwin Barney, but neither should hit in the top 5 spots. You’d like more power in the 6th spot so I’d put Barney and Castro 7th and 8th vs righties. 1st and 2nd would be fine vs lefties (Barney 1st, Castro 2nd).

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  32. Mucker

    [quote name=mb21]You like to have your speed guys in front of batters who hit mainly singles. A guy who can get into scoring position in front of a power hitter isn’t nearly as valuable as people think for obvious reasons. Castro really isn’t a speed guy though. He’s more the kind of guy you’d like to have hitting after a speedy player. He hits tons of singles.

    Ideally you’d have him hitting after Darwin Barney, but neither should hit in the top 5 spots. You’d like more power in the 6th spot so I’d put Barney and Castro 7th and 8th vs righties. 1st and 2nd would be fine vs lefties (Barney 1st, Castro 2nd).[/quote]I see. Who would bat 1, 2 against righties? Fukudome and Koyie Hill? (dying laughing)

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  33. mb21

    [quote name=dylanj]batting castro 8th vs RHP?[/quote]For now at least. He kind of sucks vs righties, dj. .315 career wOBA. .320 projected wOBA vs righties entering the season. .368 career vs lefties, .344 projected.

    Hopefully improves and you can move him up, but for now he’s about the perfect 8 hitter for this team vs righties. He hits a ton of singles so almost any time he’s on base it will be 1st so the pitcher can move him over.

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  34. Xoomwaffle

    [quote name=Muck Muckintuck]I see. Who would bat 1, 2 against righties? Fukudome and Koyie Hill? (dying laughing)[/quote]
    I believe he is talking in a more idealogical sense, that Castro is a more prototypical bottom of the order batter against Righties, and he would rather the team didn’t suck so much that they had to bat him at the top.

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  35. mb21

    [quote name=Muck Muckintuck]I see. Who would bat 1, 2 against righties? Fukudome and Koyie Hill? (dying laughing)[/quote]I’d have to look at the numbers to be sure. This team basically sucks vs righties so it probably doesn’t matter a whole lot. Pena is the best vs righties and Soto is next followed by Fukudome. Whoever else you put in the lineup is average to below average to terrible.

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  36. Mucker

    [quote name=Xoomwaffle]I believe he is talking in a more idealogical sense, that Castro is a more prototypical bottom of the order batter against Righties, and he would rather the team didn’t suck so much that they had to bat him at the top.[/quote]I was going to ask that is it because the whole offense sucks. Thanks.

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  37. mb21

    [quote name=Xoomwaffle]I believe he is talking in a more idealogical sense, that Castro is a more prototypical bottom of the order batter against Righties, and he would rather the team didn’t suck so much that they had to bat him at the top.[/quote]Exactly. Considering the talent the Cubs have, maybe Castro hitting 2nd vs righties isn’t an awful idea. Hitting 3rd though? That’s a worse idea than hitting Marlon Byrd 3rd. Significantly worse.

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  38. WaLi2

    I think this is the first time I’ve seen the Cubs pitcher with less pitches than the opposing pitcher.

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  39. Suburban kid

    Brantley is outraged that Barney didn’t bunt with runners on and first and second and no outs in like the third inning. He can’t believe the Cubs are that dumb. Every time someone gets on base for either team, he and Brennaman are calling for a bunt. (dying laughing)

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  40. Berselius

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]The Cubs look uninspired today.[/quote]
    Last year’s team would be down 5-0. Prove me wrong.

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  41. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]Brantley is outraged that Barney didn’t bunt with runners on and first and second and no outs in like the third inning. He can’t believe the Cubs are that dumb. Every time someone gets on base for either team, he and Brennaman are calling for a bunt. (dying laughing)[/quote]The name of the game is bunting, SK. It’s buntball.

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  42. WaLi2

    [quote name=Berselius]Gah. Reed fucking Johnson is going to be the PH[/quote]Reed hit a HR once before. Who else would you want to bat? I’d say Koyie but then what if Soto gets hurt, we’d be screwed!

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  43. AndCounting

    My 7-year-old: Reed Johnson almost never gets a hit, right?

    I don’t know where he heard that, but the kid catches on pretty quick.

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  44. Berselius

    [quote name=AndCounting]My 7-year-old: Reed Johnson almost never gets a hit, right?

    I don’t know where he heard that, but the kid catches on pretty quick.[/quote]Hopefully he’s not reading OV (dying laughing)

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  45. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Hopefully he’s not reading OV (dying laughing)[/quote]OV will prepare him for the real world. I’m confident if a 7-year old reads OV he’ll graduate high school at age 9.

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  46. AndCounting

    [quote name=Berselius]Hopefully he’s not reading OV (dying laughing)[/quote]Sometimes he sneaks into the office in the morning. I keep tabs open like mb does, so who knows. Usually he just closes everything and goes to Lego.com, but if he reads this? I don’t even want to think about it. (dying laughing)

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  47. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=AndCounting]Sometimes he sneaks into the office in the morning. I keep tabs open like mb does, so who knows. Usually he just closes everything and goes to Lego.com, but if he reads this? I don’t even want to think about it. (dying laughing)[/quote]
    I think the worst thing that can happen is that he’ll learn the wrong spelling of faget (sic).

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  48. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]Don’t you like anything?[/quote]I’m one of the most optimistic posters at OV. I like everything except the stuff I don’t like.

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  49. mb21

    That’s what pisses me off about the Cubs announcers. I’m barely paying attention, but I’ve seen several pitches way up and out of the zone to Castro over the last week.

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  50. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]That’s what pisses me off about the Cubs [/quote]Why are you even a fan?

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  51. Suburban kid

    [quote name=dylanj]bases loaded nobody out and 1-2-3 up and we dont score

    pathetic[/quote]Pena, Soto and Baker at the top tomorrow?

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  52. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]This team is predictable[/quote]
    The anus is on you to change.

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  53. AndCounting

    [quote name=mb21]There you go, AC. The get to first slam on the breaks that you so love.[/quote]Yeah. At least it wasn’t a close play. (dying laughing)

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  54. mb21

    [quote name=dylanj]honestly, that inning sums up the Cubs pretty damn well[/quote]There. That last inning doesn’t sum up me. I’ve gotten further than 3rd base. (dying laughing)

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  55. AndCounting

    Mateo’s god-awful posture doesn’t show up in the spreadsheet. We need to add a stat. POS.

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  56. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=dylanj]I, dylanj, fixed, that is to say, altered to better reflect the true, real meaning, your comment, which you, JG, originally fixed of mine, which upset me.[/quote]
    ,,,,,

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  57. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I have a much older son AC and he reads a much worse Cubs blog.[/quote]
    BCB?

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  58. AndCounting

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I have a much older son AC and he reads a much worse Cubs blog.[/quote]If it’s BCB, at least he has someone there to tell him that arrogant ignorance scrubbed of profanity is a perfectly acceptable form of communication.

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  59. bubblesdachimp

    Does Marshalls delivery look different to anyone else. He looks a lot more like a low 3/4

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  60. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=AndCounting]This home plate ump loves to call the check swings himself.[/quote]
    Just wrote that at another place.. Strange

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  61. AndCounting

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Just wrote that at another place.. Strange[/quote]It’s fine with me. Some of those calls are a complete coin flip anyway. No idea how they can really make accurate calls with the naked eye no matter who’s calling it.

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  62. Suburban kid

    It happened one time, as far as i know. He mentioned a thread where someone was going on about how every championship team has an Eckstein or Counsell, and was agreeing with it. He may be older than the young Mr. Counting, but he still has a lot to learn. (dying laughing)

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  63. AndCounting

    I’d love to see a player bring his iPhone in his back pocket and show the ump where the ball was on pitch trax after a bad call.

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  64. mb21

    [quote name=AndCounting]I’d love to see a player bring his iPhone in his back pocket and show the ump where the ball was on pitch trax after a bad call.[/quote]I’d love to see the umpire injure himself as he ejects the player for what he would probably see as the worst thing every done on the field. (dying laughing)

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  65. Suburban kid

    [quote name=AndCounting]I’d love to see a player bring his iPhone in his back pocket and show the ump where the ball was on pitch trax after a bad call.[/quote](dying laughing)

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  66. Suburban kid

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Rammy should have gotten tossed their[/quote]There not going to toss him they’re.

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  67. Perkins

    I don’t get it; haven’t the Cubs figured out that it’s easier to win when your pitcher(s) strike out over two thirds of the opposing team’s hitters?

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  68. AndCounting

    [quote name=Perkins]I don’t get it; haven’t the Cubs figured out that it’s easier to win when your pitcher(s) strike out over two thirds of the opposing team’s hitters?[/quote]Or that Kerry Wood should be starting and that it’s bad strategy to get injured? So dumb.

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  69. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid](dying laughing)[/quote]
    It would be hilarious. Managers already hate it when a coach will mention how the TV showed he was wrong. I can’t imagine how furious he’d be if someone showed them pitch f/x during an at-bat. We might actually see an umpire get ejected.

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  70. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=Berselius]www.haskerrywoodeverpitchedatwrigleyonmay6sincethe20kgame.com[/quote]
    Well done B. Well done

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  71. AndCounting

    [quote name=mb21]It would be hilarious. Managers already hate it when a coach will mention how the TV showed he was wrong. I can’t imagine how furious he’d be if someone showed them pitch f/x during an at-bat. We might actually see an umpire get ejected.[/quote]Milton Bradley should be the one to try it. That confrontation would produce multiple casualties.

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  72. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=Brandon Guyer]Hey, I got called up.[/quote](dying laughing)
    (dying laughing)

    Classic!

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  73. AndCounting

    [quote name=Brandon Guyer]Hey, I got called up.[/quote]Scroll up, and check the previous thread; and, your attitude.

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  74. Suburban kid

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]YAY kosuke?

    How will the cubs fuck this up?[/quote](dying laughing)
    (dying laughing)
    (dying laughing)

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  75. bubblesdachimp

    i think that was a double play even if Cordero doesnt catch it based on where brandon phillips was shading

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  76. mb21

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]bad attempted bunting there for charles[/quote]Why? He took two borderline strikes that were low and inside. Not exactly good pitches to bunt. He worked the count 2-2 and drove the ball back up the middle. I don’t have a problem with that AB at all. Barney has an excellent eye at the plate. Until two strikes there’s no reason to offer at a pitcher’s pitch.

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  77. mb21

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]i think that was a double play even if Cordero doesnt catch it based on where brandon phillips was shading[/quote]Agreed. It would have been an easy double play. About the only way it wasn’t a DP was if Kosuke stayed on first and hoped that Cordero caught it.

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  78. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=mb21]Why? He took two borderline strikes that were low and inside. Not exactly good pitches to bunt. He worked the count 2-2 and drove the ball back up the middle. I don’t have a problem with that AB at all. Barney has an excellent eye at the plate. Until two strikes there’s no reason to offer at a pitcher’s pitch.[/quote]
    MB i see what you are saying but if you are going up there to bunt if you get a fastball like that you have to attempt it. If not on the first one but def. the second one. I dont think he should have bunted to begin with. But what do i know

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  79. mb21

    I don’t think you change your approach if you’re bunting. You still look for a good pitch. I trust Barney’s ability there. He’s a good bunter and it was a tough pitch. If he didn’t think it was worthy of waiving at, I’m OK with that. It worked out. He drilled a pitch back up the middle. It just didn’t work out in the way we wanted.

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  80. Aisle424

    Also, apparently there was a covert assassination. I’ll never forget where I was when Kennedy was shot.

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  81. Aisle424

    [quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0506-bits-cubs-chicago–20110505,0,1589903.story

    Someone might want to check the math here. Sullivan did it.[/quote]
    I got 2.

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  82. bubblesdachimp

    Junior Lake if he could take a walk or had a defensive position would be rather impressive. I would like to see him bumped to AA in June

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  83. mb21

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Junior Lake if he could take a walk or had a defensive position would be rather impressive. I would like to see him bumped to AA in June[/quote]I’d like to see him learn how to get on base first. I’d also like to see the Cubs send Vitters back to Daytona to learn how to get on base.

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  84. mb21

    [quote name=GW]He got called up?[/quote]I think someone mentioned that here earlier today. I can’t remember for sure.

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  85. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=mb21]I’d like to see him learn how to get on base first. I’d also like to see the Cubs send Vitters back to Daytona to learn how to get on base.[/quote]
    No reason to send Vitters back to Daytona. He is what he is. The best thing for him is to see good pitching.

    I might be crazy

    Hosmer 0-0 2BB 1 SB

    Obviously not a cub

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  86. mb21

    I disagree about Vitters. You have to have benchmarks along the way. He is what he is isn’t an acceptable answer for him being in AA. He has enough power to make up for his lack of walks is one. His defense is ridiculously good is another. His inability to get on base makes him useless. He’s not a power hitter. He’s not gifted defensively. His only path to the big leagues is hitting well enough to make up for all of that and that means he’ll have to get on base. He’s overmatched at AA.

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  87. mb21

    I also disagree the best thing for him is to see good pitching. If that was true, they should call him up to the big leagues. The best thing for Vitters is learning what the strikezone is against pitching that isn’t overwhelming him.

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  88. mb21

    I’m not completely opposed to sending Vitters to Low-A either. In fact, it may be what would be best for him. Put him in a league where he is actually superior to the pitching. Make him take some walks. If he can’t take walks against pitching he’s superior to, he’s a lost cause.

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  89. bubblesdachimp

    [quote name=mb21]I’m not completely opposed to sending Vitters to Low-A either. In fact, it may be what would be best for him. Put him in a league where he is actually superior to the pitching. Make him take some walks. If he can’t take walks against pitching he’s superior to, he’s a lost cause.[/quote]
    I think he would swing even more if sent there..

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  90. Horny Goat

    still can’t believe the cubs lost today, but then I been watching shit like that all my life (dying laughing)

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  91. mb21

    That’s the thing, bubs. You don’t promote him again until he starts taking pitches. Either you learn he has no chance at an MLB career and then you just try to get something out of him in some way or you give up entirely. He has no chance if he swings like he does. Something has to be done.

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  92. Horny Goat

    “I knew it wouldn’t be happening,” Lowe said of a possible no-hitter. “I knew it would come to an abrupt end. I’m disappointed in my skin.”

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  93. Horny Goat

    just noticed the post sez houston at chicago. dont know why. stop fucking with tiger blood or you be sucked.

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  94. Horny Goat

    I’m on Horny Goat weed so look out for my Adonis DNA leaking into your interweb gene pool. Be very very afraid.

    Ryno, nice win for UT in baseball yesterday. NU sucks at batting. Should I attend today’s or tomorrow’s game if I wanna see a no-hitter?

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  95. Horny Goat

    [quote name=mb21](dying laughing) what the hell is that stuff?[/quote]
    you should try it MB, (dying laughing)

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  96. Horny Goat

    to be honest, I’d never heard of that stuff before I adopted my ID and didn’t take any. I been up all night. whew, what a woman that was. Nothing to do with horny goat weed, though (dying laughing)

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  97. Horny Goat

    [quote name=Rice Cube]http://www.seattlepi.com/comics-and-games/fun/Shermans_Lagoon/

    Guffaw[/quote]
    ouch! If only 1 of those fucking teams would’ve won a world series. 1945, 1969, 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003, 2008… any of them! but noooooooooo. We’re stuck. oy vey

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  98. Berselius

    [quote name=Rice Cube]http://www.seattlepi.com/comics-and-games/fun/Shermans_Lagoon/

    Guffaw[/quote]
    Too lazy to go over to BTI, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Alvin Does Not Approve.

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  99. Horny Goat

    so the Fox guys don’t get to rave about Castro and rag on Soriano, and you have 2 guys in dewitt and colvin who’ve barely made it to the plate.

    this is the day cubs win then. makes perfect sense in the cubs universe.

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  100. Horny Goat

    Castro hasn’t been taking as many pitches lately has he? Seems like he swings a lot earlier in the count.

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  101. Horny Goat

    [quote name=mb21]Glad Castro is getting a day off. He’s looked pretty bad at the plate the last couple weeks.[/quote]
    I was just saying he looks rushed up there like he’s in a slump, not waiting for his pitch.

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  102. Horny Goat

    has anyone else noticed that not many players if any around MLB are on the DL with hamstring or quad injuries? are they doing much more legwork this year?

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  103. mb21

    I think part of it just regression and part of it that his plate discipline is horrible compared to what wasn’t even good last year. He’s basically turned himself into Josh Vitters without any power. I was thinking about writing something on Castro, but I really don’t have anything positive to say about it. I guess cutting the strikeout rate down is one, but it wasn’t a problem in the first place. His overall numbers are decent (a little better than league average) so there’s that, but considering the start he got off to you have to look at what he’s done so far as disappointing.

    This comes from someone who actually expected his overall numbers would be slightly worse than last year because I didn’t expect he’d continue to get as lucky on balls in play.

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  104. Berselius

    [quote name=Horny Goat]Castro hasn’t been taking as many pitches lately has he? Seems like he swings a lot earlier in the count.[/quote]
    Castto has been a free swinger all year. I think he’s just making less contact now

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  105. mb21

    Castro has to start elevating the ball. He doesn’t have the speed of a Juan Pierre or Ichiro so pounding the ball into the ground as often as he does is a waste.

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  106. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Castro has to start elevating the ball. He doesn’t have the speed of a Juan Pierre or Ichiro so pounding the ball into the ground as often as he does is a waste.[/quote]
    A reverse Willie Hayes Mays approach should help then.

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  107. Horny Goat

    elevating the ball? I agree with that because he’d hit more HRs, but I also agree with berselius, he’s just not making good contact right now and I think the reason is pitchers are mixing things up because he was hitting .400 so he’s been confused. When they throw a first pitch slider to a 21-year-old what does he expect after that?

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  108. Horny Goat

    [quote name=Rice Cube]A reverse Willie Hayes Mays approach should help then.[/quote]
    he should try the Willie Mays Aikens approach (dying laughing)

    maybe not. remember the old Royals player?

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  109. Horny Goat

    [quote name=Berselius]boo. I’m getting Twins-BoSox, no Cubs game.[/quote]
    weird. that’s what you get for living in mexico (dying laughing)

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  110. melissa

    [quote name=Rice Cube]http://www.seattlepi.com/comics-and-games/fun/Shermans_Lagoon/

    Guffaw[/quote]
    Not funny. These are human beings we’re talking about.

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  111. Horny Goat

    [quote name=mb21]I didn’t expect he’d continue to get as lucky on balls in play.[/quote]
    I’ve always had a beef with babip because when you hit line drives it’s not all luck. The defense has much less time to react and field the ball. The formula isn’t perfect when a player pounds the ball like he did.

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  112. mb21

    [quote name=Horny Goat]elevating the ball? I agree with that because he’d hit more HRs, but I also agree with berselius, he’s just not making good contact right now and I think the reason is pitchers are mixing things up because he was hitting .400 so he’s been confused. When they throw a first pitch slider to a 21-year-old what does he expect after that?[/quote]
    Every single thing he hits is on the ground, HG. Well over half the balls he puts in play is on the ground. That’s what has been Marlon Byrd’s problem this year. Castro is never going to hit for much power, but he has to elevate the ball and hit into the gaps if he wants to contribute anything more than singles.

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  113. mb21

    Castro’s K% was 7% and in April and it’s just a bit over 9% in May. The problem has been that his BABIP has regressed as we knew it would and there’s just not a lot of value in hitting groundballs. If he had the same K% as April, he’d have struckout one less time (not quite that).

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  114. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]boo. I’m getting Twins-BoSox, no Cubs game.[/quote]Same here, which is why I’m not bothering to post a game thread.

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  115. Horny Goat

    what’s his line drive rate? the first month it seemed pretty high, but I don’t know. I would love to see him elevate the ball because he has the power to hit 20+ HRs a year.

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  116. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]Same here, which is why I’m not bothering to post a game thread.[/quote]Game threads are only for Berselius and MB21?

    Perhaps 424 or AC will grace us with a new thread.

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  117. Horny Goat

    [quote name=mb21]Castro’s K% was 7% and in April and it’s just a bit over 9% in May. The problem has been that his BABIP has regressed as we knew it would and there’s just not a lot of value in hitting groundballs. If he had the same K% as April, he’d have struckout one less time (not quite that).[/quote]
    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.

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  118. Horny Goat

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]Game threads are only for Berselius and MB21?

    Perhaps 424 or AC will grace us with a new thread.[/quote]
    “If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

    -Jack Benny

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  119. mb21

    [quote name=Horny Goat]I’ve always had a beef with babip because when you hit line drives it’s not all luck. The defense has much less time to react and field the ball. The formula isn’t perfect when a player pounds the ball like he did.[/quote]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.

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  120. GW

    [quote name=Berselius]boo. I’m getting Twins-BoSox, no Cubs game.[/quote]
    ugh. still, it could be worse. at least we’re not getting the rays.

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