I should have written this about ten days ago, but I didn’t so I’m going to do it now. Early season stats mean absolutely nothing to me so there’s no risk of them influencing this list.
10. Blake DeWitt
Why he’s here: The Cubs got Blake DeWitt from the Dodgers last summer in return for Ted Lilly. Lilly was a very good pitcher for the Cubs for 3+ seasons and with only two months remaining on his contract, the lefty simply didn’t have much value. The Cubs did get Blake DeWitt and a couple minor leaguers who may actually make an impact this season, but Cubs fans wanted more than DeWitt. It didn’t bother them so much last year since it was the end of the season, but with a full season ahead of him, an inability to high lefties or righties, Cubs fans will begin complaining about DeWitt since that’s all they got for Lilly.
Why he might not be here: The Cubs go to a strict DeWitt/Baker platoon and each of them performs better in that split statistic. The 2nd base job for the Cubs produces more than expected and people begin to forget about Mark DeRosa
Why he’s here: The lefty reliever had a breakout season last year, but he’s actually been quite good as a reliever for awhile now. He posted a 3.74 FIP in 2009 and his ERA as a reliever prior to 2010 was about 3.20. The reason Marshall’s not looked as good as those numbers is because of the starts he’s gotten in the big leagues. His FIP in 2010 was nearly 1 run less than his career FIP as a reliever. It was roughly 1.5 runs worse than his FIP in 2009. Marshall also picked up a modest two-year contract, but with the increased money and increased level of performance, expectations are really high.
Why he might not be here: Maybe he really improved that much. I won’t believe until I see it, but it’s always possible. His curveball is a lot of fun to watch even if Marshall is Trachsel-esque on the mound.
Why he’s here: Ridiculously good season in 2010 and that led to a three year contract. It’s almost impossible that Marmol will have another season as good as his 2010 season and the media and fans always compare players to the performance they posted the year they their contracts.
Why he might not be here: If he can show improved command and/or the offense performs better than expected, which would lead to a higher saves total. The media and fans love that.
7. Kerry Wood
Why he’s here: Yeah, all three of the relievers at the back end of the Cubs bullpen make the list and are right next to one another. Cubs fans remember 1998 Kerry Wood. Some also remember 2003 Wood and some also even remember 2008 Kerry Wood. Since he left the Cubs his numbers as a reliever have not been especially impressive (league average actually, which isn’t good for a reliever). His dominating 2008 as a reliever was helped out significantly by Wood walking 2 batters fewer per 9 innings. Since then the walks have increased to career high levels. His unsustainable home run rate in 2008 has also increased to his career average rate.
Why he might not be here: He struckout 20 batters in a game in 1998. Every single Cubs fans, even ones who weren’t yet alive, remember that game. He’s an icon in Chicago and he took $1.5 million to come back to Chicago when he could have earned millions more elsewhere. If he’s judged on his performance, Cubs fans will be disappointed. It’s likely one of those where fans end up being a bit of both and they’ll want the Cubs to re-sign him after the season is over.
6. Carlos Pena
Why he’s here: Coming off an awful season in Tampa Bay and joining a team in which the beat writers still think batting average is the tell-all statistic. Pena will hit for a low average. He’ll probably get on base and hit for some power too, but come August when fans take note of his .220ish batting average, the media and fans will wonder why on earth Jim Hendry signed a guy who hit below .200 last year.
Why he might not be here: Like Adam Dunn, Pena is more than capable of driving in a lot of runs and that’s another statistic that’s looked at too often as an evaluation tool. That will be hard to do since he doesn’t hit lefties especially well and unlike Dunn, isn’t going to hit in the middle of the order all the time. Against lefties, he’ll hit lower.
Why he’s here: It’s the final year of Fukudome’s 4-year, $42 million contract the Cubs and Fukudome signed following the 2007 season. It’s important to note in my opinion that at the time the media and fans were talking about how Fukudome was going to be the next Cubs superstar. That never made sense to me. Based on his stats in Japan and how other Japanes position players had performed, Fukudome was likely to be about an .800 OPS hitter. Maybe a bit lower or a bit higher. Certainly not bad, but not great. Fukudome got off to an outstanding start and by 2009 Cubs fans were ready to see him go. It’s likely to get uglier than ever this season.
Why he might not be here: So far Fukudome is playing primarily vs righties while Colvin is tasked with the difficult duty of hitting lefties. Fukudome has hit righties well in his career and it’s possible he puts up some big numbers this year in part time duty. Even if that happens, Cubs fans are still probably going to be disappointed in what they got out of Fukudome.
Why he’s here: Castro set the bar high last year. As a 20-year old he held his own in the big leagues and I think it was even reported over one million times that his batting average was over .300 when the season ended. That’s a flashy number for someone that age. Some of his other numbers weren’t nearly as impressive and he ended up being about league average based on wOBA, but batting average is still king. It’s hard to hit .300 in the big leagues and there’s a very good chance Castro’s sophomore season will be judged on his batting average.
Why he might not be here: Maybe he’s Tony Gwynn who never batted below .300. If Castro can maitain those averages, his defense will become less a focus than it has been.
3. Tyler Colvin
Why he’s here: The lefty slugger had a breakout season a year ago and flashed some legit power. He strikes out a lot and the fans hate strikeouts. He doesn’t get on base that much and his batting average is going to remain low. He’s no longer new to the media and fans so his flaws will stand out more this season.
Why he might not be here: He’s not Kosuke Fukudome.
Why he’s here: When you think back to the 2003 season the Cubs entered the season with a rotation of Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Matt Clement, Shawn Estes and the young Carlos Zambrano. Entering 2004 fans referred to the Cubs rotation as Wood, Prior, Clement and Zambrano. After Clement left it was Wood, Prior and Zambrano. Zambrano fared better than expected for several seasons when he was considered either a back end of the rotation starter or a mid rotation one. Once Wood and Prior went down for good, Zambrano became the top of the rotation and that was during the awful 2006 Cubs season. Fans often talk about how Zambrano has never lived up to the hype. Zambrano was an afterthought in the Cubs rotation for several years and he never lived up to the hype? No, the hype never lived up to Carlos Zambrano. He can’t win with the fans and media. He’s a polarizing athlete and has had enough run-ins to more than wear out his welcome, if we was ever actually welcomed in the first place.
Why he might not be here: Zambrano becomes the so-called good-luck pitcher as the Cubs offense scores bundles with him on the mound. As a result he wins 17 or more games. If that happens, then all we’ll hear is about how the Cubs paid Zambrano $1 million per win so people are just less disappointed. There’s no winning for Zambrano. He ain’t Charlie Sheen.
1b. Mike Quade
Why he’s here: The team won a million games last season after he took over, but the only difference between the team before and during was Carlos Zambrano. The clubhouse chemistry was much talked about, but winning results in good clubhouse chemistry. As this team loses, that clubhouse chemistry gets worse. With a first year manager in the big leagues, it could get bad quickly and Quade may find himself unemployed by August. From the sounds of it, the chemistry may already be an issue and it’s only going to get worse.
Why he might not be here: The same Cubs who stood up for him after the season continue to stand up for him. Based on the history of sports, that’s not usually true, but the history of sports already ended so it doesn’t matter.
Why he’s here: He signed an 8-year, $136 million contract after the 2006 season.
Why he might not be here:
Others who may disappoint: Aramis Ramirez, Matt Garza, Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner.
Yeah, I was like “WTF” when I saw how much #1 signed for back in the day. But I’ve always rooted for him to do well.
I’m surprised that the crumbling chemistry started when the Cubs were just a game under .500 and not later when they’re ten games back. That’s interesting to me.
(dying laughing). why not make it a nice, round 25?
[quote name=GW](dying laughing). why not make it a nice, round 25?[/quote]I thought about doing that as I think there will be about 25 players the fans are disappointed in. I’m guessing the only ones they won’t be disappointed with are guys like Brett Jackson, Chris Carpenter and some gamer like Bobby Scales.
Wow Byrd seems to be absolutely pissed. Apparently this is the end of all team chemistry
OTOH the Blackhawks did a 1/Cubs and made the playoffs.
I should have included Byrd here because of his admission for working with Victor Conte. I saw some fans turn on him right then.
This season with all the talk around motivation, character and all other B.S the Cubs seem more like a team from the movies than an actual Professional franchise in the real world. Prove me wrong.
I actually would have had Matt Garza on that list, both based on how I expect him to perform and also the lamenting if anyone that went to Tampa has any sort of impact (though that’s not as likely this year).
Other than that, I concur.
That’s a great way to look at it, cf4l. I hadn’t thought about it, but that’s exactly what it’s like. Quade is the motivational manager of a team that wins it all. It’s funny when you look it at like that.
They didn’t look like a professional franchise after the dinosaur period ended anyways. So I guess it’s just a way of [L]ife
[quote name=mb21]That’s a great way to look at it, cf4l. I hadn’t thought about it, but that’s exactly what it’s like. Quade is the motivational manager of a team that wins it all. It’s funny when you look it at like that.[/quote]
I won’t be surprised to find if most of this B.S is driven by Tommy Boy and his kin.
[quote name=Mish]I actually would have had Matt Garza on that list, both based on how I expect him to perform and also the lamenting if anyone that went to Tampa has any sort of impact (though that’s not as likely this year).[/quote]
Garza’s also been set up by the local media as a guy that’s supposed to be a 1 or 2, which gives fans unrealistic expectations. They’ve also set people up to hate Garza by telling everyone that he can be very erratic and volatile. I keep hearing “he’s got great stuff” he just needs to get his head together. It’s a recipe for melt down.
[quote name=mb21]I should have included Byrd here because of his admission for working with Victor Conte. I saw some fans turn on him right then.[/quote]Obviously roid rage. (dying laughing)
[quote name=melissa]Garza’s also been set up by the local media as a guy that’s supposed to be a 1 or 2, which gives fans unrealistic expectations. They’ve also set people up to hate Garza by telling everyone that he can be very erratic and volatile. I keep hearing “he’s got great stuff” he just needs to get his head together. It’s a recipe for melt down.[/quote]
I still remember how much they over hyped Rich Hill like he was the second coming and all. That stopped after he accidentally flushed all the ‘great stuff’ down the toilet
If Quade is such a great communicator why did he get the tying run thrown out at 2nd in the 9th? Didn’t he tell Byrd before the game what the plan was? The video of Byrd is very telling because he was beyond pissed. He did not want to talk about it. Period.
Do they have the video up anywhere?
[quote name=mb21]Do they have the video up anywhere?[/quote]
yes, somebody posted a link at the end of the last thread. It’s on the comcast site.
[quote name=mb21]Do they have the video up anywhere?[/quote]For your viewing pleasure -
http://www.csnchicago.com/pages/video?PID=l2KsqnNBhk0ERCyaZGAjRoWu5P_B85g_
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]http://www.csnchicago.com/pages/video?PID=l2KsqnNBhk0ERCyaZGAjRoWu5P_B85g_
Byrd pissed off.[/quote] .
[quote name=Aisle424].[/quote]Flagged for redundancy and for clogging the interweb
We apologize for the redundant quote. Those responsible have been sacked.
[quote name=Aisle424]We apologize for the redundant quote. Those responsible have been sacked.[/quote]
We’re really cleaning house around here, aren’t we? We don’t fuck around. Perfection or get out.
So was Byrd getting thrown out a missed hit and run, or did he try that on his own? If he did it on his own, I can understand him not wanting to talk about it.
Just like the last game of the Pirates series, put an * next to this one.
Byrd got the sign to steal but according to Quade it was in error. DeJesus gave him the steal sign by accident I guess. It’s a way of [L]ife.
Damn, even after watching that it’s hard to tell. Either way, bad move.
[quote name=mb21]We’re really cleaning house around here, aren’t we? We don’t fuck around. Perfection or get out.[/quote]
We have no tolerance for anything less than the blest.
[quote name=Aisle424]We have no tolerance for anything less than the blest.[/quote]
Perfect example. Who’s the Editor in Chief around here? He should be fired.
I mentioned it in the last thread, but will bring it over here. If Byrd went on his own, I don’t have much of a problem with it. He’s been in the big leagues a long time and has a good idea if he can make it or not or at least what he has to do to make it. If it was called then it’s just dumb. Sounds like it was a mistake, which is probably just Quade not wanting to take the blame.
Oh well. The good news is that Houston sucks pretty hard. The bad news is that the Cubs will probably get swept in Colorado next weekend.
I like Byrd a lot more after watching that. He answered the question. Ask a different one.
[quote name=mb21]I mentioned it in the last thread, but will bring it over here. If Byrd went on his own, I don’t have much of a problem with it. He’s been in the big leagues a long time and has a good idea if he can make it or not or at least what he has to do to make it. If it was called then it’s just dumb. Sounds like it was a mistake, which is probably just Quade not wanting to take the blame.[/quote]
I don’t see Quade as the type of who won’t take the hit when something he calls blows up in his face.
[quote name=mb21]I mentioned it in the last thread, but will bring it over here. If Byrd went on his own, I don’t have much of a problem with it. He’s been in the big leagues a long time and has a good idea if he can make it or not or at least what he has to do to make it. If it was called then it’s just dumb. Sounds like it was a mistake, which is probably just Quade not wanting to take the blame.[/quote]
Quade did acknowledge that it may have been his fault, per the beat reporter whose name rhymes with Schmaul Schmullivan.
Byrd didn’t go on his own. From what he said it was pretty clear to me that he got the steal sign. “I ran didn’t I?” After being asked if steal was on. Had he gone on his own I think he would have just said. He’s not going to say, “I don’t know why those fucking idiots sent me.” I also don’t believe Byrd was just going to decide to start stealing bases at that particular junction in the game. He’s the tying run in the 9th, he knows that if he decides to go he has to be 100% certain he can make it. I just don’t see him risking it on his own.
[quote name=melissa]Byrd didn’t go on his own. From what he said it was pretty clear to me that he got the steal sign. “I ran didn’t I?” After being asked if steal was on. Had he gone on his own I think he would have just said. He’s not going to say, “I don’t know why those fucking idiots sent me.” I also don’t believe Byrd was just going to decide to start stealing bases at that particular junction in the game. He’s the tying run in the 9th, he knows that if he decides to go he has to be 100% certain he can make it. I just don’t see him risking it on his own.[/quote]
I agree. It sounds like either DeJesus fucked up giving the wrong sign or Quade gave DeJesus the wrong sign. I think Byrd did what he was told.
//www.chicagobreakingsports.com/sports/cubs/ct-spt-0411-cubs-brewers-chicago–20110410,0,2005008.story
The narrative constructed by Sullivan seems to indicate the sign was given and Quade calls it a “miscommunication.”
I didn’t see the play, was it even close?
[quote name=Aisle424]I didn’t see the play, was it even close?[/quote]
I think he was out by about a foot, but his slide was much prettier than Darwin Barney’s.
[quote name=Aisle424]I didn’t see the play, was it even close?[/quote]
It was kind of close but clearly out.
[quote name=Aisle424]I didn’t see the play, was it even close?[/quote]
Pat Hughes described it as a perfect throw.
[quote name=mb21]I mentioned it in the last thread, but will bring it over here. If Byrd went on his own, I don’t have much of a problem with it. He’s been in the big leagues a long time and has a good idea if he can make it or not or at least what he has to do to make it. If it was called then it’s just dumb. Sounds like it was a mistake, which is probably just Quade not wanting to take the blame.[/quote]
Even if he went on his own then I think it is still a bad decision on his part. He has a total of 5 stolen bases in all of 2010. His highest in a season is 11 and that was way back in 2003. It was just dumb considering that he is the tying run with Ramirez at the plate and Pena on deck.
Also Ramirez was having a good game with the bat and he had to burn a strike trying to protect Byrd. I am unable to come up with a good reason to justify what Byrd did. Watching Byrd in that video it looks like Q/DeJesus might have messed up.
Thinking hard may be Ramirez missed a hit and run. Now I will stop hurting my neurons.
[quote name=cubsfan4life]Thinking hard may be Ramirez missed a hit and run. Now I will stop hurting my neurons.[/quote]
But he swung the bat, which would imply that he had the sign. Right?
[quote name=shadasrevenge]But he swung the bat, which would imply that he had the sign. Right?[/quote]
The missed hit-and-run makes sense then. Ramirez is slow as hell and they probably didn’t want to hit into a double play at that point either.
Still a fail if you don’t make contact though.
I’m wracking my brain trying to figure out who you missed on the roster… Soto? No hating on Soto? And what about Koyie Hill? I mean, come on… back up or no, he blows.
[quote name=shadasrevenge]But he swung the bat, which would imply that he had the sign. Right?[/quote] May be, maybe not. He might have swung to protect Byrd too. May be it is safe to say that with Ramirez on his game, hit and run and SB are both bad calls. Best thing to do was to stay put and let Ramirez hit.
[quote name=Karen]I’m wracking my brain trying to figure out who you missed on the roster… Soto? No hating on Soto? And what about Koyie Hill? I mean, come on… back up or no, he blows.[/quote]Yeah, but I don’t think anyone will be disappointed by Koyie Hill’s suckiness. It’s like how people will view Matt Garza at the plate. The absolute fail will meet expectations perfectly.
[quote name=cubsfan4life]May be, maybe not. He might have swung to protect Byrd too. May be it is safe to say that with Ramirez on his game, hit and run and SB are both bad calls. Best thing to do was to stay put and let Ramirez hit.[/quote]
That’s a good point. I wasn’t able to watch the game, so way I see it in my mind is that Ramirez sees Byrd take off, and then just tries to foul it off.
I do concur with your statement that the best thing to do there is to stay on the bag and let Ramirez do his thing. At that point in the game, you need baserunners. Quade “La-Russa’d” himself today.
Random Z stat I pointed out in my preview: he’s posted an ERA below 4.0 in every year of his career. Easy ammo to counter the Z-haters out there
[quote name=Berselius]Random Z stat I pointed out in my preview: he’s posted an ERA below 4.0 in every year of his career. Easy ammo to counter the Z-haters out there[/quote]But the Man-o-lantern told me Z isn’t an ace.
[quote name=shadasrevenge]Pat Hughes described it as a perfect throw.[/quote]
Yeah, it was spot-on. Kottaras delivered the ball bout 2 inches to the right of the base and about 2 inches off the ground.
[quote name=melissa]Perfect example. Who’s the Editor in Chief around here? He should be fired.[/quote]
The better question is who is the Executive Chairman?
[quote name=Berselius]The better question is who is the Executive Chairman?[/quote]Is that like an executive board member?
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]But the Man-o-lantern told me Z isn’t an ace.[/quote]
Having a sub-4 ERA makes a guy an ace?
[quote name=shadasrevenge]Having a sub-4 ERA makes a guy an ace?[/quote]
It means he doesn’t completely suck.
I’m sure it’s happened, but in all of Ramirez’s years with the Cubs, I don’t remember him ever being given the hit and run sign. Not at the plate or on the bases. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. I just don’t remember a single time it has.
I highly doubt in that situation it was a hit and run. Sounds rather clear to me that it was a missed sign (Quade or DeJesus fucked up).
cf4l, I don’t disagree at all that it was a poor decision on Byrd’s part IF he made the decision. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if it was something he decided on his own, I’m OK with it. I think there are a lot of baserunners that could take 2nd base, but don’t. I think they get a really good feel out there for how fast the pitcher delivers the ball and how strong/accurate an arm the catcher has. I’m more comfortable leaving it up to the player in a situation like that.
The runner may read a pitch out or a quick delivery and not want to go. If the steal is on, he’s out. I just think there are little things that the runner is going to pick up that the manager can’t.
Doesn’t mean it wasn’t a bad decision. I just think it’s a worse decision coming from the manager.
All that said, it just sounds like it was a mistake. As much attention as we’ve given this, the Cubs didn’t lose because Byrd was caught stealing. Odds were still against the Cubs tying the game up at that point. Shit happens.
I kind of feel that a necessary stop sign should be given at all times. In fact, the Cubs should never ever try to take an extra base ever again. Station to station. This team is horrendous at running the bases. They’ve been ridiculously bad for several years.
[quote name=shadasrevenge]Having a sub-4 ERA makes a guy an ace?[/quote]Pretty sure I never implied that. But it does mean that Z is pretty damn good (but we can find that out by looking at stats that are far more valuable than ERA) and that that segment of Cub fans who gleefully rip him because he doesn’t match up to the entirely nebulous evaluative standard of “ace” are, in point of fact, a bunch of mouthbreathing troglodytes.
[quote name=shadasrevenge]But he swung the bat, which would imply that he had the sign. Right?[/quote]
I don’t remember him swinging on that, and the MIL announcers said Byrd had a bad jump but still went.
can you believe the red sox & yanks just played a 3 hour game? (3:03)
I think in that situation with Aramis in a groove Byrd should just get a good secondary lead and hope Ramirez hits it in the gap or over the fence. The Cubs hadn’t stolen a base all year (were 0-1 up to that point)
[quote name=Horny Goat]I don’t remember him swinging on that, and the MIL announcers said Byrd had a bad jump but still went.[/quote]
His jump didn’t seem to terrible to me, but the throw was pretty much perfect as B said. Byrd has no chance.
The whole “ace” argument is just nonsense. Zambrano hasn’t been the “top of the rotation starter” for a few years now, but the media and fans make it sound like that means he has no value. It’s like they expect greatness or get the fuck out.
Zambrano ends up being one of the top 10 to 15 starting pitchers in Cubs history and oddly enough he’s hated while doing it. It’s the most bizarre thing I’ve ever seen.
Since the beginning of the National League in 1876, Carlos Zambrano’s WAR as a starting pitcher with the Cubs ranks 11th all-time. He’s .3 WAR behind Greg Maddux’s 31.4. Every single pitcher above him threw more innings than he did. Among Cubs starters through the age of 30, Zambrano ranks 5th behind Fergie, Rick Reuschel, Clark Griffith, and John Clarkson.
Think about that. Only FOUR Cubs starting pitchers in the entire history of the organization were better than Zambrano through the age of 30. That’s it.
The whole ace/not-an-ace argument used to get to me. I don’t really care anymore. Through Z’s age, only 4 Cubs SP’s have been better than Z as a Cub. that’s in 134 years. For a team so rich in history and a fan base that loves that history, it’s remarkable how few people realize they’re watching one of the very best starting pitchers in Chicago Cubs history right now. No, he’s not as good as he once was, but you know what? You probably aren’t going to see another one as valuable as Zambrano for the Cubs the rest of your lives. If he’s with the team another 3 years, only Fergie, Reuschel and Mordecai Brown are likely to have been better than Zambrano for the Cubs through through the age of 34.
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]His jump didn’t seem to terrible to me, but the throw was pretty much perfect as B said. Byrd has no chance.[/quote]
I didn’t see it, just going by the MIL announcers. oh well. I couldn’t watch WGN today. by the way, Cubs are winless on WGN this year, undefeated on comcast (dying laughing)
I think somebody has kept track of that over the years and it’s creepy how much better their record is when not on WGN or ESPN.
yeah, MB, I don’t get the Ace thing either. It all comes down to how much money they make and they expect someone with a big contract to be Roy Halladay, when very few pitchers are Roy Halladay.
I’m not sure the ERA below 4 every year means that much to be honest. The issue is more what the fans expect and that’s 2.5 ERA’s out of the so-called ace. Once a year a guy will do that and every ace is compared to that one pitcher.
Not to mention that the guy who has a 2.5 ERA likely has it in large part because of the defense behind him.
It used to be a battle I cared about (same with Sosa), but the reality is that the people saying “he’s not an ace” are right. They’re correct right now, but they miss the larger point and that’s the incredible value that Carlos Zambrano has provided the Chicago Cubs in his decade of baseball.
[quote name=Horny Goat]yeah, MB, I don’t get the Ace thing either. It all comes down to how much money they make and they expect someone with a big contract to be Roy Halladay, when very few pitchers are Roy Halladay.[/quote]Exactly. I think some people define ace as literally the best pitcher in all of baseball. Few pitchers have ever been the best in baseball. Was Greg Maddux even the best in baseball? Overall Clemens was better. Pedro’s insane peak in the late 90s was the greatest ever. 1992-1995? Probably.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Pretty sure I never implied that. But it does mean that Z is pretty damn good (but we can find that out by looking at stats that are far more valuable than ERA) and that that segment of Cub fans who gleefully rip him because he doesn’t match up to the entirely nebulous evaluative standard of “ace” are, in point of fact, a bunch of mouthbreathing troglodytes.[/quote]
Right. Plus by comparing other pitchers you can get an idea of how good he has been. Out of what the pitcher’s I’ve looked up in the last five minutes (often considered (ace material, whatever the feck that means), very unscientifically:
1. Roy Halladay
2. Felix Hernandez
3. Tim Lincecum
4. Adam Wainwright
5. CC Sabathia
6. Cliff Lee
7. Jon Lester
8. Josh Johnson
9. Ubaldo Jimenez
10. David Price
11. Justin Verlander
12. Roy Oswalt
13. Clayton Kershaw
14. Cole Hamels
15. Chris Carpenter
16. Zack Greinke
17. Matt Cain
18. Johan Santana
18. Carlos Zambrano
Only Zambrano and Wainright have accomplished that. Santana and Johnson hurt by very short seasons, but even if you include them the list is extremely impressive.
the old cliche that once players get the big contract they stop working hard, become lazy. I think Cubs fans are especially hard on Zambrano and Soriano, absolutely, when in fact it’s just a matter of them being past their prime, or peaking early. They were rewarded for their past performances with good contracts, as most players are. It’s not like they aren’t trying anymore.
[quote name=Horny Goat]the old cliche that once players get the big contract they stop working hard, become lazy. I think Cubs fans are especially hard on Zambrano and Soriano, absolutely, when in fact it’s just a matter of them being past their prime, or peaking early. They were rewarded for their past performances with good contracts, as most players are. It’s not like they aren’t trying anymore.[/quote]You should check otu the comments over at Miles’ blog. This same meme is starting with Ramirez, too.
I don’t wanna start another topic tonight, but shit, I’ve heard enough Manny-bashing the last couple days to make me puke. Buster Olney tonight said that he voted McGwire int the HOF but would never vote for Manny because he used PEDs after 2003 when they started testing. Great. Let’s leave this for another time if you want but I still believe in going strictly with the numbers. So many players used, but only a tiny fraction were as good as Manny.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You should check otu the comments over at Miles’ blog. This same meme is starting with Ramirez, too.[/quote]
(dying laughing) I just posted something on that
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You should check otu the comments over at Miles’ blog. This same meme is starting with Ramirez, too.[/quote]
oh, you meant Aramis. I didn’t read your whole post.
yeah. Aramis the dog (dying laughing)
the Aramis thing doesn’t make any sense b/c he had his worst season ever last year when he could’ve opted out and made big bucks in FA, and he was a very productive player after he signed last time, morans!
[quote name=Horny Goat]I don’t wanna start another topic tonight, but shit, I’ve heard enough Manny-bashing the last couple days to make me puke. Buster Olney tonight said that he voted McGwire int the HOF but would never vote for Manny because he used PEDs after 2003 when they started testing. Great. Let’s leave this for another time if you want but I still believe in going strictly with the numbers. So many players used, but only a tiny fraction were as good as Manny.[/quote]Yeah, the Manny-bashing was inevitable, though. That guy was such an asshole to the sainted writers (blessed be), they were never goign to let him into the BBWAA Hall of Guys We Like
[quote name=Horny Goat]the Aramis thing doesn’t make any sense b/c he had his worst season ever last year when he could’ve opted out and made big bucks in FA, and he was a very productive player after he signed last time, morans![/quote]These aren’t the sort of people who will allow facts to intrude upon the matter.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Yeah, the Manny-bashing was inevitable, though. That guy was such an asshole to the sainted writers (blessed be), they were never goign to let him into the BBWAA Hall of Guys We Like[/quote]
one of the requirements to the HOF is to suck up to the writers, & Joe Morgan & Mike Schmidt.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You should check otu the comments over at Miles’ blog. This same meme is starting with Ramirez, too.[/quote]
Starting? Ramirez has been tarred with the lazy brush for years.
[quote name=Horny Goat]the Aramis thing doesn’t make any sense b/c he had his worst season ever last year when he could’ve opted out and made big bucks in FA, and he was a very productive player after he signed last time, morans![/quote]
Yeah, but Ramirez is so lazy he couldn’t even wake up in a contract year!
/moran fan
[quote name=Berselius]Starting? Ramirez has been tarred with the lazy brush for years.[/quote]But now it’s turning into “he’s making big money since he decided to stay, so he doesn’t care.” I’ve never seen a fanbase turn on guys who want to stay, but somehow both Aramis and Z have had it held against them that they wish to remain Cubs.
[quote name=Horny Goat]one of the requirements to the HOF is to suck up to the writers, & Joe Morgan & Mike Schmidt.[/quote]It certainly seems that way.
[quote name=Berselius]Starting? Ramirez has been tarred with the lazy brush for years.[/quote]
for sure. I missed posting a few threads ago re: the topic of him not getting to 2B on that pop-up that Weeks missed. I don’t care that Aramis doesn’t run everything out. He’s had leg problems for years and I’d rather he keep them healthy over the .01 chance of someone dropping a routine pop or him beating out an easy grounder.
Besides, he’s not the best baserunner in the world as far as judgment and endurance (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]But now it’s turning into “he’s making big money since he decided to stay, so he doesn’t care.” I’ve never seen a fanbase turn on guys who want to stay, but somehow both Aramis and Z have had it held against them that they wish to remain Cubs.[/quote]
They just want to take it easy and enjoy the Chicago nightlife. Lazy bastards. Include Soriano…
If only the cubs had Gracie back. He could “count on 1 hand the times he was out past midnight”
[quote name=Horny Goat]If only the cubs had Gracie back. He could “count on 1 hand the times he was out past midnight”[/quote]That was a good one, HG. I heard that too.
Apparently Byrd isn’t the only one pissed off at the
IowaCubs management:http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/4768794-573/riggins-downplays-garzas-comments.html
I’ve wondered if Garza is doing something different because he’s looked like a much, much worse pitcher with the Cubs. Hopefully he does go back to whatever he was doing before.
What’s on your mind, JG? (please forgive the overstatement).
JG, do you still have that Raymond gif? Rain Main was on last night and I could not stop laughing thinking about it.
Yeah! So let’s make Kia Ka’aihue our 1B!
Alvin continues his Being Wrong About Everything streak, advocating that the Cubs should have pitched around Casey McGehee (.265 wOBA) to face Rickie Weeks (.364 wOBA).
That .265 wOBA includes the home run, btw. It was probably significantly lower at the time of the at bat.
[quote name=GBTS]JG, do you still have that Raymond gif? Rain Main was on last night and I could not stop laughing thinking about it.[/quote]
This one?
(dying laughing)
Yes.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]What’s on your mind, JG? (please forgive the overstatement).[/quote]
I forgive you.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]What’s on your mind, JG? (please forgive the overstatement).[/quote]
I forgive you.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Apparently Byrd isn’t the only one pissed off at the
IowaCubs management:http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/4768794-573/riggins-downplays-garzas-comments.html/quoteLook, if you’ve thrown a no-hitter and a guy who’s been a pitching coach for 2 months tells you to drastically change the way you pitch, you do it.
Did anyone hear about this? http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/clint-hurdles-excellent-decision/
Hurdle sent Andrew McCutchen into the on-deck circle when he was actually in the hole (due to double switches, RP Garrett Olson was inbetween Tabata and McCutchen in the lineup), causing the Rockies to actually pitch to Tabata instead of walking him to face McCutchen (Tracy saw McCutchen in the on-deck circle and assumed he was due up next, instead of the pitcher). The Rockies pitched to Tabata who hit a GW double.
As the article points out, there is nothing explicitly in the rules that says this was not legal.
Alvin is 7.
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/11/marlon-byrd-was-caught-stealing-at-a-rather-unfortunate-time/
^ Tricksy Hurdleses.
I like Hurdle. He seems to be a pretty hep cat and should do wonders to that team even as they sink from their lofty .500 perch. I also don’t understand how a manager could forget about lineup order when the scoreboard and the bench coach and even he is supposed to keep tabs on it, and the lineup card is plastered in the dugout.
[quote name=Rice Cube]^ Tricksy Hurdleses.
I like Hurdle. He seems to be a pretty hep cat and should do wonders to that team even as they sink from their lofty .500 perch. I also don’t understand how a manager could forget about lineup order when the scoreboard and the bench coach and even he is supposed to keep tabs on it, and the lineup card is plastered in the dugout.[/quote]
Joe Maddon penciled in the lineup wrong and ended up losing the DH and had a pitcher batting 3rd (the pitcher actually did end up getting a hit and an RBI, I believe) because of it. It’s pretty inexcusable as these are the few things that managers should absolutely never lose sight of, but one instance of out the thousands of games doesn’t strike as more than a momentary lapse.
[quote name=GBTS]Alvin is 7.[/quote]I bet when people eat Neapolitan ice cream, Al’s head explodes. “3 flavors at a time? Are you trying to destroy the universe? AKDLSAJDIFALEDSIF!!!1″
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2011/4/11/2103452/high-five-double-play
The high-five is clearly marked. Win.
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2011/4/11/2103452/high-five-double-play
The high-five is clearly marked. Win.[/quote]That play was better than the Willie Mays catch.
FG upgraded its boxscores: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/new-boxscores-on-fangraphs/
I noticed the updated to the box score yesterday and it’s even more meaningless. In-game wOBA? What the hell is the point of that? What the hell is the point of 90% of the crap they included?
I’m all for box score improvements, but there’s went from a few years old to retarded.
[quote name=GBTS]Look, if you’ve thrown a no-hitter and a guy who’s been a pitching coach for 2 months tells you to drastically change the way you pitch, you do it.[/quote]
[quote name=Mish]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/11/marlon-byrd-was-caught-stealing-at-a-rather-unfortunate-time/[/quote]It’s neat how Calcaterra doesn’t include the fact that Byrd had answered the question several times before telling them all to leave. He’s well on his way to becoming a BBWAA member.
[quote name=Mish]Joe Maddon penciled in the lineup wrong and ended up losing the DH and had a pitcher batting 3rd (the pitcher actually did end up getting a hit and an RBI, I believe) because of it. It’s pretty inexcusable as these are the few things that managers should absolutely never lose sight of, but one instance of out the thousands of games doesn’t strike as more than a momentary lapse.[/quote]
It was Sonnanstine and he had a no-bullshit double. That was one of the coolest things I’d seen following an “accident” in lineup management.
[quote name=mb21]I noticed the updated to the box score yesterday and it’s even more meaningless. In-game wOBA? What the hell is the point of that? What the hell is the point of 90% of the crap they included?
I’m all for box score improvements, but there’s went from a few years old to retarded.[/quote]
Yeah, this is dumb. There’s too much info even if most of it were relevant, which it’s not. Regular box scores also list who got XBH, errors, sacrifices, etc. which you have to sift through the PBP data to get at FG. The only thing I like better is that they list PAs instead of ABs
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s neat how Calcaterra doesn’t include the fact that Byrd had answered the question several times before telling them all to leave. He’s well on his way to becoming a BBWAA member.[/quote]Don’t you like anything? (dying laughing)
New shit: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/previews/series-preview-chicago-cubs-at-houston-astros.html
[quote name=Berselius]Don’t you like anything? (dying laughing)[/quote]Correct.
[quote name=Berselius]Yeah, this is dumb. There’s too much info even if most of it were relevant, which it’s not. Regular box scores also list who got XBH, errors, sacrifices, etc. which you have to sift through the PBP data to get at FG. The only thing I like better is that they list PAs instead of ABs[/quote]I like B-Refs box scores best. Too bad they aren’t updated until the following day, but you get your traditional stuff up top, there’s a WPA chart and play by play as well. Fangraphs boxes are just a mess now. They were a mess before, but now it’s worthless. I’d really like to know who thought that would be a good idea. They should be fired.