I’ve argued with Mercurial Outfielder on here that there’s no reason to think Mike Quade is in over his head. Hardball Talk now has an article up titled Cubs manager Mike Quade is in over his head. Here’s why.
At least he sort of admitted after the Cubs’ latest loss Friday.
“This one is on me,” Mike Quade said after trying to get Randy Wells through the seventh inning in the game against the White Sox.
Because the manager took the blame for a loss, he’s in over his head? That must mean that Lou Piniella is. So is Dusty Baker. So is Tony LaRussa. So is Terry Francona. So is every other manager who has managed a professional baseball game. They have all, at one point or another, taken the blame for a loss because at one point or another, they are going to feel responsible for the loss. Managers generally aren’t shy about placing blame on themselves. In fact, it’s actually part of their job. We want the manager to shield the players so in doing so the manager covers for his players often excusing the play or simply taking the blame. If all you got is that Quade said this loss was on him, you got nothing.
In Quade’s defense, Wells was cruising up until that point. After a two-run first, he retired 11 in a row at one point. That stretch was only broken by a Brent Morel bunt single to begin the sixth. After the single, Wells got Carlos Quentin to ground into a double play and Paul Konerko to ground out. The entire inning consisted of just three pitches, and that followed a fifth in which he threw all of five pitches.
So he’s cruising along, throwing very few pitches in these innings, Mike Quade is in over his head.
Wells, though, didn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt once thngs started unraveling in the seventh. The right-hander, who was 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in six starts since coming off the DL, gave up a single to A.J. Pierzynski and then an Alexei Ramirez homer that tied the game at 4.
True, he’s gotten off to a horrible start, but instead of quoting small samples, how about we look at everything RAndy Wells has done. He has a career 4.02 FIP. He’s a good pitcher who was rolling along. Should Quade have taken him out? Probably, but he’s far from the only manager who doesn’t take his starters out soon enough. See any non-elite starter who faces the lineup the 4th time around. Well, not every time. Some of them are meaningless blowout innings so why not, but most of the time the game is not in that state.
This is the way things have gone for Quade all year. Not that any manager would have the Cubs playing better than .500 ball, but even with their injuries, they’re better than a 34-49 team.
False. When the Cubs were 32-46, they’d have been expected to go 32-46 if healthy.
What exaclty is it that a manager has to be able to to do for him to not be in over his head? There have been some unbelievably stupid human beings who have managed baseball teams. It’s not a difficult job. Let’s forget about this. Managing a baseball team is as simple a job as there is. It’s the fucking equivalent of being a McDonald’s line cook. The hardest thing they do in each shift is fight to get through the rush. The hardest thing a manager does in his shift is manage a bunch of overpaid athletes in a way to ensure that their egos don’t interfere with what he wants. The rest of the shit is easy. If Joe Blow can sit at home and watch a game and know what should happen, don’t you think a manager knows? It’s not rocket science.
It’s putting together a lineup, talking to your bench coach, pitching and hitting coaches on occasion, telling overpaid athlete number 1 to shut up when he gets out of line, give someone a pat on the back who just sucked because confidence in this game is important, taking the ball out of an adult’s hand and handing it to someone else a few times each game and deciding when to pinch hit, hit and run, put on a stolen base for the players who don’t already have a green light, and then shaking hands with your team if they won the game. That’s it. That’s a manager’s job in MLB. On occasion they get mad and look foolish on tv as they argue with another adult just an inch apart. I imagine not having smelly breath would be a bonus in that situation so add regular teeth brushing and visits to the dentist to the list of what a manager has to do. He’s either got to sit on his ass or stand on the ledge a long time. Putting on some sun screen lotion when it’s really hot is probably a good idea so investing in some of that is important.
Mike Quade has been around this game a long time. He makes some mistakes as all managers do. He has some tendencies I’d prefer he not have, but that’s also true with all managers. One thing I know for sure though is that Mike Quade is more than qualified to write a lineup and hand baseballs to adults because that’s basically his job. That and sitting in the dugout for long stretches. It is not hard work. Any person who has ever played professional baseball would not be in over his head as a manager. While this game is complex, it’s not that difficult to grasp.
Besides, how the hell do we measure in-over-his-headness? I’ve only seen Quade manage for half a season, but I’d bet a thousand dollars that he’s not even the worst MLB manager in baseball.
For the most part, my biggest problem with Quade is his seemingly unending quest to be liked by his players. There are times when I know he HAS TO know that his starter is done, but then he goes out the the mound has a little chat, asks the guy how he feels, the player lies or understates how tired he is out of machismo, and Quade leaves him in the game. Then the batter hits a crushing homerun.
It has happened repeatedly. Every single person knows the bullpen, as shitty as it is, is probably a better option than the guy who’s thrown 110 pitches and is struggling with command, but he sticks with the starter unfailingly. It’s not even a question when he visits the mound. Sometimes Len & Bob or Pat & Keith will express surprise that the starter is staying in the game and I just sit there amazed that they could possibly be surprised about it.
That is my biggest hang-up with Quade. Maybe if he had a better bullpen it would be different, but he does it when its Marshall warming up. I’m actually shocked beyond words that he pulled Dempster in the 1-0 game against the Giants. I couldn’t fucking believe it. Then he took shit for pulling Dempster too soon.
I agree with that, Tim. There are some frustrating things he does and I do think he wants too much to be liked. In that sense he’s kind of like Dusty. I do think it’s tough to evaluate him given the roster he’s been given.
He also never shuts the hell up, but that isn’t a baseball criticism.
He seems to handle the childish shit pretty well. I don’t have the exact quote, but I saw someone posted earlier that he said something like, “What, is Z supposed to go lay still in his bedroom all night?” or something like that when people were trying to stir things up about his softball lob last night. That’s awesome.
With Jim Riggleman out of the way, Quade is closer to the bottom now.
[quote name=Aisle424]He also never shuts the hell up, but that isn’t a baseball criticism.
He seems to handle the childish shit pretty well. I don’t have the exact quote, but I saw someone posted earlier that he said something like, “What, is Z supposed to go lay still in his bedroom all night?” or something like that when people were trying to stir things up about his softball lob last night. That’s awesome.[/quote]That was awesome. Even Hendry’s quote was good. Something about how it’s pretty sad the media is getting on Zambrano because of this. Does make me think that Lou was a big part of the stupid childish shit this organization was doing in recent years and I’m a big Lou fan.
Gorzo pitched a nice game today.
In all honesty, my only complaint with Mike Quade is that he has had a tendency to leave his starter in too long, but that’s also a criticism I’m positive I’d have with many other managers. We could go to any team specific blog and find the same complaints.
I haven’t been a big fan of the lneups, but when you have Tony Campana, lou Montanez, Koyie HIll and Blake DeWitt in the same lineup it really doesn’t matter where you hit them. The lineup is going to suck.
By only complaint, I mean only complaint related to baseball. I could do without him talking nonstop, but that’s not affecting his ability to manage.
Brian Wilson just blew his second save in a row. This was a tough one, though. 1-run lead, 8th inning; runners on the corners.
[quote name=mb21]In all honesty, my only complaint with Mike Quade is that he has had a tendency to leave his starter in too long, but that’s also a criticism I’m positive I’d have with many other managers. We could go to any team specific blog and find the same complaints.
I haven’t been a big fan of the lneups, but when you have Tony Campana, lou Montanez, Koyie HIll and Blake DeWitt in the same lineup it really doesn’t matter where you hit them. The lineup is going to suck.[/quote]Eh, Sori and Soto are decent hitters, but for some reason tend to hit low in the order.
[quote name=Aisle424]He also never shuts the hell up, but that isn’t a baseball criticism.
He seems to handle the childish shit pretty well. I don’t have the exact quote, but I saw someone posted earlier that he said something like, “What, is Z supposed to go lay still in his bedroom all night?” or something like that when people were trying to stir things up about his softball lob last night. That’s awesome.[/quote]
Yeah, this is pretty much where I am. In fact, I think that I like the way he’s handled the public commentary about Zambrano more than I dislike any of the stuff I dislike. I am beginning to like the guy.
[quote name=ACT]Eh, Sori and Soto are decent hitters, but for some reason tend to hit low in the order.[/quote]
They have to produce runs, so they need to hit lower because the other guys are just setting the table.
I doubt lineup construction is a big deal (1-2 wins over the length of the season) but it still annoys me to this day (dying laughing) But like MB said above, the lineup is going to suck anyway so it’s a nitpick more than anything.
Honestly, if this were on the board in Vegas, Quade would probably be getting like 8:1.
The Giants are winning.
/second-team joy
[quote name=ACT]Eh, Sori and Soto are decent hitters, but for some reason tend to hit low in the order.[/quote]True, but I guess I don’t really care about lineup order.
No way the Cubs gain ground on KC today…Rockies destroying the Royals right now.
[quote name=Urk]Yeah, this is pretty much where I am. In fact, I think that I like the way he’s handled the public commentary about Zambrano more than I dislike any of the stuff I dislike. I am beginning to like the guy.[/quote]I am too. It’s a welcome change to have a manager just blow this stuff off as the nonsense that it is. I don’t think there’s a big enough difference from one manager to another in terms of strategy to make much of a difference so this is the kind of stuff I like.
[quote name=mb21]True, but I guess I don’t really care about lineup order.[/quote]
I think it’d matter more if the Cubs were an 85 win team trying to get to 87 to get to the playoffs, but right now, let him keep batting Barney second, it doesn’t really matter anyway.
Crud. Houston just blew their lead against the Red Sox. Can’t make up a game there either.
[quote name=GBTS]Honestly, if this were on the board in Vegas, Quade would probably be getting like 8:1.[/quote]Probably, but I’d assume if Vegas did it it would primarily be based on team record and not have anything to do with manager skill. I’m confident in suggesting a bet that large for two reasons: 1) I’m certain he’s not the worst and 2) what can we we use to measure it that would actually measure manager skill?
So Manny starts earning $2 million per year in deferred money from the Red Sox through 2026. (dying laughing)
[quote name=mb21]So Manny starts earning $2 million per year in deferred money from the Red Sox through 2026. (dying laughing)[/quote]
That is quite a supplement to his pension.
So I’ve been hearing all season how great Jose Reyes has been, but I just looked at his stat line in detail for the first time.
Uhhh, holy shit.
On pace for a 10 WAR season, no big deal.
[quote name=GBTS]On pace for a 10 WAR season, no big deal.[/quote]
Cool, let’s sign him.
[quote name=GBTS]So I’ve been hearing all season how great Jose Reyes has been, but I just looked at his stat line in detail for the first time.
Uhhh, holy shit.[/quote]Yeah, guy went from maybe a 3/30 deal to something worth over $100 million easily according to several executives.
Brian Wilson doesn’t like to throw strikes. This makes me sad.
It amazes me that the Giants still have the third best record in the NL.
The Peoria Chiefs really really suck…this is the third time this week, it seems, that a position player has had to finish up the game on the mound.
My problem with Quade: Koyie Hill should truly never see the field. Dude is a-w-f-u-l. Castillo should be playing, Hill should be cut.
Another thing about Quade is that he seems to get “outmanaged” more than Lou. I got really spoiled by Lou almost always getting the match-up he wanted in late game situations. If he wanted Jeff Baker facing a lefty, somehow he would manipulate things to get that to happen.
Quade has returned to the stuff I got used to with everyone else I ever have seen manage the Cubs. He puts in the righty to face the lefty, and the opposing manager brings in the side-arming righty to face him. It seemed like Lou hardly ever got caught in that situation.
I may just be biased though.
BJax —> three true outcomes: 2-for-4, HR, BB, K
[quote name=Steve Swisher]My problem with Quade: Koyie Hill should truly never see the field. Dude is a-w-f-u-l. Castillo should be playing, Hill should be cut.[/quote]Is that really up to Quade? Besides, Castillo’s minor league numbers look a lot like Koyie’s.
Giants very lucky to win that game. Bullpen and defense shaky.
Brian Wilson is having a down year.
If he makes the All-Star game ahead of Marshall and Marmol, I’ll be annoyed.
[quote name=ACT]If he makes the All-Star game ahead of Marshall and Marmol, I’ll be annoyed.[/quote]
Who’s the NL’s best closer? I don’t think either Marmol makes sense for the ASG, but Marshall does.
That double posting thing is weeeeeeeeeeeeeeird.
424, it’s important to remember that Lou had better teams than this one. Take last season as an example. The two managed mostly the same teams, but Quade’s team did much better in terms of wins and losses. That’s not a knock on Lou and it’s not saying Quade is a better manager. A lot can happen in a small sample, which is what happened, but this is the worst Cubs team entering a season since 2002. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a Cubs team this bad take the field on opening day. Even the 2006 team was projected to win 80 some games. That assumed somewhat healthy seasons for Wood and Prior and the Cubs didn’t get that, but it was a much better team on opening day.
Last season was the worst team Lou managed entering the season and he looked a lot worse than he did in his first 3 seasons. The talent on a team is going to make the manager look good or bad.
I think Sean Marshall is the Cubs representative in the ASG.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Who’s the NL’s best closer? I don’t think either Marmol makes sense, but Marshall does.[/quote]The leading relievers in fWAR are:
Kimbrell
Venters
Axford
Marshall
Hanrahan
Marmol
(not including today)
Obviously not an infallible list, but a pretty good one.
[quote name=mb21]I think Sean Marshall is the Cubs representative in the ASG.[/quote]Marshall and Marmol have both been really (almost equally) good. Marshall would be nice since a)he’s not a closer and b)he’s never been there before. Marshall deserves some recognition.
[quote name=mb21]424, it’s important to remember that Lou had better teams than this one. [/quote]
Absolutely, but it seemed that Lou managed to get the match-ups he wanted even if the match-up wasn’t all that great. He would burn Koyie Hill or something to make the opposing manager make the pitching change he wanted so he could send up the guy he really wanted.
This is not the difference between this team being good and not, but it is something I miss about Lou. Other managers seem to know what Quade is going to do before he does it. That wasn’t always true with Lou and I enjoyed that.
Wow, looking over reliever fWAR, I just realized how awesome the Braves’ bullpen is. Yowsa.
Didn’t read all posts, so congratulations to Ramirez for #300:
[quote name=Aisle424]Absolutely, but it seemed that Lou managed to get the match-ups he wanted even if the match-up wasn’t all that great. He would burn Koyie Hill or something to make the opposing manager make the pitching change he wanted so he could send up the guy he really wanted.
This is not the difference between this team being good and not, but it is something I miss about Lou. Other managers seem to know what Quade is going to do before he does it. That wasn’t always true with Lou and I enjoyed that.[/quote]
Yeah, I do kind of miss this too. I have a hard time imagining Quade putting Sean Marshall in left for a batter, which is my favorite Lou moment easily. Even if he thought of it, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t feel secure enough to do it.
But: Lou played Koyie a lot more than Quade has, DL time aside. And, I’m pretty sure that we wouldn’t have seen as much of Barney or Castro under Lou. Remember how few plate appearances Pie got before he got dropped to 8th or left out of the lineup entirely.
Castro was already a regular when Lou was still managing. As for Barney, meh. He’s not bad, but he’s probably no better than a DeWitt/Baker platoon would have been. And as far as future value goes, he’s about the same age and talent level as DeWitt.
I do like how little Koyie HIll has played when Soto has been healthy. Quade isn’t perfect. Far from it. But as far as I’m concerned, if he can continue to take these meaningless issues and treat them for what they are, I don’t have a problem. Twice now he’s responded to something that was nothing and treated it as nothing. I don’t remember the last manager to do that for the Cubs. It certainly wasn’t Baker and it definitely wasn’t Lou.
I think I know what you mean and I don’t disagree. I do think Quade is oversensitive with regards to whether or not he’s liked by the players. That can have its advantages. If the team is winning as it did last year under Quade I would imagine the clubhouse chemistry is incredible. Quade is definitely a player’s manager.
However, the idea that a guy is in over his head who has been coaching or managing professional baseball since 1985 and playing professionally since 1979 is just not believable.
[quote name=mb21]I think I know what you mean and I don’t disagree. I do think Quade is oversensitive with regards to whether or not he’s liked by the players. That can have its advantages. If the team is winning as it did last year under Quade I would imagine the clubhouse chemistry is incredible. Quade is definitely a player’s manager.
However, the idea that a guy is in over his head who has been coaching or managing professional baseball since 1985 and playing professionally since 1979 is just not believable.[/quote]
He probably has to make sure the players like him because if they don’t, he has such a short leash as it is that he won’t last very long once they revolt…
That could be, RC. I don’t think it’s going to work though. He’ll be fired after this season if not before it ends. I know 424 disagrees, but he’s wrong about EVERYTHING. It’s gonna happen!
I’m almost certain that he’s aware of that, assuming he’s not in over his head, but as long as the players still like him he can hold on to this job a little bit longer. Gives him time to polish the resume (dying laughing)
[quote name=mb21]That could be, RC. I don’t think it’s going to work though. He’ll be fired after this season if not before it ends. I know 424 disagrees, but he’s wrong about EVERYTHING. It’s gonna happen![/quote]
I’d bet my life that Quade and Hendry’s fate is tied together and I don’t think Hendry is going anywhere before the end of the season.
[quote name=Aisle424]I’d bet my life that Quade and Hendry’s fate is tied together and I don’t think Hendry is going anywhere before the end of the season.[/quote]Yeah, that sounds about right. What I do know is that if Hendry is fired or they have a new GM, Quade is gone. The new GM is going to get his own guy.
Here’s what I think happens for the one or two of you who care. Hendry fires Quade shortly after the season ends and then it’s announced that Hendry is going to become the team president and Crane Kenney will be gone. Hendry and Ricketts will search for a new GM and probably end up with Ned fucking Colletti even though Friedman is available.
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, that sounds about right. What I do know is that if Hendry is fired or they have a new GM, Quade is gone. The new GM is going to get his own guy.
Here’s what I think happens for the one or two of you who care. Hendry fires Quade shortly after the season ends and then it’s announced that Hendry is going to become the team president and Crane Kenney will be gone. Hendry and Ricketts will search for a new GM and probably end up with Ned fucking Colletti even though Friedman is available.[/quote]
The only part I disagree with is that Kenney will be gone. I think he is more of Ricketts’ guy than Hendry is. Hendry might get bumped up, but he’ll be VP of Baseball Operations or something.
Isn’t he already VP of Baseball Operations or something?
Yeah, he’s already VP of Baseball Ops: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/front_office.jsp?c_id=chc
I’m not sure Kenney is his guy. Keep in mind it was Ricketts who publicly stated that Kenney would no longer be involved in baseball decisions. He already demoted him in a way. I don’t know if that means he isn’t his guy, but I’m not sure he’s as attached to him as you do.
[quote name=ACT]Castro was already a regular when Lou was still managing. As for Barney, meh. He’s not bad, but he’s probably no better than a DeWitt/Baker platoon would have been. And as far as future value goes, he’s about the same age and talent level as DeWitt.[/quote]
I’m a little skeptical of whether Castro would have stayed in the lineup regularly thru any little slumps under Lou- though maybe it would have been better to rest him some. And I’m not saying that playing Barney more is better than a Dewitt/Baker platoon in terms of talent, but it seems like its better in terms of evaluating what Barney is or isn’t gonna do. Dewitt’s about the same age but he’s been in the majors longer, right? We already know what’s up with him. We probably do with Barney too, after this year.
don’t get me wrong, I liked Lou a lot, but I was pleasantly surprised to see Barney get the 2B job [for eval purposes] and to see Koyie sit more under Quade.
I agree with this. Another thing is that Quade hasn’t overreacted to any slumps. I was a big fan of Lou, but just look at Zambrano last year. Players under Lou were on a very short leash. Quade seems to understand sample size a lot better than Lou and probably better than anyone in the organization.
I don’t love Quade, but I don’t think he’s awful. If the team was actually good, i think he could be suitable as a manager. I’d 10x rather the Cubs hire Friedman next year and keep Quade than hire Coletti or some other old-school dude and then hire the biggest name best manager. I mean, I guess that’s obvious, but to me, the way Ricketts handles the transition to the next GM will really inform whether the Cubs are gonna be good anytime soon.
Castro slumped badly last June (.250 wOBA, shaky defense). He stilled played (literally) every game. I also think that his willingness to play Barney has more to his hot spring training and April (although he hasn’t put up great numbers since then). He won the job based on the “hot hand” philosophy. (That said, I’m not complaining about Barney playing; it’s not as though he’s taking time away from anyone valuable and his defense is certainly helping the team).
By “his willingness” I mean Quade’s, of course. I just realized that I switched from talking about Lou to Quade saying so.
I think part of Barney winning the 2nd base job was the hot hand, but according to some who covered the Cubs he had a good chance of winning the job out of spring training to begin with.
I’ve got mixed feelings about Cuey too. A manager’s job is to deflect the media’s childish bullshit from the players, and he’s done a fine job with that, and as MB pointed out Koyie has seen reduced playing time. At the same time though, his bullpen management can drive me nuts. Back on June 10 against the Phillies not only did he leave Z in too long (which as you say, is understandable), but after he had Z issue a IBB to pitch to Ryan Howard, who has notorious platoon splits, he left Z in despite the fact that there was a lefty warmed up in the pen. Z walked Howard, and then STILL stayed in to give up a grand slam to Polanco before the bullpen was called. It’s one thing to send a guy out for an extra inning, but Quade had three opportunities to give Z the hook there.
I had no problem with Cuey leaving Wells in yesterday, FWIW. He was cruising, and that rally was much more sudden than the slow death of that Phillies inning.
pulled pork for dinner tonight
/win
The game that most bothers me was last Saturday in KC. Maybe because I was there and actually paying close attention, but I actually thought John Grabow was Sean Marshall. It never occurred to me that it might be any other lefty at that point in the game. That was just unbelievable.
That being said, I can show you 30 managers who look clueless when it comes to using their bullpen.
I wasn’t watching yesterday’s game close enough, but i don’t really have a problem with leaving Wells in. If I was the manager there is no way any starter sees the lineup the 4th time around unless I need innings or the game is already won and there’s no stress on the pitcher. At that point, whatever. I don’t care how many pitches a starter throws in a 12-2 ballgame. If you take him out after 75, fine. If you need to get some relievers some work, go for it. If the relievers have been working nonstop, I don’t care if they leave him in for 130 or so. Unless it’s a young pitcher of course.
[quote name=Berselius]tamales for dinner tonight
/win[/quote].
[quote name=mb21]I think part of Barney winning the 2nd base job was the hot hand, but according to some who covered the Cubs he had a good chance of winning the job out of spring training to begin with.[/quote]Interesting. I was under the impression (mostly from Len and Bob, I guess) that it was very much on the bubble whether he would even make the roster, let alone get regular starts.
Anyway, looks like Mr. Faceguard is getting a start in CF today. Does this mean we’ve seen the last of Tony Campana (I hope)?
[quote name=ACT]Interesting. I was under the impression (mostly from Len and Bob, I guess) that it was very much on the bubble whether he would even make the roster, let alone get regular starts.[/quote]I’m writing something on Cubs prospects right now, but if I think about it later tonight I’ll try to find something. I do know that entering spring training Darwin Barney was more than a spring training roster filler. He had a legit shot at winning the position and did. If I recall, Quade announced fairly early on that Barney was going to be the primary 2nd baseman.
One can hope we’ve seen the last of him. About the only value I think he has if you’re a contending team and when rosters expand it’s nice to have a guy with that kind of speed. Other than that, he’s not very good.
[quote name=mb21]I’m writing something on Cubs prospects right now, but if I think about it later tonight I’ll try to find something. I do know that entering spring training Darwin Barney was more than a spring training roster filler. He had a legit shot at winning the position and did. If I recall, Quade announced fairly early on that Barney was going to be the primary 2nd baseman.[/quote]
From what I remember, Barney was a lock to get on the roster since he is the backup SS. The possibility that he could win the 2b job didn’t turn up until late in ST
(dying laughing), this is the first week in a long time where there isn’t a Saturday Rangers game on FOX, and the odds are a kabillion to one that I won’t be stuck with the subway series instead.
[quote name=mb21]One can hope we’ve seen the last of him. About the only value I think he has if you’re a contending team and when rosters expand it’s nice to have a guy with that kind of speed. Other than that, he’s not very good.[/quote]Yeah, when your sole value as a hitter is being able to run out weak grounders and bunts, you shouldn’t be getting many (if any) major league at-bats.
[quote name=Berselius]From what I remember, Barney was a lock to get on the roster since he is the backup SS. The possibility that he could win the 2b job didn’t turn up until late in ST[/quote]I think you’re right. He was given a spot on the roster very early (maybe even before games started), but then won the 2nd base job with his performance.
Sounds as though Montanez was sent down rather than Campana. It’s just as well, I guess.
lineup
Domey
Barn
Cassie
Rami
Los
Birdie
Sori
Sote
Garzie
@OVBlog @Manu_P_Mishra @hawkeyestate RT @Stephen__Nelson: The #Cubs have signed Dominican shortstop Enrique Acosta, who got a bonus of $1.1M
Was tweeted at my jtsunami
[quote name=Berselius]lineup
Domey
Barn
Cassie
Rami
Los
Birdie
Sori
Sote
Garzie[/quote]These nicknames still make me laugh.
Is he another son of Oscar Acosta?
Boneyard RPM IPA ————-> MO
Apparently Ari Kaplan is providing info for bcb now
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/7/2/2255429/chicago-cubs-chicago-white-sox-preview-saturday
[quote name=Mish]Was tweeted at my jtsunami[/quote]You own a jtsunami?
Bautista just smacked one off the window in Toronto (~440 ft.)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Bautista just smacked one off the window in Toronto (~440 ft.)[/quote]Against Halladay, no less. I’m starting to think he’s not a fluke.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2011/07/cubs-sign-enrique-acosta-for-1-1-million/
Reminds me of early scouting reports on Aramis.
[quote name=ACT]Against Halladay, no less. I’m starting to think he’s not a fluke.[/quote]There was an excellent piece on him by, I wanna say Poz, that broke down how this has a lot to do with some mechanical changes to his swing that the hitting coach in TOR made. It’s pretty fucking cool to see. The only guy I have ever seen that has comparable bat speed is Pujols, and maybe, maybe, a young A-Rod.
[quote name=GW]Apparently Ari Kaplan is providing info for bcb now
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/7/2/2255429/chicago-cubs-chicago-white-sox-preview-saturday/quoteThis is my favorite part:
I like how he says he’s replacement level and then posts a number (tOPS+) that compares his OPS in that particular split to his total OPS while the other one (sOPS+) compares him to the league’s split total OPS. In other words, he’s comparing Castro’s OPS in the 3rd spot to all other number 3 hitters.
new shit: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/minor-leagues/midseason-look-at-the-cubs-top-prospects-part-1.html