Starlin Castro is the best player the Cubs have, but he does some idiotic things on the baseball field that are going to destroy the Chicago Cubs if he doesn’t learn to stop.
I don’t care about his fielding. He could make an error a day every day for the rest of the season and I wouldn’t really mind. If he doesn’t hit another homer all year, I won’t care. Crawl to first base on a pop-up. I won’t say a word. But please, oh please, Starlin, if you can change one thing about your game, make it your inability to approach a base without scaring the crap out of me.
Tell me you’ve noticed this. When Castro slides into a base, he begins his slide about six feet too late. Maybe he believes what Kevin Goldstein said about his speed and is genuinely shocked at how soon he arrives at the base, I don’t know. But it’s ridiculous, no matter which scenario unfolds: the cleats jamming into the base at near top speed; the awkward contortion act as he reaches back for the base on the overslide; the fingers, face, and gut all plowing over the bag until only his toes claw at the very edge.
I’m not worried he’s going to slide badly into outs. I’m worried he’s going to put himself out of commission.
Call it hustle, fine. He’s more worried about getting to the base before the out than he is about arriving safely. Gritty. Gutsy. Dirty. Whatever. He’s going to get hurt and badly if no one teaches him better sliding technique. Still, that’s a gradual process, I guess. What really bothers me is the lesson that should be ridiculously easy.
Run through first base, Starlin.
At first it was kind of cute. Castro slams on the brakes the moment after he touches first base on a close play. I don’t know why. Is it his signature move? Is it so he’ll be better prepared to bolt to second if the throw gets away? Is it because he just can’t wait to see what the umpire’s call will be? Dunno. But it’s stupid.
In Sunday’s game, I’m pretty sure it cost the Cubs an out. Castro was out at first on a double play that, replays showed, should not have been. Castro beat the throw to first, but as he screeched to a halt and turned, he watched the umpire make the mistaken call. I don’t know if Starlin’s refusal to run hard through first slows him down at all prior to touching first, but I do think it may play tricks on the umpire’s eyes. Or maybe an ump or two just doesn’t like that he does it and calls him out on close plays on principle. I don’t really care. That’s not a big deal.
Seriously, I don’t care about the handful of outs that may or may not be at stake or the bad lessons Castro might be teaching our children. Mostly I’m worried it’s going to lead to him getting hurt. We saw last week Castro slipped and stumbled over a wet first base as he tried to stop. We saw Castro more recently lunge into first base on a close play (he was safe) as he brought himself to a halt. He didn’t get hurt, but it was more dangerous a play than I’d like to see.
Running to first base shouldn’t be that much of an adventure. Run past the base, Starlin. The rules allow for it. Really, it’s cool. You don’t need to stop two feet after first base, and you might want to slide a little sooner than two feet in front of second.
It’s no mystery that Starlin Castro is my favorite player, but I’m sick of his reckless tendencies around the bases. It shouldn’t be that hard to teach him. Everything I heard from Cubs coaches is that he’s an excellent and eager student of the game. I’d hope his next good lesson in sliding comes from Bobby Dernier and not from a stint on the 60-day DL.
I’m sure this will be what everyone is talking about all day today. (dying laughing)
I think it’s a huge leap to correlate the way he stops at first with the incorrect call by the ump. I have to say I think this is nonsense, blaming Castro for a wrong call. I’ve felt his sliding definitely needs work and I heard Dernier say the other day they don’t want him diving into first. He also mentioned that a lot of times a runner just does what comes natural to them and react. Castro is very young and raw and I think this post is definitely a huge over-reaction. There are finer points of his game that need development but to say he has “reckless tendencies” seems like a big exaggeration from your observation bias.
Personally, I’m very bothered by the manner in which Carlos Zambrano cuts his fingernails.
Also, I once saw Alfonso Soriano wearing white socks with a suit.
[quote name=melissa]I think it’s a huge leap to correlate the way he stops at first with the incorrect call by the ump. I have to say I think this is nonsense, blaming Castro for a wrong call. I’ve felt his sliding definitely needs work and I heard Dernier say the other day they don’t want him diving into first. He also mentioned that a lot of times a runner just does what comes natural to them and react. Castro is very young and raw and I think this post is definitely a huge over-reaction. There are finer points of his game that need development but to say he has “reckless tendencies” seems like a big exaggeration from your observation bias.[/quote]Sorry, Melissa, but that’s crap. He runs fast. He slides late. He slides awkwardly. That’s not observation bias. That’s just observation.
I won’t make a big point about the out/safe calls, and I said as much in the post. I will state my reason for my suspicion on it, though.
Umpires watch for the foot to hit the base and listen for the ball hitting the glove. They do this on every play. The way runners cross first or even lunge for first is pretty standard. When the action breaks from that routine motion, it makes it harder for an ump to make his call. Like the plays when a pitcher covers first and the throw is reaching the glove at almost the same time the pitcher’s foot and the runner’s foot reach first. It’s a much more difficult call for an ump to make.
Castro is the only player I’ve seen cross first the way he does. Sometimes he actually touches first with both the toe of his first foot and then the heel of the next as he goes to stop. It’s a different look, a different motion. I can see how it might throw off an umpire’s motion.
But that’s a lesser point. I’m more concerned that he’ll get hurt doing it, especially when he drags that back foot across the base as he stops. It’s just an altogether unnecessary risk.
[quote name=Aisle424]
[/quote]Shit, I hope this doesn’t mean we have to root for the Yankees again.
Don’t you like anything?
[quote name=melissa]I think it’s a huge leap to correlate the way he stops at first with the incorrect call by the ump. I have to say I think this is nonsense, blaming Castro for a wrong call. I’ve felt his sliding definitely needs work and I heard Dernier say the other day they don’t want him diving into first. He also mentioned that a lot of times a runner just does what comes natural to them and react. Castro is very young and raw and I think this post is definitely a huge over-reaction. There are finer points of his game that need development but to say he has “reckless tendencies” seems like a big exaggeration from your observation bias.[/quote]I’m backing AC here, even if he doth protest a little too much (he’s a wordy fuck).
I don’t think it’s a leap at all to think Castro’s unorthodox halt could impact the ump’s call, for either of the reasons AC mentions.
As for Dernier explaining that players do stuff on instinct, fuck that. Running through first base is a drill you do over and over again from a young age, so that it becomes a conditioned, natural action. If there’s a play at first, you need to be running through the bag so fast that you can’t stop for a few steps after.
I’ve also noticed the somewhat reckless sliding, and kind of enjoyed it, but I agree it should probably be addressed.
Buried at sea? Sure.
[quote name=fang2415]Shit, I hope this doesn’t mean we have to root for the Yankees again.[/quote]
Wait, I thought we had to root for the Yanks because of 9/11…
[quote name=Suburban Kid]I’m backing AC here, even if he doth protest a little too much (he’s a wordy fuck).
I don’t think it’s a leap at all to think Castro’s unorthodox halt could impact the ump’s call, for either of the reasons AC mentions.
As for Dernier explaining that players do stuff on instinct, fuck that. Running through first base is a drill you do over and over again from a young age, so that it becomes a conditioned, natural action. If there’s a play at first, you need to be running through the bag so fast that you can’t stop for a few steps after.
I’ve also noticed the somewhat reckless sliding, and kind of enjoyed it, but I agree it should probably be addressed.[/quote]I agree with you and AC as well. What Castro does as he runs through the base has an impact on what the umpire is going to call. I may be a small impact, but the more important point is as you guys have said: run through the fucking base.
If he continues to slide as he has he will get injured eventually.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]I’m backing AC here, even if he doth protest a little too much (he’s a wordy fuck).
[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Yes.
I should probably add that this is probably a drum I will beat this one time and move on. But since I generally have nothing but praise for Starlin Castro, I figured it was worth taking one shot at him for something relatively easy for him to control.
Jay Jackson: Sucked
Bert Jackson: Sucked
Vitters: Sucked
McNutt: You know
Rhee: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 K, 1 BB, 5-1 GO/AO
Rest of Daytona: Sucked
Kirk: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 7 K, 2 BB
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It was bittersweet learning of bin Laden’s death today. He’s dead and all, but the first thing that popped into my head was this:
Download | Convert YouTube to MP3
Apparently Wellemeyer is in the mix.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/5134049-573/cubs-todd-wellemeyer-getting-closer.html
Working on a bin Laden gif now…
[quote name=Jame Gumb]It was bittersweet learning of bin Laden’s death today. He’s dead and all, but the first thing that popped into my head was this:
Download | Convert YouTube to MP3
(dying laughing)
Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and thorn in the side of all Americans, young and old, was killed last night in Pakistan.
Unfortunately, the Cubs couldn’t slay their own personal bin Laden, Chase Field, where the club has gone 15-37 since the towers fell, including two playoff losses in 2007, and had to settle for a series split.
/Yellon’d
Who should be curb stomping bin Laden? Washington or Capt. America?
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Who should be curb stomping bin Laden? Washington or Capt. America?[/quote]
Can’t have both? I vote for Cap then.
I personally think George Washington would be funnier.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Can’t have both? I vote for Cap then.[/quote]
You were too slow.
[quote name=GBTS]Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and thorn in the side of all Americans, young and old, was killed last night in Pakistan.
Unfortunately, the Cubs couldn’t slay their own personal bin Laden, Chase Field, where the club has gone 15-37 since the towers fell, including two playoff losses in 2007, and had to settle for a series split.
/Yellon’d[/quote]Please tell me he did not say that.
[quote name=GBTS]I personally think George Washington would be funnier.[/quote]
GBTS was correct.
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
[quote name=AndCounting](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Yes.
I should probably add that this is probably a drum I will beat this one time and move on. But since I generally have nothing but praise for Starlin Castro, I figured it was worth taking one shot at him for something relatively easy for him to control.[/quote]The whole thing is that it’s easier to just run through the base. Some people are clueless when it comes to sliding so I wouldn’t expect him to get better at that. It shows how good he is when one of the things that stands out is how he runs through the bases or that he can’t slide.
[quote name=mb21]Please tell me he did not say that.[/quote]No, he did not. But I love that you actually think he might have.
It seemed like something Alvin would say.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Apparently Wellemeyer is in the mix.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/5134049-573/cubs-todd-wellemeyer-getting-closer.html/quoteBetter than Russell
Soriano is ridiculous. He’s posting a .373 wOBA with a .277 OBP (dying laughing)
dj, I LOVED the Kaepernick pick. I thought he was a guy Harbaugh was looking at because of his athleticism and toughness. I bet you’ll be getting one of these in two years:
[quote name=Mish]Soriano is ridiculous. He’s posting a .373 wOBA with a .277 OBP (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) that doesn’t seem possible
It cracks me up to read all the people saying that Kaepernick isn’t the best fit for Harbaugh’s offense.
Uuuhhhhh, who the fuck do you think picked him?
(dying laughing)
JG I just noticed the eagle tattoo on Washington.
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing)
JG I just noticed the eagle tattoo on Washington.[/quote]Dude had street cred to consider, GBTS.
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing)
JG I just noticed the eagle tattoo on Washington.[/quote]
I couldn’t leave the swastika there. It wouldn’t have had the same effect.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I couldn’t leave the swastika there. It wouldn’t have had the same effect.[/quote]That’s exactly why I went back and looked again.
(dying laughing)
http://www.hulu.com/watch/182718/saturday-night-live-i-sleep-pro
(dying laughing)
Lou:
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/5598
Who’s the cock on the board?
Any thoughts on Chris Culliver? Seems like a safety, but SF brass is indicating he’s a corner? How is he in press/zone?
JG what about George stuffing bin Laden in a wood chipper? Do you see Buscemi’s face ever in that scene? I can’t remember.
Sweetspot blog.
[quote name=GBTS]JG what about George stuffing bin Laden in a wood chipper? Do you see Buscemi’s face ever in that scene? I can’t remember.[/quote]
It was just his leg, GBTS.
Remember when I said after the Carimi pick that Angelo would fuck up the draft?
Rd. 2: Undersized, high-motor DT coming off a knee injury.
Rd. 3: Converted CB/FS from Cal.
Rd. 4 & 5: dealt to move up and get Paea.
Rd. 6: Undersized LB with character and strength issues.
Rd. 7: Scrub QB from Idaho.
Even when he’s doing it right, he’s doing it wrong.
[quote name=GBTS]JG what about George stuffing bin Laden in a wood chipper? Do you see Buscemi’s face ever in that scene? I can’t remember.[/quote]
I’ll be taking suggestions all day.
JG, how about the scene at the end of True Lies where Ah-nuld fires the missile with the terrorist guy hanging from it?
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Remember when I said after the Carimi pick that Angelo would fuck up the draft?
Rd. 2: Undersized, high-motor DT coming off a knee injury.
Rd. 3: Converted CB/FS from Cal.
Rd. 4 & 5: dealt to move up and get Paea.
Rd. 6: Undersized LB with character and strength issues.
Rd. 7: Scrub QB from Idaho.
Even when he’s doing it right, he’s doing it wrong.[/quote]
Paea isn’t known for penetration, but he’s a good DT.
You’ll like Conte. I was hoping SF would draft him. Slight reach, though.
Enderle…well, he’s developmental.
[quote name=Rice Cube]JG, how about the scene at the end of True Lies where Ah-nuld fires the missile with the terrorist guy hanging from it?[/quote]
Since I do have some work to do today, I’ll be limiting suggestions to existing gifs (i.e. Give me the gif and I’ll fix it).
/asshole
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I’ll be taking suggestions all day.[/quote]If we’re talking Fargo scenes, I wouldn’t mind seeing George as Shep Proudfoot giving a belt-whooping to OBL.
suggestion redacted.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Since I do have some work to do today, I’ll be limiting suggestions to existing gifs (i.e. Give me the gif and I’ll fix it).
/asshole[/quote]
Let’s see what we can dig up then to accommodate your busy work schedule.
Here ya go…
http://www.gifsoup.com/view/687790/true-lies.html
Takes a bit to load.
This as an alternative…
http://www.gifsoup.com/view/682452/true-lies.html
Which Cub has two home runs? I didn’t think any had more than one other than Soriano.
I’ve seen Conte play. He had maybe the game of his life vs. Oregon, in fact. But he strikes me as a poor man’s Archuleta, at best. That was a Lovie pick, all the way.
Paea…I dunno. He’s a classic Angelo DT, and I’ll defer to JA’s expertise here, as he’s had good success picking DT, but after making exactly the right pick in the first, I can’t help but be wholly underwhelmed by the rest of the draft.
[quote name=mb21]Which Cub has two home runs? I didn’t think any had more than one other than Soriano.[/quote]
Soto should have two now.
[quote name=mb21]Which Cub has two home runs? I didn’t think any had more than one other than Soriano.[/quote]Pena will keep bunting until one of them trickles through for an inside-the-parker.
Of the top of my head, I think Soto, Colvin, and Baker have two.
I don’t remember Soto hitting any. I remember one for Colvin and Baker. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mish]Soriano is ridiculous. He’s posting a .373 wOBA with a .277 OBP (dying laughing)[/quote]
And a .243 BABIP when his hits stay in the yard (dying laughing)
No to Baker, just Soto and Colvin.
[quote name=mb21]Which Cub has two home runs? I didn’t think any had more than one other than Soriano.[/quote]Soto and Colvin have 2.
Soto hit one in Milwaukee that would’ve kept going if not for the big wall in center field. Also hit one against AZ, one batter after Soriano’s homer.
I was at a game where Colvin homered, and I know I also saw him hit one on TV. Also I know Soto homered in Arizona, and I just assumed he had at least one before that.
Other than that, I can only think of like 3 non-Soriano home runs off the top of my head: Castro in CO, Koyie in AZ, and Reed’s game-winner. That’s it.
(dying laughing) This team fucking blows.
Oh, Zambrano had a bad ass home run in Houston too. That one should count as two.
I was at Wrigley when Darwin fucking Barney homered. Had to rub my eyes after that to make sure it really happened.
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing) This team fucking blows.[/quote]Let’s See What Happens
[quote name=GBTS]I was at a game where Colvin homered, and I know I also saw him hit one on TV. Also I know Soto homered in Arizona, and I just assumed he had at least one before that.
Other than that, I can only think of like 3 non-Soriano home runs off the top of my head: Castro in CO, Koyie in AZ, and Reed’s game-winner. That’s it.[/quote]
I think Aramis Ramirez has one, but I can’t remember when. Also Darwin Barney hit that basket-caught one against the Rockies in CHC.
[quote name=GBTS]Oh, Zambrano had a bad ass home run in Houston too. That one should count as two.[/quote]
It would also have kept going if that balcony hadn’t gotten in the way.
If someone had told me before the season started that nearly 30% of Pena’s hits at this point in the season were bunts, I’d have laughed.
I vaguely remember Z’s home run. Didn’t it go 440 feet or something?
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13763535
[quote name=mb21]If someone had told me before the season started that nearly 30% of Pena’s hits at this point in the season were bunts, I’d have laughed.[/quote]If nothing else, It shows how pointless it is for him to do it. He’s been bunting against the shift for at least 3 seasons, and it hasn’t stopped a single team from shifting against him. (dying laughing)
Yeah, it went about 440 feet before it broke the sound barrier.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I’ll be taking suggestions all day.[/quote]We thank you for doing your part in the war on terror.
[quote name=GBTS]Oh, Zambrano had a bad ass home run in Houston too. That one should count as two.[/quote]
It would have been 2 HRs on the moon.
I think Soriano’s HR off the Dbacks scoreboard is the longest one for any Cub this year. That was a bomb.
Hey MB, Soriano has the most Cubs HRs in the month of April (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]I think Soriano’s HR off the Dbacks scoreboard is the longest one for any Cub this year. That was a bomb.[/quote]http://www.hittrackeronline.com/top_true_distance.php
5th in all of baseball this year.
[quote name=Berselius]It would have been 2 HRs on the moon.[/quote]
Achievement of orbit would be impressive.
Here’s #1 this season, so far.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14276275
Oh em gee.
[quote name=GBTS]Here’s #1 this season, so far.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14276275
Oh em gee.[/quote]
By Grapthar’s Hammer….what a blast.
[quote name=Berselius]Hey MB, Soriano has the most Cubs HRs in the month of April (dying laughing)[/quote]But how many hits did he have in the ’90′s?
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]If nothing else, It shows how pointless it is for him to do it. He’s been bunting against the shift for at least 3 seasons, and it hasn’t stopped a single team from shifting against him. (dying laughing)[/quote]I disagree. The percentage of his bunts for hits over the last 3 years is about 70% or higher. He should bunt every single time he comes to the plate until they stop the absurd shit they use. He’s obviously a good enough bunter. I’d be thrilled if he didn’t swing away until the defense made significant adjustments. He’d lead the league in hitting (avg, obp, slg, wOBA).
[quote name=GBTS]Here’s #1 this season, so far.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14276275
Oh em gee.[/quote]Ye gods.
I wonder if Carlos Pena wants to hit the open market in 2012 after batting .700 with 0 extra base hits.
[quote name=mb21]I disagree. The percentage of his bunts for hits over the last 3 years is about 70% or higher. He should bunt every single time he comes to the plate until they stop the absurd shit they use. He’s obviously a good enough bunter. I’d be thrilled if he didn’t swing away until the defense made significant adjustments. He’d lead the league in hitting (avg, obp, slg, wOBA).[/quote]I would never watch another baseball game if that happened.
[quote name=GBTS]I wonder if Carlos Pena wants to hit the open market in 2012 after batting .700 with 0 extra base hits.[/quote]And on this Cubs team, 0 runs scored. (dying laughing)
[quote name=mb21]I disagree. The percentage of his bunts for hits over the last 3 years is about 70% or higher. He should bunt every single time he comes to the plate until they stop the absurd shit they use. He’s obviously a good enough bunter. I’d be thrilled if he didn’t swing away until the defense made significant adjustments. He’d lead the league in hitting (avg, obp, slg, wOBA).[/quote]
Agreed. If the defense is basically giving you a base in every PA, you take it until they stop.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]And on this Cubs team, 0 runs scored. (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]Hey MB, Soriano has the most Cubs HRs in the month of April (dying laughing)[/quote]I heard that one too and thought it was absurd, but I remember the seasons starting at the same time when Sosa played. The thing that bothered me about the whole Garza April strikeout record for the Cubs was that I remembered how ridiculously dominating Kerry Wood was in April, 2001. I didn’t bother to compare it to other pitchers because I knew he wasn’t close to what Kerry Wood accomplished.
[quote name=Berselius]Agreed. If the defense is basically giving you a base in every PA, you take it until they stop.[/quote]I’m getting infuriated just thinking about this.
I think it’s a true testament to how horrible this Cubs team is right now that we’re discussing whether the guy that was signed to be the lefty masher in this lineup should bunt in every AB or not. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]Agreed. If the defense is basically giving you a base in every PA, you take it until they stop.[/quote]Is that what Microsoft Excel computed, faget?
[quote name=Berselius]Agreed. If the defense is basically giving you a base in every PA, you take it until they stop.[/quote]Yeah, this is one of those situations where the announcers (even the dumb ones) are right about. If you’re going to put a shift on vs a lefty the batter should bunt every time. It’s an easy decision. There is no possible way for him to be of more value swinging away.
I like that fewer outs are wasted trying to bunt, but at the same time more outs are wasted because lefties let them put that shift on.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Ye gods.[/quote]If this thread proves nothing else, it settles this one: chicks dig the long ball.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’m getting infuriated just thinking about this.[/quote]
Why are you so pissed off? I don’t think they shift (or at least, not as much) when there are runners on base. I’m pulling the numbers out of my ass here because I don’t have time to do a study on a RE table but even if he succeeds 50% of the time on these bunts it still has more run value than him swinging away at his projected true talent rates.
MO is like those cunts in the 1890s who thought only assholes bunted and curve balls were beyond the pale in terms of bad sportsmanship.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]
[/quote]
I like how much George looks like pissed-off Ah-nuld and Osama looks liked dead Bill Paxton. Well done.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]MO is like those cunts in the 1890s who thought only assholes bunted and curve balls were beyond the pale in terms of bad sportsmanship.[/quote]Huzzah!
/waxes handlebar mustache
What’s bizarre to me is that they continue to employ the shift against Pena. I can’t recall seeing the shift work against him this season (by my recollection every at bat has been either a walk, strike out, warning-track fly, or bunt). It’s as though all parties involved have abandoned all reason.
[quote name=Berselius]Why are you so pissed off? I don’t think they shift (or at least, not as much) when there are runners on base. I’m pulling the numbers out of my ass here because I don’t have time to do a study on a RE table but even if he succeeds 50% of the time on these bunts it still has more run value than him swinging away at his projected true talent rates.[/quote]Because Pena isn’t here to bunt. He’s here to mash. And despite all his bunting, teams still shift on him, and he’s no improved the Cubs’ ability to score runs one whit. I understand the probabilities. I know the numbers are on the side of putting men on base. But I just hate bunts. I hate them. If I managed, I would have my pitchers throw the ball straight at the face of anyone who squared around. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]Why are you so pissed off? I don’t think they shift (or at least, not as much) when there are runners on base. I’m pulling the numbers out of my ass here because I don’t have time to do a study on a RE table but even if he succeeds 50% of the time on these bunts it still has more run value than him swinging away at his projected true talent rates.[/quote]
Let’s say Pujols came to the plate and bunted every time up. We knew he was going to get a bunt hit 50% of the time. A minimum of 10 errors would occur allowing him to reach base. That’s a wOBA of .463. His career high is lower than that. Bonds had 6 seasons higher so we wouldn’t want him bunting every single time he came up unless his success rate was a bit higher than 50%.
If Pena was successful 60% it would be a wOBA of .553. If they continued to have the shift on him the way they currently do I’m confident he’d be successful 70% of the time or better. Consider he’ll only become a better and better bunter so his success rate will continue to go up. At 70% he’ll hit .700/.700/.700 with a wOBA of .643.
If defenses continue to shift him like they do, bunting is the thing to do.
[quote name=AndCounting]What’s bizarre to me is that they continue to employ the shift against Pena. I can’t recall seeing the shift work against him this season (by my recollection every at bat has been either a walk, strike out, warning-track fly, or bunt). It’s as though all parties involved have abandoned all reason.[/quote]FWIW, I think the shift is a dumb as the bunt. But this yet another case where the numbers are against me. I’m content to harbor certain irrational beliefs. (dying laughing)
[quote name=AndCounting]What’s bizarre to me is that they continue to employ the shift against Pena. I can’t recall seeing the shift work against him this season (by my recollection every at bat has been either a walk, strike out, warning-track fly, or bunt). It’s as though all parties involved have abandoned all reason.[/quote]I think he’ll start bunting more if they don’t move over. I hope so anyway.
[quote name=mb21]Let’s say Pujols came to the plate and bunted every time up. We knew he was going to get a bunt hit 50% of the time. A minimum of 10 errors would occur allowing him to reach base. That’s a wOBA of .463. His career high is lower than that. Bonds had 6 seasons higher so we wouldn’t want him bunting every single time he came up unless his success rate was a bit higher than 50%.
If Pena was successful 60% it would be a wOBA of .553. If they continued to have the shift on him the way they currently do I’m confident he’d be successful 70% of the time or better. Consider he’ll only become a better and better bunter so his success rate will continue to go up. At 70% he’ll hit .700/.700/.700 with a wOBA of .643.
If defenses continue to shift him like they do, bunting is the thing to do.[/quote]I get the numbers. I’m no dummy. But I hate bunts. Swing the fucking bat. Old Hoss Radburn and Mens Fitness agree. (dying laughing)
You’re doing it wrong, you’re supposed to posit those beliefs as unassailable fact. Then when these statfags show evidence to the contrary you get real smug and ad hominem.
C’mon MO, you’re better than that.
[quote name=mb21]I think he’ll start bunting more if they don’t move over. I hope so anyway.[/quote]Someone said it here, and I’m starting to think it’s true: Pena is D-O-N-E and the bunt might be his only shot at getting on base. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Because Pena isn’t here to bunt. He’s here to mash. And despite all his bunting, teams still shift on him, and he’s no improved the Cubs’ ability to score runs one whit. I understand the probabilities. I know the numbers are on the side of putting men on base. But I just hate bunts. I hate them. If I managed, I would have my pitchers throw the ball straight at the face of anyone who squared around. (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) (dying laughing)
FWIW, I don’t think Pena is in Chicago to mash. I think he’s in Chicago to produce. It doesn’t matter to me how he does it.
I actually like the shift. There was a play in the Dbacks series where the Cubs had a slight shift on and a rocket grounder was hit directly at Castro. Easily a base hit if there wasn’t a shift.
As for teams not stopping the shift it just means he’s not bunting enough. I know you hate that, but that’s what it means. Hopefully someone will tell him that.
[quote name=GBTS]You’re doing it wrong, you’re supposed to posit those beliefs as unassailable fact. Then when these statfags show evidence to the contrary you get real smug and ad hominem.
C’mon MO, you’re better than that.[/quote]You’re an asshat.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Someone said it here, and I’m starting to think it’s true: Pena is D-O-N-E and the bunt might be his only shot at getting on base. (dying laughing)[/quote]I think he’s done as well.
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) (dying laughing)
FWIW, I don’t think Pena is in Chicago to mash. I think he’s in Chicago to produce. It doesn’t matter to me how he does it.
I actually like the shift. There was a play in the Dbacks series where the Cubs had a slight shift on and a rocket grounder was hit directly at Castro. Easily a base hit if there wasn’t a shift.
As for teams not stopping the shift it just means he’s not bunting enough. I know you hate that, but that’s what it means. Hopefully someone will tell him that.[/quote]Seriously, how bad is this team when we’re having this conversation? (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Seriously, how bad is this team when we’re having this conversation? (dying laughing)[/quote]Pretty bad, but they’d be better if Pena bunted every time up. (dying laughing)
(dying laughing) If Pena gets on base 70% of the time at the bottom of the order, I guess I’m okay with Soto batting 8th.
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing) If Pena gets on base 70% of the time at the bottom of the order, I guess I’m okay with Soto batting 8th.[/quote](dying laughing), I think we’ve finally deduced Quade’s lineup construction philosophy.
I’m probably wrong about the shift not working. Pena has a 21.4% line drive percentage (higher than any single season in his career). 61.9% of the balls he has put in play have been either line drives or grounders. His BABIP is .250. That seems outlandishly low.
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing) If Pena gets on base 70% of the time at the bottom of the order, I guess I’m okay with Soto batting 8th.[/quote]Soto would have about 270 RBI.
[quote name=mb21]Soto would have about 2 or 288 RBI.[/quote]
.
[quote name=AndCounting]I’m probably wrong about the shift not working. Pena has a 21.4% line drive percentage (higher than any single season in his career). 61.9% of the balls he has put in play have been either line drives or grounders. His BABIP is .250. That seems outlandishly low.[/quote]A quick estimate for expected BABIP is LD% +.12 so that would be an expected BABIP of .334. He’s definitely been unlucky.
Correct.
Right on cue, Fangraphs: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/whats-wrong-with-carlos-pena/
For all the Niner fans, here’s my SF shadow draft.
1. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC – Unless SF was scared off by the tumor. Then I’m good with Smith, especially if they couldn’t trade back.
2. Kaepernick – Harbaugh knows QBs, so I won’t second guess him. I happened to think he had the most upside in the draft at QB.
3. Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah St. – Showed a lot as a recent position switch with room to improve.
4. Hunter – They wanted a COB back, and Hunter is it. Plus, he could replace Gore if needed.
5. DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas – A lot of ability there.
6. Johnson – Position coach vouched for him. What do I know?
6. Jerrell Power, NT, Miss – Take a chance on a talented kid here.
7. Greg Romeus, DE/OLB, Pitt – A first-round talent plagued by injury.
7. Stanley Havili, FB, USC – They obvously wanted one, so why not take one instead of a DE to convert?
7. Kai Forbath, K, UCLA – Nedney ain’t getting any younger. Mostly because that’s impossible.
Sounds like we’re going to try to add a UDFA QB as well.
The BBWAA would have Pena killed if he threatened Dimaggio’s hit streak record with 50+ bunts.
Patriotism chubby?
I think the Cubs end up releasing Pena sometime in early June.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Patriotism chubby?[/quote]The correct and acceptable form is patriotism erection.
Hits close to home?
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Patriotism chubby?[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
[quote name=mb21]The correct and acceptable form is patriotism erection.[/quote]
Patriapriapism.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Patriapriapism.[/quote]Unacceptable. Thank you.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Patriapriapism.[/quote]Standing at attention.
It was inappropriate because Alvin hates America, but loves boners.
[quote name=GBTS]It was inappropriate because Alvin hates America, but loves boners.[/quote]The political erotica will stop NOW.
[quote name=Mish]
[/quote]I first read it as “He dead,” Hawk Harrelson style.
http://nymag.com/news/sports/games/bud-selig-2011-5/
[quote name=GBTS]It was inappropriate because Alvin hates America, but loves boners.[/quote]
The next BCB poster…
[quote name=Jame Gumb]The next BCB poster…
If someone will sign up at BCB as Boner, I’ll make you any avatar you want.
[quote name=mb21]I think the Cubs end up releasing Pena sometime in early June.[/quote]Baker there full time, or platooned with Colvin?
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Baker there full time, or platooned with Colvin?[/quote]Hoffpauir will have saved his face by then and will return to his rightful place on this team.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Hoffpauir will have saved his face by then and will return to his rightful place on this team.[/quote]Not funny. You’ve been warned.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Baker there full time, or platooned with Colvin?[/quote]
That is so un-Quade though to not have a moroon.
[quote name=Rice Cube]That is so un-Quade though to not have a moroon.[/quote]Platoon Colvin with him to employ the rare Triangle Moroon.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Platoon Colvin with him to employ the rare Triangle Moroon.[/quote]
First-pitch outs FTW.
^^^ Counting strikeouts in 1952 is something mb recently enjoyed.
ESPN.com mobile’s “Did you know” is Castro is first SS with 3 errors in one inning since Aaron Miles.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/02/bin-ladens-death-could-raise-stakes-in-the-lockout/
[quote name=Mish]
[/quote]
Fixed.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Fixed.[/quote]What kind of outfit is that?
[quote name=Suburban Kid]What kind of outfit is that?[/quote]Blue Jays jersey, but he’s got a long-sleeved collared shirt on underneath. That’s what throws you off.
Fixed further.
Some of you will get the shit out of that image. I’m thinking one or two at the most.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]What kind of outfit is that?[/quote]
It’s papal. Well, it’s quasi-papal.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Fixed further.
Some of you will get the shit out of that image. I’m thinking one or two at the most.[/quote]That’s a sweet quasi-papal outfit, but it needs more Inspector Javert and Brainy Smurf.
Now let’s get back to finger painting before nap time.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Brainy Smurf.[/quote]
Thank you.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Now let’s get back to finger painting before nap time.[/quote]That fucking waste of skin still doesn’t know the difference between fact and opinion.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Fixed further.
Some of you will get the shit out of that image. I’m thinking one or two at the most.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
I really miss Bad News Cubs.
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5695819/hawk-on-oog-and-bbtf
[quote name=Lukas]I really miss Bad News Cubs.[/quote]
Me too. Best Cubs blog out there.
Idiots, fucking idiots.
Outstanding, JG. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Jame Gumb]http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5695819/hawk-on-oog-and-bbtf[/quote]
Awesome. I was going to just watch that for 30 seconds. But it’s way too funny. (dying laughing)
That might have been my favorite line. (dying laughing)
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5695603/the-hawk-on-maddog
[quote name=Jame Gumb]http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5695819/hawk-on-oog-and-bbtf[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5699187/bbtf
It’s the music that really makes it.
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5699055/tyger-v-hawk
Whitenack was human today. 5 IP 4 ER 6-4 GO-FO
Vitters 2-4 2B HR
[quote name=jtsunami]Vitters 2-4 2B HR[/quote]I’m beginning to think Vitters = Rob Deer.
auxiliary stuff: interview with Brett Jackson
http://www.obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/cubs/brett-jackson-on-talkin-baseball.html
[quote name=GBTS]
[/quote]
Cam had the kid turn his watch into a TV.
/Reggie White
[quote name=jtsunami]Whitenack was human today. 5 IP 4 ER 6-4 GO-FO[/quote]
Apparently, the news of Zambrano’s 4/18 start never reached Hobbiton:
Paul Sullivan is without a doubt the worst baseball writer I have ever come across. Not only is he frightfully stupid and wildly uncreative, he is a spiteful, vindictive little jackass that not only refuses to acknowledge his mistakes, but persists in them as if they were a matter of honor.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Apparently, the news of Zambrano’s 4/18 start never reached Hobbiton:
Paul Sullivan is without a doubt the worst baseball writer I have ever come across. Not only is he frightfully stupid and wildly uncreative, he is a spiteful, vindictive little jackass that not only refuses to acknowledge his mistakes, but persists in them as if they were a matter of honor.[/quote]
Correct, and Christ on Sully’s what-I-assume-to-be intentional omission of Z’s start.
[quote name=Mish]Correct, and Christ on Sully’s what-I-assume-to-be intentional omission of Z’s start.[/quote]Seriously, couple this with his admission on live TV that he gives slanted coverage of players he feels have slighted him in some way, and his inexplicable refusal to publish the correct figures on the Silva release, and this is a man who should be fired for repeated violations of the most basic tenets of journalistic integrity.
[quote name=Mish]Correct, and Christ on Sully’s what-I-assume-to-be intentional omission of Z’s start.[/quote]
Z was pitching those last 2 innings using the money on Silva’s contract, so the NDB didn’t count it (dying laughing)
^ (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Seriously, couple this with his admission on live TV that he gives slanted coverage of players he feels have slighted him in some way, and his inexplicable refusal to publish the correct figures on the Silva release, and this is a man who should be fired for repeated violations of the most basic tenets of journalistic integrity.[/quote]
Sadly, I feel I could say this about many, many journalists, sports and otherwise.
[quote name=Berselius]Z was pitching those last 2 innings using the money on Silva’s contract, so the NDB didn’t count it (dying laughing)[/quote]Paul Sullivan’s only permissible line of employment should be washing and pressing Ronnie Woo-Woo’s uniform.
[quote name=Mish]Correct, and Christ on Sully’s what-I-assume-to-be intentional omission of Z’s start.[/quote]It’s pretty bad for a journalist to not fact check his work, but I wouldn’t have known he was full of shit unless someone (berselius?) pointed out a few days ago. I didn’t remember Z pitching 8 innings. I can see how he made the mistake. The issue is that it would have taken about 3 minutes of research to get it correct.
[quote name=Mish]Sadly, I feel I could say this about many, many journalists, sports and otherwise.[/quote]True. But at least most of those people have the excuse of having been compromised by money; Sullivan does this shit because he can.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Seriously, couple this with his admission on live TV that he gives slanted coverage of players he feels have slighted him in some way, and his inexplicable refusal to publish the correct figures on the Silva release, and this is a man who should be fired for repeated violations of the most basic tenets of journalistic integrity.[/quote]I still can’t believe he admitted that, MO. That was grounds for firing on the spot. He should not have had a job after he admitted that. Unbelievable.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Paul Sullivan’s only permissible line of employment should be washing and pressing Ronnie Woo-Woo’s uniform.[/quote](dying laughing)
[quote name=mb21]It’s pretty bad for a journalist to not fact check his work, but I wouldn’t have known he was full of shit unless someone (berselius?) pointed out a few days ago. I didn’t remember Z pitching 8 innings. I can see how he made the mistake. The issue is that it would have taken about 3 minutes of research to get it correct.[/quote]
He’s a baseball writer. It is quite literally his fucking job to know that information. You aren’t being paid to know this stuff. Sullivan is.
[quote name=AndCounting]
[/quote]false
[quote name=mb21]I still can’t believe he admitted that, MO. That was grounds for firing on the spot. He should not have had a job after he admitted that. Unbelievable.[/quote]I’m still amazed by that. I’m glad we got that transcribed.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]He’s a baseball writer. It is quite literally his fucking job to know that information. You aren’t being paid to know this stuff. Sullivan is.[/quote]Exactly, MO.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’m still amazed by that. I’m glad we got that transcribed.[/quote]
Link please?
[quote name=mb21]Exactly, MO.[/quote]Sullivan ignoring/not knowing this information is the type of thing that he would fucking ROAST say, Soriano, for doign on the diamond. Say Soriano hit a HR and then forgot to touch 2B and was called out. That’s pretty much what Sullivan just did in his own line of work.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Link please?[/quote]We’ve chronicled Sullivan’s douchebaggery since 2009. Just scroll down and read up: http://www.anothercubsblog.org/index.php/search/results/832ddcf28b01fc4e2816c865e1911960/
For those not wanting to click through, here’s what Sullivan said, on live TV, being interviewed by Len and Bob in ST of ’09:
Yet another case of Sully failing to find facts: http://www.anothercubsblog.org/index.php/site/comments/paul-sullivan-has-a-truth-problem/
Preview up: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/previews/series-preview-chicago-cubs-12-15-at-los-angeles-dodgers-of-los-angeles-14-15.html
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Sullivan ignoring/not knowing this information is the type of thing that he would fucking ROAST say, Soriano, for doign on the diamond. Say Soriano hit a HR and then forgot to touch 2B and was called out. That’s pretty much what Sullivan just did in his own line of work.[/quote]This implies Sullivan’s columns are home runs. I think the better analogy is imagine what Sully would do if Alfonso Soriano ran to third base on a single.