Today the Cubs announced the firing of Jim Hendry. Four weeks ago. Hendry himself called it one of the best-kept secrets in Cubs history (the others: the formula for a championship, why we keep watching, and how to remove the smell of urine from concrete). Shortly after learning that the biggest story of the season had eluded the beat writers’ collective Woodward-and-Bernstein gaze, Bruce Miles tweeted this:
That’s right. Nothing gets past the Chicago media. No way will the Ricketts family be able to prevent the crack squad of investigative journalists from tracking down a story so important as the status of the Cubs GM job. No sir. And to prove their deductive powers, the men covering the Cubs beat have launched a relentless sweep of the Chicago baseball landscape. No secret is safe. No clue can hide. They don’t know the definition of the word mystery. Here are some of the stories that couldn’t get past the power of the press wielded daily, bringing otherwise unknowable information from the Wrigley press box to the clubhouse to your unsuspecting eyes:
Carlos Zambrano‘s anger journal entry from June 5, 2011: “We stinks.”
Contrary to his résumé, Todd Ricketts has yet to win a Nobel Prize.
The numbers on LOST don’t mean anything.
Alfonso Soriano has lost a step.
Beer at Wrigley is expensive.
Mike Quade likes nicknames.
Dallas has been canceled.
The Ricketts family owns the Cubs. Trust us. Not just anyone could have gotten to the bottom of this one.
Kerry Wood could be looking at arm trouble that might tarnish the outlook of his otherwise promising career.
Anne Frank is hiding in the attic.
Technically, we actually have seen Bruce Wayne and Batman in the same room.
The Cubs’ chances of contention in 2011 are iffy.
Kosuke’s gone.
So is Lou Brock.
Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A
Dewey defeated Truman.
Oh wait . . .
Gladiator! Gladiator!
Carlos Silva‘s exit from the Cubs: not that much more glamorous than Milton Bradley‘s.
Ryne Sandberg might not be the lock for the Cubs managerial position we all thought he was.
Keith Moreland struggles with the pronunciation of Carlos Pena.
When the wind blows in, Wrigley becomes a harder place to hit home runs.
As noted above, we’re no longer calling it Weeghman Park.
Bruce Willis is dead.
Prince William and Kate are anxious to have children.
Jim Hendry: still fired.
Mr. Owl lacks the patience required to count Tootsie Pop licks.
The Cubs’ recent string of championships ended in 1908.
Ozzy Osbourne doesn’t know the lyrics to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Ricky Martin is gay.
Jeff Baker is untouchable.
Feel free to update this list as more stories get uncovered. I’m sure this is only the beginning.
Comments
They are so good at uncovering secrets that we know exactly what Crane Kenney does. Oh wait…
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Wrigley has some new toilets
Greg Maddux is smart
Opposing players don’t like the visitors’ clubhouse
Byrd is the Wyrd
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
Princess Diana died.
ToddQuote Reply
Bubbles might be forgetting something, but did they ever explain what the numbers meant?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
(dying laughing) well done, AC.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Bubbles might be forgetting something, but did they ever explain what the numbers meant?[/quote]They corresponded to each candidate. No reason for why they were cursed though.
GBTSQuote Reply
I think I’ve read a few different list of candidates so far, at least two of which were on ESPN, and not one of them listed Andrew Friedman. Are the Rays really that unpopular that even people in the game can’t come up with his name since his contract is up?
mb21Quote Reply
I really feel kind of bad now that I didn’t put up a spoiler alert about who owns the Cubs. I’m sure there are loads of people who were still in suspense and aren’t yet done reading the 3-part Ricketts interview.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think I’ve read a few different list of candidates so far, at least two of which were on ESPN, and not one of them listed Andrew Friedman. Are the Rays really that unpopular that even people in the game can’t come up with his name since his contract is up?[/quote]The Rays success has yet to be discovered by the media.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]The Rays success has yet to be discovered by the Chicago media.[/quote].I really hope Bruce Miles tweet was an attempt at humor because if it wasn’t, it has to be the dumbest tweet all year.
mb21Quote Reply
Who was the GM for the Braves during their 15 year run? That’s who I would want. Maybe not that guy exactly but somebody who can consistently put out a division winner every year.
MuckerQuote Reply
Are any of the people mentioned as “possible GM candidates” actually sitting GMs right now? I bet not. They probably only list assistant GMs and former GMs.
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
John Scheurholz ws the Braves GM for most of those years, if not all of them. He was named one list I saw. I believe he’s the team president for the Braves now.
mb21Quote Reply
best. blog. evah.
cost saving move for the newspaper “industry”: replace all sportswriters with those wind-up monkeys that bang little cymbals together in almost every horror flick.
much cheaper (at least when you factor in how much less beer the monkeys will try to expense), no appreciable drop off in performance — indeed maybe an upgrade from Sullivan — and press conferences become somewhat eerie again instead of plain vanilla boring.
gaius mariusQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 22]Are any of the people mentioned as “possible GM candidates” actually sitting GMs right now? I bet not. They probably only list assistant GMs and former GMs.[/quote]That’s probably true. Didn’t Pat Gillick get a job or something? I seem to remember him taking his name out of consideration a few weeks ago.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=gaius marius]best. blog. evah.
cost saving move for the newspaper “industry”: replace all sportswriters with those wind-up monkeys that bang little cymbals together in almost every horror flick.
much cheaper (at least when you factor in how much less beer the monkeys will try to expense), no appreciable drop off in performance — indeed maybe an upgrade from Sullivan — and press conferences become somewhat eerie again instead of plain vanilla boring.[/quote]I’d argue it would be a noticeable improvement. Most of these guys are just plain awful. Having nobody reporting the news would be an improvement. It’s that bad.
mb21Quote Reply
Awesome post.
I’ve been watching the Warshington Senators play the baseball game lately, and I believe this Ryan Zimmerman fellow has some talent. Perhaps the Cubs could offer a trade of Ryan Zimmerman for one of our youngsters, such as Darwin Barney, or Jeff Baker. I will suggest this to our new general manager.
binkyQuote Reply
Perhaps the beat writers can inform me about the upcoming election. I think this Obama character has a chance vs. McCain, but I’m not quite sure.
Steve SwisherQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]I really feel kind of bad now that I didn’t put up a spoiler alert about who owns the Cubs. I’m sure there are loads of people who were still in suspense and aren’t yet done reading the 3-part Ricketts interview.[/quote]Thanks for pissing off your UK readers yet again
fang2415Quote Reply
I have recently discovered that Hendry’s name is not really “Jim.” It is actually “James.”
Aisle424Quote Reply
Andy MacPhail has resigned as Cubs GM and president.
mb21Quote Reply
Did you guys know the Cubs haven’t won a World Series in a while?
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21].I really hope Bruce Miles tweet was an attempt at humor because if it wasn’t, it has to be the dumbest tweet all year.[/quote]If he tweets a link to this post in October, all will be forgiven.
AndCountingQuote Reply
Some players in the ’90s are suspected of having used steroids.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]Thanks for pissing off your UK readers yet again[/quote]What did he do last time to piss them off?
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 22]What did he do last time to piss them off?[/quote]I tweeted that the redcoats were coming.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Did you guys know the Cubs haven’t won a World Series in a while?[/quote]I didn’t until I read Adam’s post.
Good information to know.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]I tweeted that the redcoats were coming.[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
Archduke Ferdinand has been shot.
GBTSQuote Reply
The economy sucks.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The economy sucks.[/quote]I heard it sucked back in 1929 too, but I haven’t confirmed yet.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Archduke Ferdinand has been shot.[/quote]This could have some serious repercussions.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Awesome post.
I’ve been watching the Warshington Senators play the baseball game lately, and I believe this Ryan Zimmerman fellow has some talent. Perhaps the Cubs could offer a trade of Ryan Zimmerman for one of our youngsters, such as Darwin Barney, or Jeff Baker. I will suggest this to our new general manager.[/quote]If they want Baker, they’ll have to throw in Bryce Harper.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I heard it sucked back in 1929 too, but I haven’t confirmed yet.[/quote]Yes, isn’t it ironic?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]This could have some serious repercussions.[/quote]We won’t know for a good 25 years.
mb21Quote Reply
The Cubs beat writers are in the lack of information age.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]This could have some serious repercussions.[/quote]My sources have assured me the most notable consequence has been the formation of an indie rock band.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I heard it sucked back in 1929 too, but I haven’t confirmed yet.[/quote]The Cubs are keeping that under wraps.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think I’ve read a few different list of candidates so far, at least two of which were on ESPN, and not one of them listed Andrew Friedman. Are the Rays really that unpopular that even people in the game can’t come up with his name since his contract is up?[/quote](dying laughing)
Bruce Levine thinks Bobby Cox is a much more realistic candidate.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Kosuke Fukudome confirmed that, in fact, the shot was heard around the world.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Breaking news, Carlos Zambrano broke his bat over his leg and should not eat dinner tonight.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Hayden Simpson had the most severe case of mono ever recorded.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Hayden Simpson had the most severe case of mono ever recorded.[/quote]Yeah, that or he’s the worst 1st round pick ever.
mb21Quote Reply
We think this girl might have an affinity for cats
Aisle424Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Pretty sure the cat in the Rays jersey is a GM candidate.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Pretty sure the cat in the Rays jersey is a GM candidate.[/quote]Cubs hire Friedman.
Friedman is a cat.
Makes perfect sense.
mb21Quote Reply
I love GM candidates. I just want to hug all GM candidates. But I can’t.
AndCountingQuote Reply
I have a source that tells me Jim Hendry will be fired.
Anonymous Cubs Beat WriterQuote Reply
A source close to the team tells me that Carlos Zambrano was actually traded on July 22, but he stuck around to make sure the clubhouse remained intact.
Anonymous Cubs Beat WriterQuote Reply
[quote name=Anonymous Cubs Beat Writer]A source close to the team tells me that Carlos Zambrano was actually traded on July 22, but he stuck around to make sure the clubhouse remained intact.[/quote]That would be so awesome if it were true.
mb21Quote Reply
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General%C3%ADssimo_Francisco_Franco_is_still_dead
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
Team officials are saying uniforms will be worn in the next game, no sign what color or size they will be.
Anonymous Cubs Beat WriterQuote Reply
Rumored deal with StL in the works. Cubs will send light-hitting speedster and clubhouse problem child Lou Brock to Cards in exchange for Cy Young candidate Ernie Broglio.
Anonymous Cubs Beat WriterQuote Reply
I heard they let Negroes in the league and in an unprecedented move abolished them from the Hall of Fame.
MuckerQuote Reply
The Cubs are also trying to trade Ivan DeJesus to the Phillies for the 36-year old Larry Bowa. What are they thinking?!
ACTQuote Reply
A source with knowledge of the transaction says the Cubs will hire someone.
Anonymous Cubs Beat WriterQuote Reply
I really hope de Jesus stays with the Cubs. I think he’d make a great coach someday.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Anonymous Cubs Beat Writer]A source with knowledge of the transaction says the Cubs will hire someone.[/quote]Now that it’s a rumor it won’t happen.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Now that it’s a rumor it won’t happen.[/quote]I have a source, that was right at the time, he was right because you can’t be wrong, at the time you are right, which at the time you are saying something right, which is right, at the time.
AYellon, Esq.Quote Reply
Team officials confirm that the Silva money will be used to pay for the rebuild of Wrigley Field.
Anonymous Cubs Beat WriterQuote Reply
Silva ended up being one expensive son of a bitch.
mb21Quote Reply
A source close to the situation believes the is bad blood between Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett.
Anonymous Cubs Beat WriterQuote Reply
The Hobbit just followed the money trail and found out that the money saved from losing Maddux to ATL has been spent on Marlon Byrd.
melissaQuote Reply
Miles:
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Sources inside the organization agree that Mike Quade will not return as Cubs manager.
Anonymous Cubs Beat WriterQuote Reply
[quote name=Anonymous Cubs Beat Writer]Sources inside the organization agree that Mike Quade will not return as Cubs manager.[/quote]Only way he returns is if the Cubs hire Mike Quade to be the GM.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Miles:[/quote]Hobbiton also took a dump on Kenney yesterday.
Perhaps the Crane-inator lied to them off the record about Hendry staying.
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
Not to pile on Bruce Miles, but WTF was with his calling out Ricketts more than once for saying Hendry was “stepping down” instead of saying he was “fired”? Tell me one owner, Bruce, who has made an announcement saying “we fired this guy. It was a firing. He was so fired.” Especially about a long tenured exec who, as you say, “exuded class.”
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 22]Not to pile on Bruce Miles, but WTF was with his calling out Ricketts more than once for saying Hendry was “stepping down” instead of saying he was “fired”? Tell me one owner, Bruce, who has made an announcement saying “we fired this guy. It was a firing. He was so fired.” Especially about a long tenured exec who, as you say, “exuded class.”[/quote]Sullivan did it, too. Ricketts egged their faces pretty bad, and this is just backlash from a bunch of writers that got duped by an owner they don’t take seriously.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Sullivan did it, too. Ricketts egged their faces pretty bad, and this is just backlash from a bunch of writers that got duped by an owner they underestimated.[/quote].
I doubt any of the beat writers thought the Cubs could keep something like this secret. I think that’s obvious with Miles’ tweet. They still don’t get it. I think it’s hilarious.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21].
I doubt any of the beat writers thought the Cubs could keep something like this secret. I think that’s obvious with Miles’ tweet. They still don’t get it. I think it’s hilarious.[/quote]To be honest, I didn’t think so, either. If anything, the Cubs have shown time and again that they are unable to keep anything under wraps. This move was a real coup for Ricketts. I’m honestly impressed by the discretion of the whole affair, to include a relatively understated PC. It’s the first whiff of professionalism from this team in a long, long, long time.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
IvyChat Chuck makes an excellent point:
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
By Ricketts telling Hendry he was toast before the picks were signed he took a huge risk. Hendry could have said good luck, I’m gone. Then he is stuck trying to get Bush or whomever to close Hendry’s deals. It also prevented Hendry from making deadline deals. Jimbo said he didn’t want to make deals other guy would have to deal with. I don’t know why Tommy Boy didn’t wait until August 15th. I guess the board decided on the 22nd Jim was gone but seems like strange
timing right before trade deadline and before signings were done.
melissaQuote Reply
Yeah, keeping Hendry around through the signing date was important. I would guess that some of the guys they signed over slot may have said fuck it and didn’t want to have anything to do with the Cubs since they just fired a GM.
We can argue about whether or not it should have happened a year or two ago, but there’s no argument for why it should have happened on July 22nd. Classy move by both Ricketts and Hendry for looking out for what is best for the organization. That’s a good sign from Ricketts, too.
mb21Quote Reply
A new GM wouldn’t have come in on the 22nd and had time to go through the roster and figure out who to trade and that stuff. Besides, it’s not like the value of these guys is going to be any less in 2 months anyway.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=melissa]By Ricketts telling Hendry he was toast before the picks were signed he took a huge risk. Hendry could have said good luck, I’m gone. Then he stuck trying to get Bush or whomever to close Hendry’s deals. It also prevented Hendry from making deadline deals. Jimbo said he didn’t want to make deals other guy would have to deal with. I don’t know why Tommy Boy didn’t wait until August 15th I guess the board decided on the 22nd Jim was gone but seems like strange
timing right before trade deadline and before signings were done.[/quote]I think Chuck lays out a convincing case for doing it the way Ricketts did it.
And say what you will about Hendry, but I am willing to bet the first word most baseball people would use to describe him is integrity. Ricketts knew Hendry wasn’t going to screw him over.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, keeping Hendry around through the signing date was important. I would guess that some of the guys they signed over slot may have said fuck it and didn’t want to have anything to do with the Cubs since they just fired a GM.
We can argue about whether or not it should have happened a year or two ago, but there’s no argument for why it should have happened on July 22nd. Classy move by both Ricketts and Hendry for looking out for what is best for the organization. That’s a good sign from Ricketts, too.[/quote]It really is. This thing could have been acrimonious and messy. Instead, it was quick, decisive and professional. I’m becoming cautiously optimistic about Ricketts.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 22]What did he do last time to piss them off?[/quote]Any up-to-date information pisses me off. This is why I love the Chicago beat writers.
fang2415Quote Reply
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]Any up-to-date information pisses me off. This is why I love the Chicago beat writers.[/quote](dying laughing)
AndCountingQuote Reply
Nothing kills the chatter like the Cubs game starting.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I think Chuck lays out a convincing case for doing it the way Ricketts did it.
And say what you will about Hendry, but I am willing to bet the first word most baseball people would use to describe him is integrity. Ricketts knew Hendry wasn’t going to screw him over.[/quote]I don’t think Hendry would intentionally do anything to harm the club. I just think there was no way Ricketts could know what would happen. For example Jim saying, let Randy take over. Hendry did admit it changed how he looked at the trade deadline and I just see no reason to inform Hendry until after the signings were finished. Hendry acted in good faith but he was put in a bad situation.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I don’t think Hendry would intentionally do anything to harm the club. I just think there was no way Ricketts could know what would happen. For example Jim saying, let Randy take over. Hendry did admit it changed how he looked at the trade deadline and I just see no reason to inform Hendry until after the signings were finished. Hendry acted in good faith but he was put in a bad situation.[/quote]Well, Ricketts also has to have time to put together a list of candidates, put feelers out, etc. No way he could have done that w/o Hendry finding out, so it’s best to tell him it’s going to happen, let him finish his draft business and then move on. It also gives Hendry time to find a place to land before he’s actually fired. I think this was handled about as well as one could expect.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Nothing kills the chatter like the Cubs game starting.[/quote]We’re all intently watching, like true fans. Personally, I try to sit as far as possible from my tv when I watch the Cubs, so I feel like I’m sitting with the true fans.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Those were two of the sorriest sac bunt attempts I’ve ever seen.
ACTQuote Reply
As much as I hate sac bunts, I hate one-out sac bunts even more.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Oh, man, that was a nasty pitch. Freese never had a chance.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Someone get Theriot away from Castro before he infects him with shittiness.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
CRUSHED. Fucking Rodrigo obliterated that pitch.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder] I’m becoming cautiously optimistic about Ricketts.[/quote]
I wouldn’t go that far.
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]CRUSHED. Fucking Rodrigo obliterated that pitch.[/quote]It didn’t go that far.
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
Nice hustle by Peña there. (dying laughing)tastic fielding by Jay.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 22]It didn’t go that far.[/quote]No, but it was a no-doubter.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 22]I wouldn’t go that far.[/quote]Between refinancing to free up some cash, then the draft spending, the DR facility, and now this, there are finally some good things to point at. Maybe he’s finally listening to the right people.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Edwin Jackson doing his best Randy Wells impression.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]No, but it was a no-doubter.[/quote]Pat had the instant home run excitement voice off the crack of the bat.
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
It’s a wonder Grace can enunciate with his mouth full of Molina’s genetic material.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid 22]Pat had the instant home run excitement voice off the crack of the bat.[/quote]THERE’S A DRIVE! DEEP LEFT CENTER! THIS BALL’S GOT A CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANCE….GONE!
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Cubs have hit for the cycle in this inning.
/Beat writers.
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
That looked well outside.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Wow, Colvin’s swing looks jacked.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Say, when did LaRussa come over from the White Sox? Had to be recently, right?
-Cubs Beat Writers
Steve SwisherQuote Reply
The Garza trade looks better and better every start.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Helluva nice play by Garza and a good turn by Castro.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
So…….has anything happened in the past day or two? (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]So…….has anything happened in the past day or two? (dying laughing)[/quote]You’ll have to wait a month to find out.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
As an announcer, Grace is like an unholy conflation of Bill Murray’s Lounge Lizard character and Hawk Harrelson
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You’ll have to wait a month to find out.[/quote]
Uh-huh #Miles’d
melissaQuote Reply
Nasty. Just nasty.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Nice start by Garza today, especially after that rocky first.
ACTQuote Reply
Looks like Lilly left early for some reason. I hope he’s all right.
ACTQuote Reply
It’s kind of disgusting how fun it is to watch the Cubs right now. (dying laughing)
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]It’s kind of fun how disgusting it is to watch the Cubs right now. (living cying)[/quote]I know
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]It’s kind of disgusting how fun it is to watch the Cubs right now. (dying laughing)[/quote]Aramis Ramirez apparently showed everyone how to turn it on when it doesn’t matter.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Well, Ricketts also has to have time to put together a list of candidates, put feelers out, etc. No way he could have done that w/o Hendry finding out, so it’s best to tell him it’s going to happen, let him finish his draft business and then move on. It also gives Hendry time to find a place to land before he’s actually fired.[/quote]
good points
GWQuote Reply
Marmol has no idea where his slider is going (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Cubs inspired by the absence of Z and Hendry to win.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I think Jim was classy about it, partly because he’s still going to get paid. Rickets knows the guy well enough to know if he bails or stays, after a couple of years of constantly working with him. I think it was a solid move on all sides.
Great game, by the way. I love watching the Cardinals lose. LOVE. IT.
binkyQuote Reply
The Cubs are winning series against every team they face except for the Astros. Weird.
ACTQuote Reply
Wow, huge comeback for the Mets against the Brewers. I was really hoping the Brew Crew would help the Cubs put one more nail in the Cardinals’ coffin.
ACTQuote Reply
Brewers might be making a counter-comeback.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]The Cubs are winning series against every team they face except for the Astros. Weird.[/quote]
2010 Pirates ——> 2011 Astros
BerseliusQuote Reply
The Cubs did sweep the Astros earlier, and in a road series, no less (though of course, the ‘stros did the same to the Cubs.)
ACTQuote Reply
Ryan Braun. Bases loaded. Bottom ninth. No outs. 1-run deficit. Exciting.
ACTQuote Reply
Make that top ninth.
ACTQuote Reply
Innocent fly out. Prince’s turn.
ACTQuote Reply
Go Brewers. Fielder and McGehee get it done.
binkyQuote Reply
I’d hate to be a Mets fan right now. Izzy really Marmoled that save op.
ACTQuote Reply
Amazing how despite the Cubs’ best efforts they will still gain no ground on the division race.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I don’t think Hendry would intentionally do anything to harm the club. I just think there was no way Ricketts could know what would happen. For example Jim saying, let Randy take over. Hendry did admit it changed how he looked at the trade deadline and I just see no reason to inform Hendry until after the signings were finished. Hendry acted in good faith but he was put in a bad situation.[/quote]I think it’s the boss’s responsibility to inform his employee in the way that Ricketts did as soon as he has made a decision. I wouldn’t want a boss coming to me and saying we decided to fire you a month ago, but are just now notifying you.
Hendry had been with the Cubs since 1996. He’s a Cub in his heart for the rest of his life. No reason to not give him the option of sticking around. Everything I’ve ever read about Hendry is how he’s honest with the players and other executives and that they like him because he keeps his word.
Getting the draft picks signed was a far more important task than trading Carlos Pena for a 24 year old High A pitcher who strikes out as many as he walks.
mb21Quote Reply
I don’t think Hendry was put in a bad situation. He was given an option to leave or stick around and get the picks signed. To me, this was handled perfectly. It’s a great sign from Ricketts that he’s as up front with his employees as he was here and that the organization can keep a secret when they want to. It was a nice way to see Hendry go out. Whatever you think of the man’s ability to put together a winning team, I don’t think anything negative could be said about his work ethic, how much he loved the team and how much he tried to bring a champion to Chicago. I think it’s a nice touch to give the guy the option. It’s an even nicer touch that this didn’t get leaked.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]We’re all intently watching, like true fans. Personally, I try to sit as far as possible from my tv when I watch the Cubs, so I feel like I’m sitting with the true fans.[/quote]I usually watch them from the bathroom after I’ve urinated all over the floor. Feels like I’m right at Wrigley.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Steve Swisher]Say, when did LaRussa come over from the White Sox? Had to be recently, right?
-Cubs Beat Writers[/quote]LaRussa left the White Sox? How come nobody told us?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The Garza trade looks better and better every start.[/quote]I started to write something the other day about that trade and then after getting some stats together and writing a couple paragraphs I remembered I already had done that. (dying laughing)
Yeah, I like the trade at this point. When a no-power SS has the brightest future of all the guys they traded, I think it’s a pretty good deal. The Cubs saw something with Garza and made him a better pitcher. He’s worth more now than he was when they acquired him.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21] The Cubs saw something with Garza and made him a better pitcher. He’s worth more now than he was when they acquired him.[/quote]
yeah, kudos to whoever the hell is the pitching coach now
GWQuote Reply
My lying eyes tell me that the Astros’ midget (Altuve) hits better than the Cubs’ midget (Campana).
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What was Mark Grace doing? Were there no D’Backs fans for him to torture today? I have to say, Grace was one of my favorite players, but he can be very grating.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Aramis Ramirez]I’m Dominican. We go out there and swing. We don’t walk much.[/quote]But Carlos Peña is Dominican! Maybe he doesn’t count since he was raised in Massachusetts.
ACTQuote Reply
mlb.com labels this “Castro’s Great Play”
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18222291
WTF?
ACTQuote Reply
PECOTA ————–> still sucks
http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/forecasters_challenge_current_results/
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]mlb.com labels this “Castro’s Great Play”
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18222291
WTF?[/quote]Did they mean to upload a different play? that’s routine and he almost fucked it up.
mb21Quote Reply
I can’t imagine what else it would be; I don’t remember him doing anything extraordinary today.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]yeah, kudos to whoever the hell is the pitching coach now[/quote]
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=16812913
My favorite Mark Riggins highlight of 2011. Man of action!
Chris DickersonQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I can’t imagine what else it would be; I don’t remember him doing anything extraordinary today.[/quote]I saw MO mention how he made a good turn at 2nd base on a double play. I didn’t get to watch the game today so I have no idea.
mb21Quote Reply
That still doesn’t fit the description “grounder off the bat of Jon Jay in the top of the third inning.”
ACTQuote Reply
Maybe they just meant it as a joke.
mb21Quote Reply
We’ll find out what the great play was in a month when the beat writers write their recap of the game.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]That still doesn’t fit the description “grounder off the bat of Jon Jay in the top of the third inning.”[/quote]If it had said “Pena makes a good play” it would be fairly accurate. I mean, not really highlight reel worthy, but maybe they’re contractually obligated to put one defensive play up per game.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Did they mean to upload a different play? that’s routine and he almost fucked it up.[/quote]MLB.com has developed a sense of sarcasm. Awesome.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]We’ll find out what the great play was in a month when the beat writers write their recap of the game.[/quote]
They have to be so pissed that Quade has had his lineup filled out for the rest of the season and they don’t know about it.
Uncle SexQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]MLB.com has developed a sense of sarcasm. Awesome.[/quote]That would explain why the video “Adam Dunn Hits a Towering Blast” show him hitting a routine pop-up.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]That would explain why the video “Adam Dunn Hits a Towering Blast” show him hitting a routine pop-up.[/quote]When he makes contact now, it’s a highlight.
AndCountingQuote Reply
On a completely unrelated note, BJax is 3-5 with a double. Anyone care to guess how he made his 2 outs?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]On a completely unrelated note, BJax is 3-5 with a double. Anyone care to guess how he made his 2 outs?[/quote]Interfering with a fielder?
alfQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]On a completely unrelated note, BJax is 3-5 with a double. Anyone care to guess how he made his 2 outs?[/quote]Failure to roll a saving throw on 2d10?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]On a completely unrelated note, BJax is 3-5 with a double. Anyone care to guess how he made his 2 outs?[/quote]Wearing a uniform of ragged or short sleeves, in contrast to his teammates?
binkyQuote Reply
Groggles had a meltdown–up 2 runs in the bottom of the 12th; failed to record a single out.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]On a completely unrelated note, BJax is 3-5 with a double. Anyone care to guess how he made his 2 outs?[/quote]
Some classic Brett Jackson ABs on those 2 strikeouts.
In the 6th, he started out 3-0, then took 3 consecutive strikes. In the 8th, he fouled off 3 straight, took a ball, then whiffed at strike 3. 11 pitches, 1 swing and miss, 2 strikeouts.
I guess I don’t care if he murders a nun each time he strikes out. He is putting up hilarious numbers in the PCL (a .413 BABIP and a .986 OPS!!!) Everything about his AAA line is lovable except for the K rate and it’s not like he’s dropping flares over 2B every night to inflate that BABIP
He’s unlike any Cub I can remember and has few comparables at all, so I’m pretty excited to see him in Chicago sometime during 2012. I guess you could compare him to Drew Stubbs, but Jackson’s power is way more legitimate than Stubbs’ and Jackson has consistently gotten on base at a better clip.
Chris DickersonQuote Reply
[quote name=Chris Dickerson]Some classic Brett Jackson ABs on those 2 strikeouts.
In the 6th, he started out 3-0, then took 3 consecutive strikes. In the 8th, he fouled off 3 straight, took a ball, then whiffed at strike 3. 11 pitches, 1 swing and miss, 2 strikeouts.
I guess I don’t care if he murders a nun each time he strikes out. He is putting up hilarious numbers in the PCL (a .413 BABIP and a .986 OPS!!!) Everything about his AAA line is lovable except for the K rate and it’s not like he’s dropping flares over 2B every night to inflate that BABIP
He’s unlike any Cub I can remember and has few comparables at all, so I’m pretty excited to see him in Chicago sometime during 2012. I guess you could compare him to Drew Stubbs, but Jackson’s power is way more legitimate than Stubbs’ and Jackson has consistently gotten on base at a better clip.[/quote]So as long as Jackson can carry an unsustainable BABiP at the ML level (note also that the he’s currently in a very hitter-friendly league) he’ll be fine. He’s K’ing in around 30% of his AB. If his K% jumps a normal amount when he comes up(3-5%), he’d be K’ing at a 1-2% higher rate than Stubbs. If it jumps in line with his comparables (around 7%) he’d be K’ing in almost 40% of his AB.
Granted he’s got solid OB skills and power, but his K #’s are really bad, no matter how you slice it.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0821-next-gm-cubs-future-chica20110821,0,7572084.story
/subtly wipes drool from chin
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0821-next-gm-cubs-future-chica20110821,0,7572084.story
/subtly wipes drool from chin[/quote]My favorite part was when they brought up Colleti and said he’s not likely to be high on the list.
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/8/21/2373631/josh-vitters-will-he-figure-things-out
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0821-next-gm-cubs-future-chica20110821,0,7572084.story
/subtly wipes drool from chin[/quote]Surprised he has that much interest in Cashman, but I’m not going to complain if that’s who they get. I’d prefer Friedman or Theo.
mb21Quote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/ricketts-interested-in-yankees-gm-brian-cashman.html
mb21Quote Reply