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It’s baseball time! Since the Pirates are the last team we have left to do and the first team the Cubs play, we’re going to combine my usual series preview with my Pirates season preview. My Cubs win projections based on the system I used to make all of these previews is included below the Pirates content. Thanks to MB for his additions to this preview.
Last year:
The Pirates went 57-105 last year. The record seems like typical Pittsburgh, but it was the worst winning percentage the team ever has had since they started playing 162 games. It was their 8th worst overall winning percentage in club history. Three of the teams worse than them were the 1952-1954 Pirates. The 1917 Pirates were worse and there were three more Pirates teams in the 1800s worse than the 2010 version.
The Cubs never would have known the Pirates were putting together one of the worst seasons in club history. The Pirates beat the Cubs 10 of 15 times last year. The Pirates record vs the other 28 teams was 47-100.
Their offense ranked 3rd worst with an 82 wRC+, they had the 4th worst FIP at 4.45, and their fielding was atrocious (-66.2 UZR, -87 TZL, -81 DRS). They were the worst in the league in UZR and TZL, but only second worst in DRS.
Offseason moves:
In November the Pirates traded Zach Duke to the Diamondbacks for Cesar Valdez. Valdez is a 25-year old reliever who isn’t all that great, but Duke wasn’t either.
In December the Pirates signed a number of low to mid tier free agents. They picked up former Jays and Brewers 1b Lyle Overbay to a 1/5 deal. Overbay was an slightly above average first baseman earlier in his career whose skillset largely revolved around OBP and defense. He’s now past his peak, and the Pirates are paying him about what he’s worth.
They also signed former Marlins up and comer LHP Scott Olsen, whose career has gone down in flames following a shoulder injury and multiple run-ins with teammates, not to mention the police. He signed to an incentive-laden league minimum deal and is hoping to turn his career around.
They signed former Rockies 3b Garrett Atkins to a minor league deal. Atkins had a few good years with the bat in Colorado, especially in 2006 when he posted a .410 wOBA. However, he’s a butcher with the glove and his offensive numbers have fallen off a cliff since 2008. The Pirates cut him in spring training.
The Pirates signed former Braves outfielder Matt Diaz to a two year, $4.25 million dollar deal. Diaz has seemingly been with the Braves forever and has always pounded left-handed pitching.
The Pirates nontendered former top prospect Lastings Milledge in December.
Players to watch:
Pedro Alvarez and Andrew McCutcheon represent the future of the Pirates. The question is whether or not they, like so many other future franchise cornerstones in the Steel City (Jason Bay, Brian Giles, Jason Kendall, etc.) will ever actually be a member of a Pirates team with a winning record. Looking at the current pitching on the roster, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen anytime soon. There are no pitchers on KG’s list until number 6, Brad Lincoln, who isn’t expected to be more than a third or fourth starter type. Overall, given their stable of above-averageish ceiling SP prospects it looks like their pitching draft strategy leans more towards predictability rather than ceiling.
Projections:
Here’s a rough look at their team headed into the 2011 season. Since we don’t know a ton about not the Cubs, we used Baseball Prospectus’s depth charts to estimate playing time. The players OBP/SLG are a simple average of their PECOTA and Oliver projections. The defensive numbers are from the players’ 2010 Fan Scouting Report, and baserunning was ignored unless a player was especially good or awful on the basepaths.
| Hitter | Pos | PA | OBP | SLG | Fld | WAR |
| Chris Snyder | CA | 400 | 0.327 | 0.389 | 0.1 | 1.41 |
| Jason Jaramillo | CA | 100 | 0.297 | 0.325 | -0.1 | -0.01 |
| Ryan Doumit | CA | 105 | 0.321 | 0.413 | -1.3 | 0.2 |
| Lyle Overbay | 1B | 574 | 0.341 | 0.413 | 0.4 | 1.02 |
| Steve Pearce | 1B | 101 | 0.329 | 0.427 | 0 | 0.1 |
| Neil Walker | 2B | 600 | 0.306 | 0.420 | -0.1 | 0.98 |
| Josh Rodriguez | 2B | 107 | 0.311 | 0.351 | 0 | 0 |
| E-6 | SS | 500 | 0.283 | 0.373 | 0 | -0.02 |
| Pedro Ciriaco | SS | 140 | 0.264 | 0.330 | 0 | -0.31 |
| Pedro Alvarez | 3B | 600 | 0.329 | 0.469 | -0.5 | 2.19 |
| Josh Rodriguez | 3B | 91 | 0.311 | 0.351 | -0.5 | 0.16 |
| Jose Tabata | LF | 558 | 0.332 | 0.383 | 0.6 | 0.81 |
| Matt Diaz | LF | 166 | 0.326 | 0.414 | 0.2 | |
| Andrew McCutcheon | CF | 659 | 0.354 | 0.428 | 0.2 | 3.12 |
| Jose Tabata | CF | 92 | 0.332 | 0.383 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Garrett Jones | RF | 400 | 0.317 | 0.441 | -0.7 | 0.21 |
| Steve Pearce | RF | 139 | 0.329 | 0.427 | 0 | 0.24 |
| Ryan Doumit | RF | 119 | 0.323 | 0.416 | 0 | 0.13 |
| Pitcher | S/R | IP | ERA | WAR |
| Maholm | S | 200 | 4.80 | 1.33 |
| Ohlendorf | S | 160 | 4.76 | 1.13 |
| Correia | S | 150 | 4.43 | 1.61 |
| McDonald | S | 190 | 4.24 | 2.46 |
| Olsen | S | 145 | 5.15 | 0.45 |
| Morton | S | 73 | 4.80 | 0.49 |
| Hart | S | 46 | 5.10 | 0.17 |
| Hanrahan | R | 65 | 4.25 | 0.33 |
| Resop | R | 65 | 3.72 | 0.81 |
| Meek | R | 75 | 4.08 | 0.37 |
TOTAL WIN TALENT: 68.4 Wins
They should be better than last year, but that’s a low, low bar to clear. I still think they’re better than the Astros, but things can get ugly pretty quickly with that pitching staff.
Cubs projections
MB is going to release the officially official Obstructed View projections sometime soon, but I wanted to post the Cubs projections arising from the methodolgy I used for the rest of the NL Central teams so we can compare apples to apples.
| Hitter | Pos | PA | OBP | SLG | Fld | WAR |
| Geovany Soto | CA | 536 | 0.360 | 0.463 | -0.1 | 3.78 |
| Koyie Hill | CA | 124 | 0.289 | 0.340 | 0 | 0 |
| Carlos Pena | 1B | 625 | 0.351 | 0.481 | 0.5 | 2.75 |
| Tyler Colvin | 1B | 62 | 0.292 | 0.425 | 0 | -0.06 |
| Darwin Barney | 2B | 280 | 0.298 | 0.331 | 0.5 | -0.14 |
| Jeff Baker | 2B | 217 | 0.321 | 0.412 | -0.3 | 0.41 |
| Blake DeWitt | 2B | 124 | 0.329 | 0.381 | -0.1 | 0.21 |
| Starlin Castro | SS | 626 | 0.325 | 0.392 | 0 | 1.66 |
| Darwin Barney | SS | 110 | 0.298 | 0.331 | 0 | -0.05 |
| Aramis Ramirez | 3B | 549 | 0.344 | 0.481 | -0.4 | 2.69 |
| Jeff Baker | 3B | 91 | 0.325 | 0.418 | -0.3 | 0.21 |
| Blake DeWitt | 3B | 63 | 0.329 | 0.381 | -0.1 | 0.11 |
| Alfonso Soriano | LF | 521 | 0.320 | 0.467 | -0.4 | 0.96 |
| Tyler Colvin | LF | 130 | 0.292 | 0.425 | 0 | -0.03 |
| Marlon Byrd | CF | 598 | 0.340 | 0.433 | 0 | 2.32 |
| Tyler Colvin | CF | 122 | 0.292 | 0.425 | -0.5 | 0.06 |
| Kosuke Fukudome | RF | 415 | 0.360 | 0.394 | 0.3 | 1.15 |
| Tyler Colvin | RF | 340 | 0.292 | 0.425 | 0 | -0.07 |
| Pitcher | S/R | IP | ERA | WAR |
| Z | S | 168 | 4.12 | 2.42 |
| Garza | S | 182 | 4.13 | 2.6 |
| Dempster | S | 203 | 4.09 | 3 |
| Wells | S | 168 | 4.48 | 1.7 |
| Cashner | S | 168 | 4.57 | 1.53 |
| Coleman | S | 85 | 4.94 | 0.44 |
| Marmol | R | 65 | 3.29 | 1.82 |
| Wood | R | 60 | 4.07 | 0.39 |
| Marshall | R | 65 | 3.94 | 0.43 |
Win total: 78.8 wins.
Here are the projected divisional standings coming out of these previews
| TEAM | WINS |
| STL | 85.5 |
| CIN | 81.6 |
| MIL | 79.2 |
| CHC | 78.8 |
| PIT | 68.4 |
| HOU | 68.4 |
Mini Series Preview
Pitching matchups (with PECOTA ERA projection):
Friday Friday: Kevin Correia, RHP (4.49) vs Ryan Dempster, RHP (4.12)
Saturday Saturday: Paul Maholm, LHP (4.89) vs Carlos Zambrano, RHP (4.30)
Sunday Sunday: Ross Ohlendorf, RHP (4.82) vs Matt Garza, RHP (4.13)
Mini Game Preview
| Pirates | wOBA |
| Jose Tabata | .331 |
| Neil Walker | .337 |
| Andrew McCutchen | .361 |
| Lyle Overbay | .333 |
| Pedro Alvarez | .354 |
| Ryan Doumit | .334 |
| Garrett Jones | .332 |
| Ronny Cedeno | .299 |
| Kevin Correia | .175 |
| Cubs | wOBA |
| Kosuke Fukudome | .342 |
| Starlin Castro | .332 |
| Marlon Byrd | .338 |
| Aramis Ramirez | .350 |
| Carlos Pena | .378 |
| Geovany Soto | .362 |
| Alfonso Soriano | .339 |
| Darwin Barney | .293 |
| Ryan Dempster | .175 |
PITCHING
| Starting Pitcher | IP/GS | FIP |
| Kevin Correia | 5.67 | 4.53 |
| Ryan Dempster | 6.23 | 3.95 |
I have a cable company showing up shortly and I’ll be without internet for awhile so I can’t explan this as much as I’d like to so you’re getting the bare minimum of information today. Those are the 2011 ZiPS projections. With that information we can calculate how many runs each team would score against an average lineup. Well, if we add in the bullpens, which for now I’m using a 4.25 FIP for all teams. That will change as the season moves on. Also included is a defensive projection so the expected defensive contribution is included. More importantly than a projected run total today, we can then assign an expected win percentage, or the odds of each team winning today’s game.
Baseball has 162 games and is often so random so if you think these are going to be accurate or even reflect reality on a daily basis you’re not going to be too happy. These are nothing more than the talent level of the teams on the field. It includes batting, pitching and defense. Basically, if you wanted to make a bet on a baseball game, you’re probably going to bet on the team that is most likely to win. The better team. It depends on the pitching matchups of course, which are included. Today could end up being a 17-13 game. It could be 1-0. I don’t have any idea what it’s going to end up being, but if they did play this game a million times, I’d bet money that the average of these games would look something like below.
| Runs | RS | RA | R |
| Pirates | 4.49 | 4.88 | 4.63 |
| Cubs | 4.47 | 4.53 | 4.95 |
R is what we would project the final score to resemble over many trials. The Cubs have a significant advantage today and it shows in their win expectancy.
| Win Probability | |
| Pirates | 42.8% |
| Cubs | 57.2% |
Tomorrow I’ll explain more, but the Cubs should win today. Then again, they should have killed the Pirates last season and instead the Pirates got about 15% of their wins against the Cubs.
UPDATE @ 8:20 PM: The numbers are off slightly here because of an error in my spreadsheet. I’ll fix the spreadsheet before I post these again. Hopefully I get it fixed before Saturday’s game.
[quote name=dylanj]JG- whats your latest SF draft look like?[/quote]
1. Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC: I think there’s no way Patrick Peterson makes it past No. 6, which is fine because all the good pass-rushing prospects will likely go before pick No. 45.
2. Dalton, Cooler…err QB, TCU: Sounds like QBs are being overvalued this year. Dalton is a ginger Colt McCoy, but he’ll go a round sooner because of the number of teams looking for QB help.
3. Kenrick Ellis, NT, Hampton: Fangio will like to have three giant lineman on running downs. Ellis will get PT quickly.
4. Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah St.: Raw former RB with great instincts. Good size and has made great strides to learn the position.
4. Kris O’Dowd, C, USC: Good time to continue to fortify the OL.
I also expect them to take a TE/H-Back on the last day of the draft, as well as OLB Tony Keiser and another QB like TJ Yates.
I have with Von Miller @ 7 and trading up to the NE pick to take Kapernick or whatever his name is
and Alex Smith returns.
[quote name=dylanj]I have with Von Miller @ 7 and trading up to the NE pick to take Kapernick or whatever his name is[/quote]
I’d be fine with Miller. He’s a better OLB prospect than Quinn, but I just have a feeling about Quinn. Also, I don’t think Miller makes it past No. 6.
If we weren’t running the WCO next year, I’d love to take Kaepernick. I think he’s a better prospect than Newton. I think they’ll take Ponder if they trade up with NE.
Ponder, Stanzi, Dalton, Gabbert, Devlin and Yates are the best QBs for Harbaugh, imo. That said, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them find a way to land Jake Locker.
CLE is a likely trade-down team, imo. If Green is gone by No. 6, I think it’s all but certain they move down.
Should be noted that the Pirates drafted two high upside high school pitchers with their first two picks last year: Jameson Taillon and Stetson Allie. Taillon was considered a clear #2 in the draft behind Harper, and BA had Allie as the #8 overall prospect.
Apparently the new Pirates organization has changed course from the inept Dave Littlefield as far as drafting high floor college pitchers.
Halladay + Astros offense + cold weather could mean there’s a good chance of a perfect game on the second day of the season.
[quote name=Berselius]Halladay + Astros offense + cold weather could mean there’s a good chance of a perfect game on the second day of the season.[/quote]
Are they playing that game in Milwaukee?
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Should be noted that the Pirates drafted two high upside high school pitchers with their first two picks last year: Jameson Taillon and Stetson Allie. Taillon was considered a clear #2 in the draft behind Harper, and BA had Allie as the #8 overall prospect.
Apparently the new Pirates organization has changed course from the inept Dave Littlefield as far as drafting high floor college pitchers.[/quote]
Good point, HV
[quote name=Berselius]Halladay + Astros offense + cold weather could mean there’s a good chance of a perfect game on the second day of the season.[/quote]
Someone I follow on twitter noted that 93% of the action in that game was on the Phillies. Fairly shocking at 13:5 odds.
Getting ready for the kick in the balls. I have never been so pessimistic on Opening Day. Thanks, Twitter.
Leave it to Brett Myers to ruin Roy Halladay’s perfect game. What an asshole.
[quote name=Berselius]Halladay + Astros offense + cold weather could mean there’s a good chance of a perfect game on the second day of the season.[/quote]
(dying laughing), and of course it’s the pitcher who breaks up the no-hitter
Because, nothing’s more relevant than Star Wars and tort cases: http://www.abnormaluse.com/2011/04/star-wars-prequels-unreasonably.html
(dying laughing), apparently mlb.com is streaming The Score instead of WGN
I don’t have a TV feed yet, but I saw a post on FB that Zambrano was booed during his introduction. Fucking great.
they were doing the ZZZZZ thing not booing
Word is going around the Cardinals twittersphere that Matt Holliday had an emergency appendectomy today. Not sure if serious given April Faget Day. Speaking as someone who had an appendectomy I’d be surprised if it was true because he would have had a tough time playing yesterday.
[quote name=Manni Stats]I don’t have a TV feed yet, but I saw a post on FB that Zambrano was booed during his introduction. Fucking great.[/quote]
There was some scattered booing, but when his name was announced he got the loudest ovation of any player other than Wood.
(dying laughing), TWO hits for Myers against Halladay
[quote name=Corms]There was some scattered booing, but when his name was announced he got the loudest ovation of any player other than Wood.[/quote]
It was definitely more cheers than boos but the boos were pretty apparent. I was disappointed.
[quote name=dylanj]they were doing the ZZZZZ thing not booing[/quote]
Vuvuzela?
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing), TWO hits for Myers against Halladay[/quote]
You can take your DH and shove it.
so did they sell this thing out or not?
[quote name=Rice Cube]You can take your DH and shove it.[/quote]
I think it has less to do with the pitcher should be hitting than that the Astros hitters shouldn’t be hitting.
Regardless if Zambrano was boo’d, it still stands that the entirety of the Cubs fanbase are fuckwits.
Brenly is in mid season bull shit form already.
[quote name=Manni Stats]Regardless if Zambrano was boo’d, it still stands that the entirety of the Cubs fanbase are fuckwits.[/quote]
Hey, those are real people.
[quote name=Berselius]Hey, those are real people.[/quote]
False.
[quote name=Berselius]Word is going around the Cardinals twittersphere that Matt Holliday had an emergency appendectomy today. Not sure if serious given April Faget Day. Speaking as someone who had an appendectomy I’d be surprised if it was true because he would have had a tough time playing yesterday.[/quote]
The StL media guys say it’s no joke, but of course they’d say that if it was a joke…
[quote name=Manni Stats]I think it has less to do with the pitcher should be hitting than that the Astros hitters shouldn’t be hitting.[/quote]
Ah.
[quote name=Pat Hughes]Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air![/quote].
[quote name=Berselius]Hey, those are real people.[/quote]Turd.
My spreadsheet has an error in it so those run totals are incorrect. I’ll fix it later today.
[quote name=mb21]My spreadsheet has an error in it so those run totals are incorrect. I’ll fix it later today.[/quote]
Hey mb, spreadsheets don’t play the game!
Did they do anything for Ron before the game?
Okay, that was pretty good.
nice play by Castro
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Did they do anything for Ron before the game?[/quote]
Moment of silence.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Did they do anything for Ron before the game?[/quote]
Free leg amputations.
Nice, first play of the season showcases Castro’s range
McCutchen almost took Dempster out.
The audio on my PS3 keeps defaulting to natural ballpark sounds. I kind of like it.
And Pena’s defense on fielding that throw
Andrew McCutchen is good at sports.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]The audio on my PS3 keeps defaulting to natural ballpark sounds. I kind of like it.[/quote]
I had it on Pat and Zonk earlier but now I’m just getting Len and Bob
I do like having McCutchen on my fantasy team so far (dying laughing)
[quote name=Corms]Free leg amputations.[/quote]April Faget’s to you too.
Damn, Kosuke took it to the track
I do like having Castro on my fantasy team too (dying laughing)
Castro likes the chaw
Picking on Alvarez hahahaha.
[quote name=dylanj]Castro likes the chaw[/quote]Looks more like Big League Chew.
Baserunning! Cubs lead!
There’s his speed.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]There’s his average speed.[/quote]
Fixed
[quote name=Berselius]Baserunning! Cubs lead![/quote]Remember it. It’s the most runs the Cubs will be worth all season on the bases.
Nice contact by Ramirez, just right at Jones.
[quote name=Berselius]Nice, first play of the season showcases Castro’s rookie mistakes[/quote].
[quote name=Berselius]Nice contact by Ramirez, just right at Jones.[/quote]
Damn you, luck dragon!!!
lets see what pena can do with 3-1
i like having Pena & Soto back to back. Should make the pitchers work.
[quote name=dylanj]i like having Pena & Soto back to back. Should make the pitchers work.[/quote]
Agreed.
I’d rather Pena and ROY candidate Darwin Barney bat back to back.
Dempster is working it today.
Did they have the pitch fx on mlb.tv last year?
Do the Cubs play today?
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Do the Cubs play today?[/quote]
http://isthereacubsgametoday.com/
This looks like some shitty weather. If the schedulers weren’t morans there would have been an off day after the opener like usual to take care of bad weather days like this.
everyone says the Phillies are good but you couldn’t predict the Astros scoring first
#shorthops
Okay people, I have to go teach and shit, so none of you talk about the game until I get home in 3-4 hours (dying laughing)
ROY!
Ryan Theriot Jr
Actually a good at-bat by Barney Rubble.
Fuck you, auto-bunt.
ROY
First TOOTBLAN of the season!
take that ROY away
He really is Ryan Theriot.
[quote name=dylanj]take that ROY away[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
I had such high hopes.
[quote name=Rice Cube]First TOOTBLAN of the season![/quote]
Thrown out by Doumit!
[quote name=8volumesthick]Thrown out by Doumit![/quote]
That’s just embarrassing.
If you get thrown out by Doumit on a freezing day in the rain, you really shouldn’t be running at all.
ronny cedeno still has a job in baseball. I should have been born a SS
Oh Ricketts keep telling us how the good energy in the clubhouse is going to win games
[quote name=dylanj]ronny cedeno still has a job in baseball. I should have been born a SS[/quote]
cesar izturis is thanking those same stars
Damn Ricketts looks like a kid in the 1950′s with that shitty haircut he sports (dying laughing)
Matt Garza looks like he’s freezing his balls off.
there is a guy on our softball team who looks exactly like matt garza
I want Len to ask Tom what being the chairman means/if he is the owner of the team 5 times in a row ala Yellon
Hey crackers. How’s the game treating you so far?
although the baserunning and offense in general is gonna blow, I’m kinda ok with the defense esp. with Barney at 2nd
this is sincere, you can tear this comment to bits if you like…
Dempster looks very sharp today. Throwing a lot of strikes and staying ahead in the count. Good to see.
well i would hope Barney’s glove incredible considering he cant get an OPS over .750 in AAA.
Fukudome!!!!
but again, before too long Quade is going to see that Barney can’t hit and DeWitt will be back in there
[quote name=dylanj]but again, before too long Quade is going to see that Barney can’t hit and DeWitt will be back in there[/quote]
Is it bad of me to point out that DeWitt also cannot hit?
[quote name=dylanj]well i would hope Barney’s glove incredible considering he cant get an OPS over .750 in AAA.[/quote]Do not forget: This is the team that willfully employed Aaron Miles.
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]Do not forget: This is the team that willfully employed Aaron Miles.[/quote]
BUT MILES HIT .300+ IN STL!!!!
(part time but whatever)
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is it bad of me to point out that DeWitt also cannot hit?[/quote]
I think all Barney has to do to keep a job is to maintain a wOBA around .310. I’m not sure if he can do it.
i know RC. Our 2nd base options are awful except when Baker is facing a LHP
I think if all things being equal, you go with the better defensive 2B and then use Baker against LHP. I’d almost want them to send DeWitt down and give Marquez Smith a chance at 2B but as has been said here by others, there might be something horribly wrong with Smith that they just don’t want to give him that chance yet.
C’mon Pena, ex-Ray factor ftw…
Oy. Just watched the replay of the Barney CS. Pretty sad tumble about 4 feet short of the bag.
Let’s go Carlos. Make the NL you bitch.
yeah, i just know that DeWitt has long had a reputation of having a ton of talent but he obviously hasn’t figured it out yet. Whereas I view Barney as living proof that a replacement level player exists
1 run is better than 0 runs (dying laughing)
[quote name=dylanj]yeah, i just know that DeWitt has long had a reputation of having a ton of talent but he obviously hasn’t figured it out yet. Whereas I view Barney as living proof that a replacement level player exists[/quote]
That’s my opinion as well. Especially given the dearth of options at 2B in the high minors (assuming Smith can’t play), the Cubs should find out if DeWitt is a real option going forward. We all pretty much know that Barney is a utility player at best.
What the hell is the nasty factor?
huh, i see the Cubs are coming to KC to play. Looks like I can catch a game without going to Chicago
I am happy that 3 of the Cubs first 6 hitters are legitimately patient guys, and Ramirez isn’t too bad either. If only we could swap Soto and Byrd’s spots in the order.
[quote name=dylanj]huh, i see the Cubs are coming to KC to play. Looks like I can catch a game without going to Chicago[/quote]And a win no less!
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]What the hell is the nasty factor?[/quote]
I was wondering the same thing.
[quote name=dylanj]Whereas I view Barney as living proof that a replacement level player exists[/quote]
Is Barney the name of your unicorn?
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]That’s my opinion as well. Especially given the dearth of options at 2B in the high minors (assuming Smith can’t play), the Cubs should find out if DeWitt is a real option going forward. We all pretty much know that Barney is a utility player at best.[/quote]But he had a great spring.
That’s all that matters for young players.
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/01/randy-winn-retires-after-13-seasons-in-the-majors/
Randy Winn went to my high school. Too bad he never got to the postseason, but he was fun to root for.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]But he had a great spring.
That’s all that matters for young players.[/quote]
Also the magnitude (not direction) of their weight change during the offseason. A large number means they’re going to be way better.
So I’m watching the Cubs as the cable guy is finishing up and Barney gets thrown out. He actually laughs at him for getting thrown out by 86 feet.
Dempster is my hero.
[quote name=SK]
Rock Hudson, Ann Margret, Charlton Heston, and Liz Phair went to my high school. [/quote]Cool story’d
[quote name=mb21]So I’m watching the Cubs as the cable guy is finishing up and Barney gets thrown out. He actually laughs at him for getting thrown out by 86 feet.[/quote]EVEN THE CABLE GUY COULD SEE THAT TOOTLBN!
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Cool story’d[/quote]
I can’t argue with you today.
shawn- astrobiology has been in the news alot lately. are they keeping you busy?
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]EVEN THE CABLE GUY COULD SEE THAT TOOTLBN![/quote]He was a Braves fan so he was used to seeing some quality baseball. He didn’t know what this game was.
[quote name=dylanj]shawn- astrobiology has been in the news alot lately. are they keeping you busy?[/quote]Shawn is the reason it’s made the news so much. He’s fucking it up.
[quote name=mb21]He was a Braves fan so he was used to seeing some quality baseball. He didn’t know what this game was.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
Dempster’s career record is 102-102?
So not an ace.
I can’t believe how awesome the new MLB gameday is. I love that they have added the replay box on the main screen.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]I can’t believe how awesome the new MLB gameday is. I love that they have added the replay box on the main screen.[/quote]
Isn’t it great? I like the overlay of Wrigley Field in the background for the Cubs game. The lineup setup before first pitch is really nice as well.
[quote name=dylanj]shawn- astrobiology has been in the news alot lately. are they keeping you busy?[/quote]
Indeed. It’s been fun, and I’ve learned a lot about public communication of science. But it’s also been incredibly hectic at times, particularly around the time of the “As-based life” press conference.
The project I’m really excited about at the moment is an astrobiology version of this:
http://famelab.org/
[quote name=Rice Cube]Isn’t it great? I like the overlay of the glorious scoreboard in the background for the Cubs game. The lineup setup before first pitch is really depressing as well.[/quote]
Fixed.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Isn’t it great? I like the overlay of Wrigley Field in the background for the Cubs game. The lineup setup before first pitch is really nice as well.[/quote]
Yeah. It’s all great. I wonder how long it will be before MLB starts adding advanced stats to their player cards. The Pitch F/X stuff that they already have up their is great.
mlb is going to fuck around and make gameday so cool you dont need mlb.tv
[quote name=mb21]Shawn is the reason it’s made the news so much. He’s fucking it up.[/quote]
Well not all the press has been positive………
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Fixed.[/quote]
I see what you did there.
The GameDay doesn’t do that first slider justice. The view from batters-eye was worth 20 nasty factors.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Yeah. It’s all great. I wonder how long it will be before MLB starts adding advanced stats to their player cards. The Pitch F/X stuff that they already have up their is great.[/quote]
Anyone know how the “nasty factor” meter works?
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Anyone know how the “nasty factor” meter works?[/quote]
I imagine it’s similar to the Al scale…from Yellon to Pujols.
[quote name=dylanj]mlb is going to fuck around and make gameday so cool you dont need mlb.tv[/quote]
MLB is going to make gameday so cool you don’t need shitty season tickets in the last row of the left field bleachers…. oh wait, you don’t need that now.
[quote name=dylanj]mlb is going to fuck around and make gameday so cool you dont need mlb.tv[/quote]Actually, MLB.tv has improved so much this off season that I no longer need to have a Gameday tab open.
48 on the nasty factor
Dempster’s sliders are a thing of beauty.
How the fuck does Cedeno take a walk?
Dempster walks Cedeno after an 0-2 start, announces retirement.
[quote name=Lukas]How the fuck does Cedeno take a walk?[/quote]
It was a really close pitch.
The umpire is a bastard.
These are the cubs I remember (dying laughing)
[quote name=Lukas]These are the cubs I remember (dying laughing)[/quote]Not enough grand slams.
Come on Dempster
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]Not enough grand slams.[/quote]
This is your fault.
god damn
Cubbed.
season over
D-O-N-E
(dying laughing)
If you can’t win on opening day, you’re never going to win. 0-162.
Damn. Optimism doesn’t last 5 innings.
its not over until you get the 5 back rule
[quote name=shawndgoldman]D-O-N-E
(dying laughing)[/quote]For real.
What the hell happened to Dempsters control this inning?
That was fucking crushed.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]What the hell happened to Dempsters control this inning?[/quote]
The ump hosed him on a couple of calls but he still shouldn’t have thrown it there. Ick.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]What the hell happened to Dempsters control this inning?[/quote]
It’s the result of Dempster touching himself between innings.
Dempster is too much of a good clubhouse guy. I don’t think that actually happened.
[quote name=Rice Cube]This is your fault.[/quote]I accept the blame entirely.
Is it too soon to mention I’m hoping the Cubs crash and burn this year so that Ricketts cleans house?
Patrick Willis joined UFC. Huh
I guess we find out now why Kevin Correia is their #1 starter (dying laughing)
[quote name=dylanj]Patrick Willis joined UFC. Huh[/quote]
April Faget’s Day!
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]Is it too soon to mention I’m hoping the Cubs crash and burn this year so that Ricketts cleans house?[/quote]
I am not hoping this happens, because I know that it is inevitable.
It’s a way of (L)ife
i would pay to watch him do that though.
STOP THE PRESSES ER’BODY! Bob Brenly has a good feeling about Starlin Castro!
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]Is it too soon to mention I’m hoping the Cubs crash and burn this year so that Ricketts cleans house?[/quote]I was hoping that last year after early May, but the Cubs then drafted a 5th rounder in the 1st round, traded half their farm to the Rays for a pitcher who isn’t much better than Randy Wells (if at all), and extended a reliever for 3 years.
I’m afraid if they lose 100 this year they’ll draft a 10th rounder in the 1st, trade their entire farm system for Kevin Millwood, and sign all the free agent relievers available.
[quote name=Horny Goat]It’s a way of (L)ife[/quote]And you thought staying away all winter would help.
WTF James Russell up? They’re giving up already?
[quote name=mb21]I was hoping that last year after early May, but the Cubs then drafted a 5th rounder in the 1st round, traded half their farm to the Rays for a pitcher who isn’t much better than Randy Wells (if at all), and extended a reliever for 3 years.
I’m afraid if they lose 100 this year they’ll draft a 10th rounder in the 1st, trade their entire farm system for Kevin Millwood, and sign all the free agent relievers available.[/quote]
We were also hoping that they’d pursue Chapman.
[quote name=mb21]I was hoping that last year after early May, but the Cubs then drafted a 5th rounder in the 1st round, traded half their farm to the Rays for a pitcher who isn’t much better than Randy Wells (if at all), and extended a reliever for 3 years.
I’m afraid if they lose 100 this year they’ll draft a 10th rounder in the 1st, trade their entire farm system for Kevin Millwood, and sign all the free agent relievers available.[/quote]
This – I thought last year was the year to do this. I’ve just foudn that the further they tank, the stupider they get.
Are you guys seriously surprised by any of this?
Nice try by Soto there.
[quote name=Manni Stats]This – I thought last year was the year to do this. I’ve just foudn that the further they tank, the stupider they get.[/quote]I pity the next regime’s starting point.
so I have a friend that works for the Cardinals that confirmed Holliday is going under the knife, and it was mentioned on WGN radio. so thats something…
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Are you guys seriously surprised by any of this?[/quote]Not at all. I didn’t expect the Cubs to beat the Pirates.
[quote name=Rice Cube]WTF James Russell up? They’re giving up already?[/quote]You would prefer Samardzija?
[quote name=Snyds01]so I have a friend that works for the Cardinals that confirmed Holliday is going under the knife, and it was mentioned on WGN radio. so thats something…[/quote]The Cardinals are falling apart.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]You would prefer Samardzija?[/quote]F7 for closer!
[quote name=Suburban Kid]You would prefer Samardzija?[/quote]
Or Grabow?
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Are you guys seriously surprised by any of this?[/quote]Of course not.
I said they’d lose this game 7-2 this morning, and so far I’m not wrong.
ugh
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Or Grabow?[/quote]
Mateo actually. But he is not left-handed.
(dying laughing)
Jesus. 4 BB in the last 2 IP. Terrible.
Lyon blows a two run ninth inning lead against the Phillies. It’s going to be a season long dogfight for last place between the Cubs and Astros.
[quote name=Corms]Lyon blows a two run ninth inning lead against the Phillies. It’s going to be a season long dogfight for last place between the Cubs and Astros.[/quote]
You do realize Kevin Correia is the Pirates opening day starter. I wouldn’t count them out of it just yet.
[quote name=Manni Stats]This – I thought last year was the year to do this. I’ve just foudn that the further they tank, the stupider they get.[/quote]
This is what we call a runaway feedback.
The other Chicago team is beating up a cupcake like they should.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]You do realize Kevin Correia is the Pirates opening day starter. I wouldn’t count them out of it just yet.[/quote]Yeah, the Cubs will have to acquire a lot of Jason Marquis to even begin competing with the Pirates loaded roster.
[quote name=Corms]Lyon blows a two run ninth inning lead against the Phillies. It’s going to be a season long dogfight for last place between the Cubs and Astros.[/quote]It wouldn’t surprise me, but I think you have to include the Pirates in that slugfest.
Wrigley isn’t even full. Have people left because of the rain? When was the last time opening day wasn’t packed?
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]F5 the Cubs![/quote]
Fixed.
[quote name=mb21]It wouldn’t surprise me, but I think you have to include the Pirates in that slugfest.[/quote]
Yeah, but they’re winning on opening day so that means that they’re good right?
[quote name=mb21]Wrigley isn’t even full. Have people left because of the rain? When was the last time opening day wasn’t packed?[/quote]
I bet people have fled under the grandstand
[quote name=Berselius]I bet people have fled under the grandstand[/quote]
It was packed at the beginning during the anthem and the Santo tribute.
[quote name=Berselius]I bet people have fled under the grandstand[/quote]
April baseball really kind of sucks in person.
Wind must be nuts there
This might drop Soto down to the #7 spot again
Remember when Soriano was single-handedly carrying the Cubs for about a month or two? That was 2009, right?
Kevin Correia has thrown 20 less pitches than Dempster in the same six full innings.
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Remember when Soriano was single-handedly carrying the Cubs for about a month or two? That was 2009, right?[/quote]No, he wasn’t worthy of being in AAA that season. 2007 and 2008 he did it.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Kevin Correia has thrown 20 less pitches than Dempster in the same six full innings.[/quote]
And almost nothing over 87 mph.
why the fuck is dempster coming back?
This offense is going to get killed by righties all season long. That’s something I’m going to add to the spreadsheet (splits), but it will take a few days. The Cubs suck against righties. No team that actually cares about winning a game against the Cubs would send a lefty to the mound at any point. The Cubs probably wouldn’t even score 4 runs per game.
Quade with the slow hook here. Not sure what to make of sending Dempster out for the 7th.
[quote name=dylanj]why the fuck is dempster coming back?[/quote]
The pitcher was batting first. I’m sure if Tabata gets on, he’s done.
[quote name=mb21]No, he wasn’t worthy of being in AAA that season. 2007 and 2008 he did it.[/quote]
But didn’t he start that year off with a month full of game-tying or game-winning HR’s before getting hurt and then having his production collapse?
(dying laughing) Quade is going to leave Demp out there for about 115 pitches in his first start of the season? On the Al Yellon to Al Pujols scale, that’s Al Yellon.
[quote name=shawndgoldman]But didn’t he start that year off with a month full of game-tying or game-winning HR’s before getting hurt and then having his production collapse?[/quote]
That sounds right to me. He had a hot April then banged his knee into the BRICK WALL and it affected him for the rest of the season.
[quote name=shawndgoldman]But didn’t he start that year off with a month full of game-tying or game-winning HR’s before getting hurt and then having his production collapse?[/quote]
He had a great end of April and beginning of May last year.
Okay, that’s annoying. That first pitch to Walker was the same pitch the ump called a ball in the previous at-bat before the grand slam. I hate umpires.
[quote name=shawndgoldman]But didn’t he start that year off with a month full of game-tying or game-winning HR’s before getting hurt and then having his production collapse?[/quote]I think he started out hot and did have several game winning hits that April now that I think about it.
Ah crap. McCutchen is very good at baseball.
that one is on Quade
Good lord. Does Quade not have pitch counts in the dugout? This is worse than anything I can remember Piniella doing last year.
I assume that’s it. 114 pitch outing on April 1st. In the cold.
Not an ace.
Don’t worry everyone! LOOGY James Russell will surely Grabow this situation into the Cubs history books!
One more run and I’m a genius.
(dying laughing)
I heart the Cubs awfulness. Comforting, sadly.
Game started off hopeful too… oh well.
Truly indeed this is the beauty of short hops
[quote name=WaLi]Game started off hopeful too… oh well.[/quote]That’s what the Cubs do. They score early and then forget to hit after the first couple innings. It’s quite frustrating to watch.
i can’t wait for $ners first 128 pitch start.
Since she said this is the year, I refer you to all that will happen this year: http://www.thehawkeyestate.net/general-sports/mlb/this-is-the-year.html
[quote name=dylanj]i can’t wait for $ners first 128 pitch start.[/quote]
They’ll find a way to blame Dusty for that one.
[quote name=dylanj]i can’t wait for $ners first 128 pitch start.[/quote]
BakerQuade destroys young pitchers?[quote name=dylanj]i can’t wait for $ners first surgery.[/quote].
And I was all ready to start the Joe Maddon/Mike Quade comparisons…..
Barney bats just like Theriot and he’s just as dirty as Theriot always was. What’s up with little white guys and getting dirty?
cue the clown music
That’s pure heart right there.
[quote name=dylanj]cue the clown music[/quote]
GBTS did a great mashup of Yakety Sax and the D’Backs’ fail last year.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]And I was all ready to start the Joe Maddon/Mike Quade comparisons…..[/quote]Smartest active manager =/= most talkative MLB manager.
Basehit?
[quote name=mb21]Barney bats just like Theriot and he’s just as dirty as Theriot always was. What’s up with little white guys and getting dirty?[/quote]
Makes it look like they try harder than the clean cut latinos.
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]Smartest active manager =/= most talkative MLB manager.[/quote]
I think such a comparison would be insulting to Joe Maddon.
goody, Grabow is going to pitch next inning.
Adam, Tim, Berselius and I are going to be charging you to read our content soon: http://riveraveblues.com/2011/04/introducing-the-rab-paywall-45570/
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think such a comparison would be insulting to Joe Maddon.[/quote]
I was kidding. I did just finish reading that Jonah Keri book though, so I’ve been thinking about Maddon a lot.
[quote name=dylanj]i can’t wait for $ners first 128 pitch start.[/quote]
Karma says this will happen when we play the Reds.
[quote name=Lukas]Makes it look like they try harder than the clean cut latinos.[/quote]Speaking as a scrappy white guy who can’t hit, Theriot and Barney know how old white managers think. Clint Hurdle told Len the theme of the season was “attitude and effort — the two things you can control.” All little leaguers know what hustling means to old white coaches. It’s a definite tie breaker when it comes to which crappy player to pick.
Barney’s problem is that the two guys he’s competing with are also scrappy white guys.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]And I was all ready to start the Joe Maddon/Mike Quade comparisons…..[/quote]
They both love platoons, but only one of them understands how they’re supposed to work.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]And I was all ready to start the Joe Maddon/Mike Quade comparisons…..[/quote]
They both love platoons, but only one of them understands how they’re supposed to work.
Oops… Too much caffeine, I guess.
Actually not a bad AB by Colvin here. He’ll probably strike out but I’m happy with his approach here.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Actually not a bad AB by Colvin here. He’ll probably strike out but I’m happy with his approach here.[/quote]
Ricestradamus!
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Karma says this will happen when we play the Reds.[/quote]I think it will happen in his next side session.
Alright Kosuke!
[quote name=shawndgoldman]They both love platoons, but only one of them understands how they’re supposed to work.[/quote](dying laughing) of all the things the Cubs have done in my life, I can’t help but wonder if the two same-sided platoons is the dumbest yet.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it took Grabow 116 pitches to get out of the 9th inning.
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) of all the things the Cubs have done in my life, I can’t help but wonder if the two same-sided platoons is the dumbest yet.[/quote]
The 2B “platoon” seems almost by necessity though because DeWitt was so putrid this spring.
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) of all the things the Cubs have done in my life, I can’t help but wonder if the two same-sided platoons is the dumbest yet.[/quote]
Agreed. They’ve done plenty of stupid, stupid things. But usually there’s just a bad reason behind it, or a reason that is greatly outweighed by something they didn’t consider or undervalued. In this case, I can’t even come up with a bad reason to do it.
[quote name=mb21]Adam, Tim, Berselius and I are going to be charging you to read our content soon: http://riveraveblues.com/2011/04/introducing-the-rab-paywall-45570//quote
That’s pretty shocking for an independent blog to start charging for content. I can’t imagine that’s going to go over very well.
I would pay to have Al start charging for BCB. Especially if it was $10.
Happy April Fagets day!
I’d be happy with a three-run homer right about now.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]That’s pretty shocking for an independent blog to start charging for content. I can’t imagine that’s going to go over very well.
I would pay to have Al start charging for BCB. Especially if it was $10.[/quote]
And I’m a total moron. Damn Faget’s Day.
Damn. He just missed that
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’d be happy with a three-run homer right about now.[/quote]
So close…
i thought he had it off the bat
How does Barney manage to get so dirty. That’s uncanny.
[quote name=dylanj]i thought he had it off the bat[/quote]
Pat’s amazing. He had the perfect tone for that right off the bat.
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Pat’s amazing. He had the perfect tone for that right off the bat.[/quote]
Agreed. You can always tell and he appeared to be spot on.
Guys, this Titanic is sinking. Are you going to be loyal and die or be smart and abandon ship.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Guys, this Titanic is sinking. Are you going to be loyal and die or be smart and abandon ship.[/quote]What if we never got on board?
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Guys, this Titanic is sinking. Are you going to be loyal and die or be smart and abandon ship.[/quote]I’m going to be lazy and bitter.
have i mentioned that grabow is my least favorite cub on the roster. He is my 2011 version of Jason Marquis
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]What if we never got on board?[/quote]
Then I wasn’t fucking talking to you, faget.
April Fool’s!
My real response would have been: “I don’t know.”
[quote name=dylanj]have i mentioned that grabow is my least favorite cub on the roster. He is my 2011 version of Jason Marquis[/quote]
Mine is a tie between Grabow and Hill.
Bad day for Soto.
Samardzija in the 9th! I called it! He’s the new closer!
I think I would’ve liked Barney more if he had struck out swinging and dove to the ground and gotten even more dirty than he already was.
It seems like Barney’s been up 50 times in this game.
Does Barney look a little bit Asian, or am I just racist?
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Does Barney look a little bit Asian, or am I just racist?[/quote]
He is a bit squinty.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Does Barney look a little bit Asian, or am I just racist?[/quote]That’s probably because he’s very Asian.
[quote name=GBTS]That’s probably because he’s very Asian.[/quote]So, it’s because I’m a dumbass. Got it.
Castro has really good range.
Darwin Barney has Japanese and Korean heritage.
In my defense, “Darwin Barney” sounds more Appalachian than Asian.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Darwin Barney has face-saving heritage.[/quote].
Nice little day for Neil Walker. I think he might break out this year.
Mark Riggins out to tell F7 to throw a fucking strike.
Grabow: 14 pitches, 6 strikes.
F7: 15 pitches, 6 strikes.
I’m glad I missed this game.
That would’ve been four runs in cricket.
Castro —> dinner
[quote name=Rice Cube]Castro —> dinner[/quote]
I don’t know, he didn’t hit 3 homers soo…..
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Well not all the press has been positive………[/quote]
I’m assuming you are referring to incorporation of arsenic into DNA. That has been getting a lot of heat. Great claims require great science. Still love that paper despite the critisms. It sets up new research nicely.
Marlon Byrd swings at the first two pitches. How surprising.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Castro —> Marlon Byrd’s dinner[/quote].
Cunts lose.
[quote name=cdw]I’m assuming you are referring to incorporation of arsenic into DNA. That has been getting a lot of heat. Great claims require great science. Still love that paper despite the critisms. It sets up new research nicely.[/quote]
That’s pretty much my take on the matter.
Fire Quade.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]How does Barney manage to get so dirty. That’s uncanny.[/quote]The only player that I have ever seen get that dirty is Ryan Theriot and Theriot was like that every fucking day.
At least one Chicago team knows how to score runs today. 15-7!
When I googled “pigpen baseball” I didn’t expect this gif. Is F7 scrappy?
I guess that was from Cubbie Julie’s site. (dying laughing) They used the wrong cub.
[quote name=cdw]When I googled “pigpen baseball” I didn’t expect this gif. Is F7 scrappy?[/quote]There’s anti-seizure medicine and then there’s pro-seizure medicine. (dying laughing)
I’m heading out, but don’t worry I’m too upset to eat my dinner.
(dying laughing)
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/chicago-cubs-cant-believe-theyre-doing-this-again,19870/
Re: Holliday’s appendectomy
The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.
114 pitches?
His last start he threw 73. Fucking hell, the veterans are running this team.
If anyone was thinking of getting a PS3 just to watch MLB.TV, there are other options that are a lot cheaper like getting a Roku or Apple TV box.
I just realized I can get in on my Apple TV in the living room, and the picture is even better than using the PS3.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]If anyone was thinking of getting a PS3 just to watch MLB.TV, there are other options that are a lot cheaper like getting a Roku or Apple TV box.
I just realized I can get in on my Apple TV in the living room, and the picture is even better than using the PS3.[/quote]
Is MLB.tv free on PS3? The only real reason I’d get a PS3 is to play “The Show.” Otherwise I’m perfectly content with my Xbox 360 games.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13365953
Castro has range.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is MLB.tv free on PS3? [/quote]No.
Except in April because of a Volvo promotion, I think MLB.TV is free on all platforms for the whole month.
As one of MLB.TV’s best customers, I’m very angry about this.
I’d buy MLB.tv but the Cubs would probably always get blacked out anyway.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]114 pitches?
His last start he threw 73. Fucking hell, the veterans are running this team.[/quote]Out of curiosity, how many did he throw in the previous start? SP’s usually let off a little bit in that final start. Regardless, 114 pitches on opening day is absurd unless you’re throwing a no-hitter.
Cubs lose.
Mike Quade just sent Dempster back out to the mound at an empty Wrigley to throw 114 cool down pitches.
[quote name=AndCounting]Cubs lose.[/quote]
It’s what they do.
new thread up: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/games/probably-something-about-nothing.html