All I should have to say about yesterday’s game is that the Cubs lost on a 2-run infield single. It was that kind of day.
However, despite the fact that the Cubs lost two games to the emintently beatable Pirates there were things to be happy about. Here’s a breakdown of what we learned
The Good
- Starlin Castro. What a great start to the season. He hit two triples yesterday, and his baserunning led to seemingly half of the Cubs runs in the series. Even if everything else goes to shit it will be exciting to watch him this year.
- Matt Garza fought the luck dragon for 7 innings in his first officially official start in a Cubs uniform, but I think it was good enough to make sure the fans didn’t turn on him out of the gate for not being Cy Young. He set a career high of 12 strikeouts and threw boatloads of strikes. He didn’t walk anyone and gave up 12 singles, and it seemed like every one of them were seeing eye grounders.
- Carlos Pena is as good as advertised on defense. Brenly seems to have a new man-crush but at least it’s on a player that’s actually pretty good. I think the over/under on the number of times we’ll hear about Pena’s pregame fungo routine for the rest of the season should be set around 50 times.
- Geovany Soto is batting higher in the order at last. We’re still seeing a few dumb lineup things like Barney batting second, but I don’t think we’ll see that as often as we’ll see Soto batting 5th or 6th.
- Carlos Marmol had his jaw-dropping slider working in Saturday’s game.
- Colvin looked as good defensively as we should expect, given his ability to hack it in CF, in nailing Jaramillo at the plate in the 8th inning of Sunday’s game to preserve the Cubs lead. He looked a little lost in RF last year but if his glove shows up he’ll be better than the replacement level 4th outfielder that the projections see him as.
The Bad
- The Cubs offense is going to struggle to score runs. They scored 12 in this series,and were helped by 4 unearned runs thanks to the Pirates crappy defense. The Cubs are also swinging at everything. They didn’t have a good PA in Saturday’s game until Z’s double in the third inning. In that PA he saw as many pitches as the team did in the first and second innings.
- Marlon Byrd needs to move down the lineup, and soon. After a gift throw into RF by Ronny Cedeno to gift-wrap the Cubs chances to tie the game on a sac fly, Marlon continued his habit seen through the series of swinging on the first pitch. He grounded out into a game ending double play.
- Carlos Marmol did not have his jaw-dropping slider working in Sunday’s game. However, even when Marmol’s wild he can still get away with it at times. He walked the first hitter, the second hiter hit a flare just over Barney, but then the pirates gave up an out and he got the WAG that usually gets him out of trouble. Just bad luck that it glanced off of Marmol and a bad decision by Castro. Pena did a great job corraling the throw but it was too late for it to matter.
Anyway, that’s behind us now. The Cubs host the Arizona Diamondbacks for a 3-game series before their first road trip of the season. Arizona is 1-1 after Sunday’s game in Colorado was cancelled due to snow.
Team Overview
BP projects the Diamondbacks to be the low team on the totem pole in the NL west this season, with a record of 76-86. Their biggest problem is their pitching staff, which is projected to give up the second most runs after only the Coors-aided Rockies staff. To be fair, they do play in a hitters’ park themselves.
Since not much has happened in the season so far I’m just going to post their main players’ ZiPS projections.
Position Players
| Player | wOBA | ADR |
| SS Drew | .337 | 2 |
| RF Upton | .377 | 8 |
| 2b Johnson | .358 | 4 |
| 1b Branyan | .374 | 5 |
| CF Young | .340 | 7 |
| C Montero | .332 | -5 |
| 3b Mora | .309 | -6 |
| LF Nady | .321 | 0 |
Drew is banged up and didn’t play in the first two games, so there’s a good chance Willie Bloomquist will get at least one of the starts if not all of them, given the weather in Chicago.
Pitchers
| Player | FIP |
| Dan Hudson | 3.62 |
| Saunders | 4.65 |
|
Kennedy |
4.06 |
| Enright | 4.84 |
| Gallaraga | 4.97 |
| Putz (CL) | 3.40 |
| Hernandez | 4.83 |
Former Pirate Zach Duke would normally be in the rotation, but a line drive in spring training broke his hand, putting him out for 6-8 weeks.
Players to watch:
Aside from the obvious Cubs choice, Starlin Castro, I’ll pick an ex-Cub in Xavier Nady (the one armed bandit) for the DBacks. I hope we get to see numerous lollipop throws back to the infield in this series.
Pitching Matchups:
(ZiPS projected FIP in parentheses)
Monday: Joe Saunders, LHP (4.65) vs Randy Wells, RHP (3.95)
Saunders came to the DBacks as part of the Angels’ Dan Haren robbery. Saunders had a breakout year in 2008, posting a 3.41 ERA and 17 wins for the Angels. However, that was tempered by a .266 BABIP and a good measure of HR luck. The following year he posted a 4.60 ERA and a 5.17 FIP, but still somehow managed to win 16 games. For some reason that was good enough for the DBacks to grab him.
Wells is looking to bounce back from his “sophomore slump”, in which his ERA jumped by a point and a quarter but his peripherals stayed just about the same. Hopefully the groundballs he’ll generate won’t find all the holes that Garza’s did yesterday.
Tuesday: Barry Enright, RHP (4.84) vs Andrew Cashner, RHP (4.46)
Enright posted superficially solid numbers after being called up from AA last year, posting a 3.91 ERA and a 6-7 record in 99 innings. However, his .248 BABIP had a lot to do with that, and his FIP and xFIP were 5.62 and 4.96 respectively. It looks like he’s a flyball pitcher that doesn’t strike a lot of guys out, which is not a great combo.
I’m glad that this is the game that I’ll actually be able to catch all of (stupid work), as I’m excited to see what Cashner can do this season. He definitely got a great matchup for his first start. From what I remember his change-up was starting to look good in ST, and if that trend continues he should be able to stick in the rotation.
Wednesday: Armando Galarraga, RHP (4.97) vs Ryan Dempster, RHP (3.73)
Galarraga is of course famous for the near perfect game with the Tigers last season. He was 8 2/3 of an inning through it and was fed the ball on a groundout to 1b to seal the deal when veteran umpire Jim Joyce ruled the runner safe (replay showed that he was out). Despite all the media hoopla around the play, Galarraga and Joyce both handled the situation well. Joyce tearfully apologized after the game and (gasp) admitted that he made a mistake. Galarraga accepted the situation gracefully saying “nobody’s perfect”, and went to great length to assure Joyce that there was no bad blood. Perfect game notwithstanding, Galarraga was never that great of a pitcher and the Tigers released him in the offseason.
Dempster started strong but fell apart in his opening day start. He lost control in the 5th and Neil Walker made him pay with a grand slam, and after Quade put him out in the 7th (with 100+ pitches and two shaky innings in the bank) he gave up another HR to put it out of reach of the Cubs offensive offense.
Prediction
The matchups look good in all three of these games. I like the Cubs to win two out of three to bring themselves back to .500
I love these previews, b. I’ll be in the bleachers at the game on Wednesday. If anyone wants $10 seats let me know. (dying laughing)
so byrd hasn’t had a months ops over .700 since July.
paging Brett Jackson
.
[quote name=Jame Gumb].[/quote]In Alvin’s world, all adult beverages are color-coded?
Wait, do they even sell Mai Tai’s in Wrigley Field?
[quote name=AndCounting]I love these previews, b. I’ll be in the bleachers at the game on Wednesday. If anyone wants $10 seats let me know. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Nah, I’m good.
.
Although if I get to Chicago this summer, AC, I might take you up on it.
[quote name=Suburban Kid].[/quote]
Ed from Cubs in Haiku just posted that you can get tickets to today’s game for under $1.
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-sports-in-haiku/2011/04/cubs-in-haiku-almost-free-tickets-to-mondays-game.html
I’m going to the game tomorrow, I’m praying the rain today holds off to at least get a few innings in today. If I’m going to sit in the bleachers in 40 degree weather, I’d rather watch Cashner’s debut as a starter than Randy Wells inducing ground balls.
At least either way, my ticket was only $10. (dying laughing)
[quote name=AndCounting]Ed from Cubs in Haiku just posted that you can get tickets to today’s game for under $1.
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-sports-in-haiku/2011/04/cubs-in-haiku-almost-free-tickets-to-mondays-game.html/quoteStill too much. I’m waiting for quarter tickets. I’ll buy four of ‘em.
[quote name=mb21]Still too much. I’m waiting for quarter tickets. I’ll buy four of ‘em.[/quote]Offering quarter tickets would be unfair to all the loyal fans who purchased dollar tickets.
[quote name=GBTS]Offering quarter tickets would be unfair to all the loyal fans who purchased dollar tickets.[/quote]Good point. I’ll pay $2.35 for the dollar tickets. Nothing less than that. Maybe more.
I’m going out on a limb and am predicting that Matt Garza will not finish the season with a -0.32 FIP this season. Just a hunch.
There are 32 Infield Club Box tickets for today’s game for $30 or under on StubHub. One of them is in the first row. That’s pretty much half price.
Just wait until August. Those tickets will be half that or less.
[quote name=mb21]Just wait until August. Those tickets will be half that or less.[/quote]So if I come in for the last week of August, they might pay me to sit behind home plate?
I’m looking forward to the Cubs financing my trip.
I don’t want to read too much into this. It’s a day game against a bad team on a weekday during the school year when you’d expect crap weather at Wrigley.
[quote name=AndCounting]I don’t want to read too much into this. It’s a day game against a bad team on a weekday during the school year when you’d expect crap weather at Wrigley.[/quote]
Yeah, IIRC they had trouble selling out these games even a few years ago. You know, recent years like 1987
Didn’t the Cubs sell out nearly every game in 2007 and 2008? I think the same thing was true in 2004 and 2005 as well.
So who watched The Killing last night? Don’t tell me how it ends. I only watched the first hour.
[quote name=mb21]So who watched The Killing last night? Don’t tell me how it ends. I only watched the first hour.[/quote]
It was all a dream!
Dbags lineup today
SS Bloomquist
2B Johnson
RF Upton
1B Branyan
CF Young
C Montero
3B Roberts
LF Parra
P Saunders
you knew it would be cheap this year when not only did the bleachers not sell out for opening day, but you could get four together field box infield. about 80% of the under-25 set unemployed, which explains the bleachers — but also the season ticket arbitrage got killed in the second half last year. they must’ve had scads of cancellations in the grandstands as well.
i went friday and saturday. rare to see so many people selling, both days. saturday was a nice day on opening weekend, but i got overwhelmed with offers before i could get near the window. my oldest daughter and i sat fifteen rows off home plate in 126 for $30×2 thanks to an elderly gent selling his seasons. those are $80 tix, and i did him a favor.
whatever they’ve already sold is what they’re going to sell this year. won’t be a need to go to the box office this year.
[quote name=Berselius]It was all a dream![/quote]Sweet. Reminds me of the recent show Newhart.
GM, I agree. They couldn’t even sell the Yankees series out that quickly. Maybe there are still tickets available. I’ll check in a minute. I’m actually surprised about that. I thought about going to Wrigley just so I could see the Yankees there and I’m not the world’s biggest Wrigley fan.
Nationals still can’t spell.
The Yankees series is now sold out.
Cubs
2B Baker
SS castro
CF Byrd
3B Ramirez
C soto
1B Pena
LF Soriano
RF Fuke
[quote name=mb21]Sweet. Reminds me of the recent show Newhart.[/quote]That was a good recent show. I liked the mouthy receptionist and Jerry the orthodontist. When Newhart re-married and moved to Vermont, it jumped the shark.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]That was a good recent show. I liked the mouthy receptionist and Jerry the orthodontist. When Newhart re-married and moved to Vermont, it jumped the shark.[/quote]“Jumping the shark” is one of my favorite recent expressions. I hope it passes the test of time, but, like anything from Happy Days, it’s just too soon to tell.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]That was a good recent show. I liked the mouthy receptionist and Jerry the orthodontist. When Newhart re-married and moved to Vermont, it jumped the shark.[/quote]I agree. Bob had such a good thing going and then he has to fuck his marriage up and leave the state. He ended up getting back with his wife, which the most touching moment in tv history.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Cubs
2B Baker
SS castro
CF Byrd
3B Ramirez
C soto
1B Pena
LF Soriano
RF Fuke[/quote]
The hits have to fall in some time.
[quote name=mb21]So who watched The Killing last night? Don’t tell me how it ends. I only watched the first hour.[/quote]
Everybody died.
anyone else watch wrestlemania? it was awesome
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]anyone else watch wrestlemania? it was awesome[/quote]
I liked the part when they exaggerated.
[quote name=Rice Cube]The hits have to fall in some time.[/quote]
They’re facing a LHP, so I like our chances. Paul Maholm notwithstanding (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]They’re facing a LHP, so I like our chances. Paul Maholm notwithstanding (dying laughing)[/quote]
Maholm only threw 10 pitches to get 20 outs
[quote name=mb21]So who watched The Killing last night? Don’t tell me how it ends. I only watched the first hour.[/quote]
The butler did it with the candlestick in the library.
…that just sounds bizarre when you read it.
In the Brewers (home opener!) lineup today
Carlos Gomez (.301 projected wOBA) – batting second!
Yuni Betancourt (.305 proj wOBA)
Nyjer Morgan (.302 proj wOBA)
Wil Nieves (.265 proj wOBA)
Plus a pitcher
Good thing they have Fielder, Braun, and Weeks. Ouch.
[quote name=AndCounting]“Jumping the shark” is one of my favorite recent expressions. I hope it passes the test of time, but, like anything from Happy Days, it’s just too soon to tell.[/quote]Holy shit, if I’m being judged over the hill because I use that expression, I better start coining some new texting lingo like WGF.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Holy shit, if I’m being judged over the hill because I use that expression, I better start coining some new texting lingo like WGF.[/quote]
Get with the times, SK, it’s called Killing Frank Grimes these days.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Holy shit, if I’m being judged over the hill because I use that expression, I better start coining some new texting lingo like WGF.[/quote](dying laughing), don’t worry. I was ironically pointing out the longevity of the phrase, not the fact that you used it.
Don’t have insider, but I think this could be an interesting article
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/news/story?id=6289105&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmlb%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d6289105
I wonder if he’s taking about the platoon advantage here. I also wonder of batting him 7th could turn him into another JD Drew in the eyes of the moron faction of the BoSox fanbase.
[quote name=Berselius]Don’t have insider, but I think this could be an interesting article
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/news/story?id=6289105&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmlb%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d6289105
I wonder if he’s taking about the platoon advantage here. I also wonder of batting him 7th could turn him into another JD Drew in the eyes of the moron faction of the BoSox fanbase.[/quote]
That was really interesting (I read about it on Big League Stew) and got me to thinking how it only took a couple games before they shifted him down in the lineup. Took the Cubs almost four seasons to realize that Soriano wasn’t a leadoff guy. But the Red Sox lineup is much better than the Cubs’ throughout so sticking an expensive hitter at the #7 spot isn’t that big of a deal for them.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Holy shit, if I’m being judged over the hill because I use that expression, I better start coining some new texting lingo like WGF.[/quote]I got dibs on CL = Cubs lose.
[quote name=Berselius]Get with the times, SK, it’s called Killing Frank Grimes these days.[/quote]
That’s my line!
I’m having to recreate my game thread spreadsheet so I’m not going to have one for today. Hopefully tomorrow. Good thing they don’t play games on spreadsheet because the Cubs would be 1-3. (dying laughing)
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2011/04/cubsminors40411.php#disqus_thread
[quote name=Berselius]Get with the times, SK, it’s called Killing Frank Grimes these days.[/quote]Oh I forgot about that.
Only, I still like that episode. Probably another sign that I’m past it ((dying laughing))
FTR, I don’t hate the Grimes episode, and at one point, was my favorite episode. I just find that to be the point at which you can see the stark changes that would later sink the show’s quality.
sucks to see the Cubs give up on Larry Suarez as a SP.
Yeah, I love the episode too but it’s definitely an easy episode to point to when the show went from an elite show to a merely very good one, mostly due to Homer becoming a much dumber and more terrible person.
I also loved the Fonzie jumping the shark episode. At the time, it was the most anticipated episode of my life, and I wasn’t disappointed.
[quote name=AndCounting]I also loved the Fonzie jumping the shark episode. At the time, it was the most anticipated episode of my life, and I wasn’t disappointed.[/quote]
[quote name=AndCounting]I also loved the Fonzie jumping the shark episode. At the time, it was the most anticipated episode of my life, and I wasn’t disappointed.[/quote]
Did the show really suck that bad after that moment?
And is Ted McGinley really such a horrible person?
Dennis Rodman —> HOF
[quote name=Rice Cube]Did the show really suck that bad after that moment?
And is Ted McGinley really such a horrible person?[/quote]
Jefferson D’Arcy says, “No.”
http://www.cubsfx.com/2011/04/second-series-first-game-joe-saunders.html
Yeah, and I’m going to take a kicker in the first round.
Oh…woops…I’m sorry, mb.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Yeah, and I’m going to take a kicker in the first round.
[/quote]
Sounds like the Cubs draft strategy.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Yeah, and I’m going to take a kicker in the first round.
Oh…woops…I’m sorry, mb.[/quote]
You think, he senses.
I didn’t know you were black, mb.
I have obtained video of the Cubs most recent staff meeting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_JmA2ClUvUY#at=35
[quote name=Berselius]http://www.cubsfx.com/2011/04/second-series-first-game-joe-saunders.html[/quote]
I like how Saunders’ pitch graphic looks like a flaccid wang.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I have obtained video of the Cubs most recent staff meeting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_JmA2ClUvUY#at=35/quoteI was just thinking how those iPhone autocorrect images were obviously fake, but this video of the Cubs staff meeting seems totally genuine.
(dying laughing)
Willie Bloomquist.
[quote name=Rice Cube]I like how Saunders’ pitch graphic looks like a flaccid wang.[/quote]I see a cartoon character from Nickeldeon with an orange afro. WTF is in your mind, RC?
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I didn’t know you were black, mb.
How does cunnilingus get changed to conference? The only similarity between these two is that they start with c.
[quote name=Rice Cube]I like Saunders’ flaccid wang.[/quote]
Sig.
[quote name=mb21]I’ll bet you didn’t know that I masturbate with grandpa either.
How does cunnilingus get changed to conference? The only similarity between these two is that they start with c.[/quote]
I think the owner of that iPhone texts cunnilingus often.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I think the owner of that iPhone texts cunnilingus often.[/quote]Who doesn’t?
Darn wind.
willie bloomquist.
its a way of life
THe new Gameday is really cool..
Whats the wind doing today?
Besides the strikezone, where was the 1-2 pitch to Young?
Stands look empty…
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Stands look empty…[/quote]Yellon must be thrilled. His investment is protected.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Stands look empty…[/quote]
They look full on Gameday…
This is the day Starlin takes his first step to 25 HR.
[quote name=AndCounting]This is the day Starlin takes his first step to 25 HR.[/quote]It will be tough if the ump keeps calling pitches strikes while the CUbs are batting, but not the other way around.
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]They look full on Gameday…[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
almost posted that exacvt same thing.. How dare Starlin get called out on strikes.. He knows the srtrike zone better than the umpire.
Byrd in the 3 hole is really questionable
At least Byrd took two pitches before making an out this time.
Does anyone know how the nasty factor is calculated and judged on gameday. Like is a Marmol Slider a 100 or is it some cockbag sitting around going i could/couldnt hit that shit?
No clue how that’s calculated.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]
Byrd in the 3 hole is really questionable[/quote]
Questionable implies that it could possibly be an acceptable idea.
Soto = good catcher. Hope the bat wakes up.
[quote name=Corms]Questionable implies that it could possibly be an acceptable idea.[/quote]
Very bad idea it is…
Srtrike em out throw em out DP?
[quote name=Rice Cube]Soto = good catcher. Hope the bat wakes up.[/quote]For the good of the team? Or are you fearing we’re approaching Koyie territory?
I am confused how Miguel Montero was outted
[quote name=GBTS]For the good of the team? Or are you fearing we’re approaching Koyie territory?[/quote]
I think those statements are not mutually exclusive.
Nice play by Bloomquist.
Cubs hitters are so impatient. This makes me sad.
Are the cubs popping the ball up more than usual?
That’s largely why the Cubs offense has sucked since 1945. Few of those teams have actually been above average at getting on base because they swing at everything.
ADOLFO!!!!!
Soriano had an excellent at-bat.
Are the Cubs playing today or something?
I am not completely done with soriano. He still can crush mistakes.. I think he can hit 30 mistakes into the bleachers this year.. Maybe with hitting in the 7 hole he can drive in 100
why have Reed Johnson on the roster if he can’t play vs LHP?
So when someone figures out how to they calculate nastiness factor i would love to know
the bottom half of the strike zone is gone today according to pitch fx
[quote name=dylanj]why have Reed Johnson on the roster if he can’t play vs LHP?[/quote]
He’s a gamer.
Soriano crushed that shit
At least the Cubs are playing defense today.
The Cubs have batted in 30 innings. They’ve scored 13 runs. 5 of those were in one inning. 4 of them were unearned. The best pitcher the Cubs have faced is some guy for the Pirates who would probably be any other team’s number 3 or 4 starter.
I kinda like Carlos Pena.. I kinda like true three outcome players
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]So when someone figures out how to they calculate nastiness factor i would love to know[/quote]
Source:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jspSome faget who thinks he could hit that shit.So, what is up with SS’s leading the league in HR so far this year? And when is Castro going to start?
Lotta walks for Randy today.. I didnt think he was a a big walker the past few years
[quote name=GBTS]Source:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jspSome faget who thinks he could hit that shit.[/quote]Thank uyou very much.. It was just as i suspected…
[quote name=WaLi]So, what is up with SS’s leading the league in HR so far this year? And when is Castro going to start?[/quote]Ignore the SS’s leading the league in HR part. I have no idea where I heard that.
Saunders has thrown 51 pitches…
Unreal
[quote name=WaLi]Ignore the SS’s leading the league in HR part. I have no idea where I heard that.[/quote]I’m glad you clarified that because I would have gone and told everybody about it. I don’t pay much attention to stats until we get into the middle or end of May.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Saunders has thrown 51 pitches…
Unreal[/quote]That’s two times through the order. Crazy.
Starlin Castro seems to be getting strikezone fucked
I’m pretty sure I could take a nap at Wrigley today since it’s so quiet there.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Saunders has thrown 51 pitches…
Unreal[/quote]
Gotta make him work.
If you see more than two pitches, you’re obviously not trying.
[quote name=mb21]I’m glad you clarified that because I would have gone and told everybody about it. I don’t pay much attention to stats until we get into the middle or end of May.[/quote]I could have sworn I heard it on ESPN while I was at the dentist during lunch. They said SS’s hit 30 HR so far, which seemed high but I believed it. That is what I get for listening to ESPN.
[quote name=mb21]I’m pretty sure I could take a nap at Wrigley today since it’s so quiet there.[/quote]
I bet Alvin would let you rest your head in his lap too.
Marlon loves that first pitch. Hit it hard, at least.
Marlon should probably be fined 100$ for every 1st pitch he swings at after a batter is walked//
Just saying
Let me rephrase i have no problem with going up there lookign for a hit and whacking it.. I just think that Byrd shouldnt be doing it
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Marlon should probably be fined 100$ for every 1st pitch he swings at after a batter is walked//
Just saying[/quote]It’s like he gets up to the plate, and all of a sudden realizes he really needs to take a dump.
Also how is castro going to extend his hit streak if they are walking him…
I bet Byrd hasn’t seen more than 60 pitches in 3+ games so far.
For the record i would probably have Wells on a very tight leash if he gets through the rest of this inning quickly next inning
[quote name=Rice Cube]I bet Byrd hasn’t seen more than 60 pitches in 3+ games so far.[/quote]
Not a fucking chance in hell
+1 faget point for you
Why is Judd needed during Pat’s break if Zonk is going to do the PBP?
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Why is Judd needed during Pat’s break if Zonk is going to do the PBP?[/quote]
I’m just glad they took the play by play away from him.
[quote name=melissa]I’m just glad they took the play by play away from him.[/quote]Stop it. That’s a human being you’re talking about.
2 questions for the stat fags
1. How many pitches is it reasonable for a pitcher to throw an inning against the average team?
2. Is our best lineup Byrd 7th against ruighties (assuming barney) and 8th against lefties?
Casual observance tells me that anything over 20 is probably too much. ~15 pitches per inning gets you to 100 pitches in the 7th.
8th against lefties? No way. Byrd should be batting 3rd against lefties and probably 6th against righties. It’s really a tossup between he and Soriano for the 6th spot vs righties. Put whoever is hottest there.
Johnny Cakes has the man love for Pena in a bad way.
Today is the anniversary of the Tuffy Rhodes Game.
Only 3 other Cubs are projected to hit better against lefties than Byrd: http://www.anothercubsblog.net/chicago-cubs/projections/2011-cubs-split-projections.html
Interesting.
I will go back to my cave.
What was the injury delay for?
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]
What was the injury delay for?[/quote]
Pena fouled a ball off his shin
Depending on which projections you use, it can easily be argued that Byrd should bat 3rd against righties. If you use the CAIRO projections, Byrd would hit 3rd. Definitely somewhere in the top 5. I don’t think Byrd batting 3rd is as bad a decision as most of you do. I’d probably bat him somewhere between 5th and 7th against righties and 3rd against lefties.
really hope we have someone ready in the pen in case wells loses it
The spots in the lineup you don’t really want Byrd vs righties is leadoff, 2nd and 4th. It’s important for each of those spots to get on base. The 4th batter leads off an inning a lot. The only one leads off more is the leadoff man. You want a guy who gets on base as well as having power in that spot.
So as far as i’m concerned, as long as he’s not regularly batting in one of those three spots, I don’t really care where the Cubs bat him against righties.
The number 3 batters bats a lot more with nobody on and 2 out than the other batters and you want to leverage your power hitters by putting them in spots where there will be runners on base. Byrd doesn’t have that much power so it’s a perfect spot for him vs lefties. Righties? Maybe. Maybe not.
But what about the third hitter gets more plate appearences than than the 6th or 7th?
Fact: Pena saved 9 errors on that play.
so we just used Sean Marshall as a LOOGY for 1 out on a day when our set up man and closer have gone 2 in a row.
WTF
honestly, this is fucking insane. Sean Marshall is not a fucking loogy and he gets pulled while Grabow warms up.
Fuck the heck
Who is in, Mateo?
How did Wells look? I Just got back from teaching.
i am confused about what just happened… i dont like it. If you are going to use him like that have fucking Russell do it. Who is the loogy
i’m speechless over this
fucking quade
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Yeah, Sean Marshall facing Xavier Nady, that would have been bad news.
So Marshall is a LOOGY now.
Sean Marshall is now our loogy ladies and gentlemen. One of the best relievers in baseball has been demoted to a loogy while Grabow is now a full inning pitcher
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Yeah, Sean Marshall facing Xavier Nady, that would have been bad news.[/quote]
(dying laughing), pretty much.
[quote name=Rice Cube]So Marshall is a LOOGY now.[/quote]
Maybe Q just really wanted to get Mateo’s feet wet for the season
I see I was a bit late.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]But what about the third hitter gets more plate appearences than than the 6th or 7th?[/quote]The 6th and 7th hitters come up more frequently when there aren’t 2 outs and nobody on.
Either way, Byrd is one of the top 5 hitters against both lefties and righties so he bats in one of the top 5 spots. He’s not the best hitter against either handed pitcher so you don’t bat him 2nd or 4th. He doesn’t have the OBP skills to lead off. The 5th hitter has more runners so leveraging that power is more important. That leaves the 3rd spot.
I realize people could argue that he’s not in fact among the top 5 vs righties, but it’s close enough. Some projections have him in the top 5 and others have him 6th best. Clearly the Cubs believe he’s better than their 6th best hitter so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.
B, Wells looked really good. Best start of the season for a Cubs starter so far. Too bad it wasn’t for AAA though. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]Maybe Q just really wanted to get Mateo in because he’s a gamer.[/quote]
Cubs lose
What you’re saying makes sense MB, but Byrd still drives me nuts (dying laughing). The problem I have with it is that I don’t think Quade optimizes his lineup the same way, and traditionally your best two all-around hitters bat 3-4
[quote name=dylanj]i’m speechless over this
fucking quade[/quote]I think their are going to be a lot of tactical decisions this year that leave us scratching our head…
Watch Q use a reliever per out here and see this game go into extras (dying laughing)
Did Quade really just waste the bullpen?
Never a bad time to use three relievers to get 3 outs against probably the worst hitting team in baseball (non padres division) when two other relievers went 2 days in a row
glad to see our wonderful plan of using 3 fucking relievers for 3 outs worked. Now when Wood or Marmol blow the lead we can use F7 for all the extra innings.
its a way of life
Kelly Johnson 0-7 career vs. Grabow. Quade is an evil genius. (dying laughing)
Grabow better not pitch good enough to get another three years this year…
Bubbles is terrified
[quote name=Berselius]What you’re saying makes sense MB, but Byrd still drives me nuts (dying laughing). The problem I have with it is that I don’t think Quade optimizes his lineup the same way, and traditionally your best two all-around hitters bat 3-4[/quote]No, he doesn’t optimize his lineup in this way, but if Byrd is there by accident, I’ll take it. If Soto ends up batting higher because he accidentally writes his name in the 4th spot, I’ll take that too.
Few managers actually optimize their lineup anyway.
Len said something about Kosuke sitting yesterday because Quade said he’s 1-9 against Ohlendorf. If that really is the case, then fuck us.
Was Soriano pulled as part of a double switch that innign?
I’m guessing Grabow pitches the next inning. Both Wood and Marmol have thrown 2 days in a row. I’d be surprised if either threw 3 days in a row this early in the season. That’s what makes the use of Marshall so confusing. I figured he was the closer today so it must mean Quade is willing to use one of Marmol or Wood or both 3 days in a row.
jesus christ our offense loves the 1st pitch
[quote name=Berselius]Watch Q use a reliever per out here and see this game go into extras (dying laughing)[/quote]
I’ve said this way too many times in my life, but I’d like to see this team score 8 to 10 runs and coast to a win. You don’t win too many games by scoring 2 runs.
I know Kerry Wood is a pitcher with exactly the kind of injury history I want to pitch 3 days in a row (dying laughing)
How many pitches have the Dbacks thrown in today’s game? 24?
At least I’d rather have Grablow in there for the 8th than Jeff Samardzija (dying laughing)
I also think it’s interesting that Quade didn’t even have anyone warming up in the bullpen until there were 2 outs in the bottom of the 6th. Strange.
I would rather have Matt Garza pitch the 7th, 8th, and 9th today. Forget the fact that he threw over 100 pitches yesterday. He showed what a gamer he is.
there is just something about the bullpen that brings out the absolute worst in 99% of managers.
It is really hard for Kam Mickolio to work a 1-2-3 inning..
IT is even harder for Kam Mickolio to work a 1-2-3 innin on 7 pitches with his terrible command
Its a way of life
[quote name=Berselius]I know Kerry Wood is a pitcher with exactly the kind of injury history I want to pitch 3 days in a row (dying laughing)[/quote]
Ask and you shall receive. Pitch Woody everyday, Let’s see what happens…
[quote name=Mish]Len said something about Kosuke sitting yesterday because Quade said he’s 1-9 against Ohlendorf. If that really is the case, then fuck us.[/quote]He also pointed out Ari Kaplan sitting in the stands.
What the fuck was the point of that double switch then?
Mike Quade is destined to make us all forget about Dusty Baker and the term overworked
welcome back to Chicago Kerry. Also, fuck your right shoulder
I’m guessing Quade knew he was going to use Wood and Marmol today if needed and that he used Marshall for one out because both Marmol and Wood will be unavailable tomorrow. You can get two innings out of Marshall, which you wouldn’t do with either of the other two.
RUH ROH
[quote name=mb21]I’m guessing Quade knew he was going to use Wood and Marmol today if needed and that he used Marshall for one out because both Marmol and Wood will be unavailable tomorrow. You can get two innings out of Marshall, which you wouldn’t do with either of the other two.[/quote]
Why not use Marshall two today and rest Wood?
Starlin Castro ———> no breakfast, lunch or dinner
pena had glove on it. He should have had it
[quote name=mb21]I’m guessing Quade knew he was going to use Wood and Marmol today if needed and that he used Marshall for one out because both Marmol and Wood will be unavailable tomorrow. You can get two innings out of Marshall, which you wouldn’t do with either of the other two.[/quote]
Quade tells his guys who is going to get used like two weeks ahead of time, so this is all part of the plan.
[quote name=dylanj]pena had glove on it. He should have had it[/quote]He saved it from being three errors.
[quote name=melissa]Why not use Marshall two today and rest Wood?[/quote]Especially since Wood can’t pitch three days in a row to begin with.
This rteminds me of yesterday.. At least we wont have to use marmol in the 9th
[quote name=dylanj]pena had glove on it. He should have had it[/quote]
That still saved some errors – it would have been 6 otherwise (dying laughing).
GBTS is too quick (dying laughing)
Carlos Pena is going to break his ankles at some point this season with all these crappy throws.
Seriously, Wood threw 3 days in a row a total of one time last year.
And he usually got two or three days off after every appearance.
[quote name=Aisle424]Quade tells his guys who is going to get used like two weeks ahead of time, so this is all part of the plan.[/quote]
Fo sho really, or pure snark?
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Seriously, Wood threw 3 days in a row a total of one time last year.
And he usually got two or three days off after every appearance.[/quote]
So, he should obviously be well rested. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Rice Cube]Fo sho really, or pure snark?[/quote]
Well, to listen to Kevin Millar, that’s how it seems. I have a new post as soon as the game is over on that.
Roberts’ neck tat is gross.
He also got ripped off on that strike 3.
(dying laughing)
The fact that this is all working makes me kind of nervous.
Quade’s a genius. (dying laughing)
has anyone else seen Marmol Jr over in Atlanta? That kid is fun to watch as well
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/04/cubs-announced-attendance-at-wrigley-field-under-27000-for-first-time-since-2002/
[quote name=mb21]I’m guessing Quade knew he was going to use Wood and Marmol today if needed and that he used Marshall for one out because both Marmol and Wood will be unavailable tomorrow. You can get two innings out of Marshall, which you wouldn’t do with either of the other two.[/quote]
It’d be amazing if this were the actual logic. Because it makes sense.
26,292 attendance today.
So there are fewer than 27,000 tickets under season ticket accounts afterall. Interesting.
[quote name=Aisle424]Well, to listen to Kevin Millar, that’s how it seems. I have a new post as soon as the game is over on that.[/quote]I get the sense Quade really wants to please the veterans. That stuff about letting them know lineups well in advance is about managing their egos. But I also think guys like Dempster and Wood might be able to get what they want (all they want to do is pitch one more inning). You can’t be pleasing pitchers that way.
[quote name=Aisle424]26,292 attendance today.
So there are fewer than 27,000 tickets under season ticket accounts afterall. Interesting.[/quote]
I know there are a bunch of different packages. Wasn’t yours a nights and weekends one? Maybe they tried selling more of those.
[quote name=Aisle424]26,292 attendance today.
So there are fewer than 27,000 tickets under season ticket accounts afterall. Interesting.[/quote]27,000 season tickets always seemed really high to me.
Quade just announced that Wood is starting tomorrow.
Good job Kerry
This ump is terrible.
Damn, Cubs hitters love the warning track
Byrd in Pirates series: 14 PA, 45 pitches seen. Not sure how many today until the game ends and ESPN fires up, but that’s a little more than 3 pitches per PA.
[quote name=GBTS]Quade just announced that Wood is starting tomorrow.[/quote]
And Marshall is unavailable.
Geovany Soto. Bitches.
Dammit. Why can’t the wind blow out?
Nice job Soto.
Geo! Insurance!
A-Ram and Geo both smoked the ball.
I like insurance runs. Good to see Soto driving ball and Ramirez start strong
[quote name=Berselius]Geo Insurance![/quote]Koyie?
[quote name=Suburban Kid]27,000 season tickets always seemed really high to me.[/quote]
I went with 25,000 originally as a guess, but Alvin was convinced it was closer to 27,000 and it helped my argument, so I went with it.
Interesting. Guess Pena’s foot hurts.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Roberts’ neck tat is gross.
He also got ripped and took a walk off a roof on that strike 3.[/quote].
[quote name=melissa]A-Ram and Geo both smoked the ball.[/quote]
So there wouldn’t be track marks?
What a gamer.
Gibson is Quadeing this half of the inning.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]So there wouldn’t be track marks?[/quote]
No, they didn’t have a vaporizer.
Adolpho!
The lazy Latinos are expanding the lead so they don’t have to work as hard to protect it.
I am gonna be so pissed the next time Soriano gets booed at home. It’s horseshit.
Soriano can probably eat a microwave dinner by himself at home tonight, as long as the TV is off.
Brewers —-> 0-4
[quote name=Aisle424]The lazy Latinos are expanding the lead so they don’t have to work as hard to protect it.[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
New rule:
Reed Johnson does not pinch hit for Carlos Pena in a close game
[quote name=Aisle424]The lazy Latinos are expanding the lead so they don’t have to work as hard to protect it.[/quote]
They’re just enabling Marmol.
It’s a good thing the Cubs took out their defensive 1b before Marmol comes in the game. Everyone hits balls into the OF against him, right?
Time to see how well this nastiness factor works
Ah, fun times to be had.
Kimbrel just Marmoled the side vs Mil.
Brew Crew is 0-4
If AZ is smart they’ll just take on everything here.
[quote name=Eddie]I am gonna be so pissed the next time Soriano gets booed at home. It’s horseshit.[/quote]The guy gets booed there all the time. Did he tie the game up today? He’s had 3 huge hits so far this season and gets booed. Dude can’t do anything to make the fans there happy. Nothing.
[quote name=dylanj]Kimbrel just Marmoled the side vs Mil.
Brew Crew is 0-4[/quote](dying laughing) @ Marmoled. Well done.
Castro should have probably put that ball in his pocket after getting the out at 2b.
Starlin Castro ———> no breakfast, lunch or dinner tomorrow either
[quote name=mb21]The guy gets booed there all the time. Did he tie the game up today? He’s had 3 huge hits so far this season and gets booed. Dude can’t do anything to make the fans there happy. Nothing.[/quote]
Just one of the best ABs of the day before the tying homer, then an insurance RBI. He’s lazy, should’ve been 7 grand slams.
Ah, now he’s found his slider.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Just one of the best ABs of the day before the tying homer, then an insurance RBI. He’s lazy, should’ve been 7 grand slams.[/quote]
He would have committed the 17 errors that Pena saved today.
[quote name=Berselius]He would have committed the 17 errors that Pena saved today.[/quote]
Don’t you like anything?
[quote name=mb21]Starlin Castro ———> no breakfast, lunch or dinner tomorrow either[/quote]
After all his rookie mistakes last year, I don’t think he can legally eat dinner again until at least August, presuming that he stops making mistakes right now.
if we hang on to win this somebody get Marmol & Wood a long ways away from Quade tomorrow (dying laughing)
Marmol putting the clown shoes on Kelly Johnson.
[quote name=Berselius]He would have committed the 17 errors that Pena saved today.[/quote]I haven’t been listening too closely today, but I don’t think I’ve heard Bob say that yet.
(dying laughing) @ the seagulls
That last slider had an 87 Nast factor.. Highest i have seen today….
Cubs don’t lose.
New crap: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/kevin-millar-can-die-in-a-fire.html
The more i thionk about it the more Carlos pena better have been real injuredd for Quade to pull him in a 1 run game.. That shit is dumb and better never happen again for reed