Technically, the Phillies have the best record in MLB. And technically, the Cubs have the second worst. So technically, the Phillies should slaughter the Cubs. But on artistic merit, the Cubs have a clear advantage and should dominate the series. Paul McCartney is playing Wrigley at the end of the month, so I really don’t know what can stop the Cubbies.
Team Overviews
Keeping up Berselius’s standard, team stats and NL ranks:
| Phillies | Cubs | |
| wOBA | .313 (8th) | .314 (7th) |
| UBR | 1.7 (7th) | -12.0 (600th) |
| UZR | -10.6 (10th) | -15.5 (13th) |
| SP FIP | 2.94 (1st) | 4.10 (11th) |
| RP FIP | 3.98 (13th) | 4.03 (14th) |
| Reasons to Believe | 37 (1st) | -6.5 (15th) |
As you can see, despite what all the numbers tell us, the Cubs and the Phillies are actually quite evenly matched. As long as baserunning, starting pitching, and general hopefulness don’t factor into the series, there’s no reason the Cubs can’t take 2 out of 3.
Shane Victorino is due to come off the disabled list on Tuesday, so he could re-enter the lineup in time for a beer shower from the center field bleachers. The Phillies also have other players who are good. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard are among the players who are not entirely bad at baseball.
Pitching Matchups
Monday: Roy Halladay, RHP (Really, Good) vs. Rodrigo Lopez, RHP (Not, Quite, As, Good)
This should be a matchup reminiscent of the Big Bad Wolf vs. the House of Straw. If a Cub reaches base, Mike Quade should keep his job.
Tuesday: Cliff Lee, LHP (Better, Than, Everyone, On, Our, Team.0) vs. Matt Garza, Not a LHP even though I always think he is for some reason (Better, Than, I, Thought)
In the month of June, Cliff Lee gave up a certain number of runs, all of them to the vaunted Cubs offense. I expect the Cubs to come within at least one of that output in this matchup alone. Advantage: Cy Young Killers.
Wednesday: Vance Worley, RHP (So, Lucky, I, Can’t, Even, Take, It) vs. Ryan Dempster (Ace, Without, Problems)
Don’t let Worley’s 2.15 ERA fool you. He’s sporting a 3.32 FIP and dodging the regressive repercussions of a 4.11 xFIP. But that’s not why he’s lucky. He’s lucky because he’s facing the Cubs, to whom bad things are usually destined to happen.
Prediction
The Phillies have won seven consecutive series. The Cubs have won seven series. Of course the Cubs will sweep. Let’s see what happens.
[quote name=GBTS]Agreed, Leinart should be higher.[/quote]
I agree. If they’re going by total career, Leinart should be higher. If they’re going by peak, VY should be higher.
And Tim Tebow won 2 MNCs the same way Tommy Agee won 2 Super Bowls with DAL in the 90s.
I love this preview.
Had to look it up:
http://www.wyoung.org/index.jsp
Seems like a really nice school. They might hold their own against the Cubs.
Sickel’s midyear sleeper review:
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I agree. If they’re going by total career, Leinart should be higher. If they’re going by peak, VY should be higher.
And Tim Tebow won 2 MNCs the same way Tommy Agee won 2 Super Bowls with DAL in the 90s.[/quote]
Ah, but if they’re going by tear-filled press-conferences and general religious piousness, Tebag blows them away.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Had to look it up:
http://www.wyoung.org/index.jsp
Seems like a really nice school. They might hold their own against the Cubs.[/quote]I liked the Dolphins mascot, too. I think it’s perfect for this team. Likable, playful, smart compared to most mammals.
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
@Ken_Rosenthal: Aramis Ramirez on Angels’ wish list, but he’s still adamant that he will not waive his no-trade clause for any club.
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]Ah, but if they’re going by tear-filled press-conferences and general religious piousness, Tebag blows them away.[/quote]
“You have never seen a person in this country be as much of a faget as I will be the rest of this season.”
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I agree. If they’re going by total career, Leinart should be higher. If they’re going by peak, VY should be higher.
And Tim Tebow won 2 MNCs the same way Tommy Agee won 2 Super Bowls with DAL in the 90s.[/quote](dying laughing) I was just trying to grind your gears, JG.
Hey has anyone tried Subway’s pulled pork sandwich? Best bbq in the country, hands down.
[quote name=Aisle424](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)[/quote]when I first read that I thought it was 6th and then I read it again and was (dying laughing).
[quote name=GBTS]Hey has anyone tried Subway’s pulled pork sandwich? Best bbq in the country, hands down.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing) I was just trying to grind your gears, JG.[/quote]
And you ended up being right. (dying laughing)
[quote name=GBTS]Hey has anyone tried Subway’s pulled pork sandwich? Best bbq in the country, hands down.[/quote]The 4000 places with better barbecue disagree.
[quote name=GBTS]Hey has anyone tried Subway’s pulled pork sandwich? Best bbq in the country, hands down.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
What does a guy have to do to get -1 faget point around here???
I jsut dont get Aramis.. I dont..
[quote name=GBTS]What does a guy have to do to get -1 faget point around here???[/quote]
Just ask.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I jsut dont get Aramis.. I dont..[/quote]Some people don’t like to move. It’s understandable.
Ryne Sandberg switched apartments every single week his 1984 season.
Nice! -1-awesome.
[quote name=GBTS]Ryne Sandberg switched apartments every single week his 1984 season.[/quote]
(dying motherfucking laughing)
[quote name=GBTS]Ryne Sandberg switched apartments every single week his 1984 season.[/quote]
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]@Ken_Rosenthal: Aramis Ramirez on Angels’ wish list, but he’s still adamant that he will not waive his no-trade clause for any club.[/quote]
What do you suppose is the driving force behind Ramirez being so adamant (assuming that reports are accurate and he really is)?
It’s certainly not because he has some love affair with the city/fans. It’s not because he thinks the Cubs are just a couple moves away from contending. And it’s not because he thinks it will improve his future contract chances.
I realized he’s earned his right to do what he’s doing, but it certainly doesn’t hurt the narrative that he’s aloof. We’re talking about 2+ months wearing a different uniform at the end of a contract. It’s not like he’d be getting asked to move to Siberia never to be heard from again.
If he consistently refused real trades this summer, and the Cubs declined his 2012 option, would his reluctance to be traded in 2011 hurt his FA stock?
[quote name=mb21]Some people don’t like to move. It’s understandable.[/quote]
I hate moving.. I hate it. BUT if you would give me a million dolalrs to move for 2 months.. Sign me the fuck up.
I mean maybe we dont trade him if we are going to bring him back. I mean he is still one of the top producers at third base in the league. I wonder what it would cost to keep him?
[quote name=GBTS]Ryne Sandberg switched apartments every single week his 1984 season.[/quote]
Palmeiro was boning his wife though
[quote name=Chris Dickerson]What do you suppose is the driving force behind Ramirez being so adamant (assuming that reports are accurate and he really is)?
It’s certainly not because he has some love affair with the city/fans. It’s not because he thinks the Cubs are just a couple moves away from contending. And it’s not because he thinks it will improve his future contract chances.
I realized he’s earned his right to do what he’s doing, but it certainly doesn’t hurt the narrative that he’s aloof. We’re talking about 2+ months wearing a different uniform at the end of a contract. It’s not like he’d be getting asked to move to Siberia never to be heard from again.
If he consistently refused real trades this summer, and the Cubs declined his 2012 option, would his reluctance to be traded in 2011 hurt his FA stock?[/quote]
Maybe he thinks if he doesnt leave that the Cubs will bring him back. Maybe he loves playing here.. If i were another team i would stay away from people who dont want to go to winning teams..
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Palmeiro was boning his wife though[/quote]
His own wife? Sounds like a good family man!
BruceMiles2112
On #Cubs Ramirez, language states that 2012 option kicks in if he exercises 2011 option (he did) and is traded at any time of the contract
So what is the truth? Does the option automatically guarantee or not. I have read it both ways a million times. Maybe thats why he doesnt want to be traded. Is that he thinks he can get more $$ on the open market
[quote name=Steve Swisher]His own wife? Sounds like a good family man![/quote]
Nah Palmerio was boning sandbergs wife is the story i have heard a few times
[quote name=Steve Swisher]His own wife? Sounds like a good family man![/quote]Except he’s an admitted PED user. Who knows how many of those encounters were legit.
The Bruces do not agree on whether Ramirez’s trade option kicks in automatically. Levine says it doesn’t. Miles says it does.
http://twitter.com/#!/BruceMiles2112/statuses/93039013832818689
Somebody might want to ask someone with access to the contract.
Bubbles beat me to it.
[quote name=AndCounting]Except he’s an admitted PED user. Who knows how many of those encounters were legit.[/quote](dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
[quote name=Aisle424]Bubbles beat me.[/quote]
call animal control
[quote name=Aisle424]
Somebody might want to ask someone with access to the contract.[/quote]Maybe if Zambrano tears it in half someone will read it.
[quote name=GBTS]Maybe if Zambrano tears it in half someone will read it.[/quote](dying laughing)
Jim hendry should just pull a Mac and eat sorianos contract
Aramis Ramirez 3b
5 years/$75M (2007-11), plus 2012 club option
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/chicago-cubs_112114177768677294.html
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I hate moving.. I hate it. BUT if you would give me a million dolalrs to move for 2 months.. Sign me the fuck up.[/quote]
What if you were already making a million dollars and the move only promised you the same million dollars?
Today is my lucky day. I’m about to get Oprah rich.
[quote name=Snyds01]http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/chicago-cubs_112114177768677294.html[/quote]Does COTS have access to contract language that media members do not?
Why can’t someone from the media just f’ing try to confirm it with the team or agent?
[quote name=JMan]Does COTS have access to contract language that media members do not?
Why can’t someone from the media just f’ing try to confirm it with the team or agent?[/quote]
My understanding was that Levine already did, which is why he published that article a couple days ago, but now I’m not so sure.
Plus…journalists doing actual work? Are you mad?
Snyds, I recall there being some confusion as to whether or not the order those two actions take place makes a difference.
[quote name=JMan]Does COTS have access to contract language that media members do not?
Why can’t someone from the media just f’ing try to confirm it with the team or agent?[/quote]
Too busy writing fiction.
Even if Ramirez’s option vests, that money goes to Silva anyways.
(dying laughing) The Chicago Cubs’ beat writers are the Chicago Cubs of beat writers.
[quote name=Aisle424]Today is my lucky day. I’m about to get Oprah rich.[/quote]
She’s already rich.
I just posted that badass scene in the BB thread. Watch it again while you can.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Jim hendry should just pull a Mac and eat sorianos contract[/quote]Yeah, Sori is done. His legs are completely and totally shot. He should probably be on the DL given how bad he moves right now. He has to be in pain or something. It’s like watch a guy who came out of retirement to play or something. I would expect Lou Pinella to run about as well.
[quote name=Aisle424]Today is my lucky day. I’m about to get Oprah rich.[/quote]Isn’t she rich enough?
[quote name=JMan]Does COTS have access to contract language that media members do not?
Why can’t someone from the media just f’ing try to confirm it with the team or agent?[/quote]Because at least one of them is lazy.
Miles, from the sound of that tweet, just basically said what we’ve read on Cot’s. At least Bruce Levine said something new. Maybe he’s full of shit, but I’m inclined to believe him at this point.
[quote name=mb21]Isn’t she rich enough?[/quote]
http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/previews/series-preview-philadelphia-phillies-59-35-at-whitney-young-dolphins-38-58.html#comment-36695
[quote name=Jame Gumb]http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/previews/series-preview-philadelphia-phillies-59-35-at-whitney-young-dolphins-38-58.html#comment-36695[/quote]Our comments were entirely different. I asked if she was already rich. You said she already was. These are very different. (dying laughing)
[quote name=mb21]Our comments were entirely different. I asked if she was already rich. You said she already was. These are very different. (dying laughing)[/quote]
I answered your question before you asked it.
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I answered your question before you asked it.[/quote]
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I answered your question before you asked it.[/quote]Yeah, but I wasn’t looking for an answer then. How am I supposed to know? It’s too bad there isn’t something we we can search on an internet. Like a search engine.
Well? Get back to work.
Is it just me or does baseball suck since everyone quit using steroids?
(dying laughing)
[quote name=josh]Is it just me or does baseball suck since everyone quit using steroids?
(dying laughing)[/quote]
Yeah…I like gap-to-gap power but those 600 foot homers were pretty awesome.
[quote name=josh]Is it just me or does baseball suck since everyone quit using steroids?
(dying laughing)[/quote]No.
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/18/minor-league-announcer-quits-while-hes-on-the-air/
*applause*
[quote name=Chris Dickerson]What if you were already making a million dollars and the move only promised you the same million dollars?[/quote]
What? If he movers he gets a million dollar bonus.. fuck yea
[quote name=Rice Cube]Yeah…I like gap-to-gap power but those 600 foot homers were pretty awesome.[/quote]http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/mark-mcgwire-admits-it-was-really-fucking-fun-hitt,2890/
Alright, who’s the faget?
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]What? If he movers he gets a million dollar bonus.. fuck yea[/quote]$1 million sounds awesome to you because you don’t have a hundred other million to go with it.
Besides, if the option does become guaranteed as Cots has, no team is going to trade for him anyway. Either way, it’s his decision. He’s earned it. I don’t care one way or the other because the Cubs aren’t going to get anything in return anyway.
[quote name=mb21]Besides, if the option does become guaranteed as Cots has, no team is going to trade for him anyway. Either way, it’s his decision. He’s earned it. I don’t care one way or the other because the Cubs aren’t going to get anything in return anyway.[/quote]
My only concern is that they might actually bring him back.
http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/07/18/aramis-ramirezs-agent-strongly-suggests-that-ramirez-will-accept-a-trade/
huh.
[quote name=Aisle424]My only concern is that they might actually bring him back.[/quote]The market for 3B free agents is going to be thin this off-season. Who do the Cubs have? Vitters?
I didn’t know you guys started a band:
[quote name=Aisle424]http://www.bleachernation.com/2011/07/18/aramis-ramirezs-agent-strongly-suggests-that-ramirez-will-accept-a-trade/
huh.[/quote]Seriously, a real beat writer would have known 6 months ago that this would come up and would have an answer.
more A-Ram speculation:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-big-z-aram-could-fill-tigers-needs-20110718,0,1424259.story
[quote name=GBTS]Seriously, a real beat writer would have known 6 months ago that this would come up and would have an answer.[/quote]Being a beat writer is HAAAARD! You have to talk to people, and know people and be all, like, asking questions.
What are they going to get for Rami? Or anyone. This could actually be a pretty good test of what Hendry is really made of.
Interesting.. If this si true i see no reason we cant get something real good for him
[quote name=josh]The market for 3B free agents is going to be thin this off-season. Who do the Cubs have? Vitters?[/quote]
Who cares? The money is more important than a couple extra homeruns. Stick someone there that can play defense (from the system or a cheap scrappy veteran) and go with it. The Cubs are terrible and will be terrible no matter who is playing 3rd base next year. Might as well be terrible for league minimum or no worse than Koyie Hill money.
Bubbles figured that aramis wanted to be a free agent and thats why this was complicated
[quote name=Aisle424]Who cares? The money is more important than a couple extra homeruns. Stick someone there that can play defense (from the system or a cheap scrappy veteran) and go with it. The Cubs are terrible and will be terrible no matter who is playing 3rd base next year. Might as well be terrible for league minimum or no worse than Koyie Hill money.[/quote]
Speaking of Koyie Hill, since they’re in love with him anyway, just stick him at third base and let hilarity ensue.
Aisley out to watch Halladay no-hit the Cubs on 60 pitches, fuckfaces!
[quote name=Chris Dickerson]What do you suppose is the driving force behind Ramirez being so adamant (assuming that reports are accurate and he really is)?
It’s certainly not because he has some love affair with the city/fans. It’s not because he thinks the Cubs are just a couple moves away from contending. And it’s not because he thinks it will improve his future contract chances.
I realized he’s earned his right to do what he’s doing, but it certainly doesn’t hurt the narrative that he’s aloof. We’re talking about 2+ months wearing a different uniform at the end of a contract. It’s not like he’d be getting asked to move to Siberia never to be heard from again.
If he consistently refused real trades this summer, and the Cubs declined his 2012 option, would his reluctance to be traded in 2011 hurt his FA stock?[/quote]Or maybe, just possibly, and I know this is some whacky, cock-a-doodle-doo, out of left field zaniness on my part, but maybe juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust maybe his agent is putting this out there in order to get teams to guarantee Ramirez’ option.
I know, really crazy stuff, an agent trying to guarantee the most money for his client and himself, but I’m outside the box type.
Rogers (I know, I know) has a rumor that Reamirez will waive the option for the right deal, because he wants to test FA. I’m not sure that’s wise, but Rogers likely made it up anyway.
EDIT:And the Rosenthal rumor above debunks all of my wildass speculating. Phil Rogers got one right! HOLY SHIT!
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing) The Chicago Cubs’ beat writers are the Scott Templetons of beat writers.[/quote]
Fixed
[quote name=Aisle424]Aisley out to watch Halladay no-hit the Cubs on 60 pitches, fuckfaces![/quote]The Cubs can’t be no-hit for some reason. Not since Koufax.
[quote name=Aisle424]Who cares? The money is more important than a couple extra homeruns. Stick someone there that can play defense (from the system or a cheap scrappy veteran) and go with it. The Cubs are terrible and will be terrible no matter who is playing 3rd base next year. Might as well be terrible for league minimum or no worse than Koyie Hill money.[/quote]Probably be Baker there, knowing that Hendry still harbors a secret desire to field an entire lineup of 2B.
[quote name=ACT]The Cubs can’t be no-hit for some reason. Not since Koufax.[/quote]They even fail at failing.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]They even fail at failing.[/quote]Not often enough.
[quote name=GBTS]I didn’t know you guys started a band:
gods.
[quote name=Phil Rogers]Inge could fill the Cubs’ need for a player to form a bridge to Josh Vitters[/quote]
Is that like, a bridge to nowhere?
[quote name=Phil Rogers]They have reportedly inquired on Ubaldo Jimenez, Hiroki Kurodo, Derek Lowe and Jeremy Guthrie [/quote]
Is it just me or has Phil Rogers become this generation’s Harry Caray?
Let’s suppose Ramirez, Pena and Byrd get shipped, along with Z.
Next year’s potential lineup:
Fukudome
Castro
Baker
Soto
Soriano
Colvin (Jackson?)
LaHair
Barney
P
With a rotation of:
Demp
Garza
Wells
Cashner
Coleman
And bullpen of:
Marmol
Marshall
Wood
Carpenter
Mateo
and a couple spares
That’s a team that could lose a hundred games, easy.
[quote name=GW]Is it just me or has Phil Rogers become this generation’s Haray Caray?[/quote]Well, that would assume that a man who classed Paul Byrd as a “big time slugger” knew as much about baseball as Harry Caray, which is highly unlikely.
(dying laughing). so I misspelled a name in a post criticizing a writer for misspelling names.
[quote name=GW](dying laughing). so I mispelled a name in a post criticizing a writer for mispelling names.[/quote](dying laughing) I guess one could assume you were spelling it the way Harry said it.
Fukudome’s contract is done after this season MO.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Well, that would assume that a man who classed Paul Byrd as a “big time slugger” knew as much about baseball as Harry Caray, which is highly unlikely.[/quote]
of course not, but there is a whole generation of kids who only knew Caray as a senile drunk, which is on par with Rogers the last few years.
Has this interview with the “get a brain, morans,” Cards fan been linked here today? He could be a Cubs beat writer. You really can’t make this shit up.
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/7/17/2279239/get-a-brain-morans
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Let’s suppose Ramirez, Pena and Byrd get shipped, along with Z.
Next year’s potential lineup:
Fukudome
Castro
Baker
Soto
Soriano
Colvin (Jackson?)
LaHair
Barney
P
With a rotation of:
Demp
Garza
Wells
Cashner
Coleman
And bullpen of:
Marmol
Marshall
Wood
Carpenter
Mateo
and a couple spares
That’s a team that could lose a hundred 40 games, easy.[/quote]
fixed your post. That would be pathetic
Joe Mauer’s OBP: 350
Joe Mauer’s SLG: .315
[quote name=Rice Cube]Fukudome’s contract is done after this season MO.[/quote]Oh, yay. So, then:
Jackson
Castro
Baker
Soriano
Colvin
LaHair
Soto
Barney
P
Oof. That’s a lineup that could K 1000 times.
[quote name=ACT]Joe Mauer’s OBP: 350
Joe Mauer’s SLG: .315[/quote]It’s interesting how he’s getting the “lazy and aloof” label.
[quote name=melissa]Has this interview with the “get a brain, morans,” Cards fan been linked here today? He could be a Cubs beat writer. You really can’t make this shit up.
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/7/17/2279239/get-a-brain-morans[/quote]
I liked the “League of Nations” part.
Speaking of Caray, does anybody actually remember him mistating Chan Ho Park’s name as Ho Chi Minh? I do, but I may have fabricated that memory. The story just seems a little too apocryphal.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Oh, yay. So, then:
Jackson
Castro
Baker
Soriano
Colvin
LaHair
Soto
Barney
P
Oof. That’s a lineup that could K 1000 times.[/quote]
Wouldn’t that be something to behold…
[quote name=melissa]Has this interview with the “get a brain, morans,” Cards fan been linked here today? He could be a Cubs beat writer. You really can’t make this shit up.
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/7/17/2279239/get-a-brain-morans[/quote]
That has to be an impostor, right?
[quote name=GW]That has to be an impostor, right?[/quote]
I don’t know, it seems pretty real to me.
[quote name=melissa]Has this interview with the “get a brain, morans,” Cards fan been linked here today? He could be a Cubs beat writer. You really can’t make this shit up.
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/7/17/2279239/get-a-brain-morans[/quote]I sense the hand of HJE at work…
[quote name=GW]Speaking of Caray, does anybody actually remember him mistating Chan Ho Park’s name as Ho Chi Minh? I do, but I may have fabricated that memory. The story just seems a little too apocryphal.[/quote]I don’t remember that, but I do remember that he never pronounced Jose Vizcaino’s name right.
my disbelief started here.
[quote name=GW]my disbelief started here.[/quote]The whole thing is an elaborate put-on, and it wouldn’t shock me if the HJE-Desipio crowd is behind it. They excel at that kind of thing. (dying laughing)
[quote name=GW]my disbelief started here.[/quote]
If it is a hoax then it’s a hoax by the guy that actually did the interview as he claimed to have met Randy in person. IDK. I do want it to be true and I know there are people like Randy in Decatur. (dying laughing)
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Interesting.. If this si true i see no reason we cant get something real good for him[/quote]Well, he’s still owed a lot of money this season and it’s only a couple months to provide value. At best he’d be worth 2 WAR, which is worth $10 million. The Cubs aren’t getting anything of much value for Ramirez.
[quote name=melissa]If it is a hoax then it’s a hoax by the guy that actually did the interview as he claimed to have met Randy in person. IDK. I do want it to be true and I know there are people like Randy in Decatur. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Kermit and Andy are both writing for SBNation now so I think MO’s HJE detector is probably pretty accurate.
From Miles:
Given the labor troubles in other sports and Selig’s deep and abiding desire to break the MLBPA, the bolded concern is not a light-and-momentary one. Better believe Ramirez has been made aware of the union’s stance on the matter.
I checked out Randy’s supposed twitter feed and it definitely seems fake.
[quote name=melissa]I checked out Randy’s supposed twitter feed and it definitely seems fake.[/quote]And filled with things BK and Dolan regularly attribute to Cards fans. Reading the Twitter feed clinched it for me.
Keith likes the “human element” part of ball-strike calls.
[quote name=ACT]Keith likes the “human element” part of ball-strike calls.[/quote]Moreland is pretty old-school
I love the human element where umpires are concerned. The umpires are the real reason I watch, anyway. I wish ESPN would show lots and lots of umpire highlights.
[quote name=ACT]I love the human element where umpires are concerned. The umpires are the real reason I watch, anyway. I wish ESPN would show lots and lots of umpire highlights.[/quote]West, Bucknor, and Cuzzi would love the shit out of that.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Moreland is pretty fuckin retarded.[/quote].
(dying laughing) Phone left me logged in as Sandberg. That’s the second time that’s happened.
Although its way funnier coming from him.
[quote name=Ryne Sandberg].[/quote]Oh yeah? Well I had sex with your wife!
[quote name=GBTS]Although its way funnier coming from him.[/quote]
I was beginning to wonder if Zonk might have boned his ex-wife too. Unusual for Ryno to go after a teammate that “played the game the right way.” (dying laughing)
This matchup tonight appears to be a mismatch.
[quote name=Rice Cube]This matchup tonight appears to be a mismatch.[/quote]Yeah, poor Phillies.
[quote name=ACT]I love the human element where umpires are concerned. The umpires are the real reason I watch, anyway. I wish ESPN would show lots and lots of umpire highlights.[/quote]That’s what I’ve never understood about the human element argument. The human element is NOT the umpires. It’s the fucking ballplayers.
For what it’s worth, though, I’ve kind of reversed my stance on instant replay. I used to be in favor of pretty much everything being reviewed, but as I was talking with my nephew this past weekend, I realized I had changed my opinion. The reality is that umpires are pretty fucking good at their jobs. They’re not perfect, but nobody is. Most of the missed calls are ones that could have gone either way. I don’t get too upset when an umpire misses a call that’s so close.
I also am much more in favor of shortening the game anymore so having everything reviewable would make the game way too long. I’d like to shorten the game somehow to no longer than 2 and half hours. If I was in charge and could do whatever I’d want, I’d use an automated system for balls and strikes. To get umpires on board with that, I’d add one umpire to the field and one down each line in the outfield. This way there are more umpire jobs so they’d be much less likely to throw a fit.
As for all the other shit, just don’t care anymore.
Oh man, Andy Fletcher is the home plate umpire! I love that guy!
[quote name=ACT]Oh man, Andy Fletcher is the home plate umpire! I love that guy![/quote]I’m going to ask for a Hunter Wendelstedt jersey for Christmas.
That outside ball call was a thing of beauty.
[quote name=ACT]That outside ball call was a thing of beauty.[/quote]Poetry in motion.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’m going to ask for a Hunter Wendelstedt jersey for Christmas.[/quote]
Proud owner of a Phil Cuzzi can koozie right here.
Aramis!
RODRIGO!!!
Someone needs to be traded…(dying laughing)
Cubs have a positive win expectancy!
Angel Hernandez’s line of eyeglasses are very stylish and affordable. Love them.
[quote name=Rafael Palmiero]Oh yeah? Well I had sex with your wife![/quote]You’re no Kevin Foster.
Jeebus. Ramirez is hotter than fresh shit.
Lopez will show us all up by throwing a perfect game.
[quote name=ACT]The HP ump will show us all up by calling a perfect game.[/quote].
Bubbles is going to hawaii!!!!
Soriano showing why he has a positive UZR.
That may have been the best catch I’ve ever seen Soriano make on the Wrigley warning track.
[quote name=melissa]That may have been the best catch I’ve ever seen Soriano make on the Wrigley warning track.[/quote]Better get DeWitt back out there to bumble the Cubs back into contention for the #1 pick.
[quote name=ACT]3B umpire showing why he has a the best “out” motion in the business.[/quote].
You know i refuse to believe we cant get something real good back for Ramirez.. He will be a type A free agent and he is hitting the shit out of the ball. I mean he should be the player of the month for june
That was a great AB by Fukudome.
The beauty of short hops…
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]You know i refuse to believe we cant get something real good back for Ramirez.. He will be a type A free agent and he is hitting the shit out of the ball. I mean he should be the player of the month for june[/quote]
I tend to agree. Observationally, it’s hard to argue that “hot streaks” don’t factor in to the evaluation process for gm’s. Ever year, career year guys seem to trade places more often than others. His June/July is a rebuke to those who thought he was done.
Cubs are having some very good ABs against Halladay.
Pena!
[quote name=GW]I tend to agree. Observationally, it’s hard to argue that “hot streaks” don’t factor in to the evaluation process for gm’s. Ever year, career year guys seem to trade places more often than others. His June/July is a rebuke to those who thought he was done.[/quote]
I mean i might legit want to hang onto him.. I dont know if its worth trading him if we dont get the equivalent of two first rounders.. At this point we DEFINITELY offer him arbritration. He should not be a salary dump. If we dont get something good you hold the fuck onto him.
Halladay is really laboring here.
Bubbles is done with soriano. He just sucks
The Royals have to get it in gear, they’re losing to the White Sox…
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I mean i might legit want to hang onto him.. I dont know if its worth trading him if we dont get the equivalent of two first rounders.. At this point we DEFINITELY offer him arbritration. He should not be a salary dump. If we dont get something good you hold the fuck onto him.[/quote]Why? So he can hit 30 HR for another 70-92 team next year? Use him to build the system. He is of zero use to the club otherwise. And clearing the decks of his salary can only be a good thing. Top 5 picks don’t come cheaply.
That was an odd error-type play.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I dont know if its worth trading him if we dont get the equivalent of two first rounders.. At this point we DEFINITELY offer him arbritration. He should not be a salary dump. If we dont get something good you hold the fuck onto him.[/quote]
I agree. But the Cubs never seem inclined to offer arbitration.
[quote name=GW]I agree. But the Cubs never seem inclined to offer arbitration.[/quote]Judging from his agent’s comments of today, seems to me Ramirez is set on becoming a FA, no matter what happens.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Judging from his agent’s comments of today, seems to me Ramirez is set on becoming a FA, no matter what happens.[/quote]
True. If so (and he’s not traded), it will be another test case for the recent no-arb strategy.
You guys think Harden or Gregg would’ve accepted arbitration had Hendry offered it to them?
[quote name=Rice Cube]You guys think Harden or Gregg would’ve accepted arbitration had Hendry offered it to them?[/quote]Harden, yes; Gregg, no.
[quote name=GW]True. If so (and he’s not traded), it will be another test case for the recent no-arb strategy.[/quote]The way I look at it, the Cubs are going to lose Ramirez, one way or another. They just have to decide if they want to get something in return for him or not.
Lopez is lucking out so much.
Halla-flail.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The way I look at it, the Cubs are going to lose Ramirez, one way or another. They just have to decide if they want to get something in return for him or not.[/quote]
Well, most likely it’s a) trade return b)1st round + supplemental or c) nothing.
[quote name=ACT]Lopez is lucking out so much.[/quote]Hendry’s already written up his 3-year, $12.5 mil extension.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I mean i might legit want to hang onto him.. I dont know if its worth trading him if we dont get the equivalent of two first rounders.. At this point we DEFINITELY offer him arbritration. He should not be a salary dump. If we dont get something good you hold the fuck onto him.[/quote]This is what I was saying. If you can’t get a good trade for him and he takes a huge salary cut, screw it. At least he’ll add a little excitement. You put no one at all on the field and there’s no reason at all to go to games. I’d be fine with playing someone if they had someone who could play, or pick up a cheap free agent who can field, but there’s no one out there. Keep Ramy and let him hit his 30 HRs. Now, if you get a good trade for him, trade him in a second.
Nice little game by Castro so far.
Wow, didn’t see this coming from Halladay. I hope he’s all right.
Halladay needs some Gatorade.
[quote name=ACT]Wow, didn’t see this coming from Halladay. I hope he’s all right.[/quote]
what happened?
He was taken out. He apparently wasn’t feeling well (presumably heat-related).
[quote name=GW]what happened?[/quote]
I think he got some kind of heat exhaustion. Left with a 1-1 count on Rami.
[quote name=Rice Cube]You guys think Harden or Gregg would’ve accepted arbitration had Hendry offered it to them?[/quote]
I think they both accept
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Why? So he can hit 30 HR for another 70-92 team next year? Use him to build the system. He is of zero use to the club otherwise. And clearing the decks of his salary can only be a good thing. Top 5 picks don’t come cheaply.[/quote]
I hold onto him since he for sure turns down arbritration and we get two top 50 picks for him. If you dont get that value at least from trading him. You hold onto him.. I also liek aramis quite a bit. He seems to get it.. I am not giving him away for salary cap relief.
We should be able to get something good for him and if not hold onto him and offer him arbritration and get two top 50 picks. At the worst he accepts and we have one of the best third basemen in baseball motivated on a 1 year deal
Average speed on display.
The not fast, bad base runner, Castro steals a base. He’s 11 of 12 on the year, seems like bad coaching that they aren’t sending him more often.
[quote name=melissa]The not fast, bad base runner, Castro steals a base. He’s 11 of 12 on the year, seems like bad coaching that they aren’t sending him more often.[/quote]
Shut you right up.
Stupid Castro.
(dying laughing) Castro caught stealing at third, seems like bad coaching.(dying laughing)
[quote name=Rice Cube]Shut you right up.[/quote]
unpossible
[quote name=ACT]Stupid Castro.[/quote]
VERY close play. Bad jump though.
Castro is now 1 for his last 3 steal attempts (both times being caught at 3rd).
I really hate the idea of a runner trying to steal third especially when you have the middle of your order up. Apparently Quade disagrees.
[quote name=melissa]I really hate the idea of a runner trying to steal third especially when you have the middle of your order up. Apparently Quade disagrees.[/quote]
Could you see them relaying signs? I always thought they just gave Castro the green light.
[quote name=ACT]Castro is now 1 for his last 3 steal attempts (both times being caught at 3rd).[/quote]
I recommend a 3 day benching so Starlin can think about what he’s done.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Could you see them relaying signs? I always thought they just gave Castro the green light.[/quote]
They are always giving signs, I have no idea if they put the steal sign on or not. They certainly shouldn’t have had the steal sign on and they should tell their players not to be trying to steal third and getting thrown out when you have the middle of your order at the plate.
[quote name=melissa]They are always giving signs, I have no idea if they put the steal sign on or not. They certainly shouldn’t have had the steal sign on and they should tell their players not to be trying to steal third and getting thrown out when you have the middle of your order at the plate.[/quote]
Agreed, that was a coaching and/or Starlin brain fart.
It’s impossible to know what this coaching staff thinks is a good idea in regard to base running considering they try to have Marlon Byrd sac bunt Geo Soto with Tony Campana on deck.
Chase Utley scoffs at HBP.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Agreed, that was a coaching and/or Starlin brain fart.[/quote]
In my opinion it’s all on the coaches. Attempting to steal third shouldn’t even be an option for Castro there and his coaches should have made that clear.
Boos for Soriano. UZR goes down.
Sori is getting booed like crazy now.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Boos for Soriano. UZR goes down.[/quote]They made it sound like a tough play on the radio, at least.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Boos for Soriano. UZR goes down.[/quote]
That should not have been called an error. He was running across the bullpen mound as he tried to make that catch. Not a routine play by any stretch of the imagination. Even Brenly defended him which ought to tell us something.
They would rather he had caught the ball cleanly and then killed his ankles on the bullpen mound.
In all fairness he probably should’ve had that, but the proximity to those mounds was going to make it trickier than usual.
It doesn’t matter, though. Any mistake Soriano makes in inexcusable. He’s a horrible human being.
Walking Koyie Hill should be punishable by death.
Amazing.
Double amazing.
[quote name=Rice Cube]
In all fairness he probably should’ve had that, but the proximity to those mounds was going to make it trickier than usual.[/quote]
I disagree. The ball was not a high pop-up, it was coming down in a hurry at an angle. Have you ever tried to catch anything while running up and down an incline? Not routine, ever.
This has been a weird game so far.
[quote name=melissa]I disagree. The ball was not a high pop-up, it was coming down in a hurry at an angle. Have you ever tried to catch anything while running up and down an incline? Not routine, ever.[/quote]
The mounds were there, I think we both agree with that, so that’s why it wasn’t routine. He tried to basket it and it popped out. That’s why I thought he should’ve had it but I recognize that it wasn’t an easy play at all.
How about that bunt by Lopez eh.
[quote name=ACT]This has been a weird game so far.[/quote]In that the Cubs scored a bunch of runs against Halladay? That is pretty weird, actually.
It’s April…110th?
[quote name=josh]In that the Cubs scored a bunch of runs against Halladay? That is pretty weird, actually.[/quote]Yeah, Halladay was taken out early, and Koyie stole a base, and Lopez had a hit, and Lopez is holding them to only 1 run so far. Weird.
Just saw the score. go figure (dying laughing)
The luck dragons are out in force.
Robinson Chirinos is playing for Tampa tonight. 1-for-2, double, BB.
A lot of hard-hit balls against Lopez. No walks, though.
Let’s get a 2-inning save from Marshall here.
*not technically a save, but this bullpen really sucks.
I’m cool with them using Samardzija in basically garbage time, although they should have Marshall up for the legion of lefties coming up.
In all honesty, even Grabow should be able to protect this lead the vast majority of the time.
Campana made that a hell of a lot harder than it should’ve been.
A swing-and-miss! Hell yeah!
Marm’s back!
The sweep is in the bag.
[quote name=ACT]Marm’s back![/quote]
That he is…walks galore (dying laughing)
True, though he missed some bats.
[quote name=ACT]True, though he missed some bats.[/quote]
Yeah, that was nice to see.
Another 30 pitch outing for Marmol. Wow.
Cubs —> #3 pick
bubbles makes a good point about it not being worth it to trade Ramirez unless you get back the equivalent of 2 first rounders, but that assumes the Cubs offer arbitration and they won’t. If they wanted to offer arbitration, they’d simply exercise the option they have, which they won’t. So if the Cubs don’t trade Ramirez or he won’t accept a trade, the Cubs get nothing in return for him. They definitely aren’t getting top talent back in a trade. He’s just not worth that much. The Cubs might get a decent prospect (grade b or so), but that’s about it and that probably depends on whether or not they send some money along.
The one thing trading him does is save $2 million on next year’s payroll since a buyout counts toward next season’s payroll.
My money is on Ramirez being traded. No idea what the deal is with his contract, but the Cubs will send some money along and get a decent prospect in return. The idea that Phil Rogers had about Zambrano being traded along with him is laughable. Who the fuck would want Zambrano at this point in his career? Even if he was making half as much money as he is, there would still not be a single team interested in trading for him. Carlos Zambrano just isn’t any good at this point. He might actually be a better hitter than he is a pitcher.
I also think Fukudome and Byrd are traded and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Geovany Soto traded. Other than that I expect we’ll see guys like Wood and Grabow available, but not sure any team would be interested in Grabow and Wood’s not all that good anymore either.
No video evidence of Koyie Hill’s incredible stolen base yet, but this is cool:
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=17025105
Congrats on #250, Peenya.
Tyler Colvin’s AAA walk rate = 2.3%
K:BB = 11:1
Christ. Someone should just ask him to try one AB without taking his bat off his shoulder, just to see if it’s humanly possible.
While looking at the Daytona boxscore, I saw a dude with a bummer of a last name to grow up with:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=592238
What do you suppose Quade would nickname that guy?
Via Miles, something to keep in mind when Tommy Boy starts crowing about attendance numbers being up now that the weather is warm:
[quote name=Chris Dickerson]Tyler Colvin’s AAA walk rate = 2.3%
K:BB = 11:1
Christ. Someone should just ask him to try one AB without taking his bat off his shoulder, just to see if it’s humanly possible.
While looking at the Daytona boxscore, I saw a dude with a bummer of a last name to grow up with:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=592238
What do you suppose Quade would nickname that guy?[/quote]
Quade algorithm suggests he’d be “Cummy”…
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Via Miles, something to keep in mind when Tommy Boy starts crowing about attendance numbers being up now that the weather is warm:[/quote]
Seems like the visiting fans are taking advantage of the StubHub deals and unsold Cubs.com tickets, so the Ricketts should thank them for their business.
[quote name=mb21]I also think Fukudome and Byrd are traded and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Geovany Soto traded. Other than that I expect we’ll see guys like Wood and Grabow available, but not sure any team would be interested in Grabow and Wood’s not all that good anymore either.[/quote]
I think Fukudome is definitely gone. there have been enough rumblings for me to actually believe Soriano could be gone too if the Cubs make it known they will eat a large portion. I think they believe if they upgrade offensively the OF and 1B they can significantly improve the offense. I would expect Jackson and Byrd to be starters and won’t be surprised if they give Colvin the reigns if they can upgrade the starting rotation. Or some type of trade for BJ Upton.
I think Ramirez stays. Sidenote: has his batting stance changed in the last month or so? His hands appear to be starting way further down than I recall.
New OV Pic of the Day: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/ov-pic-of-the-day-halladay-beat-by-cubs-or-heat.html