Can’t yoiu just feel the excitement in this matchup? There’s a good chance that the Cubs will be the team to push the Astros over the 100-loss threshold this weekend, just in time for their banishment to the time zone abyss of the AL West. Maybe the Cubs can even pass the Pirates, which completely validates the season, saves Cuey’s job, and results in the re-hiring of Jim Hendry!
Team Overview
NL Ranks in parens
| Astros | Cubs | |
| wOBA | .305 (12th) | .316 (8th) |
| UBR | -4.1(14th) | -13.1 (16th) |
| UZR | -15.8 (13th) | -14.1 (11th) |
| SP FIP | 4.36 (14th) | 4.28 (12th) |
| RP FIP | 4.21 (16th) | 3.87 (12th) |
Summing up the Astros: Bud Norris (1.9) and Wandy Rodriguez (1.5) are the only Astros pitchers with > 1 WAR, while offensively their team is led by the likes of Clint Barmes and the Ghost of Carlos Lee. They made the right moves in shipping out Oswalt, Pence, and Bourn but time will tell if they got anything worth a damn in return. Too bad for them that Myers had a lousy year or he would have been shipped out too. This team is going to be bad for a long time. Too bad for the Cubs that they likely won’t be able to take advantage of them going forward.
Matchups
Friday: Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (3.51, 4.09, 3.62, 4.50) vs Matt Garza, RHP (3.54, 2.97, 3.22, 4.02), 1:20 PM CT
I was pleasantly surprised to see Wandy’s numbers look so good. I remember that he was struggling early in the season (probably with injuries), which didn’t look great for my fantasy baseball teams in that one month window that I still pay attention to him. He’s had some bad luck with home runs this year but his strikeout and walk rates are spot on with last year’s.
Garza has been hit surpringly hard lately, if you believe the accuracy of the LD/FB classifications. He’s given up seven line drives in three of his last four starts. He’s still getting a decent number of ground balls but the rate has been ticking downward since the beginning of August.
Saturday: Henry Sosa, RHP (5.02, 4.69, 4.39, 6.22) vs Rodrigo Lopez, LOL (5.04, 5.73, 4.52, 4.14), 12:05 PM CT
I don’t know much about Sosa, but his blurb in the mlb.com Probable Starters page mentioned that he was acquired for Jeff Keppinger. That tells me pretty much all I need to know.
Sunday: Brett Myers, RHP (4.52, 4.46, 3.81, 4.08) vs Ryan Dempster, RHP (4.66, 3.80, 3.57, 4.09), 1:20 PM CT
Myers’s saw his strikeout rate get hit with some age-related regression but the biggest culprit in his poor year was home runs, which increased by 50% over last year’s numbers. It’s hard to believe that it’s only his second year with the Astros – it already seems like he’s pitched for them forever.
Not surprisingly Dempster is going to fail to drag his final ERA to a better than respectable level on the season, but with this start and a likely final start to the season in Petco he could at least bring it below 4.5. Given how awful the season started that would be quite an accomplishment/
Prediction
Cubs sweep this miserable team to 101 losses.
Comments
http://mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19259073
I thought the double was the most impressive as he displayed good bat control and just shot it into the opposite field. Did the umpire give him a fist bump after the triple? (dying laughing)
I can’t wait for 99.9% of Cubdom to simultaneously have their brains explode when this happens.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The door ——————–> Crane Kenney’s ass?
http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-insider/2011/09/crane-kenney-wont-return-as-cubs-president-according-to-source/
BerseliusQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Astros not moving to the AL for now anyway: http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5422:astros-to-stay-in-the-national-league-in-2012-but-expanded-playoffs-still-outside-possibility&catid=30:mlb-news&Itemid=42
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The door ——————–> Crane Kenney’s ass?
http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-insider/2011/09/crane-kenney-wont-return-as-cubs-president-according-to-source/%5B/quote%5DI thought he owned the Cubs?
GBTSQuote Reply
He only owns the misting stations
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]He only owns the misting stations[/quote]I’m sorry, I’m unfamiliar with that term.
GBTSQuote Reply
Sometimes I wish someone would write a Yellon meme FAQ for this blog.
Oh wait, that could be an Unobstructed View!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Just saw this on the sidebar at RLYW and I go there a couple times a day:
This site is best viewed with a monitor.
(dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The door ——————–> Crane Kenney’s ass?
http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-insider/2011/09/crane-kenney-wont-return-as-cubs-president-according-to-source/%5B/quote%5DIf that helped them get a guy like Friedman, that would be super sweet.
So does Garza’s late lack of success start to put the trade back in the “pointlessly throwing away young talent slot” or are we still optimistic?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]If that helped them get a guy like Friedman, that would be super sweet.
So does Garza’s late lack of success start to put the trade back in the “pointlessly throwing away young talent slot” or are we still optimistic?[/quote]
Seeing as the only benefit the Rays have received in trade has been mediocrity from the legendary Sam Fuld and a homer or two from Brandon Guyer at the big league level, you’d have to call the trade a “win” for the Cubs so far.
But I’ll take a wait-and-see approach.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]If that helped them get a guy like Friedman, that would be super sweet.
So does Garza’s late lack of success start to put the trade back in the “pointlessly throwing away young talent slot” or are we still optimistic?[/quote]
Still optimistic here, but mostly because I’m not a fan of HJL (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Still optimistic here, but mostly because I’m not a fan of HJL (dying laughing)[/quote]Plus, before the season, I didn’t realize how thin the Cubs were in pitching. If they hadn’t traded for Garza, they’d have had to run Ramon Ortiz AND Rodrigo Lopez and probably Doug Davis a LOT more. He’ll probably be a useful piece for a few years, if for nothing more than ensuring the Cubs aren’t a complete embarrassment.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Plus, before the season, I didn’t realize how thin the Cubs were in pitching. If they hadn’t traded for Garza, they’d have had to run Ramon Ortiz AND Rodrigo Lopez and probably Doug Davis a LOT more. He’ll probably be a useful piece for a few years, if for nothing more than ensuring the Cubs aren’t a complete embarrassment.[/quote]If they hadn’t traded for Garza, they would have held onto Gorzelanny (who isn’t nearly as good, but still better than Lopez, et al.).
ACTQuote Reply
WARP really hates Sandy Koufax, especially in 1966 when he had a 1.73 ERA: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/card/card.php?id=KOUFAX19351230A
ACTQuote Reply
Garza’s last 8 starts he’s posted a 2.45 ERA. He’s had a rough one and a couple average ones in that span, but that’s about it.
mb21Quote Reply
I agree with berselius. I’m not a big fan of HJL either. I think he’s a little better than I gave him credit for this time last year, but I’m not optimistic and without him that trade is an easy win for the Cubs.
mb21Quote Reply
Garza’s also been this year’s hard luck case as the Cubs either don’t score for him, or the bullpen shits the bed after he leaves.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I agree with berselius. I’m not a big fan of HJL either.[/quote]
Now there’s a site called Hire Jim Lefebvre?
Aisle424Quote Reply
I assume Josh is talking about the last 4 starts. Still a 3.08 ERA despite a BABIP of .349. He has an FIP in that span of about 2.8 or so.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Now there’s a site called Hire Jim Lefebvre?[/quote](dying laughing) I’m surprised there isn’t.
mb21Quote Reply
Before the trade, I think we all expected the Rays to be a 3rd place team, and the Cubs a 4th or 5th place team. That’s exactly where they are now, with the Rays surprisingly in spitting distance of 2nd.
I think from an organizational standpoint, there’s no question the Rays won Year One of the trade. They removed Garza’s salary, got prospects, and were able to compete at the same if not higher level. The Cubs acquired a good to great pitcher who will start becoming expensive, traded away major chips of their farm system, and are the same if not worse than what we expected.
The jury is obviously still out on the trade as a whole, and Garza certainly has shown ace potential, but I don’t think there is any doubt whatsoever the Rays have “won” the trade in terms of the 2011 season. Which is unusual, considering they’re the ones who gave away the ace-like starting pitcher.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) I’m surprised there isn’t.[/quote]
That’s what we should call our next blog after we shutter this one and merge with a few more Cubs blogs (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
I’m not really sure what you mean, GBTS. The Rays are better than expected and had valuable pitchers to replace Garza, but that’s not a factor in evaluating whether one side won a trade. You have to look at the pieces that changed hands. If we believe in defensive metrics one could fairly easily argue the Rays won this year, but ignoring those it’s not close.
Let’s say the Cubs trade Angel Guzman back when the Cubs had Prior, Wood, Z, Clement and other young pitchers. Let’s say Guzman was as good or better than expected and that the Cubs replaced him and were also better than expected. The Cubs wouldn’t have traded Angel Guzman for less talent thinking they were going to be better. You still trade the player for certain players and hope to come out on the better side of the deal. If the Cubs traded Guzman for nothing and he went on to become a star while Wood and Prior remained healthy, we could easily argue the Cubs were better off, but we couldn’t possibly argue the Cubs won the trade.
I feel like that’s what is being done by Rays fans. I’ve seen it other places as well and you just can’t evaluate a trade in that way. When doing so, the only players to look at are those who were traded and you have to ignore what the team has done because that’s a team (not one guy).
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That’s what we should call our next blog after we shutter this one and merge with a few more Cubs blogs (dying laughing)[/quote]Can we merge with Al?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Can we merge with Al?[/quote]
Hilarious. Good luck with your blog.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Garza’s also been this year’s hard luck case as the Cubs either don’t score for him, or the bullpen shits the bed after he leaves.[/quote]He’s made some of his own bad luck with his horrible fielding and hitting/bunting.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]He’s made some of his own bad luck with his horrible fielding and hitting/bunting.[/quote]
Oh yes, I’ve witnessed this in person and (dying laughing) while dying a bit on the inside.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The Rays got 2.1 fWAR out of the guys they acquired and paid them about $600K. More than half of that is defensively and we need to regress UZR seasonal stats heavily. We’ll reduce it to 4 UZR total. So about 1.4 fWAR for $600K. That’s worth $6.3 million or $5.7 million more than they have been worth.
The Cubs have 4.5 fWAR from Garza and paid him $5.9 million this year. His $WAR is $26.55 million. He’s been worth $20 million more than he was paid.
The Rays may end up with the much better deal if HJL pans out. Maybe Archer turns it around next year. Perhaps Chirinos figures something out at the age of 450. Just maybe Guyer proves to be worth of playing in LF.
The Rays saved money on this trade and, as a team, haven’t felt Garza’s loss, but they haven’t gotten anywhere near the value in return that the Cubs have so far.
mb21Quote Reply
If we’re conservative and estimate Garza to be worth 3 WAR next year and be paid about $8 million. That’s a surplus value of $6.8 million. The final year of the deal we could say $12 million and 3 WAR again because he’s young enough. Assuming similar inflation that’s a surplus value of $3.3 million. If Garza reaches those reasonable projections he’ll have provided the Cubs with $30.75 million more than he was paid.
The Rays have a lot of cheap and cost controlled years ahead so we won’t know for some time. If one of Archer or Lee has a solid to good career, the Rays will easily come out ahead.
mb21Quote Reply
I said it before and I’ll say it again: the Cubs saw something in Garza and knew he was a much better pitcher than the Rays thought possible. For whatever reason, the Cubs scouts deserve some credit here. They saw something that the supposedly awesome Rays scouts didn’t and they made him a better pitcher. A much better pitcher.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I said it before and I’ll say it again: the Cubs saw something in Garza and knew he was a much better pitcher than the Rays thought possible. For whatever reason, the Cubs scouts deserve some credit here. They saw something that the supposedly awesome Rays scouts didn’t and they made him a better pitcher. A much better pitcher.[/quote]
Considering a lot of folks (including myself) thought he would become a batting practice pitcher at Wrigley Field, I have never been more happy to be so wrong.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
It could be that they saw that he relied on his fastball too much and told him he’d be more effective if he mixed his off-speed stuff in more. Or it could be they just got lucky.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]It could be that they saw that he relied on his fastball too much and told him he’d be more effective if he mixed his off-speed stuff in more. Or it could be they just got lucky.[/quote]
I think it’s possible Garza realized that his flyball tendencies wouldn’t fly (bad pun) at Wrigley and was trying to fix it while in spring training (he got hammered pretty bad but I eventually figured that he was just trying to work on something). The first game where he basically got BABIPed to death with mostly grounders seemed to portend the type of pitcher he would become this season.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]It could be that they saw that he relied on his fastball too much and told him he’d be more effective if he mixed his off-speed stuff in more. Or it could be they just got lucky.[/quote]
It could have been a maturation process as well. Maybe Garza didn’t want to hear previous instruction to mix in his off-speed stuff, or he would fall back on old habits of just throwing his fastball when shit got real in the heat of playing. Maybe the Rays figured he would never learn.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]It could be that they saw that he relied on his fastball too much and told him he’d be more effective if he mixed his off-speed stuff in more. Or it could be they just got lucky.[/quote]He’s definitely altered his pitch mix this season, so I feel safe in crediting the Cubs with convincing him a change (no pun intended) was in order.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Sell your Ameritrade stock. Right. Fucking. Now.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/16/tdameritrade-ricketts-idUSS1E78F0C220110916
Aisle424Quote Reply
Maybe it’s from working with Koyie Hill. I mean, they have to be paying that guy for something, no?
ACTQuote Reply
Chris Archer finished strong, FWIW. I’m pretty down on him now. I agree with mb’s point about how to evaluate a trade[quote name=mb21]I said it before and I’ll say it again: the Cubs saw something in Garza and knew he was a much better pitcher than the Rays thought possible. For whatever reason, the Cubs scouts deserve some credit here. They saw something that the supposedly awesome Rays scouts didn’t and they made him a better pitcher. A much better pitcher.[/quote]
How do you know this? How is it not just selling him at peak value (roughly) and they were concerned about his escalating price while they had 3-4 prospects (Hellickson, Cobb, Torres, even Moore or Archer) who could have theoretically replaced him?
I agree with everything else you said (Chris Archer did finish strong), but I’m not so sure that this has anything to do with the Rays scouting. I think this move was predicated by other factors.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Maybe it’s from working with Koyie Hill. I mean, they have to be paying that guy for something, no?[/quote]
Comic relief.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]It could be that they saw that he relied on his fastball too much and told him he’d be more effective if he mixed his off-speed stuff in more. Or it could be they just got lucky.[/quote]There’s no doubt some luck involved, but they did make changes with him beginning in spring training. You may recall Garza being upset about those changes early in the season. He said he was going to go back to doing what he always had, but then a couple days later took that back.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That’s what we should call our next blog after we shutter this one and merge with a few more Cubs blogs (dying laughing)[/quote]False. Blog history has ended.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]It could have been a maturation process as well. Maybe Garza didn’t want to hear previous instruction to mix in his off-speed stuff, or he would fall back on old habits of just throwing his fastball when shit got real in the heat of playing. Maybe the Rays figured he would never learn.[/quote]From what Garza said early in the season it sounds like the Cubs told him what to do and what changes to make. Perhaps he was more willing to listen than before or perhaps the Cubs simply said “do as you’re fucking told.” (dying laughing)
I don’t know, but I do know he’s been a different style pitcher this year and the results have been fantastic.
mb21Quote Reply
If they Cubs are saying they feel they need to target pitching this offseason, who are the potential targets? C.J. Wilson? Sabathia if he opts out? Possible trade?
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Maybe it’s from working with Koyie Hill. I mean, they have to be paying that guy for something, no?[/quote]Clubhouse carpentry.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]If they Cubs are saying they feel they need to target pitching this offseason, who are the potential targets? C.J. Wilson? Sabathia if he opts out? Possible trade?[/quote]I could see a trade, particularly if they want to trade BJax, but I think FA signing(s) are more likely, and Wilson will almost surely be a target.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Here’s the FA list for SP:
Garland, Harang, Jackson, Wilson, and Javy are the most likely targets, IMO.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]How do you know this? How is it not just selling him at peak value (roughly) and they were concerned about his escalating price while they had 3-4 prospects (Hellickson, Cobb, Torres, even Moore or Archer) who could have theoretically replaced him?[/quote]If they knew it, why didn’t they make the changes? It’s quite clear he’s a superior pitcher now than he was when the Cubs acquired him and it’s at least in part due the changes the Cubs made him make. If the Rays knew this, why did they let him be a worse pitcher? That doesn’t make any sense.
As for the pitchers they have to replace him, it’s a good point and it’s why they traded him. It’s also why they haven’t felt his loss. However, that cannot be considered when evaluating who won a trade if we want to do that. If the Cubs trade Starlin Castro for a bag of baseballs because they have some other SS prospect they are confident in, it doesn’t mean the trade they made was a good one. That’s all I’m saying.
It was undoubtedly a good idea for the Rays to trade Garza considering his price tag and alternative options. They got a good package in return. But right now, the Cubs have easily gotten more value out of that trade than the Rays have. It’s distinctly possible the Cubs have already gotten more value out of Garza than the Rays will ever get out of that trade. It’s also possible that a couple of those guys work out and in 5 years the Rays are the clear winners. Who knows what’s going to happen from this point forward?
mb21Quote Reply
I think who they target depends entirely on their goal for next season. If their goal is to continue to rebuild, there’s no reason to spend on a high priced free agent unless you think he can be a big part of the turnaround in a year or three. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see some Doug Davis type signings this offseason. I’d be less surprised by than that I would be if they signed Wilson or Sabathia.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I could see a trade, particularly if they want to trade BJax, but I think FA signing(s) are more likely, and Wilson will almost surely be a target.[/quote]
I’m intrigued by the possibility of CJ Wilson as a Cub but am apprehensive that the Cubs will get Zito’d just because they’re the Cubs.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I agree with your 2nd and 3rd paragraphs for sure.
While I have no answers to the first, we do have to point out that his results were pretty good in Tampa, even if his peripherals and batted ball profile weren’t (of course, park and defense factor in here). You might be right, for sure, but I just don’t see enough info one way or another that we can attribute it to to a failure in scouting.
And yes, I’m being defensive about the Rays for no reason. (dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
The bottom line is this: if the Rays had made the changes the Cubs did, Garza would have been worth more in a trade. As a result of not making those changes, the Rays got less in return than they could have. Credit goes to the Cubs for seeing something they didn’t. Even an intelligent organization like the Reds can look smarter from time to time. This is just one of those times. Make 10 more trades and I’m confident the Rays will prove they’re more intelligent.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think who they target depends entirely on their goal for next season. If their goal is to continue to rebuild, there’s no reason to spend on a high priced free agent unless you think he can be a big part of the turnaround in a year or three. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see some Doug Davis type signings this offseason. I’d be less surprised by than that I would be if they signed Wilson or Sabathia.[/quote]That’s why I suspect guys like Garland, Harang or Javy will be in the mix. They won’t come cheap, but they’ll come cheaper than a bigger name.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I want Wilson just so he can tell Al to fuck off.
MuckerQuote Reply
MO, think the Bears are going 2-0?
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I agree with your 2nd and 3rd paragraphs for sure.
While I have no answers to the first, we do have to point out that his results were pretty good in Tampa, even if his peripherals and batted ball profile weren’t (of course, park and defense factor in here). You might be right, for sure, but I just don’t see enough info one way or another that we can attribute it to to a failure in scouting.
And yes, I’m being defensive about the Rays for no reason. (dying laughing)[/quote]Many of his changes can be attributed to his pitch selection this season. We know for a fact that this was something the Cubs forced on Garza. He was none too happy about it early on. While Garza had a good ERA in Tampa Bay, it’s like you said, that factors in defense and ballpark. ERA does no good in evaluating whether a pitcher has performed because we’re including a lot of other factors.
His FIP is about 1.25 runs better per 9 innings this year than it was when he was a Ray. His SIERA is more than a run better. His xFIP is more than a run better. His ERA- is the 2nd best in his career and better than any year with the Rays if we’re using that stat.
There’s nothing wrong with the Cubs besting the Rays. It happens. The Cubs have bested the Red Sox in trades. They’ve even outdone the A’s. It happens. It doesn’t mean that the other front office is stupid or worse than the Cubs. Call it shitty variance if you want.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]That’s why I suspect guys like Garland, Harang or Javy will be in the mix. They won’t come cheap, but they’ll come cheaper than a bigger name.[/quote]I tend to agree, but I’m just not sure because I could see this organization going for it next year. Pujols and Fielder, along with Sabathia, are free agents so if you wanted to rebuild quickly, there are some players available.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]That’s why I suspect guys like Garland, Harang or Javy will be in the mix. They won’t come cheap, but they’ll come cheaper than a bigger name.[/quote]
Surprised to see Harang included in that list. He signed for only 1/4 deal last offseason with the Padres.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]MO, think the Bears are going 2-0?[/quote]I dunno. If they can get to Brees with a four man rush, they have a shot. If the pass rush fails, Brees will carve up that secondary like nobody’s business. Jennings is a real liability.
On offense, the Bears have to attack the Greer/Harper side of the field, so if Bennett can step up and have a big game, I can see the Bears rolling up some points.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I dunno. If they can get to Brees with a four man rush, they have a shot. If the pass rush fails, Brees will carve up that secondary like nobody’s business. Jennings is a real liability.
On offense, the Bears have to attack the Greer/Harper side of the field, so if Bennett can step up and have a big game, I can see the Bears rolling up some points.[/quote]I think Brees will carve them up regardless. If the Bears don’t generate turnovers, it’s going to be a long day for the Defense. It’s great knowing that the Bears actually have an offense capable of putting up points. Forte needs to have another big game.
MuckerQuote Reply
junkstats Jacob Peterson
Carlos Zambrano has homered in 9 straight seasons, the most for a P since Warren Spahn, 17 straight from ’48 to ’64.
MishQuote Reply
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15058
BerseliusQuote Reply
junkstats Jacob Peterson
The best part about Zambrano’s career hitting line isn’t the homers, though. It’s this: 232 strikeouts, 10 walks.
MishQuote Reply
They don’t pay Z to walk. They pay him to stay home without dinner.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
In terms of Garza, I guess I’m just a fatalist and assume the recent surge of homeruns is indicative of how he will pitch from here on out. I can’t help it! I’ve been conditioned by years of being a Cubs fan.
binkyQuote Reply
Shit, did I break the blog?
binkyQuote Reply
Cubs are losing….?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Cubs are losing….?[/quote]
It’s a way of (L)ife.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I like how the Astros tried to bunt their pitcher over when he’s already on second base with one out.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I like how the Astros tried to bunt their pitcher over when he’s already on second base with one out.[/quote]They’re not very good. They might even suck ass, but I’m going to wait to see what the numbers say at the end of the season.
binkyQuote Reply
binkyQuote Reply
In between I guess we missed Soto’s homer. First pitch swinging, indeed.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]In between I guess we missed Soto’s homer. First pitch swinging, indeed.[/quote]I heard it. I was still distraught over Barney getting called out on that HBP in the 1st.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I heard it. I was still distraught over Barney getting called out on that HBP in the 1st.[/quote]
WTF happened? I read that it hit off the knob of the bat and nobody ran.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]WTF happened? I read that it hit off the knob of the bat and nobody ran.[/quote]Zonk said he watched it about 4 times and he is certain it hit Barney’s hand. Maybe it hit the hand an knob at the same time or something. I don’t know what the rule is if it hits hand and bat at once.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Zonk said he watched it about 4 times and he is certain it hit Barney’s hand. Maybe it hit the hand an knob at the same time or something. I don’t know what the rule is if it hits hand and bat at once.[/quote]Barney didn’t run because he thought he was HBP, Castro went because he wasn’t sure (the ball bounced into the field of play) and was thrown out, then onto first for a double play with Barney still nursing his hand at home.
binkyQuote Reply
They’d have to upload the replay. I think if it hits the knob before the hand it is considered a foul ball but I’d also have to look up the rules…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]They’d have to upload the replay. I think if it hits the knob before the hand it is considered a foul ball but I’d also have to look up the rules…[/quote]It’s not like the umpire would have been able to see. He just heard ball and bat and called it in play, I guess.
binkyQuote Reply
SerbianKing33 posted this on FB
Why doesn’t it surprise me that in over 4,000 plate appearances, Marlon Byrd has only seen a 2-0 count 68 times?
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]It’s not like the umpire would have been able to see. He just heard ball and bat and called it in play, I guess.[/quote]
Trying to read through the online MLB rulebook was a chore. So I found this:
http://www.qcbaseball.com/baseball_rules/hit_by_pitch1.aspx
I didn’t see it but it’d be up to the discretion of the ump whether the ball would’ve been a strike and also if Barney was trying to swing at it or was trying to get out of the way.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
BruceMiles2112 Bruce Miles
Garza’s last 3 IP have gone like this: 6 pitches, 6 strikes; 8 pitches, 6 strikes; 9 pitches, 9 strikes. It’s like he’s facing the #Cubs.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]BruceMiles2112 Bruce Miles
Garza’s last 3 IP have gone like this: 6 pitches, 6 strikes; 8 pitches, 6 strikes; 9 pitches, 9 strikes. It’s like he’s facing the #Cubs.[/quote]
*rimshot*
Nice snark.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Ramirez triples!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The game doesn’t count so he should only be allowed to hit singles.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]SerbianKing33 posted this on FB
Why doesn’t it surprise me that in over 4,000 plate appearances, Marlon Byrd has only seen a 2-0 count 68 times?[/quote]
He walked twice today. Shut him right up.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Ramirez triples!
[/quote]Yeah but it went over the fence, He stopped for a siesta at third.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Ramirez triples!
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]No video on gameday. What the shit?[/quote]
MLB didn’t believe it happened.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Per Bruce Miles, the Cubs have now passed the Astros and are merely 15th in walks in the NL.
BerseliusQuote Reply
How many complete games for the Cubs this year? I recall one other one by Garza and there was the shutout by Wells and that’s it.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]How many complete games for the Cubs this year? I recall one other one by Garza and there was the shutout by Wells and that’s it.[/quote]
James Shields has 5 times as many while playing in the AL.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]How many complete games for the Cubs this year? I recall one other one by Garza and there was the shutout by Wells and that’s it.[/quote]Yeah…about that.
binkyQuote Reply
Well, fuck that (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
goodbye complete game win
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]goodbye complete game win[/quote]Still technically possible!!
binkyQuote Reply
I think it’s funny that Carlos Lee is the only Astro doing any real damage with the bat. That summarizes the team pretty well.
ACTQuote Reply
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]
[/quote]Zonk said he would have bounched three curves in the dirt. I’m inclined to agree.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Zonk said he would have bounched three curves in the dirt. I’m inclined to agree.[/quote]
He was most displeased with that pitch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Carlos Lee fucking owns the Cubs. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
We need a little Tony Campana ITP homerun action here.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]We need a little Tony Campana ITP homerun action here.[/quote]
He’ll get a single-turning-into-a-triple instead (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Thank you, Astros manager for putting a a RHP, making it much easier for Tony to steal a base.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Thank you, Astros manager for putting a a RHP, making it much easier for Tony to steal a base.[/quote]
They aren’t messing around with that #1 draft pick.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
One more and he’ll get that “triple” (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Maybe Soto needs lighter shoes.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
C’mon Castro. THINK HOW FUN IT WOULD BE TO BE THE HERO!!
binkyQuote Reply
Not having fun.
binkyQuote Reply
quick, can someone go inform cubs fans bitching about lahair and colvin not playing everyday that they both suck and hopefully won’t be in organization next season.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]quick, can someone go inform cubs fans bitching about lahair and colvin not playing everyday that they both suck and hopefully won’t be in organization next season.[/quote]
Don’t tell me what to do.
FWIW. I think LaHair has a much better chance of being a passable major leaguer than Colvin.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]quick, can someone go inform cubs fans bitching about lahair and colvin not playing everyday that they both suck and hopefully won’t be in organization next season.[/quote]Uh, Colvin was our number one draft pick by the apparently best scouting director in baseball, so…. I beg to differ. Also LaHair is hitting like .460.
/Cubs fan’d
binkyQuote Reply
Time for Marmol to move the Cubs back to 16th in walks (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
I actually think LaHair will at least be in Spring Training. If he has a good spring, I bet he’s on the team. The thing with this team next year —> probably won’t be very good.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Don’t tell me what to do.
FWIW. I think LaHair has a much better chance of being a passable major leaguer than Colvin.[/quote]
they both suck.
wpbcQuote Reply
i didn’t mean to tell anyone what to do.
sorry b.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]they both suck.[/quote]So does Rodrigo Lopez, and he gets the ball every 5 days. You’re a Cubs fan, C’mon! This should be old hat by now.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I actually think LaHair will at least be in Spring Training. If he has a good spring, I bet he’s on the team. The thing with this team next year —> probably won’t be very good.[/quote]
it doesn’t really matter does it? the team is gonna suck. he’s cheap. and at this point, i see really no reason to put a bunch of cash into the big league team.
i guess alot of this depends on what the new gm wants to do with 2012.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]So does Rodrigo Lopez, and he gets the ball every 5 days. You’re a Cubs fan, C’mon! This should be old hat by now.[/quote]
it’s old hat. but still fun sometimes. i’m not sure why?
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]i didn’t mean to tell anyone what to do.
sorry b.[/quote]
It’s okay, wpbc. Maybe you were just tired.
BerseliusQuote Reply
when theo get’s ahold of this club, nobody will be safe. lmao.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]it’s old hat. but still fun sometimes. i’m not sure why?[/quote]That’s a good question. The answer is peanuts and beer.
No, it’s fun. Maybe our new GM will wave his magic wand and ship out our detritus for major league talent. It’s been known to happen.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]It’s okay, wpbc. Maybe you were just tired.[/quote]
as a matter of fact, i have not slept well lately.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]The answer is peanuts and beer.
[/quote]
i love that combination.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]when theo get’s ahold of this club, nobody will be safe. lmao.[/quote]Who do you think the Cubs hire, ccd?
mb21Quote Reply
I’d feel a lot better about LaHair if he wasn’t nearly 30.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’d feel a lot better about LaHair if he wasn’t nearly 30.[/quote]And not currently being scouted by the Nippon Ham Fighters?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]And not currently being scouted by the Nippon Ham Fighters?[/quote]
You mean the Cubs’ parent club.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You mean the Cubs’ parent club.[/quote]They’re sending Hoffpauier back, that’s the good news. Last years Cubs fans will get their wish finally!
binkyQuote Reply
Marmol pitched 2 innings, threw 19 pitches, 17 for strikes.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Marmol pitched 2 innings, threw 19 pitches, 17 for strikes.[/quote]That’s the first sign of the apocalypse, right?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Who do you think the Cubs hire, ccd?[/quote]
like everyone else, i’d love it to be one of the big name guys. friedman, theo, cashman. but i expect theo and cashman are just using the cubs for leverage. friedman has a great working relationship with ownership in tampa. i bet he stays put too.
so i guess that puts us into the area of guys like billy beane. not sure how i feel about that.
for some reason i still think there might be something with pat gillick taking over as president and bringing in a rick hahn or chuck lamar type to be gm. i have no info and this is only a gut feeling.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]They’re sending Hoffpauier back, that’s the good news. Last years Cubs fans will get their wish finally![/quote]
throw in some sushi witha no-trade and the former gm may have bit on that deal.
wpbcQuote Reply
hahn and lamar were only examples. but a lesser known guy for gm with the big name hire actually being gillick.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]like everyone else, i’d love it to be one of the big name guys. friedman, theo, cashman. but i expect theo and cashman are just using the cubs for leverage. friedman has a great working relationship with ownership in tampa. i bet he stays put too.
so i guess that puts us into the area of guys like billy beane. not sure how i feel about that.
for some reason i still think there might be something with pat gillick taking over as president and bringing in a rick hahn or chuck lamar type to be gm. i have no info and this is only a gut feeling.[/quote]Hahn’s name is being batted around by the beat guys, too…
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I can’t help but think Hahn is being brought up so much is because he’s someone the Chicago media is actually familiar with. If they were to look into some other highly qualified assistants, it would require work and we know they’re not doing that. So Hahn is talked about.
Based on what Ricketts said, I thought he made it clear that only GMs would be considered and that assistant GMs were mostly an afterthought. That may change depending on who is available, but for now I’d assume no assisitants.
mb21Quote Reply
Most epic walk-off hit ever.
ACTQuote Reply
Cubs walked 9 times. Astros walked 0 times.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I can’t help but think Hahn is being brought up so much is because he’s someone the Chicago media is actually familiar with. If they were to look into some other highly qualified assistants, it would require work and we know they’re not doing that. So Hahn is talked about.
Based on what Ricketts said, I thought he made it clear that only GMs would be considered and that assistant GMs were mostly an afterthought. That may change depending on who is available, but for now I’d assume no assisitants.[/quote]
i’m sure your right on with hahn.
as for assistant gm’s, i wonder if that would change if ricketts first hired a president and allowed him to hire the gm. that’s my pat gillick scenario.
a few other reasons that i don’t think gillick is out of the question is he won’t bring with him a staff from philly, that’s not how he’s done things in the past. so having guys like wilken and fleita in place would appeal to gillick.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Cubs walked 9 times. Astros walked 0 times.[/quote]
smoke that moneyballers.
wpbcQuote Reply
who do you think md?
wpbcQuote Reply
Gillick as the president makes some sense, but he’s talked openly before about despising sabermetrics and that’s one of the things that’s important to Ricketts. I’m not sure it’s as good a match as some do though I may be completely wrong. It’s possible Ricketts hires a GM with that sabermetric background and then hires Gillick. I could see that, but I don’t think Gillick will be hiring a GM.
I really don’t know. Cashman and Friedman are free agents. I’ve mentioned it here a couple times, but it’s worth repeating: the Cubs GM job, right now, is the best job in baseball. Be the GM that wins a World Series and the city is going to name a street after him. (dying laughing)
Money and ego tend to be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a job. As such, I’m not convinced Friedman’s relationship with the Rays ownership means that much. Friedman is a smart guy and he knows damn well that the Rays would fire him if they fell back into last for 2 or 3 seasons. I don’t think he’ll extend them any loyalty beyond what they’d be willing to extend to him. If the Rays make a competitive offer, he probably sticks around because the unknown is often the final deciding factor. If the Cubs offer him the president and GM role and a lot more money, I don’t think he turns it down.
If the Cubs want to keep the role separate, Brian Cashman might be the more realistic option. Cashman hasn’t always been happy in New York and if there’s one place where a better job currently exists, it’s at Wrigley Field. Once the Cubs win the World Series it won’t be the best job, but for now it is.
The other thing that I think will entice Friedman is more money to spend. These guys have large egos. They think they’re the best. Not to mention, it’s distinctly possible this is the last chance Friedman gets to move on. Beane was undoubtedly the best a decade ago. 5 years ago it was Theo and now it’s Friedman. I have no doubt that in another 3, 4 or 5 years someone will be seen as the better GM than Friedman. That’s just how it works. If the Rays aren’t as lucky with their prospects shit could get real ugly down there. A few years of not having the prospects work out and the Rays are back in last place and nobody wants Friedman. And he’ll be getting fired. He can’t be worth more than he is now if he stays in Tampa Bay. However, he could be worth a whole hell of a lot more if he came to Chicago and they win a World Series.
That’s just a lot of speculation. I really don’t know. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I thought Shapiro’s name coming up recently has been interesting because he fits what Ricketts is looking for. GW did point out that his record hasn’t been as good as one would hope, but he’s exactly the kind of guy that Ricketts is talking about when he says the new GM will be more into the analysis side of things than the past GM.
mb21Quote Reply
8 pitchers, 9 walks issued for Astros…
3 pitchers, 0 walks issued for Cubs…
Someone wasn’t being efficient.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
If the ball is going foul but hasn’t crossed the bag and the fielder knocks it fair, is it still foul or is it fair?
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19267165
Rice CubeQuote Reply
If the fielder touches it in foul territory I think it’s a dead ball.
mb21Quote Reply
Beane might be a non-starter. He has partial ownership of the A’s now so would probably want to stay there. I remember hearing rumors over the past few years that he’s not quite as interested/obsessed with baseball as he was in his moneyball days either.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Of all the GM candidates out there I think Cashman’s the most likely hire. Just a hunch though. My preferences would be ranked
Theo = Friedman > Shapiro > Cashman > Beane (big gap) Gillick, Coletti, etc. etc.
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing), Red Sox. I was thinking of trying to get a ticket to one of these games but they’re too damn expensive.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If the fielder touches it in foul territory I think it’s a dead ball.[/quote]
I think he should’ve let it keep going but I guess it was too close to tell. He needed to field it cleanly or there was no play on Byrd, but it looked like it bounced to the side of the chalk before he deflected it.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Of all the GM candidates out there I think Cashman’s the most likely hire. Just a hunch though. My preferences would be ranked
Theo = Friedman > Shapiro > Cashman > Beane (big gap) Gillick, Coletti, etc. etc.[/quote]
I’d put Cashman before Shapiro, but otherwise I agree. I also think Beane isn’t realistic. That partial ownership will get in the way.
It would be pretty funny to see the Cubs get Theo and then they’d obviously go after Friedman.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21] I also think Beane isn’t realistic. That partial ownership will get in the way.
[/quote]
I think there has to be a way for Beane to get out of that if he really wants to. If Ricketts offered him more money, a bigger payroll and made him President of Baseball Operations, I can’t believe he wouldn’t be interested. The one knock on him has been that he never won it all. Where better to do it than with the Cubs? They would give him a budget he knows he’ll never have in Oakland. It would also make him a revolutionary that became a legend. I can’t believe that doesn’t appeal to his ego.
melissaQuote Reply
I think he could get out of it, melissa, but I think it’s a big hurdle. It would take some time to take care of that and I don’t think the Cubs are going to wait that long.
mb21Quote Reply
IIRC Beane turned down the Red Sox job before Theo got it. That was before they won it all too.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think he could get out of it, melissa, but I think it’s a big hurdle. It would take some time to take care of that and I don’t think the Cubs are going to wait that long.[/quote]I don’t think the ownership would be that big of a hurdle, mb. There’s probably a mechanism in place for a fairly simple way to get Beane’s equity removed.
My hunch is that Beane will be the next Cub GM. I don’t have any particular reasoning though. (dying laughing)
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Beane was undoubtedly the best a decade ago. 5 years ago it was Theo and now it’s Friedman. I have no doubt that in another 3, 4 or 5 years someone will be seen as the better GM than Friedman. That’s just how it works. If the Rays aren’t as lucky with their prospects shit could get real ugly down there. [/quote]
that is right on. beane had the chance to be that guy in boston and chose to stay put in oakland. now look where he is. (dying laughing). stuck in oakland. friedman should take a long serious look at the cubs, otherwise he to could end up being billy beane.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I thought Shapiro’s name coming up recently has been interesting because he fits what Ricketts is looking for. GW did point out that his record hasn’t been as good as one would hope, but he’s exactly the kind of guy that Ricketts is talking about when he says the new GM will be more into the analysis side of things than the past GM.[/quote]
true again. shapiro might fit quite nicely.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]IIRC Beane turned down the Red Sox job before Theo got it. That was before they won it all too.[/quote]
exactly. it’s in the book moneyball.
wpbcQuote Reply
the only hunch that counts is yellon’s
wpbcQuote Reply
fwliw the red sox have got to be theo’s dream job. he’s from boston, and one day you have to imagine he’s bumped upstairs to president of the red sox. i struggle imagining he’d ever leave the red sox. but as maddog talked earlier, these guys have such big egos and egos can make guys do strange things.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]the only hunch that counts is yellon’s[/quote]
I don’t believe you. Do you have a source?
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]I don’t think the ownership would be that big of a hurdle, mb. There’s probably a mechanism in place for a fairly simple way to get Beane’s equity removed.
My hunch is that Beane will be the next Cub GM. I don’t have any particular reasoning though. (dying laughing)[/quote]I could see if it’s easy enough to take care of the ownership issue.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]fwliw the red sox have got to be theo’s dream job. he’s from boston, and one day you have to imagine he’s bumped upstairs to president of the red sox. i struggle imagining he’d ever leave the red sox. but as maddog talked earlier, these guys have such big egos and egos can make guys do strange things.[/quote]
Theo left the Red Sox a few years ago, IIRC he was feuding with Lucchino. I think it was just for the offseason though
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]fwliw the red sox have got to be theo’s dream job. he’s from boston, and one day you have to imagine he’s bumped upstairs to president of the red sox. i struggle imagining he’d ever leave the red sox. but as maddog talked earlier, these guys have such big egos and egos can make guys do strange things.[/quote]That’s what the Cubs have in their favor right now. I obviously don’t know what each of these individuals would do, but I do know the reason not one of them has put to rest the rumors is that they’re interested for very good reason. Interested enough to leave Boston? I don’t know. Maybe the Cubs can give him more power. I really don’t. I just know the Cubs are in a position where they should absolutely be seeking the very best GMs in the game and even ones who are still employed.
Theo didn’t say he wasn’t interested in the job when he talked about it. The hurdle with getting Theo is getting the Red Sox to allow the Cubs to talk with him. If I’m the Red Sox I’m not letting them do that.
mb21Quote Reply
I heard someone from Oakland talking about this being a time in Beane’s life when he might actually consider moving from a family stand point. I think he said his daughter was going to college but his younger kids were like 5 so he could move them easily. Beane wouldn’t have been President in Boston either. I don’t think you can say since he didn’t take the Boston GM job years ago he wouldn’t consider being the Cubs Pres/GM now. I also am not saying it’s a done deal. I just wouldn’t rule Beane out, I’m taking a wait and see approach. (dying laughing)
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I heard someone from Oakland talking about this being a time in Beane’s life when he might actually consider moving from a family stand point. I think he said his daughter was going to college but his younger kids were like 5 so he could move them easily. Beane wouldn’t have been President in Boston either. I don’t think you can say since he didn’t take the Boston GM job years ago he wouldn’t consider being the Cubs Pres/GM now. I also am not saying it’s a done deal. I just wouldn’t rule Beane out, I’m taking a wait and see approach. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Beane will or will not be the next GM
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]
Theo didn’t say he wasn’t interested in the job when he talked about it. The hurdle with getting Theo is getting the Red Sox to allow the Cubs to talk with him. If I’m the Red Sox I’m not letting them do that.[/quote]
If the most recent rumor is true and Kenney is history then maybe Ricketts will be offering these guys the job of President of Baseball Operations. If so, I don’t believe teams will keep GMs from interviewing for a Pres. job. It’s just not done. Unless Boston wants to make Theo the President now they can’t really stop him from taking that job elsewhere.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Theo left the Red Sox a few years ago, IIRC he was feuding with Lucchino. I think it was just for the offseason though[/quote]I forgot about that circus.
mb21Quote Reply
Really good point, melissa. No way would Boston stop Theo from interviewing with the Cubs for the president role.
I’m betting that’s Rcketts plans. Wait until the Red Sox season is over and then offer Theo both jobs. Win-win.
mb21Quote Reply
And then the Red Sox steal Friedman.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I forgot about that circus.[/quote]
I think Theo was pissed at Lucchino’s Theriot-esque ability to blab to the media.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]And then the Red Sox steal Friedman.[/quote]
That wouldn’t surprise me. Cherrington (sp?) is Theo’s top lieutenant that you hear about being the next on the horizon to get a GM job. If the Cubs offer Theo some sort of Pres. role maybe he would bring Cherrington with to be the GM.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Really good point, melissa. No way would Boston stop Theo from interviewing with the Cubs for the president role.
I’m betting that’s Rcketts plans. Wait until the Red Sox season is over and then offer Theo both jobs. Win-win.[/quote]I’d like that plan. Unless Theo is just working the Red Sox to make him president. I don’t see him leaving in that case.
Would Beane or Friedman consider taking a GM-only job if Ricketts did bring in a Gillick-type as president of baseball ops?
cwolfQuote Reply
I’m guessing if Theo comes along he wants to be the GM (and President). I’m betting he wants to be that guy who not only broke one curse, but two. He’ll be legendary. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I don’t know about Beane, cwolf. I’m sure Friedman would though.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Beane will or will not be the next GM[/quote]I predicted this at the start of the season, so I can’t say I’m surprised.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]I’d like that plan. Unless Theo is just working the Red Sox to make him president. I don’t see him leaving in that case.
Would Beane or Friedman consider taking a GM-only job if Ricketts did bring in a Gillick-type as president of baseball ops?[/quote]
I don’t think Beane would work under someone like Gillick as pres. I think he only leaves if he’s head of baseball ops but I’m not sure that would be true of a younger guy like Friedman.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I predicted this at the start of the season, so I can’t say I’m surprised.[/quote]
Just wait, the Cubs beat writers are going to break this story right after the New Year.
melissaQuote Reply
What does head of baseball ops do anyway? I don’t see how that’s any different from being a GM.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Just wait, the Cubs beat writers are going to break this story right after the New Year 2013.[/quote].
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf] Just wait, the Cubs beat writers are going to break this story in Smarch 2013.[/quote]
.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]What does head of baseball ops do anyway? I don’t see how that’s any different from being a GM.[/quote]
Being called President would probably mean higher money, more autonomy and the ego boosting title, I guess. It would also mean you aren’t answering to anyone between you and the owner like Theo does in Boston. I also think that if Ricketts wants to be like Boston as he’s said then Theo is the number one target on his list of candidates.
melissaQuote Reply
Ricketts has already said the GM will report directly to him as he has the last 2 years. Hendry was head of baseball ops and any new GM will be too. The president role would just be a cool title and more money. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
The real question is who is going to be head of trough ops?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The real question is who is the executive chairman[/quote]
.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The real question is who is going to be head of trough ops?[/quote]That’s gotta be Todd Ricketts, right?
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The real question is who is going to be head of trough ops?[/quote]
This person will also be chief director of misting stations.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]That’s gotta be Todd Ricketts, right?[/quote]
He’s going to be running TD Ameritrade. Sell your stock now (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]This person will also be chief director of misting stations.[/quote]Is that like the person in charge of the water sprays?
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Is that like the person in charge of the water sprays?[/quote]
Possibly, I’m not sure but they’re trying to steal the Chief misting station supervisor away from Great America.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Possibly, I’m not sure but they’re trying to steal the Chief misting station supervisor away from Great America.[/quote]That would be huge. It will take the sting away when Ricketts hires Ned F. Colletti as the GM. (dying laughing)
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Possibly, I’m not sure but they’re trying to steal the Chief misting station supervisor away from Great America.[/quote]
Nothing but the best for the President of Vapor Operations
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]That would be huge. It will take the sting away when Ricketts hires Ned F. Colletti as the GM. (dying laughing)[/quote]
They’ll fill the misters with sprayable novocaine (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I don’t believe you. Do you have a source?[/quote]
kow said. and she’s been to one million games and the cubs have won 800,000.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21] The hurdle with getting Theo is getting the Red Sox to allow the Cubs to talk with him. If I’m the Red Sox I’m not letting them do that.[/quote]
that’s where the cubs would have to offer him a team president position. baseball has some gentlemans agreement where teams actually allow guys to talk for so-called promotions. but i agree with you, if i’m the red sox there is no way i allow theo to talk.
wpbcQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]If the most recent rumor is true and Kenney is history then maybe Ricketts will be offering these guys the job of President of Baseball Operations. If so, I don’t believe teams will keep GMs from interviewing for a Pres. job. It’s just not done. Unless Boston wants to make Theo the President now they can’t really stop him from taking that job elsewhere.[/quote]
yeah, what melissa said!
wpbcQuote Reply
Pujols > .300
ACTQuote Reply
Re: GM search, I keep hearing Josh Byrnes’ name thrown about by Chicago media, but highly doubt he would be in Ricketts’ top 8-10.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Pujols > .300[/quote]
RBI?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]RBI?[/quote]R+RBI!
That was a close play to end the game. Why the hell did 3B even touch it? That was a minor league mistake. I expect better from a AAA player.
binkyQuote Reply
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/baseballs-annual-awards-2011-edition,26098/
ACTQuote Reply
Sounds like MBey and Aisley had a fun time last month
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/22-accused-of-grim-1182275.html?cxntlid=thbz_hm
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=wpbc]kow said. and she’s been to one million games and the cubs have won 800,000.[/quote]kow’s comment about the Cubs having a .600 winning percentage in the 1000 or so home games she’s attended was one of the best comments ever on BCB. Nobody even thought twice about it.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Sounds like MBey and Aisley had a fun time last month
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/22-accused-of-grim-1182275.html?cxntlid=thbz_hm%5B/quote%5DIt was a blast.
mb21Quote Reply
What do you think of these ACC rumors floating around now, MB? I still think UT to the ACC is a non-starter.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Also, why the fuck is the Wisconsin game only available on the internets? I thought that’s what BTN was for.
BerseliusQuote Reply
I don’t see Texas going to the ACC as I’ve said before. What are these new rumors?
Every once in awhile there is a game that’s televised only locally. I think there have been 4 or 5 such games since I’ve lived in Topeka. Pisses me off just as much each time. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t see Texas going to the ACC as I’ve said before. What are these new rumors?
Every once in awhile there is a game that’s televised only locally. I think there have been 4 or 5 such games since I’ve lived in Topeka. Pisses me off just as much each time. (dying laughing)[/quote]
http://frankthetank.wordpress.com/2011/09/16/boyz-ii-men-acc-bbd-the-atlantic-coast-family-looks-to-add-pitt-and-syracuse-and-what-it-means-for-texas-notre-dame-and-the-big-ten/
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing) Fuck You, Pay Me Conference.
mb21Quote Reply
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/6502/garzas-new-approach-yields-success
Re: the evolution of Matt Garza.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
MishQuote Reply
Pitt, Cuse ————-> ACC, probably
http://brett-mcmurphy.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/29532522/32035225
BerseliusQuote Reply
NCAAF/NFL has decimated this site on the weekends (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]NCAAF/NFL has decimated this site on the weekends (dying laughing)[/quote]I’m around on Saturday’s but Iowa just pisses me off. I knew they wouldn’t be that good, but they’re a lot worse than I thought.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m around on Saturday’s but Iowa just pisses me off. I knew they wouldn’t be that good, but they’re a lot worse than I thought.[/quote]
The Iowa tweets in my twitter feed have been quite entertaining (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The Iowa tweets in my twitter feed have been quite entertaining (dying laughing)[/quote]I’m sure.
mb21Quote Reply
This game is actually closer than I thought. I figured Pitt would jump out to a 14-0 lead. Instead it was only 10-0 and Iowa should get some points here.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]This game is actually closer than I thought. I figured Pitt would jump out to a 14-0 lead. Instead it was only 10-0 and Iowa should get some points here.[/quote]
…or not
BerseliusQuote Reply
Now PSU is losing to Temple at halftime
/facepalm at BTen
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Now PSU is losing to Temple at halftime
/facepalm at BTen[/quote]A new power is rising. The time of Men is at an end. Now is the age of the Orc.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Auburn has blown a 21-pt. lead in about a quarter and a half.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
ACC nervous about being raided?
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]ACC nervous about being raided?[/quote]
That’s the takeaway I’m getting from this news.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That’s the takeaway I’m getting from this news.[/quote]
frank seems to be going over the top with his nd/ut to acc, quasi-football independence scenario.
I see:
1. ACC raises exit fees.
2. FSU forms realignment comittee
3. ACC invites Pitt/Cuse.
Seems pretty straightforward to me.
GWQuote Reply
Though I will be interested in ND’s reaction to a potential BigEast collapse.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]frank seems to be going over the top with his nd/ut to acc, quasi-football independence scenario.
I see:
1. ACC raises exit fees.
2. FSU forms realignment comittee
3. ACC invites Pitt/Cuse.
Seems pretty straightforward to me.[/quote]Frank also said that A&M wasn’t leaving the Big 12 about a week before they applied for acceptance into the SEC the first time. I literally had no idea what he was talking about because it was painfully obvious that A&M was leaving at the time he wrote that.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GW]Though I will be interested in ND’s reaction to a potential BigEast collapse.[/quote]Based on what I’ve gathered is that’s the kind of monumental change that will force them to join a conference. The monumental change remark was made by their president or AD. If the Big East goes, ND join the Big Ten.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GW]Though I will be interested in ND’s reaction to a potential BigEast collapse.[/quote]They’re only Big East in basketball, right? They’d almost certainly go to the ACC if that happened.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]They’re only Big East in basketball, right? They’d almost certainly go to the ACC if that happened.[/quote]
I don’t think the ACC would go for that, but it’s possible.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Based on what I’ve gathered is that’s the kind of monumental change that will force them to join a conference. The monumental change remark was made by their president or AD. If the Big East goes, ND join the Big Ten.[/quote]I think ACC. Their football team would be competitive in that conference, and their basketball team would get a lot more exposure playing there. ND football in the BIg Ten would be a disaster. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Based on what I’ve gathered is that’s the kind of monumental change that will force them to join a conference. The monumental change remark was made by their president or AD. If the Big East goes, ND join the Big Ten.[/quote]
interesting
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]I don’t think the ACC would go for that, but it’s possible.[/quote]You mean basketball only? Yeah, that’s probably true, but ND has nothing to fear from the ACC football programs, so I don’t see anything to keep them from a full switch.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]frank seems to be going over the top with his nd/ut to acc, quasi-football independence scenario.
I see:
1. ACC raises exit fees.
2. FSU forms realignment comittee
3. ACC invites Pitt/Cuse.
Seems pretty straightforward to me.[/quote]
I’m guessing this is part of a FSU—>SEC move to even up with aTm
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You mean basketball only? Yeah, that’s probably true, but ND has nothing to fear from the ACC football programs, so I don’t see anything to keep them from a full switch.[/quote]
yeah, that’s what I meant. for football, i think ND would prefer the big ten since it would allow them to maintain more of their rivals.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You mean basketball only? Yeah, that’s probably true, but ND has nothing to fear from the ACC football programs, so I don’t see anything to keep them from a full switch.[/quote]
VT and FSU disagree. Hell, even BC is probably a better program than ND these days.
BerseliusQuote Reply
This is all about ACC protecting itself, anything else it manages to bring in is gravy. One of the ACC/Big East will survive in the long run, at least in football,and ACC just needs to make sure it keeps the upper hand.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]VT and FSU disagree. Hell, even BC is probably a better program than ND these days.[/quote]Oh, for sure. But at least ND has a chance there. I can’t think of a Big Ten program I wouldn’t rate above ND. Not one. They’d be lucky to go 6-6 in that conference.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]This is all about ACC protecting itself, anything else it manages to bring in is gravy. One of the ACC/Big East will survive in the long run, at least in football,and ACC just needs to make sure it keeps the upper hand.[/quote]Can a FSU/ND swap do that, though? They would have to keep FSU and gain ND, right?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]This is all about ACC protecting itself, anything else it manages to bring in is gravy. [/quote]
It seems that way. I also find it interesting that the UT media stooges have been talking up UT—>ACC all week, while the ACC was obviously focused elsewhere.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]It seems that way. I also find it interesting that the UT media stooges have been talking up UT—>ACC all week, while the ACC was obviously focused elsewhere.[/quote]I’ve really been mystified by UT throughout this entire saga.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I think ACC. Their football team would be competitive in that conference, and their basketball team would get a lot more exposure playing there. ND football in the BIg Ten would be a disaster. (dying laughing)[/quote]The problem is that the ACC couldn’t offer ND as much money as they’re making right now in tv contracts. Not only can the Big Ten do that, they can significantly increase their revenue. Not to mention that ND would lose at least 2 of their rivalries in the Big Ten. That alone will prevent them from joining the ACC. They’d much rather lose those games than the B10 ones. It’s an easy decision in my opinion.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’ve really been mystified but UT throughout this entire saga.[/quote]
(dying laughing). they are just trying to leverage every option against one another. the acc is the latest attempt at this. My money would still be on the Pac, but I don’t have much confidence in that.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Can a FSU/ND swap do that, though? They would have to keep FSU and gain ND, right?[/quote]
I don’t think that matters. What matters is money – if ND’s AQ status is threatened and they are still allowed to keep its NBC contract they’d jump to ACC (or whoever). B1G has a better chance of making up (and more) the $$ difference.
Of course ND’s problem for years is that all their alums think it’s the 1960s and ND is a national program with the clout to justify independence.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Oh, for sure. But at least ND has a chance there. I can’t think of a Big Ten program I wouldn’t rate above ND. Not one. They’d be lucky to go 6-6 in that conference.[/quote]
Indiana and Minnesota are pretty fucking terrible (dying laughing). They’re probably better than Purdue but not by that much.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The problem is that the ACC couldn’t offer ND as much money as they’re making right now in tv contracts. Not only can the Big Ten do that, they can significantly increase their revenue. Not to mention that ND would lose at least 2 of their rivalries in the Big Ten. That alone will prevent them from joining the ACC. They’d much rather lose those games than the B10 ones. It’s an easy decision in my opinion.[/quote]If they get to keep the NBC deal, money is a non-issue.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
like everything with regards to conference realignment, it’s going to come down to money and no conference could offer ND more than the Big Ten. It’s also my belief that the Big Ten’s plans all along have been to add 3 teams: Nebraska, Notre Dame and Texas. If they can’t get Texas my guess is they add Missouri. I had thought it would be Syracuse, but like b said, this is about the ACC protecting itself. I’ve never doubted that ND wouldn’t end up in the B10 at some point. It’s inevitable.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Indiana and Minnesota are pretty fucking terrible (dying laughing). They’re probably better than Purdue but not by that much.[/quote]Have you seen ND play this year? They’re terrible.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GW](dying laughing). they are just trying to leverage every option against one another. the acc is the latest attempt at this. My money would still be on the Pac, but I don’t have much confidence in that.[/quote]I’d put my money on the Pac as well because they can probably get the Pac to concede a few more things to them than the B10 will. This assumes Texas is in it for that reason. I still think they’d make more in the B10, especially if it’s the B10 with ND AND Texas.
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing), Auburn had a 21 pt. lead, now down by 11.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’d put my money on the Pac as well because they can probably get the Pac to concede a few more things to them than the B10 will. This assumes Texas is in it for that reason. I still think they’d make more in the B10, especially if it’s the B10 with ND AND Texas.[/quote]
I’d love to see the BTN revenue estimates with ND and UT. It probably goes national at that point, maybe with 2 channels if they fold LHN into BTN2
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]If they get to keep the NBC deal, money is a non-issue.[/quote]But that’s not going to happen for the same reason that it wouldn’t happen in the B10. The ACC isn’t accepting ND while paying them way more than other teams. Duke and North Carolina will throw the biggest fit ever. There is zero chance they would approve ND if they were anything other than equal to them. Same thing with Texas. It’s why the UT/ND to the ACC talk is bogus. It would be like Ohio State accepting Notre Dame and letting them keep their NBC deal and not playing on the Big Ten Network. No chance of that. Not only would OSU vote against that, Michigan, Nebraska and the other 9 members would as well.
ND in the B10 gets to play in the Big House, The Shoe, Happy Valley, and Lincoln every other year. They get to host those teams every other year. ND in the ACC gets to play ND and Georgia Tech. ND wants to be on the big stage and between those two conferences, that’s being in the same league as a few of the winningest college football programs in history.
mb21Quote Reply
Make that 14. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I’d love to see the BTN revenue estimates with ND and UT. It probably goes national at that point, maybe with 2 channels if they fold LHN into BTN2[/quote]Assuming it goes national, the payout per school at least doubles. Right now they’re getting about $22 million per year in tv contracts. About $7-8 million of that is from the BTN and they don’t yet own all of it. It’s more than reasonable to assume even without those two the B10 teams would be bringing in $30 million if they owned all of the BTN. Factor in new contracts in 5 years and it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re making $35 million per school without those two. Add them in and we’re talking $50 million per year. Or more.
mb21Quote Reply
Pitt led by 17 and Iowa is close to field goal position with 3 minutes to tie. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Down 21 and now? Up 3 with PAT coming. Fuck yeah
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Pitt led by 17 and Iowa is close to field goal position with 3 minutes to tie. (dying laughing)[/quote]NM. Had no Idea Wanny got shitcanned. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Penn State —-> didn’t lose
sigh of relief, sort of
BerseliusQuote Reply
Pittsburgh didn’t exactly shut it down, but up 21 late they weren’t aggressive either. They were gaining yards the first time they got the ball after they took the 21 point lead Iowa had cut it to 14. Then Iowa looked like they were a good team for awhile. It was weird. I’ll take it.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]NM. Had no Idea Wanny got shitcanned. (dying laughing)[/quote]
His moustache remains, haunting the sidelines like a vengeful ghost
BerseliusQuote Reply
Jeebus. 21 pts in the 4th Q for Iowa.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]His moustache remains, haunting the sidelines like a vengeful ghost[/quote]All the pieces are in place.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Looking forward to Sparty curbstomping ND to 0-3
BerseliusQuote Reply
I take back my earlier comments about BC. They;re losing to Duke, at home (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Looking forward to Sparty curbstomping ND to 0-3[/quote]On national TV, no less. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]On national TV, no less. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Their recruits can look forwards to the glory of losing to Purdue on national tv
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://twitter.com/#!/Mengus22/status/115087473842978816
(dying laughing)
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Their recruits can look forwards to the glory of losing to Purdue on national tv[/quote]Play Like A Champion Today.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
AUB ———> EPIC FAIL
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Chip Brown]Big 12 administrator tells Orangebloods.com Syracuse and Pitt will be announced as 13th and 14th members of the #ACC on Sunday.[/quote].
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]http://twitter.com/#!/Mengus22/status/115087473842978816
(dying laughing)[/quote]
(dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Fucking Oregon just can’t stop the run, at all. Been that way in every game so far. Fucking pathetic.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://hellspawnedjavelinas.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/the-big-12-as-women/
GWQuote Reply
Whole Foods ————-> Monsanto
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Missouri State are determined not to have their QB throw the ball, and Oregon are letting them do it.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
never thought I would say this, but I think Wisconsin might have problems this season with scoring too damn quickly (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Whole Foods ————-> Monsanto[/quote]
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]never thought I would say this, but I think Wisconsin might have problems this season with scoring too damn quickly (dying laughing)[/quote]I feel this way about Oregon sometimes, too. Scoring quickly is nice, but it puts the defense on the field for a lot more snaps.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Case in point, off a longish drive by MO. St. (turnover on downs), Oregon go 90 yards in 37 seconds for a score and the defense is back on the field. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Well, I guess more accurately
Monsanto stuff ———-> Whole Foods, which is less shitty
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Well, I guess more accurately
Monsanto stuff ———-> Whole Foods, which is less shitty[/quote]That happened last year, when the USDA forced them to sell GMO foods, but the rumor floating around FB is that Monsanto has bought Whole Foods outright now. I can’t find a link anywhere, though.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Last two drives, Oregon has gained 180 yards, scored 14 points, and done it in 45 seconds, combined.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Make that 52 seconds, combined.
LaMichael James just ran 90 yards in 14 seconds. He also broke a tackle in that span of time. Unreal.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Jeebus. 21 pts in the 4th Q for Iowa.[/quote]James Vandenberg was 17-19 for 220 yards and Iowa scored 4 touchdowns. That doesn’t include the final 4 plays in which they were running out the clock. Vandenberg looked pretty bad before that, but he was fucking perfect late in the game.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]James Vandenberg was 17-19 for 220 yards and Iowa scored 4 touchdowns. That doesn’t include the final 4 plays in which they were running out the clock. Vandenberg looked pretty bad before that, but he was fucking perfect late in the game.[/quote]Maybe he figured something out.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]James Vandenberg was 17-19 for 220 yards and Iowa scored 4 touchdowns. That doesn’t include the final 4 plays in which they were running out the clock. Vandenberg looked pretty bad before that, but he was fucking perfect late in the game.[/quote]
Sounds like Stanzi’s example is settling in (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing), 3 drives, 6 plays, 225 yards, 3 TD, all in less than 2 minutes. 3 straight TD, each scored in under a minute. Granted the competition is poor, but damn.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Sounds like Stanzi’s example is settling in (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) Vandenberg was lucky to not have thrown about 10 picks in the first 3 quarters. He’s fairly accurate as a passer and has a very strong arm, but he was all over the place today. I’m hoping the late offensive run by Iowa gets them to open it up more because for the first time in a decade I can safely say that Iowa’s defense sucks. Iowa is going to win by scoring and unlike you and MO, I’m not worried about them scoring too quickly. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) Vandenberg was lucky to not have thrown about 10 picks in the first 3 quarters. He’s fairly accurate as a passer and has a very strong arm, but he was all over the place today. I’m hoping the late offensive run by Iowa gets them to open it up more because for the first time in a decade I can safely say that Iowa’s defense sucks. Iowa is going to win by scoring and unlike you and MO, I’m not worried about them scoring too quickly. (dying laughing)[/quote]Yeah, Oregon has to score quickly to keep teams from running on them, because they cannot stop runs between the tackles, at all.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
At some point while nobody was paying attention, the Cubs won. But Berzelius already predicted that.
I’m surprised b is autocorrected weird (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
At some point while nobody was paying attention, the Cubs won. But Berzelius already predicted that.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder](dying laughing), Auburn had a 21 pt. lead, now down by 11.[/quote]According to the box score it was just a 14 point lead. Is it wrong? It’s from ESPN so that wouldn’t surprise me. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
The iPhone is the devil.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]At some point while nobody was paying attention, the Cubs won. But Berzelius already predicted that.[/quote]I thought I saw a tweet from THE Cubs fan that I follow. (dying laughing)
Seriously, I didn’t realize it until last weekend, but I think I follow about 6 or 7 Cubs fans and that’s it. I can barely see the tweets about the Cubs with all the college football tweets.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]According to the box score it was just a 14 point lead. Is it wrong? It’s from ESPN so that wouldn’t surprise me. (dying laughing)[/quote]It was 21 just before Clemson went on their rampage.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Also, ND is beating MSU. Sorry, b.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It was 21 just before Clemson went on their rampage.[/quote]Here’s the ESPN box: http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=312600228
mb21Quote Reply
Wait, I’m wrong, and I was watching that game. (dying laughing)
In my defense, there were many high gravity IPAs drank last night. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Oregon: 355 yds of total offense, 35 points, 6:35 ToP. (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Wait, I’m wrong, and I was watching that game. (dying laughing)
In my defense, there were many high gravity IPAs drank last night. (dying laughing)[/quote]No big deal. I was just wondering if ESPN fucked up the box score.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Also, ND is beating MSU. Sorry, b.[/quote]
I blame you. And Aramis Ramirez for not setting a better example
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]No big deal. I was just wondering if ESPN fucked up the box score.[/quote]I could swear AUB scored first in the second, but I was hungover and cooking breakfast, so ESPN has to be right.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I blame you. And Aramis Ramirez for not setting a better example[/quote]I think MSU has been hanging around with Alfonso Soriano.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
James: 12 car/204 yds/3TD
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I’m going to be changing some margins so if things seem out of whack, don’t worry about it. Not that you’d worry about something as silly as margins on Obstructed View though. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m going to be changing some margins so if things seem out of whack, don’t worry about it. Not that you’d worry about something as silly as margins on Obstructed View though. (dying laughing)[/quote]THIS IS AN OUTRAGE
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]James: 12 car/204 yds/3TD[/quote]So he’s having fun?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m going to be changing some margins so if things seem out of whack, don’t worry about it. Not that you’d worry about something as silly as margins on Obstructed View though. (dying laughing)[/quote]
It’s only going to have a marginal difference to how you enjoy the site anyway.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I thought I saw a tweet from THE Cubs fan that I follow. (dying laughing)
Seriously, I didn’t realize it until last weekend, but I think I follow about 6 or 7 Cubs fans and that’s it. I can barely see the tweets about the Cubs with all the college football tweets.[/quote]
Didn’t really matter. I just checked the Gameday in the bottom of the 9th (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
LaHair can hit the ball pretty far. http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19310413
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]It’s only going to have a marginal difference to how you enjoy the site anyway.[/quote]True. These things tend to be on the periphery of what I look for in a blog.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]LaHair can hit the ball pretty far. http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19310413%5B/quote%5DMIcoshon DuBoegpauir
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]So he’s having fun?[/quote]Definitely not eating sunflower seeds.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Tony Dungy’s kid just scored for Oregon. Made a nice move, too.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]True. These things tend to be on the periphery of what I look for in a blog.[/quote]Not me. The margins and padding are what draws me to a blog. The content is secondary. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Brian Kelly is the king of bad body language by a head coach. This guy makes Jerry Glanville look resolute and composed.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Man, these NBC announcers just can’t stop falling over themselves to praise this pretty ordinary MSU QB.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1266526
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Man, these NBC announcers just can’t stop falling over themselves to praise this pretty ordinary MSU QB.[/quote]
just heard mel kiper on the radio gushing about that guy, too
GWQuote Reply
If Texas has to bring Tech with them they’re just plain fucking stupid. I know the legislature is an issue, but do what you fucking want and tell them to fuck off. Kind of like the A&M did.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If Texas has to bring Tech with them they’re just plain fucking stupid. I know the legislature is an issue, but do what you fucking want and tell them to fuck off. Kind of like the A&M did.[/quote]
yeah, I think they will ultimately. my guess is that the acc just doesn’t want ut at all, and ut is using tech as an excuse/still trying to get everything that they want.
GWQuote Reply
I agree, GW. I keep thinking that this time last year (or last June to be precise) everyone was talking about how Texas was tied to A&M. Yeah, they’re so tied to them that A&M is bolting for the SEC. There is no Tech problem. It’s leverage and any conference commissioner worth a damn will understand that. Tech does not come with Texas.
The reason for this is simple. Texas makes more money than any university in football and it’s not particularly close. Texas Tech had a football profit that ranked 8th in the Big 12 (still included Nebraska and Colorado). They ranked behind Missouri and had only 16% of the football profit that Texas did.
Basically, what you have is someone with 6 pieces of candy and another with 1. A friend can invite the kid with 6 pieces over to split 2 ways or he can invite them both and split 7 between the 3 of them.
mb21Quote Reply
I also don’t actually believe that Texas thinks they can keep the LHN. They’re anything but stupid and they know that’s an option. Only way it would be is if they somehow decided going independent was best. They aren’t Notre Dame. They don’t have the national following that the Irish do. Texas has 2 realistic options: join the Pac or Big Ten. In both cases the LHN will be gone. It may fold into something else in the Pac, but the revenues will be split evenly and the Pac will control what’s televised. The advantage to the Longhorns wouldn’t be nearly what the LHN might provide. They could join the richest athletic conference in the nation in the Big Ten. They won’t get any favors from the Big Ten because there’s zero chance that Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, or Nebraska would even consider it. They join as equal partners.
Those are the two realistic options. I don’t consider going independent a realistic long-term option for the Longhorns. I don’t think it could work financially and I don’t think their ego would allow them to be marginalized, which very well could happen if college football continues to move in the super conference direction.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If Texas has to bring Tech with them they’re just plain fucking stupid. I know the legislature is an issue, but do what you fucking want and tell them to fuck off. Kind of like the A&M did.[/quote]
Speaking as someone whose office is 10 blocks or so from a statehouse that loves meddling in our business, I hope they don’t tell the legislature to fuck off (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-notre-dame-ad-swarbrick-big-east-turmoil-a-surprise-20110917,0,4068299.story
GWQuote Reply
I read this awhile back and can’t remember if I linked to it. I probably did, but just came across it again. Pretty decent read to get an idea what at least one ND fan is thinking (he wants to join the Big Ten).
http://www.onefootdown.com/2011/8/14/2362473/notre-dame-to-the-b1g
mb21Quote Reply
KG talked a bit about Castro on twitter tonight. The highlights:
After someone complained about Castro’s lack of walks, KG pointed out that you don’t have to walk to be fantastic, and that he should start walking more as his power develops. Someone suggested Nomar as a comp, and KG said higher avg, 15-20 HRs, and that he won’t stick at SS.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Castro’s unintentional walk rate is almost exactly what it was last year.
ACTQuote Reply
Basically, all Castro’s rate stats are exactly what they were last year except for his power (XBH’s and HR’s).
ACTQuote Reply
Castro’s BABIP appears to be regression-proof, which is pretty amazing, considering how high it is.
ACTQuote Reply
His rate stats are the same, but the league is worse.
mb21Quote Reply
Patrick Mooney wrote an article on Castro: http://www.csnchicago.com/09/17/11/Starlin-Castro-feels-right-at-home-in-Ch/landing_insider_mooney_loud3r.html?blockID=564531&feedID=661
ACTQuote Reply
ACT, I asked Tango about the RAR/WAR/LI discussion we had here the other day. It’s really bothering me. I asked it in the How to calculate WAR thread if you want to check it out. Or I can just post it here later on if he answers it.
mb21Quote Reply
Castro SS
Campana RF
LaHair LF
Pena 1B
Byrd CF
DeWitt 2B
LeMahieu 3B
Hill C
Dempster P
Umm….
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Castro SS
Campana RF
LaHair LF
Pena 1B
Byrd CF
DeWitt 2B
LeMahieu 3B
Hill C
Dempster P
Umm….[/quote]
Rice CubeQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/what-are-the-2011-cubs-good-at.html
mb21Quote Reply