Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder cries out at the end of "Yellow Ledbetter," "I don't know whether I'm a boxer or the bag." After watching a team with a payroll exceeding $135 million get blugeoned by the worst team in baseball, that's a rather appropriate question.
[Worth noting: "Yellow Ledbetter" stands as one of the most unintelligible songs ever written. That line could very well deal with a grocer asking a customer, "would you like these olives in a box or a bag?" So takes that line, paragraph, and the rest of this article with a grain of salt.]
This isn't a column on lyrical interpretation, though. This is a column proclaiming Eddie Vedder as the poet laureate of Cubdom. Vedder visited Len and Bob in the booth last night and penned a quick verse for the night's debacle. In fact, no one line captures the past one hundred years, as well as the future, as the closing argument ended his stay with:
"I might lose hope but I know I won't"
A week ago it would have been premature to announce that Cubs need to start making vacation plans in October. Today, different story. Shellackings at the hands of the Washington Nationals do that.
In other words, pack up the peanuts and find the mothballs for the foam fingers. The Wild Card and the division are out of reach for a team that gets swept by the Phillies, pummeled by the Padres, drops two winnable games in LA to a reeling Dodgers team, and gives up 15 runs to a team that misprints its name on its own jerseys.
Sorry Eddie. Hope for 2009 is lost, and hope for 2010 requires a second mortgage to take your family to a game. It's time to reevaluate.
So, with just over a month left in the season, let's stick a match in the Hot Stove and get the party started. This winter's topics include, but are not limited to:
Jim Hendry: Plain and simple. There are changes that need to be made, and if Hendry is willing to make them, he stays. He fleeced the Pirates in 2003 on his way to the NLCS and built a two-time Central Division champion. Yes, he made mistakes, but the positives outweigh the negatives. Hendry deserves 2010 to prove that this team isn't irreparable.
Lou Piniella: This one is a bit trickier. The man is a great manager - remember moving Sean Marshall to left field to outmaneuver Tony LaRussa? But he looks like he's lost the fire, and that's something that this club needs. Give Piniella some time to consider his options. If he stays, he needs to prove to Hendry and the new ownership that he's still invested. If not, then consider Alan Trammel. I would to see Sandberg at the major league level, but give him another year, preferably as a member of Trammel's staff.
Carlos Zambrano: Big Z's situation is about as troubling as someone covering The Ronettes classic tune "Be My Baby" (the credit there goes to Maroon 5). You have an ace in Zambrano. You have a guy that posted a 2.75 ERA in 31 starts in 2004, is still under 30 and plays with more fire than any two Cubs combined. The flip side is too disconcerting to ignore though. He's never won 20 games in a season, hasn't finished a season with an ERA under 3.91 since 2006, and continues to suffer from strange injuries and 90s boy band frosted tips. In other words, it's time to go. In a pitching-thin market, Zambrano should be a hit. At least see what you can get for him.
Alfonso Soriano: There are two options. Hire a baseball psychologist and give him one more season, or trade him. If that involves eating salary, fine. While Sam Fuld will never be the hitter that Soriano could be, I would much rather see him in left field. Hustle and passion can go a long way, especially in a tandem that involves Jake Fox's bat.
Rich Harden: It'll be costly, but he's been great down the stretch. Similar to Zambrano, he possesses the stuff to be an ace. It's his injury status that causes concern. Are we looking at another Mark Prior? Maybe. Still, he's under 30, has made 33 starts the past two season combined with the Cubs (so far), and has been the best starter down the stretch. Is he worth the $50-$60 million he'll command? Yes.
The Bullpen: I'll keep this brief. Aaron Heilman must go. Return Kevin Gregg to sender. Hire that same baseball psychologist for Carlos Marmol. Bring up Andrew Cashner. That's a start.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Commercial Heaven
Seeing Year One made me about as happy as the Cardinals going DeRosa-Pujols-Holliday in the middle of their order. Jack Black? I'm just not a big fan of having every line yelled at me. Michael Cera? Turned in a lackluster performance as Michael Cera. Paul Rudd and Bill Hader? Underused, underappreciated, and altogether unloved.
Olivia Wilde? Smoldering. But that's enough Year One for one lifetime.
I mention this movie for two reasons: it huants me nightly, and it involves cavemen. But instead of talking about things that make me break into a cold sweat while I sleep [see: abduction courtesy of Kathy Bates], I'm here to talk about cavemen.
You see, I'm head over heels for the Cavemen commercial with the 3 Doors Down song playing in the background. Absolutely giddy over it. You know, the "I just caught a game-winning home run ball in the bleachers, turned and kissed the beautiful girl sitting next to me and wound up marrying her" kind of love.
(There. You see, I made that thought relevant to baseball.)
The odd thing is, I can't stand 3 Doors Down. And the Cavemen are about as funny a modern-day Eddie Murphy. But together?
It's a cringe-worthy kind of beautiful.
Olivia Wilde? Smoldering. But that's enough Year One for one lifetime.
I mention this movie for two reasons: it huants me nightly, and it involves cavemen. But instead of talking about things that make me break into a cold sweat while I sleep [see: abduction courtesy of Kathy Bates], I'm here to talk about cavemen.
You see, I'm head over heels for the Cavemen commercial with the 3 Doors Down song playing in the background. Absolutely giddy over it. You know, the "I just caught a game-winning home run ball in the bleachers, turned and kissed the beautiful girl sitting next to me and wound up marrying her" kind of love.
(There. You see, I made that thought relevant to baseball.)
The odd thing is, I can't stand 3 Doors Down. And the Cavemen are about as funny a modern-day Eddie Murphy. But together?
It's a cringe-worthy kind of beautiful.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Derrek Lee Parties Like It's 2005
Ladies and gentlemen, the 2009 Chicago Cubs.
Finally.
The team formerly known as the Chicago Orphans has found a home as one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past week, taking a series against the Pirates, a crucial four-game series against the Brewers, and last night's match-up with the Braves.
Also returning to action is cult hero Aramis Ramirez, who Cubs fans have pegged as the savior of the franchise, the curer of the swine flu, and the man most likely to broker an everlasting peace between Terrell Owens and Trent Edwards. Next up: rumor has it he's arbitrating the contract negotiations between the Vikings and Packers.
Baby steps Aramis, baby steps.
Cult-status hero worship aside, the starting rotation extended their June dominance into July with Rnady Wells, All-Star Ted Lilly, Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster all turning in solid outings.
Also joining the pack on the praise-worthy bus is a resurgent Derrek Lee. Showing the same ability to drive that ball that nearly brought him the MVP in 2005, Lee is not-so-quietly asking us to reconsider our All-Star ballots. Over the past six games, Lee has five home runs, 14 RBI and single-handedly outscored the Brewers 7-5 during their July 2nd showdown.
Outside of Lee's glamor numbers, it's worth noting when these knocks have been coming. Lee's home run in the series opener against Atlanta came in the first inning with a man on base. Too often this season, the starters have had to work with early one or two run deficits.
Randy Wells, anyone?
Ironically, Wells was the beneficiary last night, cruising through six innings of two-run ball, good enough to lower his ERA to 2.48 and give him his fourth straight win. Wells has been outstanding all year, and his past two outings have made him the staple of this rotation. In addition, Lee's early heroics are only going to strengthen the resolve of an already fantastic rotation outside of Wells.
Thankfully, the theme of timeliness doesn't end there though. Mike Fontenot and Wells singled (yeah, this kid really wants to win games after his start to the season) and were followed by a Kosuke Fukudome double that plated Fontenot (by the way, doesn't Kosuke look great in the lead-off spot?). Theriot legged out an infield single, and with Wells going full-steam towards home to score the Cubs' fourth run, the Cubs rode Wells and the bullpen to another win, their sixth in eight games.
That brings us to the Milton Bradley portion of the column. Bradley is only 3-for-his-last-10 with one home run, but those aren't the numbers that jump out at me. Over the past six games, Bradley has walked nine times with only three strike outs. When we signed Badley, I never envisioned a power hitter looking at 25-30 home runs or 90 RBI, but a guy who got on base for the the Lees, Ramirezes and the Sotos of the world.
If Bradley is going to continue getting on base, Lou needs to consider moving him to the two-spot in the order, because this guy is capable of scoring runs - something that will come in handy when Ramirez fights for his role of franchise savior over the next two weeks.
Finally.
The team formerly known as the Chicago Orphans has found a home as one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past week, taking a series against the Pirates, a crucial four-game series against the Brewers, and last night's match-up with the Braves.
Also returning to action is cult hero Aramis Ramirez, who Cubs fans have pegged as the savior of the franchise, the curer of the swine flu, and the man most likely to broker an everlasting peace between Terrell Owens and Trent Edwards. Next up: rumor has it he's arbitrating the contract negotiations between the Vikings and Packers.
Baby steps Aramis, baby steps.
Cult-status hero worship aside, the starting rotation extended their June dominance into July with Rnady Wells, All-Star Ted Lilly, Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster all turning in solid outings.
Also joining the pack on the praise-worthy bus is a resurgent Derrek Lee. Showing the same ability to drive that ball that nearly brought him the MVP in 2005, Lee is not-so-quietly asking us to reconsider our All-Star ballots. Over the past six games, Lee has five home runs, 14 RBI and single-handedly outscored the Brewers 7-5 during their July 2nd showdown.
Outside of Lee's glamor numbers, it's worth noting when these knocks have been coming. Lee's home run in the series opener against Atlanta came in the first inning with a man on base. Too often this season, the starters have had to work with early one or two run deficits.
Randy Wells, anyone?
Ironically, Wells was the beneficiary last night, cruising through six innings of two-run ball, good enough to lower his ERA to 2.48 and give him his fourth straight win. Wells has been outstanding all year, and his past two outings have made him the staple of this rotation. In addition, Lee's early heroics are only going to strengthen the resolve of an already fantastic rotation outside of Wells.
Thankfully, the theme of timeliness doesn't end there though. Mike Fontenot and Wells singled (yeah, this kid really wants to win games after his start to the season) and were followed by a Kosuke Fukudome double that plated Fontenot (by the way, doesn't Kosuke look great in the lead-off spot?). Theriot legged out an infield single, and with Wells going full-steam towards home to score the Cubs' fourth run, the Cubs rode Wells and the bullpen to another win, their sixth in eight games.
That brings us to the Milton Bradley portion of the column. Bradley is only 3-for-his-last-10 with one home run, but those aren't the numbers that jump out at me. Over the past six games, Bradley has walked nine times with only three strike outs. When we signed Badley, I never envisioned a power hitter looking at 25-30 home runs or 90 RBI, but a guy who got on base for the the Lees, Ramirezes and the Sotos of the world.
If Bradley is going to continue getting on base, Lou needs to consider moving him to the two-spot in the order, because this guy is capable of scoring runs - something that will come in handy when Ramirez fights for his role of franchise savior over the next two weeks.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
"I'm sure you get this a lot, but is this really Ceasar's Palace?"
"For weeks, the refrain about the struggling Cubs has been the same: 'Despite it all, they're still only X games out of first place.' That has gotten very, very old. It says more about a weak NL Central than it does about the Cubs. This is not the story of a scrappy team fighting to stay in the race. This is the story of a bloated, underachieving team that hasn't been able to right itself."
--Rick Morrissey, Chicago Tribune
Alright, let's handle this as maturely and as calmly as possible. Morrissey is right. Jim Hendry is wrong. The Cubs are a combustible, underachieving team incapable of overcoming mediocre talent in a winnable division. But there's been enough sadness in the world recently, so I'm going to look at this through a slightly-tinted lens. I'm going to drink the Kool-Aid.
Ladies and gentlemen, Zach Galifianakis.
For those of you behind the curve with the summer's funniest movie, and I doubt there are many of you, allow me to introduce you to a YouTube Godsend. And with that, away we go:
Tuesday evening's affair didn't do much to quiet the frenzy growing on the North Side, as the Cubs dropped a winnable game to a Pirates team that gave them every opportunity to win. Ted Lilly pitched well, going seven innings and allowing three runs. However, he committed two costly mistakes with a wild pitch and a fielding error that allowed the first run to score. Things didn't get much better for Theodore when Geovany Soto doubled with one out in the 5th and was stranded there.
(Too depressing? I thought so. This one's for you Ted.)
The crushing blow came in the 8th when the the Pirates pulled Ohlendorf. Theriot rekindled his desire to go to the opposite field and lead off with a single. Milton Bradley, still searching for his clubhouse camraderie, came on to pinch hit and delivered a pinch-hit single. Followed up with an error, the Cubs had runners on second and third without an out.
By now, you know how the story goes.
Soriano went down swinging. Kosuke Fukudome was caught looking. And Derrek Lee grounded out to second. Hello offensive futility, welcome home.
(Ouch. Again, I'm sorry you had to deal with that. This one's for you AND Milton Bradley, who may need it even more. This will help.)
The gut-wrenching, thought-provoking material doesn't end there though. The Cubs lost to the Pirates, a team that continues to blow itself up with no excusable explanation. Last year, the Bucs traded away Jason Bay in a move that made some sense, given what they received in return. But they topped the move on the stupidity index this year by trading away promising All-Star Nate McClouth, the speedy Nyjer Morgan, utility-man Eric Hinske and reliever Sean Burnett. One of the best double play combinations in the majors, Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez, might not be far behind. The Pirates have a public mutiny on their hands, which is almost too hard to watch.
(Then again, it's not as embarrassing as seeing a movie with your mom that has this.)
Losing one game to the Pittsburgh Pirates isn't the end of the world. The end of the world involves losing your best friend in Vegas after taking Rufis. But losing a game to a team with a depleted roster, limited faith in management (to put it kindly), and the belief that "you could be packing your bags next" doesn't make sense. To only coax one BB and fail to touch home plate, that's about as ridiculous as claiming Tigers prefer pepper over cinnamon. Here's to apparent ataff ace Randy Wells encountering some better luck with his start tonight.
So you see, that's how you deal with the unfortunate tumult of the Chicago Cubs.
Zach Galifianakis, thank you for quelling the blow.
--Rick Morrissey, Chicago Tribune
Alright, let's handle this as maturely and as calmly as possible. Morrissey is right. Jim Hendry is wrong. The Cubs are a combustible, underachieving team incapable of overcoming mediocre talent in a winnable division. But there's been enough sadness in the world recently, so I'm going to look at this through a slightly-tinted lens. I'm going to drink the Kool-Aid.
Ladies and gentlemen, Zach Galifianakis.
For those of you behind the curve with the summer's funniest movie, and I doubt there are many of you, allow me to introduce you to a YouTube Godsend. And with that, away we go:
Tuesday evening's affair didn't do much to quiet the frenzy growing on the North Side, as the Cubs dropped a winnable game to a Pirates team that gave them every opportunity to win. Ted Lilly pitched well, going seven innings and allowing three runs. However, he committed two costly mistakes with a wild pitch and a fielding error that allowed the first run to score. Things didn't get much better for Theodore when Geovany Soto doubled with one out in the 5th and was stranded there.
(Too depressing? I thought so. This one's for you Ted.)
The crushing blow came in the 8th when the the Pirates pulled Ohlendorf. Theriot rekindled his desire to go to the opposite field and lead off with a single. Milton Bradley, still searching for his clubhouse camraderie, came on to pinch hit and delivered a pinch-hit single. Followed up with an error, the Cubs had runners on second and third without an out.
By now, you know how the story goes.
Soriano went down swinging. Kosuke Fukudome was caught looking. And Derrek Lee grounded out to second. Hello offensive futility, welcome home.
(Ouch. Again, I'm sorry you had to deal with that. This one's for you AND Milton Bradley, who may need it even more. This will help.)
The gut-wrenching, thought-provoking material doesn't end there though. The Cubs lost to the Pirates, a team that continues to blow itself up with no excusable explanation. Last year, the Bucs traded away Jason Bay in a move that made some sense, given what they received in return. But they topped the move on the stupidity index this year by trading away promising All-Star Nate McClouth, the speedy Nyjer Morgan, utility-man Eric Hinske and reliever Sean Burnett. One of the best double play combinations in the majors, Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez, might not be far behind. The Pirates have a public mutiny on their hands, which is almost too hard to watch.
(Then again, it's not as embarrassing as seeing a movie with your mom that has this.)
Losing one game to the Pittsburgh Pirates isn't the end of the world. The end of the world involves losing your best friend in Vegas after taking Rufis. But losing a game to a team with a depleted roster, limited faith in management (to put it kindly), and the belief that "you could be packing your bags next" doesn't make sense. To only coax one BB and fail to touch home plate, that's about as ridiculous as claiming Tigers prefer pepper over cinnamon. Here's to apparent ataff ace Randy Wells encountering some better luck with his start tonight.
So you see, that's how you deal with the unfortunate tumult of the Chicago Cubs.
Zach Galifianakis, thank you for quelling the blow.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Don't Freak Out, But...(Part II)
Welcome back to our regularly scheduled broadcast.
To recap: A young, post-graduate struggles through one of the most tumultuous periods in recent American history by pinning an alarming amount of his hopes on a continuously disappointing baseball team, a staggering move that will lead to an incalculable amount of devastation OR verify that there truly is hope in faith, even in a universe that allowed
Call it naivete. Call it idiocy. Just don't call it sanity.
Enough though, there is fun to be had in Pittsburgh. My dad used to tell me that to be a contender in college basketball, you had to win all of your home games and at least 50% of your road games. A similar philosophy is certainly applicable here, especially when dealing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2008, the Cubs went 14-4 against the Bucs, winning their first seven games of the season series. To catch the St. Louis DeRosas, the Cubs are going to have to replicate that feat.
Rich Harden helped right the ship with a 3-1 victory, throwing seven strong endings that ended with a fabulously turned double play. Milton Bradley emerged from his hole long enough to go 2-4 with an RBI double. Ryan Theriot's season-long power surge continued, with the LSU alum rekindling thoughts of how far you can send a ball with an aluminum bat with his 3rd inning solo shot.
The real star was Harden though, as the beleaguered starter had his longest outing since May 6 in Houston. Impressively, Harden held the free-swinging Pirates to one BB, an area he has struggled with as of late. Coupled with nine strikeouts, Harden was the key in a game (and a series) that the Cubs have to have. While the rotation has been one of the strong points this season, given the recent struggles of Mount Zambrano, the Cubs NEED Harden to show off his 2008 form after his acquisition from the A's.
The game also saw a starting pitcher go seven innings, Carlos Marmol throw a perfect eighth, and Kevin Gregg throw a perfect ninth. For those of you keeping score, that's what management intended when they left Spring Training. Somewhere, Lou Piniella's heart is rejoicing.
It's also worth discussing Theriot and Bradley. After his early-season chat with Lou Piniella, Theriot has tried hitting for more power, and his power numbers have been off of the charts when compared to his career numbers. However, Theriot's greatest strength has gone by the wayside, as he struggles to go to the opposite field. That was what made Theriot such a dangerous hitter; he was a sniper with a bit, always able to move runners over from second to third or come through with the big single when the Cubs needed it. Now, he's pulling out of his swing, taking his eyes off the ball, and running the risk of sending disks in his back into the upper deck with such a jerky motion.
While the home run is far more glamorous, and last night's was certainly gorgeous, for Theriot not only to remain with the Cubs but in the majors, we need him to redevelop the same approach that had him leading the team in batting average last season.
That brings us to Bradley. Milton Bradley is going to hit. He's going to get on base. That doesn't mean that he's going to recreate what he did last year in Texas, but the man is too good of a hitter to have this kind of season. Now that it's out that he isn't the most sociable Cub, this team is going to make a greater effort to welcome him, I guarantee it. You would have to be a fool to think that you can win without Bradley's best at the plate, and his best trumps every right fielder we've had since He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named (oddly enough they both wear No. 21). Whether's it's Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, or one of the other presumed clubhouse leaders, there will be a greater effort to make Bradley feel welcome. Once he's more comfortable, he'll start hitting. And once that man starts hitting, Wrigley Field will treat him like a king. It's baseball's version of the domino effect.
The Cubs resume play with Ted Lilly on the mound. Lilly has been a huge stopper the past two years, and while we're not coming off of a loss, this is still must win territory. Rumor has it Aramis Ramirez is rejoining the team soon, and with the team only sitting 3.5 games back in the division, this is the perfect moment to steal some ground.
To recap: A young, post-graduate struggles through one of the most tumultuous periods in recent American history by pinning an alarming amount of his hopes on a continuously disappointing baseball team, a staggering move that will lead to an incalculable amount of devastation OR verify that there truly is hope in faith, even in a universe that allowed
Call it naivete. Call it idiocy. Just don't call it sanity.
Enough though, there is fun to be had in Pittsburgh. My dad used to tell me that to be a contender in college basketball, you had to win all of your home games and at least 50% of your road games. A similar philosophy is certainly applicable here, especially when dealing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2008, the Cubs went 14-4 against the Bucs, winning their first seven games of the season series. To catch the St. Louis DeRosas, the Cubs are going to have to replicate that feat.
Rich Harden helped right the ship with a 3-1 victory, throwing seven strong endings that ended with a fabulously turned double play. Milton Bradley emerged from his hole long enough to go 2-4 with an RBI double. Ryan Theriot's season-long power surge continued, with the LSU alum rekindling thoughts of how far you can send a ball with an aluminum bat with his 3rd inning solo shot.
The real star was Harden though, as the beleaguered starter had his longest outing since May 6 in Houston. Impressively, Harden held the free-swinging Pirates to one BB, an area he has struggled with as of late. Coupled with nine strikeouts, Harden was the key in a game (and a series) that the Cubs have to have. While the rotation has been one of the strong points this season, given the recent struggles of Mount Zambrano, the Cubs NEED Harden to show off his 2008 form after his acquisition from the A's.
The game also saw a starting pitcher go seven innings, Carlos Marmol throw a perfect eighth, and Kevin Gregg throw a perfect ninth. For those of you keeping score, that's what management intended when they left Spring Training. Somewhere, Lou Piniella's heart is rejoicing.
It's also worth discussing Theriot and Bradley. After his early-season chat with Lou Piniella, Theriot has tried hitting for more power, and his power numbers have been off of the charts when compared to his career numbers. However, Theriot's greatest strength has gone by the wayside, as he struggles to go to the opposite field. That was what made Theriot such a dangerous hitter; he was a sniper with a bit, always able to move runners over from second to third or come through with the big single when the Cubs needed it. Now, he's pulling out of his swing, taking his eyes off the ball, and running the risk of sending disks in his back into the upper deck with such a jerky motion.
While the home run is far more glamorous, and last night's was certainly gorgeous, for Theriot not only to remain with the Cubs but in the majors, we need him to redevelop the same approach that had him leading the team in batting average last season.
That brings us to Bradley. Milton Bradley is going to hit. He's going to get on base. That doesn't mean that he's going to recreate what he did last year in Texas, but the man is too good of a hitter to have this kind of season. Now that it's out that he isn't the most sociable Cub, this team is going to make a greater effort to welcome him, I guarantee it. You would have to be a fool to think that you can win without Bradley's best at the plate, and his best trumps every right fielder we've had since He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named (oddly enough they both wear No. 21). Whether's it's Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, or one of the other presumed clubhouse leaders, there will be a greater effort to make Bradley feel welcome. Once he's more comfortable, he'll start hitting. And once that man starts hitting, Wrigley Field will treat him like a king. It's baseball's version of the domino effect.
The Cubs resume play with Ted Lilly on the mound. Lilly has been a huge stopper the past two years, and while we're not coming off of a loss, this is still must win territory. Rumor has it Aramis Ramirez is rejoining the team soon, and with the team only sitting 3.5 games back in the division, this is the perfect moment to steal some ground.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Don't Freak Out, But...
In the universe’s fun fashion of tricks and turns, I need the Chicago Cubs. I need the team that sits 3.5 games out of first place in a tight division. I need the team that is two games under .500, handed the White Sox the weekend series, and now has to watch Mark DeRosa suit up as a Cardinal.
I need the underachievers to overachieve for once.
Graduating from college and suffering through unemployment proved to be an inevitable fate, as did a mid-season swoon. The fact that they coincided is about as entertaining as watching a colonoscopy in HD. But as fun as this mid-season colonoscopy is, I need it.
Oh, the trying times of a young American man. Cue Nebraska-era Springsteen.
The only predictability in my life comes in the form of a dysfunctional baseball team. Fittingly, this team is predictably unsettling. There's the question marks surrounding Aramis Ramirez's return, Carlos Zambrano routinely resembling a Michael Bay action sequence, Milton Bradley's descent into "Worst Signings of 2009," Kevin Gregg's entrance into a witness protection agency by the All-Star Break, Rich Harden's disappearance (which unsurprisingly coincided with the NHL Playoffs and seems to have come with a Playoff hangover), The Curious Case of Lou Piniella, and finally the offensive power outage, courtesy of everyone not named Derrek Lee. And that's just scratching the surface. Now we have to deal with DeRosa as a Cardinal.
Cue Charlie Brown's Christmas theme.
Alfonso Soriano hasn't homered since June 7 and is hitting a paltry .235. Lee leads the team with an unastoundding 39 RBI. Reigning ROY Geovany Soto may be turning the corner, but he's only hitting .223 with 7 home runs. That doesn't even begin to cover situational or timely hitting, categories the mashers aren't contributing to in a positive fashion either.
I need the underachievers to overachieve for once.
Graduating from college and suffering through unemployment proved to be an inevitable fate, as did a mid-season swoon. The fact that they coincided is about as entertaining as watching a colonoscopy in HD. But as fun as this mid-season colonoscopy is, I need it.
Oh, the trying times of a young American man. Cue Nebraska-era Springsteen.
The only predictability in my life comes in the form of a dysfunctional baseball team. Fittingly, this team is predictably unsettling. There's the question marks surrounding Aramis Ramirez's return, Carlos Zambrano routinely resembling a Michael Bay action sequence, Milton Bradley's descent into "Worst Signings of 2009," Kevin Gregg's entrance into a witness protection agency by the All-Star Break, Rich Harden's disappearance (which unsurprisingly coincided with the NHL Playoffs and seems to have come with a Playoff hangover), The Curious Case of Lou Piniella, and finally the offensive power outage, courtesy of everyone not named Derrek Lee. And that's just scratching the surface. Now we have to deal with DeRosa as a Cardinal.
Cue Charlie Brown's Christmas theme.
Alfonso Soriano hasn't homered since June 7 and is hitting a paltry .235. Lee leads the team with an unastoundding 39 RBI. Reigning ROY Geovany Soto may be turning the corner, but he's only hitting .223 with 7 home runs. That doesn't even begin to cover situational or timely hitting, categories the mashers aren't contributing to in a positive fashion either.
But before you break out grandpa's cough medicine or buy into Ozzie Guillen's clamor, consider this: on June 2, 2007, the Cubs lost their sixth game in a row and sat nine games under .500. The Cubs rebounded the next day with a 10-1 win over Atlanta, but the most memorable moment from that series came the game before when Lou serenaded the umpiring crew with one of his infamous tirades. The move seemingly took the pressure off of the Cubs and acted as a catalyst for the rest of the season. What the catalyst will be in 2009, or if one actually exists, remains uncertain. The point is, despite what happened with the White Sox, this season is far from over.
Welcome to life as a naive Cubs fan. But that's part of the game. It boils down to a combination of numbers and an outrageous amount of faith. Sometimes that's all it takes, an outrageous amount of faith, even when odds that seemingly favor Dusty Baker are stacked against you. Hope, faith, and Old Style.
Mankind has gotten by on worse.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Anemia: The Study of an Offense
Anemia is defined as "any condition in which the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin in 100 mL of blood, and/or the volume of packed red blood cells in 100 mL of blood are less than normal."
Clearly, doctors are omitting one critical sympton.
While 13 hits and one run over a two-game span doesn't register on WEbMD as anything fatal, it certainly isn't considered healthy. The Cubs dropped two straight to the Reds, a 3-0 duel between Theodore Lilly and Johnny Cueto, as well as a 7-1 spanking that came complete with another Milton Bradley controversy.
Where to begin?
Superb pitching deserves to be rewarded. Theodore was masterful over seven innings, allowing only an unearned run that came on a throwing error that he made in the third. More importantly, he didn't walk a man [take notes bullpen. That goes for you too Kevin Gregg]. Lilly has never opened a season 3-0, which leads me to believe that the Cubs vied for upholding tradition over protecting the standings.
Then again, with the way Cueto was throwing, we didn't have much of a chance.
Cincinatti's young righty matched Lilly inning for inning, allowing only four hits without issuing a walk. While his arm is eligible for an AARP card as a result of the Dusty Baker school of pitching, in Dusty-We-Trusty is getting a lot of miles out of his 23-year old phenom.
David Weathers, our KEY midseason acquisition to help us with the stretch run in 2001, relieved Cueto after seven. Weathers and Francisco Cordero closed the door on the game. These games are going to happen; it's a long season. But two games in a row is a bit hard to swallow, especially when your vaunted offense is expected to help mask a floundering bullpen.
Thankfully for the Cubs, the series finale was dwarfed by the embarrassment that took place at the United Center on Thursday [talk about a rough day for the city of Chicago]. Carlos Zambrano took the mound, entering with 5-0 record and a 0.97 ERA in his last five starts against the Reds.
Well, 5-1 doesn't sound that bad. Does it?
Zambrano was solid through six, giving up only two runs. His downfall came in the seventh after the Cubs picked up a run to make it 2-1. Zambarno, aided by a Micah Hoffpauir error, gave up two more runs. That was all the Reds would need to put the game out of reach. Aaron Harang was nearly as good as Cueto, but he certainly gave the Cubs the opportunities they needed to win this game.
Call it poor execution. Call it a hangover from the "Night of the Curses." Call it what you will.
Milton Bradley will call it a witch hunt. Bradley began to sink just a little bit deeper into hot water, reporting to the Chicago media that they were out to villianize him, and Lou Piniella's benching of Bradley didn't help matters. Bradley was given a seat because he isn't healthy. However, when the new guy is called into the manager's office 14 games into the season, heads begin to shake. Hopefully this is nothing more than a bump in the road, and Bradley will be back on the field in the next week.
Anemia isn't a funny topic, and neither is an offensive core earning $66.4 million with limited production. The Reds are better than in years past, but they're not cracking anyone's Top 10 anytime soon. These are the series you have to take if you're going to win a division, especially with St. Louis appearing to be a quality opponent [and have you seen that new Albert Pujols-ESPN commerical? That's quality].
Clearly, doctors are omitting one critical sympton.
While 13 hits and one run over a two-game span doesn't register on WEbMD as anything fatal, it certainly isn't considered healthy. The Cubs dropped two straight to the Reds, a 3-0 duel between Theodore Lilly and Johnny Cueto, as well as a 7-1 spanking that came complete with another Milton Bradley controversy.
Where to begin?
Superb pitching deserves to be rewarded. Theodore was masterful over seven innings, allowing only an unearned run that came on a throwing error that he made in the third. More importantly, he didn't walk a man [take notes bullpen. That goes for you too Kevin Gregg]. Lilly has never opened a season 3-0, which leads me to believe that the Cubs vied for upholding tradition over protecting the standings.
Then again, with the way Cueto was throwing, we didn't have much of a chance.
Cincinatti's young righty matched Lilly inning for inning, allowing only four hits without issuing a walk. While his arm is eligible for an AARP card as a result of the Dusty Baker school of pitching, in Dusty-We-Trusty is getting a lot of miles out of his 23-year old phenom.
David Weathers, our KEY midseason acquisition to help us with the stretch run in 2001, relieved Cueto after seven. Weathers and Francisco Cordero closed the door on the game. These games are going to happen; it's a long season. But two games in a row is a bit hard to swallow, especially when your vaunted offense is expected to help mask a floundering bullpen.
Thankfully for the Cubs, the series finale was dwarfed by the embarrassment that took place at the United Center on Thursday [talk about a rough day for the city of Chicago]. Carlos Zambrano took the mound, entering with 5-0 record and a 0.97 ERA in his last five starts against the Reds.
Well, 5-1 doesn't sound that bad. Does it?
Zambrano was solid through six, giving up only two runs. His downfall came in the seventh after the Cubs picked up a run to make it 2-1. Zambarno, aided by a Micah Hoffpauir error, gave up two more runs. That was all the Reds would need to put the game out of reach. Aaron Harang was nearly as good as Cueto, but he certainly gave the Cubs the opportunities they needed to win this game.
Call it poor execution. Call it a hangover from the "Night of the Curses." Call it what you will.
Milton Bradley will call it a witch hunt. Bradley began to sink just a little bit deeper into hot water, reporting to the Chicago media that they were out to villianize him, and Lou Piniella's benching of Bradley didn't help matters. Bradley was given a seat because he isn't healthy. However, when the new guy is called into the manager's office 14 games into the season, heads begin to shake. Hopefully this is nothing more than a bump in the road, and Bradley will be back on the field in the next week.
Anemia isn't a funny topic, and neither is an offensive core earning $66.4 million with limited production. The Reds are better than in years past, but they're not cracking anyone's Top 10 anytime soon. These are the series you have to take if you're going to win a division, especially with St. Louis appearing to be a quality opponent [and have you seen that new Albert Pujols-ESPN commerical? That's quality].
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sympathy For The Devil
What is it with foul balls and cats?
In an obscenely-offesnive montage that tested the sanity of even the most centered Cubs fans, a fan leaned over the wall in left field and prevented Alfonso Soriano from grabbing a fourth-inning foul ball. The scene, and the location, were eerily similar to THAT moment in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS.
If it didn't happen in a game attended by Dusty Baker, it just wouldn't have felt right.
Shortly after, a cat was seen prancing around the field, a sure-fire tribute to the black cat that streaked in front of the Cubs dugout in 1969. While 2009's four-legged version of terror wasn't black, didn't pull a Tom Cruise and fly by the dugout, and didn't occur in New York, it rekindled beliefs in omens all over again.
Wonderful. ESPN is going to love this one. Ron Santo is strangling his microphone.
Somehow, someway, the Cubs overcame any semblance of spiteful Godly intervention and surged ahead for a 7-2 win over the surprisingly mediocre Reds. Apparently Micah Hoffpauir doesn't believe in ghosts.
Hoffpauir, making the most of his recent string of at bats, tied the game early with his first home run of the season. He added a tie-breaking sac fly in the fifth inning. Filling in for Milton Bradley, Hoffpauir is hitting .375 in limited action when compared to the amount of at bats he had in Spring Training. However, the drop off hasn't hurt the 29-year old rookie, who's showing signs of being a big piece of this team's offense.
Rich Harden was also worthy of world wide web praise, efficiently cruising through six innings and holding the Reds to two runs. Harden picked up his first win of the season and ran his strike out total up to 26. Not bad for three outings.
The bullpen was flawless. The offense was clicking. Any relevant curses were brought back to the country's forefront and quickly downplayed by the "W" flag. My heart registered a few healthy beats for the first time since February.
Altogether, very un-Cub. I like that.
In an obscenely-offesnive montage that tested the sanity of even the most centered Cubs fans, a fan leaned over the wall in left field and prevented Alfonso Soriano from grabbing a fourth-inning foul ball. The scene, and the location, were eerily similar to THAT moment in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS.
If it didn't happen in a game attended by Dusty Baker, it just wouldn't have felt right.
Shortly after, a cat was seen prancing around the field, a sure-fire tribute to the black cat that streaked in front of the Cubs dugout in 1969. While 2009's four-legged version of terror wasn't black, didn't pull a Tom Cruise and fly by the dugout, and didn't occur in New York, it rekindled beliefs in omens all over again.
Wonderful. ESPN is going to love this one. Ron Santo is strangling his microphone.
Somehow, someway, the Cubs overcame any semblance of spiteful Godly intervention and surged ahead for a 7-2 win over the surprisingly mediocre Reds. Apparently Micah Hoffpauir doesn't believe in ghosts.
Hoffpauir, making the most of his recent string of at bats, tied the game early with his first home run of the season. He added a tie-breaking sac fly in the fifth inning. Filling in for Milton Bradley, Hoffpauir is hitting .375 in limited action when compared to the amount of at bats he had in Spring Training. However, the drop off hasn't hurt the 29-year old rookie, who's showing signs of being a big piece of this team's offense.
Rich Harden was also worthy of world wide web praise, efficiently cruising through six innings and holding the Reds to two runs. Harden picked up his first win of the season and ran his strike out total up to 26. Not bad for three outings.
The bullpen was flawless. The offense was clicking. Any relevant curses were brought back to the country's forefront and quickly downplayed by the "W" flag. My heart registered a few healthy beats for the first time since February.
Altogether, very un-Cub. I like that.
Why Does It Always Rain On Me?
If the rain must fall, then why can't it happen on someone else's time?
On Sunday, I was slated to make my Wrigley Field debut as the Cubs looked to take the series 3-1 from the Cardinals on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. The tickets were a birthday present.
First career Sunday Night game. First career rainout. Hardly joyfull and triumphant.
The unfortunate brake in the baseball action gives us a chance to catch up on some other topics, most notably the Bulls surprising/shocking/altogether scintillating Game 1 victory over Boston at the Garden. Behind Derrick Rose's 36 points and 11 assists, the Bulls held on for the crucial 105-103 overtime win. This was the first time in 11 tries that the Bulls have beaten the Celtics in the Playoffs, something that even Michael couldn't do.
[Somewhat related note: Larry Bird famously noted after Jordan dropped 63 on Boston in Game 2 of the 1986 Playoffs, “I think he’s God disguised as Michael Jordan.” Needless to say, Derrick Rose and the kids just etched a place in the Bulls Pantheon right next to the man that can only be described as the closest thing to God that God would allow. Good for them.]
Rose was otherworldly, shunning any doubts that his rookie status would prevent him from shining on the NBA's brightest stage. He outdueled his point guard counterpart, Rajon Rondo, and single-handedly stiffled a Celtic rally in the third quarter by hitting five straight shots, several of which belong on his season highlight reel.
Not on Rose's level, but still impressive nevertheless, was Joakim Noah. The former college star returned to the postseason for the first time since his championship season at Florida and didn't disappoint, working awfully well with Rose and stiffling the Boston attack on the glass. Yes, Noah's affectiveness was due in large part to the absence of Kevin Garnett, but Boston went 18-7 this year without the Big Ticket. It's safe to say Noah didn't grab 17 rebounds against a YMCA grade school team.
Don't pencil in the Bulls for the second round just yet, but heading back to Chicaog up 2-0 or even 1-1 gives them a fighting chance for advancing. Game 1 showed that the Bulls DO want it and the Celtics aren't infallible. Also, don't be surprised if KG shows up should the Bulls take a two-game lead, either 2-0 or 3-1. Can anyone say Willis Reed?
Additionally, the Blackhawks opened up a 2-0 series lead against the Calgary Flames. Combined with the growing fuss over Jay Cutler's nightlife, Chicago has become THE sports hub of known world.
Let's just hope the Cubs can beat the rain and keep up.
On Sunday, I was slated to make my Wrigley Field debut as the Cubs looked to take the series 3-1 from the Cardinals on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. The tickets were a birthday present.
First career Sunday Night game. First career rainout. Hardly joyfull and triumphant.
The unfortunate brake in the baseball action gives us a chance to catch up on some other topics, most notably the Bulls surprising/shocking/altogether scintillating Game 1 victory over Boston at the Garden. Behind Derrick Rose's 36 points and 11 assists, the Bulls held on for the crucial 105-103 overtime win. This was the first time in 11 tries that the Bulls have beaten the Celtics in the Playoffs, something that even Michael couldn't do.
[Somewhat related note: Larry Bird famously noted after Jordan dropped 63 on Boston in Game 2 of the 1986 Playoffs, “I think he’s God disguised as Michael Jordan.” Needless to say, Derrick Rose and the kids just etched a place in the Bulls Pantheon right next to the man that can only be described as the closest thing to God that God would allow. Good for them.]
Rose was otherworldly, shunning any doubts that his rookie status would prevent him from shining on the NBA's brightest stage. He outdueled his point guard counterpart, Rajon Rondo, and single-handedly stiffled a Celtic rally in the third quarter by hitting five straight shots, several of which belong on his season highlight reel.
Not on Rose's level, but still impressive nevertheless, was Joakim Noah. The former college star returned to the postseason for the first time since his championship season at Florida and didn't disappoint, working awfully well with Rose and stiffling the Boston attack on the glass. Yes, Noah's affectiveness was due in large part to the absence of Kevin Garnett, but Boston went 18-7 this year without the Big Ticket. It's safe to say Noah didn't grab 17 rebounds against a YMCA grade school team.
Don't pencil in the Bulls for the second round just yet, but heading back to Chicaog up 2-0 or even 1-1 gives them a fighting chance for advancing. Game 1 showed that the Bulls DO want it and the Celtics aren't infallible. Also, don't be surprised if KG shows up should the Bulls take a two-game lead, either 2-0 or 3-1. Can anyone say Willis Reed?
Additionally, the Blackhawks opened up a 2-0 series lead against the Calgary Flames. Combined with the growing fuss over Jay Cutler's nightlife, Chicago has become THE sports hub of known world.
Let's just hope the Cubs can beat the rain and keep up.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Fishfood: Marlins, Pitching Induce Nausea
Yesterday's loss was tough. Seeing my girlfriend in a Marlin's jersey was worse.
[Side note: let's talk about the Marlins. This obsessive hatred goes so far beyond 2003, which I'm sure most of you can attest. First and foremost, they've picked up two World Series in seven years. After each title, they dismantle the team, rebuild, and are ready for another title bout. And this most recent rebuilding phase? Well, they've started 2009 10-1.
You do the math.
They had Dontrelle Willis when he was still Dontrelle Willis, a former Cubs prospect. They fleeced us for Juan Pierre, who left/was run out of town after only one year. They gave us Kevin Gregg for one of the most promising prospects in our minor league system. They did give us Derrek Lee, but we haven't won a postseason game since. And yes, they capitalized on one of the worst collpases in sports history. That, ladies and gentlemen, is why my girlfriend in a Marlin's jersey made me nauseus.]
Fortunately for me and the future of my relationship, Alfonso Soriano intervened. Soriano provided some more late-inning heroics, hitting a two-run shot in the eighth inning to put the Cardinals away for a come-from-behind 8-7 victory.
Our very own lighning rod continues to shine late in games, and memories of his three previous strike outs were quickly erased. For people who have spent the past 100 years pining, we seem to have short memories when it comes to our left fielder.
But before we annoint Soriano and the Cubs as saviors of sanity on the North Side, let's explore the journey they took to get to the eighth. Carlos Zambrano struggled mightily, giving up all seven runs and blowing an early 3-0 lead. However, since the bullpen was so depleted, Zambrano had to suffer through seven innings and 109 pitches. The home run proved to be his undoing, as he gave up two to Ryan Ludwick and another to Brian Barden.
And for our next activity, please pick out Brian Barden from this lineup. Can't? Yeah, that's what we thought.
But enough about Zambrano. Our offense saved us, refusing to acquiesce. Derrek Lee continued to impress, as did Micah Hoffpauir, and Kosuke Fukudome continued to set the table at the top of the order. Aramis Ramirez and Geovany Soto also got in on the action, coming up with the kind of situational hitting that the Cubs rarely seem to possess.
Simply put, the offense showed more character than James Cromwell, and Soriano put the Cardinals away on a no-doubter.
Carlos Marmol and Aaron Heilman also deserve their Kudos bars, as Heilman bridged the gap to the ninth, and Marmol continued to make us second guess this Kevin Gregg experiment. After walking the lead off batter and plunking Albert Pujols, Marmol resumed filthiness and evened the series at 1-1. Nausea, and potential ealry-onset insanity, avoided.
Too bad the morning's fish food beat the Cardinals to the punch.
[Side note: let's talk about the Marlins. This obsessive hatred goes so far beyond 2003, which I'm sure most of you can attest. First and foremost, they've picked up two World Series in seven years. After each title, they dismantle the team, rebuild, and are ready for another title bout. And this most recent rebuilding phase? Well, they've started 2009 10-1.
You do the math.
They had Dontrelle Willis when he was still Dontrelle Willis, a former Cubs prospect. They fleeced us for Juan Pierre, who left/was run out of town after only one year. They gave us Kevin Gregg for one of the most promising prospects in our minor league system. They did give us Derrek Lee, but we haven't won a postseason game since. And yes, they capitalized on one of the worst collpases in sports history. That, ladies and gentlemen, is why my girlfriend in a Marlin's jersey made me nauseus.]
Fortunately for me and the future of my relationship, Alfonso Soriano intervened. Soriano provided some more late-inning heroics, hitting a two-run shot in the eighth inning to put the Cardinals away for a come-from-behind 8-7 victory.
Our very own lighning rod continues to shine late in games, and memories of his three previous strike outs were quickly erased. For people who have spent the past 100 years pining, we seem to have short memories when it comes to our left fielder.
But before we annoint Soriano and the Cubs as saviors of sanity on the North Side, let's explore the journey they took to get to the eighth. Carlos Zambrano struggled mightily, giving up all seven runs and blowing an early 3-0 lead. However, since the bullpen was so depleted, Zambrano had to suffer through seven innings and 109 pitches. The home run proved to be his undoing, as he gave up two to Ryan Ludwick and another to Brian Barden.
And for our next activity, please pick out Brian Barden from this lineup. Can't? Yeah, that's what we thought.
But enough about Zambrano. Our offense saved us, refusing to acquiesce. Derrek Lee continued to impress, as did Micah Hoffpauir, and Kosuke Fukudome continued to set the table at the top of the order. Aramis Ramirez and Geovany Soto also got in on the action, coming up with the kind of situational hitting that the Cubs rarely seem to possess.
Simply put, the offense showed more character than James Cromwell, and Soriano put the Cardinals away on a no-doubter.
Carlos Marmol and Aaron Heilman also deserve their Kudos bars, as Heilman bridged the gap to the ninth, and Marmol continued to make us second guess this Kevin Gregg experiment. After walking the lead off batter and plunking Albert Pujols, Marmol resumed filthiness and evened the series at 1-1. Nausea, and potential ealry-onset insanity, avoided.
Too bad the morning's fish food beat the Cardinals to the punch.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen, Milton Bradley
Well, Milton Bradley gave the Cubs what they wanted. Sort of.
Bradley, pinch hitting, was ejected in the sixth inning after arguing balls and strikes during his Wrigley Field debut. Going up in the count 3-0 with the bases loaded, Bradley saw the count shift in Adam Wainwright's favor. Wainwright's 3-2 pitch was low, called a strike, and Bradley didn't hesitate letting home plate umpire Larry Vanover know how he felt. Bradley was immediately tossed.
Fantastic.
Last year's team was outstanding. Great starting rotation. Great offense. Solid bullpen. Still, outside of Carlos Zambrano, where was the intensity? Quick hint: it wasn't there.
Now, I'm not questioning the passion of these players. Derrek Lee is one hell of a competitor. Center field walls have come to fear Reed Johnson. And Kerry Wood can strike out some batters with a stare. But to win at a championship level, you need that Dennis Rodman. You need that Ozzie Guillen [did I really just say that?]. They put up great numbers, but also bring that intangible, always-on-display demeanor that enchants fans and makes opponents question themselves.
Piss and vinegar. Vim and vigor. It's not an exact science, but there are proven results. You need that visible, outspoken tenacity. Bradley brings that, and we saw it today. Is it just a distraction though? No, not at this point. Bradley hasn't been hitting this season in limited time, but he's getting on base. That's what he was brought in for. And as far as ejections go, one here or there, especially if it comes in a pinch-hitting situation, isn't going to kill a team.
Sure, the 2008 Cubs displayed a great sense of camaraderie, and the last thing we need is another dugout boxing ring match, but there wasn't a "win now at any cost" mentality, and Bradley brings that to the team. Thus, his Wrigley Field debut had the sold-out crowd on its feet.
However, I'm sure both Bradley and the Cubs wanted a different outcome.
Bradley's strike out had lasting effects on the game. With the score tied 4-4, Alfonso Soriano followed up Bradley with a pop out to left field. Scoring opportunity wasted, St. Louis battered the Cubs bullpen some more, surging ahead for a 7-4 win.
Sean Marshall, making his first start of the season, gave us what we expect from a back of the rotation starter: five innings of three-run ball. That isn't Cy Young stuff, but it should be good enough to get the win. Given the misadventures of the bullpen though, it's hard to imagine Jeff Samardzija sitting around in the minors for too long. Whether that means he starts and Marshall is shifted to the bullpen, or vice versa, I don't know. Stay tuned.
Kosuke Fukudome bailed Marhsll out and put the Cubs in position to win with a three-run homer in the fifth inning, erasing an early 3-1 deficit. Aaron Heilman promptly gave that lead away, courtesy of a Khalil Greene home run in the sixth inning. The Cubs never recovered in the opening game of a crucial, four game early season series. David Patton added to the damage, issuing two walks and giving up two runs in his first poor outing of the season. Angel Guzman wasn't too sharp either.
Things weren't much better on the other side of the ball. Micah Hoffpauir got the start in right field, but wasn't able to do much at the plate, finishing 0-for-4. Outside of Fukudome, Aramis Ramirez was the only player with two hits.
But at the end of the day, you have to walk away knowing that the best thing that could've happened in a loss was learning about the character of this year's Cubs. While Bradley may be suspended, that's a tenacity that we want, as long as it doesn't hurt us too much in the long run. That's a fine line, but one that I'm sure Bradley and Lou can walk at this stage of their careers.
Bradley, pinch hitting, was ejected in the sixth inning after arguing balls and strikes during his Wrigley Field debut. Going up in the count 3-0 with the bases loaded, Bradley saw the count shift in Adam Wainwright's favor. Wainwright's 3-2 pitch was low, called a strike, and Bradley didn't hesitate letting home plate umpire Larry Vanover know how he felt. Bradley was immediately tossed.
Fantastic.
Last year's team was outstanding. Great starting rotation. Great offense. Solid bullpen. Still, outside of Carlos Zambrano, where was the intensity? Quick hint: it wasn't there.
Now, I'm not questioning the passion of these players. Derrek Lee is one hell of a competitor. Center field walls have come to fear Reed Johnson. And Kerry Wood can strike out some batters with a stare. But to win at a championship level, you need that Dennis Rodman. You need that Ozzie Guillen [did I really just say that?]. They put up great numbers, but also bring that intangible, always-on-display demeanor that enchants fans and makes opponents question themselves.
Piss and vinegar. Vim and vigor. It's not an exact science, but there are proven results. You need that visible, outspoken tenacity. Bradley brings that, and we saw it today. Is it just a distraction though? No, not at this point. Bradley hasn't been hitting this season in limited time, but he's getting on base. That's what he was brought in for. And as far as ejections go, one here or there, especially if it comes in a pinch-hitting situation, isn't going to kill a team.
Sure, the 2008 Cubs displayed a great sense of camaraderie, and the last thing we need is another dugout boxing ring match, but there wasn't a "win now at any cost" mentality, and Bradley brings that to the team. Thus, his Wrigley Field debut had the sold-out crowd on its feet.
However, I'm sure both Bradley and the Cubs wanted a different outcome.
Bradley's strike out had lasting effects on the game. With the score tied 4-4, Alfonso Soriano followed up Bradley with a pop out to left field. Scoring opportunity wasted, St. Louis battered the Cubs bullpen some more, surging ahead for a 7-4 win.
Sean Marshall, making his first start of the season, gave us what we expect from a back of the rotation starter: five innings of three-run ball. That isn't Cy Young stuff, but it should be good enough to get the win. Given the misadventures of the bullpen though, it's hard to imagine Jeff Samardzija sitting around in the minors for too long. Whether that means he starts and Marshall is shifted to the bullpen, or vice versa, I don't know. Stay tuned.
Kosuke Fukudome bailed Marhsll out and put the Cubs in position to win with a three-run homer in the fifth inning, erasing an early 3-1 deficit. Aaron Heilman promptly gave that lead away, courtesy of a Khalil Greene home run in the sixth inning. The Cubs never recovered in the opening game of a crucial, four game early season series. David Patton added to the damage, issuing two walks and giving up two runs in his first poor outing of the season. Angel Guzman wasn't too sharp either.
Things weren't much better on the other side of the ball. Micah Hoffpauir got the start in right field, but wasn't able to do much at the plate, finishing 0-for-4. Outside of Fukudome, Aramis Ramirez was the only player with two hits.
But at the end of the day, you have to walk away knowing that the best thing that could've happened in a loss was learning about the character of this year's Cubs. While Bradley may be suspended, that's a tenacity that we want, as long as it doesn't hurt us too much in the long run. That's a fine line, but one that I'm sure Bradley and Lou can walk at this stage of their careers.
Marquis Shines, Causes Dugout Indigestion
Jason Marquis? Really?
The oft-maligned, former back of the rotation starter for the Cubs returned to Wrigley Field in Cy Young form, helping the Rockies avoid the two-game series sweep with a 5-2 win over his former employers.
Marquis dazzled from the outset, holding the Cubs to one run over seven innings. The victor [Jason Marquis? Really?] only issued two free passes, which probably gave Lou a serious bout of indigestion since Marquis' M.O. last year was turning the base paths into a carousel of walkers. That's my theory at least. Even worse, he was responsible for the Rockies first two RBIs. Yes, Jason Marquis has more RBIs than our starting catcher and reigning Rookie of the Year.
Jason Marquis? Really?
The eye-searing devastation didn't end there though. Enter Rich Harden. Harden barely escaped three innings, topping out at 92 pitches before he was pulled for the so-far-really-reliable David Patton. With two appearances under his belt now, Patton has cruised through four innings, giving up only one run, a meaningless solo home run that came against the first major league batter he ever faced. The feel-good Spring Training sensation continues.
But back to Harden. I'm not letting him off that easily. Did you see that first inning? Harden looked as if he had a personal vendetta against the Rockies, as if they knocked him out of the postseason, not the Dodgers. Harden struck out the side with stuff so filthy, disgruntled Rockies mothers labeled it pornographic.
The second inning was a bit different, however. Harden struck out the first tbatter he faced, but found himself in trouble after two walks and an infiled single. True to form, Harden struck out the next batter he faced, bringing Jason Marquis to the plate.
Now, Marquis is a great hitting pitcher, the 2005 National League Silver Slugger winner at his position. And frankly, Reed Johnson should have made that catch in center on Marquis' flare hit. But c'mon Rich. The pitcher? Jason Marquis? Really? Harden was terrific in Milwaukee, showing the same form that put him in the conversation as the best trade in baseball last year. But Harden got himself into trouble by putting runners on and running up his pitch count, not exactly music to Lou and Larry's ears. Hopefully, nothing more than a blip on the road.
[Before you laugh that statement off, Sabathia fans out there will want to look at the numbers. While Sabathia threw more innings and finished with seven complete games, Harden sported a 1.78 ERA over 12 starts that compares favorably to Sabathia's 1.65 ERA over 17 starts. While both floundered in the postseason, they both were HUGE midseason acquisitions. Thus, we hold Harden to an incredibly high standard.]
Harden's short outing wasn't the only games only noticable occurence. The other was Derrek Lee. I think, just maybe, we're seeing Lee come to life. It couldn't have come at a better time for both Lee and the Cubs. With Lous strapping on Micah Hoffpauir's batting gloves, Lee went 3-for-4 with a ninth inning home run that helped put the Cubs in position to win this game [more on that later].
As I've said, we need Lee to drive the ball, and that home run was a good sign, especially since it came at a key situation in the game. "Clutch" is a hard statistic to define, but that's where Lee's performance would rank. On a day when the offense was stagnant, Lee roared. Hopefully, this is only the beginning.
[Side note: True to form, Hoffpauir chimed in with a pinch-hit double. Lee's timing couldn't have been any better.]
This loss was a lot toughrer to stomach after watching the ninth. Angel Guzman gave up a run in the top-half of the inning, and after Lee's home run to lead off their half of the ninth, Mike Fontenot walked and Johnson singled to put two on with nobody out.
Enter hysterics.
Fontenot was then thrown out at third on a base running gaffe, and our hard-luck catcher Geo Soto reintroduced Cubs fans to the game-ending double play. Like I said, "clutch" is a hard statistic to define, but I can make an exception here. This was about as close to clutch as Meg Ryan is to her golden years. Yeah, I went there.
So, to recap: Harden got his bad start out of the way and will resume his Cy Young campiagn next week. Instead of slamming his helmet into the dirt, Derrek Lee is hammering pitches into the bleachers. Geo Soto? Frigidly cold. Luis Vizcaino , the man the Rockies shipped us after we begged them to take this game's MVP off of out hands? A scoreless inning. And Jason Marquis? The game's MVP on the mound and at the plate. Yeah, that about sums up a 5-2 loss. Well, there is one more thing:
Jason Marquis? Really?
The oft-maligned, former back of the rotation starter for the Cubs returned to Wrigley Field in Cy Young form, helping the Rockies avoid the two-game series sweep with a 5-2 win over his former employers.
Marquis dazzled from the outset, holding the Cubs to one run over seven innings. The victor [Jason Marquis? Really?] only issued two free passes, which probably gave Lou a serious bout of indigestion since Marquis' M.O. last year was turning the base paths into a carousel of walkers. That's my theory at least. Even worse, he was responsible for the Rockies first two RBIs. Yes, Jason Marquis has more RBIs than our starting catcher and reigning Rookie of the Year.
Jason Marquis? Really?
The eye-searing devastation didn't end there though. Enter Rich Harden. Harden barely escaped three innings, topping out at 92 pitches before he was pulled for the so-far-really-reliable David Patton. With two appearances under his belt now, Patton has cruised through four innings, giving up only one run, a meaningless solo home run that came against the first major league batter he ever faced. The feel-good Spring Training sensation continues.
But back to Harden. I'm not letting him off that easily. Did you see that first inning? Harden looked as if he had a personal vendetta against the Rockies, as if they knocked him out of the postseason, not the Dodgers. Harden struck out the side with stuff so filthy, disgruntled Rockies mothers labeled it pornographic.
The second inning was a bit different, however. Harden struck out the first tbatter he faced, but found himself in trouble after two walks and an infiled single. True to form, Harden struck out the next batter he faced, bringing Jason Marquis to the plate.
Now, Marquis is a great hitting pitcher, the 2005 National League Silver Slugger winner at his position. And frankly, Reed Johnson should have made that catch in center on Marquis' flare hit. But c'mon Rich. The pitcher? Jason Marquis? Really? Harden was terrific in Milwaukee, showing the same form that put him in the conversation as the best trade in baseball last year. But Harden got himself into trouble by putting runners on and running up his pitch count, not exactly music to Lou and Larry's ears. Hopefully, nothing more than a blip on the road.
[Before you laugh that statement off, Sabathia fans out there will want to look at the numbers. While Sabathia threw more innings and finished with seven complete games, Harden sported a 1.78 ERA over 12 starts that compares favorably to Sabathia's 1.65 ERA over 17 starts. While both floundered in the postseason, they both were HUGE midseason acquisitions. Thus, we hold Harden to an incredibly high standard.]
Harden's short outing wasn't the only games only noticable occurence. The other was Derrek Lee. I think, just maybe, we're seeing Lee come to life. It couldn't have come at a better time for both Lee and the Cubs. With Lous strapping on Micah Hoffpauir's batting gloves, Lee went 3-for-4 with a ninth inning home run that helped put the Cubs in position to win this game [more on that later].
As I've said, we need Lee to drive the ball, and that home run was a good sign, especially since it came at a key situation in the game. "Clutch" is a hard statistic to define, but that's where Lee's performance would rank. On a day when the offense was stagnant, Lee roared. Hopefully, this is only the beginning.
[Side note: True to form, Hoffpauir chimed in with a pinch-hit double. Lee's timing couldn't have been any better.]
This loss was a lot toughrer to stomach after watching the ninth. Angel Guzman gave up a run in the top-half of the inning, and after Lee's home run to lead off their half of the ninth, Mike Fontenot walked and Johnson singled to put two on with nobody out.
Enter hysterics.
Fontenot was then thrown out at third on a base running gaffe, and our hard-luck catcher Geo Soto reintroduced Cubs fans to the game-ending double play. Like I said, "clutch" is a hard statistic to define, but I can make an exception here. This was about as close to clutch as Meg Ryan is to her golden years. Yeah, I went there.
So, to recap: Harden got his bad start out of the way and will resume his Cy Young campiagn next week. Instead of slamming his helmet into the dirt, Derrek Lee is hammering pitches into the bleachers. Geo Soto? Frigidly cold. Luis Vizcaino , the man the Rockies shipped us after we begged them to take this game's MVP off of out hands? A scoreless inning. And Jason Marquis? The game's MVP on the mound and at the plate. Yeah, that about sums up a 5-2 loss. Well, there is one more thing:
Jason Marquis? Really?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
"That's what the game needed, more guys like him"
Just when you thought it couldn't get any tougher, the Baseball Gods intervened. Again.
This season has gotten off to a rough start, not because the Nationals haven't won a game or the newly renovated Yankees trail the Blue Jays AND the Orioles, but because of everything that baseball has lost.
Today, baseball lost two of its most interesting personalities, Harry Kalas and Mark "The Bird" Fidrych.
As someone who grew up outside of the Philadelphia area, I didn't know Kalas as the voice of the Phillies, but rather the voice of NFL Films. Kalas found a way to make every team, regardless of their accomplishments, interesting for their fans [As a Bears fan, let's just say we made life tough for Kalas]. His program was an offseason necessity, right up there with the NFL Draft and a training camp holdout.
Still, it was a seasonal right of passage, a necessity. The Hall of Fame broadcaster endeared himself to millions throughout his career, and as ESPN analyst and former Phillie John Kruk noted, Kalas is to sports fans in Philadelphia what Ben Franklin is to local historians. He left an indescribable mark on their culture, and his prowess behind the mic will be sorely missed.
Fidrych was something else. His on-the-field antics stand out as some of the oddest, even in 2009. Nicknamed The Bird because of his lanky demeanor and throwing style, Fidrych became an instant classic and helped revive baseball in Detroit by vehemently talking to the ball during games and getting down on his knees and playing with the dirt on the mound.
Fidyrch was more than a goof though.
Any teammate will tell you that he was genuine, a terrific personality to have in the clubhouse. He was someone who wasn't afraid to put himself out there, even if it was really, really far out there. Additionally, he had the numbers to back it up. In his 1976 Rookie of the Year campaign, Fidrych went 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA, numbers which helped earn him the start at the All-Star Game. The real jaw-dropper was this nugget though: that season, Fidrych finished with 24 complete games. Finding starters who can START 24 games is impressive.
Injuries derailed his career, and he spent only five years in the majors, going 29-19. However, those numbers didn't derail his popularity. During a comeback bid in the minors years later, he was still selling out games. Immortalized by his animated personality, there isn't a more famous 29-game winner in baseball history.
This season has gotten off to a rough start, not because the Nationals haven't won a game or the newly renovated Yankees trail the Blue Jays AND the Orioles, but because of everything that baseball has lost.
Today, baseball lost two of its most interesting personalities, Harry Kalas and Mark "The Bird" Fidrych.
As someone who grew up outside of the Philadelphia area, I didn't know Kalas as the voice of the Phillies, but rather the voice of NFL Films. Kalas found a way to make every team, regardless of their accomplishments, interesting for their fans [As a Bears fan, let's just say we made life tough for Kalas]. His program was an offseason necessity, right up there with the NFL Draft and a training camp holdout.
Still, it was a seasonal right of passage, a necessity. The Hall of Fame broadcaster endeared himself to millions throughout his career, and as ESPN analyst and former Phillie John Kruk noted, Kalas is to sports fans in Philadelphia what Ben Franklin is to local historians. He left an indescribable mark on their culture, and his prowess behind the mic will be sorely missed.
Fidrych was something else. His on-the-field antics stand out as some of the oddest, even in 2009. Nicknamed The Bird because of his lanky demeanor and throwing style, Fidrych became an instant classic and helped revive baseball in Detroit by vehemently talking to the ball during games and getting down on his knees and playing with the dirt on the mound.
Fidyrch was more than a goof though.
Any teammate will tell you that he was genuine, a terrific personality to have in the clubhouse. He was someone who wasn't afraid to put himself out there, even if it was really, really far out there. Additionally, he had the numbers to back it up. In his 1976 Rookie of the Year campaign, Fidrych went 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA, numbers which helped earn him the start at the All-Star Game. The real jaw-dropper was this nugget though: that season, Fidrych finished with 24 complete games. Finding starters who can START 24 games is impressive.
Injuries derailed his career, and he spent only five years in the majors, going 29-19. However, those numbers didn't derail his popularity. During a comeback bid in the minors years later, he was still selling out games. Immortalized by his animated personality, there isn't a more famous 29-game winner in baseball history.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Return of the Ted
I would love to talk about Ted Lilly. After all, it's my goal this season to see how many headlines I can force Theodore's name into. But sometimes, the Baseball Gods intervene and present you with a story so odd, so jarring, yet so fitting, that you have to give it precedence.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Cub fan.
Regardless of what baseball's most masochistic delusionists do to open the season, it's hard to outperform a Ted Lilly outing like this one. Lilly went 6 2/3 without giving up a run, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh. It was a drastic departure from the homer-happy performance that Lilly put up in Houston, probably due to his lack of run support on a dreary, the wind-is-blowing-in-and-I-dare-Glenallen Hill-to-try-to-drive-one-out-in-this-crap home opener.
[Side note: please, check out that Glenallen Hill video. On May 11, 2000, Hill became the only player to hit a pitched ball onto the roof of a building across the street from the left field wall of Wrigley Field. That's skill kids.]
Lilly was exceptional, giving us the kind of showing that we needed in the postseason [I stand by the decision to start Dempster, Zambrano, and Harden, but you have to wonder if our hottest big-game pitcher could've won us a game]. That was a mid-season form performance, which begs the question, how did Lilly and Soriano finally figure out studliness at the beginning of the season? Suddenly, never smiling and hopping have become in vogue on the North Side.
Speaking of Soriano, the Cubs lead-off aficionado went 2-for-4 with a [gasp!] walk and a run in another solid offensive performance. Soriano is doing everything we expect from him at the plate, sporting an OBP of .389 and limiting himself to seven strikeouts while coaxing four walks. While Soriano has never walked more than he's struck out in a season, if he can keep that ratio close to one, we're going to have a great top of the order. Now, if only the middle could get it together.
[Yet another side note: just to put Soriano's career performance in perspective, Soriano walked 67 times in 2006, his highest single season total. He struck out 160 times that season, which was also a career high. Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn only struck out more than he walked once - 1982, his rookie year. Gwynn's career numbers include a staggering 790 walks and only 434 strikeouts, including only one three-strike out game in his career. Until Soriano scratches those numbers, I'm not willing to dub him as "disciplined," but he's certainly trying this year.]
The middle of the order, hampered by the loss of Aramis Ramirez, Milton Bradley and Geovany Soto, was a makeshift creation brought to you by Lou Piniella. Lou's scramble proved affective, as Lee finally broke out of his slump with a 2-for-3 performance that also included two walks and an RBI. Fukudome continued to erase or memories of the screwdriver maneuver with a 1-for-2 performance that included an RBI and three walks [yes, Fukudome almost eclipsed Soriano's seasaon walk total in one game].
Outside of Lilly, Lee's performance was the most crucial. While Hoffpauir can certainly hit with the best of them, Lee brings a defensive presence to the team that Hoffpauir never will. Why do you think Ramirez has turned into a Gold Glove caliber third baseman? Yeah, he's made remarkable strides at third, but he's also throwing to Lee. The same goes for Theriot, the pitching staff, and whoever we have plugged in at second. If Lee's hitting, Lou's going to rest a bit easier at night knowing that spot in the order is solidified.
While on the subject of Lee, there's something else I want to address. Derrek Lee will never have another 2005 season. That was a remarkable year, and it set the bar a bit high. Still, we need an improvement in his power numbers. By that do I mean home runs? Not necessarily. Lee is at his best when he's driving the ball, and if that means doubles into the gaps, I'll be thrilled.
We need Lee's RBI totals to jump, as well as his average and OBP, especially when we have so many guys getting on base ahead of him. Lee's high double play total from last season was due in large part to having so many baserunners on before he hit. So Lee driving the ball into the outfield is a win-win: more RBIs, fewer double plays. Hopefully this is a positive sign.
Still, there was one awfully distressing aspect of the game: we left 26 runners on base. While you can attribute this to the loss of our thumpers, it's still a gaudy number. We're not going to get outings like this every game, so we need to capitalize on having that many baserunners. Yes, the wind was playing games with the ball, and yes, Ubaldo Jimenez isn't a bottom of the barrel starter, but these are the kind of numbers that lose you games.
If you strand that many runners, you're not going to win in the postseason, if you even make it there. After all, Soriano can't bail you out if he's on base.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Cub fan.
Regardless of what baseball's most masochistic delusionists do to open the season, it's hard to outperform a Ted Lilly outing like this one. Lilly went 6 2/3 without giving up a run, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh. It was a drastic departure from the homer-happy performance that Lilly put up in Houston, probably due to his lack of run support on a dreary, the wind-is-blowing-in-and-I-dare-Glenallen Hill-to-try-to-drive-one-out-in-this-crap home opener.
[Side note: please, check out that Glenallen Hill video. On May 11, 2000, Hill became the only player to hit a pitched ball onto the roof of a building across the street from the left field wall of Wrigley Field. That's skill kids.]
Lilly was exceptional, giving us the kind of showing that we needed in the postseason [I stand by the decision to start Dempster, Zambrano, and Harden, but you have to wonder if our hottest big-game pitcher could've won us a game]. That was a mid-season form performance, which begs the question, how did Lilly and Soriano finally figure out studliness at the beginning of the season? Suddenly, never smiling and hopping have become in vogue on the North Side.
Speaking of Soriano, the Cubs lead-off aficionado went 2-for-4 with a [gasp!] walk and a run in another solid offensive performance. Soriano is doing everything we expect from him at the plate, sporting an OBP of .389 and limiting himself to seven strikeouts while coaxing four walks. While Soriano has never walked more than he's struck out in a season, if he can keep that ratio close to one, we're going to have a great top of the order. Now, if only the middle could get it together.
[Yet another side note: just to put Soriano's career performance in perspective, Soriano walked 67 times in 2006, his highest single season total. He struck out 160 times that season, which was also a career high. Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn only struck out more than he walked once - 1982, his rookie year. Gwynn's career numbers include a staggering 790 walks and only 434 strikeouts, including only one three-strike out game in his career. Until Soriano scratches those numbers, I'm not willing to dub him as "disciplined," but he's certainly trying this year.]
The middle of the order, hampered by the loss of Aramis Ramirez, Milton Bradley and Geovany Soto, was a makeshift creation brought to you by Lou Piniella. Lou's scramble proved affective, as Lee finally broke out of his slump with a 2-for-3 performance that also included two walks and an RBI. Fukudome continued to erase or memories of the screwdriver maneuver with a 1-for-2 performance that included an RBI and three walks [yes, Fukudome almost eclipsed Soriano's seasaon walk total in one game].
Outside of Lilly, Lee's performance was the most crucial. While Hoffpauir can certainly hit with the best of them, Lee brings a defensive presence to the team that Hoffpauir never will. Why do you think Ramirez has turned into a Gold Glove caliber third baseman? Yeah, he's made remarkable strides at third, but he's also throwing to Lee. The same goes for Theriot, the pitching staff, and whoever we have plugged in at second. If Lee's hitting, Lou's going to rest a bit easier at night knowing that spot in the order is solidified.
While on the subject of Lee, there's something else I want to address. Derrek Lee will never have another 2005 season. That was a remarkable year, and it set the bar a bit high. Still, we need an improvement in his power numbers. By that do I mean home runs? Not necessarily. Lee is at his best when he's driving the ball, and if that means doubles into the gaps, I'll be thrilled.
We need Lee's RBI totals to jump, as well as his average and OBP, especially when we have so many guys getting on base ahead of him. Lee's high double play total from last season was due in large part to having so many baserunners on before he hit. So Lee driving the ball into the outfield is a win-win: more RBIs, fewer double plays. Hopefully this is a positive sign.
Still, there was one awfully distressing aspect of the game: we left 26 runners on base. While you can attribute this to the loss of our thumpers, it's still a gaudy number. We're not going to get outings like this every game, so we need to capitalize on having that many baserunners. Yes, the wind was playing games with the ball, and yes, Ubaldo Jimenez isn't a bottom of the barrel starter, but these are the kind of numbers that lose you games.
If you strand that many runners, you're not going to win in the postseason, if you even make it there. After all, Soriano can't bail you out if he's on base.
Rare Air: Johnson Saves Cubs, Eligible For Dunk Contest
Today, I'm declaring this a bullpen free zone [due in large part to last night's thrilling conclusion, which must have felt similar similar to a 2-for1 colonoscopy and prostate exam special in a back alley].
Ryan Dempster loves Reed Johnson. Reed Johnson loves Ryan Dempster. After all, Dempster was on the mound when Johnson introduced himself to Cubs fans last season against the Nationals with what may have been the Cubs' defensive play of the year. Just in case Dempster forgot, Johnson reminded him that he's still patrolling real estate on occasion.
Replacing an injured Milton Bradley [too soon, but not unexpected], Johnson became the object of Dempster's affection again with last night's heroics. In case you didn't see it, here it is again. And again. And again. You get the picture.
EHarmony.com jokes aside, Johnson's catch wasn't the only key to a crucial win. While he did prevent a potential grand slam with a catch OVER the wall in center, prompting even Prince Fielder to tip his cap, it was the Cubs offense that made tonight's win possible.
Please hold your applause until the end.
Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and Ryan Theriot continued to worship the OBP stat, with Soriano leading off with another home run, Fukudome going 1-for-3 with two walks and an RBI, and Theriot finishing with yet another 2-for-4 performance that also included a walk.
Last night was also a great example of the Cubs' tremendous patience at the plate. They coaxed 10 walks, including six from starter Jeff Suppan. Whether this is due to hitting coach Gerald Perry, dumb luck, or a desire to get opponents onto as many Baseball Blooper reels as possible, it's working.
The Brewers essentially beat themselves by walking in runs and putting the lead off man on [Joey Gathwright is arguably our fastest player, and they walked him to lead off an inning, failing to realize that pitches over the plate may prevent him from stealing bases], but the Cubs capitalized. Johnson took care of the rest.
Dempster wasn't at his best [Fielder's blast would have tied the game 6-6] but he was good enough over six innings, which is fine when you can put that many runs on the board. He even scored a run for good measure. Maybe he was trying to impress Johnson, I don't know. But he's going to have to do a lot more if Johnson keeps making these plays, which could make him eligible for the NBA Dunk Contest if David Stern gets ahold of this tape.
Seriously.
If Nate Robinson can win, I think Reed Johnson has a shot. It's no coincidence that his pose as he caught the ball resembled Chicago's recent Hall of Fame inductee. No coincidence at all
Alright, you can applaud now.
[You see, even I can give the bullpen a night off.]
Ryan Dempster loves Reed Johnson. Reed Johnson loves Ryan Dempster. After all, Dempster was on the mound when Johnson introduced himself to Cubs fans last season against the Nationals with what may have been the Cubs' defensive play of the year. Just in case Dempster forgot, Johnson reminded him that he's still patrolling real estate on occasion.
Replacing an injured Milton Bradley [too soon, but not unexpected], Johnson became the object of Dempster's affection again with last night's heroics. In case you didn't see it, here it is again. And again. And again. You get the picture.
EHarmony.com jokes aside, Johnson's catch wasn't the only key to a crucial win. While he did prevent a potential grand slam with a catch OVER the wall in center, prompting even Prince Fielder to tip his cap, it was the Cubs offense that made tonight's win possible.
Please hold your applause until the end.
Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and Ryan Theriot continued to worship the OBP stat, with Soriano leading off with another home run, Fukudome going 1-for-3 with two walks and an RBI, and Theriot finishing with yet another 2-for-4 performance that also included a walk.
Last night was also a great example of the Cubs' tremendous patience at the plate. They coaxed 10 walks, including six from starter Jeff Suppan. Whether this is due to hitting coach Gerald Perry, dumb luck, or a desire to get opponents onto as many Baseball Blooper reels as possible, it's working.
The Brewers essentially beat themselves by walking in runs and putting the lead off man on [Joey Gathwright is arguably our fastest player, and they walked him to lead off an inning, failing to realize that pitches over the plate may prevent him from stealing bases], but the Cubs capitalized. Johnson took care of the rest.
Dempster wasn't at his best [Fielder's blast would have tied the game 6-6] but he was good enough over six innings, which is fine when you can put that many runs on the board. He even scored a run for good measure. Maybe he was trying to impress Johnson, I don't know. But he's going to have to do a lot more if Johnson keeps making these plays, which could make him eligible for the NBA Dunk Contest if David Stern gets ahold of this tape.
Seriously.
If Nate Robinson can win, I think Reed Johnson has a shot. It's no coincidence that his pose as he caught the ball resembled Chicago's recent Hall of Fame inductee. No coincidence at all
Alright, you can applaud now.
[You see, even I can give the bullpen a night off.]
Sunday, April 12, 2009
More Marmol-ade Please
Back in the cradle of elementary school, the DARE program taught us that one of the best ways to say no was to "act like a broken record," just repeating "no" until the older kids on the playground became annoyed and walked away or just forced the cigarette in your mouth anyway.
Enter my broken record: welcome to our neverending discussion of the bullpen. Side effects may include walking away annoyed and/or forcing cigarettes in this writer's mouth.
Alright, pull on your hard hats and take that all-too-necessary deep breath: the bullpen gave it their best shot. They tried and tried and tried, but they just couldn't give this game away. Do you remember the scene in Bull Durham where Crash tells the batter what pitch Nuke is going to throw as a way of punishing Nuke? I'm convinced the bullpen is trying to punish us.
Angel Guzman lost his touch. Neal Cotts was Neal Cotts, circa 2009. Aaron Heilman apparently thought he was still a Met pitching in September [In Heilman's defense, he only allowed inherited baserunners to score. Then again, how will that same excuse sound in October when our offense has gone dormant and Lou is having a coronary?]. Yeah, Zambrano didn't have his best stuff, struggling through six innings [and a whopping 118 pitches] while giving up three runs, but he didn't deserve to watch his game get squandered like this.
Thankfully, in rode Alfonso Soriano to a swell of trumpets and fanfare.
[Side note: that sentence ranks right up there with looking for footage of Game 4 of the 1929 World Series as things I didn't expect to say or do in 2009]
Soriano provided the late inning heroics, sending the first pitch he saw into orbit, with the expected landing in Lake Michigan coming any day now. Soriano bailed everyone out. Again.
Earlier in the game, Soriano beat out a grounder on what would have been an inning-ending double play, allowing Little Mike Fontenot to score. The run tied the game 3-3, and while the Cubs sent the Brewers an early Easter gift in the form of two runs a few minutes later, both of Soriano's plays were pivotal.
But don't count your bratwursts before they run.
Carlos Marmol was spectacular in the closer's role, giving us a break from Kevin Gregg and Kevin Gregg a break from Kevin Gregg. The kid did surrender a hit, but he didn't issue any free passes. He didn't allow any runs. He walked off the mound with the lead. He saved Easter. Who knows, maybe he even cured cancer.
Aside from Soriano and Marmol, also joining the parade was Kosuke Fukudome with a 2-for-5 night that included two RBIs, Ryan Theriot and his 2-for-4 performance that didn't include an error, and Koyie Hill who finished with one hit and a whole lot of lost patience. Without the contributions of these fine individuals, none of this would have been possible.
Unfortunately, due to these hard times, my first bypass surgery has been rescheduled for my 35th birthday. Have I mentioned that I miss Kid K?
Enter my broken record: welcome to our neverending discussion of the bullpen. Side effects may include walking away annoyed and/or forcing cigarettes in this writer's mouth.
Alright, pull on your hard hats and take that all-too-necessary deep breath: the bullpen gave it their best shot. They tried and tried and tried, but they just couldn't give this game away. Do you remember the scene in Bull Durham where Crash tells the batter what pitch Nuke is going to throw as a way of punishing Nuke? I'm convinced the bullpen is trying to punish us.
Angel Guzman lost his touch. Neal Cotts was Neal Cotts, circa 2009. Aaron Heilman apparently thought he was still a Met pitching in September [In Heilman's defense, he only allowed inherited baserunners to score. Then again, how will that same excuse sound in October when our offense has gone dormant and Lou is having a coronary?]. Yeah, Zambrano didn't have his best stuff, struggling through six innings [and a whopping 118 pitches] while giving up three runs, but he didn't deserve to watch his game get squandered like this.
Thankfully, in rode Alfonso Soriano to a swell of trumpets and fanfare.
[Side note: that sentence ranks right up there with looking for footage of Game 4 of the 1929 World Series as things I didn't expect to say or do in 2009]
Soriano provided the late inning heroics, sending the first pitch he saw into orbit, with the expected landing in Lake Michigan coming any day now. Soriano bailed everyone out. Again.
Earlier in the game, Soriano beat out a grounder on what would have been an inning-ending double play, allowing Little Mike Fontenot to score. The run tied the game 3-3, and while the Cubs sent the Brewers an early Easter gift in the form of two runs a few minutes later, both of Soriano's plays were pivotal.
But don't count your bratwursts before they run.
Carlos Marmol was spectacular in the closer's role, giving us a break from Kevin Gregg and Kevin Gregg a break from Kevin Gregg. The kid did surrender a hit, but he didn't issue any free passes. He didn't allow any runs. He walked off the mound with the lead. He saved Easter. Who knows, maybe he even cured cancer.
Aside from Soriano and Marmol, also joining the parade was Kosuke Fukudome with a 2-for-5 night that included two RBIs, Ryan Theriot and his 2-for-4 performance that didn't include an error, and Koyie Hill who finished with one hit and a whole lot of lost patience. Without the contributions of these fine individuals, none of this would have been possible.
Unfortunately, due to these hard times, my first bypass surgery has been rescheduled for my 35th birthday. Have I mentioned that I miss Kid K?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Y(L)ou Decide: Ketchup or Mustard
Time has an interesting knack of helping put things into perspective. For example, who knew Little Mike Fontenot was going to be the most important piece of the Sammy Sosa trade in 2005. The minor leaguer was so far off the radar that ESPN didn't even mention Fontenot in its report. Don't look now, but he's our starting second baseman.
Thus, time was exactly what I needed after Friday's 4-3 loss to the Brewers.
According to WCVB Boston, the truck driver responsible for delivering $43,000 worth of ketchup to Fenway Park for opening day went rogue, stashing the shipment at a truck stop in Tennessee. Had Monday's Opening Day game not been cancelled due to the weather, Boston might have been the site of another condiment-induced rebellion.
Maybe it was the humor, maybe it was the audacity; whatever the case, a few packs of ketchup helped soften what was a frustratingly awful blow. Faltering as advertised, Aaron Heilman, Neal Cotts, Sean Marshall, and Kevin Gregg were all ineffective after Rich Harden's scintiallating season debut. Harden went six innings, giving up only one earned run and striking out 10.
It's hard, and often times unfair to single out one player or one play that determines the outcome of a game. After all, there are nine innings and nine men on the field with 27 outs to work with. However, it's even harder to shy away from what happened with Kevin Gregg and Ryan Theriot.
Unfortunately for Gregg, Spring Training is over. The guy who didn't allow a run before the real lights came on has allowed three earned runs in three appearances. The problem appears to be comfortability. Gregg hasn't looked at ease, as his walk to Chris Duffy showed. Giving up hits in an outing is one thing; walking reserve outfielders seeing their first action at the plate is another. The final pitch Gregg threw to Duffy was bounced up to the plate. Kind of makes you yearn for Kid K, doesn't it?
The Kevin Gregg experiment is getting awfully old. Lou's justification for keeping Marmol as the setup man so that he can get a few two-inning outings out of him is understandable, but you need someone who gets the job done behind Marmol. Gregg finished the eighth on three pitches, then fell apart in the ninth. You WILL NOT win with a closer that inconsistent. Gregg's leash just got considerably shorter. Did I mention that I miss Kerry Wood?
[Reality checked in and reminded me that Wood has made one appearance this year, allowing one run in an inning of work, striking out three. Not exacly Rolaids Relief kind of stuff.]
Theriot is a different case. The Riot had 14 errors last year, and he picked up two more last night, with his fielder's choice to end the game registering as a judgement error [you have to go for the double play on that one]. His first error and the fielder's choice both gave up runs, ultimately sinking the Cubs, even though Gregg was about as effective as a case of O'Douls.
But Theriot has been sensational at the plate. He went 2-for-3 with a double, meaning he's 7-f0r-12 for the season, walking in all four games as well. Theriot's fielding is hurting the team, but so are Derrek Lee, Milton Bradley, and Aramis Ramirez leaving a combined eight runners on base. I'm giving Theriot a little more leeway than Gregg on this one, but I can't handle many more showings like that.
Last night was the Houston loss, episode two. Getting blown out is one thing, but giving away winnable games, games in which you have a lead after the seventh inning, is unnaceptable. That isn't going to net you a division title, and it certainly isn't going to get you beyond the first round of the playoffs. Gregg and the other kids need to get their acts together, or Lou is going to have to make some tough decisions.
I wish it was just deciding between ketchup or mustard.
Thus, time was exactly what I needed after Friday's 4-3 loss to the Brewers.
According to WCVB Boston, the truck driver responsible for delivering $43,000 worth of ketchup to Fenway Park for opening day went rogue, stashing the shipment at a truck stop in Tennessee. Had Monday's Opening Day game not been cancelled due to the weather, Boston might have been the site of another condiment-induced rebellion.
Maybe it was the humor, maybe it was the audacity; whatever the case, a few packs of ketchup helped soften what was a frustratingly awful blow. Faltering as advertised, Aaron Heilman, Neal Cotts, Sean Marshall, and Kevin Gregg were all ineffective after Rich Harden's scintiallating season debut. Harden went six innings, giving up only one earned run and striking out 10.
It's hard, and often times unfair to single out one player or one play that determines the outcome of a game. After all, there are nine innings and nine men on the field with 27 outs to work with. However, it's even harder to shy away from what happened with Kevin Gregg and Ryan Theriot.
Unfortunately for Gregg, Spring Training is over. The guy who didn't allow a run before the real lights came on has allowed three earned runs in three appearances. The problem appears to be comfortability. Gregg hasn't looked at ease, as his walk to Chris Duffy showed. Giving up hits in an outing is one thing; walking reserve outfielders seeing their first action at the plate is another. The final pitch Gregg threw to Duffy was bounced up to the plate. Kind of makes you yearn for Kid K, doesn't it?
The Kevin Gregg experiment is getting awfully old. Lou's justification for keeping Marmol as the setup man so that he can get a few two-inning outings out of him is understandable, but you need someone who gets the job done behind Marmol. Gregg finished the eighth on three pitches, then fell apart in the ninth. You WILL NOT win with a closer that inconsistent. Gregg's leash just got considerably shorter. Did I mention that I miss Kerry Wood?
[Reality checked in and reminded me that Wood has made one appearance this year, allowing one run in an inning of work, striking out three. Not exacly Rolaids Relief kind of stuff.]
Theriot is a different case. The Riot had 14 errors last year, and he picked up two more last night, with his fielder's choice to end the game registering as a judgement error [you have to go for the double play on that one]. His first error and the fielder's choice both gave up runs, ultimately sinking the Cubs, even though Gregg was about as effective as a case of O'Douls.
But Theriot has been sensational at the plate. He went 2-for-3 with a double, meaning he's 7-f0r-12 for the season, walking in all four games as well. Theriot's fielding is hurting the team, but so are Derrek Lee, Milton Bradley, and Aramis Ramirez leaving a combined eight runners on base. I'm giving Theriot a little more leeway than Gregg on this one, but I can't handle many more showings like that.
Last night was the Houston loss, episode two. Getting blown out is one thing, but giving away winnable games, games in which you have a lead after the seventh inning, is unnaceptable. That isn't going to net you a division title, and it certainly isn't going to get you beyond the first round of the playoffs. Gregg and the other kids need to get their acts together, or Lou is going to have to make some tough decisions.
I wish it was just deciding between ketchup or mustard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
