Ramirez Out for Next Three Games

I don't think it's much of a stretch to say that this is happening at the worst possible moment. As I read this it occurred to me that this is our lowest point of the season. JimK, Neil and Show...please don't confuse this with despair, because I'm a "right-leaning realist".

Obviously I can sympathize with family issues, but I sure hope that it's worth him leaving us when we're without Sori and the rest of the boys. Saturday's 5 for 5 game notwithstanding, Lee is not handling the extra pressure well at all.

I'm sure that Lou is using all the psychological tricks he can, as well as straight-up bluster, in an attempt to shake off this mini-slump. I say mini-slump because I believe we have good hitters that in the past this year have shown amazing patience at the plate, and the ability to hit the pitches that they are given, rather than hacking away and trying to pull everything. I believe our boys are feeling a little extra pressure, and maybe for the first time this season they are doubting themselves just a bit. The thing is, all it takes is one full-effort, well-played game to give them back the confidence they need. Use all the cliches you want, play 'em one-at-a-time, we can't look ahead, pitch the ball-catch-the-ball-hit-the-ball, whatever you want.

I must say that I'm a little disappointed in Aramis' decision....but maybe this will be a catalyst for someone to step up and spark this team back into reality.

As for the recent arguments here, it reminds me a little of my religious upbringing. (I'm not espousing anything, just using this for an analogy!)

You can't have Law without Gospel. : )

That is to say, Aaron's rants and rational arguments both bring a needed tilt to most of our tendency to not want to see our defects with the clarity of total objectivity. On the other hand, JimK and Neil especially, provide that other necessary tilt to make us realize that things are never as bad as they seem and that focusing on positives will always reap more benefits than wallowing in despair.

That's my .02. Let's go Cubs!

Cory or anyone who watches a lot of Iowa Cubs. Is the SS Joe Simokaitis a name we should be watching out for?
Also it looks like Samarzdja (SP, I will never get that one right) and Hart had a pretty good outings. Hopefully Hart can get back to last years form, he would be a huge boost for the bullpen.

Yeah, Aramis had a tough weekend. However, maybe something from the Dominican was weighing on his mind. Weve all had issues such as this, and, if he can take care of it, and come back strong, I think thats the best that could happen. Good luck, Aramis. Hope everything works out in your favor.

Jimbo - Good point. Aramis knows how important his role is on this team and for him to leave during this stretch it must be pretty important. Thoughts and prayers are with him.

Scott is right,

All its going to take to get this turned around is one good game where they obliderate someone and we will be back on track.

I've missed the weekend series based on business travel, but it's been intriguing to read the banter on the site recently.

I tend to see both sides of Aaron v. some others. For me, I'm not a bit stats guy. While they may tell me some trends, I prefer "heart" over pure ability. Jordan was never the best technique shooter, though his heart and desire to win would never be questioned. Same for John Stockton who was not the biggest or fastest, but played every game like his last. And the same for our lost Walter Payton...never the biggest or fastest, but great work ethic and a disdain for losing.

Big salaries also bring out the worst in assessments, because expectations become so high. Marquis makes what, $7 or $11m a year, yet can't string together a consistent series of productive starts. Dempster (and I'll take his 9 current wins any day), is working awfully hard, but can't replicate Wrigley success to the road, with no reasonable explanation besides perhaps focus and execution (and perhaps limited run support on the road as well). We can look at a Murton, see his minor league stats, but ultimately this aging kid can't make mental and physical adjustments to contribute at the big league level.

While some have proclaimed the key misses of Soriano and Z (the latter of which I agree with), I tend to think we have missed Reed Johnson probably more than anyone (I'll await the skewer to me on that one) based on his energy, defense and intangibles he brings to the club. Same for a Theriot, and a maturing Gallagher. The Lee's and Ramirez's will always be key, and they are smart enough to make relevant adjustment, but when push comes to shove, I'll take heart anyday.

I'm confident we'll get back on track, but something is a bit off. The team needs to get back to better basics, fundamental execution, and a stronger killer instinct/urgency on the road. I know it's a long 162 game journey, but for each player making his millions, and playing "a kids game" for 3-5 hours a day, we should expect intensity, focus, and the consistent aspiration to personally improve, perform, and win, regardless of role on the team.

Agreed about Johnson. It sure seemed that when he was put on DL, the rest of the team stopped hustling. Just saw an interesting fact about him--twice was he hit by three pitches in a game, and apparently he is one of the all time leaders in HBP. I'm remembering that braves game where he had a "walk off" HBP.

Nick, it's highly unlikely Simokaitis will ever make an impact at the big league level. I watched the guy all throughout college and he can definitely field his position but he never amounted to much at the plate. He was batting just .182 in AA before getting promoted to Iowa. I hope I'm wrong but I don't see this kid ever being able to handle big league pitching.

Thanks Drew.

Wow. Just wow. Not sure what to say but after reading Scott's comments (A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED IN RAMIREZ???) I must admit that I am at a loss for words. Why question one of your team leaders when he has a "family matter" and requests time off? Gee I hope your boss and co workers are a little more flexible then you seem to be about. Could the timing be better? Of course but sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you have to react on the fly. Let’s all take a step back and hope that all is well for Ramirez and his family back home and nothing is seriously wrong.

Now for what the Cubs need to do is to make a trade. Any trade, just something to infuse new life into a tired ball club. While I don't think we can get someone like C.C. or Harden, Burnett could be a realistic and affordable possibility with the Jays falling out of contention.

49 wins and 16 games over .500 are far better than I expected at this point in the season so I am happy. Just remember those stats the next time you think the sky is falling in.

Nick,

Drew is right, Joe Simokaitis,25, has only been up a couple games for Iowa this year and he was only hitting .183 in 142ab's at AA. He played for Iowa at the end of last year in 130ab's he hit .223 with 1 dong. I'm more interested in Andres Blanco. He's a 24 year old SS out of the Royal's organization. He's a slick fielder and is currently hitting .289 in 187 ab's for Iowa this year.

I went to the game yesterday and Samardzija won his 1st AAA game. He went 6 innings allowed 1 run on 4 hits and 6 walks and struck out 4. He worked out of a lot of jams and was really all over the place. He's not ready for the Show....yet.

Hart hasnt pitched much since going on the DL. He's made two appearances in the last month. He went 2 and a third on the 18th and just went 3 scoreless innings on the 28th striking out 5.

Hoffpauir has been awesome as usual. He had 2 more hits and two rbi's in yesterday's 7-5 win and made a game saving diving catch in the 9th. He's batting .306.

Believe it or not good ole Jason Dubois is hitting the cover off the ball! Yesterday he hit his 10th homer in only 82 ab's for Iowa. He's hitting .293 and he's only 29 years old.

One problem about Dubois and Blanco though is they're not on the 40 man roster. Where could we find room, hm.....maybe say... Murton?!!? Seriously Dubois is a huge upgrade over the red-headed waste of roster space! Hoffpauir has nothing left to prove down here, he deserves to be in the bigs!

With the win yesterday Iowa finished a grueling 5 games in a weekend goin 4-1 to remain in 1st place in their division 3 games over the Memphis Redbirds. They have the 3rd best record in the PCL.

PLEASE GET A.J. BURNETT! WE COULD USE HIM.

Hopefully all is ok with Ramirez and family....must be serious to take time away from the club when they need him most. Hopefully comes back refreshed and ready to battle the Cardinals.

Regarding trades, the local paper here in San Diego (Union Tribune) and several news channels are screaming for the Padres to begin to trade for prospects after being swept by the Mariners. The only thing holding the Pads right now is the fact teh Dbacks are are horrid first place team and instead of being close to 20 games out they are only 9 1/2 out. But they're calling for Greg to come home to Chicago for one last run with the team he came to the dance with. They also list Wolf as a player the Cubs migth want. Nobody is even talking about any other team but the Cubs. They mention Hoffpaur and Pie and candidates for return.

Thanks Cory.

Ewwww...god I would LOVE to see Maddux back here. I live in New Orleans now(lived in Chitown '87-'90 god bless the US navy), and I remember seeing him pitch back in the day. But I really like Hoffpaur and Pie. Tough decision...y'all think he still has what it takes?

I would love to see Maddux back as well, but would hope it would only take 1 prospect like a Pie. Greg is a obviously a short-term solution, but certainly a good one.

And Mike, I liked your post from earlier today. Well stated.

Maddux should be a long term solution as a player/pitching coach! I have advocated this for years!

Ramirez probably has foxes raiding the hen house and they are taking out his best fighters.

Very smart comment

If we combine for both Maddux and Wolf I can see giving up a top prospect. If we just take Maddux, I think we can get him cheap. The Padres want to do whats right for Mad Dog and let him have one last run for a ring. Probably could get him for someone like Sam Fuld or a Double A pitcher.

Scott....I never mind anyone stating their opinions or concerns. What I was tired of on Saturday was the "season is over" talk after every loss over the last week.

I welcome any and all opinions, that is the reason for the site. I felt that is was time for me to voice my opinion about that subject.

Neil, I completely agreed with what you said. It was necessary to be said, and especially by you, someone who is passionate without being a jerk. : ) I think you do a phenomenal job.