Many uncertainties remain with four games to go until the All-Star break. However, the Cubs and their fans hope one major question will be answered ... soon.
Will Aramis Ramirez be able to produce at the level he has for years coming off of a dislocated shoulder? Or will Ramirez be tossed into a shuffle of dizzying disappointments for the 2009 Cubs?
A loud shriek could be heard across Chicagoland when Ramirez landed awkwardly on his right shoulder while diving for a ball in Milwaukee. He lay on the ground writhing in obvious pain. Plainly said, the Cubs best hitter for years was going to miss some time. Only now, it wasn't a pesky hamstring.
Cubs' brass and the Faithful were nervous, but focused on a lineup that produced the most runs in the National League in 2008. Granted, Ramirez would be out, but with Derrek Lee, Milton Bradley, Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto, the team would be able to tread water.
The team did not tread water, offensively that is. An atrocious inability to score runs plagued the team and the rotation dealt with stagnant win totals. But it is the rotation that has kept the Cubs within striking distance heading into the All-Star break. That could easily change with four losses against the Cardinals this weekend, but here's hoping that will not happen.
Baseball is an odd game in that one small thing can make a mountain of a difference. The Cubs were playing an abysmal form of baseball through early June of 2007, and then Lou Piniella kicked his hat.
The Cubs were 22-29 going into June 2, 2007. Piniella kicked his hat. The Cubs lost the game to slip to 22-30. After that, they went 63-47 and won the division.
Can a kicked hat do that much to a team? The media created the hype, the fans bought into it, and Lou quickly created his Chicago legacy.
Having an All-Star caliber third baseman return to the lineup after a two-month absence is not a small thing. However, the confidence it instills in his teammates can be easily overlooked.
Chicago is a city that doesn't forget too easily. Cubs' fans do not forget either, but they do forgive. Moreover, they worship.
Milton Bradley could be beloved by the end of 2009 or 2010, but that seems like a pretty tall task for Milty at this point. However, if it does, he will have #16 to thank most likely.
Derrek Lee has turned boos into raucous praise in the past six weeks. Look for that to continue with his partner-in-crime returning to the every-day lineup.
Cubs' fans have not forgotten the long struggle the team experienced trying to replace Ron Santo. The Gary Scotts and Kevin Ories were touted. Willie Green, Shane Andrews and Vance law tried. 27 and half years after Santo left, Ramirez arrived and since then he has stepped up in more ways than one.
He now faces his ultimate challenge. Can he rebuild the confidence in the lineup with mere presence alone? Can he scare pitchers enough to throw Soriano fastballs? Can he once again provide Lee the protection that helped the first baseman win a batting title in 2005? Can he do the unthinkable, as was noted, and help Bradley fulfill expectations? These questions remain to be answered.
Ramirez has created and strengthened his legacy since he arrived in Chicago halfway through the 2003 season. A 2009 Division title, and possibly beyond, would go a long way solidifying it.
Stay Classy Cubs Fans ...
Guys....without fueling the interesting late night dialogue from yesterday, as an avid reader of CCO I'm personally tiring of the lengthy and dysfunctional banter. Aaron, I'm usually right with you on most of your commentary, but so much is getting old news already. If I hear Dunn's name again I'm going to puke. And Jim K, I'm a successful CEO who has a lot of young professionals in my organization. You do indeed come across as condenscending in your "age = wisdom, so listen to me" mentality. Everyday I learn a lot from the young professionals in my business (I'm in my early 50's), and I encourage and applaud their inclusion.
We all are frustrated with the off-season trades and performance of the team. And many (including me) would like to see the accountablity at the Hendry/Pinella level.
But can we please stop this level of banter that we tend to be seeing more frequently here? All told, it's just baseball!
you're right...and I will tone down my long posts considerably. As I mentioned to JimK last night on here....let's keep this about baseball (which hasn't happened) and not personal attacks.
As for the Dunn comment...you're also right. I will try to stay away....try is the key. It's hard sometimes, especially with Milton Bradley's suckiness on this team. I guess I have a HUGE man crush, what can I say
And you're also right, it is just baseball. In fact, I'll be having a weekend without it (except for my job, which demands it), but I am not going to be watching MLB at all this weekend, and I think I'll be better off for it. The Cardinals (outside of when Wellemeyer starts) seem to be the real deal. Honestly, I think it's a small victory for us if we even come out of this 4 game set with a single victory. Frankly, I'd be shocked if we even got one win.
Wow, Bryan. Thank you for saying that. Let me know if you have PayPal.. I'll wire you the money for a beer!!! :)
Bryan...I feel like $10 million bucks now. kidding...
I was listening to Mike and Mike in the Morning yesterday, and Dennis Leary was on, discussing how big of a sports fan he is, and he said something that made me smile. Can't remember word for word, but he basically said that sports means absolutely nothing...and therefore we SHOULD get obsessed with it. It's good to get obsessed with something that means absolutely nothing. Unfortunately I can't remember his reasoning, but I always see here people who have a very strong emotional attachment to this team (how can you not???), and it is good to take a step back from time to time....then jump right back in, because to me, anything short of spontaneous combustion once our team records the final out of our WS win will not be enough.
Bryan....I appreciate your comments. Last night, I indicated that attempt at caring was a last one. Like you, I have always learned from young associates and usually tried to give them sufficient authority to develop and take responsibility.
I did some teaching too, as I'm sure you do, and I have just tried to be a good example. I'm sure the older you get, the more pleasure you will enjoy from the success of others you have influenced in some way. That's one of the good things about playing the back nine. If I can think of another one, I'll try to remember to mention it.
Ok, while we're all doing a group hug, I just want to make sure I get the last word in. Dunn still sucks !!!
LOL !!!
:-)
Go Cubs.
Somehow, I don't think that was the last
word!!! lol
OK guys...back to baseball...
I see that mlbrumors.com says the Colorado is looking at Freddie Sanchez
and the Pirates covet EYoung Jr. from
Colarado...if the deal doesn't happen...
is Eric Young Jr...at age 24 someone we should consider for our future 2nd baseman?...anybody.
ABSOLUTELY...in a heartbeat...friggin' heartbeat. In the minors, he's put up about a .290 avg, .380 OBP, but the astounding thing is his stolen bases (47 already this year...87 in 2006 in A ball). He'd be the prototypical lead-off hitter we need, and the best part about it, is he fills an immediate void.
But outside of offering a starting pitcher (Harden) or middle relief, I just don't see how we could get him, especially if they were going to get Sanchez for him straight up.
SuzyS:
I don't know enough about EYjr.
I will concede, we need a second baseman. Fontenot, Freel, Baker, Miles and Scales haven't been the answer. Oh, I forgot, Soriano has played there as well. Enough said.
Sanchez will be 31 in December. The Cubs should trade Fontenot and another player or 2 for Sanchez.
They are pushing hard to trade him, 5 onknow teams had called about him plaus the Rockies and Giants. Do you think the Cubs called. I sure hope they did, the Cubs need a good 2B fast and Sanchez is the guy. He has a good glove and bat and also can leadoff.
Lineup with Sanchez:
Sanchez 2B
Theriot SS
Lee 1B
Ramirez
Hoff/Btadley RF whoever Pinella chooss to play
Soriano/Fox LF whoever Pinella chooss to play
Soto C
Fukudome CF
Pitcher P
That would be a bad ass lineup when Bradley and Soriano start hitting along with the pitching, I hear playoffs right now nut I still hear playoffs without that trade. This was a most needed off day, they look tired and sloppy out theree yesterday.
Agreed...and I did a few days ago as well...though I've kind of had some second thoughts about it, though I agree a shake-up is well overdue. Here's why I have second thoughts about Sanchez:
1) Sanchez gets $8 million next year if he has something like 620 or more plate appearances (maybe it's a little more), but he's already had one part of that option kick in, which is the All-Star appearance. There's a VERY good reason why the Pirates want to trade him. They simply do not feel that for a 2B with little pop in his bat (though he gets a lot of doubles), they could probably spend $8 million a whole lot better than that (and they might be right)
2)they'd want a whole lot more than Fontenot in return...I know you mention 2 other players possibly, but still, what would that take? Fontenot, Marshall, Ascanio? It very well might take that to get him. Is that really worth it? Would new owners even approve it? (by then, it'll be a moot point anyway, because the sale probably won't happen until after the deadline anyhow)
3)While I agree Fontenot is absolutely KILLING us right now...2B is one of our least concerns right now. The biggest, in my opinion would be Soriano, Bradley, and now Soto.
As Brian and Shaun mentioned last night, this team has SOOOOOOO many holes right now, when it reality, there's no way that should happen....at least on paper. When your light-hitting midget second baseman equal home runs and more RBI than your right fielder, and gets paid $400k to his $10 million, then you have SIGNIFICANT issues. When, at the mid-way point of the season, your RF, which is a traditional power/RBI position in the game, only has 6 hr, 19 RBI, there's absolutely no way in hell you can expect to win ballgames. It just isn't going to happen. And when your $18 million man in LF is hurt, and can't drive the ball with power anymore, sitting on 14 hr for 2 months now, it makes it even more difficult. Combine that now with Soto's injury, and Fontenot's struggles become even more magnified, when in all honesty, they shouldn't, if Soriano and Bradley would just do their job, or at least go on the DL so Fox and Hoffpauir can do their job for them....and better
Aaron...I agree with the continued dilemma in RF and LF, and that that's a bigger problem than 2b. I'd like to see a lineup of:
Fukodome RF
Johnson CF
Ramirez 3B
Fox LF
Lee 1B
Soto C
Theriot SS
2B de jour 2B
Hoffpauir could rotate at LF, RF, 1b
And perhaps we can find another hot bat from the farm if Soto goes on the DL.
All told, Soriano needs to go on the DL and Bradley just needs to sit (aka Magglio Ordonez). And if Soriano heads to the DL, then bring Fuld up and juggle Fdome, Johnson and Fuld at the top of the lineup, and create some on-base havoc. Just some thoughts.
I never though of the whole Fukudome in RF, Johnson in CF idea...that's actually a good idea. It's quite clear that Bradley should ONLY hit lefties, so on days like that, you'd have Johnson in CF, Bradley in RF, and Fukudome on the bench.
I like it
Bradley should always play against lefties. Or he can just be a permanment right which he can hit from.
Aaron, I'm in agreement with your assessment...the key things hurting us are Soriano and Bradley...then a wobly bullpen.
That being said...other than DL for Soriano...and given the history,,,Bradley at some point...I don't see that the Cubs can address them
until the offseason...if then.
Our best trading chips are starting pitching...(when Dempster comes back)
With Ascanio/Shark/maybe Hart/a converted
Heilman all candidates for next season's
starting rotation...Our best trading chips seem to be starting pitching...
Building for a world championship...I want ss/second/center/catcher...to be strong...defensively. good bats, and atheletic speed...and no has beens.
So an EY Jr is the type I'm looking for...not Sanchez with his salary...
and I'm willing to give up a major league ready starter...and maybe another prospect to gey it done.
btw...Hendries relationship with Colorado
may be an advantage for him to mine...
They view the Marquis deal as the most
lopsided in franchise history (thanks for the article , Aaron).
Freel is further evidence of a relationship...If I'm Hendry, I use that for a more equitable deal.
Wow. Looks like I missed quite a bit yesterday.
A day like yesterday reminds me of an advantage of being a Cubs fan. The day game allows me to listen to the game while at work, and frees up my nights without the constant distractions of checking the score on my phone when I'm out.
Since many of you have conceded the season, maybe you can ease up and enjoy the ride. I still see good things coming for this team and will not give up until at least September.
Call me an optimist, but I also thought that was what being a Cubs fan was all about.
Here's the thing with that though, Soriano, Bradley, and Soto may be bigger issues than Fontenot, but they have the 'back of the baseball card' numbers to warrant them staying in the lineup. Besides, they are set and not going anywhere.
2B is our only position where we can honestly improve (maybe CF) and Sanchez plays solid D, good speed, gets on base...aka- he is perfect.
We would not have to give up Marshall for him i bet too
Our lineup with Sanchez is muchhhh more solid and top to bottom, it looks great (granted soriano, bradley, soto hit)
I think all three of them will hit above .250-.260 which would mean that they would still have very solid second halfs to raise that avg. and soriano may even hit a homer in the second half!
Bits and Pieces....My short take is that Young won't be in Cubs Blue--although it would be a big plus if he were ours. The Rockies have Barmes (30) (whom I hoped for in the offseason) at .282-10-43 and he's in the $1-2 mil range vs. Sanchez $8 mil next year. The Rockies can't afford Sanchez. They keep Young to go with Stewart, Fowler, Smith et.al. in their youth movement.
Can we afford Sanchez (31)? That's a new owner decision--as is the big decision of rebuilding or attempting to reload. Neil could be right that we are stuck with most of our big people. Adding a top leadoff guy like Sanchez and hoping that most of this years disappointments become highly productive would be a "one last shot" strategy.
I've mentioned the belief that professional sports is the next "bad economics" bubble to burst. That's one reason I suggested trying to move Z one of our most onerous contracts.
Making that harder is this from a comcast.net/slideshow/sports I saw last evening. The Jays are now offering a $95, recession buster season pass. That is $1.50 a game. More to the point, the Yankees attendance is down 365,000 and the Mets 300,000 in their NEW stadiums. That's about $25 mil for the Yankees in half a season (or CC's annual salary +. The football Giants and Cowboys have no takers to be their new stadium sponsors. The NBA is cutting salary caps.
My guess is that the new owner will want to operate with a reduced payroll from this year's $140 mil--in part to cover $25 mil or so of interest and in part to cover declining overall revenues. I don't think attendance will decline much--but other sources will. That suggests a rebuild vs. a reload to me and would remove Sanchez from consideration. One strength we do have is a stronger farm system--albeit two years away for guys like Vitters.
Rebuild becomes easier and quicker if we can (somehow) move a big contract or two. If Z stays, sending Lilly ($12 mil)and A level prospects to the Red Sox for three AA and up guys like Reddick (OF), Doubront (LHP) and maybe Nick Hagadone (LHP) could make 2011 a lot of fun.
I'm only sure of this. The new owner and the rest of us are between a big rock and a very hard place.
I am moving towards the EY jr deal. The Cubs do not need another 30+ year old player on this team!! They really could use a young, talented, fast, good D, 2B. Now that Lou has finally moved Soriano out of the lead off hole, a pesky, fast kid with a glove would be great in that spot (Luis Castillo back in the day, 03)...The best part of this deal is it almost looks like we are the team selling...Sending a Rich Harden type pitcher for the younger talented prospect. I love that deal...LOVE IT!!!!!!Financially and from a baseball standpoint. And he can play at 2B for a while, locking down that position and the leadoff hole for years to come...
Further more, EY Sr was a fan favorite in Wrigley if I remember correctly. He always played hard. I remember an afternoon game I was at where he made no less than 3 web gem plays 2 in CF and one at 2B.
Make it happen JIM, the Fontenot and Harden for EY Jr.
But please if this does not occur may he PLEASE not become the next B-Roberts where that is all we hear about!
cloycub13...I like that deal also...but it was just my conjecture...wracking my brains while looking at other trade possibilities...I don't know that JH has this on his radar even...but he should...
or some similar type trade.
No I am sure he does not, but i would much prefer ideas like this as compared to a Jake Peavy who would add to an already strength, add payroll, and add ???????. The Cubs have Pitchers, they have too much payroll obviously, and they have a billion and a half questions.
It may have just been conjecture on your part but that is a very refreshing outlook as compared to go get a Manny Ramirez type. The Cubs do not need any more overpaid, underperforming aging superstars, they need ballplayers that fill needs!
Agreed.
Piniella should walk the walk. He's always going on about playing the hot hands. Bench Soriano and Bradley. Play Fuld and Fox. The Cubs brass are playing these aging sluggers based solely on their contracts. They're hoping that the players start to hit to justify what they pay them. How about putting together a line-up card based on who'll help the team win?