Welcome to Open Forum Fridays. Just like the good ole USA, majority rules at the good ole CCO. Each Friday pressing topics will be written about and then decided by the CCO. Whether it's one topic, five topics or as it is this week, four topics.
We ask that you begin your comment or post with your answer on the topics for the day ... then feel free to explain how you came to your conclusion. The forum will be open until 5:00pm CST ... one hour after the forum closes, the majority's decision will be posted.
The Battles of Spring
Spring Training is heating up, and soon so will the competition on the field. Not only will the Cubs be playing other teams, but also they will be battling their teammates for starting jobs and playing time.
The match-ups listed below are my thoughts, with a winner and a loser. Please let us all know your thoughts below. Hey folks, it's "Open Forum Friday!"
Ryan Theriot vs. Starlin Castro - SS
Ryan Theriot is the incumbent and has made it clear that he will help Castro anyway he can, but that it is his job and Castro must come get it.
Theriot has a lot to prove after losing his arbitration hearing and feeling the heat from Baseball America's cover boy. Castro will be 20-years-old on March 24 and has skyrocketed through the Cubs farm system. Most fans are leery of the "best prospects" because so many have flopped, especially in the last 10 years.
Theriot is a scrapper. He goes all out and, as many have said, always appears to be on the edge of out of control. He is an average fielder at best, but a proven top-of-the-order hitter in the Bigs. Starlin Castro is the future SS of the Cubs. However, his immediate future starts in Iowa. Look for Theriot to be the Opening Day shortstop.
Kosuke Fukudome vs. Xavier Nady - RF
Kosuke Fukudome is entering his third year on the North Side. After the first game of 2008, the Cubs and their fans had high hopes for this Japanese import, but he has failed to deliver in the second half of each of his two seasons. A hot start will only elicit skepticism from the masses.
Xavier Nady is coming off his second Tommy John surgery and should be back to 100% sometime in the first half of the season. He has a one-year contract and will be playing for his next one. If he puts up offensive numbers similar to his past, it will be hard for Fukudome to hold onto his spot for very long.
Look for Fukudome to start the year in right, but come July, The X-Man will be the starting right fielder.
Jeff Samardzija vs. Tom Gorzelanny - 5th Starter
Tom Gorzelanny is a former All-Star and proven starter in the majors. He has had his ups and downs and struggled mightily since his Summer Classic appearance before being traded to the Cubs last year. He is a more proven and cheaper option than the Shark, but the contract signed by the Shark gives him an upper hand here.
Jeff Samardzija should be given every chance to win the 5th starter job. He came out blazing in 2008, but suffered a large setback last year with a 7+ ERA. He spent the offseason honing his secondary pitches and looks to make an impact in Spring Training.
Tom Gorzelanny will win the role to start the season, and Samardzija should be sent to Iowa. The Shark has been moved back and forth too often the past two seasons and I, like many others, think this has slowed his development. Either he starts for the Cubs or he starts for Iowa. There should be no two ways about that. If Samardzija is the pitcher the Cubs thought they drafted in the 5th round in 2006, then he could be ready to join the rotation by July. For now, it will most likely be the Southpaw from Evergreen Park, IL.
Jeff Baker vs. Mike Fontenot - 2B
I have a feeling this battle is one no Cubs fan really wanted to see. In our heart of hearts, we would love Castro to be ready and have Theriot back at 2B, but that doesn't appear to be very likely at this point.
Jeff Baker played well, hit well and showed impressive versatility for the Cubs after arriving via trade from Colorado last July.
Conversely, Mike Fontenot struggled mightily in what was supposed to be his breakout season. Little Babe Ruth has shown flashes of power and above-average hitting, but he has never been able to put it all together. Will he get a chance to do so in 2010, or will he be part of a platoon?
Unless one of the two has a blistering spring, look for Baker and Fontenot to split time at 2B. Also, Baker will be subbing for Ramirez at third so that should allow a little extra playing time for Fontenot as well.
Well, that's my take. What is yours? Agree? Disagree? Both? Neither?
I know you all have opinions, so lets hear them.
Until next time ...
Stay Classy Cubs Fans
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I'm with ya Neil, Castro isn't ready (inexperience), Nady isn't ready (health), Samardzija isn't ready (he doesn't know how to throw a breaking ball yet), and as far a second base goes...who knows. We've got a pair of career backups going for a starting spot. I actually prefer Blanco over both. And he is a backup too. No faith in our depth at the position.
Not to be overly pessimistic though. We've got a real chance to contend IF certain players bounce back. It seems like this debate has been going on for far too long. I want April to get here!!
I hate the idea that Marshall wouldn't even be considered for the 5th spot. I feel the Cubs owe him that. We can't trade him, we REALLY need the pitching depth - especially from the left side. I think the Shark should start out in AAA, and Marshall and Gorzelanny should be split in the rotation by Dempster. Marshall has paid his dues - the Shark needs to dominate again in AAA for a few months.
Cookachoo, you have to look at the numbers, they tell the story. Marshall is much better out of the pen and is excellent at stranding runners.
Theriot vs Castro:
Both. Castro should start the season as the Cubs SS. This eliminates the desperate need for a backup SS. Theriot becomes your #2 SS, with Baker capable of filling in at 2B for a short period of time. If he has the confidence that he has stated, give him a real shot.
Fuku vs Nady:
Fuku to start the year. Give Snyder or Colvin a chance to start on the 25 man roster. Move Nady to AAA DH for Ryno. Let Nady build up his arm strength, then bring him up when ready. When his arm is ready he will be the starting RF.
Shark vs. Gorzelanny:
Both. Gorzelanny should be 4 and Shark should be 5 after ST until Lilly is ready. Marshall should be given an opportunity with say the Blue Jays or Padres. When Lilly returns which ever pitcher is pitching better, gets the 5th spot in the rotation.
Baker vs. Fontenot:
My first statement eliminates this competition altogether. Baker becomes super utility with Theriot's move to 2b. Fontenot is overly expendable at this point. He is a wasted roster spot, give him a chance to win a job somewhere.
None of this will happen however. Theriot will start at SS. Nady will be a DH/PH only on the bench. Marshall will be used in the same role he has for years now - get some starts and struggle then convert back to the pen where he will be a decent lefty reliever. Fontenot will hit in spring like he continues to do, win the starting job due to the fact that he is lefty then carry his hot streak to the regular season for about 10 to 14 days - then nothing.
Theriot vs Castro - To start the year, Theriot (I've preached the Blanco argument enough times to not have to repeat it). Once Castro has continued his play at a high level in the minors and enough time has passed to ensure he won't be a Super 2 ARB case, I would call him up and put him at SS and swing Theriot to 2B. I don't believe in the once he's up he has to stay. If he needs to be sent back down to work on something, so be it. ARod and many other great players had to go back to the minors a time or two.
Fukudome vs Nady - Fukudome to start the year, as soon as Nady is able, he will be part of the 4 Man Rotation (Soriano, Byrd, Nady, Fukudome). I believe if Nady is healthy, that he could get the most playing time of the 4, from that time on through the season.
Samardzija vs Gorzellany - Gorzellany. Samardzija needs some more time as a starter. BUT - as with any power starting pitcher, if his 2nd and 3rd pitches are that much better, he will pitch his way on to the staff. Long Term - he is the best choice as you are adding another young guy to the rotation, who could stick around for awhile. (Of course I also think that if Silva shows his sinker is working, I think he will get the spot, based on $$$)
Baker vs Fontenot - Fontenot has no place on this team. He can not back-up SS at the major league level. Baker can play all over, and has more value. If Fontenot was RH, he wouldn't even be with the team anymore. Could a platoon work...Yes...but...I think we don't have the roster spot for a guy who can only play 2B, that doesn't hit, he needs to hit or be traded or waived, prior to his contract being guaranteed. So with the choices I say Neither. I would play Theriot, Blanco, Baker as my middle infielders, with depth chart at 2B - Theriot, Baker and SS Blanco, Theriot. My short term fill in from the minors would be Barney with Castro as the long term fix, if needed.
So now it seems that Millar is the leading candidate to land a key roster spot (see Zambrano article in the online Trib). I guess the sign outside the training facility should be "any players under age 30 need not apply".
Whatever happened to ST competition?
If I was an aspiring young player in the system I would hate this organizational mentality. I just can't wait for the Pinella era to end.
Castro is an intriguing and promising prospect but I can't understand the talk of him on the MLB roster. He is not ready and it would hurt both the club and his development to even be considered at this point for a role on this team out of spring training.
Guzman's sore shoulder may be telling in light of his problems at the end of last year and the Cub's seeming willingness to include him in a trade for lesser talents. It again shows the vulnerability of this team, the bullpen.
i fully expect fonty to play well. last year he had to deal with a position change his first year as a starter. i think the fact that we have rudy to help and a steady position, fonty will excel in his role this year....
Theriot vs Castro
Kosuke vs Xavier
Samardzija vs Gorzelanny
Baker vs Fontenot...UGH
I defer to Neil's opinions on all of the above....Everyone should know my viewpoints by now.
I currently view the Cubs as an "alien entity" with strange news eminating from camp on a daily basis...(Millar?)...
and no games yet played.
Welcome to "Lou's World"...with a direct path from Aurora to Clark and Addison.
The Cubs opening day rotation:
Zambrano
Dempster
Wells
Silva (Lou likes vets & $$$ talks.)
Samardzija is in AAA. Eventually to take over for Silva when he stinks out the joinr.
Gorzelanny is included in a trade...hopefully for the elusive
RHP pen arm. (Only because he's not
viable for the pen)
By July...(when Neil feels Xman will take over for Fuko)...Soriano will be on the DL...Nady will be in LF (everyday)
and the best of Colvin/Snyder/Fuld will
be installed as the other outfielder...
probably Byrd moves to right where he is rated higher defensively and one of the young legs take over center.
(Since the Cubs are most heavily invested in Colvin...my money's
on him....But my heart is with Snyder/Fuld.)
I'm giving up my arguments for Blanco/
Fontenot/Baker to the drama of and
comedy of "Lou's World".
I'll just sit back and watch what transpire's in the Arizona Twilight
Hour.
I never imagined they would try and open with this 2nd base option...and I'm just awed by it.
- While I may not sound it...I'm still
optimistic.
Go Cubs!!!
Your optimism is shared here as well. I just get so frustrated (and at times amazed) with the leadership approach of this team.
With the age (and injury history of many) why wouldn't (and couldn't) this management team express that "hey, we're going to try a bunch of combinations out there this spring, allowing everyone some opportunities to show what they can produce. And then around the mid-point of the ST competition we'll start piecing together some thoughts and make some initial decisions".
Even though Lou expressed that Millar would have to "earn" his spot based on performance, the follow up comments (based on Lou's history) just pointed to a roster spot.
This team isn't a consistently succeeding dynasty. Let's create some genuine competition, and let the outcomes hopefully generation some well-needed tough decisions.
Bryan, Agreed....as I do with 90% of your posts.
SuzyS, how about this for optimism? I'm hoping the reporting of Silva is out of shape is similar to my opinion of Rick "Big Daddy" Reuschel back in the day, but the big man proved everyone wrong with his pitching and pinch running skills.
PaulS...I really loved Reuschal...both Paul and Rick...then they traded Rick to
SF I knew he had a lot left...and was po'd at maagement at that point. (some things never seem to change,lol).
Rick was a 20 game winner several times.
Silva will never be that...but the weight thing doesn't seem to be that muchof a deal on Silva.
What is very realistic is Jason Marquis like numbers...at the very best...if he
can do that...that will make him tradeable at the deadline or offseason.
I'd be very happy with that.
Paul - thanks for the return tomemory lane.
If Castro has a solid spring, JH should give him a locker. That will instantly and drastically improve the Cubs' up-the-middle defense. Experience is overrated in most cases. Range and arm strength deep in the hole or up the middle is what wins games.
I'll beat on three outcomes:
Gorzelanny > Samardzija, 5th spot
The Shark still has one option left. (Thanks, Neil, great work on the 40 man roster.) Gorzy, none.
Sharkman is not a lefty, while Gorzy is. Shark needs to prove he's capable of commanding the zone. Gorzy had proven he could. It's just his confidence.
Contract-wise, for a reasonable return, the GM philosophy commands a Shark to be really ready, and wouldn't risk rushing. It's Shark's job to lose for 2011, while it's not 2010 Hendry worries about.
***
Fuk > Nady, RF
What do they say about Nady's defense? And possible issues follow a SECOND surgery?
The numbers don't lie. Nady can be good when the time comes right. He's a streaky player. Another Soriano.
He'll hit alright throughout the season. Girardi wouldn't stop starting Xavier pre-Tommy. That tells us something good about him. But in how many games were Nady replaced for defensive purposes?
More righties in baseball equals to a plus for summoning the Dome, and we don't need to worry about not capable of running or throwing straight to third.
Yeah, there's the contract and obligation to stick with veterans, but hey, for the Cubs, who doesn't?
***
Baker > Mike Fontenot - 2B
1. Numbers pro Baker (I made a quik review here:
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2010/02/cubsrambling10_1.php#comment-82742 )
2. If Jaramillo is a magician, then perhaps we'll see balls jump out of "Little Babe Ruth" again. I heard Matt Murton could run in Japan. Who would have heard that here?
3. Go watch the Winter Games. We'll worry about Mikey or Jeffrey after we watched them play.
IMO Castro shouldnt be with the club until AT LEAST LATE JULY take it easy with him like Beckham and the sox dont rush him or bring him up until later even if hes KILLING the ball
Theriot vs Castro - Theriot will start the season in shot, but if Castro tears up AAA pitching he should be brought up midseason.
Kosuke vs Xavier - Dome should be the everyday Rf. He brings outstanding defense and a cannon for an arm in right, plus I beleive he will improve his numbers and Rudy is already working with him.
Samardzija vs Gorzelanny - Marshall
Baker vs Fontenot - Here's hoping for a bounce back season for Fontenot.
Just when I say I am not gonna respond to roster spots... this little excercise comes along. Ugh, let me repeat UGH!
Castro/Theriot--I want to see Starlin succeed. I want him to be the starter at SS. But I think Theriot is better suited at SS out of ST. Castro with Ryno until he makes it impossible not to call him up. Theriot then obviously moves to 2B and our middle infield just improved tremendously (see later)
Fuky/Nady--Dunno. I have been to Wrigley and I know for a fact that it is alot farther than 120 ft from RF to Home. Therefore by default and injury recovery Fukudome. BUT, Nady is the better player when healthy. I expect that when Nady can throw he will be the starting RF'er and Fukudome will be a defensive replacement. A VERY expensive and wasted defensive replacement. But for those who want Nady as Ryno's DH til he can throw, Ain't gonna happen, he has no options left. DL maybe, rehab stint maybe. Otherwise, He is on this team out of ST or not on this team at all, and that IMO would be a mistake
Shark/Gorzo--Well this has to be #4 and #5 for now. When Lilly gets back, Gorzellany (I prefer an emerging guy like Coleman, Jackson, Diamond). Shark in AAA to start all season. If (there is that word again) he shows that he can command his fastball to all 4 corners and outside of the zone, If he can command his "Splitty" as an out pitch, and If he can develop an off speed pitch then he will be solid. I still see Shark as a reliever, but aparently the Brass disagree.
Baker/Fontenot--This is my biggest UGH! And I also said I would not bash Hendry but I have to here. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???? If it is your intention that Baker is the super sub, than why is he entering the season in either a platoon option or as a starter at 2B? Huh? You saw what Fontenot gave you as a starter last season right, I hope so, because we all did. Mike is a solid left handed bat off the bench, but without a Derosa type roving the field (IE 2008) he can't be that guy because he only plays 2B. Why was a move not made to shore up this position?? I am not gonna mention "He that shall not be named anymore because the Cubs don't want him"
A Trade for a 2B??? Nothing. As a matter of fact it was hardly ever mentioned as a priority...EPIC FAIL. 2B is the black hole of this team and has been since this roster started to take shape.
I am also optimistic, but not very happy with management right now. Thanks again for showing me how much :)
Go Cubs Go!!!!
I urge everyone to visit Cubby-Blue.com
for a really enjoyable visceral experince.
I can't seem to do the link correctly...
but Neal has the link bottom left of this site under Cubs Blogosphere...
highly recommended!!!
Suzy, thank you for mentioning Tim's site.
http://www.cubby-blue.com/
He's a great guy and does tremendous work. He and I have exchanged several emails over the years. He even used an idea I sent him.
You probably know this, but Tim's work is in the VineLine every month.
Anytime, Neil..I love his work...he could make a fortune in T-shirts.
I don't get Vineline...ordered and paid for it once...but it never came.
-Felipe Lopez just signed with the Cards.
Oh Well.
Heard about Lopez.
Question...how many playoff teams or division winners has Lopez played on?
Zip...good point...I'm just not comfortable with the Fontenot/Baker platoon.
On the platoon, that makes two of us. Not thrilled with that.
I think Mike Fontenot does not fit on this team. I hope I am wrong.
Agreed.
My opinion on why they didn't sign a better 2nd base option is because they think that Castro is close(not ready yet but close). He is probably expected to be on the big league team either this year or next. That way you dont get stuck with a veteran 2nd baseman for more that one year. Which moves Theriot to 2nd. So those of you that complain about Castro not getting his chance, and them not signing a better 2nd baseman, and them signing guys to bad contracts. Your arguments dont make sense. You could say that they could of signed someone for one year but a veteran, unless he is desperate(which would also mean that he wasn't that good) is not going to sign a one-year deal.
And for pete's sake, stop complaining about then not counting on the youth. Youth is unpredictible and when you are making the last chance push for a WS with this core group of guys, you dont half way do it.
This is probably Lou's last year. He doesn't want to rebuild the team. Go with what you know works not the unknown.
This is the last chance for this group(actually it might of been last year). Next year will probably be teh rebuilding year with either Lee or Ramirez gone, Lilly gone, possibly Zambrano.
Then you guys will get your wish of all the Snyder's, Colvin's, Fuld's, Castro's, etc.,etc. on the big league team and we will be lucky to have 70 wins for about 4 years. Will be the Pirates with less talent. But you guys will get your wish. Oh yeah, and we still wont have a WS.
You are truly missing the point of many here. This isn't about a total overhaul of the team. It's about creating a fluid blend of youth and experience, and to stop the craziness of long-term, no trade contracts. It's about creating an enviable farm system that creates sustainable options on how to build a long-term winning franchise.
jerljr...you have valid points. I don't understand the surly nature of
them.
I buy the Castro argument...and thought of that long ago....and really don't mind waiting a while for his call-up.
Most likely, the mlb adjustment will take him some time...no matter how good he is.
However...with one line in your post...
you invalidated the whole thing.
"Youth is unpredictable and when you
are making a last chance push for a WS
push with this core group of guys, you don't half way do it." -Your words.
To me, that means you don't fill 2nd base with 2 back-ups.
You sign Felipe Lopez at second...at this point a cheap one year deal for the switch hitter....likely 2-3 million.
You pay for it by trading/releasing
either Fontenot or Baker...Blanco/Barney
Hoffpauir/Tracy/Lahair etc...whomever is not likely to make the team.
If you are truly going for the WS...you have to make a move like that...regardless of Castro's status.
The call for Snyder/Fuld/Colvin etc...is only because of the assumed failure of Soriano and a recognition of the aging nature of this team.
That debate does not assume they are core players.
As for less talent then the Pirates...
that's just plain sour grapes...this is a major market team.
You got to excuse my post sometimes because I'm at work so I got to go back and forth and sometimes I dotn explain myself very well. So I apoligize
The 2nd base position, They are stuck there. No money plus the fact that if they would of tried to sign a Felipe Lopez or Derosa(which there were rumors at the time) they would of had to sign them for a multiple year contract. Because unless a veteran is desperate because he is at the end of his career and the only way he can get a contract is to sign for one year, its going to be for a multi year contract.
Cubs got Castro who "could", notice I say "could", be ready in a year. I think that would probably be a safe projection. If they would have signed a veteran to a multiyear contract then they have a log jam at 2nd.
To be honest with you. I have more anticipation in seeing Castro then any other prospect in the Cubs system. And I see them probably calling him up this year mid season. Kinda like Blanco last year. Jump up and down. Then next year be the starter at second.
I just get fustrated with people on this website. This is not a Playstation game. The team has to make money, they have budgets, the players want to make money, they want security, a player in your minors doesn't automatically become better with play and years in the franchise mode. You can't sign the top free agents every year without another team outbidding you.
Just because, with all do respect,a guy is mentioned on this website as a up and coming "prospect" that doesn't mean he will be a good majorleaguer. I saw a post the other day where somebody wanted basically the whole triple A lineup in the majors, come on.
They are prospects but by definition they are and this is not exact, "possible" future stars. Its not a given. And as I said before and sick of saying, there is a big difference in success in the Minors and success in the majors.
JimK uses to be one of my favorite posters. I didn't always agree with him but he did seem to have good head on his shoulders. I think I heard that something happened to him and he is no longer with us. I sorry to hear that.
I just like we have turned into a bunch of whiner. Just complain to complain. With no reasonable thought behind it.
I think its because there's not musch hope in Cubs land these days and we all secretly dread this season coming up. I hate to say it but we are not going to be that good. Unless theres a MIRACLE. So lets hope for that.
Agreed Suzy and Bryan.
I could not have really said it better myself...thought about it over lunch and you guys drilled the points out of the park.
Oh and to have a call for Snyder, fuld, colvin over Soriano??? Is crazy.
I would be Highly supriozed if any of them would even come close to the season Soriano had last year, and it was a bad season.
Jerljr...Not over Soriano...backing him up.
Re JimK...also my favorite poster...he passed away in October...after a few weeks of flu-like symptoms...a real shock.
If you go into the archives and check the November 1 post of last year...you'll find "A Tip Of The Cap"
...basically a tribite to Jim with pics...and several selected stories by Jim...they are excellent.
We all miss the levity and humor of that
wonferful man.
ps...I do have hope for a better season
then last.
Ill ask one question????
Would you rather have Soriano who has been a productive majorleaguer and had a bad season or Snyder, Fuld, Colvin who has NEVER been a productive majorleaguer?
By the way. Soriano is not one of my favorites. He's a showoff and struggles against good pitching. I dont like showoffs. But he is a productive player that I hope will grow out(which he should have already done)of his childish ways.
jerljr...
Here's the JimK post...great reads.
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2009/11/cubs_faithful_2.php
I've never liked free swingers...but to answer your question...I'd prefer Soriano produce...with whomever as backup.
I'll give you that one, as a backup. 5th outfielder. Break them in gently.
I would like Kiko and Felipe for one year deals suck it up and pay them a "fair" ammount for this time of year and get them they would instanly improve our team. Our solution at second is not good. Our bullpen is even worse.
But that the thing, I dont think you get them for only one year.
Wheres the need? Does the team need them more then the player needs the team?
Theres other teams that need a second baseman for more than a year. They would rather go there.
That what I thought I saw about JimK.
So I'll give a belated farewell to JimK. I uses to look forward to his post and had great respect for his opinion.
And as is mentioned many times on here I'm not trying to put anybodys opinions down. I think people's post and opinions are emotionally based and the "big picture" is not being looked reviewed.
But then what would we talk about? The weather???
Its cold here but I hoe that it warms up enough that I can go golfing this weekend.
Thanks for the post SuzyS
Let me clarify so there is no confusion...
I said we are stuck with Soriano, he is our Left Fielder for the forseeable future good or bad. I do not want him out of the lineup. I want him healthy and popping 30 dingers from the 5 or 6 hole and approaching 100 RBI. I want him playing a serviceable Left Field (The Red Sox had Manny and won with a serviceable contribution in the field).
I want Snyder, Colvin, Jackson to be able to show what they can do and fill in when needed. We are not going to start deluding ourselcves into thinking Soriano is gonna play 150 games this season. We can hope...But probably won't happen. We need depth. And if that depth comes from young guns than we are all the better for it. Simple.
I'm pretty sure one of those three will be there. Cause your right I dont see Soriano playing a 150 games. But I can see him hitting 30 and maybe 85 RBI. I dont think there is any real reason to think differently. Unless he is coming to the end of his career and last year wasn't just a "bad" year. But it may not be till he does get hurt. Cause the extra roster spot will probably be someone in the bullpen because its weak.
Guys...make sure you check Arizona Phil's
report at the Cub Reporter...(link on Neil's Tweet.) It's dynamite.
It's early but James Russell/Blake Parker/ and my "secret weapon favorite"...Thomas Diamond all had good outings today per Phil.
It bodes really well for our pitching
staff later in the season...and especially for next season's rotation.
If a finally healthy Diamond can reign
in his control probems...we may have a
new Ace in the making.../ and as Neil said..."Coleman really knows how to pitch." - Ryno.
I do believe the our starting rotation
in the future looks bright.
I question whether or not this regime has the balls to succeed (no pun intended).
When coaches come out and start proclaiming fringe players have already made the team before spring training games (and thus, real competition) begins, it's a recipe for complete disaster.
I want to point out something for anyone thinking Millar would be a great fit given his days with the "idiots" of Boston.
In 2004, the Red Sox had:
Varitek-.296 avg, .390 OBP, 18 hr, 73 RBI
Millar-.297 avg, .383 OBP, 18 hr, 74 RBI
Bellhorn-.264 avg, .373 OBP, 17 hr, 82 RBI
Nomar-.321 avg, .367 OBP, 5 hr, 21 RBI (38 games) and Cabrera at .294 avg, .320 OBP, 6 hr, 31 RBI (58 games)
Mueller-.283 avg, .365 OBP, 12 hr, 57 RBI
Manny-.308 avg, .397 OBP, 43 hr, 130 RBI
Damon-.304 avg, .380 OBP, 20 hr, 94 RBI
Nixon-.315 avg, .377 OBP, 6 hr, 23 RBI (48 games) and Kapler at .272 avg, .311 OBP, 6 hr, 33 RBI (136 games)
Ortiz-.301 avg, .380 OBP, 41 hr, 139 RBI
Now, that's what I call an absolutely loaded lineup. Couple that with guys like Nixon, Youkilis, and Roberts on the bench, and it's even more impressive.
Millar kept getting worse each year after that.
Only the Cubs would reward that type of mediocrity with a roster spot. What totally blows my mind is the fact that Millar was falsely credited, along with Damon, and other lesser players with turning around the franchises performance in the World Series, but I just posted essentially a starting-lineup average of between a .290-.300 avg, and over a .380 OBP. Almost everyone in that lineup averaged 20+ hr, 70+ RBI to boot.
Did he have a lot to do with them winning? Sure, along with Damon, I'm sure they kept the clubhouse loose, but they also had the stats to warrant them being in the everyday lineup as well. And while Millar would not be an everyday player, he'd still take a valuable roster spot from some young player we should be developing, and getting acclimated to the MLB pace of the game.
I am very disappointed and concerned with the direction of this franchise over the last 2 years. In 2007 and 2008, it really seemed like the franchise was starting to head in the right direction, willing to spend, and having a manager that was willing to sit underachievers no matter their veteran/rookie status.
It seems that not only have they become complacent, but they've also become way too old, and as last year proved, trying to be too cute, rather than going after a sure thing.
Unless you're happy with a .220-.230 avg, and .310-.320 OBP and about 7-10 hr and around 30 RBI from a bench player, then Millar is NOT your guy, and clearly, the Cubs aren't happy with those type of numbers, because they optioned Hoffpauir at the end of the year because of similar numbers. Why then would they bring aboard a veteran, nearly 10 years older than their other options, when they know what he'll give? Why not give a LaHair, Snyder, Fuld, or Blanco his spot instead. At least in those cases, you'd be getting upside. There's absolutely no upside to having Millar.
We had Dempster, Wood, and DeRosa on the same teams, and we did just fine, albeit shut out in the postseason.
This year, we have Dempster, Lilly (who has come out of his shell the last 2 years and goofed around), along with Byrd (who always has a smile on his face), and Theriot (who after Wood and DeRosa's departures, has taken on more of a leadership role). So I'm not quite sure we need another clown in the dugout. What we need is results on the field. PERIOD!!!!!!
Aaron...you are definitely the angry young man of the CCO...:) :) :).
Why not wait until ST games begin and we're closer to the real decisions...
so far...I think Lou is just blowing
smoke...in "Lou's World"...at least I hope so.
he rarely blows smoke....except for last year with the whole accountability thing at the start, then he made absolutely no significant changes.
I am angry, because I've been a fan my entire life, and you, Neil, and others on here have been alive even longer than I have...and we still haven't seen a championship. Furthermore, we haven't even seen a consistent playoff-worthy team either, and that's the most troubling thing of all...it's this sort of complacency that we see in the organization and in Cubs nation altogether.
I think we should demand excellence, because ultimately we're all stakeholders in all of this, having spent many of our dollars on this joke of a franchise. Sounds like I'm not a fan, huh, making a statement like that? But what I mean by that, is for all the money the Cubs bring in, coupled with ad revenue, etc., and all the blunders they've made management-wise, you'd think after all these years they would've figured some things out, but they still haven't...it's awful to watch.
I am a fan of the history of the team, especially 1945 and earlier. Believe it or not, but along with the Yankees, we were one of the premier teams in the early part of the last century. And growing up with the likes of Sandberg, Dawson, Maddux, Grace, etc. on WGN, the Cubs made a fan out of me...but still I want more than just a good atmosphere. I want to see a championship in my lifetime, and to do that, I believe the Cubs need to get rid of the Hendry's, Piniella's, etc. of the management, and bring in new energy. They need to get young on the field, and they need some premier young talent to get a chance, and all I'm saying is this spring is the prime time for that experiment.
aaron we ALL want to see a champioinship but with all respect i disagree about having the young player play it out what future would we have if we just throw the players out there and ruin them?
none
i love our minor leagues but lets take it slowly unlike the past..
Aaron, 1rst...Lou is blowing smoke...1rst thing I heard is Blanco and Fuld had made the team...then it's let's try Fuld at ss so we can get a more offensive bat in the line-up.
The latest was Millar.
When Lou sees the guys actually playing
and seeing the real talent that surpasses
Millar around him...he'll change his tune again.
Right now...all I'm saying is hold off on judgement until we see who really comes north with the team.
No sense having a coronary over things that havn't happened yet.
1945 and before is really before my time...thank God...but if you really look at it...the original PK Wrigley...
was really an inspirational owner and tried hard to be competitive.
When his uninspired son (William) took over and used the Cubs as a tax write off...(60's -70's)...until the Tribune
took over...that's when the Cubs truly
became moribund...I can remember walking up the day of the game and getting tickets to the beachers (at low face)...
and there might be 6 - 10,000 in the park....and there was never ANY hope we'd get better.
The Trib at least tried...hiring baseball folks etc...(McPhail)...and breathed life in the team...evidenced
by our playoff appearances...but in the end...they were big business...and not very good at it either.
We really have not had an inspired owner
since the original PK (in the 20"s).
Everything I see says the Ricketts will to win is really there...And that is the difference.
Within this decade...I do indeed expect to witness a Cubs World Series.
Just like everyone poo-pooed Kennedy when he said we'd go to the moon in the sixties...it happened...because our leader had the will to go there.
Our owner seems to have that same will.
beutiful, I love this site!
Thanks, Augustin...I love it too.
Excellant post SuzyS! I agree the media is seeking something from Lou everyday, so I think he just gives them some quotes. Who knows maybe to motivate some and give confidence to others.
Now if at the end of spring training he is keeping guys that were out performed we can voice our displeasures.
I think we all want the young guys or underdogs to succeed, but we must realize that if the Cubs field all youngsters, then they will not be winning and there goes tickets sales along with revenue you need to run the team. Lou and JH both say the young guys will let you know when they are ready. There is no sense in keeping young guys on the bench and hamper their development by sitting and only playing once a week, that is a veterans job.
As Master Po would say "Patience Grasshopper"!!!!
Your fact is right, but I just want to point out the father is William, while the lousy son is PK.
Though, as inspirational as William Wrigley was when he first took over full control of the Cubs, Bill changed his mind about how to build a winning team. He pointed his finger to Joe McCarthy. Joe resign unhappily, despite bringing the Cubs to a World Series and built the team from scretch.
Bill Wrigley favored one-time great secondbaseman, Rogers Hornsby, to take over as manager.
What happened to Joe McCarthy after Wrigley got rid of him? The highest winning percentage in baseball history for whom managed 1000+games (.615), and the first Yankee Dynasty of more than a decade. Joe managed 3487 games throughout his career.
Hornsby, meanwhile: 1530 games, .463. He did deliver the Cubs to a World Series, but then was swept by the Yanks (thanks, Joe, for biting us back!).
So much for history, but the Cubs needs to learn from its history.
I don't believe in Hendry's philosophy. He is cautious. He's not a baseball guy. He graduated from business school at DePaul or somewhere. He was a marketing guy. He's good with people. He kept good coaches and scouts. And he listens to them.
But let's get to the matter: When are young talents ready?
There's no absolute timeline. If a player has both the skill and mental toughness ready for overcoming difficulties in the Big, he is ready. Jimmy Rollins was redeemed as a superstar the first year he entered pro. He took 3 years in the minor. Starlin Castro?
Dorasaga...sorry about PK vs William...I was going strictly from memory...which is a little faulty as I get older...nice research...btw.
I think Rickett's might be wise to take a lesson from the old Bulls....
Doug Collins was fine to get us from point a to point b....It took recognition and a leap of faith to hire
an unproven maverick, Phil Jackson...to
get the Bulls to Title Town.
Baseball is totally different, I know...
but the same principle applies...
Hendry has gotten us close...but not quite....in short...I agree that a new GM
should be given the reigns.
We need fresh blood at the helm.
so since this has already gone way off Brian's original topic (which i do believe has been beating to almost bloody) Aaron's post made me wonder something, and this can be a new open forum, if anyone cares to play the unfun game of "who's the PEDer?"
how long has Manny been a user? Ortiz? his rapid breakdown is very suspicious. Damon? hell yeah (sorry Suz, i can't stand the guy).
I don't like the game either, I really just hope we can escape the cloud someday soon. Now McGuire doesn't ever want to see his brother again, what friggin soap opera...for all of LaRussa's "genius", hiring Mac will prove to be the dumbest damn thing he's ever thought of.
for the record: Theriot, Nady (in July), Gorzy, neither
From the better late than never department..
Theriot vs Castro:
I say when ST games start hand Castro the job and put Theriot at 2B and leave it that way until Castro proves he can't handle it. If it works...great...thats what we all want. If it doesnt...no worries...we have what we need in-house to quickly abort the plan by shifting Theriot back to SS and inserting Baker/Fontenot at 2B. But why not give the kid a shot.
Fukudome vs Nady:
What this will amount to is a straight platoon. They will not bench Fukudome with the money they are paying and he isn't that bad against RH pitching and he has a gun in the outfield. Nady's arm is nowhere near ready for regular throws from the outfield...especially RF which is where usually you find the strongest arm. He will not be taking the job outright.
Shark vs Gorzelanny:
No contest. Gorzelanny should take the spot. He is conditioned to go deeper into games than the Shark will be. Shark was awesome in his first year strictly out of the pen. Why not keep him there where we have a need? Gorzelanny has experience as a starter and he's a lefty to replace the lefty Lilly. The only other lefty option we have is Marshall and he has proven that he is better out of the pen for an inning or for situational pitching than as a starter.
Baker vs Fontenot:
This is the only one I am on the fence about. Obviously most of us would like choice A--having Theriot at 2B. But assuming he stays at short for now.....I see an argument to let Baker have the job based on his performance last year. You could do the simple platoon which would give Fontenot the majority of playing time. You could just let them play it out in Spring Training and go with the hot hand. I agree with the notion that hopefully good ol Rudy (man this guy could look like a savior when all is said and done) can get Fontenot back on track. I dont generally like the idea of a platoon in the middle infield because it screws up the dynamics on defense when the double play duo know where each other will be each play.
As for the JimK references above....I miss his banter this time of year on here. I hope he is up tipping a cold one with Harry and getting ready for the season.
Well we don't have to worry about getting F. Lopez any longer, mlbtraderumors says he signed with St. Louis. Hope that one doesn't comeback to haunt us.
Wonder if the Cubs are talking to Calero on a incentive contract? You would think you could do that to guard against injury.
Lopez For 1. freakin 75 million. I have been an avid reader of this site for 3 years, and a Cubs fan since 1984. I was 7 years old. There is no better site for knowledgeable cubs fans out there. Neil, Suzy, Aaron, Ripsnorter-I love reading your posts everyday. Please tell me where we couldn't find 1.75 million for a one year deal for Lopez. I really hope Fontenot comes in angry and has something to prove- that being said, I just don't know if it is going to happen. By July, I really see our outfield being Byrd, Fuk, and Nady. In my gut, I just don't feel we can count on Soriano anymore. The problem is that we build our teams to contend in the division, but we get destroyed in the playoffs due to being a one-trick-pony. We have NO team speed, and 1 base stealing "threat" in Theriot. We have to be able to manufacture runs as well, and we just can't do it. Lee should be our 2 hole hitter, especially in this lineup. He's the only pure hitter we have. We have 4 guys who are 6 hole hitters on their best day (Soriano, Geo, Nady, Byrd). Most days by July, if all goes to plan, they'll be in the lineup at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I want us to win now as much as the next rabid fan, but we have to get younger and faster, sooner than later- if we want to have any chance against Philly, LA, etc. You have to set the table if you plan on having dinner. Oh, and one more thing, Z has got to get it together this year. Im sorry about the rant, I just let it all simmer a little too long. We've been talking about having a window to win for a few years now, and it seems like its now or never. Go Cubbies, and I can't wait for some baseball.