After a sophomore slump in 2009, Geo made progress in putting the Rick Wilkins comparisons behind him by posting a .385 wOBA in 2010, even better than his ROY-winning season in 2008. Unfortunately, 2011 turned out to be more like 2009. Soto was projected to be the best hitter on the team with a .363 wOBA. He finished the year with a .228/.310/.411 slash line, resulting in a .316 wOBA. So, not good.
It wasn’t just that he had bad luck either – his poor 2009 numbers were partially to blame on a .246 BABIP, this year it was .280. Soto’s ISO was more or less in line with what he’s done so far this year but his other peripheral stats could be good cause for worry. His walk rate fell below 10% for the first time in his career after posting years of 11%, 13%, and 16%, while he strikout rate, normally hovering around 20%, rocketed up to 26.2%. Defensively he graded out as slightly above average per fangraphs catcher defense evaluation, though for what it’s worth Soto led NL catchers with 13 errors. Soto threw out 30% of would-be basestealers.
Geo got off to a slow start in April, posting a .239 wOBA. To Cuey’s credit, despite Geo’s slumping ways he stuck with him rather than giving us heavy doses of Koyie Hill. Geo went on the DL in May with a groin strain, and while his power came back (hitting 5 HR in June), his patience and strikeout rate remained poor the rest of the season.
Despite all of his woes at the plate last year, Geo was still worth 2.1 fWAR and 1.8 rWAR. Luckily for him catchers generally suck at hitting.
A quick look at the projections says that Geo will bounce back this year – on average the systems have him at a .338 wOBA, a far cry from the .363 we were looking at last year. He’s still a well above average catcher, and we can hope that the extremely unscientific pattern of Geo performing well in even-numbers years hold true. If so, the Cubs could win 74 games instead of 72 this year!! It’s gonna happen!
Comments
;
BerseliusQuote Reply
We don’t like semi-colons up in here. I’m not even sure how to correctly use one.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]We don’t like semi-colons up in here. I’m not even sure how to correctly use one.[/quote]`
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius];[/quote]FLAGGED
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Jim Bowden]Yoenis Cespedes tells media there are six teams pursuing him: Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Tigers, Indians and Orioles[/quote]
]
BerseliusQuote Reply
I see it’s a tough crowd in the comments on this thread. Fuck you all.
mb21Quote Reply
I bet the Marlins give him stupid $
dylanjQuote Reply
FG doesn’t really have a “defensive evaluation” of catchers. They just use SB/CS for catcher defense.
ACTQuote Reply
Specifically, they use the “rSB” figure in the “Advanced Fielding” secition.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]FG doesn’t really have a “defensive evaluation” of catchers. They just use SB/CS for catcher defense.[/quote]
Well, that’s still one way to measure catcher defense (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I see it’s a tough crowd in the comments on this thread. http://www.fuckyouall.co.uk.[/quote%5D”
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]We don’t like semi-colons up in here. I’m not even sure how to correctly use one.[/quote]They are used to combine two complete sentences into one; this is different from a comma, which is used to combine a sentence fragment.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]”[/quote]mb, I don’t think you summarized your link good enough for SK; please be more careful in the future.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]They are used to combine two complete sentences into one; this is different from a comma, which is used to combine a sentence fragment.[/quote]A comma can combine two independent clauses too. The difference is the semicolon removes the need for a conjunction, or so I thought.
MishQuote Reply
Phew! I’m tired after all that neg reccing.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Semi-colons used to be cool. Nobody uses them anymore.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]A comma can combine two independent clauses too. The difference is the semicolon removes the need for a conjunction, or so I thought.[/quote]Or in Al Yellon’s case, a comma signifies the drawing of breath.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Semi-colons used to be cool. Nobody uses them anymore.[/quote]Hipster Ricketts agrees. Todd Ricketts added that he also likes large trucks.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I dare you to faget point me, faget point bandit.
MuckerQuote Reply
The punctuation talk will stop NOW or I will go on the most punctuation filled rant you have ever seen!
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]The punctuation talk will stop NOW or I will go on the most punctuation filled rant you have ever seen![/quote];/;)&&”??,!!!!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]They are used to combine two complete sentences into one; this is different from a comma, which is used to combine a sentence fragment.[/quote]I understand that they are for two independent clauses. But why not just end the sentence and start a new one like an un-lazy Latin.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]The punctuation talk will stop NOW or I will go on the most punctuation filled rant you have ever seen![/quote]
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://blackacrebrewing.com/hey.swf
Click “Under 21” when prompted. Sorry guys, not explaining the link further beside the fact that it requires sound.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
good stuff from Doug Glanville
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7446666/social-responsibility-vital-big-leaguer
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]The punctuation talk will stop NOW or I will go on the most punctuation filled rant you have ever seen![/quote]Al: The shitty gift that keeps on shitting
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]http://blackacrebrewing.com/hey.swf
Click “Under 21” when prompted. Sorry guys, not explaining the link further beside the fact that it requires sound.[/quote]http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/complete-rebuild-cubs-re-sign-reed-johnson.html#comment-71634
Obviously you don’t read every comment.
WaLiQuote Reply
Dammit, guess I don’t get dinner tonight.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
http://www.theonion.com/articles/unpopular-bcs-crowns-alabama-national-champions-en,27034/
It’s the Onion, just click on it.
Aisle424Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius];[/quote]It would appear based on the +/- that is the most offensive comment left in this blog’s history.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It would appear based on the +/- that is the most offensive comment left in this blog’s history.[/quote]
;
BerseliusQuote Reply
A semicolon should be blog shorthand for “I am offended by your comment” (dying laughing). Still not as awful as saying someone looks tired.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]A semicolon should be blog shorthand for “I am offended by your comment” (dying laughing). Still not as awful as saying someone looks tired.[/quote]Again. Name calling. Stop it.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_importance_of_summarizing
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]http://blackacrebrewing.com/hey.swf
Click “Under 21” when prompted. Sorry guys, not explaining the link further beside the fact that it requires sound.[/quote]Negative point for not reading every comment, especially one of mine (dying laughing)
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
Tim Tebow, a good person.
http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7455943/believing-tim-tebow
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Tim Tebow, a good person.
http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7455943/believing-tim-tebow%5B/quote%5DBased on the available evidence, yes. Still a bad QB.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
i believe Tebow is a genuine good guy.
dylanjQuote Reply
Is there going to be a big splash before the Convention?
MuckerQuote Reply
My name is really bubbles.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
it took awhile but i realized that I don’t dislike Tebow just 99 % of the people who like him. Disliking a guy because he isn’t the best QB around is silly. Not liking the religious nutjobs who worship him is common sense
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]My name is really bubbles.[/quote]
we are a really cynical bunch and probably for good reason but I think Tebow is pretty legit as a person
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]it took awhile but i realized that I don’t dislike Tebow just 99 % of the people who like him. Disliking a guy because he isn’t the best QB around is silly. Not liking the religious nutjobs who worship him is common sense[/quote]
http://aeryssports.com/the-pulse/friday-fail-43-of-america/
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]we are a really cynical bunch and probably for good reason but I think Tebow is pretty
legit as a person[/quote].WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
Starlin Castro statement
BerseliusQuote Reply
Cespedes —–> Cubs, Marlins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians and Orioles
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Starlin Castro statement[/quote]
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Cespedes —–> Cubs, Marlins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians and Orioles[/quote]
That is probably physically impossible and almost certainly against the rules when any one of those teams plays another one on that list.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Cespedes —–> Cubs, Marlins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians and Orioles[/quote]
[quote name=WaLi]http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/another-shitty-cubs-season-in-review-geovany-soto.html#comment-75273
Obviously you don’t read every comment.[/quote];
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]it took awhile but i realized that I don’t dislike Tebow just 99 % of the people who like him. Disliking a guy because he isn’t the best QB around is silly. Not liking the religious nutjobs who worship him is common sense[/quote]Yes. Don’t hate the man, hate those that suck his cock and the other 43% who would if the bible didn’t tell them not to.
WaLiQuote Reply
At Cubs Con. Met Tony Campana. I’m taller. Inundated by fans that make me want to kill myself now.
/cool story bro
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]At Cubs Con. Met Tony Campana. I’m taller. Inundated by fans that make me want to kill myself now.
/cool story bro[/quote]Aren’t you Asian? He must be really fucking short then.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]Aren’t you Asian? He must be really fucking short then.[/quote]I am the 1% that is taller than Campana.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I am the 1% that is taller than Campana.[/quote]
The 99% are going to be protesting on your lawn later tonight.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]
[/quote]
You’re watching a tennis match?
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]it took awhile but i realized that I don’t dislike Tebow just 99 % of the people who like him. Disliking a guy because he isn’t the best QB around is silly. Not liking the religious nutjobs who worship him is common sense[/quote]
Living in Colorado and being in the middle of Tebowpalooza I have found, to my surprise, that most of the Tebow lovers are not religious nutjobs. That faction is certainly a noisy one, but I don’t believe they are anywhere near a controlling majority. The narrative in the media wants it to be this, because it’s the far more interesting story, and once one accepts that (it does seem reasonable) it becomes more difficult to see it as being otherwise, as every story seems to confirm that in one way or another.
Most Tebow lovers around here are Broncos fans desperate for Elway’s Heir to arrive, and have allowed themselves to get caught up in the hoopla against their better judgment (Tebow’s Elway-esque flair for the late-game dramatics, and the human tendency to overinflate the value of intangibles doesn’t help either). It’s been a tough decade plus–especially the last five years–and Broncos fans are weary of wandering in the wilderness.
For the rest of the country, I think the bigger problem is the long-lamented human tendency to overvalue a player of dubious abilities because of the “things that don’t show up on a stat sheet.” This is that to the nth power. Tebow is the hopes and dreams of all the Eckstein-Theriot lovers made flesh. Because of the way baseball is set up, it’s extremely hard for a Theriot to rise to these kinds of heights. In football, though, as we are seeing…not so hard. What’s missed in the Broncos improbable run is a much improved defense, and a running game that was one of the best in the league despite not having a true top flight RB. A shitton of luck doesn’t hurt either.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]My name is really bubbles.[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Cespedes —–> Cubs, Marlins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians and Orioles[/quote]He’s going to play for all of them?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]That is probably physically impossible and almost certainly against the rules when any one of those teams plays another one on that list.[/quote]You must not have seen the video.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Starlin Castro statement[/quote]About what we expected him to say if he said anything at all.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Living in Colorado and being in the middle of Tebowpalooza I have found, to my surprise, that most of the Tebow lovers are not religious nutjobs. That faction is certainly a noisy one, but I don’t believe they are anywhere near a controlling majority. The narrative in the media wants it to be this, because it’s the far more interesting story, and once one accepts that (it does seem reasonable) it becomes more difficult to see it as being otherwise, as every story seems to confirm that in one way or another.
Most Tebow lovers around here are Broncos fans desperate for Elway’s Heir to arrive, and have allowed themselves to get caught up in the hoopla against their better judgment (Tebow’s Elway-esque flair for the late-game dramatics, and the human tendency to overinflate the value of intangibles doesn’t help either). It’s been a tough decade plus–especially the last five years–and Broncos fans are weary of wandering in the wilderness.
For the rest of the country, I think the bigger problem is the long-lamented human tendency to overvalue a player of dubious abilities because of the “things that don’t show up on a stat sheet.” This is that to the nth power. Tebow is the hopes and dreams of all the Eckstein-Theriot lovers made flesh. Because of the way baseball is set up, it’s extremely hard for a Theriot to rise to these kinds of heights. In football, though, as we are seeing…not so hard. What’s missed in the Broncos improbable run is a much improved defense, and a running game that was one of the best in the league despite not having a true top flight RB. A shitton of luck doesn’t hurt either.[/quote]
This should have been an Unobstructed View.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Living in Colorado and being in the middle of Tebowpalooza I have found, to my surprise, that most of the Tebow lovers are not religious nutjobs. That faction is certainly a noisy one, but I don’t believe they are anywhere near a controlling majority. The narrative in the media wants it to be this, because it’s the far more interesting story, and once one accepts that (it does seem reasonable) it becomes more difficult to see it as being otherwise, as every story seems to confirm that in one way or another.
Most Tebow lovers around here are Broncos fans desperate for Elway’s Heir to arrive, and have allowed themselves to get caught up in the hoopla against their better judgment (Tebow’s Elway-esque flair for the late-game dramatics, and the human tendency to overinflate the value of intangibles doesn’t help either). It’s been a tough decade plus–especially the last five years–and Broncos fans are weary of wandering in the wilderness.
For the rest of the country, I think the bigger problem is the long-lamented human tendency to overvalue a player of dubious abilities because of the “things that don’t show up on a stat sheet.” This is that to the nth power. Tebow is the hopes and dreams of all the Eckstein-Theriot lovers made flesh. Because of the way baseball is set up, it’s extremely hard for a Theriot to rise to these kinds of heights. In football, though, as we are seeing…not so hard. What’s missed in the Broncos improbable run is a much improved defense, and a running game that was one of the best in the league despite not having a true top flight RB. A shitton of luck doesn’t hurt either.[/quote]Yes, this. The religion thing is a narrative that the media uses. It’s not like the religious Raiders and Chiefs fans love Tim Tebow.
mb21Quote Reply
Out to the Cubs Convention, fuckfaces. Maybe I’ll see RC if he hasn’t already killed himself.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Out to the Cubs Convention, fuckfaces. Maybe I’ll see RC if he hasn’t already killed himself.[/quote]
Make sure you go to Kitty O’s afterwards to catch up with Sullivan. We owe him credit for a lot of blog posts
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yes, this. The religion thing is a narrative that the media uses. It’s not like the religious Raiders and Chiefs fans love Tim Tebow.[/quote]
They are there. My facebook wall is filled with people I went to college with (it is a small Christian liberal arts school) that LOVE Tim Tebow, and it very much crosses NFL allegiances. However, I do believe that those people are an overstated segment of the population, but my feed does not support that hypothesis.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]Make sure you go to Kitty O’s afterwards to catch up with Sullivan. We owe him credit for a lot of blog posts[/quote]I was going to try to have a drink with Bruce Miles, but you have to pay extra.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I was going to try to have a drink with Bruce Miles, but you have to pay extra.[/quote]
Hi-yo!
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Out to the Cubs Convention, fuckfaces. Maybe I’ll see RC if he hasn’t already killed himself.[/quote]Not yet. Stepping on the 99%.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]They are there. My facebook wall is filled with people I went to college with (it is a small Christian liberal arts school) that LOVE Tim Tebow, and it very much crosses NFL allegiances. However, I do believe that those people are an overstated segment of the population, but my feed does not support that hypothesis.[/quote]
Yeah, this. I know plenty of religious folk from my HS who are big Tebow fans and not-Broncos fans. Though to be fair it’s pretty hard to be a fan of the Redskins right now. (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Bears fans: when the team inevitably hires that Lovie yes-man, just remember that Dan Snyder does not own your favorite team.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]They are there. My facebook wall is filled with people I went to college with (it is a small Christian liberal arts school) that LOVE Tim Tebow, and it very much crosses NFL allegiances. However, I do believe that those people are an overstated segment of the population, but my feed does not support that hypothesis.[/quote]
Like I said, they are definitely there, and they are very very LOUD.
But they seem to pop up far less than the “All he does is win” crowd (yes there is some overlap) here in Bronco country who seem prepared to tear me limb from limb when I say “I don’t know, I’d rather have a QB who can throw, but maybe that’s just me.”
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Like I said, they are definitely there, and they are very very LOUD.
But they seem to pop up far less than the “All he does is win” crowd (yes there is some overlap) here in Bronco country who seem prepared to tear me limb from limb when I say “I don’t know, I’d rather have a QB who can throw, but maybe that’s just me.”[/quote]Someone on here was talking about how it is a pretty good situation for the Broncos to be in though. You can build the rest of the team and not have to worry about getting a QB since Bronco country loves him. In 2-3 years when the warm fuzziness he brings to the field disappears and fans are actually looking for a decent QB, he Broncos can get one and have a good team built.
WaLiQuote Reply
Prince Fielder meeting with Tex Rangers. Who apparently have unlimited funds
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Someone on here was talking about how it is a pretty good situation for the Broncos to be in though. You can build the rest of the team and not have to worry about getting a QB since Bronco country loves him. In 2-3 years when the warm fuzziness he brings to the field disappears and fans are actually looking for a decent QB, he Broncos can get one and have a good team built.[/quote]
I know, I did say that. Doesn’t contradict my feeling that the better situation would be that the Broncos have a QB that can throw. My opinion is always that the Broncos would be better off with a bona fide QB, just that the current situation isn’t the end of the world considering how very odd it is. Fans don’t typically rally around a bad QB, and since the Broncos are only one year away from rock bottom and need to rebuild everywhere, this situation provides some cover for them to concentrate on other aspects that are imo more important right now.
But does that stop me from tweaking the Tebow is a Great Quarterback Despite Not Having The Only Truly Necessary Attribute of Great Quarterbacks crowd? Not at all. What I was disagreeing with in the previous thread was the assertion that Elway was screwed because he was now stuck with Tebow because of the Pittsburgh game. I don’t believe he is at all, and the situation can be used to the Broncos advantage regardless of how Tebow turns out.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Tons of people care about the Broncos again. They have already benefited greatly from this and will continue to do so for some time. We always talk about the game as if its played on the field, but most sports owners don’t really give a shit how their team does if they’re making a lot of money. The Cubs are one of the most profitable franchises in baseball and probably among the top sports franchises, but they have sucked for a long time. The Tribune didn’t care about the shit pile they sent out there because they were making big bucks. As far as they were concerned they were as successful as any other non-Yankees franchise. And where it really matters (money) they were.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Tons of people care about the Broncos again. They have already benefited greatly from this and will continue to do so for some time. We always talk about the game as if its played on the field, but most sports owners don’t really give a shit how their team does if they’re making a lot of money. The Cubs are one of the most profitable franchises in baseball and probably among the top sports franchises, but they have sucked for a long time. The Tribune didn’t care about the shit pile they sent out there because they were making big bucks. As far as they were concerned they were as successful as any other non-Yankees franchise. And where it really matters (money) they were.[/quote]Don’t you like anything?
jtsunamiQuote Reply
alfredo almenzega got a minor league deal. Hopefully he is just AAA filler
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]alfredo almenzega got a minor league deal. Hopefully he is just AAA filler[/quote]They don’t have room for him on the 40-man, but I’m all for him getting 162 starts next year while batting leadoff. 750 plate appearances while hitting .240/.300/.320 from the leadoff spot would go a long way toward the Cubs having a chance to catch the Astros next year.
mb21Quote Reply
from Buster via twitter: One exec today believes WAS, TEX, CHC may ultimately get this Fielder contract structure: 6 years, opt-out after 3 years, 22-24m a year.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]alfredo almenzega got a minor league deal.[/quote]
There goes the Cubs never make a splash before the convention myth. Almezaga (is that his name?) bitches!
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]from Buster via twitter: One exec today believes WAS, TEX, CHC may ultimately get this Fielder contract structure: 6 years, opt-out after 3 years, 22-24m a year.[/quote]
Anybody here really think the Cubs are still in on him?
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]There goes the Cubs never make a splash before the convention myth. Almezaga (is that his name?) bitches![/quote]Yep, Amezaga. Pretty sure they held this one tight intending to announce it tonight. Someone blew it though. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Anybody here really think the Cubs are still in on him?[/quote]I think they are if he falls into the price range. Then again, I think every single team in baseball is in on him if he falls into their price range (whatever they determine it to be). If it’s a good contract, sign him. It won’t happen.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yep, Amezaga. Pretty sure they held this one tight intending to announce it tonight. Someone blew it though. (dying laughing)[/quote]
I bet the hobbit’s twitter account is blowing up right now about the lack of journalistic ethics at MLBTR. For my part, can’t wait for the Amezonga presser. He better get his own Q & A tomorrow.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]I bet the hobbit’s twitter account is blowing up right now about the lack of journalistic ethics at MLBTR. For my part, can’t wait for the Amezonga presser. He better get his own Q & A tomorrow.[/quote]I think tomorrow should be designated to him. Nothing happens without his presence.
mb21Quote Reply
I firmly believe that Paul Sullivan should receive all the credit for Tim Tebow’s success.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I firmly believe that Paul Sullivan should receive all the credit for Tim Tebow’s success.[/quote]
If you had any journalistic integrity you would have saved that for the print edition. Paul Sullivan will give you a dollar to buy it.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I firmly believe that Paul Sullivan should receive all the credit for Tim Tebow’s success.[/quote]Oh, so it’s Sullivan who’s the press guy in this picture. He’s the right height. Wonder why I never figured it out before.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
Shut it down. WGC has won the blog.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Tim Tebow + David Bowie = Tebowie:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/jimmy-fallon-merges-tim-tebow-david-bowie-163308764.html
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Oh, so it’s Sullivan who’s the press guy in this picture. He’s the right height. Wonder why I never figured it out before.
[/quote]No, that guy is at least 6 inches taller than Sullivan.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]No, that guy is at least 6 inches taller than Sullivan.[/quote]Yeah, but 6″ are in his mouth.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
@BruceMiles2112 #Cubs change cover of pocket schedules. Castro was on original skeds
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Oh, so it’s Sullivan who’s the press guy in this picture. He’s the right height. Wonder why I never figured it out before.[/quote]
jtsunamiQuote Reply
PSU did not fire Paterno. He was made professor emeritus, and will be retired at the end of the year, full benefits. Lesson learned: PSU doesn’t give a shit about the crimes that occurred. Not a single fuck given by PSU. NCAA death penalty. Ruin that program for good.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]Prince Fielder meeting with Tex Rangers. Who apparently have unlimited funds[/quote]The Rangers had a great offense last year, despite not having much going on at 1B. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Fielder sign there, especially with the Angels stepping up their game.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]@BruceMiles2112 #Cubs change cover of pocket schedules. Castro was on original skeds[/quote]The Cubs care more about an alleged rape than PSU cares about decades of actual rape.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The Cubs care more about an alleged rape than PSU cares about decades of actual rape.[/quote]Don’t they know that when a woman goes to a guy’s place late at night, that counts as consent? At least that’s the consensus of the internet experts.
ACTQuote Reply
Rumors about that Jimmy Raye III from SD is emerging as a front-runner for the Bears
GMDirector of Pro Personnel job.Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://www.27bslash6.com/missy.html
JG posted this a long time ago (and probably since). I just thought of it and made me chuckle.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
I’m kind of disappointed Tim isn’t liveblogging CubsCon
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Apparently when Crane Kenney was introduced at CubsCon, he was booed.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]PSU did not fire Paterno. He was made professor emeritus, and will be retired at the end of the year, full benefits. Lesson learned: PSU doesn’t give a shit about the crimes that occurred. Not a single fuck given by PSU. NCAA death penalty. Ruin that program for good.[/quote]I want them the fuck out of the Big Ten. Can’t fucking stand ’em.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]
http://www.27bslash6.com/missy.html
JG posted this a long time ago (and probably since). I just thought of it and made me chuckle.[/quote]That was one of the funnier ones. He hasn’t updated it in awhile , has he?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I want them the fuck out of the Big Ten. Can’t fucking stand ’em.[/quote]It seems that would be well within the Big Ten’s power to do.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Apparently this front office does care about making a splash at the Cubs Convention. Cubs signed Kerry Wood.
mb21Quote Reply
That is, if you see signing a middle reliever as making a splash. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It seems that would be well within the Big Ten’s power to do.[/quote]I know there are some in power who do want them out. I don’t think there are enough of them to get it done. What they really need is Michigan or Ohio State to influence others. If one of them gets on board then PSU is gone.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Apparently this front office does care about making a splash at the Cubs Convention. Cubs signed Kerry Wood.[/quote]Did you ask BK if you could announce that without crediting Paul Sullivan?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
If that Wood deal is for more than $3 mil, I’m gonna be pissed.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]If that Wood deal is for more than $3 mil, I’m gonna be pissed.[/quote]I’ll be a bit disappointed, but I won’t be pissed. I’m also disappointed this front office cares about introducing this kind of shit at the Cubs Convention.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’ll be a bit disappointed, but I won’t be pissed. I’m also disappointed this front office cares about introducing this kind of shit at the Cubs Convention.[/quote]This is all Ricketts. I doubt Theo had much say beyond getting the deal done. This is the kind of shit you expect from a guy like this:
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Apparently when Crane Kenney was introduced at CubsCon, he was booed.[/quote]
Yup. Soriano also got booed.
Brett Jackson is channeling Geico caveman.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Yup. Soriano also got booed.
Brett Jackson is channeling Johnny Damon.[/quote].
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Soriano also got booed. [/quote]
I really can’t imagine why a big-name FA would want to come and play for these morons.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Can’t remember if this was posted already or not: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/sabr-analytics-conference-march-15th-17th/
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Yup. Soriano also got booed.
Brett Jackson is channeling Geico caveman.[/quote]That pisses me off. It isn’t like Soriano doesn’t work his ass off trying to improve. It isn’t his fault his legs went out on him. And it isn’t his fault he has a huge contract. But I guess Cubs fans will be Cubs fans
WaLi22Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I really can’t imagine why a big-name FA would want to come and play for these morons.[/quote]You know, show the guy some fucking respect. He’s worked his ass off for 5 years on this team, but nope, booooooooooo. It’s a fan convention thingy. None of these people have to be there. They all deserve some respect and respect isn’t booing them. I would have a very hard time being a professional athlete. I’d end up flinging my own shit at fans.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi22]That pisses me off. It isn’t like Soriano doesn’t work his ass off trying to improve. It isn’t his fault his legs went out on him. And it isn’t his fault he has a huge contract. But I guess Cubs fans will be Cubs fans[/quote]Exactly. Any Fielder type has to realize by now that if they come here for big money, it’s going to get shitty between them and the fans.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
BJax actually reminded me of Jayson Werth. But not ugly.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What pisses me off the most is that all of the people booing him will be begging for his fucking autograph shortly.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What pisses me off the most is that all of the people booing him will be begging for his fucking autograph shortly.[/quote]If I was Soriano I would visibly nap through the autograph session.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]If I was Soriano I would visibly nap through the autograph session.[/quote]Not me. I’d sign some the baseballs with something like this: To this stupid fucking fan I just met
Kiss my ass, bitch!
mb21Quote Reply
I’d make sure and stinkpalm my writing hand real good.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
“Dear Sir,
I saw you booing, now you ask me to sign this ball. Just thought you should know, I’m dating your daughter.
Best Wishes,
Alfonso Soriano”
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Anybody have questions for the rep from Bloomberg sports? They have a booth.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Ok, something has been bothering me since I heard about the Cubs changing some of their pre-season marketing nonsense that was about Castro since the report came to light last week. The Cubs acknowledged they knew about the allegations for awhile. I find it hard to believe the Cubs were caught off guard by this and suddenly started making changed to this shit. It seems far more likely the intention was to market Castro, but as soon as they heard of these allegations (months ago), they moved in a different direction.
Question: why do the beat writers act like the Cubs have been hurrying behind the scenes to change all this shit? Makes no sense.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Anybody have questions for the rep from Bloomberg sports? They have a booth.[/quote]Ask them if they use R+RBI.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow. Seattle just traded Pineda to the Yankees for Montero.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Wow. Seattle just traded Pineda to the Yankees for Montero.[/quote]Now that’s a player you give up Montero for and he probably has 3 times the trade value that Garza does.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Anybody have questions for the rep from Bloomberg sports? They have a booth.[/quote]I wanted you to ask them that, but you already answered it. Thanks a lot.
I don’t have anything.
mb21Quote Reply
Mariners can have them. Cubs have enough players in the “without a position/can’t field” category as it is.
I hope Soto can at least hit his way onto the trading block.
In fact: Ask Bloomberg Guys if there is an explanation for Soto only hitting well in even-numbered years.
PezcoreQuote Reply
Montero can play 1st. The question is about whether or not he can catch and that seems unlikely. it was never a legitimate possibility though. The Cubs didn’t have anyone or a group of players good enough to acquire someone like Montero unless they were silly enough to include Castro.
mb21Quote Reply
My point. Why waste the players if it’ll just block Rizzo and The Pregnant Yak? I do think the Blue Jays and Sawx have to ‘up the ante’. This is a blessing in disguise. See, the Sawx and Yankees are in a pissing contest….
PezcoreQuote Reply
I can’t believe people boo in a hotel ballroom.
I can’t believe people boo in January.
I can’t believe people as sound as Aisley and RC would go to this dweebcore hoedown.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]I can’t believe people boo in a hotel ballroom.
I can’t believe people boo in January.
I can’t believe people as sound as Aisley and RC would go to this dweebcore hoedown.[/quote]Yeah. I have no interest in attending such a thing.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]If that Wood deal is for more than $3 mil, I’m gonna be pissed.[/quote]Calm down Chester. It is $3 million with a club option, per Gordo.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
“per Gordo” in Welsh means “overhanging power”.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Pezcore]My point. Why waste the players if it’ll just block Rizzo and The Pregnant Yak? I do think the Blue Jays and Sawx have to ‘up the ante’. This is a blessing in disguise. See, the Sawx and Yankees are in a pissing contest….[/quote]Vogelbach is probably 5 years away from the big leagues. The Rays and Red Sox have a combined 2 high school draft picks in 2007 that have reached the big leagues (one each in 2007). None since. Only 26 players in 2011 23 years or under put in considerable playing time. Vogelbach will be 23 in 2016. Best case is we see Vogelbach get some playing time in 2016, but not become a regular until after. He’s an afterthought in the Cubs 1st base discussion at this point.
I think that’s one thing that the fans haven’t quite grasped. The Cubs farm system sucked prior to last draft in which 7 of 10 draft picks were high schoolers. At best one of them will put in more than a half season in 2016. At best 2 will put in considerable playing time in 2017 and realistically the ETA for most of these guys is 2018. The Cubs are a long, long way away from having that young core to build around. I don’t see the Cubs contending until then. Starlin Castro will have signed a free agent contract (with the cubs or some other team) by the time that core is in place.
However, you still have to have quality players to attract fans. If you can get Fielder at a reasonable price I think you have to do it. If Rizzo is forcing his way onto the roster you can trade that reasonable contract for Fielder for prospects or you could trade Rizzo.
BTW, I have an article coming up in a day or two about how far away the Cubs are and it touches on some of these points that I mentioned here.
Strong arguments can be made to not sign Fielder, but I think strong arguments could be made to sign him for the right price. I don’t know which is right, but for now I think we all have to get the idea of Vogelbach being a 1st baseman for this team out of our head for now at least. He’s just too far away from the big leagues. An interesting prospect for sure and someone to watch, but it’s awfully hard for me to get excited about prospects that are 4 to 6 years away from the big leagues.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Yeah. I have no interest in attending such a thing.[/quote]It’s not my kind of my thing. I might have had fun at the after party before I quit drinking.
Though people I do trust tell me it’s a lot of fun, but it’s hard to imagine without lots of liquor.
mb21Quote Reply
The club option for next year is also $3m
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s not my kind of my thing. I might have had fun at the after party before I quit drinking.
Though people I do trust tell me it’s a lot of fun, but it’s hard to imagine without lots of liquor.[/quote]I don’t go anywhere unless there’s a lot of liquor involved.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s not my kind of my thing. I might have had fun at the after party before I quit drinking.
Though people I do trust tell me it’s a lot of fun, but it’s hard to imagine without lots of liquor.[/quote]I couldn’t really afford to drink, but there were way too many people and the only guys I actually enjoyed talking to were my blog partners, Aisley and Brett from Bleacher Nation (dying laughing)
Tomorrow I figured I’d try to get Brett Jackson’s autograph and maybe David DeJesus as well. Have a foul ball I caught for my son a couple years back and figured I might as well put it to good use. Will try to get Soriano’s autograph in the afternoon.
I did not boo Soriano.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Yanks just got Kuroda. Good news because:
A) Sawx and Jays are now clear underdogs
B) Availible starting pitching just got thinner.
I’m hoping the Sawx push the panic button.
PezcoreQuote Reply
Yanks made two really nice moves to shore up a shaky rotation.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Vogelbach is probably 5 years away from the big leagues. The Rays and Red Sox have a combined 2 high school draft picks in 2007 that have reached the big leagues (one each in 2007). None since. Only 26 players in 2011 23 years or under put in considerable playing time. Vogelbach will be 23 in 2016. Best case is we see Vogelbach get some playing time in 2016, but not become a regular until after. He’s an afterthought in the Cubs 1st base discussion at this point.
I think that’s one thing that the fans haven’t quite grasped. The Cubs farm system sucked prior to last draft in which 7 of 10 draft picks were high schoolers. At best one of them will put in more than a half season in 2016. At best 2 will put in considerable playing time in 2017 and realistically the ETA for most of these guys is 2018. The Cubs are a long, long way away from having that young core to build around. I don’t see the Cubs contending until then. Starlin Castro will have signed a free agent contract (with the cubs or some other team) by the time that core is in place.
However, you still have to have quality players to attract fans. If you can get Fielder at a reasonable price I think you have to do it. If Rizzo is forcing his way onto the roster you can trade that reasonable contract for Fielder for prospects or you could trade Rizzo.
BTW, I have an article coming up in a day or two about how far away the Cubs are and it touches on some of these points that I mentioned here.
Strong arguments can be made to not sign Fielder, but I think strong arguments could be made to sign him for the right price. I don’t know which is right, but for now I think we all have to get the idea of Vogelbach being a 1st baseman for this team out of our head for now at least. He’s just too far away from the big leagues. An interesting prospect for sure and someone to watch, but it’s awfully hard for me to get excited about prospects that are 4 to 6 years away from the big leagues.[/quote]
Sorry, I just liked mentioning ‘The Pregnant Yak’ when I discuss first base issues. On a more serious note, I really think the Cubs would be better off improving things we need. LaHair is probably passable and Rizzo tore up AAA and has been labeled ‘prospect of the future’. I’d rather work on things like:
3rd Baseman
Outfielders
Entire Fucking Pitching Staff
First Base is the easiest position to replenish even Soriano can play it. But on a more interesting note, with Puljos gone and Braun suspended, is there going to be a more competitive division than the NL Central in the next five years?
I hope the Yankees additions cause an AL team to panic and give up the farm for Garza.
PezcoreQuote Reply
I’m hoping the Yankees will now swap Burnett for Soriano and let him DH now that they no longer need Burnett whatsoever.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]I’m hoping the Yankees will now swap Burnett for Soriano and let him DH now that they no longer need Burnett whatsoever.[/quote]I wonder if Bosio can fix Burnett where Larry Rothschild could not.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Thought I’d share…going back in a few hours to see if it’s worth it to get up early to get autographs. Probably not. But hey, it’s Brett Jackson and Anthony Rizzo!
http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/cubs/cubs-con-2012.html
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This is a very good point and in my opinion the strongest argument against signing Fieder to any longterm deal no matter how friendly.
mb21Quote Reply
Bah. Can’t get Soriano’s autograph because he’s on the kids’ only stage. I haven’t been able to pass for 16 in at least five years. Anyone got a spare kid I can borrow?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Overall theme from the Cubs con reports so far: every bald guy in Chicago is being mistaken for Dale Sveum
BerseliusQuote Reply
Theo; If Castro were 27, not 21, OBP would be a concern
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Thought I’d share…going back in a few hours to see if it’s worth it to get up early to get autographs. Probably not. But hey, it’s Brett Jackson and Anthony Rizzo!
http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/cubs/cubs-con-2012.html%5B/quote%5DGodspeed you valiant motherfucker
Suburban kidQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/articles/major-league-baseball/10-best-pitching-seasons-in-my-lifetime.html
mb21Quote Reply