Major League Baseball should add more playoff teams. Now. And they shouldn’t stop at just one more wild card team. They might as well add two and force one of the division winners to prove themselves with an extra postseason round.
Bud Selig reiterated this week his belief that the playoff field would expand to ten teams as early as 2012. The wild cards have proved they belong in the postseason. Since the wild card was introduced in 1995 (technically 1994, the year MLB proved that having zero teams in the playoffs was a bad idea), wild card teams have a 139-133 postseason record (.511). That’s a pretty decent sample size. The wild card concept (and playoff expansion in general) was originally greeted with much skepticism, but thus far the teams first place forgot have fared better in October than their divisional-champion opposition.
Their success shouldn’t surprise us. A wild card team can easily have the second best record in the league, and that was the one of the initial justifications for adding them: ensure that the team with the second-highest win total reach the postseason. Adding another wild card will make it impossible for the team with the third-highest win total to miss the playoffs. That’s good, I guess, but it’s not enough.
Adding one wild card per league and one extra postseason series is a way of making the lesser teams in the league earn their place in the later rounds. It rewards, in theory, teams that have proved their worth by winning their divisions. The problem is, history has shown us that division winners as a group are slightly inferior to wild card teams. Isn’t that what the 139-133 record tells us? So shouldn’t at least one divisional winner have to play its way into the divisional round of the playoffs? I believe so.
This weird mini-round pitting wild card against wild card threatens only the other wild card teams. The same wild card teams that have, as a group, shown they belong in the postseason just as much as the division winners do. They shouldn’t be penalized for the fact that MLB’s divisional alignment is stupid. But they will.
I know a lot of people bemoan playoff expansion because it waters down the field. Well, in the past that hasn’t been the case. It also makes the playoffs more exciting for more fans. Cal Ripken and the homerun boom have been credited for saving baseball after the 1994 debacle, but playoff expansion gets too easily dismissed as a savior. Expanding the postseason makes October more interesting. It makes the pennant chases of September fun to watch. It even makes August, July, and June more bearable knowing that the definition of contention is broad enough to include almost anyone.
Especially as Cubs fans, that should come as a welcome innovation.
Yes, agree.
I think any argument about watering down the playoffs with more teams is weak. The playoffs are already watered down, and have been ever since the World Series was first played. Even if it was just a series pitting the two league winners against one another the lesser team would still win a nontrivial number of times.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Damn it, I go to lunch and I miss the rest of the wire talk. I liked Cutty. You could tell he was really trying to get his life back on track but the streets were calling him. I also liked Slim Charles. They weren’t my faves, just liked those characters.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Yes, agree.
I think any argument about watering down the playoffs with more teams is weak. The playoffs are already watered down, and have been ever since the World Series was first played. Even if it was just a series pitting the two league winners against one another the lesser team would still win a nontrivial number of times.[/quote]I wouldn’t mind going the opposite direction, either. Best record from each league and play a 9-game World Series.
AndCountingQuote Reply
I’m not a fan of expansion.
MishQuote Reply
What if you take the 2 best records from each division and 2 WC teams. That’s 8 teams from each league but it’s only 1 more series of games and you can play the first series best of 5.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I’m not a fan of expansion.[/quote]
Fuck you.
Andy DaltonQuote Reply
[quote name=Andy Dalton]Fuck you.[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Andy, what do you think of Peter King suggesting you should be picked 8th overall? Bit of a reach, don’t you think?
MuckerQuote Reply
(dying laughing), Quade just referred to Castro as “Cassie”
BerseliusQuote Reply
Never thought about it like that before. Very interesting.
At the end of the day I see this as a money-grab and we’ll probably just have to accept it just like we had to accept the original wild card. I did enjoy your original realighnment article though. I don’t know what it would do to the schedule but I don’t see why the leagues couldn’t just merge with a uniform set of rules and have interleague at several points throughout the season instead of just a four week focus. Then you can adapt the postseason to include the two best teams from each division plus one or two wild cards per division (assuming a four-division system) for a total of 10-12 teams in the playoffs. Let the lesser teams weed themselves out in a first-round best-of-three immediately after the season, then the rest of the playoffs are played as they are right now.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing), Quade just referred to Castro as “Cassie”[/quote]Jesus that’s worse than Fook, Bake, and Marm put together.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Why can’t the players and managers come up with nicknames like blog commenters do?
I’d like to hear Quade call the starting second baseman Barn Dance Fever, for example.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Jesus that’s worse than Fook, Bake, and Marm put together.[/quote]That’s what happens when you let old people give nicknames. It’s so obvious that Castro’s nickname should be “Fidel”.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Muck Muckintuck]Andy, what do you think of Peter King suggesting you should be picked 8th overall? Bit of a reach, don’t you think?[/quote]
Fuck him and fuck you.
Andy DaltonQuote Reply
[quote name=Andy Dalton]Fuck him and fuck you.[/quote]I hope you were a little more outgoing in your team interviews.
MuckerQuote Reply
I don’t understand how Weaver has already had 5 starts.
Are they using a 4 starters for their rotation?
/morgan’d
MuckerQuote Reply
At this point, I agree. You’ve already got 8 teams so the difference between 8 and even 16 or all 30 isn’t a big deal. Plus, it would help the Cubs out.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Muck Muckintuck]I don’t understand how Weaver has already had 5 starts.
Are they using a 4 starters for their rotation?
/morgan’d[/quote]
If he was their opening day starter, and every team has played 18 games or whatever already, plus the fact that the Angels had their opening day on Thursday rather than the Friday…then yeah, I think it might be possible given the off-days and crap that they could give him 5 starts on normal rest.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Is the Cubs game delayed today?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Muck Muckintuck]I hope you were a little more outgoing in your team interviews.[/quote]
Like it’s any of your fucking business, but yeah, I talked a lot and shit.
Andy DaltonQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Is the Cubs game delayed today?[/quote]
http://www.isthereacubsgametodayandifsoisitstartingontime.com
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/22/brewers-gm-says-ryan-braun-extension-wont-impact-prince-fielders-status/
Why are the recent pictures of Fielder and Braun so damned homoerotic?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]If he was their opening day starter, and every team has played 18 games or whatever already, plus the fact that the Angels had their opening day on Thursday rather than the Friday…then yeah, I think it might be possible given the off-days and crap that they could give him 5 starts on normal rest.[/quote]Yeah, I guess it is possible.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Andy Dalton]Like it’s any of your fucking business, but yeah, I talked a lot and shit.[/quote]I heard those interviews are quite personal…..did they ask you about the touching?
MuckerQuote Reply
This in fact appears to be the case:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7708/gamelog;_ylt=AjNDL09YmsVD_qN13g.naTOFCLcF
Four days rest in between every start.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Yes, agree.
I think any argument about watering down the playoffs with more teams is weak. The playoffs are already watered down, and have been ever since the World Series was first played. Even if it was just a series pitting the two league winners against one another the lesser team would still win a nontrivial number of times.[/quote]I disagree with this. The World Series was never a series to see who the best team was, but prior to divisional play, the talent on the WS champions was undoubtedly superior to that since. Each team had about a 50% chance of winning the World Series (thereabouts). Now it’s 12.5%, plus or minus.
An inferior team is four times more likely to win a World Series today than they were before divisional play. Even more so if you consider a few of the WS were 9-game series, the LCS’s were originally 5 games and the LDS are now 5 games. It’s a lot easier for a lesser team to win one today than it was when only 2 teams got into the playoffs. As a result, many more lesser teams have ended up winning a championship than before.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Is the Cubs game delayed today?[/quote]Yeah, I’ll post a game thread if it gets in, but I doubt it does.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, I’ll post a game thread if it gets in, but I doubt it does.[/quote]
It looks like the rain should be clearing out in the next half hour or so
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6402899
Yeah, but who can’t throw a 160-pound faget like that?
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]I wouldn’t mind going the opposite direction, either. Best record from each league and play a 9-game World Series.[/quote]This is what I’d prefer. If I was in charge, this is what I’d do. Since there are already 8 in, I don’t see a big deal with allowing more teams in. It’s not going to change things that much anyway. The significant changes have already been made. Anything else would just be “tinkering” as Lou liked to say.
I’d like to see divisions done away with though. Two champions play each other in the World Series. 9-game series.
mb21Quote Reply
I have no idea why this is filed under the NBA links, but:
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=6409765
Cashner and Wells starting their throwing program.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I disagree with this. The World Series was never a series to see who the best team was, but prior to divisional play, the talent on the WS champions was undoubtedly superior to that since. Each team had about a 50% chance of winning the World Series (thereabouts). Now it’s 12.5%, plus or minus.
An inferior team is four times more likely to win a World Series today than they were before divisional play. Even more so if you consider a few of the WS were 9-game series, the LCS’s were originally 5 games and the LDS are now 5 games. It’s a lot easier for a lesser team to win one today than it was when only 2 teams got into the playoffs. As a result, many more lesser teams have ended up winning a championship than before.[/quote]I was going to show the postseason winning percentages of the teams with the best records, but that turned out to be more work than I was willing to do. I might work up the energy later. But I’m feeling pretty damn lazy at the moment. (dying laughing)
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]It looks like the rain should be clearing out in the next half hour or so[/quote]I took this screen cap about an hour ago so I don’t know what’s changed, but I added it to the game thread. I was pretty sure when I was getting it ready it wouldn’t get in.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6402899
Yeah, but who can’t throw a 160-pound faget like that?[/quote]I thought the same thing. I eat bigger pieces of shit for breakfast.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]This is what I’d prefer. If I was in charge, this is what I’d do. Since there are already 8 in, I don’t see a big deal with allowing more teams in. It’s not going to change things that much anyway. The significant changes have already been made. Anything else would just be “tinkering” as Lou liked to say.
I’d like to see divisions done away with though. Two champions play each other in the World Series. 9-game series.[/quote]
It would never happen at this point, but what I would love is to give the more prestigious titles to the league winners by seasonal record, then have a single-elimination tournament with all 30 teams for some other trophy. That would be hella fun
BerseliusQuote Reply
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/an-alternative-to-baseballs-10-team-playoff-plan/
Seems appropriate given the current topic of discussion.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]I was going to show the postseason winning percentages of the teams with the best records, but that turned out to be more work than I was willing to do. I might work up the energy later. But I’m feeling pretty damn lazy at the moment. (dying laughing)[/quote]I think a year or so ago someone finally broke the numbers down since 1995. It was as expected. The better teams advanced, but you know as well as I that there’s a reasonable chance of any team beating any team in baseball.
I also think the Wild Card has often ended up being the 2nd or 3rd best team in each league. Take this year as an example. It’s quite likely whoever wins the Wild Card in the NL is the 3rd best team in the league. The NL Central champion MIGHT be the 4th best team.
In the American League, the best two teams have usually been the Yankees and Red Sox and they made the playoffs about every year for awhile. Last year the two best teams in baseball were the Yankees and Rays.
If there’s one thing I could change about the current format it’s that I’d still get rid of the divisions and the top 4, 6, or 50 teams in each league would move to the playoffs.
mb21Quote Reply
Andy Dalton sure is angry.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Here you go, Muckfuck.
Andy DaltonQuote Reply
Ooooh…a Starlin article.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/starlin-castro-shining-bright/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Andy Dalton sure is angry.[/quote]Agreed. What an asshole.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Andy Dalton]Here you go, Muckfuck.[/quote]
Thanks Andy. Would you mind signing it?
MuckerQuote Reply
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14031355
I got it! I got it! Oh wait…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rain delay boredom…
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/22/selig-baseball-will-be-better-off-if-albert-pujols-stays-in-st-louis/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14031355
I got it! I got it! Oh wait…[/quote]Pence runs like a faget.
MuckerQuote Reply
game thread is up: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/games/dodgers-at-cubs-4-22-2010.html
mb21Quote Reply
Pitchfest 2011:
Cubs pitching: 229 total (132 strikes)
LAD pitching: 149 total (92 strikes)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
229 pitches? Wow.
mb21Quote Reply
I still don’t know why they insist on having divisions in MLB, the NHL & the NBA. At least the NHL & NBA takes the top records in each conference. For a long time I’ve wanted to revert back to a balanced schedule with no divisions- the top 4 in each league making it. 8 of 30. That’s the right amount, imo.
And what’s wrong with a balanced schedule? I know it seems like a lot of flying back and forth but they could minimize that better than they do. The important thing is fairness. Taking the top 4 in each league would make it a true pennant race. I don’t think adding teams would make it more exciting. I’ve never liked the idea of an 85 win team getting a chance over a 95 win team. It’s happened too often. Even once is enough.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
What is the point of playing a 162 game season if you’re going to keep expanding the playoffs? When they do expand they should at least go back to 154 games, yes, I know this won’t happen. I’m not in favor of expansion but then again, I don’t like anything.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa] I don’t like anything.[/quote]
don’t you like anything? (dying laughing)
I agree on the 154 game schedule as well, but this is all about money, which is fine because I’m not opposed to revenue and the health of the sport. I’m just anal when it comes to fairness I guess.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
I also don’t mind playing a few days into November. That doesn’t bother me like some people. I just think a nice tidy 15-team pennant race in each league would be exciting enough. They’re making it way more complicated for the average fan than it already is. I always hear casual fans ask me about the races and I have to explain it to them and they get turned off by it. Maybe if they dumbed it down it would attract more viewers. Just a thought.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
I don’t like seeing games in November or even late October. The most important games of the season shouldn’t be played in bad weather conditions. I would actually rather they started the season about 2 weeks later and finished it 2 weeks sooner than they currently do. Weather is not supposed to be a factor in the outcome of baseball games.
melissaQuote Reply
if it were up to me I’d also combine the leagues, but that kind of outside the box thinking would be heresy. I don’t want 2 weeks in the stockade.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Smokies up 4-0 with BJax on the bench tonight
fight2winQuote Reply
I agree Melissa, though we’ve had good weather in Nov and shitty in Oct. I’m not sure a few days makes a difference. I think Selig promised no more games in Nov but I find it hard to believe him.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
I think the pennant races made sense when there were less teams in the leagues, but now that you have more than 10 teams in each league, it makes more sense to let the top two from each league (at the very least) make it to the postseason. So I wouldn’t be in favor of a straight-up pennant race…I don’t think that’s completely fair.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]229 pitches? Wow.[/quote]
Yup…
http://espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=310422116
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think the pennant races made sense when there were less teams in the leagues, but now that you have more than 10 teams in each league, it makes more sense to let the top two from each league (at the very least) make it to the postseason. So I wouldn’t be in favor of a straight-up pennant race…I don’t think that’s completely fair.[/quote]
but the top 4 in each league would still be fair, right? that’s still a pennant race. All that’s left is deciding who gets the advantage in the playoff.
am I the only one who doesn’t care about division play? what’s the big deal? I get sick of playing the same teams 17-18 games every year.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]but the top 4 in each league would still be fair, right? that’s still a pennant race. All that’s left is deciding who gets the advantage in the playoff.
am I the only one who doesn’t care about division play? what’s the big deal? I get sick of playing the same teams 17-18 games every year.[/quote]
I think the fact that each division isn’t equal makes division play stupid. I’d be in favor of no divisions and a balanced schedule.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Shit got real at St. Louis airport tonight. (I wasn’t there – watching it unfold on TV)
Aisle424Quote Reply
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6411872
Heard about this one? It’s kind of hard to follow because it’s unwritten and each team apparently has a different unwritten rulebook…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6411872
Heard about this one? It’s kind of hard to follow because it’s unwritten and each team apparently has a different unwritten rulebook…[/quote]
I enjoyed this part..
If I could buy stock in who said that, I would go very, very long on Koyie Hill.
I’m not much on Quade bashing because I just don’t think he matters, but I really wish he would stop the madness with complaining about when it is and is not appropriate for a team to stop scoring on his club. It makes him look out of date, like Ron Roenicke suggested.
Chris DickersonQuote Reply
wtf? makes Q or anyone else sound like whiners. Maybe they should be more concerned about all the free passes they handed out today.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]
am I the only one who doesn’t care about division play? what’s the big deal? I get sick of playing the same teams 17-18 games every year.[/quote]I’m right there with you. 162 games. There’s no reason to put such a stress on divisional play.
AndCountingQuote Reply
watching Boston-LA Angels of Anaheim of california. didn’t know the Angels pitcher Trevor Bell was the grandson of Bob Bell (AKA Bozo the Clown from WGN 1960-1984)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Angels defense full of fail tonight. comical. no red socks should have crossed the plate, really, but 4 have.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
suddenly it’s 4-2 with Jenks on the hill.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]I’m right there with you. 162 games. There’s no reason to put such a stress on divisional play.[/quote]
I feel like Henry Fonda in Twelve Angry Men. Who else is with me? where is everybody? (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Angels runner just scored on a wild pitch… from second base. 4-3
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Bozo’s grandson still in the game.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Bo Pelini finally gets a raise…
http://huskerextra.com/sports/football/article_c3f503b7-e4e9-5ba8-842b-a123fcd6abb9.html
damn right. Say what you will about his emotional outbursts, but the man cares about his student-athletes, and he knows D-FENSE.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]I feel like Henry Fonda in Twelve Angry Men. Who else is with me? where is everybody? (dying laughing)[/quote]
I agree with you too, HG
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Chris Dickerson]If I could buy stock in who said that, I would go very, very long on Koyie Hill.
I’m not much on Quade bashing because I just don’t think he matters, but I really wish he would stop the madness with complaining about when it is and is not appropriate for a team to stop scoring on his club. It makes him look out of date, like Ron Roenicke suggested.[/quote]
I just hope he lets his players know the exact time and date for retribution.
/Kevin Millar
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I agree with you too, HG[/quote]
with what? the playoffs?
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6411872
Heard about this one? It’s kind of hard to follow because it’s unwritten and each team apparently has a different unwritten rulebook…[/quote]
Jesus, that’s pathetic. First, an unwritten rule is a rule that’s not written, meaning…it’s not a rule. Rules are written, unwritten rules are not written. Etc.
Second: It’s a steal in the 5th inning he’s talking about. He’s essentially saying that it’s unimaginable that his club could score 7 runs in…4 innings. Wait, no, 5 innings since it’s the top of the 5th, right? [note- I missed most of the game and had to stop reading the article because it made my eyes hurt. Isn’t there an unwritten rule that no unwritten rules regarding “mercy” can be invoked before the 8th inning, at least?
Actually, maybe not-stealing a base isn’t merciful enough. Maybe the Dodgers’ baserunners should have just turned back from their respective bases out of pure respect for the sanctity of the fucking game. Or at least refused to cross home plate SO MANY TIMES. Maybe the Cubs could have started each inning with a couple of ghost runners. Though they’d probably get stranded.
UrkQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]with what? the playoffs?[/quote]
I was agreeing about division play being lame, and that your playoffs scenario makes more sense.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Q has a right to be pissed. Wrigley Field is sacred ground, so to violate the unwritten rules is unholy.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I was agreeing about division play being lame, and that your playoffs scenario makes more sense.[/quote]
I thought you were in favor of expansion so that’s why I asked..
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]Q has a right to be pissed at his own mouth for saying such stupid shit in public. [/quote]
fify
UrkQuote Reply
[quote name=Urk]fify[/quote]
he’s said a lotta stupid shit already hasn’t he (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]he’s said a lotta stupid shit already hasn’t he (dying laughing)[/quote]
yeah- none of it’s really bugged me much until this. I shouldn’t get so worked up about it, but geez, its embarrassing. “Oh, what baseball team do i follow? The one where the manager complains in the paper about other teams playing trying to score runs against them. That’s who.”
UrkQuote Reply
Quade is a fucking stooge.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Maybe if the Cubs started playing by the rules that every other team is playing by they’d have better luck. Go search google for unwritten rules mlb over the last month. Any non-forum link references the Cubs. I searched through the top 50 or so. From what I can tell, they are the only team this year to complain about the stupid unwritten rules that do not fucking exist and they’ve done it twice.
And already embarrassing organization just embarrassed itself even more. Two organizations are laughing their asses off at the Cubs right now.
Don’t want the other team to run up the score? Stop them from scoring. Don’t want the other team to try to score? Stop trying to score yourself. If you’re not going to do that, shut the fuck up. The unwritten rules don’t exist.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Quade is a fucking stooge.[/quote]Yep. I was actually starting to just give him the benefit of the doubt for awhile and then this bullshit. In 18.2% of the Cubs losses this season the Cubs manager has complained about unwritten rules. Unbelievable.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yep. I was actually starting to just give him the benefit of the doubt for awhile and then this bullshit. In 18.2% of the Cubs losses this season the Cubs manager has complained about unwritten rules. Unbelievable.[/quote]You’d think he would have learned something from Lou in those four years. He would never have whined like that. He would have taken the blame for losing badly and given credit to the other team for beating him. Even if inside he was fuming at some breach of baseball etiquette by the other team, he would never have verbalized it.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Chris Dickerson]If I could buy stock in who said that, I would go very, very long on Koyie Hill.[/quote]
Indeed, Koyie Hill is going to remember this and glare and the opponent from his spot on the bench like a true gamer.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]You’d think he would have learned something from Lou in those four years. He would never have whined like that. He would have taken the blame for losing badly and given credit to the other team for beating him. Even if inside he was fuming at some breach of baseball etiquette by the other team, he would never have verbalized it.[/quote]
Nobody cares what Lou thinks. He was a quitter.
/Cub fan’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]You’d think he would have learned something from Lou in those four years. He would never have whined like that. He would have taken the blame for losing badly and given credit to the other team for beating him. Even if inside he was fuming at some breach of baseball etiquette by the other team, he would never have verbalized it.[/quote]One of my favorite Lou stories was when Don Sutton was “cheating” in a game and Steinbrenner demanded he protest the game. Lou told him that the guy who taught Sutton everything was pitching for the Yankees that night (Tommy John).
I’m sure some unwritten rules pissed Lou off from time to time. Probably more so when he was a player, but in his nearly 4 years in Chicago I don’t remember a single incident in which he whined about it. I’m sure he hinted at it, but what Quade has done is laughable.
mb21Quote Reply
I’m sure Kevin Millar will be there to have Quade’s back and complain that Lou didn’t stand up for his players and whine about unwritten rules in spring training.
mb21Quote Reply
Justin Stevens —–> back to Iowa
Jeff Berg ——> back to Cubs
Or something like that.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Justin Stevens —–> back to Iowa
Jeff Berg ——> back to Cubs
Or something like that.[/quote]The Cubs improved by 9 wins by doing that. I’m sure of it. Look out World Series, here comes the Cubs.
mb21Quote Reply
Gah. I just discovered this Sony PSN clusterfuck means no mlb.tv on my playstation for a while.
BerseliusQuote Reply
What’s going on with the PSN?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What’s going on with the PSN?[/quote]
Assorted hackers are pissed off at Sony, so they compromised their network. They had to shut down their entire network.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Is it the same hackers that took their best shot at Amazon, Visa and others over Wikileaks?
mb21Quote Reply
I just saw the game is at noon today. I figured it was at 1:20. I’m not going to get to a game thread so this will do unless someone else gets to it.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Is it the same hackers that took their best shot at Amazon, Visa and others over Wikileaks?[/quote]
Initially. Now I don’t think they’re specifically in on it.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I just saw the game is at noon today. I figured it was at 1:20. I’m not going to get to a game thread so this will do unless someone else gets to it.[/quote]
Lazy. Here is preview:
Today the Cubs face the Dodgers in Wrigley field. They will most likely lose as they have Dumpster pitching. After being down by 10 in the first inning, Mike Quade will get mad because the Dodgers keep scoring. Koyie Hill will then charge the opposing dugout with a saw, trip and fall, and in the process cut off a few of his fingers. But we can rebuild him…we have the technology. We can make him better than he once was.
the end.
WaLi2Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi2]Lazy. Here is preview:
Today the Cubs face the Dodgers in Wrigley field. They will most likely lose as they have Dumpster pitching. After being down by 10 in the first inning, Mike Quade will get mad because the Dodgers keep scoring. Koyie Hill will then charge the opposing dugout with a saw, trip and fall, and in the process cut off a few of his fingers. But we can rebuild him…we have the technology. We can make him better than he once was.
the end.[/quote]
The $850000 man.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Has anybody else ever seen that called before? I know I’ve seen Chase Utley do it (against the Cubs). I’ve also seen Derek Jeter do it.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi2]Lazy. Here is preview:
Today the Cubs face the Dodgers in Wrigley field. They will most likely lose as they have Dumpster pitching. After being down by 10 in the first inning, Mike Quade will get mad because the Dodgers keep scoring. Koyie Hill will then charge the opposing dugout with a saw, trip and fall, and in the process cut off a few of his fingers. But we can rebuild him…we have the technology. We can make him better than he once was.
the end.[/quote](dying laughing)
What a throw by Sands.
mb21Quote Reply
TOOTBLAN!!!!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Anyone actually watching the game? On Castro’s intentional drop was the batter the one called out and the runners forced to remain at first and second? They didn’t elaborate on the radio. Crap Castro TOOTBLAN now. He has been Cub’d today, apparently.
melissaQuote Reply
Damn I thought that was gonna be a homer for Castro
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
I also wonder why he didn’t just catch it and double Blake off of 2nd? Seems like a brain cramp.
melissaQuote Reply
Soto is batting 6th!! Unfortuantely, he is batting behind Baker (dying laughing).
WaLi2Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Initially. Now I don’t think they’re specifically in on it.[/quote]I’m too lazy to look into it, but does it have to do with the new technology automatically installed with a recent update that doesn’t allow you to play pirated movies?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi2]Soto is batting 6th!! Unfortuantely, he is batting behind Baker (dying laughing).[/quote]
Baker likes lefties. It’s probably not that bad of a thing.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I also wonder why he didn’t just catch it and double Blake off of 2nd? Seems like a brain cramp.[/quote]I think it was one of those things where you have to make up your mind so early that Castro didn’t know he could have gotten the easy double play. I’ve never seen that called before and I have no idea who was out. Looked like the umpire was signaling the ball was caught so the batter would be out (no advancement). I don’t know.
mb21Quote Reply
Baker kills lefties.
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing) the Cubs have 3 hits and it took a sac fly to get the run in. And they have 2 outs.
mb21Quote Reply
I’ve never seen the intentional drop called either, in my recollection.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Baker kills lefties.[/quote]
wow, so he does.
vs Left .474
vs Right .167
WaLi2Quote Reply
I know he’s not having a great year, but is the $10 mil 1st baseman going to play 100 games this year?
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi2]wow, so he does.
vs Left .474
vs Right .167[/quote]Well, even that’s a SSS. But for his career he’s something like a .900OPS guy vs LHP and only a .700OPS guy vs RHP.
DoogolasQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I know he’s not having a great year, but is the $10 mil 1st baseman going to play 100 games this year?[/quote]Baker is a God vs LHP. Pena is bad vs LHP. There’s no reason to play Pena vs a LHP when you have Jeff Baker.
DoogolasQuote Reply
[quote name=Doogolas]Well, even that’s a SSS. But for his career he’s something like a .900OPS guy vs LHP and only a .700OPS guy vs RHP.[/quote]
Sorry I could pull up were the quick splits for the season.
WaLi2Quote Reply
Russell is likely getting a third start on Tuesday. Sure, why not?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Doogolas]Baker is a God vs LHP. Pena is bad vs LHP. There’s no reason to play Pena vs a LHP when you have Jeff Baker.[/quote]
I won’t argue that, but when you stack finding playing time for Colvin on top of that it just seems like a wasted signing.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Russell is likely getting a third start on Tuesday. Sure, why not?[/quote]Are the Cubs even trying to contend?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I won’t argue that, but when you stack finding playing time for Colvin on top of that it just seems like a wasted signing.[/quote]The key is that it was for only one year. The unfortunate part is that $5 million of what he’s owed isn’t being paid until next season.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The key is that it was for only one year. The unfortunate part is that $5 million of what he’s owed is part of the $11.5 million the Cubs are paying Carlos Silva this year.[/quote].
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Why is Aaron Miles leading off?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Why is Aaron Miles leading off?[/quote]Short, singles hitting middle infielder, obviously.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Why is Aaron Miles leading off?[/quote]The Cubs and Dodgers are talking trade and they asked the Dodgers if Miles could hit first. That’s the only way the Cubs would consider including Castro in the deal.
mb21Quote Reply
The strikezone has sucked the last couple games.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The strikezone has sucked the last couple games.[/quote]
Is it just gameday or is the strikezone really that bad? Gameday has shown some awful calls.
WaLi2Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Are the Cubs even trying to contend?[/quote]www.arethecubseventryingtocontend.com
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Why is Aaron Miles leading off?[/quote]
It’s the Dodgers version of Let’s see what happens. In case anyone wondered, Demp and Lilly are really close friends, my radio has told me so about 288 times. Good to know.
melissaQuote Reply
Len says it’s the first ever “green game” at Wrigley Field. They are using recycled paper in the press booth. Wow.
Never mind they the fact that every W flag they raise is a new one. OK, they probably auction the used ones off for charity but it still seems like such a waste. (along with the 47,000 baseballs used per game, and various jerseys and stuff they only wear one time).
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Why is Aaron Miles leading off?[/quote]www.whyisaaronmilesleadingoff.com
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]It’s the Dodgers version of Let’s see what happens. In case anyone wondered, Demp and Lilly are really close friends, my radio has told me so about 2 times. Good to know.[/quote]fixed for accuracy
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Starlin CastroDarwin BarneyPurple Revolutionist is good at sportsWaLi2Quote Reply
barney is alright by me
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
A double steal?!?! But we are up by 1. Why are we trying to score more??
WaLi2Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Len says it’s the first ever “green game” at Wrigley Field. They are using recycled paper in the press booth. Wow.
Never mind they the fact that every W flag they raise is a new one. OK, they probably auction the used ones off for charity but it still seems like such a waste. (along with the 47,000 baseballs used per game, and various jerseys and stuff they only wear one time).[/quote]They raise a new W flag each time? Good thing they don’t win that many games.
mb21Quote Reply
I don’t know how much longer I can keep hating on Barney.
DoogolasQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi2]A double steal?!?! But we are up by 1. Why are we trying to score more??[/quote]
well, we’re not, we’re just trying to convince fans that’s what we’re trying to so they purchase the most expensive tickets in baseball
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
I don’t dislike Barney. He’s OK.
mb21Quote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/cubs-compared-to-their-projections.html
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]fixed for accuracy[/quote]
I think you and I should just go our seperate ways, fun-sucker.
melissaQuote Reply
meh
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Starlin Motherfucking Castro
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Castro is very good.
DoogolasQuote Reply
[quote name=Doogolas]Purple Revolutionist is very good.[/quote]fixed
Barney is playing very well too.
WaLi2Quote Reply
i like your blog very much.Thanks for sharing information…
I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.
thomas sabo black charm bracelQuote Reply