The Cubs are already 10 games under .500 and 10 games out of 1st place in the division. They’re 8 games behind the Marlins, Brewers and Giants for the Wild Card. This team is done. The Cubs appear much more likely to battle it out for last with the Astros than come anywhere close to finishing in the top 3 in the division. They may even struggle to catch the Pirates at this point. They’re bad. Really bad.
I looked back to 1981 to see how the Cubs had done through 56 games. I chose 1981 because that’s when I started watching the Cubs. I knew this year’s version had been one of the worst I’ve seen in my life. We can talk about the reasons why all we want and some of them are legitimate (injuries), but the bottom line is that so far, this team has been terrible.
The Cubs winning percentage is .411. The only Cubs teams since 1981 who have been worse through 56 games were the teams in 1981 (.286), 1982 (.375), 2002 (.393), 2000 (.393) and 1994 (.393). The last thre were just one win worse than the Cubs. It gets worse if we look at the expected record based on runs scored and allowed.
The Cubs Pythagorean win percentage is .403. Only the teams in 1981 (.332), 2006 (.399) and 2002 (.400) have been worse. Even the terrible Cubs teams of 1982 and 2000 were better. There’s an even better win expectation percentage called PythagenPat. Rather than consider all run environments the same as Pythagorean does, it’s based on the run score environment of each individual team.
The Cubs current PythagenPat is .408. Only the teams in 1981 (.344), 2006 (.405) and 2002 (.407) have been worse. The 2000 team is interesting because only one team in this span scored more runs (2008). However, no team came even close to allowing the number of runs they did. A lot of runs were being scored in baseball at that time, but in other years close to 2000, we don’t see such extremes for any Cubs team.
The 1981 team was just ridiculously bad. They fortunately didn’t play their 56th game until mid-August thanks to the strike, but they were actually 16-40 at that point. They’d allowed nearly 100 more runs than they’d scored. Looking at this I can’t figure out why I remained a fan of this team. Couldn’t have been any fun to watch.
Another year struck me as ood, as well. The 1985 team started the year 35-21. Everybody remembers the 1984 team (at least everybody who was alive). They were expected to win the division and even the World Series the following season, but it didn’t work out. They got off to a fantastic start. They scored nearly 100 more runs than they had allowed through 56 games. Only the 2001 and 2008 teams were as good as the ’85 team. All three teams were 35-21. Like the ’85 team, the ’08 team also scored nearly 100 more runs than they had allowed. The 2001 team was a little luckier, but still very good.
The 1985 team was so good through 56 games that it’s easily the best start this team has jumped out to through this may games. Ther Pythagorean Win % was .694. The PythagenPat was .679. The next highest PythagenPat was the 2008 club at .654. The 2004 and 1984 clubs were 3rd and 4th, tied at .582. The Pythagorean was even more lopsided. Their .694 Pythag beat the 2008 club by a wide margin (.660). No other team was higher than .589. The Cubs led the Expos by 2.5 games, but would go 42-63 the rest of the way.
Only the 2000 (341 RA) and the 1994 team (293 RA) allowed more runs than the 2011 version (286). You can look at the numbers yourself. If you want. (click the link below)
Year | W | L | RS | RA | Win% | Pythag | PythagenPat |
2011 | 23 | 33 | 235 | 286 | .411 | .403 | .408 |
2010 | 25 | 31 | 234 | 251 | .446 | .465 | .467 |
2009 | 29 | 27 | 245 | 232 | .518 | .527 | .525 |
2008 | 35 | 21 | 319 | 229 | .625 | .660 | .654 |
2007 | 24 | 32 | 261 | 243 | .429 | .536 | .534 |
2006 | 23 | 33 | 229 | 281 | .411 | .399 | .405 |
2005 | 30 | 26 | 255 | 225 | .536 | .562 | .558 |
2004 | 29 | 27 | 262 | 219 | .518 | .589 | .582 |
2003 | 31 | 25 | 262 | 235 | .554 | .554 | .551 |
2002 | 22 | 34 | 213 | 261 | .393 | .400 | .407 |
2001 | 35 | 21 | 265 | 227 | .625 | .577 | .572 |
2000 | 22 | 34 | 289 | 341 | .393 | .418 | .418 |
1999 | 32 | 24 | 282 | 262 | .571 | .537 | .535 |
1998 | 32 | 24 | 277 | 252 | .571 | .547 | .545 |
1997 | 23 | 33 | 234 | 249 | .411 | .469 | .471 |
1996 | 24 | 32 | 246 | 268 | .429 | .457 | .460 |
1995 | 28 | 28 | 249 | 250 | .500 | .498 | .498 |
1994 | 22 | 34 | 248 | 293 | .393 | .417 | .421 |
1993 | 28 | 28 | 239 | 247 | .500 | .484 | .485 |
1992 | 25 | 31 | 194 | 214 | .446 | .451 | .457 |
1991 | 28 | 28 | 227 | 240 | .500 | .472 | .474 |
1990 | 24 | 32 | 243 | 269 | .429 | .449 | .452 |
1989 | 32 | 24 | 229 | 202 | .571 | .562 | .556 |
1988 | 28 | 28 | 243 | 234 | .500 | .519 | .517 |
1987 | 32 | 24 | 281 | 246 | .571 | .566 | .563 |
1986 | 23 | 33 | 246 | 268 | .411 | .457 | .460 |
1985 | 35 | 21 | 277 | 184 | .625 | .694 | .679 |
1984 | 32 | 24 | 272 | 228 | .571 | .587 | .582 |
1983 | 26 | 30 | 232 | 233 | .464 | .498 | .498 |
1982 | 21 | 35 | 213 | 248 | .375 | .425 | .431 |
1981 | 16 | 40 | 196 | 278 | .286 | .332 | .344 |
I might look at this after June is over. If the Cubs perform as poorly as I think we expect the to this month, they probably move further down the list of shitty Cubs teams since 1981.
Comments
If the Cubs are as bad as I think they will be I might win a T-shirt.
/Pyrrhic victory
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I think I started paying attention around 1984. I was about 5. I can’t remember the cubs pre-Ryne Sandburg. But I don’t recognize many of the names on their roster from that time. Surely the presence of Castro and Ramirez (if he can start hitting) makes us a better team, overall?
JoshQuote Reply
This is definitely a better team than 1981.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]This is definitely a better team than 1981.[/quote]
That’s very reassuring
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Is this the historically awful game thread?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Historically awful blog covers historically awful start of historically awful team.
(dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Historically awful blog covers historically awful start of historically awful team.
(dying laughing)[/quote]
Correct.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ Castro contuining to blow a bubble with his gum as he hits a single off of Carpenter.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I wonder how many bats Z will break today.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Hilly catching, but no brushback pitch for Theriot.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Hilly catching, but no brushback pitch for Theriot.[/quote]Theriot gave him some tips on using the tablesaw, and that smoothed things over.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Z maxing out at 90 mph so far. Nice K of Pujols.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Z maxing out at 90 mph so far. Nice K of Pujols.[/quote]I enjoyed that K too. I also enjoyed Pujols (apparently) asking Hilly why the fuck he tagged him when he didn’t have to.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Z maxing out at 90 mph so far. Nice K of Pujols.[/quote]Hasn’t Zamby had a fair amount of success vs. Albie over his career?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Hilly with the phony hustle tag-out. Albie did not seem amused.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Hasn’t Zamby had a fair amount of success vs. Albie over his career?[/quote]
No cluey. From my reading of “The Book” those pitcher-batter matchups don’t really have a lot of meaning anyway. But Pat said that Z hits Carpenter pretty well (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Hilly with the phony hustle tag-out. Albie did not seem amused.[/quote]
Hilly didn’t want to be blamed for pulling a Castillo (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Colvie is D-O-N-E.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Colvie is D-O-N-E.[/quote]
What a waste of a first-round pick if that is the case.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]What a waste of a first-round pick if that is the case.[/quote]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d57CjU62qYs
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Does the terrible hitting at this point reflect poorly on Rudy Jaramillo, or is this just a case of not being able to help guys who already suck?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Z just hit 92 on the gun.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Colvie is D-O-N-E.[/quote]He looks completely lost at the plate.
I’m also not encouraged by the Six Flags roller coaster ride that LeMaheiu calls his swing. That is way too long a swing for a RHB.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Mildly amusing.
http://www.27bslash6.com/opinions.html
Suburban kidQuote Reply
GBTS didn’t get the memo about the last thread so he’s commenting over there anyway (dying laughing)
[quote name=GBTS]Here’s something stupid I was thinking of this morning while playing video games.
Would it make sense to have a pitching metric that more carefully scrutinizes IP? Say for example a pitcher walks a batter, then induces a double play. Why should the pitcher get credit for getting two outs? He induced one ground ball and the defense did the rest, he was just “lucky” there was a guy on first base.
Would stats like FIP or ERA be better reflective of a pitcher’s performance if things like double plays, TOOTBLANs, and outfield assists weren’t outs credited towards the pitcher? A pitcher could throw 7 innings, but only “really” get like 19 outs or so instead of the full 21. Could make a difference, perhaps.
Just a thought.[/quote]Any stat that looks at it based on plate appearances is likely superior to using IP. There has been a lot of discussion about this over at The Book Blog over the years with regards to FIP specifically.
It’s why K% is better than K/BB. Same for BB% and BB/9. Pitchers face a different number of hitters per inning (base hits, walks, GIDP, etc).
mb21Quote Reply
No more Z no-hitter
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What did Z say to Pena?
mb21Quote Reply
Cardinals announcers were making a big deal about that.
mb21Quote Reply
Bruce Miles on Super Barney:
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/5817
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What did Z say to Pena?[/quote]
Did not see it…radio only, but Pat and Keith didn’t say anything about that.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Bruce Miles on Super Barney:
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/5817%5B/quote%5DI stopped reading at this:
Two games, Bruce. Two games!
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Did not see it…radio only, but Pat and Keith didn’t say anything about that.[/quote]The Cardinals announcers made a big deal out of it, but I didn’t see it. Apparently Zambrano had some words for Pena after that base hit between he and Barney.
mb21Quote Reply
If Castro keeps hitting like this I might be able to get that tiebreaker (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
.
mb21Quote Reply
I think Miles really cherrypicked the stats since June is only 5 days in, but looking at both Barney and Castro from my own uneducated eyes, batting average and OBP are continuing to decline and the 0-for-June is being used erroneously to accentuate the point.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Looking at the chart in the post, it’s interesting that the 2011 team is only one game worse than the 2007 team. I dont, need to remind you, that that team went on to win the division.
/Alvin
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]GBTS didn’t get the memo about the last thread so he’s commenting over there anyway (dying laughing)
[/quote]So now I have to check the thread below the top one to make sure I’m in the right spot?
This blog is too much work.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think Miles really cherrypicked the stats since June is only 5 days in, but looking at both Barney and Castro from my own uneducated eyes, batting average and OBP are continuing to decline and the 0-for-June is being used erroneously to accentuate the point.[/quote]Agreed. Barney is an extreme singles hitters who pitchers throw tons of strikes to. He actually had a pretty good eye, but is probably never going to see enough pitches out of the zone. Castro is primarily a singles hitter who is probably never going to walk much. There’s a reason when Colin Wyers looked at emptiest batting averages that Castro and Barney were at the top. Both of them rely on batting average and a high babip to achieve it. We have to hope that they are capable of maintaining a BABIP well above what most players are capable of maintaining.
The thing is, we knew that going into June.
mb21Quote Reply
Castro and Barney get on, Ramirez drives them in. Why didn’t anyone think of this gameplan sooner?
JoshQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Looking at the chart in the post, it’s interesting that the 2011 team is only one game worse than the 2007 team. I dont, need to remind you, that that team went on to win the division.
/Alvin[/quote](dying laughing) the big difference between this team and that one is that team had a good RS/RA differential throughout their shitty first two months. They were unlucky as far as W/L went while the Brewers were ridiculously lucky early in the season.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Castro and Barney get on, Ramirez drives them in. Why didn’t anyone think of this gameplan sooner?[/quote]That’s how it’s supposed to work.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]So now I have to check the thread below the top one to make sure I’m in the right spot?
This blog is too much work.[/quote]That’s why we’re giving away a t-shirt. We realize it’s so tough that you probably don’t have time to shop for clothes. We’re helping one of you out.
mb21Quote Reply
Did Z used to throw a splitter?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Z taking a walk —> dividing by zero
Rice CubeQuote Reply
9 walks in 690 PA for Big Z.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Wow. Smoltz and Stockton are really stuck on this whole random bunt being scored as a sacrifice thing.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
(dying laughing) at Barn getting a hit because the 3B triple-clutched.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Nice snark, Bob!
Suburban kidQuote Reply
76 pitches through five innings thanks in part to that first-pitch out by Theriot. Z might get into the seventh.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Nice snark, Bob![/quote]
?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Z’s ERA —–> Under 4.00
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]Z’s ERA —–> Under 4.00[/quote]Sullivan and Gordo ———-> still won’t notice
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Sullivan and Gordo ———-> still won’t notice unless he breaks a bat[/quote]
There we go.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]?[/quote]Bob was saying how Theriot would probably take a pitch so his pitcher could have a breather after running the bases, but then R-The immediately swung at the first pitch to pop out. Bob says, “that’s the Theriot we know and love!”
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Colvin lost at the plate.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Was it Gordo and Hobbit who were saying Z should go to the bullpen when Garza comes back? Or am I hallucinating?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Was it Gordo and Hobbit who were saying Z should go to the bullpen when Garza comes back? Or am I hallucinating?[/quote]I don’t recall reading that, but it would not surprise me. You couldn’t fill a thimble with their combined brain matter.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Was it Gordo and Hobbit who were saying Z should go to the bullpen when Garza comes back? Or am I hallucinating?[/quote]
No, I’m pretty sure they stick Davis or Lopez there. They need more lefties in the bullpen anyway.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Colvin lost at the plate.[/quote]Awful. I feel like a complete ass.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I don’t recall reading that, but it would not surprise me. You couldn’t fill a thimble with their combined brain matter.[/quote]Those are human beings you’re talking about. They feel.
mb21Quote Reply
Aaaaah…infield single. At least Pujols slides feet first.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing) that’s a hit? Castro took his time with the throw. That has to be an error.
mb21Quote Reply
Z —> 93, 94 mph
Jay got a hit on the 94 mph pitch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I don’t recall reading that, but it would not surprise me. You couldn’t fill a thimble with their combined brain matter.[/quote]I’m pretty sure I read somewhere there was some question as to whether Lopez or Z would go to the bullpen, and I must have assumed it was the beathacks at it again.
Maybe it was fans on the internet or talk radio shlubs or Quade, in which case I owe them an apology.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Hopefully the Cubs don’t lose until Z is out of the game.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]No, I’m pretty sure they stick Davis or Lopez there. They need more lefties in the bullpen anyway.[/quote]It’s Lopez. Dougie gets another start.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Z is emptying the tank now. 92 mph pitches.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Nice play by Barney
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]I’m pretty sure I read somewhere there was some question as to whether Lopez or Z would go to the bullpen, and I must have assumed it was the beathacks at it again.
Maybe it was fans on the internet or talk radio shlubs or Quade, in which case I owe them an apology.[/quote]I read something about that, but I don’t believe it. As we know, wins is what helps managers make these decisions and Zambrano is 5-2. Dempster has the second most wins and he’s 4-5. Jeff Samardzija is next with 3.
mb21Quote Reply
Koyie sucks.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Plus, the Cubs have won 8 of 12 of Z’s starts and lead in this one. I just don’t believe that. Someone made that rumor up.
mb21Quote Reply
More than a quarter of the games the Cubs have won were started by Carlos Zambrano.
mb21Quote Reply
Theriot + BABIP —> robbing Barney
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]Z’s ERA —–> Under 4.00[/quote]
False. Now the media will notice.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Carlos Zambrano is my most favorite Cub ever after Sammy Sosa.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Come on, TOOTBLAN
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
A typical 1-2-3-4 inning for the Cubs
mb21Quote Reply
Zapp is correct again.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I think there’s a small chance Z faces Pujols in the 8th, and it’s probably justified, but I still think Quade should be slapped if that does happen.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Gameday says Marshall is in.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow @ Marshall
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Marshall ———–> nails
Suburban kidQuote Reply
TLR must be saving Lance Berkman for the 9th inning.
Unless Berkman got hurt?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]TLR must be saving Lance Berkman for the 9th inning.
Unless Berkman heard there was a possibility of thunder and needed a bedtime story?[/quote].
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Berkman had a cortisone shot before the game and is not available.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Here we go.
Here we go.
Here we here we here we go.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Berkman had a cortisone shot before the game and is not available.[/quote]
Ah. That’s too bad.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLiHBn4G6qg
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I fucking hate Yadier Molina.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
The best part of this is the fact that Z can’t lose this game.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wasted out after two strikes wasted on a bunt.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
LaRussa is Italian for “old skool til I die”
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Marmol with a chance to end Theriot’s hitting streak
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Marmol with a chance to end Theriot’s hitting streak[/quote]
This is your fault somehow.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Oh, that’s painful.
GBTSQuote Reply
Motherfucker. Eat shit, you Cajun fuck.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Fucking little shit
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
That was quite possibly the pinnacle of Theriot’s painfully mediocre career.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Kaplan’s going to go apeshit about how they never should have let Theriot go in the postgame. Done deal, sealed.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Kaplan’s going to go apeshit about how they never should have let Theriot go in the postgame. Done deal, sealed.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
I believe it.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
According to ESPN, Theriot’s hit took the Cubs from a 72% chance of winning to a 52% chance of losing. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Fucking piece of shit…. scumbag asshole, fucking retard, you fucking piece of shit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8xMSFFqwzU
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
Cubs need at least two here. Pujols leads off the next inning.
GBTSQuote Reply
Just checked the score.
(dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
How much you wanna bet they IBB Pujols in the bottom of the 10th?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
IBB pool still open (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]How much you wanna bet they IBB Pujols in the bottom of the 10th?[/quote]I hope Samardzija is up in the pen.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]I hope Samardzija is up in the pen.[/quote]
I think Lopez is. Marmol should pitch another inning right?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Maybe they should have IBBed him (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
LMFAO
Suburban kidQuote Reply
ROFLCOPTR
BerseliusQuote Reply
0-for-June
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Tyler Colvin must feel like shit today.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Tyler Colvin must feel like shit today.[/quote]Is he still tired from running down Theriot’s double? It looked like he came over from right field to get that.
GBTSQuote Reply
http://www.hark.com/clips/dbrccdlylw-22-lee-eilas-rant
Rice CubeQuote Reply
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
The Cubs have been absolutely crucified by Pujols this series. Yeah, he is in just as steep a decline as several Cubs bloggers thought. Great call, fellas. (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/minor-leagues/baseball-americas-latest-mock-draft.html#comment-25297
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
You still have to pitch to Pujols in that situation.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]You still have to pitch to Pujols in that situation.[/quote]
I agree, but I think Quade used the wrong pitcher…although I don’t think he had much of a choice with a taxed bullpen from yesterday.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS][/quote]Quintessential “orgasm or ‘oops!’ face?”
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]You still have to pitch to Pujols in that situation.[/quote]MB is still waiting to be right about this. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]You still have to pitch to Pujols in that situation.[/quote]Yeah. I’m not any more of an IBB fan than I am a sac bunt fan. You take your swings and you try and execute your pitches. Sometimes it doesn’t work out.
And with Pujols, it seems that a lot of times it doesn’t work out. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Does Jeff Samardzija suck or is he just unpolished? I can’t decide.
JoshQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I agree, but I think Quade used the wrong pitcher…although I don’t think he had much of a choice with a taxed bullpen from yesterday.[/quote]Yeah, pitting Pujols vs. Lopez is like running dick first into the wall at Wrigley. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Hammel just lost his no-hitter for Colorado in SF.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Does Jeff Samardzija suck or is he just unpolished? I can’t decide.[/quote]Yes.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I agree, but I think Quade used the wrong pitcher…although I don’t think he had much of a choice with a taxed bullpen from yesterday.[/quote]Lopez is the same of every other reliever not named Mamol, Marshall and Wood and Wood isn’t anything to brag about at this point in his career.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Does Jeff Samardzija suck or is he just unpolished? I can’t decide.[/quote]He sucks
mb21Quote Reply
ESPN box score gave Z’s start today a game score of 64. Carpenter got a 69.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]MB is still waiting to be right about this. (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) Pujols had only 8 walk-off home runs before this series. Even if he had 25, I would still pitch to him. There’s only one player that I’d consider walking to start an inning and that was Barry Bonds from 1999 to 2004.
mb21Quote Reply
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15583379
Samardzija’s pitch yesterday was a lot better than this one.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I actually feel bad for Mike Quade at this point. Due to being given an average team at best and then some shitty luck, this team is going to easily lose 90 and maybe even 95 or more. As a result, this will be the only season he ever gets to manage a team and I highly doubt he lasts the entire season. It’s not his fault this team sucks, but he’s going to pay the price.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I actually feel bad for Mike Quade at this point. Due to being given an average team at best and then some shitty luck, this team is going to easily lose 90 and maybe even 95 or more. As a result, this will be the only season he ever gets to manage a team and I highly doubt he lasts the entire season. It’s not his fault this team sucks, but he’s going to pay the price.[/quote]Yeah, it’s unfair for him to be fired for essentially trying to make the best of Hendry’s laughably constructed roster, but I also won’t miss his inane yammering. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
It’s too bad for Q, but if Q goes, Hendry can’t be far behind…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I actually feel bad for Mike Quade at this point. Due to being given an average team at best and then some shitty luck, this team is going to easily lose 90 and maybe even 95 or more. As a result, this will be the only season he ever gets to manage a team and I highly doubt he lasts the entire season. It’s not his fault this team sucks, but he’s going to pay the price.[/quote]
But did we know going into this season it would be brutal? I guess I was hoping they’d give whatever manager they chose at least two years b/c this team was destined to suck.
JoshQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]ESPN box score gave Z’s start today a game score of 64. Carpenter got a 69.[/quote]Z has had two straight solid starts now.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]But did we know going into this season it would be brutal? I guess I was hoping they’d give whatever manager they chose at least two years b/c this team was destined to suck.[/quote]I expected this team to be bad, but not this bad.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]It’s too bad for Q, but if Q goes, Hendry can’t be far behind…[/quote]I’m of that mind, too, but I also would not be totally shocked to see Quade scapegoated for not knowing how to handle the roster when the injuries hit, or some such nonsense that vindicates Ricketts for keeping the Hendry-Kenney braintrust around until Hendry’s contract is up in 2012.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Is he still tired from running down Theriot’s double? It looked like he came over from right field to get that.[/quote]
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15581549
GBTS is correct. WTF was that all about? Let Campana handle that side of the OF.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]But did we know going into this season it would be brutal? I guess I was hoping they’d give whatever manager they chose at least two years b/c this team was destined to suck.[/quote]The projections had the Cubs anywhere from 76 to 80 wins. They were a bit below .500 entering the season and they’ve been very unlucky to this point.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS][/quote]GBTS, you really need to upgrade to Pro.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15581549
GBTS is correct. WTF was that all about? Let Campana handle that side of the OF.[/quote]
They were playing the Theriot Shift.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]GBTS, you really need to upgrade to Pro.[/quote]Fucking photobucket, seriously? I can see it fine on mine.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Yeah, it’s unfair for him to be fired for essentially trying to make the best of Hendry’s laughably constructed roster, but I also won’t miss his inane yammering. (dying laughing)[/quote]I don’t blame Hendry for this roster as much as you do. Sure, he’s partly responsible, but also responsible is the owner who sets the budget. We talked about this after 2009 endlessly, but the Cubs had to make a decision in that offseason. Either you increase payroll or you trade some veterans for some prospects. The Cubs did neither. Once they chose to do nothing this was inevitable. I’ve never heard a GM tell an owner he doesn’t want any more money.
On the other hand, Hendry is largely responsible for assembling an aging team and not being proactive along the way in an effort to get younger.
Furthermore, players like Ramirez, Soriano and even Zambrano are also to blame for not being as good as expected over the years they’ve been signed. It’s not like you can really blame the player because he’s trying, but they’re partly responsible for it too.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Fucking photobucket, seriously? I can see it fine on mine.[/quote]This has happened with like three images you’ve posted lately. Maybe it’s just me, idk.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]GBTS, you really need to upgrade to Pro.[/quote]Yeah, I can only see his images if I happen to click refresh instantly. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Well let’s just try this then
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing), awesome GBTS
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Guffaw.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Quade said he lost sleep after yesterday’s walkoff, he might jump off the arch tonight.
GBTSQuote Reply
I understood not cleaning house right off the bat like a lot of fans were calling for (on the postgame show), but how does Ricketts justify not bringing in some new leadership at this point? How much lower can we sink?
JoshQuote Reply
I bet the Cubs hit Pujols next time they see him.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]I bet the Cubs hit Pujols next time they see him.[/quote]Better than pitching to him. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Better than pitching to him. (dying laughing)[/quote]
(dying laughing)
True story.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
That’s fantastic, GBTS. We might have to put that on the sidebar.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Josh]I understood not cleaning house right off the bat like a lot of fans were calling for (on the postgame show), but how does Ricketts justify not bringing in some new leadership at this point? How much lower can we sink?[/quote]I think the question is whether or not the entire front office leaves with Hendry and a lot of people think they do. That’s why I still think Hendry gets promoted to some relatively meaningless position and a new GM is hired.
mb21Quote Reply
Sullivan is starting a BIG vendetta vs Z. Get ready for a shitstorm
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]Sullivan is starting a BIG vendetta vs Z. Get ready for a shitstorm[/quote]
Is this re: the stuff Muskat just tweeted about Z calling out the team and criticizing Marmol’s pitches?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Z calls the entire club a AAA team. Good for him. Hopefully we can trade him now and he can get that ring
dylanjQuote Reply
NDB:
Correct? (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
Oh my fucking shit.
Z is going to be crucified again.
Gordo is multi-tweeting Z’s rant against Marmol and the Cubs.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Good for him. This team blows.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ Z simultaneously ripping Theriot, Cubs management, and Marmol. (dying laughing)
Z is my favorite Cub, ever.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
It’s awesome how Sullivan and Gordo have quickly found yet another reason not to talk about an excellent start by Z. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Anyone who wants to rip Z needs to be able to answer one question:
What has he said that is not true?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
That said, Z will not finish the season with the club after this. And he shouldn’t. He deserves better.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s awesome how Sullivan and Gordo have quickly found yet another reason not to talk about an excellent start by Z. (dying laughing)[/quote]
It’s a way of [L]ife.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]That said, Z will not finish the season with the club after this. And he shouldn’t. He deserves better.[/quote]
I wonder if he gets suspended or will have to miss dinner.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I don’t get it… Zambrano is actually speaking the truth about this franchise.
None of those things were unaccurate or over the top. This is a mediocre team playing terribly. This is exactly what a clubhouse leader is supposed to do. Where are the other so-called clubhouse guys? Why are they silent?
Z is going to get ripped for this and that’s complete bullshit. This team needs someone to light a fire under their ass, and it’s painfully obvious to everyone except the kumquat hack beat-writers that Quade, Ricketts, or the other “team leaders” haven’t been able to do that. Zambrano is finally displaying the type of leadership everyone wanted out of “not-an-ace” and now he’s going to get demolished for it. He deserves better then this fucking joke of a franchise.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
They told Z to calm his temper and he did, and the team got worse instead of better. He pitched good, but the team seemed to get worse.
JoshQuote Reply
(dying laughing) What?
Yeah, be careful.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I wonder if he gets suspended or will have to miss dinner.[/quote]I will be shocked if he isn’t suspended or fined.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
The lede from Hobbiton:
Nice that Sully doesn’t mention he provoked it. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]I don’t get it… Zambrano is actually speaking the truth about this franchise.
None of those things were unaccurate or over the top. This is a mediocre team playing terribly. This is exactly what a clubhouse leader is supposed to do. Where are the other so-called clubhouse guys? Why are they silent?
Z is going to get ripped for this and that’s complete bullshit. This team needs someone to light a fire under their ass, and it’s painfully obvious to everyone except the kumquat hack beat-writers that Quade, Ricketts, or the other “team leaders” haven’t been able to do that. Zambrano is finally displaying the type of leadership everyone wanted out of “not-an-ace” and now he’s going to get demolished for it. He deserves better then this fucking joke of a franchise.[/quote]THISTHISTHIS, a thousand times THIS.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]I don’t get it… Zambrano is actually speaking the truth about this franchise.
None of those things were unaccurate or over the top. This is a mediocre team playing terribly. This is exactly what a clubhouse leader is supposed to do. Where are the other so-called clubhouse guys? Why are they silent?
Z is going to get ripped for this and that’s complete bullshit. This team needs someone to light a fire under their ass, and it’s painfully obvious to everyone except the kumquat hack beat-writers that Quade, Ricketts, or the other “team leaders” haven’t been able to do that. Zambrano is finally displaying the type of leadership everyone wanted out of “not-an-ace” and now he’s going to get demolished for it. He deserves better then this fucking joke of a franchise.[/quote]
I hope the Yanks or Red Sox are looking for pitching. I want Z to win a World Series and say “fuck you” back to Chicago. This would be the first time in a long time I will root for the AL in the WS if this happens. Make it happen.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The lede from Hobbiton:
Nice that Sully doesn’t mention he provoked it. (dying laughing)[/quote]what a cunt
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]what a cunt[/quote]Well, it is Paul Sullivan. We shouldn’t expect less, and in this respect, Sullivan may be right.
I’m just mad that Sullivan has finally driven yet another player out of town.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Sounded like Koyie came to his defense. He’s good for something, then.
JoshQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Well, it is Paul Sullivan. We shouldn’t expect less, and in this respect, Sullivan may be right.
I’m just mad that Sullivan has finally driven yet another player out of town.[/quote]Yeah. Sullivan and the others in Chicago who want Z gone are going to love his replacement — Rodrigo Lopez. (dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
You guys think the club will take serious action against Z?
I can’t see anything more than a fine. No way a suspension or trade would be justifiable here.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Sounded like Koyie came to his defense. He’s good for something, then.[/quote]Huh. I’m wondering if there’s not about to be a mutiny in clubhouse.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Am I the only one seeing the possibility of a suspension as less than zero?
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]You guys think the club will take serious action against Z?
I can’t see anything more than a fine. No way a suspension or trade would be justifiable here.[/quote]A suspension would be tough, given the union complications, and the fact the Cubs middle-fingered the union on the MB suspension. But a fine I think is almost a certainty. This club has proven time and time again they cannot handle shit in-house. I think there will be a public response from Hendry and Z will be punished in some form, and then I think they’ll doo what they can to make him want to waive his NTC so they can deal him. And TBH, the way he’s pitching now, he has some value as a trade option.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Am I the only one seeing the possibility of a suspension as less than zero?[/quote]
In, this case, I hope, you are, correct.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Am I the only one seeing the possibility of a suspension as less than zero?[/quote]I’m just speculating, but given the severity with which Hendry dealt with Z’s outbursts last year, it would not surprise me.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Not that I endorse this logic (or it makes any difference to me), but when Zambrano was ass-spanked last year, he was in the midst of struggling. Right now, being the best pitcher in terms of results, it’d be hard to sell giving a start away.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Am I the only one seeing the possibility of a suspension as less than zero?[/quote]So, a raise? (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
Chemistry breeds winning. Z is disrupting clubhouse chemistry. Therefore he must be punished.
You’re right, that logic doesn’t really work.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Not that I endorse this logic (or it makes any difference to me), but when Zambrano was ass-spanked last year, he was in the midst of struggling. Right now, being the best pitcher in terms of results, it’d be hard to sell giving a start away.[/quote]
Fair point, but…
[quote name=Rice Cube]Chemistry breeds winning. Z is disrupting clubhouse chemistry. Therefore he must be punished.
You’re right, that logic doesn’t really work.[/quote]
We already know that’s how Hendry and Quade think. I’ll admit a suspension is highly unlikely, but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility.
I’m just waiting to see the public response from Quade and Hendry. That’ll tell us a lot. If they say “We’re going to take a look at it and decide the proper course of action,” it means they’re asking MLBPA if they can suspend or fine him.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Is there a link to Z’s rant?
mb21Quote Reply
Z has come to blows with dudes on multiple occasions. I would prefer it if we praise his restraint.
GBTSQuote Reply
I wonder if Q will defend Z. I think there’s a good chance it will happen. If that’s the case then it’s likely Z is off the hook. Any word?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Is there a link to Z’s rant?[/quote]I doubt it. if it made it on TV, CSN will have a vid up in prob 10 minutes or so
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I found these:
http://muskat.mlblogs.com/2011/06/05/65-big-z-we-stink/
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/sports/cubs/ct-spt-0606-cubs-cardinals-chicago–20110605,0,7612345.story
JoshQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I wonder if Q will defend Z. I think there’s a good chance it will happen. If that’s the case then it’s likely Z is off the hook. Any word?[/quote]If Quade sticks up for him, he’s in the clear.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Quade does not sounds enthused:
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Q can’t defend Z, because it would be admitting that he (Q) has failed as a manager.
JoshQuote Reply
I like how Quade says MArshall and Marmol “picked up” Z. Stooge.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Q can’t defend Z, because it would be admitting that he (Q) has failed as a manager.[/quote]
You do not think there’s a way to defend Z and accept just the right amount of blame?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Q can’t defend Z, because it would be admitting that he (Q) has failed as a manager.[/quote]How so? It’s not his fault Marmol’s getting all Billy Badass with the catcher and shaking off signs.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Also, seriously, what was Colvin doing in center field? (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Also, seriously, what was Colvin doing in center field? (dying laughing)[/quote]
Not to begin the game, obviously, but when he was supposedly playing left field.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Also, seriously, what was Colvin doing in center field? (dying laughing)[/quote]I only wish we had beat guys that would ask question like this, i.e. questions about defensive positioning, IBB decision, etc. I’d love to hear a managers thoughts on stuff like that. I bet even Quade would have interesting stuff to say on it.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
comment note updated (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I just read some of Z’s comments. Didn’t sound that bad. He’s not the first payer to say “we’re playing like a AAA team.” I’m pretty sure Lou said that last year and I’d bet several other Cubs have said it as well. Singling out Marmol is probably not a good idea. It’s not like Marmol hasn’t saved his ass over the years. Other than that, I don’t think it’s a big deal.
That doesn’t mean the Cubs won’t, but my guess is that this is just ignored by the team for the most part.
mb21Quote Reply
How about a cross-town trade? Z for Dunn. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/qwe-play-like-a-triple-a-teamq.html
mb21Quote Reply