I blinked, and suddenly the Brewers are on top of the NL Central. They’ve won eight of their last ten games and should win a few more in this series.
Team Overviews
As always, team stats with NL ranks in parentheses
| Brewers | Cubs | |
| wOBA | .327 (4th) | .311 (7th) |
| UBR | -0.4 (8th) | -7.9 (16th) |
| UZR | 2.9 (6th) | -15.5 (15th) |
| SP FIP | 3.43 (4th) | 4.31 (13th) |
| RP FIP | 3.44 (4th) | 4/12 (15th) |
Not surprisngly Fielder and Braun are leading the charge offensively, posting a .442 and .422 wOBA respectively. Rickie Weeks is hitting like he does when he’s healthy, but they have a lot of black holes surrounding the big boppers in their lineup. Most notably, Carlos Gomez (.291), Yuniesky Betancourt (.249), and FORMER CUBS PROSPECT ZOMG FIRE HENDRY Casey McGehee (.268), who could be playing himself out of a starting job were it not for the fact that his replacement would be Craig Consell.
The big surprise here is that the Brewers have such a good defensive number – I always remember them as being atrocious. It turns out that UZR just seems to really like the Brewers. Their 2009 and 2010 UZR numbers were right around average but DRS absolutely hated those teams, scoring them at -22 and -38 runs respectively. This year DRS really likes the Brewers, putting them at +17 runs on the year. A big portion of that comes from the punchless Carlos Gomez, who has been worth 15 runs on defense in only three months. Of course, small sample sizes apply for individual stats, and to a lesser extent team stats. This team is not fundamentally different than last year’s -38 run (DRS) team – the big difference is that they now have a much worse shortstop in Betancourt. Still, they’re a good team and deserve to be in first place.
Pitching Matchups
Monday: Randy Wolf, LHP (3.49, 4.46, 4.25, 4.10) vs Ryan Dempster, RHP (5.96, 4.39, 3.40, 3.72), 7:05 PM CT
Dempster continues his quest to drop his ERA below replacement level. He had an adventurous first inning in his last start before settling down and throwing six strong innings against the Reds, striking out eight batters while walking one.
Wolf has put up much better numbers than he did in his lousy first season with the Brewers, but not surprisingly the 34-year old pitcher is under his career norms. He pitched into the seventh inning of his last start, against the Mets, striking out six and allowing one run. Normally I’d say that it’s good for the Cubs to face a left-handed pitcher but with most of their RHBs injured not so much. Jeff Baker is back though, so watch out (laughing).
Tuesday: Yovani Gallardo, RHP (3.96, 3.59, 3.50, 3.28) vs Randy Wells, RHP (6.50, 5.73, 4.37, 3.99), 7:05 PM CT
Gallardo is a guy I keep going back and forth on every year. A few years back we were comparing him to Z for some reason that I can never remember. After he put up FIPs around 4 in 2008 and 2009 I had him pegged as a good but not great pitcher (maybe that’s where the Z comp came from). But it’s easy to forget how young he is – he turns 25 this year and is prime for some improvement off that base talent level. He put it together and quietly had a great 2010, but he’s seen his strikeout rate drop big time this year. He’s still striking out plenty of batters but no long at the batter an inning pace that he used to.
Last week’s rain delay must have been a bummer for Wells, who was rushed back to the majors before he could really knock the rust off from his rehab. Who knows though, maybe a shortened outing might help him for some vague and arbitrary reason that I’m too lazy to come up with. Wells has struck out plenty of batters but is also walking plenty, and the high pitch counts that ensue are chasing him early.
Wednesday: Chris Narveson, LHP (4.32, 3.22, 3.34, 4.08) vs Carlos Zambrano, RHP (4.40, 3.96, 4.22, 3.96), 7:05 PM CT
Narveson has been a nice surprise for the Brewers, especially considering how desparate the Crew has been for pitching for the past few seasons. He had a mediocre minor league career in the Cardinals org before coming over to the Brewers. He joined the team in 09 as a swing man and found his way into the rotation last season, posting some decent, cost-controlled numbers. Much like all of the other Brewers starters in this series, he’s a fly-ball pitcher
There’s not much to be said about Z’s last start that hasn’t already been said. Tons of mistakes were made leading up to the Polanco grand slam in the last game, and the fates rubbed salt into the wound by having the Cubs score five runs in the top of the next inning.
Thursday: Zack Greinke, RHP (4.69, 2.52, 2.04, 2.75) vs Matt Garza, RHP (3.84, 2.30, 2.76, 3.64), 1:20 PM CT
Greinke has been as good as expected, FIP wise, but oddly enough batters are hitting a lot of line drives off of him (25.8%). His LOB rate (63%) is also a big factor in his ERA-FIP split. He’s piled up the strikouts but doesn’t have any starts this season that you can point to and say that he absolutely dominated the competition.
Garza’s strikeouts have been down since his return from the DL (seven in ten innings) and teams are still getting good contact off of him, if you can believe the line drive classifications. Especially now that it’s warmer, expect a lot more balls to fly out of the park with him pitching. This Brewers lineup could really put the hurt on him.
Prediction
Another 3-1 series win for the Cubs opponent.
Comments
What’s up with McGehee? Has the league finally figured out that he’s Casey McGehee?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
My boss is taking me to Thursday’s game. I thought I was doing well, I don’t know why I’m being punished. But at least I’ll have a helluva pitching matchup to watch.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]My boss is taking me to Thursday’s game. I thought I was doing well, I don’t know why I’m being punished. But at least I’ll have a helluva pitching matchup to watch.[/quote]
At least it’s free. Not like you’re one of their best customers or anything.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Anyone catch what happened to Pat Hughes? Who is the old sounding sub?
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Anyone catch what happened to Pat Hughes? Who is the old sounding sub?[/quote]
I don’t know why Pat is out again, but the old sounding guy is Dave Eannet.
Aisle424Quote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
Lead-off double, runner stranded at 2nd. It’s a way of [L]ife. (dying laughing)
melissaQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
I did come across this when looking for the Shining clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0hKDN-h0xY&feature=related
GBTSQuote Reply
Boston is killing Vancouver.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Boston is killing Vancouver.[/quote]They should find themselves a safe house or a relative close by because they’re probably wanted for murder.
mb21Quote Reply
Would anyone be shocked if we found out this summer that Luongo routinely bets on games?
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Would anyone be shocked if we found out this summer that Luongo routinely bets on games?[/quote]I would be because I think athletes are model citizens who never ever do anything wrong and cherish the integrity of the game.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Would anyone be shocked if we found out this summer that Luongo routinely bets on games?[/quote]
I think he phases in and out of existence depending on whether he’s in Canada or the USA.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
A mercurial injury…(dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I would be because I think athletes are model citizens who never ever do anything wrong and cherish the integrity of the game.[/quote]
Rec’d, +1, LSA.
melissaQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Derek Jeter ——>out of game with apparent leg injury
Only reason to watch Cubs/Yankees series ——-> disappearing
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Aisle424Quote Reply
Well shit. He’s 6 hits shy, too.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Derek Jeter ——>out of game with apparent leg injury
Only reason to watch Cubs/Yankees series ——-> disappearing
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)[/quote]So the Cubs injury woes now extend to teams coming to Wrigley Field. The Cubs may get back in this race after all. Think about all the series that are going to get cancelled in the next few weeks. World Series, here we come!
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Derek Jeter ——>out of game with apparent leg injury
Only reason to watch Cubs/Yankees series ——-> disappearing
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)[/quote]
Somebody tell Crane to get the Greek Orthodox Priest on the blower. We need somebody to lay hands on Jeter and get him on the field. Come to think of it, I will offer whatever therapeutic assistance is necessary. For the good of the team, of course.
melissaQuote Reply
When I was walking my dog this morning I started thinking about free agency. If the Cubs sign Albert Pujols, the Cardinals are almost certainly going to sign Prince Fielder. If we accept that the Cardinals are unlikely to be able to afford to Pujols, the Cubs may be much smarter to go ahead and sign Fielder knowing they can’t possibly come close to replacing Pujols. The wins the Cubs add on the Cardinals in that situation are significant whereas the wins they add with Pujols a Cub and Fielder a Cardinals is about 1-2 or so. Plus, Fielder would be a wiser investment anyway.
mb21Quote Reply
Average speed 7 for 7 stealing bases this year.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]When I was walking my dog this morning I started thinking about free agency. If the Cubs sign Albert Pujols, the Cardinals are almost certainly going to sign Prince Fielder. If we accept that the Cardinals are unlikely to be able to afford to Pujols, the Cubs may be much smarter to go ahead and sign Fielder knowing they can’t possibly come close to replacing Pujols. The wins the Cubs add on the Cardinals in that situation are significant whereas the wins they add with Pujols a Cub and Fielder a Cardinals is about 1-2 or so. Plus, Fielder would be a wiser investment anyway.[/quote]
I don’t think the Cubs are getting either, but if they get one, I’m more comfortable with Fielder’s durability and age.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]My boss is taking me to Thursday’s game. I thought I was doing well, I don’t know why I’m being punished. But at least I’ll have a helluva pitching matchup to watch.[/quote]I’ll be at this game too.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I don’t think the Cubs are getting either, but if they get one, I’m more comfortable with Fielder’s durability and age.[/quote]
Cubs will sign both and put Pujols at 3rd. Cubbiezzzzz, zomg, +1, It’s Gonna Happen. Done deal. Sealed.
melissaQuote Reply
This is like watching a team full of Ryan Theriots.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]This is like watching a team full of Ryan Theriots.[/quote]
False due to skin pigmentation.
melissaQuote Reply
Good to at least see Ramirez hit the ball hard again.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I don’t think the Cubs are getting either, but if they get one, I’m more comfortable with Fielder’s durability and age.[/quote]I don’t think there’s a chance in hell they get Pujols, but I actually do think they’ll sign Fielder. The Cubs have been looking for a lefty power hitter for a long time (since Henry Rodriguez???). I don’t think they let Fielder go to another team. Not sure how much it will cost them, but I do think he’ll be a Cub next year.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Cubs will sign both and put Fielder at 3rd. Cubbiezzzzz, zomg, +1, It’s Gonna Happen. Done deal. Sealed.[/quote]A lefty at 3rd base is like the righty/right and lefty/lefty platoon the team had entering the season.
mb21Quote Reply
As if out to prove mb’s point about the TV booth adding nothing to Cubs broadcasts, Len and Bob have no idea when the umpire crew chief left the game. Ed Rapuano can be pretty sneaky.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]A lefty at 3rd base is like the righty/right and lefty/lefty platoon the team had entering the season.[/quote]
I like it. Let’s See What Happens.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t think there’s a chance in hell they get Pujols, but I actually do think they’ll sign Fielder. The Cubs have been looking for a lefty power hitter for a long time (since Henry Rodriguez???). I don’t think they let Fielder go to another team. Not sure how much it will cost them, but I do think he’ll be a Cub next year.[/quote]
It would be nice. I just can’t imagine either of those guys even wanting to play for the Cubs after this disaster. They have to know it would be them and nobody else.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]As if out to prove mb’s point about the TV booth adding nothing to Cubs broadcasts, Len and Bob have no idea when the umpire crew chief left the game. Ed Rapuano can be pretty sneaky.[/quote](dying laughing) they don’t notice anything, AC. Unless it gives Len a chance to say Ohhh Baby or Bob gets to talk about a crappy white guy, they don’t notice shit.
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing) they’re also unaware that Derek Jeter left the game with a sore calf.
AndCountingQuote Reply
Or maybe they’re just disinterested.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]It would be nice. I just can’t imagine either of those guys even wanting to play for the Cubs after this disaster. They have to know it would be them and nobody else.[/quote]Probably, but I think players sign for the most money at least 95% of the time without regard for how good the team is. Most of those guys like that figure they’re the difference maker anyway. They have ridiculously large egos so it wouldn’t surprise me if Pujols or Fielder thought they were the difference between this year’s Cubs team and the World Series.
It’s just hard not to notice that the Cubs have seemingly had lefty power hitter on their wish list every freaking offseason for seemingly ever and every single time they sign a guy they think will be that guy they’re let down. Prince Fielder isn’t going to let you down. The guy will hit the bat a long, long way and he’ll do so many times. This is just one of those that is too obvious that even the Cubs won’t fuck it up.
if it were me, I wouldn’t sign either of them. No reason to spend the money when you aren’t going to contend, but we both know the Cubs have to sell the idea of being a contender. Prince Fielder will do that.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Or maybe they’re just disinterested.[/quote]Or re-undisinterested.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]
. Prince Fielder isn’t going to let you down. The guy will hit the bat a long, long way and he’ll do so many times. This is just one of those that is too obvious that even the Cubs won’t fuck it up.
[/quote]
Well, at least until Fielder breaks a foot tripping over a seagull in the outfield in his first week as a Cub (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Bubbles gamecocks=====>> Back to Omaha[/quote]
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Texas =====>> Back to Omaha[/quote]
Oh, oh, oh, my turn!
Seminoles====> Totally imploding, not back to Omaha…
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting](dying laughing) they’re also unaware that Derek Jeter left the game with a sore calf.[/quote]All this is funny because Len never misses an opportunity to say Ohhh Baby!
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Well, at least until Fielder breaks a foot tripping over a seagull in the outfield in his first week as a Cub (dying laughing)[/quote]That’s a reason to not sign with this team. If I’m Fielder I’m looking at their injury history and moving on. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Well, at least until Fielder breaks a foot tripping over a seagull in the outfield in his first week as a Cub (dying laughing)[/quote]
They’re putting Prince in LF?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]All this is funny because Len never misses an opportunity to say Ohhh Baby![/quote]It just pisses me off that he never follows it up with “I wanna get witcha and take your picture.”
AndCountingQuote Reply
I like how it’s bubbles gamecocks. That’s what I’m going to start calling them from now on.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]Oh, oh, oh, my turn!
Seminoles====> Totally imploding, not back to Omaha…[/quote]
Badgers =========> unable to go to Omaha since 1990
Fun fact: MB’s favorite reliever Rodney Myers was a Badger (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]They’re putting Prince in LF?[/quote]
CF – They’ve been looking for a Power bat in CF for a while now.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I like how it’s bubbles gamecocks. That’s what I’m going to start calling them from now on.[/quote]
Just shorten it to bubbles cocks
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ the Cubs defense. They almost fucked that up 3 different times.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]CF – They’ve been looking for a Power bat in CF for a while now.[/quote]
Makes perfect sense. Genius.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I didn’t read the whole Al/disinterested thread, but if he used a real dictionary (m-w.com) he would have won his argument right away. From http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinterested:
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Badgers =========> unable to go to Omaha since 1990
Fun fact: MB’s favorite reliever Rodney Myers was a Badger (dying laughing)[/quote]Another fun fact: the Badgers didn’t recruit Rodney Myers to replace Randy Myers. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
good grief, it took the entire roster (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
That was the worst rundown in the history of pickles. Can’t believe they got the out.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Makes perfect sense. Genius.[/quote]
It just might work.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]good grief, it took the entire roster (dying laughing)[/quote]
Dare I ask what happened? I’m watching Stanley Cup instead.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
2-5-1-6-4-2 caught stealing on a botched suicide squeeze.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I became disinterested about a third of the way through it. Then I was uninterested after half way through. Breezed through the final half though.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]That was the worst rundown in the history of pickles. Can’t believe they got the out.[/quote]It was a Little League pickle. I remember executing better than that when I was 10.
mb21Quote Reply
I love that there’s been enough scholarship on this issue to claim that there’s a tangled and fractious history over the usage. I guess people in glass houses should throw stones though (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]2-5-1-6-4-2 caught stealing on a botched suicide squeeze.[/quote]Can’t watch the game but this tells me all I need to know.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Just shorten it to bubbles cocks[/quote]So that’s why the chicks dig bubbles.
mb21Quote Reply
A suicide squeeze with the pitcher batting is really dumb.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Can’t watch the game but this tells me all I need to know.[/quote]It doesn’t convey the several throws that nearly got away or the fact that DJ LaMahieu just ended the game on a spectacular web gem. (dying laughing)
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]A suicide squeeze with the pitcher batting is really dumb.[/quote]Agreed. The Brewers were just surprised the Cubs executed the run down effectively. They were counting on them screwing it up.
mb21Quote Reply
Angry double by Randy Wolf eh.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Jackson is starting to see the ball better the last few games. 2-4 with a walk last night, 1-2 with a walk tonight. Vitters is 1-3 with a double.
mb21Quote Reply
After starting out at AA 1-5 Lake is 6 for his last 19 with a double and home run.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Agreed. The Brewers were just surprised the Cubs executed the run down effectively. They were counting on them screwing it up.[/quote]
as we said the cubs did screw it up, though, but it worked (dying laughing)
Luckily Demp’s wildness made it happen (I don’t think it was a pitch-out) and then Wolf hit a double and Weeks smashed one to LeMahieu to end the inning. Start of something big!
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Dare I ask what happened? I’m watching Stanley Cup instead.[/quote]
How do the Bruins make it look so easy in some of these stanley cup finals yet are behind 4-3? It’s like the 1960 world series.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
I think this is one of Demp’s best outings. Usually he breaks down after 4 or 5 innings.
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]How do the Bruins make it look so easy in some of these stanley cup finals yet are behind 4-3? It’s like the 1960 world series.[/quote]
They’re down 3-2. Vancouver doesn’t like to play away from home I guess. But Boston is making Luongo their bitch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Bruins have won 8-1, 4-0, now ahead 4-0 early in game 6. Canucks are on pace to have the fewest goals ever for a stanley cup champion, if they win.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
I love this blog. I was assuming the Cubs were losing by at least 6 runs because of the comments…
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
How long before Barney loses his starting job to Baker or Dewitt?
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
Baker should’ve struck out twice and popped out once in that at-bat.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
I think those last 2 strikes were called balls (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Probably, but I think players sign for the most money at least 95% of the time without regard for how good the team is. Most of those guys like that figure they’re the difference maker anyway. They have ridiculously large egos so it wouldn’t surprise me if Pujols or Fielder thought they were the difference between this year’s Cubs team and the World Series.
It’s just hard not to notice that the Cubs have seemingly had lefty power hitter on their wish list every freaking offseason for seemingly ever and every single time they sign a guy they think will be that guy they’re let down. Prince Fielder isn’t going to let you down. The guy will hit the bat a long, long way and he’ll do so many times. This is just one of those that is too obvious that even the Cubs won’t fuck it up.
if it were me, I wouldn’t sign either of them. No reason to spend the money when you aren’t going to contend, but we both know the Cubs have to sell the idea of being a contender. Prince Fielder will do that.[/quote]Talking about the Cubs, right?
shadasrevengeQuote Reply
it’s the weather
Horny GoatQuote Reply
it’s the injuries
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
For those of us that don’t live within an 8-mile radius of Wrigley, can I beg a score update?
shadasrevengeQuote Reply
Doesn’t Baker have a pretty dramatic lefty/righty split? I don’t see him as a straight up alternative to Barney.
joshQuote Reply
0-0
joshQuote Reply
Sorry, I meant “Cubs losing 0-0.”
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]it’s the weather[/quote][quote name=ZappBrannigan]it’s the injuries[/quote]
It’s gotta be the shoes!
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Sorry, I meant “Cubs losing 0-0.”[/quote]
Correct.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]0-0[/quote]
The Bears are winning
/Bueller
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=shadasrevenge]Talking about the Cubs, right?[/quote]
I was talking about the wind on that Aramis fly…
but I pretty much agree with the Fielder/Pujols thing. Besides, I doubt Pujols leaves STL. Nobody will pay more than they will. Boston and NY don’t need him. who else?
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The Bears are winning
/Bueller[/quote]
swing batter batter, swing!
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I love this blog. I was assuming the Cubs were losing by at least 6 runs because of the comments…[/quote]I assume the Cubs are actually losing by 6 to 8 runs when the score is tied.
mb21Quote Reply
It’s 0-0, top of the 7th, 1 out, shadas. Demp pitching a great game. So is Wolf.
mb21Quote Reply
you think we might hear about Milt Pappas near-perfect game tonight after he sings?
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]I was talking about the wind on that Aramis fly…
but I pretty much agree with the Fielder/Pujols thing. Besides, I doubt Pujols leaves STL. Nobody will pay more than they will. Boston and NY don’t need him. who else?[/quote]I don’t know if Boston or New York needs him, so I don’t know. I do generally agree with the premise that most (all) players will sign with the team that puts the biggest pile of money on the table. Whether or not St. Louis is that team remains to be seen.
That being said, if they are able to re-sign him, they’ll have somewhere around 50 million tied up in him and Holliday, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
shadasrevengeQuote Reply
CLE 1 out away from shutting out NYY 1-0.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s 0-0, top of the 7th, 1 out, shadas. Demp pitching a great game. So is Wolf.[/quote]
Damn, fast game.
shadasrevengeQuote Reply
Sounds like the Cardinals aren’t offering more than $150ish million for Pujols over 7 years or so. I long thought Pujols would stay in St. Louis, but they don’t have the money.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=shadasrevenge]Damn, fast game.[/quote]Yeah, now it’s the bottom of the 7th, 1 out, and Montanez and LeMahiue with back to back singles. This is where they ground into a double play.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=shadasrevenge]
That being said, if they are able to re-sign him, they’ll have somewhere around 50 million tied up in him and Holliday, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.[/quote]
but they won’t have to pay Pujols $30M/yr over 10 years. it would have to be very creative.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, now it’s the bottom of the 7th, 1 out, and Montanez and LeMahiue with back to back singles. This is where they ground into a double play.[/quote]
They’d need a TOOTBLAN thrown in since Campana is at-bat.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Sounds like the Cardinals aren’t offering more than $150ish million for Pujols over 7 years or so. I long thought Pujols would stay in St. Louis, but they don’t have the money.[/quote]
They could just be betting that it’s enough. If the Yankees and Red Sox aren’t in the game and no one wants to go 10 years it could be enough. Cubs, Rangers, Angels are probably the only teams who could sign him.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Sounds like the Cardinals aren’t offering more than $150ish million for Pujols over 7 years or so. I long thought Pujols would stay in St. Louis, but they don’t have the money.[/quote]
I think they’ll pay more than that, but not sure anyone else will pay much more. If it’s close he’ll stay there.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Next run wins.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Hell yeah. Go Indians!
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]They could just be betting that it’s enough. If the Yankees and Red Sox aren’t in the game and no one wants to go 10 years it could be enough. Cubs, Rangers, Angels are probably the only teams who could sign him.[/quote]I’d include the Rockies and Orioles and even the White Sox. I think there are more teams than just a couple. I think the Cardinals would have to trade Holliday in order to keep Pujols.
mb21Quote Reply
Two innings of Cubs v. Brewers bullpen? This will end up being a 10-7 type game.
joshQuote Reply
Are Helton, Konerko, and Dunn under contract next year? If only there were a website where I could look this up.
BerseliusQuote Reply
I could see any of these teams giving Pujols a lot more than the Cardinals offered: Blue Jays, Orioles, White Sox, Angels, Rangers, Rockies, Cubs, and Braves.
Without the Yankees or Red Sox Pujols probably isn’t getting 10/300, but I’m not sure he would have anyway. I still think he gets about 8/225.
I hope the Cardinals re-sign him. They can be in the same position in a few years that the Cubs have been over the last couple.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Are Helton, Konerko, and Dunn under contract next year? If only there were a website where I could look this up.[/quote]I think Helton is done. Not sure about the others, but they don’t have much left and could be traded.
mb21Quote Reply
Konerko through 2013 and Dunn through 2014.
mb21Quote Reply
I guess Helton is around until 2013 too. They reworked his contract or something.
mb21Quote Reply
Well fuck me, I had assumed this game was on WCIU.
shadasrevengeQuote Reply
Game’s on CSN, I think. The Rockies can have Helton for the rest of his career….which I believe ended about two years ago.
joshQuote Reply
2 outs in the top of the 8th. Samardzija even looking good tonight.
mb21Quote Reply
Dunn and Konerko are signed for the next 3 years at least. Williams is already getting heat for all the money he’s given Peavy, Rios and Dunn for little production. There is no way Reinsdorff spends the money for Pujols or Fielder and there isn’t a position for them anyway.
melissaQuote Reply
That will be funny if all Pujols gets is 7/150 or something. Fielder will be lucky to get $75 million.
mb21Quote Reply
My strategy in starting all those Brewers is working pretty well to give the Cubs a shot. Unfortunately, my opponent had Ryan Dempster so he’s matched me in the pitching column.
Aisle424Quote Reply
The legend of Darwin Barney lives on.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Runner on third one out! If only one of the Cubs knew how hit a sac fly….
joshQuote Reply
Holy crap, the Cubs might win.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What was Barney doing, tagging up? Damn, he should have scored on that play.
AndCountingQuote Reply
Oooh, no IBB.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]What was Barney doing, tagging up? Damn, he should have scored on that play.[/quote]
He was making sure Braun didn’t catch it. Theriot never would have stopped.
shadasrevengeQuote Reply
Len describing fielder position alert! And Cubs lead!!!!
AndCountingQuote Reply
Great slide by Barney
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Len describing fielder position alert! And Cubs lead!!!![/quote]Not only that, he also showed Marmol warming up in the pen in the top of the 8th. He reads every word.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]What was Barney doing, tagging up? Damn, he should have scored on that play.[/quote]
I don’t understand why he turned to run back to the base before the ball hit the wall. Even if Braun had caught it he had plenty of time to get back to first to wait on the play. Bad base running.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=shadasrevenge]He was making sure Braun didn’t catch it. Theriot never would have stopped.[/quote]He should have been camped out at second so he could return easily to first if he caught it. Instead he was sprinting back toward first when the ball was missed. Pisses me off.
AndCountingQuote Reply
In any event, he scored.
shadasrevengeQuote Reply
Jeez Soto.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=shadasrevenge]In any event, he scored.[/quote]It’s taking me quite awhile to transition out of grumpiness. (dying laughing)
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Great slide by Barney[/quote]
False. He’s now being attended to by the trainers.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]He should have been camped out at second so he could return easily to first if he caught it. Instead he was sprinting back toward first when the ball was missed. Pisses me off.[/quote]
Complete agreement. Braun was so deep that even if he had caught it, Barney could have been standing on 2nd when it was caught.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I don’t understand why he turned to run back to the base before the ball hit the wall. Even if Braun had caught it he had plenty of time to get back to first to wait on the play. Bad base running.[/quote]I think he was going back to 1st thinking he’d tag if Braun caught it. Even if he didn’t, he’s still at 3rd. It just wasn’t a close play. No way was he going to score on that play considering he had to hold up.
mb21Quote Reply
On that particular play, it’s pretty tough to figure it out. If you go to 2nd and it’s caught, you’re standing on 1st. If you’re ready to tag up and it’s caught, you’re on 2nd. If you’re near first and it’s not caught you can get to 3rd. I don’t have a problem with what Barney did. There’s a lot to consider on that fly ball and so little time to make a decision.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]On that particular play, it’s pretty tough to figure it out. If you go to 2nd and it’s caught, you’re standing on 1st. If you’re ready to tag up and it’s caught, you’re on 2nd. If you’re near first and it’s not caught you can get to 3rd. I don’t have a problem with what Barney did. There’s a lot to consider on that fly ball and so little time to make a decision.[/quote]Okay, Bob. (dying laughing)
AndCountingQuote Reply
Even if he’s standing on 2nd, he’s not scoring. Only way he scores on that one is if he rounds 2nd and goes about a third of the way to third thinking he can beat Braun’s throw back to 1st if he has to tag up. Pretty risky play in that situation because Braun would probably throw him out.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Okay, Bob. (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) I guess I don’t really care as long the baserunner doesn’t make an out. The out in that situation is pretty much the end of the inning.
mb21Quote Reply
Fielder is going to swing hard here in a moment. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I guess I’m just thinking that if he was able to stop his momentum, turn around and head back to second, round the base and reach third on a close play, that’s about the equivalent of running two bases. If he had started at second with a bit of momentum, I think he makes it home.
AndCountingQuote Reply
I don’t think McGehee can hit Marmol, but I’ve been wrong before.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) I guess I don’t really care as long the baserunner doesn’t make an out. The out in that situation is pretty much the end of the inning.[/quote]I’d agree with that. And he did redeem himself with the nice slide to score.
AndCountingQuote Reply
Too bad, the Astros are probably going to win tonight too (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Am i crazy for wanting fielder more than pujols.. Will cost less in both years and dollars.. And he can murder baseballs.. But then again Albert murders baseballs too.. I want one of them just to make this team fucking interesting. I actually think a team of
Brett Jackson CF
Castro SS
Pujols 1B
Soto C
Right Fielder
Flaherty 3B
Soriano LF
Lemaheiu 2B
would be interesting to watch..
Shit maybe Flaherty goes to Right and Vitters who has been hitting better lately can play 3B..
OR we can sign Pujols to play third and Fielder to play first ala the Miami Heat and then do something like
Jackson CF
Castro SS
Pujols 3B
Fielder 1B
Soto C
Right Fielder
Soriano
Lemaheiu 2B
btw i think its time to start giving the DJ some AB’s at second..
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
I wish they would end that stupid ritual of the outfielders hugging in a circle when they win. You should be at least .500 if you’re going to do something that looks that stupid.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Okay, Bob. (dying laughing)[/quote][quote name=AndCounting]I guess I’m just thinking that if he was able to stop his momentum, turn around and head back to second, round the base and reach third on a close play, that’s about the equivalent of running two bases. If he had started at second with a bit of momentum, I think he makes it home.[/quote]I might have to watch that play later tonight or tomorrow morning and see how long it takes Braun to get to the ball after it’s clearly not caught (when the runner would begin advancing). Maybe you’re right.
mb21Quote Reply
Never heard of Right Fielder. Is he a prospect? What position does he play? (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
great outing Dempster!
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I might have to watch that play later tonight or tomorrow morning and see how long it takes Braun to get to the ball after it’s clearly not caught (when the runner would begin advancing). Maybe you’re right.[/quote]
I didn’t like him turning and running back towards first but you are probably right that he wouldn’t have scored regardless. I am disappointed that he couldn’t read the play right in front of him very well. Braun had turned the wrong way, the ball was drifting away from him and it didn’t look like he was going to make the play. It just seemed to be a bad read to run back towards first.
melissaQuote Reply
The hugging thing is hilarious because they all seem so uncomfortable with it. I’m thinking it’s something Byrd came up with and they get chewed out if they don’t do it.
Hey, but nice win. Finally saw the replay, good slide by Barney.
joshQuote Reply
I woudn’t be surprised to see Rafael Dolis get a callup fairly soon. He’s been pitching well in relief for the Smokies and is already on the 40-man.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Never heard of Right Fielder.[/quote]Prince’s half-brother.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I didn’t like him turning and running back towards first but you are probably right that he wouldn’t have scored regardless. I am disappointed that he couldn’t read the play right in front of him very well. Braun had turned the wrong way, the ball was drifting away from him and it didn’t look like he was going to make the play. It just seemed to be a bad read to run back towards first.[/quote]It may have been, but I wonder what the 1st base coach was saying. I guess I don’t mind it because the first thing Barney had in mind was NOT making an out. After seeing the Cubs run into outs on the bases for 5 years, I’ll take it even if it costs them an extra base.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Prince’s half-brother.[/quote]Does Cecil want all his money, too?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I might have to watch that play later tonight or tomorrow morning and see how long it takes Braun to get to the ball after it’s clearly not caught (when the runner would begin advancing). Maybe you’re right.[/quote]
I think it’s a calculated risk. Barney had time to round 2nd at good speed and still have time to get back to 1B if it was caught and score if it wasn’t. I think ti was bad baserunning with his speed. Just bad judgment. When you have a hard time scoring runs, go for it (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I didn’t like him turning and running back towards first but you are probably right that he wouldn’t have scored regardless. I am disappointed that he couldn’t read the play right in front of him very well. Braun had turned the wrong way, the ball was drifting away from him and it didn’t look like he was going to make the play. It just seemed to be a bad read to run back towards first.[/quote]
and let’s not forget it’s Ryan Braun out there. He’s improved a lot out there since switching from 3B but still, it’s Ryan Braun (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Never heard of Right Fielder. Is he a prospect? What position does he play? (dying laughing)[/quote]
I jsut cnt figure out who will be there.. Maybe it will be Brett jackson or Byrd. Knowing this organization it will be Brett jackson..
Also i am officially all aboard the Matt Szczur bandwagon. Kid looks like he can play some ball… I wish they would promote him to High A or Double A soon so he can get some ab’s against better competition. But he can hit well take walks and steals bases well. By all accounts his defense is awesome in center. So it looks like Brett will be moving anyway…
I think a lineup in the future with these 3
Szczur CF
Castro SS
Jackson LF
will be the fastest cubs lineup of my life..
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
the Barney baserunning play brings up a bigger point- about the cubs playing at wrigley. We all know they don’t have much team speed and half the time the wind is blowing in so you can’t count on HRs. You need to have a team with some speed and agressiveness on the base paths to win those games when the wind is blowing in.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Barn might have hurt his baserunning lwts by not scoring on that double. Scoring on the FC was nice, but it doesn’t count for the stat.
ACTQuote Reply
They don’t have the previous play on MLB.com, but here’s the FC…
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15858589
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]They don’t have the previous play on MLB.com, but here’s the FC…
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15858589%5B/quote%5D
I was surprised they put the shift on Aramis. It doesn’t happen too often, even in that situation, does it?
Horny GoatQuote Reply
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15854891
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15854891[/quote]
still waiting for the Pena hit (dying laughing)
even espn doesn’ have it.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
They should’ve safety squeezed it. That just seemed like a really dumb idea anyway especially when Dempster couldn’t find the strike zone.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
From the time the ball hits the left field wall until Braun picks it up, it took 4.1 seconds. It would probably take Barney around 8 to 9 seconds to score from 2nd base. That gives Braun 5 seconds to get the ball home. Barney isn’t scoring on that play. Ichiro may not even score if he’s standing at 2nd. Just not enough time. Only way he scores is if he’s 10 to 15 feet past second base at which point he may as well have just kept running because odds are you aren’t getting back to 1st base safely if the ball is caught.
I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. It’s easy to second guess based on what we see on TV, but Braun barely missed that. I can easily see how Barney was anticipating he’d catch it and was trying to get back to first so he may have a chance to tag up.
If that ball is caught and Barney is thrown out at 1st base, how bad will we be saying that play is because it easily could have happened if Barney went far enough so he could score. Not worth it.
The baserunner’s only priority in that situation is this: do not make an out.
mb21Quote Reply
Jeter —> strained calf. Probably out for Tuesday and Wednesday. Will need six hits on Thursday then (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Jeter —> strained calf. Probably out for Tuesday and Wednesday. Will need six hits on Thursday then (dying laughing)[/quote]That hurts his chances of getting 3000 at Wrigley. I’d have said there was a very good chance prior to today, but it’s probably not likely now.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That hurts his chances of getting 3000 at Wrigley. I’d have said there was a very good chance prior to today, but it’s probably not likely now.[/quote]
He’ll probably get 6 PAs per game in Wrigley if he’s healthy enough to play.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]He’ll probably get 6 PAs per game in Wrigley if he’s healthy enough to play.[/quote]Good point. He’ll be working on his 4000th hit by Sunday.
mb21Quote Reply
Apparently the stadium was pretty full tonight. Weather was nice and a good team was in the park.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
If Jeter has a good series, we could see a new all-time hit champion on Sunday. Steroids!
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Good point. He’ll be working on his 4000th hit by Sunday.[/quote]
If there’s some way to animate Jeter in this one, you win the internets.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Apparently the stadium was pretty full tonight. Weather was nice and a good team was in the park.[/quote]
39070 at the park, and in the videos it actually looks that way.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Apparently the stadium was pretty full tonight. Weather was nice and a good team was in the park.[/quote]Well, the away fans had a short trip. That probably explains most of it.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I’d actually be really surprised if the stadium isn’t jam-packed this weekend when the Yankees come to town.
/MO’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’d actually be really surprised if the stadium isn’t jam-packed this weekend when the Yankees come to town.
/MO’d[/quote]If they can’t go SRO with the Yankees in town, Ricketts better start looking for a buyer. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
OK, I looked at the Barney/Pena situation using the WE tables in The Book (admittedly, the tables are for a higher run-scoring environment, so take the exact numbers with a grain if salt.
If the ball gets caught:
If Barney is being aggressive and makes the third out, the WE will fall to 0.5 (of course).
If Barney is playing safe, the WE is 0.552
The difference is 0.052.
If the ball is not caught:
If Barney scores, the WE is 0.873
If Barney only advances to 3rd, the WE is 0.776
The difference is 0.97
Barney had about twice as much to gain by running. Unless he thought there was a very good chance that the ball would be caught (2:1), he should have run hard.
ACTQuote Reply
As long as he remembers to touch 2B on the way back to 1B if the ball is caught (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Game 1 of the sweep in the bag. Only 13 more wins to go. I am so going to win that T-shirt.
joshQuote Reply
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]I didn’t read the whole Al/disinterested thread, but if he used a real dictionary (m-w.com) he would have won his argument right away. From http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinterested:%5B/quote%5D
There are three types of people:
1. People who think disinterested means impartial.
2. People who think disinterested means uninterested.
3. People who know the entire history of disinterested and uninterested.
There’s no fucking way in Satan’s hell that Alvin is No. 3.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]
If there’s some way to animate Jeter in this one, you win the internets.[/quote]
Oh there is, but I’m sure as shit not taking the time to do it.
/gif snob
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
http://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2011/6/14/2218049/the-stinx?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150199208790404_16347035_10150199210465404
(dying laughing). Epic win.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I hope the auction goes well for you, RC.
http://www.adverts.ie/office-equipment-supplies/red-pen-with-a-crack-bic/652879
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2011/6/14/2218049/the-stinx?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150199208790404_16347035_10150199210465404
(dying laughing). Epic win.[/quote]Hold on a tic…
Isn’t Alvin the editor of SBN Chicago?
And isn’t Bad Kermit the guy who dressed Alvin up as a Nazi and made a BCB version of the Downfall meme ?
Strange blogfellows indeed.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]I hope the auction goes well for you, RC.
http://www.adverts.ie/office-equipment-supplies/red-pen-with-a-crack-bic/652879%5B/quote%5D
People love crack.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/columns/story?columnist=greenberg_jon&id=6659088
Apparently you can’t market failure.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]OK, I looked at the Barney/Pena situation using the WE tables in The Book (admittedly, the tables are for a higher run-scoring environment, so take the exact numbers with a grain if salt.
If the ball gets caught:
If Barney is being aggressive and makes the third out, the WE will fall to 0.5 (of course).
If Barney is playing safe, the WE is 0.552
The difference is 0.052.
If the ball is not caught:
If Barney scores, the WE is 0.873
If Barney only advances to 3rd, the WE is 0.776
The difference is 0.97
Barney had about twice as much to gain by running. Unless he thought there was a very good chance that the ball would be caught (2:1), he should have run hard.[/quote]Run Expectancy is probably the better way of doing it. Using this year’s RE table from BP, a runner on 1st and 1 out has an ER of .496.
If he advances to 3rd on the double the RE is 1.301. If he’s thrown out it’s .305. If he scores it’s 1 run already scored +.648 for Pena on 2nd base with 1 out or 1.648 RE.
That out is worth 1 run. The extra base is worth .347 runs. You need to be 75% sure you’re going to score on that play if you’re going to round 2nd so you can score.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Hold on a tic…
Isn’t Alvin the editor of SBN Chicago?
And isn’t Bad Kermit the guy who dressed Alvin up as a Nazi and made a BCB version of the Downfall meme ?
Strange blogfellows indeed.[/quote]Yeah, isn’t Dolan or whatever his name is writing there now too? I don’t know why either would want to write at a place with Alvin, but whatever.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, isn’t Dolan or whatever his name is writing there now too? I don’t know why either would want to write at a place with Alvin, but whatever.[/quote]
Traffic, traffic, traffic.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Really? I’m astonished Dolan would do that. He probably hated Al more than any other Cubs blogger, and that’s saying something.
Shit. The one credible thing those guys had was their hate for people like Kaplan and Yellon.
First Kaplan and now Alvin win them over with promises of exposure.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Really? I’m astonished Dolan would do that. He probably hated Al more than any other Cubs blogger, and that’s saying something.
Shit. The one credible thing those guys had was their hate for people like Kaplan and Yellon.
First Kaplan and now Alvin win them over with promises of exposure.[/quote]
.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Really? I’m astonished Dolan would do that. He probably hated Al more than any other Cubs blogger, and that’s saying something.
Shit. The one credible thing those guys had was their hate for people like Kaplan and Yellon.
First Kaplan and now Alvin win them over with promises of exposure.[/quote]It’s pretty funny when you think about it. Imagine DJ going to write for SB Nation Chicago. I’d laugh at him nonstop if that happened.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]
[/quote]
Ha.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Really? I’m astonished Dolan would do that. He probably hated Al more than any other Cubs blogger, and that’s saying something.
Shit. The one credible thing those guys had was their hate for people like Kaplan and Yellon.
First Kaplan and now Alvin win them over with promises of exposure.[/quote]
I’m not as keen into Chicago blogger politics as you but I just found the Stinx story amusing. I don’t really care where it’s written at hehe.
So who called out Yellon
todayyesterday?Rice CubeQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]
[/quote]Bill Laimbeer would be proud.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I can’t say I’m up to date on current Cublogger factions etc. but I have witnessed all of the major wars and minor skirmishes of the past. I couldn’t get through more than half of Bad Kermit’s cartoon. I don’t know who Al was wielding his power against yesterday. I haven’t been over there lately.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Internet blog banning power is like being Plastic Man. It’s just not a very cool super power and is more annoying and creepy than anything (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]I can’t say I’m up to date on current Cublogger factions etc. but I have witnessed all of the major wars and minor skirmishes of the past. I couldn’t get through more than half of Bad Kermit’s cartoon. I don’t know who Al was wielding his power against yesterday. I haven’t been over there lately.[/quote]Didn’t RC post a Dr. Suess-Z parody over a week ago?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Really? I’m astonished Dolan would do that. He probably hated Al more than any other Cubs blogger, and that’s saying something.
Shit. The one credible thing those guys had was their hate for people like Kaplan and Yellon.
First Kaplan and now Alvin win them over with promises of exposure.[/quote]It’s also nice to pretend one’s GOOD FRIEND didn’t gin up this entire Z controversy.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I couldn’t actually find anything by Dolan over on SBN Chicago, so I think MB21 is playing us for mugs.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Desipio @ SB Nation:
http://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2011/6/6/2209116/carlos-zambrano-cubs-ryan-theriot-albert-pujols
I did write a Dr. Seuss parody, MO, but I suck at art so didn’t draw too many pictures.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]I couldn’t actually find anything by Dolan over on SBN Chicago, so I think MB21 is playing us for mugs.[/quote]No, he’s over there. Wrote about it on Desipio.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Looks like some teenager, or someone who wants everyone to think he’s a teenager.
He posted some “hey thanks for being such a cool place” bullshit post, then suddenly everyone was making some tangential jokes, including Al, and the kid got all pissed off and started calling Al names.
Of course, Al reacted in the only way he knows how.
I want the last 15 minutes of my life back.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Desipio @ SB Nation:
http://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2011/6/6/2209116/carlos-zambrano-cubs-ryan-theriot-albert-pujols
I did write a Dr. Seuss parody, MO, but I suck at art so didn’t draw too many pictures.[/quote]Even so…
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]
Of course, Al reacted in the only way he knows how.
[/quote]
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Even so…[/quote]
Glad you enjoyed it.
Pimping for folks who hadn’t seen it before:
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=215945668438192
Artwork welcome so I can spruce it up for the next time Z gets reamed by the media.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s also nice to pretend one’s GOOD FRIEND didn’t gin up this entire Z controversy.[/quote]Not only that, MO, but BK called Zambrano all sorts of names last year. It was as if he had become Sullivan. I didn’t even read one of the cartoons because I couldn’t care less, but I’d bet you anything that like Alvin, BK and Dolan have flip flopped on this issue. As I’ve always said, those two are much more like Alvin than they are anyone else.
mb21Quote Reply
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/12347/forget-quade-look-at-hendrys-record
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Not only that, MO, but BK called Zambrano all sorts of names last year. It was as if he had become Sullivan. I didn’t even read one of the cartoons because I couldn’t care less, but I’d bet you anything that like Alvin, BK and Dolan have flip flopped on this issue. As I’ve always said, those two are much more like Alvin than they are anyone else.[/quote]
I guess they are like politicians.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I guess they are like politicians.[/quote]They’re not even very good. Most politicians are at least intelligent. These 3 are constantly on the wrong side of things. It’s remarkable that even one person can be wrong so much, but we’re talking about 3 people. It’s hilarious that they dislike Alvin so much because they are Alvin.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]They’re not even very good. Most politicians are at least intelligent. These 3 are constantly on the wrong side of things. It’s remarkable that even one person can be wrong so much, but we’re talking about 3 people. It’s hilarious that they dislike Alvin so much because they are Alvin.[/quote]
Self-loathing, perhaps.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/12347/forget-quade-look-at-hendrys-record[/quote]Eh, seems like the guy is cherrypicking.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Eh, seems like the guy is cherrypicking.[/quote]
He probably was, but those are the biggest criticisms of Hendry that I’ve previously seen elsewhere, so I don’t think he’s necessarily wrong. I also don’t think anything awesome will happen by firing the manager and GM midseason, although one wonders if a new GM (preferably a smart one) would better overhaul the team.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Run Expectancy is probably the better way of doing it. [/quote]Why? The goal is to win the game not maximize run scoring potential. That makes a big difference in the late innings with the game tied.
ACTQuote Reply
Wut.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
OMGJAMEYCAROLLISONSTEROIDZ
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]OMGJAMEYCAROLLISONSTEROIDZ[/quote]
Anybody who can get 4 hits by getting 3 hits must be on steroids.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
No wonder he is leading the league. 3 hits are counting as 4!
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Why? The goal is to win the game not maximize run scoring potential. That makes a big difference in the late innings with the game tied.[/quote]The goal is to win, but you have to score in order to win. Unless it’s the walk-off run, you have to include run expectancy.
Using last year’s WE, the Cubs had a 70.3% chance of winning when Pena came to the plate. With runners on 2nd and 3rd it’s 77.8%. With a runner on 2nd, one run in it’s 97.5%. With a runner on 2nd and 2 out, no runs scored, it’s 63.6%.
You’re still in the range where you have to be successful two-thirds of the time to make it worth it. So it really doesn’t matter if you use RE or WE. The results are essentially the same: if you’re relatively certain the play isn’t going to be made, you run. You still have to be more certain it won’t be caught and there was simply no way to know. Braun barely missed that. It was a very close play. One less step in the wrong direction and that’s an out.
That’s a lot to consider when you’re in a tie game. There’s no way Barney can tell the difference between the distance the ball is likely to miss the glove by when it’s that close. You have to play it safe. It’s a fly ball. Most of the time that play is made. Most of the time Ryan Braun makes that play.
Are you arguing that Barney should have been standing on 2nd and tried to score? Barney isn’t that fast. He’s also a pretty good baserunner. His EqBRR is 2.6 and his UBR is over 1. I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt on such a close play.
mb21Quote Reply
I just watched that play again and Braun didn’t even really misplay it. He was tracking it the entire way. He was a bit confused with the well and was naturally afraid of the brick wall, but there’s absolutely no way that Darwin Barney thought at any point that was a hit. Based on Braun following that fly ball, as a baserunner, that looks like an out until it’s not.
mb21Quote Reply
Barney was kind of beating himself on that play though, he said he probably should’ve scored. But I’m not sure how he could’ve gotten a good read on that ball anyway.
Bruce Levine thinks the Cubs should sign Prince Fielder. It’s gonna happen.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
If you have mlb.tv, go to 2:20:20 and you get a pretty good picture of what Barney is looking at. Looks like Braun is tracking that ball pretty well.
After watching that play again several times, you’ve got one option if you want to score on that play: run like hell once the ball is hit and don’t look back. Don’t even bother to watch Braun because if it’s caught you’re out. I don’t know. I’d prefer he not do something like that unless it’s an obvious hit. Especially in that situation.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Barney was kind of beating himself on that play though, he said he probably should’ve scored. But I’m not sure how he could’ve gotten a good read on that ball anyway.
Bruce Levine thinks the Cubs should sign Prince Fielder. It’s gonna happen.[/quote]I thought so last night, but if you go to the point I said, it’s obvious to Barney that Braun is catching that ball. That was an out. The only thing that allowed that to fall in was the brick wall. You see Braun put his hand on the ivy to protect himself and he still barely misses that fly ball.
check out that video. You get an excellent look on the replay at exactly what Barney is watching and he sees Braun following the fly ball and getting ready to make the play. That’s an out in every other ballpark. It’s an out at Wrigley 90% of the time or greater.
mb21Quote Reply
I stand by what I said last night. If you go on that play you better be damn certain he isn’t making the play. I can guarantee if he had done that and we saw this replay we’d be complaining. I know I would be. That’s an out. Barney can’t know if he’s going to get lucky or not.
mb21Quote Reply
Just to clarify: I wasn’t criticizing Barney in any way. I just think that IF he had a nearly-certain chance of scoring if he was running from the beginning and IF there was a good chance of the ball dropping, he should have been aggressive (because 1 run is more important than the big inning in this case). There are a lot of uncertainties there, especially from the perspective of the player, so I’m willing to give Barney the benefit of the doubt.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Barney was kind of beating himself on that play[/quote]
Well if you get the urge…
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Just to clarify: I wasn’t criticizing Barney in any way. I just think that IF he had a nearly-certain chance of scoring if he was running from the beginning and IF there was a good chance of the ball dropping, he should have been aggressive (because 1 run is more important than the big inning in this case). There are a lot of uncertainties there, especially from the perspective of the player, so I’m willing to give Barney the benefit of the doubt.[/quote]
Yeah, I agree with that.
What’s really weird is that when I watched that play live I thought Braun misplayed it, but he actually didn’t. He played it quite well. he found the well area and used the ivy to guide him into the corner. He had that ball all the way. I just think it’s odd that live he looked so lost, but he was just finding the wall as you’re supposed to do. If Pena hit the ball just 10 feet toward left center that’s a home run.
I blame Pena! (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110614&content_id=20465038&vkey=pr_t443&fext=.jsp&sid=t443
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110614&content_id=20465038&vkey=pr_t443&fext=.jsp&sid=t443
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)[/quote]
This article is incorrect. It’s actually replica Alvin Yellon brain day.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110614&content_id=20465038&vkey=pr_t443&fext=.jsp&sid=t443
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)[/quote]That’s awesome. I actually bad for James to be honest. I couldn’t have cared less about The Decision. If people weren’t interested in watching there never would have been one. It’s not his fault he took the opportunity to make money. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That’s awesome. I actually bad for James to be honest. I couldn’t have cared less about The Decision. If people weren’t interested in watching there never would have been one. It’s not his fault he took the opportunity to make money. (dying laughing)[/quote]
I don’t feel that bad for him. As he pretty much pointed out in his press conference, whether or not he won the championship we’re still living our petty boring lives and he’s rolling around in tons of money.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I don’t feel that bad for him. As he pretty much pointed out in his press conference, whether or not he won the championship we’re still living our petty boring lives and he’s rolling around in tons of money.[/quote]I loved that he said that. I wish more athletes would respond to criticism in that manner.
mb21Quote Reply
Breaking news: As tipped by one of our readers, I was able to confirm that the Cubs will promote right-handed pitcher Chris Carpenter from the minor leagues. A pitcher will be sent down in a corresponding move.Carpenter has a power arm and will fill the role that Samardzija had been filling before Kerry Wood went on the DL. Samardzija is now the primary right-handed setup man for Marmol.
From Bruce Levine’s chat.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Earlier in the thread people were talking about signing Pujols or Fielder. One of my St. Louis friends mentioned that the Cardinals don’t want to sign Pujols for a 10 year contract because they don’t believe he is as young as they say. Any truth to this?
To clairfy, I mean truth to the fact that he is really older than appears. Is this shown in his stats?
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That’s awesome. I actually bad for James to be honest. I couldn’t have cared less about The Decision. If people weren’t interested in watching there never would have been one. It’s not his fault he took the opportunity to make money. (dying laughing)[/quote]
The people excoriating Leebrun for the decision are the same ones who put him on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16 and told him how great he was since he started jacking off.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/06/07/bryce-harper-homered-admired-his-feat-then-blew-a-kiss-to-the-pitcher-video/
Do we know if the pitcher provoked this at all?
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/06/07/bryce-harper-homered-admired-his-feat-then-blew-a-kiss-to-the-pitcher-video/
Do we know if the pitcher provoked this at all?[/quote]
Yeah, the pitcher apparently had some words for him as he was going to first, I believe because he was admiring his home run.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
I figure when pitchers stopped acting like children when they strike a batter out or something then the hitters should do the same. Until then, I don’t give a shit what the batter does. He can crawl to first while telling the pitcher to give him a blow job for all I care. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]He can crawl to first while telling the pitcher to give him a blow job for all I care. (dying laughing)[/quote]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-kwMPVqad4#t=0m17s
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I figure when pitchers stopped acting like children when they strike a batter out or something then the hitters should do the same. Until then, I don’t give a shit what the batter does. He can crawl to first while telling the pitcher to give him a blow job for all I care. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Yeah, the fist pumps and yelling after a big strikeout are pretty rediculous considering batters are supposed to not show any emotion running down the line after a big hit otherwise they’re “showing up the pitcher.” If clowns like Valverde are still in baseball I don’t see any problem with watching your shot.
That being said, I think blowing a kiss to the pitcher is probably a little over the top. There’s a difference between exictement and just being an ass.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
I don’t disagree, ZB. If I was the manager I’d tell him not to do that, but considering the way pitchers behave, it doesn’t bother me.
mb21Quote Reply
In the third Texas v. ASU game Sunday, Texas had runners on and no outs. The ASU catcher jumped up, pumped his fists and yelled when the ASU pitcher struck out the next batter for the FIRST OUT.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]In the third Texas v. ASU game Sunday, Texas had runners on and no outs. The ASU catcher jumped up, pumped his fists and yelled when the ASU pitcher struck out the next batter for the FIRST OUT.[/quote]
It was a very important out. You know, gotta reduce run expectancy and stuff.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]It was a very important out. You know, gotta reduce run expectancy and stuff.[/quote]
The most advanced stats they use at ASU are ABV and rohypnol dosage.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]The most advanced stats they use at ASU are ABV and rohypnol dosage.[/quote]
Hey, these are college kids you’re talking about.
Oh right…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6466015/cashing-new-moneyball
Noticeably missing is a discussion about how Billy Beane is a faget who has never won anything.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/6466015/cashing-new-moneyball
Noticeably missing is a discussion about how Billy Beane is a faget who has never won anything.[/quote]
I like the section towards the end about reliever usage but I don’t think that the “elite” relievers would ever go for not being used in situations that would net saves. Which is too bad, but if they don’t get saves, they don’t get paid since most GMs are still a bit old school in that regard, as are field managers.
I’m also reading Bill Simmons’ take on LeBron…why’d he call this thing “GrantLand” anyway?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I like the section towards the end about reliever usage but I don’t think that the “elite” relievers would ever go for not being used in situations that would net saves. Which is too bad, but if they don’t get saves, they don’t get paid since most GMs are still a bit old school in that regard, as are field managers.
I’m also reading Bill Simmons’ take on LeBron…why’d he call this thing “GrantLand” anyway?[/quote]Guess: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grantland_Rice
joshQuote Reply
since his quote is at the top of the page…
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]since his quote is at the top of the page…[/quote]
Woohoo! Go Wikipedia!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Derek Jeter —–> possibly to DL
Cubs-Yankees ticket sales —> ?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-baseball-player-sleep-study-20110614,0,7138817.story?track=rss
Perhaps next time he should interview even more baseball players and also evaluate the differences based on OPS+ or wOBA.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-baseball-player-sleep-study-20110614,0,7138817.story?track=rss
Perhaps next time he should interview even more baseball players and also evaluate the differences based on OPS+ or wOBA.[/quote]
(dying laughing) He only asked 16 players?
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi](dying laughing) He only asked 16 players?[/quote]
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/14/scouting-night-owls-is-the-new-market-inefficiency-well-not-for-the-cubs/
16 batters with batting average.
Last year it was 18 pitchers with ERA.
You can see my comments on the thread. It’s somewhat exasperating that this stuff passes as “science” (dying laughing)
Although the other snippet from the link re: his 2010 research on pitchers suggests that he also did a study showing that traveling west-to-east gave teams a 14% better chance of winning than traveling east-to-west, which is something that I’m more inclined to believe than a middling difference in ERA or batting average that he didn’t even test for statistical significance.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Aisle424Quote Reply
Fuck a goat… See what happens.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Who is that?
mb21Quote Reply
Zambrano, but they’re all wearing the same shirt.
Aisle424Quote Reply
New rambling: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/sometimes-you-have-to-learn-to-say-goodbye-to-those-you-love.html
Aisle424Quote Reply