The Age of Theo is upon us and the world of Cubdom is dancing about as much as someone can dance until you stop and remember that we haven’t won anything yet. But this is what we wanted when the Ricketts took over from the stodgy, crusty Tribune. We wanted a real sign that the team ownership wanted to win as much as those of us who spend ungodly sums of money every year rooting for the team. So we are willing to forgive the Rickettseses for being late to the party and instead rejoice in the fact that they showed up at all.
The hiring of Theo Epstein is not just big news, it has been judged worthy of being announced during the World Series, mostly because most of the country is actually more interested in what is next for the Cubs and Red Sox than in the current championship series between St. Louis and Texas. So Bud Selig stepped in and called it a done deal and allowed the official press conferences to be held even though compensation still has yet to be resolved, just so we would all stop obsessing over it.
But through all the giddiness, I still have a pang of wondering when the other shoe will drop. I want to toss away my Cubbie Facepalm hat and just go with a regular one I don’t have to be embarassed about, but I can’t bring myself to toss it just yet. I keep listening for that shoe… and so far, so good.
Theo arrived at Wrigley today and proceeded to go eat lunch with other team officials at a Wrigleyville establishment. It isn’t quite dinner, but these are the Cubs and it will take baby steps to get away from the long-running No Dinner Policy. Also, his arrival means he successfully flew from Boston without his plane crashing into Jed Hoyer’s plane as he arrived from San Diego. So the baseball gods missed that opportunity. So we keep listening for that second shoe.
Andy MacPhail did his best Debbie Downer impression as he told Melissa Isaacson that Theo has an even bigger task than he himself faced when he was the fresh baseball face to save the Cubs.
“When I got there, it was watching baseball in a cathedral-like environment where there was no advertising and the expectation of winning was not as high as the experience of going to Wrigley Field. I think that changed when the customer started plunking down good money. In addition to seeing Toyota and Under Armour ads, they expected to see a winning team.”
Of course, Andy never realized his goal and he gives a passing nod to why that may have been partially his fault:
“Do what you have to do but there’s so much pressure to take shortcuts. And if I had to give him any advice, it would be ‘Don’t look for shortcuts. Do what you have to do to get better and time will take care of itself.’ The inclination is to look for the quick fix and it just gets stronger. But it’s something you just have to resist. You just have to build your best chance of winning.”
He refuses to say the Tribune meddled in his affairs, and he never addresses that his whole goal was to win in a major market while acting like a small-to-mid-market team (which is probably why the Trib hired him in the first place). MacPhail was essentially brought in to be a baseball genius that knew the game and the players better than anyone and would make the best decisions with the crappy information that the Cubs collected about players. That was almost doomed to fail from the start knowing what we know now.
The difference here is that Theo (from what I understand about him) does not necessarily think of himself as having all of the answers, but rather as a champion of gathering as much information as possible so that his decisions can be more informed and less gut-instinct.
While Hendry always seemd like the guy splitting kings and hitting on 17 because he had seen it work once, Theo is like the guy counting cards who doubles down on a 7 because he knows the dealer is probably going to bust.
MacPhail did little to nothing to improve the structure of the team and then wondered how his inexperienced GM failed so miserably while trying to win on such a managed budget, and things only improved a little more when his successor was given a crapload of money. The process remained flawed.
More importantly, Tom Ricketts is starting to show signs that while he understands that money may not be the answer to all your ills as a club, it certainly helps make the ills go away easier. They can spend more on player development, they can spend more on gathering info on draft prospects, they can allocate more to signing the guys they draft. It really isn’t rocket science, but spending money in the background is somehow something that the Cubs have rarely done in my lifetime, and now they are probably going to spend a ton of money improving their data collection. It won’t be “Carmine,” but there will almost assuredly be something very much like it operating for the Cubs as soon as possible.
So while Bernie Miklasz and his readers get in one more dig at the Cubs while they play for a World Championship by characterizing the hiring as “desperate,” we all just laugh and pat them on the head knowing that this time is different. This time, the Cubs will begin to act like the major market team they are and start the ascent to the one who others “desperately” try to keep up with.
Right? RIGHT??! I keep listening for that second shoe. I still haven’t heard it.
It all becomes a reality tomorrow at 11 am Central. I’ve never looked forward to a press conference so much in my entire life.
Did you hear something? Neither did I. It’s still quiet and eerily positive.
This is weird.
Comments
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Cubs + Carmine = Cubmine?
I assume they’ll stream the news conference…I’ll be listening in for sure.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I assume they’ll stream the news conference…I’ll be listening in for sure.[/quote]
I see that csnchicago.com will be streaming it live
Snyds01Quote Reply
MO, I think the Hoyer/McLeod compensation dragging on longer than ANYONE anticipated is at least further evidence that the Red Sox weren’t the only people holding it up.
mb21Quote Reply
Excellent article, 424.
mb21Quote Reply
I mentioned yesterday how much the Padres farm system improved after Hoyer took over (from 20th to top 6 in 2 years). Callis was talking about the system that Hoyer and McLeod implemented and how much more time they spent watching draft picks and studying their medicals. Hoyer took the system that the Red Sox have and implemented it in San Diego. There’s little doubt what kind of system the Cubs will soon have.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]MO, I think the Hoyer/McLeod compensation dragging on longer than ANYONE anticipated is at least further evidence that the Red Sox weren’t the only people holding it up.[/quote]
Wouldn’t it make sense that the Cubs don’t want to steal thunder from Theo and are holding off on announcing Hoyer/McLeod until after Theo has been announced.
And haven’t we all heard that MLB has all leaks on lockdown? Maybe a deal with SD is done, but everyone is keeping in uncle Buds good graces
Snyds01Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]MO, I think the Hoyer/McLeod compensation dragging on longer than ANYONE anticipated is at least further evidence that the Red Sox weren’t the only people holding it up.[/quote]It sounds like they first had to ask for permission to talk to Theo, confirm that he wanted the job after figuring out what that job title was, then they could focus on the compensation thing as we’ve said before. At that point you have to wonder when it was that Theo decided he wanted Jed Hoyer…these events might not be related because the Twitters suggest that the Hoyer deal is much less confrontational and the Padres don’t expect much in return, but that depends on how much you trust the “sources”…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
You just know that Al is going to become the biggest champion for sabermetrics that has ever lived.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Snyds01]Wouldn’t it make sense that the Cubs don’t want to steal thunder from Theo and are holding off on announcing Hoyer/McLeod until after Theo has been announced.
And haven’t we all heard that MLB has all leaks on lockdown? Maybe a deal with SD is done, but everyone is keeping in uncle Buds good graces[/quote]I don’t think that would make sense from San Diego’s perspective. It’s possible, but I don’t think MLB cares about keeping the Theo news all by itself for one day.
It’s possible they pretty much have a done deal and decided they’d talk “next week” but it is interesting that it’s now been 3 or 4 days since the list of players were exchanged.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]You just know that Al is going to become the biggest champion for sabermetrics that has ever lived.[/quote]I’m pretty sure that is one of the signs of the apocalypse. The Mayans knew what they were talking about.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]MO, I think the Hoyer/McLeod compensation dragging on longer than ANYONE anticipated is at least further evidence that the Red Sox weren’t the only people holding it up.[/quote]I know this will frustrate the shit out of you, I’m still not convinced that the stench of Kenney isn’t all over the stagnation in these negotiations. I also think Lucchino and Henry are just arch assholes who used this to twist the knife in Theo a bit.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]You just know that Al is going to become the biggest champion for sabermetrics that has ever lived.[/quote]And will still have no idea what they actually are, what the numbers mean, or how they can be used.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I know this will frustrate the shit out of you, I’m still not convinced that the stench of Kenney isn’t all over the stagnation in these negotiations. I also think Lucchino and Henry are just arch assholes who used this to twist the knife in Theo a bit.[/quote]Kenney being involved in this makes no sense. Consider what we know.
1. Tom Ricketts and Randy Bush were leading the discussion
2. Oneri Fleita and Tim Wilken were involved
3. Larry Lucchino was representing the Red Sox
4. Cherington and other Red Sox people were discussing the prospects
5. John Henry and Tom Ricketts had to sign off on the deal
What possible involvement is there for Crane Kenney? Maybe Kenney was involved in filing the paperwork, was present for some of the discussions and maybe even they asked for his input on certain things. But what exactly was Crane Kenney doing other than that? We know he wasn’t negotiating. We know he was the primary person involved in discussing the prospects. We were told at the beginning of 2010 that Kenney would no longer be involved in baseball related decisions. Since then we’ve heard barely a peep from Kenney. It just doesn’t make sense that he’s all of a sudden a significant part of these negotiations. Possible? Sure. It’s just not likely.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]And will still have no idea what they actually are, what the numbers mean, or how they can be used.[/quote]This is a statistics website so you need to study statistics for 3 years before posting on BCB.
/Al
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Kenney being involved in this makes no sense. Consider what we know.
1. Tom Ricketts and Randy Bush were leading the discussion
2. Oneri Fleita and Tim Wilken were involved
3. Larry Lucchino was representing the Red Sox
4. Cherington and other Red Sox people were discussing the prospects
5. John Henry and Tom Ricketts had to sign off on the deal
What possible involvement is there for Crane Kenney? Maybe Kenney was involved in filing the paperwork, was present for some of the discussions and maybe even they asked for his input on certain things. But what exactly was Crane Kenney doing other than that? We know he wasn’t negotiating. We know he was the primary person involved in discussing the prospects. We were told at the beginning of 2010 that Kenney would no longer be involved in baseball related decisions. Since then we’ve heard barely a peep from Kenney. It just doesn’t make sense that he’s all of a sudden a significant part of these negotiations. Possible? Sure. It’s just not likely.[/quote]Well an early rumor was the Ricketts had to come in and take over, presumably from Kenney, which the rumor Gammons had the the Cubs team was causing problems seemed to bolster.
I see your point. But the only person on the Cubs with the motivation to stall this thing and inject himself where he shouldn’t be is the guy whose Theo’s hire is going to make essentially irrelevant, seeing as Julian Green has already taken away the stadium money project after Kenney botched that.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
If Kenney is as good at the business aspect as Tom says, it’s entirely possible he set the guidelines for what type of prospects the Cubs would want to give up. Say the Cubs put their prospects into 5 groups (great, good, average, not good, bad). Kenney may have said that you give up 2 from the not good group or 1 from the average, but none from the good or great group. That’s possible. Someone was probably running those numbers.
I also think part of the hold up in this was that Ricketts knew Selig would get involved and that the Cubs would give up less than they otherwise would. There’s no way that Selig is going to give the Red Sox much because he wants to keep the price of executives down. It’s entirely possible Ricketts simply outplayed Henry. The Red Sox were down to asking for someone like McNutt or Carpenter and the Cubs were still insisting on giving them cash. That wouldn’t surprise me at all.
mb21Quote Reply
All your GM are belong to us.
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Will never get old
RodrigoQuote Reply
The first report I read immediately after the Cubs agreed to sign Epstein was that Ricketts was running the show with the help of Randy Bush. I never saw Kenney’s name until Gammons or someone else threw it out there and I think they were simply confused. My guess is they thought the Cubs president was involved, but he hasn’t been involved in baseball decisions for nearly 2 years now. Over the last 2 years, has Kenney commented on any transaction the Cubs have made as if he was involved? You’d think we’d hear a lot more from Kenney than we have over the last 2 years if he was ever involved. Like Tebow, I can safely say that I hear more about Kenney on this blog than I do anywhere else.
Why hasn’t anyone placed the blame where it really belongs? Carlos Zambrano. Duh!
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]
Why hasn’t anyone placed the blame where it really belongs? Carlos Zambrano. Duh
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I did a google search for “Crane Kenney said” and the first two links are about him being replaced. The next two are from March 2010 and then the next is from 2009.
http://www.google.com/search?q=crane+kenney+said&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
This isn’t conclusive by any means, but it’s at least interesting.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I did a google search for “Crane Kenney said” and the first two links are about him being replaced. The next two are from March 2010 and then the next is from 2009.
http://www.google.com/search?q=crane+kenney+said&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
This isn’t conclusive by any means, but it’s at least interesting.[/quote]I know there’s strong suspicion in the Chicago sports media that Kenney is Kap’s soource.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I know there’s strong suspicion in the Chicago sports media that Kenney is Kap’s soource.[/quote]I am insulted that you consider me to be a member if the Chicago media. Unless you have other sources (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I am insulted that you consider me to be a member if the Chicago media. Unless you have other sources (dying laughing)[/quote]Nah, after you said that, I asked around. You’re not the only one that thinks that to be the case, but there’s no way for anyone but Kap to confirm it.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I know there’s strong suspicion in the Chicago sports media that Kenney is Kap’s soource.[/quote]That could be, though i do doubt it’s him. It wouldn’t mean he’s involved in baseball related decisions. I knew a minor league coach who would put 2 and 2 together and pass info onto me.
mb21Quote Reply
I don’t care if Kenney is Kaplan’s source. If Kaplan managed to create a relationship with him, all the power to him. My guess at this point is that nothing is being leaked that Tom Ricketts doesn’t want leaked.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t care if Kenney is Kaplan’s source. If Kaplan managed to create a relationship with him, all the power to him. My guess at this point is that nothing is being leaked that Tom Ricketts doesn’t want leaked.[/quote]It could be, but now we’ve just gone into the realm of dueling speculations. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Let’s see how many millions the Cardinals can knock off of CJ Wilson’s next contract…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Just so wea re all clear Bubbles splits tens, jacks, queens, and kings every chance he can when dealer has a card showing that isnt a face
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It could be, but now we’ve just gone into the realm of dueling speculations. (dying laughing)[/quote]True, but do you know how hard it is to keep the firing of GM in a large market secret for a month?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]True, but do you know how hard it is to keep the firing of GM in a large market secret for a month?[/quote]Ricketts makes it look so easy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
That was a closer play than I expected on that wild pitch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This is what DeLuca wrote last week. Joe Cowley who works for DeLuca said GMs around the league have found it funny that Kenney was involved and it wasn’t getting done. They could both be full of shit but I think there must be talk about Kenney being involved and that being part of the reason the deal didn’t get done. I think Lucchino wanting to ass rape the Cubs is probably the biggest reason it has taken so long.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s stupid. His price goes up every week. Pay the man. He’s earned it. Fucking Angelo and Phillips have this ridiculous need to stand on principle. More balls than brains in that tandem.[/quote]
Three things:
1. Who cares if he’s earned it? A new contract = paying for future performance, not retroactive pay.
2. It’s seems strange to see Bears fans clamoring for the team to shell out $$ for Forte when their franchise QB, the best the team has probably ever had, has no protection and no one worth a damn to throw to. Forte is probably his best reciever! The Bears have bigger fish to fry than the RB position.
3. RB is the position that suffers from attrition more than any other position in the NFL.
BerseliusQuote Reply
C.J. Wilson’s numbers are much, much better, especially considering his home park, but for some reason my brain keeps conflating him with Randy Wolf.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Three things:
1. Who cares if he’s earned it? A new contract = paying for future performance, not retroactive pay.
2. It’s seems strange to see Bears fans clamoring for the team to shell out $$ for Forte when their franchise QB, the best the team has probably ever had, has no protection and no one worth a damn to throw to. Forte is probably his best reciever! The Bears have bigger fish to fry than the RB position.
3. RB is the position that suffers from attrition more than any other position in the NFL.[/quote]
I agree with all of this. If Forte wants more guaranteed money than he would get from being franchise tagged the next two years, I think it’s a bad idea. Forte is a nice receiver out of the back field but I still don’t think he’s a “special” back. The shelf life for NFL backs is extremely short and the Bears have so many needs that it seems foolish to overpay a running back.
melissaQuote Reply
also
4. (dying laughing) at Urlacher (I think) saying that Forte is the best player in the NFL. My userpic disagrees (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]also
4. (dying laughing) at Urlacher (I think) saying that Forte is the best player in the NFL. My userpic disagrees (dying laughing)[/quote]I agree with this.
Why is Schumaker playing CF?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Well this is timely:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-1025-cubs-crane-kenney-chicago–20111025,0,6854434.story
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]Well this is timely:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-1025-cubs-crane-kenney-chicago–20111025,0,6854434.story%5B/quote%5D
.
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/8379686-573/memo-to-theo-epstein-parts-of-old-cubs-regime-are-worth-keeping.html
I don’t know if Gordo’s ode to Bush has been discussed here today. Randy Bush must be one of Gordo’s sources from the way he begs for him to stay.
This excerpt leads me to believe that Gordo thinks Crane was involved in the negotiations as he agrees with Gammons:
melissaQuote Reply
Texas looks like pure shit, again. I don’t see any way they win this thing
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Bunt guy to third followed by IBB. It’s like a nightmare (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I know MB will disagree with this but I loathe Kenney and his stuffed suit. He needs to go.
For someone who apparently is not involved in baseball decisions he sure seemed to alienate himself from baseball people.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
Looks like Dempster has influenced Holland to do a shitty Harry Caray impression.
MuckerQuote Reply
IBB works!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-epstein-arrives-at-wrigley-field-to-meet-staff-20111024,0,1355941.story :
(dying laughing). Welcome to the New Cubs, beat reporters.
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-epstein-arrives-at-wrigley-field-to-meet-staff-20111024,0,1355941.story :
(dying laughing). Welcome to the New Cubs, beat reporters.[/quote]I bet it was kosher though.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]Looks like Dempster has influenced Holland to do a shitty Harry Caray impression.[/quote]
That was painful. He was imitating Demp imitating Will Ferrell’s Harry. It was awkward as he called the pitch and didn’t even throw in any jokes.
melissaQuote Reply
Nice way to break out of a slump.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow. Crushed on a 2-0 cookie (dying laughing)
WaLi22Quote Reply
Bunt!
WaLi22Quote Reply
I like the part where Freese just walked after that bunt (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]That was painful. He was imitating Demp imitating Will Ferrell’s Harry. It was awkward as he called the pitch and didn’t even throw in any jokes.[/quote]Doesn’t Will Ferrell do his Caray impression based off John Campenera’s? It wouldn’t be so bad if they actually sounded like Harry.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]True, but do you know how hard it is to keep the firing of GM in a large market secret for a month?[/quote]And just who had that story before anyone else? David Kaplan.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Three things:
1. Who cares if he’s earned it? A new contract = paying for future performance, not retroactive pay.[/quote]No, you get paid for what you have done, and also for what you’re expected to do. Forte’s been one of the most productive backs in the NFL over the last 3 years.
So in an effort to protect Cutler, they should make no effort to bring back his only reliable piece of assistance?
This is the one thing that gives me pause. I’d take a slightly different stance if the Bears had a reliable backup. But if Forte goes, it’s Marion Barber and Khalil Bell. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]This is the one thing that gives me pause. I’d take a slightly different stance if the Bears had a reliable backup. But if Forte goes, it’s Marion Barber and Khalil Bell. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Why couldn’t they draft another back the same way they drafted Forte? It’s not like they have to pay whatever he wants or he walks. They can franchise tag him which is what they should do if they can’t come to reasonable terms. I’m no Angelo fan and can’t understand why they are under the cap when they have so many needs but so far I think he’s handled the Forte situation correctly.
melissaQuote Reply
Just saying that the money is probably better spent elsewhere. Not a knock on Forte, who I think is very good. But he’s a platinum hood ornament on a 92 Honda Civic right now.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Why couldn’t they draft another back the same way they drafted Forte? It’s not like they have to pay whatever he wants or he walks. They can franchise tag him which is what they should do if they can’t come to reasonable terms. I’m no Angelo fan and can’t understand why they are under the cap when they have so many needs but so far I think he’s handled the Forte situation correctly.[/quote]If it were that easy, there’d be a lot more Matt Forte’s getting drafted.
The tag is probably what happens.
FWIW, I’m not a “give him his paper guy.” I think Lance Briggs is an asshole for 1.) begging for more money already, and 2.) trying to drag Forte into his drama. But I think Forte rates a contract somewhere around what Gore got. He’s been 46% of the offense!
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]And just who had that story before anyone else? You guessed it. Frank Stallone.[/quote]
GBTSQuote Reply
The argument for paying Forte is of course that the Bears probably can’t suddenly get all that help for Cutler so soon, so you might as well pay him anyway to bridge the gap.
edit: or just franchise tag him. Supposedly it’s a lot harder for players to hold out now too.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The argument for paying Forte is of course that the Bears probably can’t suddenly get all that help for Cutler so soon, so you might as well pay him anyway to bridge the gap.[/quote]This. Forte might be the hood ornament on a 92 Honda Civic, but you’re stuck with that car for the foreseeable future no matter what. So shine the shit out of that motherfucker. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Just saying that the money is probably better spent elsewhere. Not a knock on Forte, who I think is very good. But he’s a platinum hood ornament on a 92 Honda Civic right now.[/quote]You just want Forte on the street so the Pack can sign him. I’m on to you, cheddarhead. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You just want Forte on the street so the Pack can sign him. I’m on to you, cheddarhead. (dying laughing)[/quote]That would be a hood ornament on the Bismarck. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You just want Forte on the street so the Pack can sign him. I’m on to you, cheddarhead. (dying laughing)[/quote]
(dying laughing) didn’t even consider it. Could you imagine the Packers offense with a credible running game?
BerseliusQuote Reply
Yeah that’s right, I just compared the Green Bay Packers to the navy of the Third Reich, big whoop, wanna fight about it?
GBTSQuote Reply
IBB again!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
And it worked (dying laughing)
WaLi22Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi22]And it worked (dying laughing)[/quote]Thank goodness for Matt Holliday.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]If it were that easy, there’d be a lot more Matt Forte’s getting drafted.
The tag is probably what happens.
FWIW, I’m not a “give him his paper guy.” I think Lance Briggs is an asshole for 1.) begging for more money already, and 2.) trying to drag Forte into his drama. But I think Forte rates a contract somewhere around what Gore got. He’s been 46% of the offense![/quote]I agree that Forte probably deserves as much as Gore. I don’t mean to make it sound easy to find talent but it seems that running backs are more easily replaced than other positions. I also don’t think Forte has special skills that you can’t find. He’s no AP. He’s a nice versatile back but he has limitations. He doesn’t have great speed or power and he’s terrible at blocking in the backfield which is a huge liability with this O line. (dying laughing)
melissaQuote Reply
Will the Packers lose a regular season game? I just don’t see it. Road Lions maybe? Doubtful, though I’m factoring in the obligatory Suh cheap shot on Rodgers.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Will the Packers lose a regular season game? I just don’t see it. Road Lions maybe? Doubtful, though I’m factoring in the obligatory Suh cheap shot on Rodgers.[/quote]
It’s too hard to go 16-0 and their defense gives up points. I can see the Chargers beating them.
melissaQuote Reply
I would say maybe if it’s sloppy in the Meadowlands, but it’s not exactly like Eli thrives in that scenario either. Also, they lost at home to the motherfucking Seahawks.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Will the Packers lose a regular season game? I just don’t see it. Road Lions maybe? Doubtful, though I’m factoring in the obligatory Suh cheap shot on Rodgers.[/quote]
They’ll lose a few, for sure. They should be favored in every game on the rest of their schedule. @Giants is probably the most likely loss, not that I think much of NYG. The Lions are good but aren’t looking as good as they were at the beginning of the season. Seems like they’ve trailed in every game they’ve played.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I would say maybe if it’s sloppy in the Meadowlands, but it’s not exactly like Eli thrives in that scenario either. Also, they lost at home to the motherfucking Seahawks.[/quote]
Crappy weather grounding the passing game would be awful for the Packers. Someone pointed out last year that the Packers are a dome team that doesn’t play in a dome (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
I have a hard time seeing the Lions beating them unless they knock Rodgers out of the game which they could. I think it’s more likely they lose at San Diego or NY. I also think the Bears could win at Lambeau because they always play them tough. The Bears should be healthier and may have more incentive to win that game.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I agree that Forte probably deserves as much as Gore. I don’t mean to make it sound easy to find talent but it seems that running backs are more easily replaced than other positions. I also don’t think Forte has special skills that you can’t find. He’s no AP. He’s a nice versatile back but he has limitations. He doesn’t have great speed or power and he’s terrible at blocking in the backfield which is a huge liability with this O line. (dying laughing)[/quote]I agree. Forte it’s a good all around back, but not a great running back. He is good in open space but doesn’t seem to get those “tough” yards. Unfortunately he is 50% of our offense so we kind of need him.
WaLi22Quote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I have a hard time seeing the Lions beating them unless they put out a hit on Rodgers which they could. I think it’s more likely they lose at San Diego or NY. I also think the Bears could win at Lambeau because they always play them tough. The Bears should be healthier and may have more incentive to win that game.[/quote]/Detroit dirtiness’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I didn’t realize the game at the Lions was on Thanksgiving. That will be a tough game for the Packers to win.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I didn’t realize the game at the Lions was on Thanksgiving. That will be a tough game for the Packers to win.[/quote]I will actually have to try to stay awake for that one. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
Pass yards tonight: jags -3, ravens -5
WaLi22Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I will actually have to try to stay awake for that one. (dying laughing)[/quote]
IIRC it’s a noon game
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi22]Pass yards tonight: jags -3, ravens -5[/quote]
Year of the QB!
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Year of the QB![/quote]Sorry not all teams have Rodgers 🙁
WaLi22Quote Reply
Why do I have recollections of Joe Flacco being good? He has put up some epic stinkbombs this season so far.
GBTSQuote Reply
From his knees!!!! WOW.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Damn that was awesome.
MuckerQuote Reply
Beltre is good on his knees
WaLi22Quote Reply
What the fuck is Carpenter yelling at? What an asshole.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]What the fuck is Carpenter yelling at? What a gamer.[/quote].
GBTSQuote Reply
Mike Scioscia —–> Pissed.
GBTSQuote Reply
Wow, busted hit and run?
MuckerQuote Reply
Holiday gets no respect (dying laughing)
WaLi22Quote Reply
WaLi22Quote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
I think this World Series game will be outdrawing MNF tonight.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
IBB party!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think this World Series game will be outscoring MNF tonight.[/quote].
WaLi22Quote Reply
Bases! Free bases for all!
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think this World Series game will be outdrawing MNF tonight.[/quote]
Hey, it’s a close game! (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Bases! Free bases for all![/quote]
Couldn’t resist.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Shut you all right up.
GBTSQuote Reply
IBB works again! (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
IBB > statfags
WaLi22Quote Reply
Wow, Washington pulled a Homer there.
ACTQuote Reply
Hint to Ron Washington: LHP’s a kryptonite to Berkman. You don’t need to walk him.
ACTQuote Reply
And don’t even get me started with that 1-1 walk to Pujols. I haven’t been this pissed off at a manager for a while.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]And don’t even get me started with that 1-1 walk to Pujols. I haven’t been this pissed off at a manager for a while.[/quote]He’s lucky the Cardinals are not clutch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]He’s lucky the Cardinals are not clutch.[/quote]
Clearly they just don’t want to win.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Clearly they just don’t want to win.[/quote]Obviously not having fun out there.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Nice outing by Carpenter, those two mistakes aside.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I don’t think I have ever seen so many IBB.. Maybe because the Cubs don’t have anyone IBB worthy
WaLi22Quote Reply
That was a hit?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Here comes the lefty pitcher, which will trigger the switch to a righty hitter, who is only in there to drop a bunt (dying laughing)
These managers are killing me.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I hope Theriot bunts into a double play to punish TLR.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So is theriot coming in to play CF? or did TLR burn Theriot just to bunt and then stick Jay in CF?
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]So is theriot coming in to play CF? or did TLR burn Theriot just to bunt and then stick Jay in CF?[/quote]I think Jay will be in CF. That bunt was so stupid.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Free bases, free outs, what nice managers.
WaLi22Quote Reply
Hey, Michael Young did something!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Why the fuck would Beltre bunt?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Surprised Beltre isn’t bunting.
GBTSQuote Reply
These managers are trying to out-platoon their brains out.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Fail.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
IBB now? (dying laughing)
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Cardinals fail.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’m surprised that:
A) Ron Washington didn’t put in a righty against the lefty and
B) TLR didn’t have a righty ready for Napoli if it got that far.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
McCarver: I don’t know which hit was more valuable, Murphy’s or Napoli’s.
Without looking at a WPA chart, I’m pretty confident I know the answer. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
Finally, an IBB I can get behind.
ACTQuote Reply
Did that seriously just happen?
GBTSQuote Reply
Wtf was that
WaLi22Quote Reply
He used a reliever to IBB to buy time for the next guy (dying laughing) Classic.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What in the stupid shit hell was that? Does he just hate Lance Lynn? What possible logic could there be to that?
binkyQuote Reply
I’m guessing this inning is some elaborate performance art piece by TLR
BerseliusQuote Reply
why not put in pujols to pitch and give the ibb
WaLi22Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi22]why not put in pujols to pitch and give the ibb[/quote]Yeah, why burn Lynn? Why would you force your reliever to go through the entire process of warming up for that ridiculous bullshit? Was he just trying to get him some exercise?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Yeah, why burn Lynn? Why would you force your reliever to go through the entire process of warming up for that ridiculous bullshit? Was he just trying to get him some exercise?[/quote]At this point I hope the Cards tie it and this game goes like 19 innings.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Yeah, why burn Lynn? Why would you force your reliever to go through the entire process of warming up for that ridiculous bullshit? Was he just trying to get him some exercise?[/quote]I thought he should’ve used Lynn or Motte for Napoli but neither was ready. This is mega-TLR fail.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow @ HBP
Rice CubeQuote Reply
WALK HIM
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]At this point I hope the Cards tie it and this game goes like 19 innings.[/quote]Neftali: “Challenge accepted!”
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Neftali: “Challenge accepted!”[/quote]Wash IBBs Pujols, TLR bunts Holliday, Berkman ties it up.
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
FAIL
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
WaLi22Quote Reply
Or Strike him out throw him out double play. That could work.
binkyQuote Reply
Why was Tony so intent on taking the bat out of Pujols’ hand? That looked like a hit and run, against a guy with no control. Maybe it was a straight steal.
binkyQuote Reply
Gentlemen, tonight we’re witnessing something special.
GBTSQuote Reply
Stop trying to bail pujolfs out, the runner running should not maker him swing at a bad pitch with a 3-2 count
WaLi22Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Gentlemen, tonight we’re witnessing something special.[/quote]TLR imploding?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi22]Stop trying to bail pujolfs out, the runner running should not maker him swing at a bad pitch with a 3-2 count[/quote]It was such a shitty swing on a bad pitch I assumed he was being ordered to do it. It might have been a straight up Pujols fail. In which case, kudos to Feliz, I guess.
binkyQuote Reply
It was a 3-2 pitch. If Pujols had taken it, he would’ve walked and Craig would’ve been safe anyway. I think Pujols swung on his own and was fooled.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Sorry I was telling at mccarver not you.
WaLi22Quote Reply
Yelling, fucking phone
WaLi22Quote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
Pujols definitely did not seem as locked in tonight. Maybe the secret is to IBB him the first couple ABs no matter what.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]I know MB will disagree with this but I loathe Kenney and his stuffed suit. He needs to go.
For someone who apparently is not involved in baseball decisions he sure seemed to alienate himself from baseball people.[/quote]Scott Boras alienates himself from baseball people.
FWIW, I have no opinion of Kenney. He could be the worst at his job. He could be the best. I have no idea. What I think of him personally is irrelevant and I don’t have an opinion of him personally any more than I have one of Junior Lake (who we probably know more about than we do Kenney).
I know at this point I trust Tom Ricketts. He was right to keep Fleita around and Wilken and despite what people wrongly said at the time, it would have zero impact on hiring a GM. It had no impact whatsoever. He went after the best GM and hired him as the team president and they’ve gone after other intelligent front office people and already increased the size of the front office. They spent a lot of money in the draft. They spent a lot of money on international free agents. He played hardball and got a new stadium in Mesa. He has a new complex in the Dominican. He’s increased revenue at Wrigley. Some of the things he’s done has taken longer than we’d have liked, but they’re done now.
Ricketts has improved the Cubs organization more in the last two years than the Tribune ever did. I’ll give Ricketts the benefit of the doubt at this point. He’s earned that. Not that he ever gave a shit though. It appears he really likes Kenney and I don’t believe someone who has methodically gone about improving the Cubs the way he has keeps Kenney around if he’s not doing a good job. If Ricketts wants to get rid of him, so be it. I’m certainly not going to care.
mb21Quote Reply
Ryno is pretty happy right now.
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing). All we need now is for the Rangers to win on Wednesday on a game-ending TOOTBLAN by Ryan Theriot.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Napoli is the best number 8 hitter in baseball because he’s not a number 8 hitter. If the Cardinals put Pujols 8th he’d be the best 8 hitter in the game. Such a stupid way to evaluate how good someone is.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Napoli is the best number 8 hitter in baseball because he’s not a number 8 hitter. If the Cardinals put Pujols 8th he’d be the best 8 hitter in the game. Such a stupid way to evaluate how good someone is.[/quote]You know who is a number 8 hitter? The number 2 hitter.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing). All we need now is for the Rangers to win on Wednesday on a game-ending TOOTBLAN by Ryan Theriot.[/quote]I think the Cardinals win the next two.
mb21Quote Reply
I certainly hope the Cardinals win the next one. Don’t really care who wins game 7, but I want 7 games.
mb21Quote Reply
I think it’s Garcia, then Lohse in the next two. If they can win game six, all hands on deck for game seven.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Who is the best 5th outfielder in the game? That’s what I want to know.
mb21Quote Reply
Is the press conference on tv tomorrow or streamed online?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Who is the best 5th outfielder in the game? That’s what I want to know.[/quote]Bautista, if he doesn’t start.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=@jessespector on twitter]George W. Bush is outside the Rangers clubhouse with a Mission Accomplished banner.[/quote]
.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Is the press conference on tv tomorrow or streamed online?[/quote]It should be on TV and probably streamed off either WGN or CSN Chicago.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Someone should check if MGL is still alive after that game (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2011-10-24&team=Rangers&dh=0&season=2011
The new WPA graph on FanGraphs is awesome. You can actually see the labeled blips when the manager sets up a stupid bunt/IBB.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Is the press conference on tv tomorrow or streamed online?[/quote]I was hoping it was being broadcast directly into our hearts.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Who is the best 5th outfielder in the game? That’s what I want to know.[/quote]
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]It should be on TV and probably streamed off either WGN or CSN Chicago.[/quote]I think it will definitely be on WGN so I imagine it would be available streaming there. Otherwise I know ESPN1000 will be airing it and that can also be streamed.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2011-10-24&team=Rangers&dh=0&season=2011
The new WPA graph on FanGraphs is awesome. You can actually see the labeled blips when the manager sets up a stupid bunt/IBB.[/quote]I’m surprised it took them that long to incorporate that. Baseball Reference started doing that a year or two ago. BRef doesn’t have live charts though.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX201110230.shtml#wpa
mb21Quote Reply
Someone mentioned Beltre as a 1B candidate for the Cubs; any reason he can’t be a 3B candidate?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I think it will definitely be on WGN so I imagine it would be available streaming there. Otherwise I know ESPN1000 will be airing it and that can also be streamed.[/quote]I would think WGN also, but I know one time the Cubs had a big press conference WGN didn’t even have it.
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
Just realized my TLR pic says 2001. I’m a dumb ass. Fixed now.
GBTSQuote Reply
I get WGN America so they may not break into whatever is scheduled to show a Cubs press conference.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m surprised it took them that long to incorporate that. Baseball Reference started doing that a year or two ago. BRef doesn’t have live charts though.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX201110230.shtml#wpa%5B/quote%5DStrangely, B-ref’s chart favored the Rangers even when then Cards had the lead. Homefield advantage?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing)
Just realized my TLR pic says 2001. I’m a dumb ass. Fixed now.[/quote]I wikipediated it and saw that there was no game at all on 10/24/2001 before I realized it was just a mistake.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Strangely, B-ref’s chart favored the Rangers even when then Cards had the lead. Homefield advantage?[/quote]That’s yesterday’s game
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That’s yesterday’s game[/quote]i’m a buffoon.
binkyQuote Reply
I think the last few major Cub events, like Quade, Kerry Wood and Ron Santo’s funeral were all streamed online, probably through CSN’s site. One way or another it should be available on the webs.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think the last few major Cub events, like Quade, Kerry Wood and Ron Santo’s funeral were all streamed online, probably through CSN’s site. One way or another it should be available on the webs.[/quote]
They died? Chicago media doesn’t report anything.
BerseliusQuote Reply
MB it’s on Comcast TV and streaming live via CSN website. Don’t think GN is carrying it.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]They died? Chicago media doesn’t report anything.[/quote]I see what you did there…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So, apparently, TLR called for Motte to warm up in the pen, but they misheard and warmed up Lynn, instead, which lead to the whole “bringing in a reliever to IBB a batter” thing.
ACTQuote Reply
i.e., it was a way to buy time while Motte warmed up.
ACTQuote Reply
Beltre: “I DARE you to throw that again!”
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19946681&topic_id=25589392
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]So, apparently, TLR called for Motte to warm up in the pen, but they misheard and warmed up Lynn, instead, which lead to the whole “bringing in a reliever to IBB a batter” thing.[/quote]Thus giving Lynn that “YES I’M GETTING THE CALL!” moment followed by the realization that his manager didn’t trust him to throw a single meaningful pitch.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Thus giving Lynn that “YES I’M GETTING THE CALL!” moment followed by the realization that his manager didn’t trust him to throw a single meaningful pitch.[/quote]On the other hand, and I might be wrong about this, but Rzepcantspellhisnameski seemed to have the “oh shit I don’t want to pitch to this guy” face when facing Napoli.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15356#.TqY5Z_psr2Q.twitter
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15356#.TqY5Z_psr2Q.twitter[/quote]The problem is he calls both of them the same name: “Fatty Beardo.”
binkyQuote Reply
I quick Twitter search indicates that people think Wash “out-managed” LaRussa. Is that what they call it when a team wins?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I quick Twitter search indicates that people think Wash “out-managed” LaRussa. Is that what they call it when a team wins?[/quote]
I guess it is technically outmanaging when one manager shoots himself in the foot and the other shoots himself in both feet
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I quick Twitter search indicates that people think Wash “out-managed” LaRussa. Is that what they call it when a team wins?[/quote]In this case it was because the team won and their manager was not as dumb as the opposing manager.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I quick Twitter search indicates that people think Wash “out-managed” LaRussa. Is that what they call it when a team wins?[/quote]
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]i.e., it was a way to buy time while Motte warmed up.[/quote]But La Russa could have moved Rzepczynski to LF and had Holliday come in and pitch. Holliday would have had his warm up pitches, then he could play catch with Molina, then La Russa could have brought in Motte to replace Rzepczynskiand Holliday goes back to LF, thus saving him a reliever, which in a close game with an already taxed bullpen, I would think you would want to do.
This move was as dumb as bringing in Theriot to
the playoff rosterpinch hit just to lay down a sac bunt. Unless Schumaker obsolutely can not lay down a sac bunt, it was an unnecessary move.It’s all moot anyways I guess..
WaLiQuote Reply
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/24/padres-believe-gm-transition-will-be-smooth/
pads media expects press conference to be held the day after the world series
GWQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/25/farewell-red-sox-nation/
MishQuote Reply
Obviously I’m a little late to the party, but this is stellar. And I think the other shoe, instead of dropping, kicked TLR right in his drunken, pompous ass.
AndCountingQuote Reply
jonah keri had a good interview with thad levine about rebuilding the rangers.
http://www.grantland.com/podcasts
(second half of 10/19 podcast, first half is rany)
GWQuote Reply
Gordon Wittenmeyer thinks Theo would be stupid to let Randy Bush go, which of course makes me think he should be gone by this afternoon:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/8379686-573/memo-to-theo-epstein-parts-of-old-cubs-regime-are-worth-keeping.html
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Gordon Wittenmeyer thinks Theo would be stupid to let Randy Bush go, which of course makes me think he should be gone by this afternoon:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/8379686-573/memo-to-theo-epstein-parts-of-old-cubs-regime-are-worth-keeping.html%5B/quote%5D
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
It’s very strange how attached Gordo is to a fucking assistant GM.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s very strange how attached Gordo is to a fucking assistant GM.[/quote]Let him remind you that Bush went to two postseasons with this team and was on two world Series winning Twins teams.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Let him remind you that Bush went to two postseasons with this team and was on two world Series winning Twins teams.[/quote]So was Andy MacPhail. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]But La Russa could have moved Rzepczynski to LF and had Holliday come in and pitch. Holliday would have had his warm up pitches, then he could play catch with Molina, then La Russa could have brought in Motte to replace Rzepczynskiand Holliday goes back to LF, thus saving him a reliever, which in a close game with an already taxed bullpen, I would think you would want to do.
[/quote]You lose the DH that way.
ACTQuote Reply
This is why the internet exists: http://kanyedbythebell.tumblr.com/
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]You lose the DH that way.[/quote]What are ‘mistakes you wouldn’t think you’d see in a World Series game’?
binkyQuote Reply
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tom_verducci/10/25/game.5/
MishQuote Reply
This is awesome: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2011/10/25/farewell_red_sox_nation/
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tom_verducci/10/25/game.5/[/quote]Could have done without the anti-numbers slant, but his dissection of LaRussa’s lies is impeccable.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Could have done without the anti-numbers slant, but his dissection of LaRussa’s lies is impeccable.[/quote]So what was TLR thinking? What the hell happened? Did he just flat botch the game and then try to make it sound like an honest mistake? That game was just confusing.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]So what was TLR thinking? What the hell happened? Did he just flat botch the game and then try to make it sound like an honest mistake? That game was just confusing.[/quote]I think he had a senior moment.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I will also argue that TLR was only outmanaged by default because both managers were stupid last night.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think he had a senior moment.[/quote]In the article they question why the coach wouldn’t question TLR when he called for Lynn instead of Mott, but I don’t think you’re allowed to work for him if you’re willing to second guess him.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I will also argue that TLR was only outmanaged by default because both managers were stupid last night.[/quote]What, you mean Washington predicting that Murphy would hit one off the pitcher that would have still been an out if Punto had come up with it cleanly wasn’t genius?!
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]What, you mean Washington predicting that Murphy would hit one off the pitcher that would have still been an out if Punto had come up with it cleanly wasn’t genius?![/quote]It was preordained. And Ron Washington is telekinetic.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]What are ‘mistakes you wouldn’t think you’d see in a World Series game’?[/quote]I think Joe Girardi did that once in 2009 and had to pinch-hit for Mariano Rivera and then lost the game. Usually sacrificing your DH is a last resort. However, if he had used, say, Kyle Lohse to soft-toss eight “warm-up” pitches and then lob four intentional balls, they would’ve retained the use of the DH. But I don’t think after last night’s events you could conclude that either manager thought their game plan through very well 😀
Rice CubeQuote Reply
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Ryno is pretty happy right now.[/quote]
That was awesome, but I won’t be happy until they win it all. I think they need to win Game 6 to take the series.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]That was awesome, but I won’t be happy until they win it all. I think they need to win Game 6 to take the series.[/quote]Game 7 in St. Louis would be very tough for the Rangers.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]You lose the DH that way.[/quote]How do you lose the DH? You are keeping the same players on the field. I guess I’m not too familiar with the rules.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]That was awesome, but I won’t be happy until they win it all. I think they need to win Game 6 to take the series.[/quote]The Cards would be trusting Kyle Lohse and a hard-worked bullpen to get Game 7, so I think the Rangers are still in decent shape there. Especially since their emergency starter that could pitch in relief is Holland, while the Cards’ would be “Wildman” Edwin Jackson.
But yeah, just end it in Game 6 and save us all the coronaries.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]How do you lose the DH? You are keeping the same players on the field. I guess I’m not too familiar with the rules.[/quote]You can’t sub a player currently in the lineup for the pitcher while the DH is active. You also can’t do a double switch involving the pitcher without forfeiting the DH.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]How do you lose the DH? You are keeping the same players on the field. I guess I’m not too familiar with the rules.[/quote]I think as you allow a player who was already in the batting order to hit the pitcher’s mound, or take the DH position and put him in the field, the DH is lost for the remainder of the game. The latter is for sure, the former I’m not actually sure about.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Anyone have a link or know if the press conference will stream online for sure?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]You can’t sub a player currently in the lineup for the pitcher while the DH is active. You also can’t do a double switch involving the pitcher without forfeiting the DH.[/quote]So Lou’s switch of moving Marshall to LF for a batter would have removed the DH?
WaLiQuote Reply
Live stream for both Cubs and Red Sox on MLB.com:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111022&content_id=25748222&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]So Lou’s switch of moving Marshall to LF for a batter would have removed the DH?[/quote]In the game in 2009, no, because the NL doesn’t use the DH. In this game, in an AL park, yeah, I think the DH would’ve been gone.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]So Lou’s switch of moving Marshall to LF for a batter would have removed the DH?[/quote]Yep. You can’t be as clever when you’re an AL manager.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]In the game in 2009, no, because the NL doesn’t use the DH. In this game, in an AL park, yeah, I think the DH would’ve been gone.[/quote]I think in that case, to save Berkman’s bat, you’d have to make some weird quadruple switch afterwards to get Berkman in RF, Craig in the infield and then toss Holliday back into LF after the position-player IBB.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think in that case, to save Berkman’s bat, you’d have to make some weird quadruple switch afterwards to get Berkman in RF, Craig in the infield and then toss Holliday back into LF after the position-player IBB.[/quote]I believe he could have had Berkman do the IBB, then move Berkman to right.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I believe he could have had Berkman do the IBB, then move Berkman to right.[/quote]Oh yeah, I got fixated on Holliday because that was the first suggestion. Good call.
Dotel had almost thrown the ball away a couple times in the previous IBB so maybe TLR would have wanted a real pitcher anyway.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Oh yeah, I got fixated on Holliday because that was the first suggestion. Good call.
Dotel had almost thrown the ball away a couple times in the previous IBB so maybe TLR would have wanted a real pitcher anyway.[/quote]He didn’t realize his error until Lynn was already in, according to him, so I think at that point you might as well let Lynn IBB.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]He didn’t realize his error until Lynn was already in, according to him, so I think at that point you might as well let Lynn IBB.[/quote]I think TLR just had an epic brain fart. Even he probably didn’t know what he was thinking.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
New footer image is up.
Aisle424Quote Reply
http://www.csnchicago.com/pages/live_cubs/
the link to CSN coverage
Snyds01Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Live stream for both Cubs and Red Sox on MLB.com:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111022&content_id=25748222&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb%5B/quote%5DI wonder if it’s on MLB Network
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]New footer image is up.[/quote]Very nice. Did you walk by on your way to Starbucks?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Very nice. Did you walk by on your way to Starbucks?[/quote]Hijacked it from Facebook from Chicago Vince.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Very nice. Did you walk by on your way to Starbucks?[/quote]He was the guy in Starbucks. We dispatched people throughout the country to look for Theo. Some might say we got lucky, but 424 is a scrappy winner.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I wonder if it’s on MLB Network[/quote]It is.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=6350584&c_id=chc
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]He was the guy in Starbucks. We dispatched people throughout the country to look for Theo. Some might say we got lucky, but 424 is a scrappy winner.[/quote]Does this mean he can finally eat dinner again?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/when-ibbs-attack/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Anybody working on a new post? At the very least we should probably put an open thread before the conference begins.
mb21Quote Reply
Looks like today’s presser will include Purple Shirt Guy Vindication. Also, Theo sings:
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/6871/epstein-lunch-breaks-into-song
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
The IBBs don’t bother me as much as they do the rest of you guys. They may be the incorrect thing to do from a win expectation standpoint, but we see more in the postseason because managers are trying to get the batter/pitcher match-up they prefer. They’ve decided they’d rather get beat issuing the IBB and having the more the favorable matchup as a result than get beat by less favorable matchup.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]Looks like today’s presser will include Purple Shirt Guy Vindication. Also, Theo sings:
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/6871/epstein-lunch-breaks-into-song%5B/quote%5DThat's hilarious that the guy actually did see Theo, which I thought was just complete bullshit.
mb21Quote Reply
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That’s hilarious that the guy actually did see Theo, which I thought was just complete bullshit.[/quote]
Does this mean that the hobbit actually broke a true to life story…when it happened?!?!
Snyds01Quote Reply
[quote name=Snyds01]Does this mean that the hobbit actually broke a true to life story…when it happened?!?![/quote]I think he was half-mocking it in his poorly-written blurb so technically he didn’t even know he had a real story. I award him no points, and may God have mercy on his soul.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Anybody working on a new post? At the very least we should probably put an open thread before the conference begins.[/quote]I suggest an entire post full of dancing and Cookie Monster gifs.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Snyds01]Does this mean that the hobbit actually broke a true to life story…when it happened?!?![/quote]No, the guy who saw him broke the story. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Didn’t he post it on twitter first?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The IBBs don’t bother me as much as they do the rest of you guys. They may be the incorrect thing to do from a win expectation standpoint, but we see more in the postseason because managers are trying to get the batter/pitcher match-up they prefer. They’ve decided they’d rather get beat issuing the IBB and having the more the favorable matchup as a result than get beat by less favorable matchup.[/quote]That’s what bothers me. Those walks were so cowardly.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I suggest an entire post full of dancing and Cookie Monster gifs.[/quote]I’m on it.
Aisle424Quote Reply
the epa just showed up for an unannounced inspection. no time to hide the three eyed squirrels out back
dylanjQuote Reply
An Unobstructed View: http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/general/yes-you-can-measure-intangibles.html
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]the epa just showed up for an unannounced inspection. no time to hide the three eyed squirrels out back[/quote]Don’t show them the meth super lab in the basement.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The IBBs don’t bother me as much as they do the rest of you guys. They may be the incorrect thing to do from a win expectation standpoint, but we see more in the postseason because managers are trying to get the batter/pitcher match-up they prefer. They’ve decided they’d rather get beat issuing the IBB and having the more the favorable matchup as a result than get beat by less favorable matchup.[/quote]In the article he points out that Dotel walking Cruz canceled out a matchup that was hugely in favor of the Cardinals and allowed Napoli to come to the plate. Also, the IBB to Pujols was with a 1-1 count. Why not at least wait until you get to 2 balls before issuing the IBB if you trust your pitcher?
binkyQuote Reply
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-1025-cubs-crane-kenney-chicago–20111025,0,4556056,full.story
MO22Quote Reply
I think theo is breaking the internets
Snyds01Quote Reply
[quote name=josh]In the article he points out that Dotel walking Cruz canceled out a matchup that was hugely in favor of the Cardinals and allowed Napoli to come to the plate. Also, the IBB to Pujols was with a 1-1 count. Why not at least wait until you get to 2 balls before issuing the IBB if you trust your pitcher?[/quote]I’m just talking in general. IBBs generally don’t increase WE much and that assumes an average hitter coming up next. I didn’t pay close enough attention to the walks last night or in this series. It happens every postseason.
mb21Quote Reply
New dancing shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/welcome-theo-sometimes-a-dancing-gif-is-worth-a-thousand-words.html
Aisle424Quote Reply