The Cubs are 8.5 games out of first place and it’s just the first of June. Their pythagorean record is even worse than their actual 23-30 record. Pythag has them at 22-31. The only team with a worse Pythag than the Cubs is the Houston Astros at 22-33. Minnesota is worse in the AL at 17-36, but no other team has fewer Pythag wins than the Cubs. Three teams have 22, but needless to say, that’s pretty damn bad. (click the link below to read more)
The odds of contending get worse by the day. They weren’t good when the season started, but now that they’re 8.5 out and after today the schedule gets ridiculously tough for the rest of June. It’s very unlikely the Cubs make up any ground in June. Even if they play much better baseball, it’s still unlikely considering the quality of their opponents coming up. About the best the Cubs can hope for is being 7 to 8 games under .500 and 8 to 9 games out of first place when the month of June ends. And that’s if the Cardinals don’t improve upon their already impressive record. The Cubs also trail 4 other teams so it’s not like they just need one team to lose. They need the entire division to lose, which is impossible given the unbalanced schedules.
I expect the Cubs to continue trying to win as they should. A lot can happen in a short amount of time and the trade deadline isn’t for two months, but the Cubs also have to be looking at this realistically. Doing so they realize that now is not their year. Next year probably isn’t either. Nor is the year after that. This team got old and expensive at the same time.
It’s likely had Brett Jackson not been injured he’d have taken over CF when Marlon Byrd broke his face. I remain skeptical about Byrd’s return this season and I’m assuming once Jackson puts together a couple solid weeks he’ll be up to permanently take over CF. He’s only played two games since coming off the DL.
Kosuke Fukudome is in the final season of his contract and the man gets on base. That’s something a lot of playoff teams are going to be looking to add to their bench at the deadline. The Cubs will have to kick in some money and Fukudome will have to approve the trade, but I expect he’s wearing a different uniform when the season ends. That opens up a spot for Tyler Colvin. We discussed him here last night and it’s unlikely he’ll ever be good enough to be a regular starter, but with a position open he may be the best candidate.
I’m not sure there’s much you can do with Alfonso Soriano unless you’re willing to release him. It’s something the Cubs are going to have to consider at some point because he’s pretty damn bad right now. If Marlon Byrd does return late in the season, he could take over in LF. Byrd is around next year too so he would be the team’s LF in 2012.
Aramis Ramirez‘s contract is up at the end of this season presuming the Cubs don’t pick up the 2012 option for $16 million. There is a $2 million buyout and if he’s traded that option becomes guaranteed. Ramirez could negotiate that out of his contract if he really wanted to play for a contender, but who is looking for a defensively challenged 3rd baseman who has hit for almost no power this season? Maybe if Ramirez gets hot over the next couple months it becomes more feasible but as of right now I think it’s not likely.
Starlin Castro is the team’s SS for the foreseeable future. Darwin Barney has taken over 2nd base and performed as we’d expect him to. I took a look at Carlos Pena‘s trade value yesterday and the Cubs could expect a C prospect in return unless, but the Cubs do have $5 million remaining on his contract next season they’ll be on the hook for.
The Cubs don’t have an up and coming first baseman, but I could see Jeff Baker taking over the position if the Cubs traded Pena. If the Cubs somehow found a team interested in Ramirez I’d expect Blake DeWitt to take over unless Josh Vitters really starts hitting the ball a lot better than he has so far in AA.
Of all the position players, the most attractive one to another team is going to be Geovany Soto. He’s a bit injury prone at this point and certainly his bat is inconsistent. Even at his worst offensively he’s still an average hitting ballplayer. His defense isn’t spectacular, but he has two more years of club control so teams would be willing to give up something valuable in return. Soto is 28 years old and turns 29 in January. That’s not exactly young for a catcher. That’s not young for any position, but catchers age quicker than other position players do.
Since 1975, only 8 catchers had 1000 or more PA during their age 29 and 30 seasons (14 did so from the ages of 25 to 26). Only 29 had 800 or more. Soto has already shown signs of being unable to play regularly so counting on him to be a productive player the next couple seasons may not be the smartest decision a team could make. He’s still cheap and valuable, but he’s probably more valuable to a team in contention. Welington Castillo would take over unless the Cubs are just plain fucking stupid and put Koyie Hill there.
I said it last year and the same thing is true now. Geovany Soto should be traded. I’ll post his trade value later today, but it’s quite high.
Carlos Zambrano has one year left on his deal and will make $18 million next season. Over the final two months of this season he’ll make $6 million. The Cubs would have to send some money along in the trade, but any player with only one year left on their contract is tradeable. The best years of Z’s career are long gone. He’ll always be one of my favorite players of all-time and I’d like to see him in a Cubs uniform for as long as possible. At the same time, I’d like to see him get a chance to win a championship and that’s not going to happen as a Cub.
Ryan Dempster also has one year left on his contract (a player option) so he’s easily tradeable as well. The Cubs may not even have to send money in any deal.
Matt Garza, like Geovany Soto, is still relatively cheap considering his production and many teams would have interest in him.
I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect the Cubs to trade three of their starting pitchers, but I think they should trade two of them. Garza brings the most in return so he has to be one of them. As for the other, Zambrano makes more money so freeing up whatever money you can would make sense. On the other hand, Dempster is better and the Cubs can free up some money and do so without having to send much or anything along with him.
The only relievers the Cubs have that are going to draw any interest is Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall and Kerry Wood. Despite Wood’s contract, he really doesn’t have much value. He’s basically been a replacement level pitcher for 2+ seasons now. He also is being paid only $1.5 million and his contract ends after this season so there’s no real need to trade him. Marmol and Marshall will draw interest from a lot of teams and both could bring something nice in return. I don’t see much reason for the Cubs to keep either of these pitchers and even if some team is willing to give up something decent for Wood I’d trade him as well. I just doubt that happens.
If the Cubs went all out fire sale, we might see a team that looks something like this:
C: Welington Castillo
1B: Jeff Baker
2B: Darwin Barney
3B: Aramis Ramirez
SS: Starlin Castro
LF: Marlon Byrd
CF: Brett Jackson
RF: Tyler Colvin
SP1: Ryan Dempster or Carlos Zambrano
SP2: Randy Wells
SP3: Rodrigo Lopez
SP4: Trey McNutt
SP5: Jay Jackson
CL: Kerry Wood
SU: Andrew Cashner
I don’t expect the Cubs to trade Soriano, but he’s not deserving of playing anyway. What we’re more likely to see from the Cubs is something that results in a team looking like this:
C: Geovany Soto
1B: Tyler Colvin
2B: Darwin Barney
3B: Aramis Ramirez
SS: Starlin Castro
LF: Alfonso Soriano
CF: Brett Jackson
RF: Marlon Byrd
SP1: Ryan Dempster
SP2: Carlos Zambrano
SP3: Matt Garza
SP4: Randy Wells
SP5: Trey McNutt
CL: Carlos Marmol
SU: Sean Marshall
SU: Kerry Wood
Basically, the same team with a couple exceptions. I think it’s very likely that Fukudome and Pena are playing for different teams before this season ends. I also expect that we’ll see the Cubs trade either Jeff Baker or Blake DeWitt. Other than that, not much is going to change.
It does leave 1st base open for a potential big free agent signing. You may have heard, but Albert Pujols is a free agent. So is Prince Fielder.
Comments
Today’s lineup per Miles:
Fuke 9
Barn 4
Cassie 6
Los 3
Rammy 5
Dewey 7
Sote 2
Colv 8
Dougie 1
melissaQuote Reply
You misspelled “couple” as “coupld” twice in that post.
/read every word
MishQuote Reply
Word out of the clubhouse this morning that Sully asked Z if he could watch him workout and Z dropped his pants to show off his “soccer legs.”
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]You misspelled “couple” as “coupld” twice in that post.
/read every word[/quote](dying laughing) fixed now.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Word out of the clubhouse this morning that Sully asked Z if he could watch him workout and Z dropped his pants to show off his “soccer legs.”[/quote]I was hoping you were going to say “and Z dropped his pants and told Sully to blow him.”
mb21Quote Reply
This team never does a full out “fire sale”…and this year will be no different.
doc_blumeQuote Reply
I agree, db. There’s no chance they’ll do it. They probably should, but they won’t.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I was hoping you were going to say “and Z dropped his pants and told Sully to blow him.”[/quote]
That or kiss my ass. Z also pointed out that he had no bruises. Z was also lifting arm weights and using the exercise ball in front of the media in the clubhouse hallway. He’s quite the showman.
melissaQuote Reply
From that mlbtraderumors blurb, do you guys think there’s any chance the Cubs would install a new GM prior to the trade deadline like the DBacks did?
It would be a lot easier to cut the losses with someone else at the helm who hadn’t been the one who made those decisions in the first place.
I’m not suggesting the Cubs will then magically find a suitor for Alfonso Soriano, but it might be easier for a new GM to cut the cord.
Seems like sooner or later, ownership is going to have to throw the fans more of a bone than sitting in the bleachers and lowering hot dog prices.
Chris DickersonQuote Reply
Prior to the season I’d have said no, CD, but based on attendance I think they have to do something major. Firing Hendry would be part of that, but I also think the club may be forced to deal with the ugly contracts in a not so pretty way. If they fire Hendry, I then wouldn’t be surprised to see Soriano released and Zambrano traded with the Cubs sending a lot of money in return. Cubs fans hate those two along with Hendry so that would appease the fans for a short time anyway.
mb21Quote Reply
Chris…
I just don’t see the Cubs making any change at GM for at least one more year. I just look at what was done this past off-season and it all points to Jim Hendry getting a chance to rebuild the team for 2012.
If the Cubs are still this bad 2 months into 2012, than I think both Crane Kenney and Jim Hendry will be updating their resumes.
doc_blumeQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/01/matt-garza-not-ready-to-come-off-dl-when-eligible-friday/
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/01/matt-garza-not-ready-to-come-off-dl-when-eligible-friday/[/quote]
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Prior to the season I’d have said no, CD, but based on attendance I think they have to do something major. Firing Hendry would be part of that, but I also think the club may be forced to deal with the ugly contracts in a not so pretty way. If they fire Hendry, I then wouldn’t be surprised to see Soriano released and Zambrano traded with the Cubs sending a lot of money in return. Cubs fans hate those two along with Hendry so that would appease the fans for a short time anyway.[/quote]
Hendry is the easy scapegoat for this season – his only saving grace could be if management decides to blame the performance of this Otherwise Great team on injuries. Even then though I wouldn’t be surprised if they just hired Randy Bush or some other Hendry inner circle guy to take over without any real changes.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Wasn’t the idea that Garza would come off the DL so quick always unrealistic? I don’t remember the last time someone went on the DL with elbow pain and missed the minimum. I’m sure it happens, but I don’t think it’s usually how it goes.
mb21Quote Reply
Per Gordo:Byrd’s docs have sent a six week timelime for him to return
BerseliusQuote Reply
I’ll believe Byrd returns that quickly when I see it. I’d be surprised if we see him again this year and wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if his career is over. He may play a little bit down the road, but getting in the box and being comfortable again is going to be awfully hard to do for him.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=doc_blume]Chris…
I just don’t see the Cubs making any change at GM for at least one more year. I just look at what was done this past off-season and it all points to Jim Hendry getting a chance to rebuild the team for 2012.[/quote]
Man, I hear what you’re saying but even though the Cubs were likely just playing lip service to being a contender, I don’t think they really expected this much apathy. 30,000 on a perfect Memorial Day? For fans that are regularly critiqued as not caring about the product on the field, it seems hard to imagine the Cubs can sustain an entire season of people avoiding the ballpark without making some kind of splash to let the fans know they too have begun noticing the Cubs are not worth watching.
On the flipside, though, I could totally hear everyone working the injury card all summer, then playing 5 games over .500 in September and using that as validation that if the Cubs just would have had everyone healthy all season, they could have been winners (2010, cough, cough).
Chris DickersonQuote Reply
The injury card really only works if people buy into it and I don’t think they do. I don’t see the Cubs making a change at GM during the season, but it wouldn’t surprise me either. I also don’t expect Cuey to finish the season as manager, but I’ve long thought if the Cubs didn’t play at least .500 ball he’d be gone by the all-star break.
mb21Quote Reply
From the Twitterz:
@BruceMiles2112 Bruce Miles
#Cubs Ricketts sez team just has a lot of injuries. Visit longer next time. Tom
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]From the Twitterz:
@BruceMiles2112 Bruce Miles
#Cubs Ricketts sez team just has a lot of injuries. Visit longer next time. Tom[/quote]
To be fair, Ricketts is right. Injuries are preventing the Cubs from the 78 win, 4th place finish that they were originally headed for.
Is this the first time he’s passed a gaggle of Cubs media without throwing himself in front of a microphone?
BerseliusQuote Reply
Umm..
MishQuote Reply
Ricketts’s comment today would seem to justify my feeling that Hendry isn’t going anywhere for a while.
That doesn’t make me happy, but I do think, regardless of attendance, that it is the truth.
doc_blumeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Umm..[/quote]I wouldn’t go if they paid me $10. If they paid me $50 I’d only consider going if I had nothing else to do.
mb21Quote Reply
Yahoo!’s latest mock:
http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/mlb/news;_ylt=Asdld05C565KsD20z5rXwle5bZ8u?slug=rs-minor_developments_mock_draft_part1_051811
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Yahoo!’s latest mock:
http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/mlb/news;_ylt=Asdld05C565KsD20z5rXwle5bZ8u?slug=rs-minor_developments_mock_draft_part1_051811%5B/quote%5D
Hmmm. Needs fixing.
There we go.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Sully just tweeted the new Cubs clubhouse logo:
(dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
http://www.whodoesthelatestKlawdrafthavetheCubs taking.com
anyone with insider?
BerseliusQuote Reply
Did I post a pic above? not seeing it on my PC
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Did I post a pic above? not seeing it on my PC[/quote]
The Cubs logo is invisible!
Oh wait…I had to change the link from https to http: and it was fine. The Twitter link was wonky.
What’s that supposed to be? Am I missing the significance of the upside-down “u”?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
MishQuote Reply
There we go
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]
[/quote]Apparently Todd Ricketts is in charge of sign installation.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Wait, it this a new logo or a “new” one that someone changed as a joke
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]www.whodoesthelatestKlawdrafthavetheCubs taking.com
anyone with insider?[/quote]Law’s latest mock draft? Bubba Starling.
mb21Quote Reply
Law also says he’s looking at a signing bonus of over $5 million. If that’s what it’s going to take to sign Starling away from football there’s no chance the Cubs draft him. This is a team that spent half a million under slot last year in the first round.
The mock that RC linked to has the Cubs taking Bundy. That would be a good pick in my opinion and he’d probably cost a bit over slot.
mb21Quote Reply
Whomever is ranked 170 is who the Cubs take at 9.
/Hayden Simpson’d
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Law also says he’s looking at a signing bonus of over $5 million. If that’s what it’s going to take to sign Starling away from football there’s no chance the Cubs draft him. This is a team that spent half a million under slot last year in the first round.
The mock that RC linked to has the Cubs taking Bundy. That would be a good pick in my opinion and he’d probably cost a bit over slot.[/quote]
Bundy seems exactly the kind of player this team needs. “although he’ll need 2-3 years in the minors first” is a positive, not a negative for this team.
Re: the earlier discussion about changing GMs before trade deadline:
The thing that scares me is that the people in charge right now are mostly going to be concerned with keeping their job right now, and selling the team as contenders now, as opposed to planning for the future. I feel like a new GM would be more likely to trade for prospects and draft 18yo developmental pitchers than Hendry and Crane would be.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Jake Fox was released…I bet the Cubs sign him (dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Jake Fox was released…I bet the Cubs sign him (dying laughing)[/quote]
Bench needs extra warming.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The new comment message is (dying laughing) worthy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Jake Fox was released…I bet the Cubs sign him (dying laughing)[/quote]
Would he be Jakey or Foxie?
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Jake Fox was released…I bet the Cubs sign him (dying laughing)[/quote]
I remember him hitting well during Spring Training, and possibly at the beginning of the year (?) and hearing fans bitch about how the Cubs were stupid to let him go because he would have been valuable at 3B and C.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Would he be Jakey or Foxie?[/quote]
Foxy Jakey and he’d come out to Hendrix music.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Would he be Jakey or Foxie?[/quote]
I really hope I never hear Quade refer to any player as Foxie…
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I remember him hitting well during Spring Training, and possibly at the beginning of the year (?) and hearing fans bitch about how the Cubs were stupid to let him go because he would have been valuable at 3B and C.[/quote]
Fox was the best hitter in ST but I don’t think he ever hit much once the season started.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I remember him hitting well during Spring Training, and possibly at the beginning of the year (?) and hearing fans bitch about how the Cubs were stupid to let him go because he would have been valuable at 3B and C.[/quote]
IIRC the knock on Fox was that he could only hit fastballs. Also his (lack of) defensive skills. So he’s basically Soriano (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]IIRC the knock on Fox was that he could only hit fastballs. Also his (lack of) defensive skills. So he’s basically Soriano (dying laughing)[/quote]
You can’t make that comparison. He’s clearly Tony Campana with no speed or defensive skills, but with more power.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Happy birthday to Z. Hard to believe he’s only 30.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wind howling out to RF today. Will the Cubs get a single HR?
Colvin in CF today
BerseliusQuote Reply
KG
Hayden Simpson, RHP, Cubs (Low-A Peoria): 0.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 1 K. More and more convinced that something is wrong health-wise.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Happy birthday to Z. Hard to believe he’s only 30.[/quote]
It’s amazing, isn’t it? It seems like he’s been around for so much longer.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Wind howling out to RF today. Will the Cubs get a single HR?
Colvin in CF today[/quote]
Well, there’s one (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Happy April 62nd, everybody.
melissaQuote Reply
Kosuke!
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
It’s April 62nd.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Happy April 62nd, everybody.[/quote]
I owe you a Coke.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]It’s April 62nd.[/quote]
Absolutely, correct.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]KG
Hayden Simpson, RHP, Cubs (Low-A Peoria): 0.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 1 K. More and more convinced that Wilken out-thought himself..[/quote].
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Well put, jt.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]The new comment message is (dying laughing) worthy.[/quote]It’s a huge story, RC. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I’m calling two bombs by one of the lefties today.
Fuku already has one, but I’m betting it will be Colvin. Cub fans will rejoice as the savior Tyler Colvin has come back.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Nice play by DeWitt.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]
Cub fans will rejoice as the savior Tyler Colvin has come back.[/quote]
Only if he turns water into beer in the bleachers.
CormsQuote Reply
They will.
Because they’ll have to.
oogQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Nice play by DeWitt.[/quote]He’s a second baseman! He can’t play outfield!
ACTQuote Reply
My name’s Doug Davis and I am not an easy out.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]My name’s Doug Davis and I am not an easy out.[/quote]Leave it to the pitcher to have the longest AB of the whole lineup
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]Leave it to the pitcher to have the longest AB of the whole lineup[/quote]
Doug Davis does everything slowly.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Doug Davis does everything slowly.[/quote]
Davis’ PA represented a quarter of all the pitches thrown by Meyers the first time through the line-up.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
Brenly mentioned a little while ago that after their stint in the bleachers the other day he had nacho cheese on his kneecaps. Whoda thunk that Reed Johnson would be catching a game in the bleachers while on the DL.
CormsQuote Reply
ESPN did a “franchise player fantasy draft” here. Crasnick took Castro at 19. Worst pick has to be Sutcliffe taking Feliz (the only reliever taken) at 23, or Glanville with Ramos at 30.
MishQuote Reply
link http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?page=110601franchisedraft
MishQuote Reply
http://www.cubsstats.com/2011/06/2011-cubs-season-timelines.html
MishQuote Reply
It’s Dougie!
mb21Quote Reply
Dewey with an oopsie
melissaQuote Reply
I know Tulo is really freaking good and on a good contract, but is anyone else questioning that pick?
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]Only if he turns Bud Light into beer in the bleachers.[/quote].
BerseliusQuote Reply
How is Carlos Lee not a Cub?
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]ESPN did a “franchise player fantasy draft” here. Crasnick took Castro at 19. Worst pick has to be Sutcliffe taking Feliz (the only reliever taken) at 23, or Glanville with Ramos at 30.[/quote]
I can’t believe how many baseball people are discussing that seriously on twitter. What a meaningless exercise.
BerseliusQuote Reply
I don’t mind the Tulo pick (I’d venture him a Top 5 pick in something like this), bu without any groundrules it’s pretty meaningless. Is this for one year? 5? 10? Does current or expected contract matter? etc
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]How is Brian Roberts not a Cub?[/quote].
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]How is Carlos Lee not a Cub?[/quote]Hendry got confused a few years ago when he resigned Derek Lee.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]http://www.cubsstats.com/2011/06/2011-cubs-season-timelines.html
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]ESPN did a “franchise player fantasy draft” here. Crasnick took Castro at 19. Worst pick has to be Sutcliffe taking Feliz (the only reliever taken) at 23, or Glanville with Ramos at 30.[/quote]
I’m sure Sutcliffe recognizes that Feliz would be a great starter (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
I’m in disbelief that Z breaking his bat is the story that it is.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m in disbelief that Z breaking his bat is the story that it is.[/quote]
I should be, but I’m not. This sort of shit gets even more play when the baseball games themselves are meaningless and boring.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Will Aramis Ramirez crack 10 HRs?
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I should be, but I’m not. This sort of shit gets even more play when the baseball games themselves are meaningless and boring.[/quote]True, but the man is like 6-5 and weighs nearly 300 pounds. Breaking a 34 inch bat over his leg isn’t exactly a big deal. It’s not unlike me snapping a toothpick.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Will Aramis Ramirez crack 10 HRs?[/quote]No
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Will Aramis Ramirez crack 10 HRs?[/quote]
Today? No. This year? No also.
Aisle424Quote Reply
http://www.willaramisramirezcrack10hrs.com
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Today? No. This year? No also.[/quote]I think he hits 10 today, but not 10 this year.
mb21Quote Reply
I’m starting to think after the season last year that Ricketts and Hendry got together and asked themselves one question: how can we make next year’s team less exciting?
I gotta give ’em credit. They accomplished their goal.
mb21Quote Reply
I’m tired of Geo’s face.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Geo looks really bad up there
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
I hope Ricketts/Kenney hold another Season Ticket holders meeting like they did last year, and someone smuggles in a camera. That would be epic fun.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Pat Hughes]You don’t expect a pitcher’s duel on a day like today[/quote]
…unless the offenses are the Cubs and Astros
BerseliusQuote Reply
Rich HIll——>hurt again
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I hope Ricketts/Kenney hold another Season Ticket holders meeting like they did last year, and someone smuggles in a camera. That would be epic fun.[/quote]
None of the guys I share with will want to go, so I’m sure I’ll go if there is one. I think you’ll be disappointed by the amount of ire though. The Season Ticket holders are the ones who have bought into the “It’s a Way of Life” campaign. They are the die-hards who will suffer emotionally and, in their case, economically while the Cubs valiantly struggle to reach the holy grail.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I hope Ricketts/Kenney hold another Season Ticket holders meeting like they did last year, and someone smuggles in a camera. That would be epic fun.[/quote]They are. It’s this Saturday. I’ll bring a camera.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]They are. It’s this Saturday. I’ll bring a camera.[/quote]
I wonder if they’ll rescind your tickets if your video shows up on Youtube.
/1984’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Isn’t reaching out to the guys who go regardless a bad way to solicit why no one gives a shit about the Cubs?
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]They are. It’s this Saturday. I’ll bring a camera.[/quote]
Doc Blume said it was Friday on twitter; just throwing it out there so you fagets can figure it out.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Isn’t reaching out to the guys who go regardless a bad way to solicit why no one gives a shit about the Cubs?[/quote]
Given the number of no-shows this season I wonder how much that is true.
BerseliusQuote Reply
I don’t think Al’s “Savor every moment, the best is yet to come” outlook is unique amongst most ST holders.
The ones that are pissed will drop the tickets and be replaced by the waitlist which is still about 2 years from drying up. The Ricketts know this and that is really where they will have to step up. They can’t turn into the Pirates and keep selling 26,000 tickets per game before single-game tickets even go on sale like they do now. But they have that buffer zone and that is allowing them to take the angle they are taking.
It is worse than they expected with the single game sales, but that floor of 26,000 or so per game isn’t even close to giving way yet. I’d bet they’re more concerned about ratings than they are attendance.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Isn’t reaching out to the guys who go regardless a bad way to solicit why no one gives a shit about the Cubs?[/quote]Todd Ricketts is in charge of marketing strategies, as well.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Doc Blume said it was Friday on twitter; just throwing it out there so you fagets can figure it out.[/quote]
I bet they have multiple sessions, since there are so many ST holders
BerseliusQuote Reply
Shaq —-> retired
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I bet they have multiple sessions, since there are so many ST holders[/quote]
Yeah, it was all on one day last year, but maybe it is spread out over a couple of days this year. They did it in the middle of the week last year too.
I’m out of town so I won’t be there no matter when it is. Hopefully WGC’s video will be good enough for some good entertainment.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I’m not sure how much weight I put into the wait list for season tickets at this point. If the Cubs don’t start winning games, attendance will continue to decline. I’m guessing half the people on the wait list put their name there as a just in case kind of thing. As in just in case the Cubs have a good chance of winning the World Series, I’m in. I’m guessing another half of the remaining are types who aren’t going to spend the money if they aren’t confident the team is going to turn it around.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I bet they have multiple sessions, since there are so many ST holders[/quote]It’s like a gangbang, but nobody comes.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s like a gangbang, but nobody comes.[/quote]Al goes for the reacharound session.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s like a gangbang, but nobody comes.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Al goes for the reacharound session.[/quote]And stays for the GiDP session.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Spoken like a true master.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This Z breaking the bat thing proves to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are no depths Sullivan will not plumb to avoid writing about baseball, about which he knows less than nothing.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Todd Ricketts is in charge of marketing strategies, as well.[/quote]
The pieces fit.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s like a gangbang, but nobody comes.[/quote][quote name=mb21]Al goes for the reacharound session.[/quote]http://www.bleedcubbieblueballz.com: coming soon to the internetz near you.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]This Z breaking the bat thing proves to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are no depths Sullivan will not plumb to avoid writing about baseball, about which he knows less than nothing.[/quote]
To be fair, this was written about by at least six different blogs/writers that I know of. It is annoying, however, when news of his breaking a bat overshadows the good outing he had on the mound.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Sickels current draftboard:
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/6/1/2201021/2011-baseball-draft-johns-current-draft-board
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube] It is annoying, however, when news of his breaking a bat overshadows the good outing he had on the mound.[/quote]
Where Sullivan and Gordo are concerned, this is wholly intentional, IMHO.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m not sure how much weight I put into the wait list for season tickets at this point. If the Cubs don’t start winning games, attendance will continue to decline. I’m guessing half the people on the wait list put their name there as a just in case kind of thing. As in just in case the Cubs have a good chance of winning the World Series, I’m in. I’m guessing another half of the remaining are types who aren’t going to spend the money if they aren’t confident the team is going to turn it around.[/quote]
Yeah, but even if there are only 30,000 serious people who would buy if given the chance (about 25% of the original 118,000+ that was the high point of the list last I knew), and assuming they all buy a pair of seats instead of more, that is still the entire season ticket inventory turning over twice in the next 2 years before they don’t have anybody else waiting in line to buy.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Sickels current draftboard:
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/6/1/2201021/2011-baseball-draft-johns-current-draft-board%5B/quote%5D
Based on the three consensus pick possibilities (Starling, Bundy, Archie Bradley), who will the Cubs pick instead to piss everyone off this year?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Ramirez goes to the DL with another broken face.
mb21Quote Reply
Jesus H Tapdancing Christ. Ramirez just got hit in the face by a batted ball
BerseliusQuote Reply
Wow.
ACTQuote Reply
Crap. Hope he’s okay? I can’t watch or listen today so hoping for good news.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
God is so mad at Hendry for building such a shittastic roster, he’s determined to expose all the flaws.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
There’s some blood, Miles says it looks like it got him in the nose. Pat speculated that he may have been knocked out momentarily.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Really bad hop?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Deejie making his MLB debut after the injury
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Really bad hop?[/quote]
Yeah RC, Pat said it took a really weird hop
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Deejie making his MLB debut after the injury[/quote]
He pinch-hit on Monday I think. But what a shitty way to make your on-field defensive debut. Man.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So was that the first time this season that a Cub used his head in the field?
CormsQuote Reply
This would never be a script because no one would believe it was possible.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Corms]So was that the first time this season that a Cub used his head in the field?[/quote]HI-YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]So was that the first time this season that a Cub used his head in the field?[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]This would never be a script because no one would believe it was possible.[/quote]Dreams come true at Wrigley Field, the Greatest Place On Earth.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]So was that the first time this season that a Cub used his head in the field?[/quote]
This is a person you’re talking about.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]This would never be a script because no one would believe it was possible.[/quote]
That’s the beauty of short hops, 424. I’m out to give my savings to a Nigerian prince because you never know.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I bet they have multiple sessions, since there are so many ST holders[/quote]
Correct. Here’s the e-mail I got:
Cubs Season Seat Holder Appreciation Day June 3-4
Dear Wennington’s Gorilla Cock,
Over the last 97 years, millions of fans have traveled to the Friendly Confines to take in the Wrigley Field experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.
After receiving tremendous feedback on last year’s Season Ticket Holder Appreciation event, we are excited to announce our Cubs Season Ticket Holder Family Days at Wrigley Field this summer. This is your chance to create more unique memories for you and your family.
This special weekend will be your chance to run the bases, play catch in the outfield, take a few swings in the Batting Tunnel Arcade, tour the clubhouse and members-only PNC Club, and take pictures in front of the ivy on the outfield wall, among other activities. In addition, your Season Ticket Account Representative, as well as our front office staff, will be available for questions, comments and conversation.
This year, you, a guest and up to four of your children (if you choose) will have VIP access to experience the Friendly Confines both on and off the field in a way that most fans never experience. This is also our chance to see you in person and to say thank you for your support. This year we have scheduled three sessions on Friday, June 3, and three sessions on Saturday, June 4, for you to choose from:
Friday, June 3
Saturday, June 4
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
There are a limited number of spaces for each session. Please RSVP for the time slot of your choice using your unique one-time use password and link below. Once your registration is confirmed, you’ll be able to print tickets for your session at home and use them for admission, just like you would for a Cubs game. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, May 31.
Thank you for your support of the Cubs. We are grateful for your commitment to the organization. On behalf of the Chicago Cubs and the Ricketts family we look forward to spending time with you and thanking you in person on June 3 or 4.
Thank you,
Tom Ricketts
Chairman, Chicago Cubs
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
(dying laughing) (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) (dying laughing)[/quote]
Correct.
ROFL.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
.
mb21Quote Reply
.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]This is a person you’re talking about.[/quote]You’re right. I’ve already canceled my dinner reservations.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21] Over the last 97 years, millions of fans have traveled to the Friendly Confines to take in the Wrigley Field experience. We would appreciate it if a few of them would come back. Did you know we have $3 beer on Tuesdays now?[/quote] .
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
.
mb21Quote Reply
Cubs lose.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
.
mb21Quote Reply
Apparently the Cubs are adopting Yellon’s prose stylings.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Why are all annoying radio show hosts grotesque fat white guys?
CormsQuote Reply
.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]Why are all annoying radio show hosts grotesque fat white guys?[/quote]Some questions answer themselves.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Judd says Ramriez’s injury is a lip laceration
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Judd says Ramriez’s injury is a lip laceration[/quote]
Probably no DL then unless his jaw is broken.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I figured the Cubs had to go 7-2 on this home stand to have a chance at contending. I actually thought that was doable considering the competition. Are they about to go 3-6 instead? (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Judd says Ramriez’s injury is a lip laceration[/quote]Or what most people just call a bloody lip. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Judd says Ramriez’s injury is a lip laceration[/quote]That will feel good after they extract his bottom teeth from his lip.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Hope you have plenty of cookies left to give away for the “which cubs player breaks his face next” contest.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Or what most people just call a street-canvassing employee disciplinary technique.. (dying laughing)[/quote].
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]Hope you have plenty of cookies left to give away for the “which cubs player breaks his face next” contest.[/quote]
MB has a silo of it behind his house.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]MB has a silo of it behind his house.[/quote]It’s not easy to fill the bathtub every night, I guess.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s not easy to fill the bathtub every night, I guess.[/quote]every night? We fill it once every month or two. Who uses fresh water or BarBQ sauce every time they bathe?
mb21Quote Reply
Jesus Christ.
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6615768
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]every night? We fill it once every month or two. Who uses fresh water or BarBQ sauce every time they bathe?[/quote]I prefer butter and bacon grease.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Jesus Christ.
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6615768%5B/quote%5DMike Quade is such a fucking hack.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Jesus Christ.
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6615768%5B/quote%5D
(dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I prefer butter and bacon grease.[/quote]My dog chewed my nuts off one time when I bathed in that. I never did it again.
mb21Quote Reply
I really hope Zambrano goes and beats the living fuck out of Quade with a bat now.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]My dog chewed my nuts off one time when I bathed in that. I never did it again.[/quote]This is why I own fish.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I really hope Zambrano goes and beats the living fuck out of Quade with a bat now.[/quote]
While that would be awesome, I like Z very much and I don’t wish him to spend the rest of his life in jail.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]While that would be awesome, I like Z very much and I don’t wish him to spend the rest of his life in jail.[/quote]He’s under contract to the Cubs; can jail be much worse?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]While that would be awesome, I like Z very much and I don’t wish him to spend the rest of his life in jail.[/quote]
But Cuey told him to!
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]He’s under contract to the Cubs; can jail be much worse?[/quote]
I can’t argue with you today.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]But Cuey told him to![/quote]
Let’s see what happens.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]This is why I own fish.[/quote]I wish I would have thought of that.
mb21Quote Reply
I don’t think Castro should bat third much longer. But I don’t really have any good alternatives other than moving Ramirez or Pena up.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So a lead off home run then shut out the rest of the way? It’s a way of life.
CormsQuote Reply
Tony Campana can bat third.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Tony Campana can bat third.[/quote]
It just might work.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Let’s See What Happens
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Marmol’s fastball topping out at 90 mph.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Oooh…91.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Tony Campana can bat third.[/quote]
Hell play him at 3b too. Why the hell not at this point (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Hell play him at 3b too. Why the hell not at this point (dying laughing)[/quote]
He’s going to do it left-handed.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]This is why I own fish.[/quote]
You live in Troy McLure’s house?
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Hell play him at 3b too. Why the hell not at this point (dying laughing)[/quote]I can’t think of a single reason why not. It would certainly make it more entertaining. Put Marshall in LF too. That was fun.
mb21Quote Reply
I predict the Cubs have 13 consecutive hits this inning, but score only 1 run. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I predict the Cubs have 13 consecutive hits this inning, but score only 1 run. (dying laughing)[/quote]It’s gonna happen.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I predict the Cubs have 13 consecutive hits this inning, but score only 1 run. (dying laughing)[/quote]
I would say that’s impossible, but it is the Cubs.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
ZOMFG BRAD FUCKING SNYDER
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Alas there is no joy in Wrigleyville as Brad Fucking Snyder has struck out.
CormsQuote Reply
I guess I can’t say that was unexpected (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What does Quade call DeWitt? Witty?
mb21Quote Reply
Dewey? Blakey?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What does Quade call DeWitt? Witty?[/quote]He is a funny guy who makes Cuey laugh.
CormsQuote Reply
That sucked.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
BerseliusQuote Reply
Got swept by the Astros. Let’s see what happens.
CormsQuote Reply
Three hits (dying laughing)
Offense is awesome.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So, what’s been going on the last couple of days?
(dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]Got swept at home by the worst team in baseball. Let’s see what happens.[/quote]
.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Cafepress won’t let us sell the Breaking Bad shirt I uploaded last night (the one that GBTS put together).
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Cafepress won’t let us sell the Breaking Bad shirt I uploaded last night (the one that GBTS put together).[/quote]
It’s probably got too many colors or something. You should try converting it to sepia or grayscale.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Ow.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15431561
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]It’s probably got too many colors or something. You should try converting it to sepia or grayscale.[/quote]I think it’s a copyright issue. It shouldn’t really be one, but I’m not going to argue with them about it. I did that with the Cubby facepalm one.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think it’s a copyright issue. It shouldn’t really be one, but I’m not going to argue with them about it. I did that with the Cubby facepalm one.[/quote]What was your argument? Satire?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Cnbs!
http://deadspin.com/5807417/cubs-have-upside-down-logo-at-wrigley-possibly-as-some-sort-of-distress-signal
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]What was your argument? Satire?[/quote]Yeah. They also thought the image was copyrighted initially, which that particular one is not.
mb21Quote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/cubs-swept-by-astros-things-about-to-get-much-worse.html
mb21Quote Reply