And make no mistake, a pitching meltdown is really what it was last night, as the Brewers jumped out on Jason Marquis early, and slugged their way to a 10-7 win at Wrigley.
This was one of those nights that you would have expected a classic 3-2 pitching duel. The wind was blowing in, two better than average pitchers on the mound, and it was cold; much more so than the 38 degree start time temperature, I promise. However, the offense for both teams put runs on the board very easily. And Jason Marquis was in trouble from the very start. After serving up a ringing double to Mike Cameron -- who showed no rust last night in his return from suspension, going 3-5, with a walk -- was able to settle down enough to get out of the first down only 1-0. However, the wheels totally came off in the 3rd inning. The Brewers scored three, highlighted by a Prince Fielder double and Corey Hart triple; which by the way may have been the hardest balls you've seen hit that stayed in the park. Marquis settled down again in the 4th, only to give up another run in the 5th, and give him an early trip to the showers; and by then, you knew it wasn't the Cubs night.
And it wasn't, as the relief core was no better. Kevin Hart -- who looked awful -- gave up four hits and three earned runs in an inning and a third. Sean Marshall, Weurtz and Lieber proved to be a touch better in relief, giving up a run between them in a little over two innings. But none looked especially good.
Fortunately, Cubs hitter did keep it interesting for most of the game. And this was one of the better performances in recent memory that they've had against Ben Sheets. Nice to see after watching Ben shutout the Cubs over six innings on Opening Day. Derrek Lee homered early to help keep the game competitive, and Chicago was able to tie the game by the end of the inning. And after falling behind 9-4 in the seventh, the Cubs were able to close the gap to 9-7 with three runs in the 7th; two on a Mike Fontenot double. But that's as good as it got, as the Brewers scored again late, and went home with the win.
Welcome. We're officially into the 2008 season. Proving that even the better teams have their struggles, the Cubs are now losers of four of five, after winning their previous eight of ten. It's a good team, and still my division favorite, so I hope no one will worry too much. Let's start a new streak tonight. And I can't think of a better showcase for it than a nationally-televised game on ESPN. In the meantime, check out the multimedia from last night's game. And tell me what you think about the video. I happen to be one the few Chicagoans that have no beef with the Brewers, or their fans. But the videos give you a feel of the general animosity. And I thought they were a little funny. Well, till tonight then.
In like a lion; out like a lamb...
Yes, that is how I would most accurately describe the week for the Cubs. After starting the week with blowout 7-1 and 8-1 home wins over the Mets -- and a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Rockies in 10 -- the ball club faltered at the end, losing two of three to the Nationals.
Should it bother you? Probably not. As I'd mentioned earlier in the week, the season is long, streaks of all sorts come and go, and players have their moments. The only issue of note for me is that I'm a little surprised to see impotent offensive performances from this team, such as the 2-0 shutout yesterday. The 2008 version of the ball club (and this is really the highest compliment that I can think of) is reminiscent of an AL team. Grinding at-bats, numerous professional hitters throughout the lineup, and speed where you need it; certainly capable of manufacturing a few runs when they have to. I trust that this will be one of very few shutouts this season, but still.
So, that said, we'll have to take our 4-3 record for the week, and move on. As of this writing, the Cubs are still 16-9; good for second-best record in the National League. And with good news for Cubs fans; the return of Alfonso Soriano, who expected to be back with the club by Thursday. I'm still not certain why we won't send him over to Peoria first for a few games, to work off the rust. But hey, I'm not paid to manage.
Onward then. There's a big three-game set against the Brewers starting tomorrow. Let's hope for a new winning streak -- at their expense. And by the way, drop me a line, and let me know what you think about the Week in Review piece.
Someone recently said -- and I'm paraphrasing here -- that baseball teams win 60, lose 60, and their fortunes are decided by how many of the remaining 42 that they can win. It's an interesting thought, although I'll go better. That the fortunes of a team boil down to about 20-25 games that are there for their taking. Lose too many at your own peril. My point? I sense that the 2-0 loss to the Nationals today was one of those games, and one that the Cubs will wish they had back at the end of the season.
John Lannan -- now 2-2 with the win -- seems like a promising young starter, but certainly not someone that you'd expect to hold a potent Cub offense to four hits over seven innings. And these were the only Chicago hits of the game, as Nats reliever continued to stifle the Cubs, holding them hitless and scoreless over the last two innings. It was a bad day; actually, the second awful getaway game that I've seen from them in the last week, which is something that I hope that Lou addresses. One thing that has surprised me is how readily he sends the same lineup out for an early afternoon game after a night game. You've got a nice bench Lou; let some folks play. These guys look a bit beat. Hopefully, a needed day off will help get them rested and ready for the big three-game set with the Brewers starting Tuesday night.
One bright spot that should not be forgotten though is Ted Lilly, who delivered his best performance of the season with six innings of two-run, seven K ball. Nice to see the real Ted Lilly back; I'm hoping that he'll be staying around for awhile. We need you.
Have a great day off, and let's get ready for the Brewers.
You know, I'd debated not commenting specifically on last night's 7-0 win over the Nationals. I saw only bit and pieces, as I was entertaining friends around Chicago. It's an early 12:35 start today; and as most of you already know, the Cubs jumped out 3-0 on Matt Chico in the 1st, and pretty much cruised from there. So, what could I add? Well, probably nothing, but I felt that I would be remiss if I didn't say a few words about Carlos Zambrano.
Roughly this time last year, Carlos was proclaiming that not only would the Cubs win the World Series, but that he would win the Cy Young. Well, Zambrano -- in the midst of increased pressure and contract issues -- opened the season 2-2, with a 5.77 ERA, and never quite established himself in 2007 as the ace that we've come to expect.
Well, Big Z is back with a vengeance, and with his dominance, so is the hope of the Cubs going deep into the playoffs. After his seven strong innings last night against the Nationals, he's finished April 4-1, with a 2.21 ERA, and all the confidence in the world. Carlos, you did what aces do last night; end losing streaks, and give your team wins when they need it most. May both you proclamations have come a season early.
I'm going to chose to talk about "The Catch" -- which was not only the best one that I've seen this year, but the best in baseball since Gary Matthews robbed Mike Lamb in 2006 -- rather than spending too much time going over the embarrasing 5-3 loss to the Nationals last night.
In the meantime, Bob Howry was being Boob Howry (pun intended) in serving up a Wil Nieves 9th inning walk-off home run to end the game. Normally, I wouldn't be so troubled, but given that it was the first by Nieves in his major-league career; well, I think Howry is just not quite right. Last nights' debacle takes his statline to: 0-2, with a 7.30 ERA, and I would think put his position in the bullpen in something of jeoporady. Don't get me wrong; I don't think he'll be traded or released, but something tells me that he won't be entrusted with many more late-inning situations for some time. Shame too, as he ruined was was a very nice outing by Ryan Dempster. His seven inning, 2 earned runs performance was probably the best that I've seen all year from him. And given the fact that he actually was looking sharper in the later innings than the earlier, I was very encouraged.
Well...You can't win them all. On to tonight's matchup --Zambrano vs. Chico. Here's to a new winning streak.
Good afternoon. Welcome to the 3rd edition of Ten Things I think I think (TTITIT). How's that for an abbreviation? Well, it's been very busy over the last few weeks, as I've been finalizing the Cubbie Nation website, and developing content. I appreciate your patience during this time, and promise that this will still be a weekly piece, with the quality that I think Cub fans demand.
That said, a few thoughts for your consideration:
I have a small request for Cub fans who wish to still debate whether Alfonso Soriano should continue to lead off...Please stop. Putting aside the fact that Lou Piniella is quoted as saying "We'll put him back in left field and lead him off when he's ready to go" , there is still the issue that he is -- and likely will continue to be -- his best at the lead-off spot. Don't believe me? Check the career stats.
I Split PA AB BA OBP SLG OPS --—-————-—-————Batting 1st 2856 2642 .293 .340 .548 .888 Batting 2nd 40 40 .125 .125 .200 .325 Batting 3rd 687 630 .260 .310 .452 .762 Batting 4th 44 41 .195 .227 .390 .618 Batting 5th 626 583 .268 .312 .513 .824 Batting 6th 24 24 .292 .292 .542 .833 Batting 7th 76 72 .306 .333 .486 .819 Batting 8th 234 220 .305 .335 .441 .776 Batting 9th 309 286 .248 .292 .462 .754
Soriano is a .900 OPS star (albeit streaky) when leading off; and a middling player, with rally-killing tendencies when not. Seriously, let it go.
It's been twenty-five years since the infamous Lee Elia rant. Still good stuff; even to this day. But when I listen to the audio, what I really think about is the absence of the managers of old in baseball; the true "old-school". Guys like Whitey, Lee, Earl, and Trader Jack are sorely missed. If only for the press conferences.
I was in the stands for the Mets - Cubs matchup on Tuesday. Let me say: if you're a Cubs fan, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more exciting Cub moment this season than the Ronny Cedeno grand slam; and if you're a Mets fan, start your "Cut Sosa" rants now. Yeah, he was that bad; and I think he's going to cost you a lot of games.
Felix Pie has quietly raised his batting average up to .237 thru Thursday. This is even more exciting than Cedeno and Theriot being red-hot. If he can sustain it, I hope he'll enjoy a long, great summer in Chicago. And if he can't, I'm still convinced that Reed Johnson is more than able to do the job. And actually makes the Cubs a more productive team.
And speaking of outfielders, shame on Jim Hendry for what has become of Matt Murton. Virtually every plate appearance has been a bad one since his call-up, and in AAA, he was showing little to no power. Now, I know you can say (and you'd probably be correct) that Matt just isn't productive enough to merit a starting job. But I don't see where the club has been very clear about their expectations for him; I sense that they're trying to turn him into more of a slugger; and the whole episode appears to be playing with his confidence. Jim, he just doesn't fit here. Trade him, and move on -- before his value diminishes any further.
Around baseball:
Sad to see that ESPN is at it again. For those who haven't heard, ESPN sandbagged Miguel Tejada in an interview for E:60, confronting him unexpectedly over his age. I won't debate the legal ramifications here, but let me say that a.) this is not credible journalism; and I'm reminded of the Baker interview-in-waiting of a few years ago with Steven A. Smith, and I'm sad. This isn’t the first time. They're better than this. B.) That the only thing worse than the piece was watching the hosts of the various ESPN programs bragging about it over the course of the week. It makes me hope and wish that the MLBPA would consider a blackout on interviews with them for a spell, just to get the point across that this isn’t acceptable to their players. And lastly, I really hope that the ages of foreign-born players doesn't become the next MLB hot topic.
22 innings for a 2-1 game? C'mon!! Let me make a suggestion. If any MLB games exceeds 15 innings, suspend it. And any game that makes a lick of difference to the playoff standing of those teams can be continued on the days immediately after the end of season. You're killing those teams for days after with 15,18, 22 innings of work.
I'm officially starting the “Soto for All-Star” campaign. Vote early. Vote often. The kid deserves it, but is going to need some serious support to get in.
Nothing worse than watching a team on a long losing streak, but I'm having trouble feeling sorry for the Texas Rangers in their current seven game slide. They could be a good team, as I've said before, if they can get some pitching. How many decades is that franchise going to take to address this?
I'm sorry to hear about the recent passing of Estella Aaron; mother of Hank Aaron. She indirectly gave baseball fans decades of pleasure, so I thought someone should thank her. And I think I will. She was 96.
I know. I just couldn't resist a good Star Trek reference. And if you've ever seen the episode, I'm sure you'd agree it's very apropos. Paradoxes, anomalies, and unexpected twists. You got all of the above in the Cubs 4-2 loss to the Rockies this afternoon, ending the Cubs six-game winning streak.
Consider that:
And well...you get the idea. Paradoxes. And getaway days. I'm starting to understand why managers don't like them.
Couple of interesting notes. As mentioned, Felix Pie went 2-3 today, taking his BA to .237; and I couldn't be happier. This is exactly what Pie needs to do. I don't expect much -- and I suspect that the Cubs don't either. Play good defense, steal some bases to help provide additional run-scoring opportunities lower in the lineup, and keep your average above the Mendoza line. I'm still not big on starting him right now; but if he's going to start, this is what we need to see.
Also, Lou says that Soriano will lead-off, and start in LF when he returns. "Yeah, we'll put him back in left field and lead him off," he said. Amen Lou. I'll save the diatribe for another time, but pitchers alter their approach to pitching to him significantly when Fonzie is further down in the lineup. He's significantly less productive, he's never adjusted, and likely never will. Lead-off great! Fastballs good! No curveball!! No curveball!!
Till tomorrow.
In the midst of a five-game winning streak that included scores such as 7-1, 8-1, and 13-6, it's easy to forget that most of the time, you only go as far as your pitching takes you. Cub fans got a nice reminder of this tonight, as Chicago took their winning streak to six, beating the Colorado Rockies 7-6 in 10.
Yes, you got monster home runs; first from Geovany Soto in the 2nd, and then Aramis Ramirez in the 8th to give the Cubs the lead late. And yes, Ryan Theriot's 10th inning, game-winning single was the highlight of the game, to be certain. But the pitching...the pitching was the story.
After a so-so five innings from Rich Hill, the pitching worsened when the game was turned over to the pen. First, Michael Wuertz -- who hasn't quite shaken his early season struggles -- came in to give up two straight hits. After getting a quick out of Brad Hawpe by Sean Marshall, Jon Lieber then serves up a big 3-run shot to Troy Tulowitzki. And after the Cubs had squeezed back ahead in the 8th, Kerry Wood came in, and blows his 2nd save opportunity of the season in the 9th. Fortunately, they were able to get a good inning out of Carlos Marmol to shut the door in the 10th, giving the Cubs a win that they really should not have gotten.
Mark of a good team? Maybe. But I hope the Cubs remember that as they were beating teams badly last week, that they were getting outstanding relief work late to help them do it.
And a quick side note; tonight was the Cubs' 10,000th victory, becoming the 2nd team to reach this plateau. It's funny to remember that even with the lean years, the Cubs truly are a long and storied franchise.
On to tomorrow afternoon then, and here's to a much better game.
No sooner was I about to wildly sing the praises of Felix Pie and Ronny Cedeno for slamming the door late in the Cubs 7-1 win vs. the Mets Monday night, they decide to up the ante. Especially Ronny, who turned a fairly close game into a laugher with a grand slam in the 8th inning today, leading the Cubs to an 8-1 victory over New York.
I had the pleasure of catching today's game with Al Yellon, famed Cubs blogger, and operator of Bleed Cubbie Blue. Among the things we discussed was how ultimately, the light just "comes on" for some players. We've got to see that this season with Ronny, who although early, seems to have removed the flaws from his game that kept him displaced from the starting SS job. Ronny has shown patience at the plate, few problems in the field, and none of the base-running gaffes we've seen so frequently since coming to Chicago. Going 2-5 today, with a double and a HR, making great plays in the field (including a very nice off-balance throw to 1st for an out), and seeming more comfortable than than I could ever recall, he'll be giving Lou much to think about over the coming weeks.
And Ted Lilly needed his support. Still in search of his 1st victory of the year, Ted was effective, if not solid in six innings of work. One thing that was noted today was that with the exception of a few mistakes, Lilly's last outing was "not bad". Today, it was much the same. He walked four, and never looked comfortable on the mound. However, the Mets, who have watched their bats go limp recently, were not able to take advantage. New York had two bases-loaded opportunities in the 4th and 6th, but were only able to pick up one, on a Brady Clark groundout. I don't expect that to continue all season, but it was nice to get the Mets while they are down.
And great job Felix Pie, going 2-5. You're looking worlds better at the plate. And most definitely loud, sustained applause to Kosuke Fukudome, for reaching base all five times this afternoon, and taking his season line to .357/.477/.500. I think you're wearing off on the club, and keying our wins. For that, we thank you.
On to Colorado. And don't forget to check the Media gallery for great photos and videos of today's game.
Now, make no mistake, we've often seen over the last few years the sort of offensive explosion we saw today in the Cubs drubbing the Pirates 13-6. Take yesterday, for instance. The weather would be nice, the wind blow out a bit, and Aramis or Derrek would start clubbing home runs. Well, Aramis did club his homer, but what clearly stood out was the overall approach by the Cubs at the plate.
As this season moves along, the best thing that I can say about this team is that they are becoming much like an AL ball club. Taking another seven walks today, 2 HBP, and executing at the plate and on the bases crisply, they got out early with a run in the 1st, and stayed that way. Even Ronny Cedeno, often the victim of bad plate discipline in the past, was 2-5, taking his average to .350 for the season.
I know. I know. It's very early in the season, and the Pirate -- who I think will ultimately find their way -- played like Pirates teams of old. After scoring three runs in the 5th to close the gap to 5-3, they unleashed a series of foibles, miscues, and generally bad plays that the Cubs were all too happy to take advantage of, scoring another five runs in the bottom of the inning. First, the walk to start the inning, followed by a run-scoring double by Cedeno. And this is where it gets bad. After a pair of fielding errors by LaRoche and Sanchez (and let's not talk about the infield hit that Franquelis Osoria REALLY should have let go foul) allowed two more Cubs runs to score, Aramis then put the capper on the inning; and the game with a the aforementioned home run. The Cubs relief pair of Howry and Michael Wuertz coughed up a pair of of Ryan Doumit home runs late, but it was way too little, too late for Pittsburgh.
A couple of quick notes. Ryan Theriot was outstanding, going 4-5, with a walk. And Geovany Soto was 2-2, with two walks. And Ryan Dempster is slowly but surely turning himself into a quality middle of the rotation starter. Good work from him today with five innings of 3 run ball. And as a side note look, look for game recaps to be posted in the Articles section of the site going forward. This should be in place by Friday. It's a minor thing, but Cubbie Nation was designed to be a multi-purpose blog, and this way future bloggers can leverage them.
Looking forward to the game tomorrow night against the New York Mets. It's really easy to let these sort of wins get the best of you. I think having a chance to play a more competitive team will give everyone a good feel for where the Cubs are truly at.
It wasn't long ago that a game like this one would have ended in a loss. One of the better left handers in the league on the mound, a little wilder than normal, and previous teams would have first pitch swung themselves silly. Today however, they refused to let a very wild Pirate staff off the hook, taking ten walks, pounding two 2-run home runs, getting outstanding pitching from Jason Marquis, and winning 13-1.
The differences in staffs could not have been any more dramatic. Jason Marquis was by far the best he's been since mid-2007, scattering six hits over 6.0 innings. His control was excellent, walking one, and the movement on all his pitches was even better. The only complaint (albeit minor) was a fairly high pitch count through six. Personally, given his 2nd-half foibles, I'm all for monitoring his pitch count carefully in earlier starts anyway. Kevin Hart and Michael Wuertz finished out the game, with three innings of strong relief.
Tom Gorzelanny, on the other hand, was a very different story. By my unofficial score card, his day looked more like:
Yeah, it was that bad. Making things worse was Tyler Yates, one of my favorite young middle relievers, who came in and walked the bases full (and in a run) in a 4-run 6th inning that put the game away for certain.
First base was a huge source of production this afternoon, with both Derrek Lee (1st) and Daryle Ward (7th) both bashing home runs. I'd expected Daryle to see at least a start or two in LF to get some extended work, however with the game in hand Lou chose to pull Lee in the 5th, and let Ward go the rest of the way. Ward was great, but Lee is looking like an early MVP candidate. I think any lingering concerns that anyone may have had about his wrist injury should be gone now, with his 7th HR in 17 games.
On to tomorrow for the (hopeful) sweep. Go Cubs!
While we're only a few weeks into the 2008 season, many think that the biggest problem for this club is Rich Hill, by far. Soriano is always cold in April anyway, there are replacements for Pie in CF, and Ted Lilly is an established veteran sure to come around. Rich went a long way toward easing our collective fears this afternoon, with 5 strong innings, and the win in the Cubs 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
This was without a doubt one of those games where a little luck more than anything else decides your fate. Make no mistake, Rich Hill looked good. Fielding what appeared to be the simplified delivery we'd been hoping to see, he walked three, struck out four, and scattered 3 hits over five. Even more important I believe was him throwing a change-up for strikes. Whether this was a true change up, or him taking something off his fastball, I can't be sure. It did keep Pirates hitters off-balance in any case, which is fine by me.
Ian Snell, however, looked equally as good, if not better. Cubs hits seemed to have eyes early on, shooting just past defenders. Coupled with a couple of loose defensive plays (and liberal scoring), the Cubs got just enough offense to pick up the win. He deserved the win, but some days it's just like that.
The bullpen today was excellent. Solid praise to Lieber, Marshall, Wood, and especially Carlos Marmol. His two innings of work were impressive, minus a solo HR to Nate McLouth in the 8th. Watching him strike out the side in the 7th was one of the finest relief appearances that I've seen this season in all of baseball, and using him as a two inning weapon to get to Kerry Wood is what in my mind will keep the Cubs ahead of the pack this summer.
Well, till tomorrow. I'll leave you with one of the stranger plays that you'll ever see. A foul ball off the bat of Fukudome that ended in inside the jersey of catcher Ronny Paulino. Never seen it before, and probably won't see it ever again.
Rudely. That's the only way to properly describe how the Cubs treated the Cincinnati Reds this evening in clubbing their way to a 9-5 victory. With home run power throughout the Reds lineup, ex-Chicagoans Dusty Baker and Corey Patterson in the dugout, and ace pitcher Aaron Harang on the mound, the night promised to be electric. But it was the Cubs who brought the power, with three home runs -- shots by Ryan Theriot and Mark DeRosa, and a MAMMOTH shot by Derrek Lee in the 5th -- to lead the way.
Normally on a night like this you'd expect the advantage to go to the pitchers. With a 52 degree game-time temperature (trust me; it felt much colder), I'd expected something of a pitchers' due myself. Fortunately though, it was not to be. After waiting a good hour on Clark for a female friend to meet me, cold and in need of a meal, I had barely settled in and made off for food before being treated to a the Mark DeRosa solo HR in the 2nd to give the Cubs an early 2-1 lead.
That was just the beginning, as neither pitcher had anything to offer tonight. The stat line may suggest that Harang had the tougher go of it, however make no mistake, Dempster was bad. Walking five in 6 IP, and offering up a moonshot to Ken Griffey Jr. in the 3rd. However, Derrek Lee saved him on two occasions --first with the HR in the 5th, and then with a spectacular pick at 1st to start an inning-ending double play in the 7th -- allowing Ryan to get his second victory of the season. Personally, I'm willing to give him a pass tonight, as I know how difficult it can be for pitchers in these cold conditions to get loose and throw strikes. That said however, cutting down on the walks would go a long way toward convincing me -- and the ML clubs looking for pitching -- that Ryan can be a legitimate starting pitcher going forward.
Michael Wuertz, struggling of late with his control, made things interesting in the 9th. First with a home run to Joey Votto, and then a walk. Fortunately Kerry Wood, who had been warming up in the pen before the game broke open in the 8th, came in to shut the door, and give the Cubs the victory.
So congrats again to the Cubs, and as a side note, thank you to the fans. I know that's it's easy to look at Dusty, and for that matter Corey Patterson, and channel much of the anger and frustration that we have through them. However, all in all I found the fans treated them well; or at the very least indifferent. Which is all you can ask. That we didn't lower ourselves personal attacks on them was probably the best moment of the night.
Till tomorrow. Stay classy Chicago.
Welcome again to Ten Things I Think I Think. I have to say there really is nothing quite like April. Really. There is something very therapeutic about sunny days, mild winds (yes, it happens sometimes in Chicago), and weekends of baseball. Baseball. And a little more baseball. After a rough Chicago winter, I feel restored. So after the second full week of baseball, let me share a few thoughts.
A huge shout out to the long men in the Cubs bullpen. Jon Lieber and Sean Marshall did incredible work last week, and should be congratulated. I thought Lieber was a terrible signing for the Cubs over the winter, and that Carmen Pignatiello made a better short-term solution while Scott Eyre rehabbed. Wrong on both counts. You’ll hear a lot of talk about one or both in the rotation, but I have to say I really like the work they’ve done, and hope they stay right where they’re at for awhile.
Which means there is probably some drama on the horizon. With Eyre expected back within the next week or two, and Rich Hill at least temporarily cooling his heels in the bullpen (I warned you about that 3rd pitch), it’s getting very crowded. That said, perhaps it’s time to quietly move him. I’ve enjoyed his performance here in Chicago, but he’s in the last year of his deal, and the Cubs are not likely to see a draft pick when he leaves. There are teams starting to look for bullpen help, and this could solve a lot of problems.
I can’t tell you how much it warms my heart to see the way that Geovany Soto and fellow “rookie” Kosuke Fukudome play. And how it blackens watching Aramis Ramirez. Yes my friend, we’re watching you as closely as you’re watching those fly balls.
Someone recently asked me what I think about Jason Marquis. My answer is that he’s an above average ML pitcher, who’ll give you 180+ innings, with a 4.50 ERA. Jason doesn’t change. People’s perception of him does.
As for non-Cubs topics, let me start by saying the White Sox will win absolutely nothing this year. But they’ll easily be one of the most fun teams to watch. It’s a pity Kenny had to part with the starting pitching. He might really have something.
Johnny Cueto. Wow. Just wow. I saw his follow-up performance last week against the Reds. The man throws everything hard. No, make that HARD. 99MPH on the gun for the fastball, I saw breaking pitches hitting 89. I kid you not. Some control issues, I think from problems duplicating his delivery, but I’ll have to see a few more appearances to truly judge. I hope you check him out too. The Cubs bypass him this week, but he’s going to give teams heartburn for awhile. I’ll say this though. He could really, really use a true off-speed pitch. He’ll be good, but if you can either slow time that breaking ball or use a change with a legitimate 10MPH difference, this guy is a new ace.
After a peek around the NL West, I applaud Brian Sabean for not getting sucked into a Joe Crede trade. Crede is red-hot, and the Giants look awful, so I know it looks tough now. The truth is though, that division is so top heavy, it wouldn’t have done much for the Giants prospects. Keep the cash, and spend it on younger free agents this off-season.
Speaking of which, I reports are that free agent to be Orlando Hudson is looking for a new deal in the neighborhood of 15 million per year. Really? Why? Listen, I’ve no issue with players getting paid, but what second basemen are getting that type of cash? And more importantly, what contending or pretending team is in such need for help that they would pay it. Orlando, you know I love you. But you don’t steal bases, you’re not a superior OBP man, and you’re on the wrong side of 30. Let’s try something like that 4/36 deal that Lugo got a couple of seasons ago.
Give ESPN and ML some credit for at least waiting two weeks before subjecting us to Yankee – Red Sox.
And finally, l say let everyone wear 42 tomorrow, and stick their names on the back of their jerseys for the day.
I’m please to bring you a new weekly piece here at Notes From the Front Office, 10 things I think I think. Peter King is a big idol of mine, with good insight, and a strong sense of journalistic style. Consider this my ode, and I hope that you will come to enjoy my version as much as I’ve come to enjoy his. Look for updates weekly on Fridays soon.
That said, let me start off by saying that I watched the Cubs-Brewers series VERY closely last weekend. With a six month season in store, one week isn’t nearly enough time to start making predictions, but if something doesn’t change significantly in Milwaukee, the Brewers are a mirage. Really nice starting pitching, and big bats. However, pitching and defense wins, and let’s say that both are problems up there. I couldn’t have been less impressed with Gagne, and Riske closing presents late inning issues. Let’s hope the return of Mike Cameron will help that outfield a bit.
If you didn’t catch games at Wrigley Field last week, let me share a single thought with you. Kosuke Fukudome is the real deal. Check out the Opening Day footage in the media gallery. It was like watching the birth of a superstar.
Reds - DBacks on Saturday. Corey Patterson walking on four straight pitches. I had to look out the window to see if Armageddon had arrived.
I had the misfortune of seeing way too many Tigers games last week. Yep, they’re in trouble. I said before the season that their bullpen situation had them on the verge of making some hasty decisions. They should have made them. The bullpen needs help. NOW. The top of the order is very unimpressive. And while the MSM applauds Miguel Cabrera dropping 20 pounds in the off-season, I promise it wasn’t enough. Dave Dombroski says he expects to have Granderson back by end of month. And Rodney sometime soon. I hope it won’t be too late.
I’ll keep the politics to myself, but one comment on George Bush. Please keep your public appearances to speeches. I saw the interview on last Sundays ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. Unscripted is not your thing. No more. Please.
Don’t be fooled by Rich Hill. It was good to see him working out some of the hitches in his mechanics, and his stats were good. But his fastball wasn’t crisp, and his breaking ball flatter than normal. Is it really too much to ask for the Cubs to help him develop a legitimate third pitch? Is a cut slider really too much to ask? Until he can get that, he’s just a decent middle of the rotation option.
I don’t recall seeing so many pitchers and middle infielders unable to lay down a bunt as last week. Exactly what are prospects being taught in the minors these days?
With attendance (besides Opening Day) in mostly in the teens last week, and even the zealot Orioles fans not expecting better than 3rd place in the AL East, why are they still hanging on to:
Jay Payton (4.5 million 2008 salary)
Kevin Millar (2.7 million)
Aubrey Huff (4 million)
Melvin Mora (7.5 million)
Ramon Hernandez (6.5 million)
If Peter Angelos thinks he needs to keep Brian Roberts to market his team, fine. But maybe should clear these guys out, take your 100 loss season, and move on.
Qualitative data on baseball should be used to augment what you actually see on the field in forming your decision making. I know your spreadsheet may tell you player XYZ is a good defender, but those at the ballpark knows he’s not. More baseball. Less Excel.
Gem of the week had to be the Angel 3-2 win over the Rangers on Saturday. Jared Weaver may have gotten the press, but the matchup with Millwood was outstanding. If you have MLB.tv, I promise it’s a game worth watching. Stay tuned there, as Kevin is my early Comeback Player candidate.
Till next time.