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37 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (three slots are open)

Last updated 11-17-2023
 
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PITCHERS: 20
Adbert Alzolay 
Michael Arias
Javier Assad
Ben Brown
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
Porter Hodge
* Bailey Horn
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Daniel Palencia
Michael Rucker
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
Keegan Thompson
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

INFIELDERS: 8
Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
* Miles Mastrobuoni
* Matt Mervis
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson
Luis Vazquez
Patrick Wisdom

OUTFIELDERS: 7
Kevin Alcantara
Alexander Canario
* Pete Crow-Armstrong
Brennen Davis
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman

 


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Open Thread: Schadenfreude Edition

Submitted by Christian Ruzich on
While I continue to plug away on the group predictions for the Cubs players (I really didn't think about how much work this would be when I announced it), here's a new discussion thread for the day. Maybe we can use this space to talk about the Cardinals being SHUT OUT last night. Or maybe about Albert Pujols saying that Tom Glavine "wasn't good. He wasn't good at all," after Glavine SHUT OUT the Cardinals last night. It's up to you all.

Comments

Submitted by arm on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:20 am

Well, it does look like the Padres' skipper will be interviewed by the Cubs. Fox Sports in San Diego apparently is reporting that, according to posts on the forum at the Padres's site. The reaction over there is mixed about B.B. leaving. Some would love to see him go, saying that the players need more of a motivator, and some mention prefering Joe G. So if B.B. is now in the mix, where does that leave us? Is it a foregone conclusion that he is Hendry's guy? It seems like a "safe" choice. At this point, I lean more towards taking a gamble. When is the last time the Cubs really took a gamble in hiring a manager? Would we have to go all the way back to the hiring of Leo the Lip D. back in the 1960s? Jimmy Hendry, I think it is time to go outside the box. B.B. may be your friend but he is nothing spectacular. And the fact he is Hendry's friend scares me actually. Hendry should have been shown the door with the other two clowns.

Submitted by TJ on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:35 am

If Hendry hires Bochy, it will mean the end of both of them in 2 years with us fans suffering two more disappointing years and starting all over again in 2009. Come on Hendry and have some balls and hire Piniella, he could keep your job for you. I've said before that hiring Piniella means that some commitments to winning would have to made to him. Bochy wouldn't require those commitments and he wouldn't stir any pots. So what if Piniella may be too firey for Hendry, he should be smart enough to know that Piniella gives him the best chance of keeping his job. If McFail can be shown the door, Hendry is hanging by a thread. Go for it!

Submitted by RobR on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:08 am

If Lou Piniella is the next Cubs manager, can we expect some fire works between him and Ozzie next season?

Submitted by jacos on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:38 am

I posted this in the last thread- WGN said that Bochy is granted permission to interview. I guess Alderson is pulling his weight around there and is from the Billy Beane school of "monkey running the dugout" and doesn't need Bochy. Rob G- Are you sure the Cubs would not have to give compensation if they got Bochy? If they do let's not forget this is the GM who "threw in" Dontrell Willis and Ricky Nolasco on deals. I hate to see what he would give up on size 9 head manager.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:47 am

Jacos- I think Bochy has got to be the front runner now. The other candidates must not of blown Hendry away or why else go and ask for permission to talk to another manager. Hendry wanted to interview Bochy back in 2002, but wasn't allowed so he clearly has a hardon for the guy. Like another poster said in the last thread. Going around reading some of the Padres blogs, it seems like a mixed bag on Bochy. Oh well, same can be said for almost all managers. I just hope Hendry gets this wrapped up as soon as possible to start focusing on the real problem on this team, the talent, or lack thereof.

Submitted by Ryno on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:51 am

Cory Lidle's wife was on a flight and didn't learn about it until 3-4 hours after his death. Anyone else find it creepy that Wikipedia had an obituary written for him, probably before his wife found out about what happened?

Submitted by vorare on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:56 am

I don't know, the whole interviewing process thus far has had an air of artificiality to it. I get the impression that Hendry knows who he wants to hire, but he feels like he needs to go through the motions of a full blown search to lend some credibility to his eventual hire. I'm probably overthinking it, though.

Submitted by jacos on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:59 am

What are two things that stand out? Can anyone think of Bochy butting heads with Padres front office? Dusty with the Cubs? Although that's why Dusty got canned in Giants, supposedly. Girardi tells Loria to shut the f up, LouPa well known curmudgeon. Looks like Hendry is looking for the lobotomized manager again. Business as usual.

Submitted by jacos on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:04 am

Vorare- I don't think you are. It's the "we came in second" for premier FA bs. Unless they are trying to get LouPa to lower his price because he kinda showed his cards by saying he wanted to come here.

Submitted by Dose~of~reality on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:15 am

He may have thrown Dontrell Willis and Ricky Nolasco in, but with our track record of player development, both would waste away in the minors most likely. I can even see them forcing Willis to change his mechanics to be more like Prior. Since I heard countless tales of how perfect his mechanics were...and how they reduce his risk of injury substantially. Give me the high leg kick!!!

Submitted by vorare on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:31 am

Willis may have been a throw in, but Nolasco certainly wasn't. The Pierre trade was basically Nolasco for Pierre with the Cubs throwing in a pitcher that was out of options and another that looked like he wasn't going to be able to figure out the strike zone.

Submitted by dbt on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:36 am

#8: I find it a lot creepier that his father found out watching CNN.

Submitted by dc60124 on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:44 am

#10 of 12: By jacos (October 13, 2006 09:59 AM) What are two things that stand out? pamela sue anderson? **************** i'm in the same neighborhood as vorare; hendry needs to be able to look mc, and fitz, and "management" in the eye and say "i chose the best option, not the first option". but clearing his desk of the managerial hiring task is important so he can get on with player acquisition. (and "downsizing" some of the chaff.)

Submitted by Ryno on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:44 am

mannytrillo: I just hope Hendry gets this wrapped up as soon as possible to start focusing on the real problem on this team, the talent, or lack thereof. lol, what, you mean the 3 starting pitchers, CF, leadoff, and one more big bat the Cubs are missing? Bah, all in a day's work for Hendry, my friend. jacos: ...Nolasco... Yes, the Cubs sure could have used one more rookie pitcher to add to the 9-man rookie starting pitcher rotation. Honestly tell me if Nolasco had stayed he would have 11 wins. :p Bah... the Cubs needed Pierre much more than they needed Nolasco. Oddly enough, isn't the Marlin's pitching coach the guy that used to work for the Cubs... specifically, the guy that worked with Kerry Wood when he was younger? I've always been pro-Rothschild, but these days I'm not so sure.

Submitted by CubsBears on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:50 am

Bruce Bochy is modern version of former Twins manager Tom Kelly. He's a steady hand at the wheel. In those years when he has been given decent talent in San Diego, his teams invariably performed well. Petco Park is like playing in the Grand Canyon for hitters and the Padres have never had much offensive star power. Yet despite this, Bochy has presided over a team that made the World Series in 1998 and was in the playoffs in 2005 and 2006. Regardless, my prediction is that Lou Pinella will officially be named manager of the Cubs once the ALCS is completed. Joe Girardi will wind up with the Washington Nationals.

Submitted by jacos on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:57 am

It's going to be Bochy, Hendry wouldn't go throught all this crap if it wasn't. You have two guys that are being begged to manage other teams but are basically wainting to see what the Cubs are going to do.

Submitted by eli18 on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:58 am

re: Bochy - given that he's been under the employ of one of the fathers of moneyball for a while, the mere suggestion of his hiring should outrage the anti-sabremetricians, no?

Submitted by CubsBears on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:05 am

Screw the sabermetricians. There is precisely one sabermetrician GM who has had success in this league, and his name is Billy Beane. And even Beane constructed his recent team that is on base % challenged. J.P. Riccardi in Toronto? Please. Any dope can go out and foolishly spend $55 million on a broken down A.J. Burnett or $45 million on a closer. Paul DePodesta in Los Angeles before he was deservedly dumped? Please. That dope just wrote about of idiotic big checks and it took a baseball purist like Ned Coletti to right the ship. Theo Epstein in Boston? Please. The dope was in the right place at the right time in 2004. Look at his 2006 infield. Downright scary, especially for a team with $130 million payroll. I don't want a saber-geek in the dugout. Statistical analysis should play an important role, but for crying out loud give me a solid baseball guy any day of the week over some dweeb picked last in gym class and beaten up for his lunch money on a routine basis as a kid.

Submitted by dc60124 on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:21 am

for crying out loud give me a solid baseball guy any day of the week dusty baker is available...

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:23 am

Ryno: "lol, what, you mean the 3 starting pitchers, CF, leadoff, and one more big bat the Cubs are missing? Bah, all in a day's work for Hendry, my friend." AND getting ARam to stay. AND signing Z to an extension.

Submitted by The E-Man on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:24 am

Tom Kelly: W.P. - .478, 2 World Series titles Bruce Bochy, W.P. - .494, Zero WS Titles, Zero Pennants He has had some teams with alot of talent, and some with none. Yet, he seems to blow chunks in the post-season. I still vote for Girardi or Pinnella.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:28 am

Um...Beane played in the bigs..Riccardi in the minors....DePodesta played in college.... I'd take the Blue Jays efforts...at least they went after someone, and GOT THEM!!!! Not saying weeks later..."We tried...we really, really tried...waaaahhhhhhh..."

Submitted by Little Nate Lewis on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:28 am

To predominantly rely on so-called "Sabre stats" has not proven to be overwhelmingly successful. No doubt it has its place in the game, and when used in conjuncture with good scouting, it can be a great tool. But give me some a good, dependable starting rotation over a Sabre-built lineup anyday. Thatís what wins folks.

Submitted by Ryno on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:50 am

Speaking of starting rotation, it looks like Jason Marquis is getting snubbed by the Cards. How great would he be as a #4 starter, or even #3? He won't blow you away, but he's young and a workhorse, which is exactly what the Cubs need. I think I've had enough of this Cy Young "potential" sitting on the DL. Wonder how much he'll sell for? 5/year?

Submitted by MikeC on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:51 am

Yeah Theo Epstein is a dope. He brought in Curt Schilling, a dominate ace which they desperatly needed and who single handedly lifted that franchise on his shoulders and pitched one of the most amazing games in playoff history while his ankle was bleeding. You know what all those GM's you mentioned, that you call jokes, have in common? They know it takes impact players to win. You bag on Depodesta but how do you think the Dodgers won this year? They were carried on the backs of Depodesta signings and trades. Derrek Lowe 16-8 Brad Penny 16-9 JD Drew 20 HR 100 RBI And he wasn't throwing money at people. He let the 1 year wonder Beltre walk and managed to dump the ridiculously bad contract of Shawn Green. Coletti righted the ship? Please he won on the backs of key Depodesta players and moves. And those Bluejays sure are dumb as well. They only spent 71 million in payroll this season but managed to put Halladay, Burnett, Wells, Overbay, Ryan and Troy Glaus on one team. Clearly that man is stupid running the Blue Jays. They only finished 2nd to a 200 million dollar team. Even with Ryan and Burnett's salary increases next year they come in comfortably under 90 million. But whatever fuels fantasy is cool. Don't let the facts get in the way.

Submitted by arm on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:54 am

I agree with E-man. A .494 winning percentage with the Padres is nothing to get excited about. Bochy is the safe choice though and so it is the one that Hendry will make. Bochy and Hendry supposedly are friends. I am not sure where that happened but I guess it is the case. To me, that seals the deal all by itself. I don't think we have to analyze things past that point. When we hear that Bochy is who Hendry wanted before Dusty was signed, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that Bochy will get the job now. I just don't think Joe or Lou are enough to get Hendry to change his mind about his friend. Do i think Bochy should be signed? No, I would prefer either Joe (first choice) or Lou. But my choice is not the issue. Bochy will be Hendry's choice because he wants to have his friend at the helm.

Submitted by CubsBears on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:57 am

I like Bruce Bochy. He has had less than inspiring talent to work with during his 12 years in San Diego. Look at his starting rotation this year...the awful Chan Ho Park, the ancient and not good Woody Williams, a 43 year old David Wells, an injured Jake Peavy. Look at his lineup options...Vinny Castilla at 3rd, the awful Ryan Klesko, a journeyman Dave Roberts, etc. Bochy deserves a lot of credit. I'd love to see what he could do with a team with legitimate talent all over the place and deep pockets from which to spend. But like I said, I'm absolutely convinced that Lou Pinella is the guy. And I think the Cubs are going to try and spend a lot of money this winter, which I generally think is a disastrous strategy for a franchise with a lousy farm system and coming off a 30 games under .500 season. But hey, what's another couple more years when we are already a national laughingstock with a 98 year old record of futility. I think Hendry will make a push for Vernon Wells. Trouble is I don't see Michael Barrett and Felix Pie being nearly enough to entice Toronto. I also think the Cubs will get in the bidding for Alfonso Soriano. But that will mean the end of Matt Murton in left because there is no way the Cubs can be seriously entertaining the idea of Soriano back at 2nd base where he is just about as awful as they come. Barry Zito, Matsuzaka, Jason Schmidt? Forget about them. None of those three will be coming to Chicago. Zito and Matsuzaka will be pitching for the Mets and Yankees next season, with Schmidt in Seattle.

Submitted by The E-Man on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:06 am

CUBSBEARS: I just wish we'd have a decision already. What the hell is he waiting for?

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:17 am

First Jason Marquis is pretty darn horrible, I He gives up lots of Homers, strikes out no one and walks lots of guys, the holy trifecta of suck. 'd try and bring back Maddux and about ten other guys before I'd make a run for Marquis. Bochy has already gone through one major rebuilding there in San Diego after the '98 series and have we not learned after Dusty that manager win/loss records have very little to do with manager skill. Hey Joe Torre's Mets days are knocking!! Bobby Cox first 7 seasons anyone? Couldn't win last year in the first round? Did you see the team, they had no business being in the playoffs in the first place. This year, I'm sure he instructed his team to never get a hit with runners on base. Bad Bochy, Bad Bochy. And I disagree that Bochy is the safe choice for Hendry. The safe choices are Girardi who the fans would immediately take to or Piniella because his name would get all the attention. There's nothing safe about Bochy in my opinion, hiring him is squarely going to put the focus on Hendry's off-season moves.

Submitted by arm on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:19 am

If Bochy is looking for a team with "legitimate talent," the Cubs are not that team. Some talent, sure, but judging by the wins and losses this past season, not as much as the Padres had.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:22 am

word is the Padres won't make an attempt at Dave Roberts fwiw. Good move on their part to be honest, I'm not against bringing Roberts in at CF for a year or two, but he has no business playing LF every day.

Submitted by no on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:24 am

*Come on Hendry and have some balls and hire Piniella, he could keep your job for you. * Yeah, he sure did wonders with a similar(to the current Cubs)ly-talented Tampa Bay team. As long as you stock this Cubs team with talent on the level of A-Rod, Ichiro, a roided-up Bret Boone, Edgar Martinez, Don Mattingly, Dave Winfield, etc., everything should work out fine.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:31 am

CubsBears: "I'd love to see what he (Bochy) could do with a team with legitimate talent all over the place and deep pockets from which to spend." Well, you won't find that out if he comes and manages the Cubs.

Submitted by Chad on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:36 am

"Schadenfreude" Can I exercise some by laughing at you Sabre-chumps as your posterboy Billy Beane circles the drain of yet another playoff series? Maybe y'all should try out Dungeons and Dragons.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:36 am

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20061013-9999-1s13padres.ht… A Cubs official has said Bochy is the No. 1 choice of at least one adviser to Hendry, and perhaps Hendry himself Attanasio (Bochy's agent) said Hendry's future with the Cubs would be part of the discussions. ìHow long is Jim Hendry going to be there?î the agent said. ìWhat if Jim Hendry goes and they bring in some 26-year-old guy with a computer who says, 'We don't need a manager. I can run the club and see what happens.' î http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/cubs.asp?id=237756 Hendry will explore trades and free agency. Also, expect the Cubs to express interest in Japanese pitching sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is playing in the postseason for the Seibu Lions. That one is from Bruce Miles, we'll see what that interest entails.

Submitted by jacos on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:39 am

Sun Times said Giants also interested in Bochy. Jeff Weaver has been looking good in the playoffs. ;-) ~ducks rocks thrown~

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:41 am

Can I exercise some by laughing at you Sabre-chumps as your posterboy Billy Beane circles the drain of yet another playoff series? Maybe y'all should try out Dungeons and Dragons. way to talk from your high horse Chad, next time make some playoff predictions at least instead of swooping in to feast off the carnage.

Submitted by Bogey on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:46 am

"Are you sure the Cubs would not have to give compensation if they got Bochy? If they do let's not forget this is the GM who "threw in" Dontrell Willis and Ricky Nolasco on deals." Willis was, but Nolasco wasn't a throw in...Beinfest insisted on R.Hill or Nolasco in the deal for Pierre and Hendry chose to keep Hill. Mitre was more the throw in in that deal.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:48 am

maybe Jeff put down the bong for the last two weeks. I expect the Cardinals to re-sign him next year and be yet another Dave Duncan project.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:49 am

intimate details of the Pierre trade, where'd you get that Hill info from?

Submitted by vorare on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:54 am

I vaguely recall reading that Hill/Pinto was what Beinfest wanted and Nolasco/Pinto/Mitre was the counteroffer. I don't recall if that was from a blog or from a newspaper, though.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:57 am

it sounds reasonable don't get me wrong, I never actually saw it reported anywhere credible though, so I'd like to know, that's all.

Submitted by MikeC on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:00 pm

So the Cubs are going to express some interest in Matsuzka? What, offer a low posting fee, then have a press release stating how they tried but gosh darn it all these good players want alot a money.

Submitted by Joey from Iowa on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:05 pm

Rob G......Chad actually has been adamant that Bean and Sabremetrics ONLY won't be the reason for success....anywhere. IMHO.....Chad, in his last post, is simply eating the cookies he's been baking for a long, long time. You simply can't argue that this is the first time you or we have heard him say SABREMETRICS BLOWS!!!! I just happen to agree with him.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:07 pm

http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/derrek_lee/index.shtml Despite impressing manager Bruce Bochy, however, he lost the job to Archi Cianfrocco, who could play multiple positions. But Derrek didnít have to wait long to get a taste of big-league life. He was promoted to the Padres at the end of April, and his first hit was a ninth-inning single off Marlinsí closer Robb Nen. Overall, Derrek Lee struggled in his first test in the majors. He hit .200 and struck out seven straight times before returning to Las Vegas. Derrek returned to San Diego ain in September, and belted his first home run on the last day of the season against the Giants. In between, he scorched PCL pitching, batting .325 in 124 games. With the left-handed Joyner ensconced at first base, Derrek expected to serve as a platoon player for the Padres in 1998. GM Kevin Towers had other ideas. Feeling the team was one stud starter away from contending for the Western Division crown, he made a bid for ace Kevin Brown during Florida's post-championship fire sale. The price? Derrek and a couple of B-level arms. I'm not sure what that all means, but i found it interesting

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:09 pm

I know that Joey, he also said the A's wouldn't win a playoff series. Whatever....

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:11 pm

SABREMETRICS BLOWS!!!! yes, objective analysis is for fool's. Let's go by our gut and eyes only.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:13 pm

Bogey: "Willis was, but Nolasco wasn't a throw in...Beinfest insisted on R.Hill or Nolasco in the deal for Pierre and Hendry chose to keep Hill. Mitre was more the throw in in that deal." Do you care to enlighten us where you got that info? Thanks!

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:15 pm

other notes via rotoworld are that the Mets will go after Matsuzaka (no big shock) and the Dodgers plan to make a play at Soriano and Schmidt and would like to get them signed before deciding on Nomar and Maddux.

Submitted by cubswinthepennant on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:22 pm

Last October Al over at BleedCubbieBlue claimed that he heard that the Marlins offered to trade JUAN PIERRE for COREY PATTERSON and RICH HILL but that Hendry balked at including Hill. Perhaps that's where this stuff about Hill for Pierre comes from. I dug up the page...here>>> http://tinyurl.com/y5gwse

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:24 pm

Chad: "Can I exercise some by laughing at you Sabre-chumps as your posterboy Billy Beane circles the drain of yet another playoff series? Maybe y'all should try out Dungeons and Dragons." Don't you think making the playoffs year-in and year-out is a pretty good accomplishment for any team, much less a small-market team? IMO, it's harder to make the playoffs than it is to win once you're in. In other words, winning in the playoffs is equal parts talent and luck, whereas the luck balances out over 162 games. So what exactly is the knock against the way Beane uses sabermetrics to build a team that makes the playoffs almost every year? That his teams haven't had the right amount of luck to win a World Series, but they are still good enough to do what 22 other teams in the league can't every year? That's a pretty flimsy argument.

Submitted by MikeC on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:25 pm

Chicagosports.com poll on whether Bochy should be the Cubs manager.....74% say no, only 7% say yes. I think public opinion is wanting Girardi as he seems to be the best fit for a team that will depend on alot of younger players that need good coaching and guidance. That and it means Rothschild's fate will be sealed as Girardi will bring over his pitching coach from the Marlins, Kranitz.

Submitted by crunch on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:29 pm

billy beane's god-level status is getting a bit old. hearing announcers in the yanks playoff game go on and on about r.cano and how pissed beane was to lose him in the draft and etc etc...implying beane wanting him was proof enough he's a great guy. that was followed by a long rant about "moneyball". this is a guy who's walked 34 times in 1004 abs. beane's a good evaluator of tallent, but he's not gonna walk on water. he sure as hell is a better GM and evaluator of tallent than that hack theo, though. for all the praise heaped on theo his signings and trades reek of stink when you lay them all out and take a flat look at money vs. return vs. trades given vs. trades recieved.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:33 pm

CWTP- Thanks for the link, but that is FAR from fact and to be honest, with all due respect to Al, it is just another blog/website rumor posting.

Submitted by cubswinthepennant on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:35 pm

"I said "credible" source. :) Posted by: Rob G. " Whose idea was it to include Al in a TCR roundtable...

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:35 pm

Forgot to add, that Al even calls it a rumor and in the same section he mentions how the Cubs #1 FA target was going to be Brian Giles (never happened) and also said Hendry was going to make a run at BJ Ryan (never happened).

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:38 pm

theo's (and whoever made those deals this year when he was on hiatus) have been a disaster the last 2 years. Beane has consistently put a winner on the field since 1999 on a payroll generally in the bottom third. I'm amazed that anyone can't find this impressive. Is he a God or some baseball deity? Hardly, but the dude is smart and does his job as well as anyone. It's painful to encounter people who can't accept that his methodologies are different. Of course winning the World Series is the ultimate goal, but GM's have very little do with that. Is Schuerholz a bad GM? Hardly. One of my other favorite GM's is Terry Ryan? Completer different methodology but just as effective. Is Walt Jocketty a dope? Because he hasn't won any titles either. There's a 3% chance every year of a team winning the series. That percent doen not grow just cause you've been in the league longer. It resets as soon as the season is over.

Submitted by cubswinthepennant on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:40 pm

mannytrillo, I think the proper response would be to ask Al Yellon about the source of the rumor. I'm not defending it.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:40 pm

Doug D.: "Don't you think making the playoffs year-in and year-out is a pretty good accomplishment for any team" The Oakland A's have made the playoffs only once in the past 3 years. I wouldn't call that "year-in and year-out".

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:41 pm

relax there, Al's a fine fella, but he's 0 for whatever in rumor mongering. That's all. Don't care to make this personal. but if you must know, I usually do the questions for the roundtable, and we discuss who to send it too, Ruz usually does the sending. Editing is done by whoever has time.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:42 pm

MikeC: "I think public opinion is wanting Girardi as he seems to be the best fit for a team that will depend on alot of younger players that need good coaching and guidance." I think public opinion wants him because he played here twice. Nothing more.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:44 pm

I wouldn't say "Nothing More", he's coming off what most anyone would consider a successful season for a team with a payroll less than what A-rod makes. I think people appreciate that and consider him a "miracle worker" even if it's not the case.

Submitted by Borowski on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:46 pm

MikeC That and it means Rothschild's fate will be sealed as Girardi will bring over his pitching coach from the Marlins, Kranitz. I see this as a compelling reason as any to bring Joey G in.

Submitted by crunch on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:47 pm

people were clamoring for girardi before they even knew what he was capable of. i asked a ton of girardi supporters to give me what qualities as a manager he's shown...loaded question, but mostly looking for things i may have missed. i got "santa claus" answers...all hope/wishes with very little backup of practical traits. closest i got was his leadership as a player and talk from peers about his work. hell, people say the same thing about neifi perez, but i bet if you put that webpoll up he wouldnt get even a shred of girardi's numbers. btw...girardi cant speak spanish. he also hired a staff last year consisting of no one who spoke spanish fluently. this did NOT go over well initially. i dont want him here for many reasons, but ultimately i dont care and just want it over with before the FA period begins so i dont have to hear about 45-70 year olds not named julio franco.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:48 pm

True Rob, "nothing more" was a bit much. But I would say a vast majority want him hired because he played here and they like him. Very little to do with how he did in FL or how old our roster will be. There are some, but not the majority. IMO.

Submitted by Ryno on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:50 pm

I agree, crunch. I just want to go into off-season mode and hide under a rock until pitchers and catchers report in February. My psyche won't allow me to do that until I know who will be the next manager.

Submitted by crunch on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:50 pm

"people were clamoring for girardi before they even knew what he was capable of." im putting this time period of last offseason, btw...when people were clamoring (not just on this board, but people i talk to in real life, too) for girardi.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:53 pm

for you old-schoolers, Johnny Callison passsed away yesterday at the age of 67.

Submitted by Chad on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:58 pm

Re #54: Let me explain. Billy Beane is good at one thing, winning regular season baseball games for little money. But what I am saying is that in order to win the World Series you need to spend money and have good players. I don't hate Billy Beane and I think he's a genius cause 1. he sold his bosses on the fact that his job is to win regular season games and 2. sold them on the fact that its a crapshoot whether or not they win the world series and 3. figured out how to do it with little money. I think he's great. My problems are this: 1. The A's owners not spending money. I think that the concept of 'small market' is total BULLSHIT. Oakland itself is a small market but its a BART ride from San Francisco. The problem is that no one wants to go to Oakland cause it sucks there. So, if you can't fill a stadium, sell the team or move it. There is no doubt in my mind that 'if you build it, they will come'. Put a winning team out there with marquee starts and the place will fill up. If not leave. 2. Winning regular season games means ZERO. Does anyone really care about the Mariners team that won 116 games in 2001? Or do they care more about the 92 win Diamondback team that won it all? Yes, you need to win regular season games to get to the playoffs. But many of those games come against the dregs of baseball. In the playoffs you only play winning teams. You know that you can go to the playoffs by beating up on weak opponents and playing .500 ball against winning teams. Sabremetrics is a good tool. Stats need to be evaluated and understood. However they are NOT the end all be all. And you do NOT build a lineup around OBP. You can take that into consideration but you don't make your decisions on it. It just doesn't work.

Submitted by crunch on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:01 pm

i love how beane will take on an attitude...milton bradley...a guy dusty should have gotten cuz that's why dusty is here to begin with, for guys JUST like that. he would have been cheap and available in trade under market value for 1 year, easy. he took frank thomas, too...but that's an advantage to playing in the DH league... if you're gonna hire a manager who one of his main stregnths is opening up oportunities like that...f'n use it.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:05 pm

Crunch- Baker did meet with Bradley last December and Baker seemed to like the way the meeting went, but one week later Beane came in and swept him up. Not sure if it was Hendry that stopped a deal from happeneing or not, but Baker seemed to want him.

Submitted by crunch on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:08 pm

i know he met with him...bradley actually credited baker for grounding his personality, too. few out personally to meet with him...both spoke highly of each other. bradley talked about books baker gave him to read... and he goes to oakland for a 3m contract...nice.

Submitted by crunch on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:09 pm

wow just saw video of oakland practicing...its snowing HARD.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:09 pm

not sure we had anyone as good as Ethier to give up, except Murton and that wouldn't have solved much, especially when you consider Bradley ended up missing half the season (again), you probably wouldn't have wanted to give up that depth. But I would guess that Hendry or Tribco caught wind of all his anger issues and what not and didn't want to tarnish the good clean brand that is Cubs baseball. (sigh)

Submitted by The E-Man on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:12 pm

Re: Callison - I remember seeing him. If I recall, we got him from the Yankees on the downside. I was excited cause I thought, "A YANKEE!" This was before I knew anything (not like I know much more). This signing paved the way for "Joe Pepitone", a popular 70's player, also via the Yankees.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:14 pm

we got Callison for Dick Selma, Larry Colton and Oscar Gamble (sigh) then we moved him for Jack Aker to the Yankees.

Submitted by Bogey on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:15 pm

Baker was just interviewed by DP and Olbermann...nothing new or noteworthy. What kind of manager should the Cubs be looking at? "I dunno"....pause pause...noted that Bochy received permission to speak to other clubs....hint hint. if no managerial positions appear, he's interested in TV/radio. Noted one of the networks called him yesterday. Could Baker go back to SF? "Sure, but I don't know, haven't really thought about it" "Do you care to enlighten us where you got that info? Thanks!" Anything for a Baker apologist Manny, but no sorry, not on a public blog, and it wasn't from a print source. Besides, I'm pretty sure Levine mentioned something about it when he broke the story on the Pierre trade (publicly)...not certain but I'm pretty sure, but like Cubswin...said, it's been banded about in various forms...the trade proposal he mentioned was the "alleged" first proposition Hendry made. Beinfest made it pretty clear from the beginning he wanted no part of K.Patterson...that's why the deal took so long because Hendry balked at including either Nolasco or Hill. When LA signed Furcal Beinfest had Hendry bent over. Besides, Nolasco had a 14-3 sub 3.00 era prior to the trade so it's not like he was flying under the radar and wouldn't have garnered more than a "throw in" standing in a trade proposal. Sorry I brought it up, I thought it was common knowledge.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:16 pm

that should have said from the Phillies, Callison was a 3 time All-Star for the Phils, 2nd in the MVP vote in '64. Played 2 seasons for us, one of which was horrible.

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:18 pm

"2. Winning regular season games means ZERO. Does anyone really care about the Mariners team that won 116 games in 2001? Or do they care more about the 92 win Diamondback team that won it all? Yes, you need to win regular season games to get to the playoffs. But many of those games come against the dregs of baseball. In the playoffs you only play winning teams. You know that you can go to the playoffs by beating up on weak opponents and playing .500 ball against winning teams." I disagree with the point of this paragraph. Obviously, winning the World Series is the ultimate goal, but you could pretty much determine the best team in baseball after the regular season (taking into account record and strength of schedule). Once you're in the playoffs, anything can happen. That's why we see all these Wild Card teams winning the World Series. If a Wild Card team happens to get an exceptionally good couple of starts out of their pitchers in the Division Series, that puts them in the LCS. Repeat and they're in the World Series. Or, to put it in another perspective, were the Cubs a better team than the Cardinals this year? Absolutely not, but they beat them in the season series.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:24 pm

yeah, about as common as Prior/Tejada-gate. What was the last incarnation? Prior, Pie, Ryno circa 1984 for Tejada and Jim Palmer? meh... very few people know whose names are bandied about in trade talks and the ones that get out are almost always just specualtion on a reporter's part or some 3rd party source. nothing personal bogey, too often people try to pass of trade rumors as facts, when we rarely know the players being discussed.

Submitted by chifan3887 on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:29 pm

If Bochy has his choice among the Giants and Cubs I think he goes to SF. For three reasons: 1. Sabean has more self life than Hendry 2. The Giants got better talent and more payroll flexibility 3. Bochy is a calfornia type guy Also, maybe he decides to stay in SD next year, get in the playoffs again and get a better managing job next off-season.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:33 pm

Rob G.: "But I would guess that Hendry or Tribco caught wind of all his anger issues and what not and didn't want to tarnish the good clean brand that is Cubs baseball. (sigh)" Yeah, I am sure that is what their "excuse" was for not going after Kenny Rogers too.

Submitted by Tito on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:40 pm

"Hendry will explore trades and free agency." There's a scoop.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:44 pm

that's been the running excuse for 25 or more years with the Cubs. They avoid problem child's like the plague.

Submitted by The E-Man on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:47 pm

ROB G: "that should have said from the Phillies, Callison was a 3 time All-Star for the Phils, 2nd in the MVP vote in '64. Played 2 seasons for us, one of which was horrible." Thanks Rob. I am not looking up anyting for this one - but now I remember. HE had one summer that was really great, and the other one he STUNK. Didn't he play RF? Peppi came in during this era. He played with Milt Pappas, I believe.

Submitted by cubswinthepennant on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:49 pm

i don't have a link but, JOE GIRARDI was just hired by FOX SPORTS to do pre-game interviews during the middle three games of the WORLD SERIES. Maybe he'll interview Dusty Baker and vice-versa.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:55 pm

people have been perusing the message board of Padre sights and I put up some links in the above comments on Bochy. this is Ducksnorts current home: http://www.ducksnorts.com/ they use to be part of AB.com...

Submitted by twinscubsfandon on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:55 pm

Itís so much fun speculating on the identity of the next Cubs manager, following the rising and falling prospects of the various candidates (as least as reported by the Chicago media, who, of course, are almost always just speculating, themselves), that I have come up with a plan: Rather than actually hire a manager, the Cubs should simply juggle a list of candidates through the entire off-season. Much as when WGN turned to a revolving cast of guest announcers while Harry Caray recovered from his strokeóanother John McDonough brainstorm!óthis would surely refresh fan interest on an ongoing basis. Weíre all over Piniella, Girardi, Brenly and Bochy now, but next week why couldnít it be Davey Johnson, Ron Washington and Tony PeÒa, or Jack McKeon, Manny Acta and Kevin Kennedy? Eventually, everyone would get a turn. Ron Santo, Red Schoendienst, Terry Bevington, Yosh Kowanoótheyíd all have their moment under the spotlight. By the end of the off-season, we might even come back around to Larry Rothschild and Dusty. What about Wendell Kim?! Of course, the ultimate beauty of this non-hiring hiring process is that it would delay as long as possible the inevitable: when the Cubs finally get around to picking the wrong guy.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:57 pm

I'm done with the "post of the day", but that was quite amusing twinscubsfandon

Submitted by MikeC on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:07 pm

Winning regular season games means nothing? You do understand you actually have to make the playoffs in order to win the World Series. They just don't hand them out because they feel sorry for you. Love or hate the A's, atleast each year they are taking their shot at trying win a World Series title. It is a hell of alot better than the Cubs attempts of 1 out of no-where competitive season and then right back into the toilet. They are trying to atleast find that right tweak that will put them over the top. What are the Cubs doing? Finding the best way to self destruct after each 1 year playoff run that fizzles? Damn, give me the A's any day of the week and twice on Sunday than anything the Cubs are doing. How can anyone bag on what the A's are doing is beyond me.

Submitted by jacos on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:07 pm

"the Cubs should simply juggle a list of candidates through the entire off-season" I vote for Bozo.

Submitted by dbt on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:14 pm

manny, 1 out of the last 3 is still better than the Cubs have done. and 5 out of the last 7. For those of you who don't follow the A's, they were recently sold to a new owner who is trying to build a new ballpark in the southeast bay area (probably near Fremont) that's not as awful as the coliseum.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:19 pm

DBT: "manny, 1 out of the last 3 is still better than the Cubs have done." Yes it is, but that is not what the conversation was about. I don't recall anyone comparing the A's to the Cubs.

Submitted by Bogey on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:45 pm

"nothing personal bogey, too often people try to pass of trade rumors as facts, when we rarely know the players being discussed." well if a "rumor" came from a credible source usually there is some amount of truth to it. Just because a trade doesn't get done it doesn't mean that it wasn't discussed(Tejada/Prior) and whatever was leaked to the media from those talks is often true, then the GM or pres. of the club comes out to denounce those "rumors" just so it doesn't seem that they failed,and it's their lame attempt to smooth things over with their employee to make it seem like they're still wanted. In my case it wasn't a "rumor". It comes from more than a credible source, it wasn't from a writer so there's no link that I can provide and there's nothing to be gained by giving his name as this is a blog. I'm also certain there are confidentiality agreements somewhere in his contract with his parent club as well...I doubt anyone outside of maybe AZPhil would know who he is anyhow. Noted though, probably shouldn't have penned it so matter of factly, but I'm pretty certain Levine did cover this in his post Pierre trade coverage on his radio show. I'd say he's more probably more credible than any other Chicago writer or reporter.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:50 pm

and whatever was leaked to the media from those talks is often true, thanks for the clear up, but I wholeheartedly disagree with that portion.

Submitted by big john stud on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:58 pm

Tigers take the lead. Beane's SABR empire is crumbling! His pocket protector can protect him no longer!!! Bwahahahahahahahahah

Submitted by Brick on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:20 pm

"the Cubs should simply juggle a list of candidates through the entire off-season" I vote for Bozo. The Clown College of Coaches.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:51 pm

Scott Moore is the only AFL'er getting a start today, he's playing SS and is 0 for 2 with a BB and a Run scored. batting 182 so far in 4 games E-pat batting .083 and Jake Fox batting 250 so far far as I can tell only Harben has given up any runs and Rapada, Holdzkom and Pignatiello have had one appearance each so far

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:56 pm

man, 41 degrees and wind at 26 from R to L in Detroit. That sounds fun.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:36 pm

rotoworld says Piniella has dropped out of the Giants race citing that he wants to be closer to home. Cue Cubs as favorite talk. Giants still considering Ron Wotus, Jerry Manuel, Manny Acta and Bob Brenly supposedl.

Submitted by the E-Man on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:53 pm

Thanks Rob. I looked up Sweet Lou's stats as a player again. .291 lifetime BA! League MVP 4x! Man, he was something special in the field, too. I wasn't a Yankee fan, but was jealous and an admirer, too, of the great players they had under the Martin era.

Submitted by Jason R. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:54 pm

There's a link to the Goat Rider's interview with Geoff from Ducksnorts about Bochy if you click on my name. Somebody was asking about what the Padres thought about Bochy. He sounds okay. not great, but okay.

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:58 pm

that's pretty funny, I had contacted Geoff earlier today of Ducksnorts. Great minds...

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:59 pm

and by that interview Bochy sounds like Dusty's long-lost white brother. Perfect....

Submitted by chifan3887 on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:06 pm

Bochy=Baker as both are 1. contistantly need to chew something 2. chalk full of calfornia cool 3. dont know how to fill a line-up card 4. there best success as managers was because of roid-induced players

Submitted by Little Nate Lewis on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:23 pm

So Piniella is only a candidate for the Cubs and Rangers openings?

Submitted by Fred on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:57 pm

"the Cubs should simply juggle a list of candidates through the entire off-season" I am looking forward to when the State Champion girl's volleyball team comes in, manages the game, sings the 7th inning stretch and then hops back on the bus to Nowheresville

Submitted by Chad on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:02 pm

Don't worry Billy. As lucky as the Tigers got in the first three games you can get that lucky too! Just go and buy yourself a lucky rabbits foot.

Submitted by Ryno on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:01 pm

Jim Fregosi, who interviewed with the Dodgers last winter, remains interested in resuming his managerial career. His agent, Alan Meersand, has contacted the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants on his behalf. Fregosi is a special assistant to Atlanta Braves General Manager John Schuerholz. Story

Submitted by Eric the Great on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:25 pm

It would be nice if Hendry got off his fat fucking ass for three seconds and did something. I despise that fat fuck. Worse than Baker, even.

Submitted by cubfan on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:29 pm

Looks like Hendry is looking for the lobotomized manager again. Business as usual. This is why I believe the GM and manager should be lateral positions in the organization...each reporting to a VP of Field Operations. The GM should be the hands on guy who assembles the roster of the major and minor league team...with no ability to hire or fire manager/coaches....The VP of field ops should be the guy hiring the manager and GM.... I agree Bochy is probably the front-runner. Pinella took himself out by saying the Cubs are the SECOND best managerial job (prestige) in baseball...that was a BIG NO NO in cubdom. Girardi told the owner to shut up....really surprised he got an interview at all. Looks like Bochy is probably our guy....and unfortunately Hendry will go out and get a 4 year 21 million dollar deal on Michael Tucker, Matt Stairs and the like again...insisting our payroll is one of the best..we should contend......

Submitted by Pell Mell on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:57 pm

119: Just go and buy yourself a lucky rabbits foot. I find this ironic, as it comes from He Who Hates SABR. Sorry, but those of us who are trying to learn about stats and how they explain/affect the game are not bruised by this sarcasm; it's the anti-SABR/stat crowd who champion hazy, mystical, unknowable concepts as the keys to winning. I even agree -- it's self-evident -- that there is more to the game than a stat sheet, but look, if that's all you got, then all you're saying is that you're right all the time for no reason that anyone can define. That's not fair, and neither is trying to portray stat-aware fans as mystery mavens babbling about luck.

Submitted by Rick_Houston_TX on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:04 pm

I am increasingly disappointed that the Cubs retained ìTeflonî Jim Hendry. I have seen very little discussion about the disclosure by Jacque Jones that he played last year with a torn rotator cuff and that he is considering surgery. If he has surgery, I presume he will miss the 2007 season. If Jones knew he had rotator cuff problems, it was certainly smart on his part to sign a three-year contract. He can take next season off to recover from surgery and come back in 2008 with a guaranteed contract and the opportunity to prove that he still has value. If Jones already had rotator cuff problems before his signing, then I have to question whether Hendry performed due diligence to confirm that Jones was healthy before committing to a three-year contract. I think Hendry is quite serious about hiring Bruce Bochy. Otherwise, he would not create the awkward situation of interviewing a manager who is under contract with another team. Apparently, Hendry and Bochy are friends and this creates a comfort level for Hendry. Hendry should be looking for a manager who is adept at developing young players, not somebody who creates a comfort level for him. I think the 2006 free agent market is too thin to solve the Cubís deficiencies this off-season. Trying to correct the situation too quickly will lead to too many desperate free agent signings like Jacque Jones and Neifi Perez. The Cubs should concentrate on developing young talent with a goal to become competitive in 2008. In order to ensure a longer term focus, Tribune Company should have fired MacPhail, Hendry and Baker and signed replacements to three or four year contracts. Since Hendry is under fire with Cubs fans and has only two years left on his contract, I donít believe he can objectively take a longer term focus.

Submitted by Pell Mell on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:08 pm

122: Pinella took himself out by saying the Cubs are the SECOND best managerial job (prestige) in baseball...that was a BIG NO NO in cubdom. I dunno, I thought Piniella was being wildly over-complimentary. And if you mean that Cubs management doesn't like such comments...well, probably true, but they're hardly in a position to refute them. Besides, Hendry put up with much more pointed barbs from Baker last year with nary a word.

Submitted by CubFanInGermany on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:29 pm

Bochy, Pinella, Bozo the Clown, who ever manages the Cubs won't mean much more than a bucket of warm spit as far as the won lost record is concern if the Cubs rotation continues to be Zambrano, Hiill, and the three stooges. I am just looking forward (not!) to next year's offensive black hole of keystone combination, Izturis and Cedeno. When folks like Beane say that luck has a lot to do with playoff baseball, I think he can use as exhibit A is Alexis Gomez who pretty much won game 2 for the Tigers with a home run and single, driving in 4 runs. Can anyone say Walt Weiss? But the media is calling Jim Leyland a genius for starting Gomez as the DH. Well, Napoleon was right, a lucky general is better than a good one. This is pretty much like Nefi Perez hitting a home run in the bottom of the ninth to win a game against the Cardinals. And we all know how that work out in the long term. Anything can happen in a short series or over 10 games (playoff baseball). And Billy Beane agrees with Rob Dibble and Chad, that his stat tools (which involves trying work edges in pitching and defense as well as OBP for the offense) only works in the long, 162 game, regular season. (See pages 174-175 of Moneyball.) Where they disagree is Dibble and Morgan see some special combination of agressiveness and character as being the difference and Beane just think its all luck (as the As were lucky to beat the Twins in game 2 when a line fly by Corey Kotsay spun and sliced a bit quicker then Tori Hunter anticipated and suddenly we had an inside the park home run.) I do think what the well managed teams, whatever their method, all have great farm systems that produces good, cheap, young talent and they develop it. Oakland, Detroit, Minneosta all have that strength in common. Finally, I wish the Moneyball critics would actually read the book (which represents Michael Lewis' views rather than Beane's) and one will see that his methods involve far more than OBP (in the last draft, Beane drafted high school players because there has been a shift by other teams to drafting college players, driving up the cost of college players and making some marginal prospects rich (does the name "Grant Johnson" ring a bell?) It is all about getting the edge and the most value for your investment. He also uses scouts to screen the character of the players being drafted as he is not interested in talented head cases. (Again, the Cubs wasted millions on Ben Christennson and Tampa seems to collect head cases with talent, Alex Johnsons and Steve Howe types). The Tigers are really the better team then Oakland right now, and they have had the benefit of luck (41 year old Kenny Rogers pitching great two games in a row, the aforesaid Alexis Gomez along with Infante driving in crucial hits). They also have an $82,000,000 pay roll to the A's $62,000,000 (it takes a special management for the Cubs $95,000,000 payroll to produce the worst team in the NL). Still, if Haren wins tomorrow and Zito outpitches Robertson, suddenly the Tigers collars might start getting tight around the throat. Baseball is not a game one plays well when one tries to do to much.

Submitted by the E-Man on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:56 pm

SCOTT WILLIAMSON waived by the Pads. 7.36 era in 11 appearances. One of the "Stiffs" Hendry brought us as I listed in an earlier thread.

Submitted by Walt on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:49 pm

Come on E-man, Williamson was a good gamble at the time we signed him.

Submitted by the E-Man on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 10:59 pm

i 'spose. he was only decent one out of every three appearances.

Submitted by Chad on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:30 am

"Finally, I wish the Moneyball critics would actually read the book" I have read it cover to cover and I loved it. Its a fabulous read and a must for any baseball fan. I don't agree with it but it is a great book.

Submitted by Chad on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:33 am

Oh, Pell Mell, it is Billy Beanes belief that the playoffs and World Series are a crapshoot. That is straight from the aforementioned book "Moneyball". You should read it too.

Submitted by tbone on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:04 am

"Pinella took himself out by saying the Cubs are the SECOND best managerial job (prestige) in baseball...that was a BIG NO NO in cubdom." A no no in Cubdom? What fan of the Cubs not wearing a straightjacket and protective head gear thinks this is the number 1 job in baseball? This was a complement. I don't particularly want Lou but a man who puts the Cubs ahead of all but the Yankees is begging for this job. He also leaves open the possibility of bolting when Torre is done. "i'm leaving the second best job in baseball for the best job in baseball."

Submitted by Eric the Great on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:37 am

FLASH--Piniella has been chosen, will be announced after the NLCS ends. Sun Times claims "higher ups" put the kibosh on Hendry's pursuit of Bochy. Looks like Hendry is on a tight leash, good. Now, does hiring Sweet Lou bring A-Rod to Chicago?

Submitted by Cubster on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:14 am

I Think We're all Bozo's on this Bus (Firesign Theatre, circa 1971) By the end of next week, Lou Piniella is expected to be named the 48th manager in Cubs history. http://tinyurl.com/ymwbeg

Submitted by jacos on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:59 am

Don't believe the LouPa stuff until you see him with the hat on. Plenty of time for the CUbs to f' this up.

Submitted by Seanhead on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:00 am

Trib article claims Bochy still in running because Trib oficials (apparently the same ones the Sun Times claims bared Hendry from pursuing Bochy) are worried about Piniella's likely contract demands. According to the article, Bochy is seen is a more cost-effective manager, both as to his own salary and his ability to maximize player payroll. I hate to be cynical on a Saturday morning, but this sounds like a blatant attempt by the Trib to plant a story that tells Piniella to keep his salary demands reasonable if he wants the job. I Piniella is the guy, pay him his value and move on to fixing the $100 million problem, not the $2-$4 million problem.

Submitted by Seanhead on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:04 am

"officials", "barred", "if". sigh I can't type before my sixth cup of coffee.

Submitted by nick danger, 3rd eye on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:25 am

"don't crush that dwarf; hand me the pliers". ************ chuck from ivychat had a nice post the other day about no way in the world he wants a-rod unless the cubs have taken all the cash out of the vault and sign soriano, zito, and matsuzaka as well. getting a-rod alone is simply another marketing ploy to satiate the masses, and get their ticket money in february. i have the same feeling about lou piniella; if he shows up for his acceptance speech, he better have a-rod on the podium as well. 'cos when steinbrenner sees that photo, he will flip so badly he will tell cashman to accept prior, jones, guzman, dempster, and eyre in excahnge. of course, enough cash would also need to be spent on ramirez and zambrano to lock them down for a few more years; otherwise the cubs are just treading water. been there, done that.

Submitted by Seanhead on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:41 am

If I'm Piniella, I demand a limited "out" clause in my contract after 2007 which would allow me to take the Yankees job if Torre doesn't return. That possibility alone could be keeping Bochy in the running.

Submitted by Urbs in Horto on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:06 am

Since this is the Schadenfreude thread, it's worth noting that October 14, 2006, is the 100th anniversary of Sox beating the Cubs 8-3, to win the only subway series in Chicago's history. I don't know about the Freude, but there's plenty of Schaden in that anniversary.

Submitted by duane on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:16 am

Continuing the theme of pseudo-Schadenfreude, today is also the 3-year anniversary of the Bartman game. Seems like much more than just three years, doesn't it?

Submitted by dc60124 on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:04 am

did you mean the gonzalez/prior/alou/farnsworth/baker game?

Submitted by duane on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:32 am

Yes, you're right. I watched part of the game yesterday, and I forgot about later in the 8th, when Baker puts Farnsworth--a pitcher with control problems--in and the first thing he does is intentionally walk a batter. That's Baker's fault--you have to leave Prior in there to intentionally walk the batter. Then, Farnsworth, whose been throwing darts in the pen, can focus on having the same release point, get a double play, and get us to the series. The fact I'm still stewing about this is sad.

Submitted by the E-Man on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:39 am

ERIC THE GREAT: "Looks like Hendry is on a tight leash, good." The Sun Times article read claimed that McD really was pushing for Girardi. But, allowed Hendry to choose 'his' guy. I wouldn't say that's a very tight leash. Looks like Lou's 'da man. I'm o.k. with he or Girardi. We tried the "behind closed doors" guy. I guess we can try an "air it in public" type next. It's all "Band-Aids" like many have said. MATH HEADS: What is the average tenure of Cubs managers in the history of the team?

Submitted by chifan3887 on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:53 am

E-man, The average tenure has been 2.77 years. The team has been around since 1876, so the team has been in extistience for 130 years and divide that by the number of managers (47). Also if MCD is giving Hendry his choice then he between the 2 guys MCD might want then he is just giving him enough of a "leash" to hang himself with.

Submitted by the E-Man on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:01 am

chifan3887: HAHAHAHAHA!!! LOL! That's a good one! 2.77 years! That is truly amazing to me. Actually, really pathetic. Would you agree? Any TCR members out there who work for mid to large size companies, could you imagine if your company's President or V.P. was replaced every 2.77 years? Or - say if your mutual fund's manager was replaced every 2.77 years? OY!

Submitted by Ryno on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:13 pm

This is what I hate about the media: By the end of next week, Lou Piniella is expected to be named the 48th manager in Cubs history. Then, later in the article... Serious negotiations between the Cubs and Piniella have not yet taken place, though they could begin Monday So basically, this article says nothing except the author thinks Pinella will be the man. I hope they're right, but the guy's just speculating. Then, there's this article talking about how Cock, uh, I mean Hawk thinks Pinella would "change the whole culture of the organization." Article

Submitted by chifan3887 on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:21 pm

Ryno, I think that before Piniella would talk about taking a job he would know that that team would meet his finacial demands. Still DeLuca should have mentioned a contract snag in the opening paragraph and not in the middle of the story.

Submitted by Dallas Green on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:08 pm

I like it. (Lou) I don't think there was a bad choice in the bunch, but Pinella gives us instant cred like Leyland with the players and potential FA. I think it spells out were trying to win now. Pinella is in the upper-echelon with Cox, La Russa, Leyland, etc. I think it's going to be a different clubhouse for sure! Country Club closed.

Submitted by MikeC on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:20 pm

Clubhouse and the attitude of "wooooo is me" may change but I don't know if Pinella is the correct choice for the Cubs job. If the team can take on a little bit of his passion and desire, it could work. I just wanted a lower key manager or as Crunch would say, a no-name manager. After Dusty I am tired of his headline grabbing after game interviews, saying some of the dumbest crap on the planet. And that wont change with Pinella, but atleast for an entirely different reason. I still think the Cubs are screwing up a no-brainer.

Submitted by the E-Man on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:09 pm

MIKEC: "and the attitude of "wooooo is me"..." Did you mean "Woe is me?" or "Woooo" Like, "Whooo Hoooo, yipee!"

Submitted by Ryno on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:27 pm

MikeC: If the team can take on a little bit of his passion and desire, it could work. Maybe he and Z can go around breaking bats on their knees.

Submitted by Chad on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:04 pm

"#142 of 156: By duane (October 14, 2006 09:16 AM) Continuing the theme of pseudo-Schadenfreude, today is also the 3-year anniversary of the Bartman game. Seems like much more than just three years, doesn't it?" Considering I wake up in a cold sweat reliving this moment in my nightmares three to four times a week, no, it does not seem like more than three years.

Submitted by jacos on Sat, 10/14/2006 - 10:06 pm

If Lou gets the job, it would be worth it just to watch him wrestle Prior to the ground while yelling at him to act like a man.

Recent comments

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  • crunch (view)

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