In case you missed it, we started a new feature called the Melting Pot. It’s a smörgåsbord of various news and notes rounded up from all over the internet.
I found some interesting things to comment about today.
- Ryan Dempster predicted that “I think we’re going to win the World Series” Dude, shut up. Don’t say that crap. Just go out and play with that attitude, but don’t come out and say it. All that does is put a target on your back and hope in our hearts. I don’t want my hopes raised any higher. It hurts too bad when they’re burst. I can’t describe how much it hurt after the team went so far in 2003 only to lose the way they did. I want to be excited about this team, I really do, but I don’t need Dempster saying things to make me giddy like a school girl. (Source)
- If you’re starting up a fantasy baseball team, and we have one more opening in our Rays of Light vs. VFTB league, Brock for Broglio takes a look at 101 great fantasy team names. One of my favorites has to be “Brokebat Mountain”. This is good for me because I have to be one of the least creative team namers in the history of all team namers. Wait, is namers a word? (Source)
- Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus broke down the NL Central recently and had something to say that I wholeheartedly agree with.
One move to make: Slapping Lou Piniella with a clue stick. Piniella, who has a lot of good qualities as a manager, indicated last week that his lineup would feature Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot in the top two spots, with Fukudome fifth. The Cubs’ biggest problems on offense have been not having enough runners on base for Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. Hitting Fukudome behind those two is a waste of his talents. If Soriano has to bat leadoff because he’s fast, fine; at least bat Fukudome second and Theriot down in the lineup where he belongs.
I couldn’t have said it any better myself, Joe. Well done. Now let’s hope that Uncle Lou reads their site and agrees to change his thinking.
- Rumors have been going around lately that the Cubs are after not only Brian Roberts, but also Joe Nathan. We shall see. If you’re wondering what that would do to the payroll, don’t forget that we have a Cubs payroll spreadsheet now linked in the right sidebar. It’s updated as things change, so check it often.
- Don’t forget to sign up for diaries, which enable you to post your thoughts for others to read all season long. All posts show up in the sidebar and may be moved to the front page (especially on weekends). It’s a good way to get noticed.
I agree. I think that theriot and derosa batting later in the lineup would be a good move. I also have read the Nathan rumors as well but doesnt this just throw another monkey wrench in the pitching rotation and bullpen scenario? We have several pitchers that are battling for a starting spot in the 4 and 5 spot like Dempster, Marshall, Lieber, Marquis. Then we have the closer role to deal with Wood, Marmol, and Howry are some of the names that I have seen that might be possible candidates. That is however that Dempster manages to win a roll in the starting rotation. Do we really need Nathan is all that I am wondering? Someone enlighten me please!
Having him couldn’t hurt. From a need standpoint, I don’t it would be a necessity to win the title, or at least that’s what Ryan Dempster thinks.
Except that the Cubs were neat the bottom in the number 5 spot in the order. You’ve got to have someone protect A-Ram, which didn’t happen last ear.
I’d rather see DeRosa in the 2 hole.
Ryan was an IDIOT to say that. Carlos predicted all his crap last year, and did it happen? NO.
Ugh. I’m just slightly bothered, that’s all. Don’t talk about how it might happen… make it happen.
On a lighter note, kudos to the payroll spreadsheet. I like it.
Thanks for the reference Joe. I hope you guys enjoyed the list.
After reading the entire Dempster quote, I would have liked for Joe to post the whole thing. Dempster at least explains his thought process, and I agree with him.
Pipe down there, Jacobs.
I haven’t had anything to complain about. Give me a break!
Who cares what Dempster says? Id rather have him say that hes confident this is the team thats going to win, than have him say we’re goign to suck or collapse at the end.
Look at it as confidence.