Meaningless Games

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

During the past couple of weeks I’ve heard the term “Meaningless Game” used frequently, and I disagree with the whole concept.

I do understand that after a certain point in the season, which team wins a given game may have no impact on the final standings. So, in terms of the final standings, a particular game may be considered to be “meaningless”.

But I say, if the game is truly “meaningless”, it should just be forfeit. Like the bottom of the 9th when the home team is ahead. Why play it at all? Find a beach somewhere to relax on and sip Pina Coladas. I would like to think that these games were not played just for the gate receipts and TV revenues.

In a 162 game schedule, each game has 1/162 impact on the final standings. That’s less than 1% (0.61728% to be exact). I’m not a statistician but in my very limited statistical experience, generally anything less than 5% is considered to be negligible, ie., meaningless.

So, by that logic, each individual game of the regular season is “meaningless”, and by a pretty wide margin. If that’s the case, why do they play ‘em? And why do we watch ‘em?

Because they’re NOT meaningless. Individual games are not meaningless. Spring training is not meaningless. Batting practice is not meaningless. Conditioning and strength training are not meaningless.

I love this game too much to write off any part of it as meaningless.

There are those who consider the World Series to be the only “meaningful” games of the year, for those are the ones which directly determine the championship. For them, the entire regular season and all the playoff games are simply a spinning of wheels among mostly “also ran” teams.

Sorry, folks. I don’t buy it. There were no “meaningless games” during the regular season, and there aren’t going to be any “meaningless games” during October.

Now let’s get it on.

The Faculty full The Wild Geese hd

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The Offseason Outlook – Part I

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

Off-Season already? We’re not even into the post season yet. I understand, but I thought it would be fun to see how the team shapes up for next year, before the off-season begins. Last season we went out so quickly that most fans, myself included, mourned a few days and didn’t care to read about the Cubs, let alone the off-season. I thought I would get a jump on that and show you what this team will look like assuming no one that is eligible for free agency returns.

C - Bloodline release Geovany Soto / Koyie Hill

1b – Derrek Lee / Micah Hoffpauir

2b – Mark DeRosa / Mike Fontenot

SS - Ryan Theriot / Ronny Cedeno

3B – Aramis Ramirez

LF

– Alfonso Soriano

CF – Felix Pie / Sam Fuld

RF - Kosuke Fukudome

SP – Carlos Zambrano

SP - Ted Lilly

SP - Jason Marquis

SP – Sean Marshall

SP - ? (Potential options are Rich Hill, Jeff Samardzija, Kevin Hart, Chad Gaudin)

MR – Angel Guzman

MR – Michael Wuertz

MR

• The Wild Geese buy

– Neal Cotts

MR – ? (Potentials – Billy Petrick, Jose Ascanio, Jose Ceda, Randy Wells)

MR – ?

CL – Carlos Marmol

---

Obviously, I don’t truly believe that the Cubs will bring back no one and go with in house options, but it’s important to take a look at what we have in house before going out into the market to fill the needs. Tomorrow, I’ll take a look at the free agents and give my take on which should be brought back and which should be let go. Until then, bask in the wonderful team that could be yours.

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The Great Raid rip

: Meaningless Games

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A Day Of Rest

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Lou announced in yesterday’s pregame show that today, Monday, was going to be a day of rest for him. No baseball thoughts. No thinking about who’s healthy and who’s injured. No thinking about who’s hitting and who’s not. No thinking about who’s gonna start and who’s gonna relieve. No thinking about who matches up with whom. So I’m gonna take day of rest, too.

Rest and relaxation. R and R. Or rest and recuperation. R and R. Or rest and rehabilitation. R and R. Sometimes referred to as I and I (you can fill in the blanks).

I think Lou said he might get in some golf. I’m not a golfer but if I were, today would probably have been a good day for it. At least until the rain started.

I gotta tell you, my day got off to a really good start. Then I walked Bowser and did some yardwork. Took a load of brush to the dump. I may still fit in a run and some bicycling and some some reading, too.

A day without the Cubbies between the regular season and the playoffs. I would tell you about the book I just finished, but that would bring up the “C” word and I’m not going there today.

Maybe tomorrow. Not today. Today is a day of rest.

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Here We Go Again

Monday, September 29th, 2008

I don’t know about the rest of you, but Wednesday can’t come soon enough. I’m already trying to figure out if I can get the H E double hockey sticks out of work early to make sure I’m at home in time to catch the first pitch. The last two playoff appearances have left a bad taste in my mouth, and I’m ready to see some butt whoopin’ from what is probably the best Cub team we’ll see in our lifetimes. Which is kind of a strange thought, considering all the complaining we do about them.

This is the first time in a long time, that I was really stuck to the TV all weekend long. Not to watch the Cubs, but to see how everything else played out. It still amazes me that after 162 games, it still always seems to come down to the last day. I hated the Wild Card when it was introduced, but I’ve certainly warmed to it the past few years. It really has made baseball more exciting. That’s the single best call Bud Selig has made.

As for the Cubs, I like the match up with the Dodgers. It’s going to be interesting to see which team can break through first against two very good rotations. Speaking of which, did Ted Lilly just make one heck of a statement for being in the playoff rotation over Zambrano? I think he did. I guess Lou thinks otherwise, since Zambrano is scheduled for Game 3.

Rest up people, although I don’t think this ride is going to be as bumpy as 2003, it’s going to be exciting, nailbiting, and one that makes us reach for the Pepto regularly.

Go, Cubs, Go!

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Phenomena movie

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A Great Day To Be Alive

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

It’s A Great Day To Be Alive. Remember that, today, it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how the bullpen performs. And how the regular starters hit. And, hopefully, nobody slips on the Miller Park turf.

It’s 3 up and 3 down in the Cubs 1st.

And Angel Guzman does, in fact, take the mound. He’s throwing heat at 95 mph. Guzman strikes out the side in the Brewers’ 1st, after giving up a lead off single.

Aramis Ramirez breaks up CC’s no hitter with a single to left. Micah drives the ball through the legs of the Brewers’ “Plus Size” 1st baseman, putting runners on the corners. Cedeno hits a double play ball, but he’s safe at 1st (and he gets an RBI) because “a tie goes to the runner”. Aramis scores on the play. Cubs lead 1-0. And so the 2nd inning ends.

Angel Guzman returns to the mound in the Brewers’ 2nd, and takes them 3 up and 3 down.

Carlos Zambrano leads off the Cubs 3rd, batting for Guzman, and goes down swinging. Alfonso draws a walk, but Theriot hits into a 4-3 double play.

Chad Gaudin is pitching for the Cubs in the Brewers’ 3rd. The Brewers go 3 up and 3 down on 3 infield ground balls.

Sabathia takes the Cubs 3 up and 3 down, with 2 Ks, in the 4th.

Neal Cotts is on the mound in the Brewers’ 4th. After a K and a 7, Prince Fielder goes down swinging. The Cubs’ Bullpen Committee had a one hitter going.

Micah looks at strike 3. If the Fox radar gun is to be believed, that was a 105 mph toss.
And the Cubs go 3 up and 3 down in the 5th. Mr. Sabathia has a 1 hitter going.

Kevin Hart is pitching and Koyie Hill is catching in the Brewers’ 5th. 3 up and 3 down.

Koyie Hill looks at a called 3rd strike, Alfonso flies out, and Theriot gets the Cubs’ 2nd hit of the day, a single to center. Dee Lee pops to Ray Durham on the outfield grass.

In the 6th the Brewers go three up and 3 down. Score remains 1-0 Cubs.

Aramis opens the 7th with his 2nd single of the day, and the Cubs 3rd hit of the game. But a double play takes him off the bases. Micah flies out to center. Three up and three down for the Cubbies in the 7th.

Ray Durham leads off the Brewers’ 7th with a double, the Brewers’ 2nd hit of the day, against the new Cubs’ pitcher Sean Marshall. He takes third on a grounder to third. One out. The Brewers’ Buffmobile 1st baseman takes a semi- intentional BB, and that’s all for Sean Marshall.

Michael Wuertz walks JJ Hardy on 4 pitches to load the bases with one out. Corey Hart fans on 3 pitches. 2 outs. Craig Counsell walks on 5 pitches, forcing in the tying run. Jason Kendall hits into a fielder’s choice to end the inning. Brewers tie the score 1-1.

The Cubs go 3 up and 3 down in the 8th. CC Sabathia looks good, today.

Bob Howry is on the mound for the Cubs in the 8th, with the score tied 1-1. Howry gives up a single to Mike Cameron and a 2 run homer to Ryan Braun. Brewers lead 3-1 with 2 out. Jabba the Hutt goes down swinging to end the inning. Brewers lead 3-1.

The top of the order will bat for the Cubs in the top of the 9th. OK, guys, let’s see what you got. Alfonso Soriano flies out. Ryan Theriot singles to center. Dee Lee hits into a game ending double play.

CC Sabathia pitched his 3rd consecutive game on 3 days rest today, a complete game. CC gave up 1 run on 4 hits and he was definitely in control of the game.

Bob Howry takes a well earned and well deserved loss today. It was he who gave up a single and a 2 run homer in the 8th.

The Cubs’ Bullpen Pitching Committee did a pretty good job of pitching today. Maybe Lou should start “The Committee” every once in a while, just to rest the starters and just for the fun of it. Only thing is, apparently, Lou would have to bring in one of the starters to relieve the relievers in the 7th inning or so.

Both the Brewers and the Cubs had 4 hits today. I had no high expectations for the Cubs Bullpen Pitching Committee, so I’m not too worked up about the pitching, except to note that, overall, they did a great job.

But the lack of offense by the Cubs “A Team” championship batting lineup is, to me, cause for concern. That lack of run production cost them a game today and it will cost them games in the playoffs. Then again, this was a meaningless game so I probably shouldn’t try to extrapolate any meaning from it. Never mind…

**CUBBIE DUDE CUBBIE BLUE COLLAR CORNER**

I BELIEVE:
- Carlos Zambrano did get into the game today.
- Angel Guzman faced 7, got 6 outs with 1 hit, 4 Ks and no runs.
- CC Sabathian recorded his 1st K of the game against Carlos Zambrano (pinch hitting).
- Chad Gaudin faced 3, got 3 outs, all infield grounders.
- Neal Cotts faced 3, got 3 outs including two Ks.
- Kevin Hart faced 6, got 6 outs.
- Sean Marshall faced 3, gave up a double and a walk.
- Michael Wuertz faced 4, walked 2 (one of which forced in a run).
- Bob Howry faced 5, struck out 2, but also gave up a single and a 2 run game winning home run.
- CC Sabathia pitched a 1 run, 4 hit complete game on 3 days rest. He won’t be getting much rest this week, either.

- This has been an unbelievable regular season for the Chicago Cubs. I have truly enjoyed it. Now lets git ‘er done in the playoffs!Dodsworth release

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He's A Steamroller, Baby

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

Ted (The Human Steamroller) Lilly is on the mound for the Cubbies, vs Ben Sheets for the Brewers. It’s a sunny afternoon at Miller Park. Let’s go!

In his pregame show, Lou used the word “audition”, so I’ll use it, too. The Brewers are fighting for their life today, while the Cubs are holding auditions. And The Auditioning Cubs take a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the first. Daryle, I take it all back.

Ted Lilly mows ‘em down. Brewers go 3 up and 3 down in the 1st, with 2 Ks.

Now Ted (The Human Steamroller) Lilly blasts a ground rule double over Corey Hart and bouncing over the fence. But, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, Fuku flies out to center TO END THE INNING.

I hate to say it, but Ronny Cedeno E6s Prince Fielder to 1st. The Steamroller gets the Brewers to ground into a fielder’s choice and then tap a bouncer back to the mound. Oh, yes, Ted Lilly is looking good today. We move to the 3rd inning with the Cubs leading 2-0.

An error and wild pitch put Cedeno on 2nd with no outs. Sheets walks two to load the bases with one out. Fontenot lines a single to right, scoring two runs. Cubs lead 4-0, and that’s all for Ben Sheets. Mark DiFelice is the new pitcher. And so the inning ends. Fuku will lead off the Cubs 4th.

In the 3rd Ted Lilly rolls right over the Brewers, 3 up and 3 down. I’m likin’ it.

Fuku draws a walk!! And steals 2nd!! Wooo Wooo Fuku!! And takes 3rd on Micah’s ground out!! Where he dies as Daryle Ward fans to end the scoreless inning.

He’s a Steamroller, Baby!! 3 up and 3 down in the Brewers 4th. Score is 4-0, Cubs.

Lilly Steamrolls ‘em again the the 5th, 3 up and 3 down. Score is 4-0, Cubs.

And Fuku hits into a 6-4-3 double play to end the Cubs scoreless 6th. There have been 6 hits in this game. The Cubs have 6 hits.

In the Brewers’ 6th, Ted begins to throw some balls. He walks one and has to face 4 batters to get 3 outs. He’s a Steamroller, Baby!!

The Brewers’ bullpen is gettin’ ‘er done. The Cubs have gone 3 up and 3 down in the past 3 innings. Score is 4-0 after six and a half innings.

Ryan Braun breaks up the no-hitter with a double to left leading off the Brewers’ 7th. And somehow what should have been Prince Fielder’s fly out to short right center drops for a single. Two pitches into the 7th, The Steamroller is through for the day. Carlos Marmol comes in with Brewers on the corners and no outs. Marmol gets his Brewers 3 up and 3 down. Cubs lead 4-1.

Jason Marquis is pitching in the bottom of the 8th. One out, one walk, two hits, one run and one hit batsman later Neal Cotts comes in to face Prince Fielder. Score is 4-2. One pitch/E6. Score is 4-3. Neal Cotts is gone (through no fault of his own). Ooops, that was not scored as an error. Give Fielder a hit. Michael Wuertz comes in and gets two FCs to end the inning. Cubs lead 4-3. Jason Marquis didn’t do so hot. But Michael Wuertz goes to the head of the class.

Theriot singles and Fuku slams a 2 run homer in the top of the 9th. That’s what I’m talkin’ about!! Cedeno singles to right. The Cubs are lighting up the Brewers’ closer, Salomon Torres. And Mitch Stetter comes in to pitch to Micah with one on and no outs.

Micah pops out and Felix Pie walks. Stetter is gone; Todd Coffey is in with 2 on and 1 out. Reed Johnson singles to left, scoring Cedeno. Cubs take a 7-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth with Kerry Wood.

Three up and three down in the bottom of the 9th. Cubs win 7-3.

Ted (The Human Steamroller) Lilly had a no hitter through 6 innings today. Daryle Ward, batting clean-up, had a 2 run homer. Ronny Cedeno did not, in my opinion, distinguish himself today. Michael Wuertz performed exceedingly well today. Kosuke Fukudome broke the game open with a 2 run homer in the 9th. Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood performed up to their high standards. Jason Marquis had a rough go today.

For the Brewers, Ben Sheets didn’t have it today. Mark DiFelice and Dave Bush looked good in relief.

Tomorrow CC and Z will pitch.Dodsworth ipod UKM: The Ultimate Killing Machine full

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It's Miller Time

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

The Cubs have a strong offensive lineup tonight, vs. Jeff Suppan who has struggled in September. Let’s hope his struggles continue. The roof is open at Miller Park, it’s a beautiful night in SE Wisconsin. Go Cubs Go!

The Cubs’ hitters made good contact in the 1st. Five batters came to the plate, and each drove a ball to the outfield. Two for singles, and Hoffpauir was robbed. Granted, Dee Lee’s single was off the glove of Craig Counsell, but it ended up in left field. They keep hitting like this, it will be a good evening.

There is a 2 or 3 second delay between the radio action and the ESPN video feed. So I get a radio heads up about what I’m gonna see. I like that.

The Brewers’ hitters didn’t get anything out of the infield in the 1st inning. Granted, Ray Durham’s single ended up in right field after glancing off the mitt of Dee Lee. If this keeps up, it will be a good evening.

The Cubs’ batters continue driving balls to the outfield in the 2nd, including Jim Edmond’s which sails over the fence for four bases. Cubs lead 1-0.

The Brewers find the long ball in the 2nd, including Jason Kendall’s RBI double over Alfonso’s head. Wake up, Alfonso. Game is tied 1-1.

In the 3rd, Suppan, looking very impressive, strikes out the side (Dee Lee, ARam and Hoffpauir) after allowing a single to Fontenot.

Dee Lee turned a beautiful 3-6-3 double play in the 3rd. You gotta admire that play.

I’m looking for Carlos Zambrano to come in from the bullpen in a couple of innings.

Am I the only one who’s tired of hearing about “Fred and Ethyl Mertz’s 45th Wedding Anniversary” type announcements during the game? Geez, Louise!

**GAME CHANGING PLAY ALERT** In the 4th, Hoffpauir loses his footing in right field, turning an out into a double for JJ Hardy. Oops. I hope he didn’t hurt himself on the slip.

Mike Fontenot is 3 for 3 so far tonight. Alfonso is 0 for 3 so far. Ryan Theriot is 2 for 2 so far. Maybe Soriano should not be batting in the lead off position.

**SECOND GAME CHANGING PLAY ALERT** In the 5th, Hoffpauir singles with 2 outs, placing Fontenot on 3rd. But Micah tries to take 2nd and he’s thrown out, ending the inning. So I guess he didn’t hurt his leg on the slip in right field. Maybe he rattled his brain, though. Then again, he wasn’t out by much at 2nd. So we’ll give Hoffpauir an “A” for aggressive base running, but he gets an “F” for f***ing up.

Soto gets pulled during his 6th inning at bat. He was wincing in pain while swinging at a pitch. Oh, man, we don’t need Geovany hurt. Oh man. Koyie Hill replaces Soto. Koyie fans. The next batter, Jim Edmonds, singles but is put out trying to steal 2nd base. He was out by a mile. Did Theriot miss a hit and run sign? Or what?

In the Brewers’ 6th, with Sean Marshall pitching, another fly ball to left sails over Alfonso’s head. We’ll call it a double for Ray Durham. Nice play, Alfonso. How’s the vacation going? Marshall walks Ryan Braun, and then makes Price Fielder look pretty uncoordinated as he goes down swinging.

Replacing Sean Marshall with 1 out in the 6th, Jeff Samardzija is throwing at 98 mph. Corey Hart slaps a fly to left. Too bad Alfonso is moving like a snail tonight. He casually watches the ball drop in front of him for an RBI single. That’s three hits so far he maybe should have had. 0 for 3 at the plate; 0 for 3 in left field (except for the gimmees). I am not, at this moment, in the Alfonso Soriano fan club.

Leading off the Cubs’ 7th and pinch hitting, my man, Kosuke Fukudome, does not distinguish himself. A dribbler back to the mound? Well, at least he doesn’t strike out like the next two batters, Alfonso and Fontenot, do.

Alfonso is now 0-4 at the plate. Maybe Soriano will step it up next week in the playoffs. Maybe.

Brewers 7th inning. Chad Gaudin pitching. Great play by Theriot. Then, catcher’s interference. Balk. Single. Three run homer to left. Brewers lead 5-1. Pick off. Double off the wall. Carlos Marmol steps in and puts out the fire.

Cubs 3 up and 3 down in the 8th. Seth McClung is looking very impressive, tonight.

And Carlos Marmol is looking pretty good himself tonight. He faces 5 batters and gets 4 outs.

Going into the top of the 9th, McClung has the Cubs 9 up and 9 down since entering the game in the 6th inning. (Jim Edmonds singled but was put out trying to reach 2nd on a blown hit and run.) Now it’s 10 up and 10 down. 11 up and 11 down. Ryan Theriot draws a walk.

Darlye Ward comes in to pinch hit with 2 out and a man on 1st. I have a very bad feeling about this. And the mighty Casey has struck out.

Looking back on it, I think the momentum of this game totally changed in the 4th inning when Micah Hoffpauir slipped in right field and turned an out into a double for JJ Hardy. No runs scored in the inning. In fact, the other 3 batters were all put out, including two Ks. But, for me, somehow the momentum shifted. I can’t explain it.

The Cubs now have about 96 hours to “get a grip”, or this is going to be a very short postseason.

• Sam Kinison: Breaking the Rules move The Answer Man aka Arlen Faber psp

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A Moral Dilemma

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Hypothetically speaking, say you were to get lucky and score tickets for a Cubs playoff game. You got them for face value, and they’re damn good seats. You’ve never seen the Cubs live during the playoffs, and you think this may be the year.

Then you open up the paper and read a story on how much these tickets are going for on eBay and Stubhub, and you could stand to make chunk of change. You’re not in financial straits, but extra cash never hurt. It a moral dilemma of proposterious dimension. A blue blooded Cub fan that can’t decide if being part of history would be as nice as sizable bump in the bank account.

What would you do? Sell the tickets? Or go to the game?

By the way, they’re for game five of the NLDS. Let’s hope the Cubs make my decision easier, and just win in three or four.

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The Tale of Theriot

Friday, September 26th, 2008

A recent thread once again brought up the greatness of Ryan Theriot. I have been meaning to do something like this for awhile, so I guess it is time.

Below is a look at where Ryan Theriot stands offensively and defensively in comparison to other every day shortstops in the National League. The numbers below will pretty clearly show that Ryan Theriot, is, in fact, below average both offensively and defensively.

Now… this does not mean that I dislike Ryan Theriot, or that he does not have place on this Cubs team. I believe that he does, and has played a good role for the Cubs. I just believe that many, many people extremely overrate what he brings to this team, and I show why.

Defensively

Out of 11 qualifying NL SS’s, Theriot is:

• 7th in Fielding %
• 11th in Range Factor
• 8th in Zone Rating
• 10th in RZR (which has 12 qualifiers)
• 12th in OOZ, which doesn’t have qualifiers

Baseball Prospectus gives Theriot a 98 in their Rate2 stat, where 100 is average.
Offensively

Theriot has an OPS+ of 93. That, by definition, is below average. For those of you who do now know, OPS+ is “OPS normalized for both the park and the league the player played in,: with 100 being the average. Out of 9 qualifying NL SS’s, Theriot is:

• 8th in OPS
• 9th in total bases
• 7th in runs created
• 8th in Gross Production Average
• 10th (of 11) in Equivalent Average
• 8th (of 11) in EQR
• 10th (0f 11) in RAR
• 10th (0f 11) in RAP
• 8th (of 11) in RARP
• 9th in VORP

Theriot is 7th in total Win Shares (batting & fielding combined), and 7th in batting and 9th in fielding. Of course, a player on a winning team will have more win shares. Now, one commentator thought that it would be good to compare Derek Jeter and Ryan Theriot. I am not going to touch their defenses, because they are both at the bottom defensively, but lets look offensively at their numbers this year. Of course, it is important to remember that Derek Jeter is having his worst year since 1997.

(“winners” in bold)

• OPS:Theriot – 737, Jeter – 773
• OPS+: Theriot – 93, Jeter – 106
• Runs Created: Theriot – 75, Jeter – 88
• Gross Production Average: Theriot – .253, Jeter – .269
• Win Shares: Theriot -13 , Jeter – 16
• EQA: Theriot – .260, Jeter – .275
• EQR: Theriot – 71.8, Jeter – 85.2
• RAR: Theriot – 19.1, Jeter – 30.6
• RAP: Theriot – 4, Jeter – 14.6
• RARP: Theriot – 22.8, Jeter – 34.1
• Theriot – 25.2, Jeter – 38.9

Theriot, in his best year, is nowhere close to Jeter, who is having his worst year of his career. Jeter is pretty significantly better in each category.

Let me be very clear. I do not dislike Ryan Theriot. I just do not think that he is a great baseball player, or an All-Star, or the Cubs MVP, or anything like that. He is a role player, and an average one at best. And he simply does not compare to Derek Jeter.

Oh … and more fun one. People around here hate Derrek Lee, mostly for reasons not known to me. But one reason is because Derrek Lee’s propensity for double plays this year. Would you believe it if I told you that Ryan Theriot grounds into double plays at a higher rate (18.1%) in double play situations than Derrek Lee does (17.0%).

But go ahead and keep bashing Derrek Lee and praising Ryan Theriot. Maybe my next post will be comparing those two.

NOTE: If you would like explanations/definitions of these stats, go to:

• B-R (OPS+)
• THT (Win Shares, Runs Created, Gross Production Average)
• Baseball Prospectus (EQA, EQR, RAR, RAP, RARP)
• ESPN (Fielding %, Range factor, Zone rating)

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Bring On The Rain

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Depending upon which report you believe, it was either raining or threatening to rain at Shea Stadium as game time approached. The prediction was that rain would begin to fall, would increase in intensity, and would continue for days.

Of course, The Cubs and The Mets were approaching this particular game from completely different perspectives. The Mets have, at most, four games to pull themselves into the post season. So they were in the “Go For Broke”, “Do Or Die”, “Pull Out All The Stops” and “It’s Now Or Never” mode.

The Cubs, on the other hand, are in the playoffs and have locked up home field advantage for the duration. So they were in the “Husband Your Resources”, “Don’t Catch Cold”, “Don’t Get Hurt” and “Let’s Get The Young Guys Some Experience” mode.

It has been said that : ”Amateurs argue tactics, while professionals discuss logistics”. So any specific tactics I mention in this piece will be considered only in the context of the larger overall logistical picture.

Lou said in the pregame show that he is considering using Z out of the bullpen in the near future. You do what ya gotta do.

Micah Hoffpauir had a big night at the plate tonight. Five hits, comprising two four-baggers, two singles and one double. Kosuke Fukudome drew two intentional walks. Rich Harden pitched six full innings.

I’m experiencing this game on radio only tonight. Since I can’t SEE the game, I ask: Is Koyie Hill still telegraphing pitches as he did last night?

**BIG CUBS INNING ALERT** With 2 outs in the 1st inning, Micah Hoffpauir takes Pedro Martinez to right center with a home run to start the festivities. Let’s get this one in before the sky opens up. Jim Edmonds walks and takes 3rd on Mike Fontenot’s right field single. Edmonds scores on Casey McGehee’s single to right. Cubs lead 2-0. Fuku looks at strike 3, ending the inning.

In the Mets’ 1st, Jose Reyes is safe at 1st base on an error by Hoffpauir. Reyes steals 2nd and takes third on Dan Murphy’s 6-3 at bat. Reyes scores on David Wright’s sac fly. Cubs lead 2-1.

**CUBS SCORING ALERT** In the 3rd, Ryan Theriot draws a walk and scores on Micah Hoffpauir’s double off the wall. Fuku looks at strike 3, ending the inning. (Is there an echo in here?) Cubs lead 3-1

Rich Harden walks two Mets in the 4th and they both score on Ryan Church’s double to right. This ties the score 3-3 with 2 out. And the rain picks up. If they can get the 5th inning in the game is official. The 4th inning ends with the score tied 3-3.

In the bottom of the 5th, Jose Reyes draws a walk and steals 2nd, where he dies. This is now a complete and official game, the score of which is tied at 3.

David Wright walks to lead off the Mets 6th, but Harden ends the inning by striking out Ramon Martinez. A strong finish for Rich Harden. Score remains tied at 3.

**BIG CUBS INNING ALERT** Feliz Pies leads off the Cubs 7th with a single to right. Let’s get him around. Pie steals 2nd. Theriot walks and Micah Hoffpauir hits his 2nd homer of the night, a 3 run blast to right off reliever Riccardo Rincon. Cubs lead 6-3 in a game which could be called at any time due to rain. Mike Fontenot doubles but dies at 2nd when Koyie fans to end the inning. Cubs lead 6-3.

Chad Gaudin (or is it Gaugin?) is pitching for the Cubs in the bottom of the 7th. He gives up a double to the 1st batter, Robinson Cancel, who takes 3rd on Marlon Anderson’s ground out to short. Cancel scores on Jose Reyes’ ground out to short. Chad Gaudin/Gaugin gave up a double but got the next 3 out in order. Not too bad.
The 7th inning ends with the Cubs leading 6-4. Can we call the game now??

Neal Cotts gives up a single to David Wright to open the Mets 8th. Carlos Delgado hits into a 5-6-3 double play. When’s the last time you remember a 5-6-3 double play? Beltran singles, Church singles, and Cotts is gone. The tying run is on at 1st, the lead run is at the plate. Say hello to Bob Howry. Beltran steals 3rd. Ramon Martinez singles to left, scoring the Mets 5th run. The tying run is at 2nd base with 2 outs. Cancel singles to right, Fuku’s throw is in time to nail the runner Church, but Koyie Hill misses the tag. The game is tied at 6.
Neal Cotts faced 4 batters and gave up 3 hits.
Bob Howry faced 3 batters and gave up 2 hits.

In the 9th, Fontenot singles to right and takes 2nd on a wild pitch. McGehee fans and Fuku is intentionally walked. Fontenot moves to 3rd while Fuku is forced at 2nd on Hill’s 6-4 fielder’s choice. Pinch hitter Daryle Ward chops the ball back to the mound and is thrown out, ending the scoreless inning. Cubs had a runner at 2nd with no outs, but could not score.

Bottom of the 9th. Kevin Hart is pitching. Jose Reyes singles to right. Daniel Murphy bunts foul with 2 strikes. On the play Reyes stole 2nd, but since it was a foul ball, he returns to 1st. David Wright fans as Reyes steals 2nd again. An intentional walk is issued to Carlos Delgado. Carlos Beltran singles to right, winning the game. I will live. And The Cubs will live to win another day.

The Mets used everything they had tonight. The Cubs played numerous backups and rested their horses. The question is whether the Cubs’ horses will be up to the challenges in the next week or two or three. I am comfortable with the way Lou is very intelligently doing everything he can to maximize the Cubs’ chances going forward.

So we shall see what we shall see. I hope I can get the Miller Park games on TV this weekend.Assassins move

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Interview with Cubs 2B Mark DeRosa

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

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With the NL Central Division Championship in hand Thursday, the Chicago Cubs decided to give Mark DeRosa 007 Casino Royale , one of their most valuable bats and versatile defenders, a few days of rest. DeRosa suffered a strained calf in Wednesday’s 9-6, 10-inning win over the New York Mets.

The free time allowed the Cubs right fielder and second baseman to join MVN’s Joe Aiello and Brandon Rosage Thursday for a chat about Lou Piniella’s enthusiasm for studying video of opponents, his injuries through the ‘08 campaign, Chicago’s stream of comeback wins and recovering from a heart procedure mid-season to correct an irregular heartbeat.

The discussion also covered DeRosa’s pre-season struggle with Cubs management over their efforts to find a new second baseman, as well as his risk assessment of blogging in the Chicago clubhouse and managing two personal websites, markderosa7.com and markdesrosa.mlblogs.com.

The Mark DeRosa interview was produced as part of MVN’s Major League Baseball talk podcast “The Pitch,” which is released every Monday and Thursday at mvn.com/thepitch Dorothy Mills movie full .

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New York Mets State Of Mind

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

ESPN introduces the Cubs as “The Best Team In The National League”. Oh, that is sweet. I’m looking forward to hearing Rick Sutcliff’s analysis of Z’s pitching tonight.

The first batter of the evening, Alfonso Soriano, is satisfied with only a single off a hit to left which Dan Murphy tries for, misses and leaves on the ground. Lotsa empty seats in Shea tonight, at least in the top of the 1st. A Theriot DP wipes Soriano off the bases. Dee Lee walks. Aramis hits two air homers on the first 2 pitches. And on the 5th pitch. K for Ramirez.

Now let’s see the Z-Man! Three up and three down. Z-Man looks good in the 1st.
Rick Sutcliff is discussing the Care and Feeding of the home plate umpire. Rick feels that the proper Care and Feeding benefitted Zambrano in the bottom of the 1st, while Perez and the Mets experienced the opposite result in the top of the 1st.

Mark DeRosa lofts a home run to left. That one was fair by at least 5 feet. Cubs lead 1-0. Cedeno takes a called third strike on a low pitch. Sutcliff calls it a “generous” call for the Mets. Zambrano will lead off the 3rd inning.

Bottom of the second. Z is throwing sinking 1 seam fastballs tonight according to Rick Sutcliff. Zambrano has the Mets 6 up and 6 down. Let me put it another way. There have been 2 hits in this game. The Cubs have 2 hits.

I enjoyed Bill Murray’s color commentary in the top of the 3rd. He’s sounding very mellow. Retired, he is. Interesting analysis of Zambrano’s trouble in his last start.

**BIG METS INNING ALERT** Argenis Reyes gets the 1st hit of the evening for the Mets. He’s put out at 2nd on Zambrano’s fielder’s choice of Oliver Perez’ poorly placed bunt. Jose Reyes draws the Mets 1st BB of the evening. Runners at 1st and 2nd with 2 out. Dan Murphy walks to load the bases.

Zambrano is throwing (or is having to throw) a lot of pitches tonight. He walks David Wright, scoring Argenis Reyes with the first Mets run. Score is tied, 1-1. Carlos Delgado takes Z to left center with a 4 run homer. Ohhhh, this is baaaaad. Score is 5-1, Mets. On the plus side, Zambrano has a 2 hitter going.

Before the game Lou said he wanted to leave Z in for a good long stretch tonight. (“We’ll let him work as long as possible.”) I think Lou will do just that, but, at this rate, the final score may end up being 15 or 20 to 3.

**BIG CUBS INNING ALERT** The bases are loaded for Mark DeRosa with 1 out in the top of the 5th. Two runs score on DeRosa’s double to left. That makes the score 5-3 with 1 out. Reed Johnson, representing the go ahead run, is up. Duaner Sanchez is pitching. Reed Johnson singles to left. Dan Murphy misjudges the ball and leaves it on the ground. Aramis and Fukudome (in for DeRosa) score, tying the game at 5. DeRosa, we are told, is out of the game with a knee injury. I don’t like the sound of that. The inning ends with the score tied 5-5.

Zambrano walks the 1st batter in the 5th, gets the next 2 out, then puts David Wright on and that’s all for Z. Neal Cotts comes in and puts out the fire. Rick Sutcliff sure called that sequence of events accutately.

Soriano leads off the 6th with a long out to left. Theriot grounds out 6-3. Dee Lee walks, Ramirez singles to right. Riccardo Rincon comes in to pitch to Fuku with 2 out and runners on 1st and 2nd. Fuku pops out to short. No runs scored. We hear how weak the Mets bullpen is, but they look pretty good to me. And, according to ESPN, Mark Derosa has a right calf strain.

Cotts walks Beltran to open the bottom of the 6th. Beltran steals 2nd as Church fans. Evans fans. Beltran steals 3rd with 2 out. Argenis Reyes fans, as Cotts strikes out the side.

In the 7th, Reed Johnson beats out an infield hit. Cedeno bunts back to the pitcher who cuts down Johnson at 2nd. Well, that’s better than a DP. Hoffpauir singles to right. Daryle Ward, pinch hitting for the pitcher, pops out to SS. Soriano doubles to left, scoring Cedeno. Theriot ends the inning 1-3. Cubs take the lead, 6-5.

Ramon Martinez, hitting for the pitcher, doubles to center to lead off the Mets 7th. Reyes bunts safely. Runners at the corners. The word is Cedeno was slow covering 1st, and then dropped the throw. The word from Rick Sutcliff is that Hart “almost” balked. Dan Murphy lines into a Dee Lee unassisted DP and Dave Wright flies out to Soriano. No runs score.

Dee Lee grounds out to 1B to open the 8th. Aramis walks. Fuku hits into an inning ending DP.

Samardzija is pitching in the 8th. Delgado doubles, Beltran singles, Church fans, Beltran takes 2nd, Evans grounds out to 3rd & Chavez gets a free pass to load the bases. Ramon Martinez walks to force in the tying run. 6-6. Reyes grounds out 4-3.
Samardzija throws about 30 pitches in the inning. Rick Sutcliff points out that Koyie Hill is telegraphing what pitch is coming next by how he sets up behind the plate.

In the 9th, the Cubs go 3 up and 3 down against Luis Ayala.

Bottom of the 9th. Howry is pitching. As Rick Sutcliff predicted, Hill telegraphed a breaking ball, and Murphy slammed it into the great big right center gap for a triple. The winning run is on third with no outs. Wright fans and the Cubs intentionally walk the next 2, Delgado and Beltran. Church hits into a 4-2 fielder’s choice. #8 batter fans. We’re out of the inning. Mets strand 3.

Top of the 10th. Theriot singles with 2 out and steals 2nd. He scores on Dee Lee’s bloop double to right. That was a clutch hit! Cubs lead 7-6. Aramis lines a homer to left. Cubs lead 9-6. Fuku ends the inning for the 3rd time tonight. All 3 of Fuku’s at bats have ended innings tonight. DeRosa, batting in that same 5 hole earlier (before being taken out with an injury) was 2 for 3 with a home run and a double.

Bottom of the 10th. Kerry Wood is pitching. 3 up and 3 down. Cubs win 9-6. Schadenfreude Baby!!

Z mowed ‘em down in the 1st 2 innings tonight, but he got bombed in the 3rd. Zambrano is threatening to become a short order pitcher, ala Kerry Wood or Carlos Marmol. Or maybe the Cubs will eventually platoon him with another pitcher (ala Edmonds and Johnson in center field) so Z can start every 10th day .

Rick Sutcliff’s analysis has been spot on tonight.

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Let's Review

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

I didn’t allow myself to get worked up over the final score last night. After all, winning the game was not the object of the drill. Oh, winning was AN object alright, but it wasn’t THE object.

No, I’d say the object of last night’s drill at Shea Stadium was threefold:
1. Provide rest to those who would benefit from rest;
2. Provide playing time to those who would benefit from additional playing time;
3. Provide performance information for evaluation and improvement of performance.

Let’s review these three objectives:

1. Beneficial rest – I’m thinking of regular or semi-regular players here, like Ryan Theriot, Aramis Ramirez, Jim Edmonds, Geovany Soto, Rich Harden, Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood.

This objective was achieved. All the players listed sat out last night’s game.

2. Beneficial playing time – These are the players who Lou and his staff feel need improvement in a specific aspect of play, i.e., hitting, fielding or pitching. I’m thinking Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome, Derrek Lee, Ronny Cedeno, Micah Hoffpauir, Casey McGehee, Daryle Ward, Koyie Hill, Sean Marshall, Chad Gaudin, Kevin Hart, and Angel Guzman.

This objective was achieved. All these players got additional playing time.

3. Performance evaluation, adjustments and lessons learned – Since none of the Cubs are batting 1.000, and since the Cubs are not going to win 162 games this year, there is room for improvement. I’ve never been a prefessional athlete, baseball player or coach, so my observations and opinions should be taken with a grain of salt. But some trends appear to be obvious.

Positive trends: Had Lou pulled Sean Marshall after 4 innings as originally announced, the overall evaluation might have seemed rosier. In the 5th inning Marshall’s situation deteriorated. He hit a batsman, gave up a weird infield single, walked a batter and then allowed a 2 run single. Still, he completed 5 innings with 6 Ks, 2 BBs, 3 hits and 2 runs allowed. I’m sure Sean and his coaches learned things which will help him in the future.

I’d like to see Kosuke Fukudome get 4 hits every game with multiples for extra bases. But, as Lou says, “That ain’t gonna happen”. Last night Fuku had 2 hits in 4 at bats, including an RBI double and a single. So he batted .500 for the evening and that’s pretty good.

Historically, Reed Johnson does well against Johan Santana. Last night was no exception. He drew a walk and was 2 for 3 officially with 2 singles and 1 RBI. His successful hitting vs. Johan Santana continues unabated.

Downward trends: Chad Gaugin returned to the mound after an absence and received a rude welcome. He faced 5 batters and got 1 out. He allowed 4 consecutive hits and made one “ill-advised” throwing error (an error in judgement). I think Chad would agree that this was not the performance he had hoped for.

The most disappointing performance last night, in terms of actual or potential improvement, was, in my humble opinion, that of Alfonso Soriano. He was 0 for 4 at the plate and his fielding was lackadaisical. Maybe the lackadaisical part is just a misperception on my part. I hope so.

But if I compare the fieldwork of Alfonso to that of, say, Kosuke, for example, the difference in attitude and approach seems clear. Kosuke’s defensive play is focused, concentrated, crisp, intense and effective. Alfonso’s performance tonight seemed, in comparison, to be unfocused, disinterested, mushy and lacking in spirit.

My guess (and it’s only a guess) is that Soriano’s situation is psychological. Either he thinks he should have been given a rest with the other regulars tonight, and so his heart wasn’t in it; or his performance level is, in his mind’s eye, “good enough”, so no improvement is required. And when he bangs one of his extra base hits, or demonstrates that cannon of an arm in a crunch situation, it’s hard to argue.

Still, my perception is that Alfonso has an attitude thing which is limiting his effectiveness. I didn’t break it, and I can’t fix it.

So, to summarize, the Cubs accomplished their 3 major objectives last night.

Let’s keep our eyes on the prize.

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My Favorite Things

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

In retrospect, I guess I was a little harsh on NYC last night. I want to set the record straight.

A few years ago I had an opportunity to spend a week in New York City, a first for me. After being exposed to negative reports about NYC my whole life, I was prepared to hate it. I was expecting to hate it. I think I wanted to hate it.

I loved it!

I ran every day in Central Park. I visited Strawberry Fields. I saw the Statue of Liberty and visited Ellis Island. On Monday night I caught Les Paul live. Les Paul!! And every where I went I met good people. Really good people.

Went to a live Broadway show. Ate great food in great restaurants. Did I mention that I had a great time? So I have fond memories of NYC and I hope I get the chance to go back some day.

But that fondness does not extend to the NY Mets. I have no fond memories of the NY Mets. That might be forever. I guess that’s just the way it is. I’m a Cubs fan. Third generation Cubs fan.

Loving the Cubs. Not loving the Mets. These are a few of my favorite things.

Last night The Cubbies pulled together as a team. Jason Marquis was having trouble putting the Mets away from the mound. So he rocked a grand slam, and put the game out of reach that way instead. When Carlos Marmol had a hard time finishing the thing off, Kerry Wood leapt in and put the hammer down. What a team.

Tonight Lou is resting many of the starters. My hope is that Johan Santana wears himself out real good tonight. Whether or not the Cubs win tonight is immaterial. They’ve already won by resting the guys who need rest. And by wearing out a guy who needs to be worn out.

Dee Lee doubles but dies on 2nd. Johan Santana looks strong in the 1st.

Sean Marshall is getting hit pretty solidly in the 1st, but he gets out of the inning with no runs scored. Casey McGehee makes a good play of a shot down the 3rd base line, cutting down the lead runner at 2nd on a fielder’s choice.

McGehee and Fuku get solid back to back doubles off Santana. I like to see that. And it’s still early. Cubs lead 1-0.

I’m going out of my way to not repeat posts from the live blog here, but I will respond. Joe gets his wish. Johan will lead off the third. Good call, Joe.

Cedeno doubles in the 3rd inning. That’s 4 Cub doubles already off Santana tonight. He appears to be hittable. (Hey Joe, I said it first. Great minds think alike!) And Cedeno scores on Johnson’s single to center. Mets go 3 up and 3 down. Marshall Ks the pitcher, and 2 pop outs follow. Cubs lead 2-0 after 3 innings.

Kosuke singles to right. Lou asked us not to refer to his playing of reserves and relievers as “auditions”. So I’ll say that Lou’s tactic of getting maximum at bats for Fuku seems to be working, at least so far.

Lou said in the pregame that he plans to leave Sean Marshall in for only 4 or 5 innings tonight.

Sean walks David Wright, the 1st batter in the bottom of the 4th, and Wright dies at 1st. Cubs lead 2-0 going into the 5th.

Interesting graphic on TV. Marshall has thrown 66 pitches: 22 balls, 44 strikes.

The bags are loaded with 2 out for David Wright as Lou leaves Sean Marshall in. We got to this point by Sean: hitting Evans, giving up a weird infield single to Santana, and walking Castillo. David Wright singles to left, tying the game 2-2. Soriano’s throw to the plate was early but way off track up the 1st base side. The 5th inning ends with the score tied, 2-2.

**CHAD GAUGIN ALERT** Chad Gaudin is pitching for the Cubs in the bottom of the 6th. Delgado doubles inches fair in left. Castro singles to the pitcher. Gaudin errs on the throw, sending Delgado home (with the go-ahead run) and sending Castro to second. Back to back singles to right load the bases with no outs. Welcome back, Chad!

Johan Santana likes to jump around in the batter’s box. We’ll give him an Academy Award for acting. Santana hits into a fielder’s choice, 4-2, and that’s all for Chad Gaudin. Let’s see, a double, three singles and a fielder’s choice. Five batters faced, one out. Thanks for stopping by, Chad.

Kevin Hart is now pitching for the Cubs with 1 out, the bases loaded and speedster Jose Reyes up . Reyes hits a 3 run triple to right. Hello Kevin! Mark DeRosa makes a nice unassisted put out on Castillo at 1st base. Reyes must be winded at third, as he just stands there. David Wright fans and we’re out of the inning. Mets lead 6-2.

The lead off batter in the Cubs lineup, Alfonso Soriano, flies out to left – his fourth out of the evening. Cubs go 3 up and 3 down in the 7th. The ninth position in the Cubs lineup has struck out 3X tonight. That includes a pinch hitter.

Angel Guzman is pitching for the Cubs in the bottom of the 7th. He gives up one walk and gets 3 outs. Mets take a 6-2 lead into the 8th.

Cubs have not gotten a hit since the 4th inning. Johan Ks the 1st 2 batters in the top of the 8th. That’s 4 Ks in the last 2 innings. Reed Johnson singles to right and DeRo works Santana for a walk. And the Cubs strand both runners as McGehee grounds into a 6-4 fielder’s choice to end the inning.

Murphy walks to open the Mets’ 8th. Argenis Reyes, batting for the pitcher, fans. Jose Reyes draws a walk. Castillo fans. Wright lines to Cedeno to end the scoreless inning.

It will be up to Fuku, Blanco & a pinch hitter for the Cubs in the 9th, trailing 6-2. Pedro Feliciano is pitching for the Mets. Cubs have gotten only 1 hit since the 4th inning. Make that 2 hits as Blanco singles through the hole to left. Make it 3 hits as Micah Hoffpauir singles to right. Fuku must have softened up the pitcher, Pedro Feliciano, for these other guys. Ward pops out to end the game. Mets win 6-2.

Carlos Zambrano is scheduled to pitch tomorrow night. I wonder how that will turn out.

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