2009 Chicago Cubs

[duke776]

Well, I fell asleep during the game last night and woke up during the highlights or recap after the game, and A-Rams injury was a bad thing to wake up to.

Quote: Originally Posted by fugazi

Now what the hell do you do with Freel? Especially with 2 OFers in AAA that are hitting so well?

Third base maybe if he hits(with Fontenot at second), besides the OF he can 2nd and 3rd.

[Altimus]

What are the exceptions of A-Ram return? Late summer?

[ZM Punk]

I reckon Freel was optioned to AAA upon his acquirement. Though I suspect he will be called up now that Aram is on the shelf.

[fugazi]

24 left on base today. good night, that is unbelievable.

6 LOB by Hoffpauir, who was 2 for 5 with 6TB.

3LOB each for Bradley, Fontenot, Soto.

Somebody is doing their job where getting on is concerned. I am trying to stay positive and waiting for the day when the team starts reaping the benefits.

But seriously...for uck's sake, are they done with Neal Cotts yet? The 1 good outing he has doesn't make up for the 4 atrocious ones with which he surrounds it.

And the patient, "he started slow, and then got banged up" patience with Soto has worn out. It is time for him to hit something.

It should be simple for the batting coaches....with men on, you can expect strikes, or at least close pitches, and primarily on the outer half. It is called GOING THE OTHER WAY, you half-wits. Every freakin' one of these struggling hitters (Lee, Soto, Bradley) needs to be attended to, and TOLD to Go the Other Way.
I have always got the feeling that the Cubs, regardless of who is manager, don't do much coaching or conditioning. Don't know why, it just always seems that way.

[ProStylez]

I was at yesterdays game and I just wanted to say I had no idea how much your bullpen sucks!!
You leave Dempster in for 121 pitches!?!?
Then take him out after he gives up 2 homeruns.......Lou obviously has no faith in his bullpen and I see why!
Cotts comes in gives up 2 runs
Patton comes in gives up 2 runs
Fox comes in gives up 2 runs
Heilman actually completes one full inning without falling apart or hurting himself but by then it's too late, game over.
I'm not trying to come here and **** talk but after I saw your bullpen last night I have no idea how you can make a strong playoff run.
My 2 cents

[poster]

Let me guess, that awesome Brewer pitching staff is going to take you all he way right?

Bro, this is a marathon not a sprint. 17-14 with all that has gone wrong, plus the poor performance? I would have said no way. Meanwhile the Brewers have been on fire and are only 1/2 game better. You better hope they don't sustain the injuries the Cubs have. I doubt their pen will hold up, but we'll see. That goes for the SP too.

Lou said once Z comes back their will be changes in the pen. Cotts has to go, and they need two solid lefties. No one in Iowa can come up and get guys out? Bring up Fox was an embarrassment, enough of that merda. Jose Ascanio has taken his place. He came over in the Ohman trade to the Braves. Lets hope he is better.

[fugazi]

Ascanio's numbers in Iowa this year looked pretty good so far. He was starting there, though.

Gotta give props to Randy Wells for a good start a couple of days ago.

Personally, i don't know who the front office thought they were fooling with this pen...everyone new Cotts was shaky, and Heilman cannot be considered an impact pick-up. Marmol needs help, and Gregg is not > than Wood.

Guzman is going to be good all season, i think. 95 low and away in the zone to righties...good to see. harder to hit. lots of movement at times, though his fastball looked a bit straight today. We have been hearing about him and waiting for him for the better part of 3 years.

i wouldn't mind shipping one of the AAA OFers for a reliever.
It is hard to think that with Fukudome, Johnson, Bradley, and Hoffpauir fighting for 2 spots that Jake Fox, Jason DuBois, and Brad Snyder all have a shot at the big club. Though, tbh, each of them is putting up great numbers in Iowa.

There are also 2 relievers in AAA with sub-1.oo ERAs in 15+ IP. Their WHIPs are low too. I am kinda surprised Samardzija is already off the major-league roster. He might struggle from time to time, but I think he has the make-up to get the job done more often than not.

I say the Cubs should see what Marmol can do as a southpaw.

[fugazi]

Believe me, I want the guy to succeed. I like so much about him.

But, at present....

How anxious are you, on a scale of 1-5, to get Lee back?

and who do you think gets or should get the bulk of starts in CF/RF?
Fukudome, Johnson, Bradley, Hoffpauir?

do you think Lee would assent to splitting time, say, 60/40 at 1st with Hoffpauir? If he starts >90%, he stands a good chance of getting hurt again...