Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
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| SP | Ryan Dempster |
SP |
*Scott Kazmir |
| 8-2, 2.81, 75 K, 35 BB, 89.2 IP | 6-2, 1.74, 54 K, 16 BB, 51.2 IP | ||
| CF |
Reed Johnson | 2B |
*Akinori Iwamura |
| SS |
Ryan Theriot |
1B |
#Willy Aybar |
| 1B |
Derrek Lee | CF |
BJ Upton |
| 3B |
Aramis Ramirez |
RF |
*Eric Hinske |
| DH |
Geovany Soto | 3B |
Evan Longoria |
| RF |
Mark DeRosa | DH |
*Cliff Floyd |
| LF |
Matt Murton |
C |
#Dionar Navarro |
| C |
Henry Blanco | RF |
*Gabe Gross |
| 2B |
Ronny Cedeno |
SS |
Jason Bartlett |
Matt Murton has been called up and Eric Patterson has been sent down. Welcome back to the Show Orange Guy, and good luck with Scott Kazmir, who has given up all of one run in four home starts this year (thanks nohit). The entire Rays team has been enjoying the comforts of Tampa, Florida with a shiny 26-11 mark at Tropicana Field. That's good for second best in the home record in the American League and has helped catapult them from the worst overall record in the league last year to the current AL Wild Card leaders. Most of that turnaround can be attributed to their pitching and defense and not that sketchy lineup that I'm looking at. But I guess you don't need good hitters if you can "Execute to the Max".
Game notes fun after the jump...
- This is the Cubs first trip to Tropicana Field and marks the 112th stadium they've played in.
- The Cubs enter the game 80-80 in interleague games since its inception in 1997.
- Cubs starters have allowed three or fewer runs in seven straight games.
- Carlos Marmol is five short of the team holds record with 20. Bob Scanlan('93) and Jeff Fassero('01) currently hold the team record with 25.
#1 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Rob, small slip on Johnson's position (LF).
Marmol's hold stat is pretty amazing.
__________________________All right, all right, all right....
#2 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Off the top of my head, I think the AL has been generally better than the NL since '97 so an even 80-80 record is probably better than most.
This lineup sucks!
#3 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
What about the fact that Rays manager Joe Maddon is completely insane? Anyone else see th NYT profile?
__________________________"If you're not a Ted Head, you should be" - God
#4 Re: Murton
I thought his nickname was Ginger.
Orange guy was something Maddux said because he didn't know who Murton was.
Who's the orange guy?
Wish it would go away. Reminds me too much of the Dusty Eff Baker years.
#5 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
3 pitches, 3 fastballs, 1 strikeout.
welcome back murton.
#6 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Red's first at-bat wasn't too thrilling. Not the Hellboy action figure I was hoping for.
#7 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
working the pitch counts this year probably helped us the most in this game. Kazmir at 110 in the 5th and taken out.
#8 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
no one said it yet, and I think it's time for some runs, so...
This lineup SUCKS!
#9 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Hi guys, I'm new here so I have some questions:
Does the Ray's strikeout bonus (free Papa John's Pizza) apply to a Cubs fan watching in Texas?
No offense (pun intended) to Murton, but shouldn't EPat been given more of a chance?
Lastly, I'm voting for a choice of Home or Away TV coverage on MLB.TV - These guys are screamers.
Speaking of screamers, does anybody else hear all the women screaming inside this dome? Do they just leave the beach and go to the ballpark?
Thanks for listening...
__________________________Long drive way Back, It might be, it could be, HEY HEY!
#11 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Murton is not wining over any new fans, that is for sure. And I would think we might see Ascanio again for Cotts at some point. Lou couldn't have been very happy with tonight's peformance.
I've also long been an advocate of getting both home and away feeds for MLB.TV. It can't possibly cost them that much to arrange that.
#10 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Johnson out trying to steal 3rd wih 2 outs?
Whaaaa?
#12 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Following the game on Yahoo.... was that a squeeze attempt by Johnson with 2 outs in the 9th?
__________________________All right, all right, all right....
#13 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
yes...and along with his attempted steal of 3rd i wonder who told who that johnson has even a shred of speed...weird use tonite.
#14 Re: Johnson's bunt
#17 Re: Johnson's bunt
IMO the bunt attempt was a good idea. Just bunted a little too hard, especially on the turf. Definitely caught them by surprise. Longoria just made a nice play
#29 Re: Johnson's bunt
Too hard or not far enough down the line. I think if that is down the line and Longoria has to come in at a weird angle and throw across his body it would have been a hit. Oh well, we were in it until the end, can't ask for more than a chance to win and we've been in every game for a long time.
#15 Re: Johnson's bunt
#16 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
The squeeze was 'ok' I guess..takes a great play from both Longoria and Aybar to get him. I think the at bat by Hoffpaur was the really poor at bat all we needed was a fly ball. Then the wild pitch richochets right back to the catcher. Ah well luck wasn't on our side tonight. Get 'em tomorrow :)
#18 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
That was a great play and great call at the end, imo. To get the out and save the game they were going to have to make that play perfectly. 3B Was going to have to get to the ball clean, make a clean throw, and 1B was going to have to hold on to it. Unfortunately, they did.
__________________________"Gasp... You used Ghostbusters for evil!" ~ Liz Lemon
#35 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
I remember most of the board(me included) crucifying Neifi for doing the same thing a couple of years ago, same situation.
__________________________I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me- hst
#36 Re: Neifi's bunt
Yes, Neifi bunted with men on first and third and 2 outs...the big difference being that the Cubs were down two at the time.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200...
Hopefully, it doesn't need to be explained how those are completely different situations.
#39 Re: Neifi's bunt
My mistake.
I thought he had the tying run on third also.
He still sucks.
;-)
__________________________I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me- hst
#19 Lou burned his DH
#22 Re: Lou burned his DH
How does that work, anyway? I'm not up on this 21st century baseball stuff.
#27 Re: Lou burned his DH
if your DH plays in the field, you lose the DH spot and the pitcher has to hit. Since he pinch-hit for Blanco in the 9th, Soto would have moved to catcher and all he had left was Fontenot on the bench.
Not that big a deal...
#20 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Ouch -- shame to lose this one, after doing such a nice job of getting Kazmir out of the game. Tying run at third, one out, lefty/righty match-up....ouch.
At least the Cards lost.
#21 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
a squeeze would imply that Fukudome was running, which I believe he was not...
=========
Rob, I think it's called a safety squeeze if the man on 3rd isn't running on the pitch, but on contact. When he is running on the pitch, it's a suicide squeeze, where the runner is usually out if the bunt isn't placed.
__________________________One week until the Winter Meetings...Woo!
#28 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
That is true, but to be called a squeeze - safety or suicide - the runner has to know the batter is going to bunt. I think this was a bunt for a hit since Lou did not call it from the dugout.
#54 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Also, there has to less than 2 outs. The job of a squeeze is to sacrifice yourself to get the run in. You can't do that when there is a force out at first and the inning (or in this case game)will be over if the runner is out at first. That was simply Reed trying to bunt for a base hit.
#38 Re: the term "squeeze"
#48 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Also, generally speaking, you typically don't call a squeeze with two outs. Not to say that there aren't exceptions, but that's a general no-no for managers.
You'd need somebody with Ellsbury, Reyes, or Pierre type speed to call a squeeze with two outs. Not only does the batter have to get the bunt down to get the runner home, he also has to beat it out at 1st base. That had to be a bunt for a hit for Johnson. No way Lou would call that with him at the plate.
#23 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
One can see why the Rays gave Longorria the Franklin mint this spring. He is fantastic. Great try by Reed. It was the right play. I agree the big AB was Hoff-power.
Right now, Hoffpower & Cedeno have both turned back into pumpkins.
I think we'll win one of the next two and come home w/a .500 road trip.
__________________________Disappointed by "Cubbery" since 1966
#24 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
To finish the night on an up note --
Veal tosses 7 innings of 2-hit shutout ball at Tenn., and Ceda (newly promoted?) follows with K's 4 in 2 shutout innings.
#25 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
I was following on ESPN.com. Thanks for filling in the cracks. IMO, like that Lou was being aggresive and rolling the dice even if it didn't work out.
#26 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
cotts didnt look good lou was not pleased
cedeno wouldbe outta here if defensively
there was a better option.
murton did not do muh to improve trade value
rays looking for outfield help.
#30 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Burma Shave.
#31 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Brick gets a clever +1.
__________________________Let's hug it out, bitch.
#32 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Why did Hoffpauir pinch hit ahead of Edmonds? Maybe Lou figured they'd give Edmonds an IBB, but I still would have picked the veteran in that spot over the rookie.
#33 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
My guess is that if Edmonds makes an out, he's got Hoffpauir up with two outs. But that's probably a stretch.
__________________________Voting for non-Americans since 2008.
#34 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Yep..1 game back and Murton sure sucks. He can't even hit Scott Kazmir...that just sucks!!!!
I mean Kazmir is 6-2, with a 1.76 ERA, and 61 K's in 56 innings, he sucks?
I mean...huh?
#37 Murton/HIll trade speculation
some crazy talk about Hill/Murton for Crisp...
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/bas...
#40 Re: Murton/HIll trade speculation
I just read that. Why the hell do we want Crisp, I just don't get it.
The bottom of that article is interesting too. The Cubs sent a video to the league office to reverse a Ronny Cedeno hit that was ruled an error? That seems unusual.
#42 Re: Murton/HIll trade speculation
Cmon Wiscgrad you know why. Lou ALWAYS wants somebody else than what he's got. This team has remained extremely heathy for the most part since Lou got here. Yet you always hear gripe from Lou about needing a
__________________________left handed bat for the infield,lefthanded outfield bat,righthanded of'er who can play all 3 positions,another RHed starter, another lefty for the pen,etc.etc.etc. That is Lou's MO since he got here. He is like the wife that can't figure out where she wants the new sofa. It's Jim Hendry's job to move that heavy ass sofa around until she is happy.
Rooting for Laundry since 1987
#41 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
No kidding Dusty Baylor. Murton has always had the expectation that he has to hit every single day and hit for power or else he sucks.
1 game back and the majority of the posters are signing his death sentence. Shit give the guy all the starts between now and when Soriano gets back and lets see what happens. He has proven over 2 seperate seasons he can hit in the majors, just let him play.
Food for thought....
Fukudome is on pace for 560 AB's, 12 HR's and 67 RBI while hitting .300 with a .400 OBP.
Matt Murton hit 13 HR in his rookie season drove in 62 in 455 AB's while hitting .297 with a .365 OBP. Many considered that not good enough for a corner OFer.
Last year Murton hit 8 HRs in 235 AB's.
Gee I wonder if Fuku will need to be replaced because he doesnt hit enough for a corner OFer either.
#43 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
The offensive numbers are comparable as you point out, but defense, baseball smarts and speed between the two are night and day.
__________________________I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me- hst
#44 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
The difference is that Fuku is Japaneese. Therefore he is a cross between Ichiro and Matsui.
__________________________Rooting for Laundry since 1987
#45 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
That's a strawman argument. It's not just that Murton doesn't hit for power. He hits for average. But he realy can't do much else well. He is not magically going to get faster or figure out how to field. So people would like him to elevate the ball and hit for some more power. This makes him a more valuable player. If he can't improve the power numbers, then he really is a one trick pony: he will hit a lot of singles and a few doubles for a .300 average. Not that that is a bad thing, it's just that a lot of people want more.
I mean Murton's defense sucks. Fukodome's is awesome. Murton has 8 career SB and Fukodome already has 6. Also, over a full season, that difference in OBP is around 30-40 more times on base, not insignificant.
If Murton was a gold glove caliber outfielder who could run a bit, had great bat control, and got on base a .400 clip, we wouldn't care about his power.
#46 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Fuku's defense is a major plus over Murton. If Murton could consistently pick the ball in the outfield, he could have a major league job as a corner outfielder. Because he fields more like an Adam Dunn he needs to hit more like an Adam Dunn to stay in the bigs.
__________________________JoePepitone
#52 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
While I agree that Fuk is a far more complete player than Murton, I've always thought the complaints about Murton's defense have been greatly overstated. Yes, he's a below average corner outfielder, but Adamn Dunn comparisons? That's just over the top.
Of course, I also think too many people make Right Field out to be the holy grail of defensive positions where only someone with a Hawk-like cannon belongs...
__________________________Not affiliated with some guy named Al or any website with a similar name
#47 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Anyone know of the condition of Ward and when he is expected back? After the recent struggles with our DHs (Lee, Rammy, Soto), it seems like their offensive production is affected when they aren't out there playing defense. Additionally, after seeing Hoff trying to be a hero yesterday while swinging for the fences when all we needed was a sac fly, it makes me wonder what a veteran bench guy like Ward would of done in that situation. IMO, Ward will be a welcome addition as our DH in the Cubs/Sox series at the cell.
#49 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
Looks like Richie Sexson might be released. http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080617/SPORTS/6...
#50 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
#51 SORIANO UPDATE
Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano will have his broken left hand re-examined Friday and hopes to return before the All-Star break next month...
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=344947...
#53 Someone needs to do something about this
Yahoo RSS feeds for The Cub Reporter all come from View from the Bleachers, not here.
#58 It's the MVN feed
#60 Re: It's the MVN feed
please see #59
I'm talking about the Yahoo feed aggregator module, Sports Blogs - Chicago Cubs Daily Entries.
#63 Re: It's the MVN feed
Found the culprit
contact sportsblogs.org to fix: http://sportsblogs.org/blog.php?blog_id=3130
#67 Re: It's the MVN feed
Thanks...
amusingly they have our site listed twice...
http://sportsblogs.org/blog.php?blog_id=3130
http://sportsblogs.org/blog.php?blog_id=4626
#55 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
http://feeds.feedburner.com/TCRfeed
#56 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
This is what I'm talking about>>>
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#57 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
http://feeds.feedburner.com/TCRfeed seems to be fine. I'm not having any problems with it using my.yahoo.com, and the feed looks fine when it's opened directly. It's most likely a configuration error or problem with your RSS reader.
__________________________Equal Opportunity Offender
#59 Re: http://feeds.feedburner.com/TCRfeed seems to be fine.
Yeah, I know that, I use that, but it's not what I'm talking about.
http://my.yahoo.com is the RSS reader and the RSS feed module in question, as I already posted, is "SPORTS BLOGS -Chicago Cubs Daily Entries" .
That's the module that aggregates the posts on Cubs blogs and all the entries labeled "The Cub Reporter" are actually feeds from the View from the Bleachers. Add it to your personalized my.yahoo and you'll see what I mean.
#62 Re: http://feeds.feedburner.com/TCRfeed seems to be fine.
I'm not familiar with hat RSS feed... what's the link to it? Who provides it?
I guess you're saying that in that feed, items from "View from the Bleachers" are being listed as coming from "The Cub Reporter". Not cool.
I checked the RSS feed at "View from the Bleachers", and it gets attributed correctly. Therefore, the aggregator must be to blame...
__________________________Equal Opportunity Offender
#64 Re: http://feeds.feedburner.com/TCRfeed seems to be fine.
see #63
#61 DeRosa asks Murton THE QUESTION on everyone's lips
Mark DeRosa interrupted Matt Murton's back-in-the-big-leagues news conference Tuesday with the question most people want the answer to:
''Will you stop hitting swinging bunts and start driving balls out of the ballpark with your quads the size of bricks?'' DeRosa said, grinning. ''Let's ask the real questions. You going to hit some home runs?''
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/10110...
#65 JUST HEARD on 'GN
FUKUDOME will be the #1 hitter in Lou's lineups until Soriano returns.
Cory Provis was just told by Lou...
You heard it on TCR first!
__________________________Disappointed by "Cubbery" since 1966
#66 Re: Game 71 Thread / Cubs @ Rays (1 of 3)
I like Fukudome batting 5th.
Will see.
__________________________I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me- hst