AZL Angels Jett Past AZL Cubs at HoHoKam

Jett Bandy laced three doubles, including a two-run two-base hit with one out in the top of the 8th that drove-in the tying and go-ahead runs, leading the AZL Angels to a 4-3 victory over the AZL Cubs in Arizona League action at Dwight Patterson Field at HoHoKam Park in Mesa this evening.



box score


The Cubs went into the top of the 8th inning leading 2-1, thanks to a solo HR by Dustin Geiger in the 4th and a Ryan Durrence RBI ground out in the 6th. But AZL Cubs 8th inning set-up man Colin Richardson could not hold the lead, issuing a one-out four-pitch walk, followed by back-to-back doubles and consecutive singles, as the Angels took a 4-2 lead.


The Cubs did score a run in the bottom of the 8th on a leg-double by lead-off hitter Oliver Zapata, an Angels error, and a sacrifice fly, but it wasn't enough, as Angels closer Brandon Efferson threw a 1-2-3 9th for the save.


18-year old LHP Brian Smith (Cubs 2010 40th round draft pick out of Pickering, Ontario) got the start for the AZL Cubs, and threw a solid four innings (61 pitches - 40 strikes), allowing just one unearned run on five hits and a walk, while striking out three. A member of the Canadian Junior National Team prior to signing with the Cubs right at the August 16th signing deadline last year, Smith had his second quality outing in a row, especially significant since he was absolutely terrible in his pro debut at AZ Instructs last fall (30.00 ERA, 4.33 WHIP, and a .527 OppBA) and got a late start to the 2011 season, not pitching in a game until more than halfway through Extended Spring Training. But he has looked OK in AZL action so far (albeit just 7.1 IP over two games), displaying a high-quality curve and change-up, and the poise and stamina needed to throw multiple innings.


19-year old Dustin Geiger (Cubs 2010 24th round draft pick out of Merritt Island HS - Brevard County, FL) continues to be the offensive leader for the AZL Cubs. After two more hits tonight (including the 390-ft+ home run to left-center that gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead, and a picture-perfect hit & run single to right that advanced a runner from 1st to 3rd and led directly to the Cubs second run), Geiger is hitting a robust 400/423/769 (including three doubles, two triples, and a HR) through his first six AZL games, while playing adequate defense at both 3B and 1B (although he looks better at 1B). Geiger has showed tremendous improvement in his power stroke over the last few weeks (having hit 325/367/525 with three doubles, two HR, and 12 RBI over his last 13 Extended Spring Training games), and I had thought that just based on that he would get assigned to Boise, but the Cubs chose to place 3B-1B Wilson Contreras on the Boise roster instead, while keeping Geiger in Mesa. But if he keeps slugging the way he has over the last few weeks, I would expect Geiger to get a promotion to Boise (if not to Peoria) before much longer.


While Geiger has been the offensive star of the AZL Cubs, 19-year old Dominican switch-hitter Brian Inoa has struggled to find a position. Inoa was used mainly as a DH in the DSL last season where he hit 279/356/369 for DSL Cubs #2, but he was worked exclusively at catcher throughout Minor League Camp and Extended Spring Training this year. However, it became quite clear over time that Inoa did not have the defensive chops to succeed as a backstop, so he was moved to 1B, and now (more-recently) to 2B, with poor results at each stop. Inoa made two more errors (on successive plays) leading to an unearned run in tonight's game, and was pulled out of the game in the top of the 7th. Next stop? Maybe LF. But to play LF Inoa will have to show the slugging he displayed at times in Extended Spring Training, like when he hit for the cycle against the Diamondbacks on May 23rd.


 

Tags: 
AZL Cubs
Dustin Geiger
Brian Smith
Brian Inoa
Submitted by Arizona Phil on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 2:33am
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Comments

Submitted by Hagsag
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 6:03am

Az Phil, any news on possible signings of young Latinos on July 2 ? Thanks as always.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 6:53pm

Iran announced today that their missiles can reach U.S. bases in the Gulf.

The Cubs pitchers countered by showing the Giants missiles can reach Waveland.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 7:06pm

I swear in the post-game interview with Doug Davis while he was trying to explain why he sucked again today, he said something like, "The Giants kept hitting the ball over the fence and we didn't have anyone playing out there."

LOL.

Submitted by Rob Richardson
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 10:31am

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/st...

"I thought I'd have the jitters, but I didn't," Byrd told the Des Moines Register. "I got hit by a pitch. That was something I needed."

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 10:33am

Tough SOB... can't wait til he gets back to push those crappy hitters like Castro and Ramirez out of the three hole.

Submitted by navigator
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 10:55am

"When you fall off a horse, get right back on"

--Christopher Reeve

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 11:03am

"A good craftsman never blames his tools."

--Koyie Hill

Submitted by Ryno
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 11:49am

"It is cheering to see the rats are still around; the ship is not sinking."
Eric Hoffer

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 12:03pm

"I'd like to see Quade given a chance to manage the team we broke camp with."
Shit-for-Brains GM

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 12:52pm

"When opportunity is in your hands. You have to reach out and grab it"

Steve Bartman

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 3:59pm

almost all of that was just f'n awesome. bravo tcr.

Submitted by Rob Richardson
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 12:02pm

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/st...

"It's getting a lot better," Wood told ESPNChicago.com on Tuesday. "The skin around the finger is better. The nail is stronger. It's looking a lot better to me."

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 12:43pm

For all six teams (Boise and above) to win yesterday, a couple of improbable things had to happen: Peoria had to break a 10-game losing streak, and the suddenly impotent post-LeMahieu Smokies--punished by Jackson's and Lake's deep slumps and then KO'd by the Vitters beaning--had to actually score a run in thirteen innings. More impressive, though, were the seven consecutive scoreless innings spun by Maine and Gaub in Iowa's 15-inning 6-5 win over Albuquerque. Maine pitched three innings, Gaub four(!). Both gave up 1 hit, with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts. Add starter J. Jackson's 5 strikeouts and you get 19 total.

Submitted by Eric S
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:43pm

Peoria really hit the wall - their all-star break didn't even help. Daytona not scoring much either of late, but pitching relatively well.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 12:56pm

Jason Parker(?) on SS prospects with all kinds of Hak-Ju Lee love. Puts him in his top 3...

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php...

TCF: Lee is one of my favorite prospects in the game, and a player with the potential to be Leader of the Pack (Future) in this crazy deep talent pool. At the plate, the 20-year-old Korean has great hands and hand-eye coordination, which leads to heavy doses of contact. The power isn’t there, and it might not show up, but he can sting a ball; he’s not an empty hitter. I like his overall approach: It’s aggressive yet under control, giving him some on-base ability and high-batting average projections. The glove is flashy and slick, though he still needs refinement, which he will find through repetition; the actions for a plus defender are already present. The arm is plenty strong for the position and his quick feet, natural instincts, and plus-plus raw speed given him excellent range. The total package could be an All-Star with a plus glove, the ability to hit for a very high average (not empty average), and enough strength to work the gaps. He’s not going to hit 15-plus home runs per season, but you can’t put him in the speed/slasher box, either.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:21pm

Parker's been around since sometime last year. He loves the phrase "hit tool", which I think means not striking out without bunting.

Another couple about Cubs articles over at BP now, including a draft recap:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:32pm

Later Picks of Note: With a mid-90s fastball that consistently touches 97-98, fourth-round pick Tony Zych was one of the hardest throwers in this year's draft, but he doesn't have another plus offering. Sixth-round catcher Neftali Rosario is a very good defensive catcher with a bit of pop. He'll be a nearly impossible sign, but many think 11th-round pick Shawon Dunston Jr. will be a first-round pick in 2014 after honing his skills at Vanderbilt.
Analysis: The Cubs focused more on teenage upside than in recent drafts, which fits well with the system needs. Tough signs like Dunston and seventh-round pick Trevor Gretzky give them a chance to make this an excellent crop.

better place to hone skills? Vanderbilt or Cubs farm system?

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:52pm

Vandy by far!!!!!

Cubs farm system or California Penal league?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:57pm

I can sort of get his dad not wanting to run his life, but how could a son of a major leaguer not be a more advanced baseball player... I guess Shawon really just did rely on physical talent for his entire career.

Hopefully we dump some contracts and direct the cash towards signing some of these guys... I still don't get the Gretzky deal. I guess San Diego State is a pretty big-time program, so maybe he can play. Longer article on him, I missed if it's 3/44.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-06-09...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 2:06pm

athlete first, baseball player second

The Cubs way...

supposedly a pretty good QB prospect as well until the shoulder injury. Said Miami, UCLA and AZ State were looking at him before the injury, although if he was that good, you'd figured they'd still offer him a scholarship even after he recovers.

Submitted by navigator
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 2:15pm

"The Cubs focused more on teenage upside than in recent drafts, which fits well with the system needs."

We need more unsignable ballplayers who are five years away?? I may not be around to see them. What happened to "Wait 'til next year!"

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 12:56pm

Q-Ball to take Riggleman's spot on All-Star coaching staff according to Muskat

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 12:57pm

speaking of, I suppose only Marmol and Castro are the Cubs options at this point?

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:02pm

I would include Marshall on that list.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:04pm

No Soriano love?

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:05pm

nope

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:59pm

No Soriano love?

---

The Cubs should start an All-Star campaign for Soriano using that picture of him giving dual fingers.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:30pm

Doug Davis on the verge of 1st inning implosion

first 4 get on for one run, but gets a GIDP that scores the second run.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:53pm

they really need to move Pena before the 2nd game tonight...maybe to the Giants like that Joel Youngblood deal (although that was 2 different cities).

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:58pm

I'd rather see them move Doug Davis between innings :)

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:58pm

for the uneducated...

with Mets against Cubs in a day game
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/C...

then made it to Philly to play for the Expos for the nightcap
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/P...

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 1:57pm

Hill just hr'd, the world is definitely about to end.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 2:03pm

Vogelsong has only given up 3 or more runs one other time this year against the Mets back in early May.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 2:07pm

I think Davis is trying to use the Rocky Balboa game plan. Tire them out with running the bases early in the game, then come back late for a knock-out.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 2:12pm

Doug Davis on the other hand, has given up 3 or more runs every fucking time he pitches (unofficial stat).

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 2:37pm

Aramis Ramirez now 1 for 36 driving in runners from third with less than two out.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 2:58pm

So, so much pain....

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 3:05pm

Follow the I-Cubs game. That's going much better. Byrd 2-4 with a double, HR, a walk and 3 RBI's and Barney got two hits and a SB... I feel a mid-season trade simile coming on.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 3:18pm

Byrd and Barney for?......... Something useful?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 3:57pm

No, but getting them back will be like making a mid-season trade for slightly below average starters.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 4:07pm

Andy McFail'd!!!

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 4:11pm

So, Andy? You are sitting at 32 and 50 on the year. Where do you feel this ball club is at this point?

Well Len, we certainly didn't figure that a rotation built around Mark Prior and Kerry Wood would have some many injury problems. But getting those two and Angel Guzman back will be like making a huge mid season trade.

How do feel about the direction of the franchise?

Couldn't be better Len!!!

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 4:53pm

13-7 first game. Any predictions on tonight's score? I figured we might not score 7 runs this entire series off the Giants pitching.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 5:05pm

loss, 3-0 in 14 innings after jeff baker gives up a 3 run homer to pat burrell

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 6:09pm

I would actually like to see that.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 4:55pm

Hey all - don't worry about game 1 of the double header. We have Rodrigo Lopez pitching in game 2, which should get the Cubs back on track.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 4:59pm

Muskat says Mateo coming up for Game 2, Lamehieu being sent down...

Submitted by TJ
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 5:06pm

There isn't much to cheer about this year, but I was hoping Castro could make a run for the batting title. However, I am upset every day when I see Q-ball put him in the third spot. When will he realize that for whatever reason, Castro is not comfortable there. I hope it doesn't ruin him.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 6:11pm

So much for reinforcements...

Mateo's stats at Iowa:

1-3 with a 6.87 ERA in 18 1-3 innings over 16 outings.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 6:31pm

mateo down, barney up should happen soon enough.

doug davis DFA will hopefully happen before that.

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 6:42pm

Submitted by crunch on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 5:31pm.
mateo down, barney up should happen soon enough.

doug davis DFA will hopefully happen before that.

============================================

CRUNCH: If Rodrigo Lopez has an (unexpectedly) reasonably decent outing tonight, I would think the Cubs might keep Lopez in the starting rotation and Marcos Mateo in the bullpen and DFA Doug Davis when Darwin Barney is reactivated tomorrow.

Davis has the potential to earn about $1M in incentives tied to GS and IP, so I doubt that the Cubs would think twice about releasing him. He has zero trade value.

As for other trade possibilities, I could see Kerry Wood going home to Texas once he proves his blister issue has been resolved, and (as I have mentioned here before) the Giants should have some interest in acquiring Geovany Soto. And Alfonso Soriano for Adam Dunn is just too supersilious for it not to happen.

Submitted by tharr
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 3:40am

Isn't it Hendry's philosophy to continue starting players having bad years in hope of increasing their trade value?

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 6:45pm

Sullivan has an article up about Colvin at Iowa:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball...

Submitted by Jace
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 7:53pm

Does he make any judgements about Colvin's timing? I know someone who he ought to get in touch with who has all kinds of unsolicited advice about jumping to such a conclusion...

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:18am

Interesting to read Von Joshua analyzing someone's swing again.

Reminds me when he gave a long dissertation about Milton Bradley, on how the top half of his body was turned the wrong way and out of synch with his legs. "You can't hit like that."

He got that right.

I think I prefer him to Teflon Rudy. I find the whole Colvin deal very disturbing in terms of what the coach was doing in his day job. Here is a talented young hitter--maybe not too sharp--who is just floundering. He has to go to Iowa to get any answers.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:52am

Reminds me when he gave a long dissertation about Milton Bradley, on how the top half of his body was turned the wrong way and out of synch with his legs. "You can't hit like that."

LOL. Yea - Milton Bradly couldn't hit. The dude has a career 804 OPS. He sure can't hit.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:05am

Well let me amend that comment then..:
Milton Bradley is a guy who could get on base, and hit..
as long as you expect him to play 90 games or so, get hurt, have run ins with umpires, coaches, announcers....and put up 12 HR's and 55 RBI's or so....then yeah, he's your guy.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:08am

as long as you expect him to play 90 games or so, get hurt, have run ins with umpires, coaches, announcers....and put up 12 HR's and 55 RBI's or so....then yeah, he's your guy.

Which, of course, has pretty much nothing to do with the quote that VA Phil posted.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:13am

No....just I can't stand Milton Bradley, and his waste of talent ass....

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:20am

So as the pitch was coming in, he turned the top of his body toward the catcher? What was Bradley thinking?!?

I'm interested to see if Joshua has more success with Colvin. I still maintain part of his problem was bad luck, but it didn't seem like he was making as much solid contact as last year either.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:23am

Guys with terrible plate discipline and poor approaches tend to get exposed at the MLB level.

Maybe Colvin can tighten up his overall approach? I doubt he'll ever have much discipline or pitch recognition though?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:15am

But that's the thing, he wasn't having any more trouble walking or making contact than he did last year.

Shawon Dunston, by your esimation would never hit MLB pitching.

Submitted by Charlie
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:26am

Colvin's line drive percentage this year is 9.9 compared to last year's 17.0. His HR/FB this year is 6.3 compared to last year's very strong 19.4.

It looked to me like Colvin was making plenty of contact, it was just poor contact. And it looked to me like most of the time that he was in the majors he was hitting the very top of the ball a lot of the time that he was pulling it, resulting in weak grounders to the right (or into foul territory). The numbers also suggest that he was getting as much of the fly balls that he hit either. I would say that those are probably symptoms of some mechanical problems which may lead to, be caused by, or just combine with some small timing issues. I think some of it had to do with all the time he spent on the bench, but I don't have any evidence for that.

Submitted by Jace
on Thu, 06/30/2011 - 1:53am

some might say he looked like his timing was off...

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 06/30/2011 - 2:25am

That's what Joshua said when he saw him. Wayyyyyy late.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 06/30/2011 - 9:17am

It's one thing if TCR commentors don't know what timing is... it's really alarming if our hitting coaches don't.

Submitted by Charlie
on Thu, 06/30/2011 - 9:57am

I actually saw the opposite, at least early in the season, of what Joshua saw. It looked like Colvin was early on most things.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 11:41am

Shawon Dunston, by your esimation would never hit MLB pitching.

Well... he didn't really hit MLB pitching.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:10pm

Aw come on....he hit them ok....he just couldn't get on base otherwise if his life depended on it....
.269/.296/.416

.296 OBP......wow...

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:11pm

Isn't that the Hendry/Wilkin prototype for the perfect prospect?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:24pm

He looked good in a uniform.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:10pm

Some guys like Dunston, Kpatt, Felix Pie,etc. Can have careers with bad plate discipline.

They just never have the careers that the tools folks hype them for.

Not mention that all of those guys are dead meat when it comes to trying to hit top level pitching. Which might have a little something to do with the Cubs playoff issues over the years?

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:13pm

Ah Felix Pie.....
I still would have like to have seen him get a season or 2 of at bats before shipping him off for nothing...
Yeah, it sure seems the Cubs have drafted these same types of players since....forever?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:24pm

Everyone drafts them, it's just the Cubs that promote them without deleloping them.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:24pm

It's really akin to the mediocre Numbers Big armed QB's we see in the NFL draft every year.

Jeff George
Ryan Leaf
Jamarcus Russell
Akili Smith

All the same basic story. Mediocre college careers. Teams fell in love with the arm strength tool. Busts as pro's.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:58pm

Aw....c'mon now..Jeff George had a few good seasons? Lol...

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 1:02pm

He doesn't fit with the others so much. He is just the most shining example of that situation.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 1:07pm

Well..ok...I spose....he did manage to throw 154 TD's..more than the other 3 combined is all.....

Anyway....I agree on the Cubs drafting these kind of players over, and over, and over....

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 1:06pm

"Which [bad plate discipline] might have a little something to do with the Cubs playoff issues over the years?"

Maybe, but I just took a quick look at the OBPs of the eight starting position players in Game 1 of the Cub-Dodger series in '08, and all were .359 or higher except Soriano's, with three OBPs above .375.

Soriano .344
Fukudome .359
Lee .361
Ram .380
Soto .364
Edmunds .369 (as a Cub)
DeRosa .376
Theriot .387

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:47pm

"LOL," etc.

Do you think Von Joshua was analyzing Bradley's swing when he was with Texas?

With the Cubs, he slugged .397. His OBP was fine, because he was focused like a laser on drawing walks. Fukudome draws walks, too, and many observers would look at him and say, "You can't hit like that."

I do find it odd that the Cubs get beaten up every day in these pages for not stressing plate discipline, after spending $80 million since '08 on the two most extreme non-producing OBP specialists in the game.

"He just didn't swing the bat. He didn't get the job done. His production, or lack of (production), was the only negative." --Hendry on Bradley

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 1:03pm

If the Cubs had a Fukudome batting 1-8 they'd be in MUCH better shape than they are now.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 1:07pm

Their defense probably wouldn't suffer much either.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 1:04pm

That 2008 team led the league in OBP%.

They also led the league in wins.

Any correlation ya think?

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 1:23pm

Hmmm....I'll go with....yes? Lol....

2008 Cubs:.278/.354/.443
2011 Cubs:.264/.319/.402

Interesting....the NL average?
2008: .260/.331/.413
2011: .251/.318/.386

Eh...they still need to get on base much more than they already do....

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 2:04pm

That would be nice, but they're a league average offense. What they really need to do is start pitching and turning batted balls into outs a lot better. They've walked 21 more batters than the 2nd worst team and have five more errors than the second worst team.

A powerful combination, caused, apparently by injuries?!?

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 2:07pm

Also a good point TRN..with a black hole in the 4/5 spots in the rotation, an average offense, and bad fielding, combined with...

fuck..

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 2:13pm

At least Wrigley is a beautiful and structurally sound ballpark?

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 2:50pm

The offense is plagued by too many free swingers.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 7:03pm

Here's Mike Quade's lineup for Game 2 vs. Barry Zito:

1. Reed Johnson, cf.

2. Starlin Castro, ss

3. Aramis Ramirez, 3b

4. Carlos Pena, 1b

5. Geovany Soto, c

6. Jeff Baker, 2b

7. Alfonso Soriano, lf

8. Lou Montanez, rf

9. Rodrigo Lopez, p

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 7:25pm

5. Geovany Soto, c

Haha, you almost got me there! Anyone got the real lineup?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 7:37pm

that's been Soto's spot versus lefties for the most part

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 7:47pm

Going into tonight:

4th 4 PA's
5th 42
6th 50
7th 37
8th 66

Though I will buy he's batted there more against lefties than in the other slots.

If Quade had to pick one bad habit from Lou to steal, I wish it wasn't his names from a hat lineup construction.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 8:40pm

awesome! lol...

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 8:34pm

Oh good, more embarrassing Mike Quade antics.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 8:53pm

What did he do?

Submitted by Tito
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:13am

He argued the call at the plate, and apparently you have to look a certain way when you argue or else it's embarrassing.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 9:52am

Anyone have the replay of that play somewhere?

I was on a rooftop, with a TV that didn't work, so couldn't really see what happened.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 8:49pm

Make it stop

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 9:23pm

Gammon tweet
Red Sox cannot add payroll, which means with RF washout and McDonald/Cameron 0 production, they can take no $. Dream Jeff Baker. period.

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 7:05am

Fudge.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 06/30/2011 - 8:42am

Fukudome was the latest in the succession of left handed hitting RF's that Hendry has failed in the quest to acquire anyone really good after Sosa shrunk.

Burnitz, Jacques Jones, Fuk and thinking Fuk can play CF, Uncle Milty.

...plus a few minor attempts to catch lightning in a bottle: Jody Gerut, Ben Grieve, Todd Hollandsworth, Matt Lawton

Fukudome's failure is that he came here with the expectation to drive in some runs and provide 20 HR power as well as the history of great April and meh May-Sept. He has succeeded in the OBP and RF defense areas.

Tyler Colvin is somewhere in that mix too although he was a farm product and should be lumped in with Pie and CPat.

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