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40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full), plus two players are on the 60-DAY IL 

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Last updated 4-18-2024
 
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PITCHERS: 13
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Colten Brewer
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Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
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Hector Neris 
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Jameson Taillon 
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Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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* Michael Busch 
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Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson
Patrick Wisdom

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* Cody Bellinger 
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

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Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Miles Mastrobuoni, INF
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

10-DAY IL: 1 
Seiya Suzuki, OF

15-DAY IL: 
* Justin Steele, P   

60-DAY IL: 2 
Caleb Kilian, P 
Julian Merryweather, P
 




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Sic’ em Maddog

Submitted by Christian Ruzich on
GAME 7 REVIEW
CUBS 4 REDS 1
Recap | Box Score | Play-by-play | Game Chart | Photos
W: Greg Maddux (2-0) L: Brandon Claussen (0-1) SV: Ryan Dempster (2)
A game loss by the Reds more than won by the Cubs, but take them anyway you can. The Reds committed an abysmal 5 errors, a few of them caused by the speed of Juan Pierre. He bunted for a hit to leadoff the bottom half of the first and 2 batters later attempted a steal of third which Javier Valentin air-mailed over the 3rd basemen's head for the Cubs first run. Lee was also stealing on the play and advanced to third on the throw, scoring on a Barrett sac fly. Pierre reached again when his speed forced Tony Womack to rush a throw to 1st. although the error was apparently given to 1B Scott Hatterberg. A little bit more of the Reds defensive foolishness followed and the Cubs scored their third run of the day on a Barrett grounder to third that Encarnacion muffed. On the type of day you dread when Maddux is on the mound (wind blowing out 18 mph+ to right), Maddog proved an old dog can learn new tricks. He kept the Reds batters fooled all day, locating his pitches to perfection and even throwing a few pitches that barely topped 60 on the gun. The only blemish was a walk to Dunn and then a double to Edwin Encarnacion. The Cubs had Dunn at the plate, but a less than perfect throw by Cedeno short-hopped Barrett, who made little effort of his own to get the ball despite having plenty of time to get the lumbering Dunn, and the ball skipped away. Barrett more than made up for it with a 2 out single to score the Cubs final run, ending the day 1 for 3 from the plate with 3 RBI's (I believe currently tied for the NL lead with 13). The bullpen went back to being fantastic, 2 scoreless innings by Scott Eyre and a rather uneventful 9th for Dempster. Eyre got through the 7th inning on a mere 8 pitches, so Dusty rightfully put him out for the 8th. He got himself into a little trouble by giving up a single to Brandon Phillips and a walk to Ryan Freel (who replaced Ken Griffey in center after Griffey left with stiffness in one of his knees). This left Eyre with the dubious task of having to face Dunn as the tying run, but Eyre quickly dispatched Dunn on a groundout to 2nd. Not the prettiest of games, the Cubs caused some havoc on the bases with their speed but also ran into some outs. The defense was generally solid beyond the one run scoring play for the Reds, Ronny Cedeno and Angel Pagan both making nice plays in the 9th to secure the victory. The Cubs try to win the rubber match tomorrow with Big Z going against Homer Happy Milton. The Cubs have now won 5 games, Glendon Rusch has lost two.

Comments

Submitted by DC Tom on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:12 pm

Regarding Maddux and the wind blowing out, I just posted these numbers on the Game 7 Thread. Traditionally, Maddux has not been a HR-happy pitcher, and that has been a key to his success. In his career he has only given up 0.61 HR/9. His last three years in Atlanta, his HR/9 rate was 0.80. Those are solid numbers. When he returned to Wrigley, his HR/9 rate boomed, to 1.48 in 2004, and 1.16 last year. In albeit only 12.1 innings so far this year, he seems to be back to form, giving up only 1 HR for a 0.73 HR/9 rate. Interestingly, the 4+ ERA Maddux we have seen the last two years is almost entirely attributable to this HR/9 rate. Since returning to the Cubs, his rate for the other "true outcomes" (strike outs and walks) have stayed pretty much the same as his last couple of years in Atlanta. So while it is clearly too early to draw any conclusions, there is room for hope here that "the old Maddog" might have one good, low-HR season left in him...Maybe not Cy Young quality, but certainly something like his 2002 season in Atlanta (2.62 ERA).

Submitted by Rob G. on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:20 pm

wouldn't that be nice, I'll take anything in the mid 3's to be honest. I do expect him to have a pretty good year, he is playing for a new contract and it really sounds like he wants to prove that he can still pitch next year. What a boost that would be...

Submitted by joe c on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:27 pm

"Not the prettiest of games" pretty big understatement. Both teams looked foolish at time. On the other hand, Maddux looked great on the mound. also bunted into a double play though.

Submitted by Bogey on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:43 pm

Barrett is tied with A.Jones for the ML lead in RBI's at 13. Thought for sure the Cubs would drop another egg today after seeing the lineup but was greatly pleased with Maddog's performance as well as Eyre's who reached 94 on the gun against Dunn. Things seem to be aligning for the Cubs considering today was the first day that Pierre swiped a bag and Murton, Pierre and Aramis haven't really begun to hit like they should. All we need right now is for Wood, Prior, Miller or Guzman to take Rusch's roster and rotation spot...I don't even want him in the bully...he should be on a team like KC...not in Chicago.

Submitted by jessica on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:07 pm

I bow to no one in my total worship of the Madog but I don't think you can attribute his penchant for giving up homers in the last two seasons exclusively to Wrigley. I know one of you nice stat heads can break this down but I think he gave more than a few of those dingers in the last two years on the road.

Submitted by Ryno on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:16 pm

You mentioned the Reds making errors because of Pierre's speed... If you'll remember back to game 2, Ross, the Reds catcher dropped a foul ball off Lee because at the last minute he looked to see where Pierre was and the ball bounced out of his mit. A few pitches later Lee hit a homer. Pierre is great to have on the bases.

Submitted by Rob G. on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:21 pm

not sure how Pierre's speed caused Ross to drop a high pop up, it's not like Pierre could have gone anywhere. But speed is good to have on the bases, it just has to be on the bases.

Submitted by Brown Line on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:00 pm

I was at the game today - beautiful day, good outcome, though a sloppy game. But one thing I did like: they pulled off the double steal twice. The first time, Valentin threw the ball away and Pierre scored; the second time, both runners advanced without a play - maybe Valentin was spooked, who knows? Anyway, just sign me up as a charter member of the Juan Pierre Fan Club!

Submitted by CUBBY on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:16 pm

i got the 1st arroyo game and the barret slam game on DVD from a friend, and yes, the man has a very small head. it must lend an advantage for both wind drag and speed...though hes wearing a helmet, but still. i thought it was odd how we put pressure on them with running, but also managed to goof a few times also. the double-play involving murton and cedeno, brenly had said with the ball hit to his left it was a natural reflex for murton to lean toward 3rd, unfortunately that reflex cost us. i have no idea how ronny got out though. snap throw? cripes. then neifi getting doubled off. heard he wasnt going with the pitch, but started off when maddux came around to bunt, and the timing just worked out in cinci's favor. oh well. as far as dereks failed swipe of 3rd goes, i still havent read anything to help me understand this. 1 out, derek at 2nd, up by 3 runs late in the game, rbi co-leader at the plate...hm...nope, makes no darn sense! but oh well. mistaken sign maybe? whatever though. no use crying over home runs by arroyo and glendonfailingtokeeptheballdown/cubbiehittersnotliftingballstoright which are basically the reason for our two Ls. so far weve been quite fortunate. tomorrow lets hope carlos can just calm down and "throw it" letting his nasty stuff do its thing, instead of try to "pitch" so hard and get all fussy over the strike zone. oh, and tomorrows starter for cinci eric milton led the NL last year in both homers and runs allowed...hmmm... GO CUBS!

Submitted by DC Tom on Wed, 04/12/2006 - 04:00 pm

Jessica, I did not mean to blame Maddux's deteriorating HR/9 rate on Wrigley. I just meant to point it out that so far this season, Maddux's HR/9 rate is back to where it was before 2004, when it did spike, especially on the road. In 2004 he gave up 16 HRs in 113.2 Wrigley innings (1.27 HR/9) against 19 in 99 road innings (1.73 HR/9). In 2005, Maddog gave up 14 HRs in 110 innings at Wrigley, compared to 15 in 115 innings on the road, a statistical tie. In his career, his Wrigley HR/9 rate is 0.70, versus .58 in all other ballparks. It might be that Maddux simply does not want to give up his 300th home run. He has given up 299. I am willing to let him motivate himself this way as long as it suits him.

Submitted by crunch on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:12 am

john knonkkonononkornkornkornoknornko gets a win vs LAofAofAAAofAAAAofAAAAofAAofAAAAAofA. he threw a nice game in 6ip of work.

Submitted by Hundred Year B… on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:11 am

Speaking of former Cubs pitching for Texas: 5 G, 5 IP, 3H, 1BB, 1K, 0.00 ERA. I'll give you six guesses.

Submitted by CUBBY on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:56 am

uh, that would have to be tony six-fingers. just cuz im bored at work, heres what happened in order: Game 1) vs BOS, takes mount top 9th, lowell groundout, ortiz line-out, manny fly-out. (BOS wins 7-3) Game 2) vs BOS, takes mound top 7th, lowell line-out, cora groundout, youkilis double to left, bard ground-out. (TEX won 10-4) Game 3) vs DET, takes mount top 9th, inge groundout, granderson walk (then caught stealing), polanco bunt-out to pitcher. (DET won 5-2) Game 4) vs DET, takes mound top 7th, santiago flyout, granderson hit to right, inge K looking, I-rod liner to short. tony gets a hold. (TEX won 5-3) Game 5) vs ANA, takes mound bot 7th w/ man on 2nd none out, gets salmon on grounder, kennedy hit to left; 1st/3rd, figgins sac fly scores run, cabrera flies out. run charged to benoit, tony gets a hold (2). (ANA won 5-4)

Submitted by hoagie on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:42 am

Who saw Koronka's web gem? He caught it behind-the-back!

Submitted by Ryno on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:10 am

Personally, I've been in awe of Maddux these first 2 starts. He's consistently hit the bottom of the strike zone with the sinker and caught the edge with his backdoor whatchamacallit (2seamer?, sinker?). He's ran his pitches in & out changing speeds and rarely missing his location. Even last year when he struggled with his command (the cause of the increased HR rate), I still knew he "had it" after that 10K game against the Mets. He's filled in admirably as a #2 starter and has been on top of his game so far this year. Example: In his first start this year I saw him throw 2 curveballs, but each one had a different trajectory. One was a 12-6, one was a 1-7. You just get this feeling that he has about 15 different pitches he could throw.

Submitted by Andrew on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:40 am

It's encouraging indeed to see Maddux off to a fast start, especially when he hasn't seemed to hit his stride until mid-summer the past few years. I wonder if his reported hiring of a personal trainer over the offseason has had something to do with it, though I imagine it would affect arm strength and durability more than pitch movement. Still, I'm not complaining, and I can't wait to see if he can keep this up even when he moves back into the 3rd or 4th starter role.

Submitted by Stevens on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:46 am

I can't wait to see if he can keep this up even when he moves back into the 3rd or 4th starter role First, I can't wait to see if he keeps it up as well, but it will just be a question of endurance and skill, not role. After the first week, there's absolutely nothing different between the first and the fourth starter "role," so that should have no effect.

Submitted by Andrew on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:56 am

After the first week, there's absolutely nothing different between the first and the fourth starter "role," so that should have no effect. Agreed.

Submitted by jacos on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:07 am

"his reported hiring of a personal trainer " I was please when I saw that in January, and I would believe it could do nothing but help him. But the cynic me also knows that he got a trainer during his walk year, but if he wins the Cubs win so great. If he wins 15 this year I would have no problem with Cubs offering him a one-two year deal but I don't know what number he would want annually.

Submitted by Wild Thing on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:34 am

I can't see the Cubs offering Maddux a deal, especially with all the young, talented, near-MLB-level arms in the minors. Of course, with both Maddux and Wood possibly leaving after this year, the Cubs rotation could be: Zambrano, Prior, ?, ?, ? Two of those spots could easily be filled with someone from the Marshall/Ryu/Guzman/Hill pool. Anyone know where to find a list of decent FA pitchers after this year?

Submitted by cubsnlinux on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:37 am

"Anyone know where to find a list of decent FA pitchers after this year?" Walmart - Always low prices

Submitted by The Dude on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:49 am

Young pitchers or not, I think if Maddux has a solid year and his contract demands aren't outrageous, he will be back with the Cubs next year. This Cubs management team is pretty PR-savy and if Maddux proves he still has something left, I don't think they will let him walk in favor of some unproven prospects.

Submitted by Hundred Year B… on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:51 am

Who said Maddux wants to pitch next year? I don't think he ever did. What with the allure of pro-am golf tournaments and all. I always assumed this was his last contract. If he wins 20, maybe not. If the Cubs get close and just miss, maybe not. But I wouldn't say for sure Maddux is pitching next year.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:54 am

Wild Thing: "I can't see the Cubs offering Maddux a deal, especially with all the young, talented, near-MLB-level arms in the minors." With the Lee signing, I think there is a better chance Maddux would come back with a home town discount. I am not sure what would be fair for the Cubs to pay him, but with Lee saying he wants to stay here and win a championship and taking less money, it might convince Maddux to come back for less. Also, like Lee who said it in his press conference, Maddux seems to really like Baker and with his upcoming extenstion might help the Cubs case of getting maddux cheaper. On a side note, Lee came out and flat out said he wants Baker reupped. I would be shocked if that wasn't talked about during negotiations. Who knows, maybe it is wishful thinking, but I would love Maddux to retire as a Cub.

Submitted by Andrew on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:07 am

Here are a few, I believe: Mark Mulder Jason Schmidt Barry Zito Jose Contreras Andy Pettite Doug Davis Vicente Padilla Kerry Wood Greg Maddux

Submitted by Andrew on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:25 am

Manny, Also, like Lee who said it in his press conference, Maddux seems to really like Baker and with his upcoming extenstion might help the Cubs case of getting maddux cheaper. On what are you basing that Maddux "seems to really like" Baker? I'm not saying he doesn't, I just haven't seen any word or sign that he's particularly fond of Dusty. Give evidence, please. Also, you still haven't responded to why you have suddenly switched from your "Dusty and Hendry should make the playoffs to get extended" position to "Dusty should now be extended ASAP". Is this change purely because Hendry got extended? Finally, I hope you read Blockhead's note to you in the comments of the TCR West Coast Get Together thread.

Submitted by Bogey on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:27 am

Contreras signed an extention a week ago so he's not a FA and Davis and the Brewers have begun discussions on an extention so he likely will not be a FA either.

Submitted by big john stud on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:30 am

Contreras isn't a FA after this year. I believe the Sox worked out a 3 year extension. Maddux has said that he wants to continue playing as long as someone will have him. I think the Cubs would be wise to bring him back next year if he'll take a reasonable 1 year deal. Even with the youngsters looking to break in, Greg is a sure thing and at the very least, he'll be a back of the rotation innings eater.

Submitted by Andrew on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:36 am

Contreras signed an extention a week ago. Indeed, you're right. Thanks for the correction.

Submitted by 433 on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:45 am

I had thought that Maddux planned to play as long as he possibly could. I had also assumed that Baker wasn't one of his favorite people after he started whispering about Maddux retiring late last season. Here are excerpts from a February article that addresses both points, killing two proverbial birds with one proverbial stone: _____ It wonít be long before people start talking about a farewell tour for Greg Maddux. But if he leaves anything in 2006, itíll be Chicago, not baseball. Maddux will turn 40 in April and if the Cubs donít want him back in 2007, it doesnít mean he has any intention of retiring. ìThey can assume anything they want. Iím not,íí Maddux said with a hearty laugh as he left a Las Vegas golf course and headed for his kidsí school Tuesday afternoon. ìI just told my wife (Kathy) yesterday that I need to have a good year so someone will give me a job and I can play again next year. ìThatís my thinking. If I do well enough, maybe I get to play again. I love it. Itís fun. Iím not ready to give it up.íí Cubs manager Dusty Baker tried to imply last August that Maddux was considering retirement after the 2005 season, though Maddux says that was a figment of Bakerís ó or someoneís ó imagination. And to know Maddux is to believe it was total nonsense. ìI donít know where it came from. (Stuff) happens, you know?íí Maddux said. ìI think what I always think when people say stuff. Theyíre entitled to their opinion." And in 2007? ìIf someone will give me a shirt to wear, Iíll be there,íí Maddux said. ìWhy not?íí http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/rozner.asp?id=151838

Submitted by Rob G. on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:03 pm

what new trickes is Maddux learning - a new pitch - it certainly isn't his performance. Not giving up a bunch of bombs when the wind is blowing out, some weird curveballs i haven't seen him throw in awhile as described above, the 60 mph junk he threw a couple of times to fool the hitters. He's not reinventing himself or anything, but whatever, just a cliche as you said. Who said Maddux wants to pitch next year? Maddux said it a few times in spring training, I believe when they were asking him about pitching (or not pitching) for the WBC. He said he wanted to show enough this year that someone will hopefully give him a job next year or something like that...

Submitted by jessica on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:15 pm

Maddux has NO intention of retiring A few points Hiring the personal trainer was I think a tacid realization that he needed to do a little more in the off season but was not by any means a sign of complacancy in the previous seasons. Maddux has always been very adament that he knew exactly how to deal with his body his own way, it worked for over 20 years so it was hard to accept that he might need a little help He had no intention of retiring and never did My favorite line when asked in about this in 2003 " I don't want to embarress myself by any means, but I would rather pitch bad than not pitch at all" Honestly not as scary as it sounds , he just LOVES to play too much to think about giving it up The thing with Dusty was stupid and initially Maddux tried to "cover" for him by saying things like everyone has to retire eventually but I think it did annoy him more because the press kept asking Dusty never mentioned it again IF he Cubs and Maddux both have good seasons he will stay, He is a creature of habit and dislikes moving around and he actually really likes Chicago and Wrigley.However winning and not money will be the biggest factors in his decision of WHERE he plays in 2007. He won't be sticking around for sentiment and if the Cubs have problems don't be shocked to see him wearing little red birds etc.

Submitted by Bogey on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:15 pm

I think Maddog will pitch as long as he's not getting shelled on a regular basis or is relegated to the bully. He's got the ultimate rubber arm and the only physical health concerns will be the result of Krispy Kremes. In Buster Olney's ESPN blog he talks about the availability of Willis and M.Cabrera claiming unnamed GM's have told him that the Marlins haven't contacted any club about a trade but are definitely "intently listening to offers on both of them". They claim to have little doubt that both will be elsewhere before Opening Day next season. Willis will be going into his 2nd arbitration year and has already received a record amount for a first time arb.eligible pitcher at $4m+. Supposedly the Red Sox and Yanks have aleady contacted FLA on Willis with Boston offering top P prospect Jon Lester and SS/2B Dustin Pedroia. I'm not so sure on Cabrera though, he only has a little more than 2 yrs of ML service so his big payday isn't exactly on the clock but I suppose it would also mean that the Marlins could get even more in trade considering he makes less than $500 a year. Before he all start salivating on Cabrera surrounding D.Lee in the lineup, we're looking at letting Aramis go for nothing and having to give up Pie and Guzman minimum with most likely another prospect. Thome just homered again.

Submitted by jacos on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:17 pm

According to WSCR no Aram and Jones again today.

Submitted by jacos on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:19 pm

My 20006 rotation Z zito Prior Maddux(if he keeps up) Guzman or Marshall

Submitted by Bogey on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:20 pm

any word on whether it's going to be Walker or Hairston? Milton is starting. Livan Hernandez is getting shelled by the Mets. 7-0 in the 1st with HRs by Beltran, Wright and Floyd in the 1st.

Submitted by Bogey on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:21 pm

Frank Robinson might as well have Livan start plunking Mets batters before he gets the 1st inning axe.

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:22 pm

"but with Lee saying he wants to stay here and win a championship and taking less money, it might convince Maddux to come back for less." How did Lee take less money to come back to the Cubs? By all accounts, he got a sweet deal. He's getting paid roughly $14 million per year for the next 4 years after one breakout season at age 29. And he got re-signed at the very beginning of the next season after his breakout year. Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that we re-signed him, but it's not like any other team would have paid him much more than that, especially since we have no idea if he can repeat last season's performance at this point.

Submitted by jacos on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:30 pm

I believe Lee would have gotten $15-$ 17 million for 5-6 years from Yanks or BoSox(damn DH rule). And alot of guys have been rewarded for one break out year (Carlos Beltran). As long as Steinbrenner is alive and the Bosox feel inferior they will overpay.

Submitted by Andrew on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:30 pm

According to WSCR no Aram and Jones again today. And, apparently, Barrett sits for Blanco and Murton is batting cleanup. Oy.

Submitted by Ryno on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:45 pm

How did Lee take less money to come back to the Cubs? By all accounts, he got a sweet deal. Oh come on. You know as well as everyone else knows he could have gotten much more from the Yanks or Bosox. Is Giambi still at first base for the Yanks? Give me a break.

Submitted by jessica on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:46 pm

Re # 39 Maddux & Krispy Kremes. Once in the Braves clubhouse, they had one of those huge spreads with every imaginable kind of food , meat, salads energy stuff sweets etc incuding Dunkin Donuts One annoyed Brave grabbed his car keys and said he was going out to get Krispy Kremes, Maddux looked up from his video game and said "They want us to play like All Stars , they should feed us like All Stars" ( I am sure he devoured upon said players return).

Submitted by Bogey on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:54 pm

Jessica, I think that's where I remembered it from. My girlfriend has a minor in dietetics and she said there is more fat in one of their glazed donuts than in a Big Mac. Probably the reason why their stock is way down.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:19 pm

Andrew: "Also, you still haven't responded to why you have suddenly switched from your "Dusty and Hendry should make the playoffs to get extended" position to "Dusty should now be extended ASAP". Is this change purely because Hendry got extended?" I have answered that question at least twice on here. You can look up the answer, but mainly I have said many times that Dusty and Hendry should be tied at the hip. As for Maddux, I have heard him a few times in interviews that he really likes his relationship with Dusty. They have a very good honest relationship. A good example is how Maddux gets taken out of the games amny times. I have never heard his say I love Dusty, but I think from the few times I have heard him talk about him, Maddux does like him.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:23 pm

Doug: "How did Lee take less money to come back to the Cubs? By all accounts, he got a sweet deal. " He did get a sweet deal, but I heard on ESPN radio yesterday morning that the Red Sox/NYY were thinking of offering him a deal of up to $100 million. Lee is a better player than Konerko and Konerko took less money to play for CHW, Lee got Konerko money, there is no reason to believe he wouldn't of gotten more in a bidding war.

Submitted by CUBBY on Thu, 04/13/2006 - 04:52 pm

is it just me or does jessica have a thing for the ol first-ballotter? is it his eyes? the way he licks his fingers?

Submitted by jessica on Fri, 04/14/2006 - 04:13 pm

No it is his taut physic physique and bulging muscles. Jeez can't a girl worship the greatest baseball player of our era without people thinking it is physical ( besides he doesn't have a British accent)

Recent comments

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Tauchman gets a pinch hit RBI single with a liner to RF. This is his spot. He's a solid 4th OF. But he isn't a DH. 

    He takes pitches. Useful. I still believe in having good hitters.

    You don't want your DH to be your weak link (other than your C maybe)

  • crunch (view)

    bit of a hot take here, but i'm gonna say it.

    the 2024 marlins don't seem to be good at doing baseballs.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Phil, will the call up for a double header restart that 15 days on assignment for a pitcher? Like will wesneski’s 15 days start yesterday, or if he’s the 27th man, will that mean 15 days from tomorrow?

    I hope that makes sense. It sounds clearer in my head.

  • Charlie (view)

    Tauchman obviously brings value to the roster as a 4th outfielder who can and should play frequently. Him appearing frequently at DH indicated that the team lacks a valuable DH. 

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Totally onboard with your thoughts concerning today’s lineup. Not sure about your take on Tauchman though.

    The guy typically doesn’t pound the ball out out of the park, and his BA is quite unimpressive. But he brings something unique to the table that the undisciplined batters of the past didn’t. He always provides a quality at bat and he makes the opposing pitcher work because he has a great eye for the zone and protects the plate with two strikes exceptionally well. In addition to making him a base runner more often than it seems through his walks, that kind of at bat wears a pitcher down both mentally and physically so that the other guys who may hit the ball harder are more apt to take advantage of subsequent mistakes and do their damage.

    I can’t remember a time when the Cubs valued this kind of contribution but this year they have a couple of guys doing it, with Happ being the other. It doesn’t make for gaudy stats but it definitely contributes to winning ball games. I do believe that’s why Tauchman has garnered so much playing time.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Miles Mastrobuoni cannot be recalled until he has spent at least ten days on optional assignment, unless he is recalled to replace a position player who is placed on an MLB inactive list (IL, Paternity, Bereavement / Family Medical). 

     

    And for a pitcher it's 15 days on optional assignment before he can be recalled, unless he is replacing a pitcher who is placed on an MLB inactive list (IL, Paternity, or Bereavement / Family Medical). 

     

    And a pitcher (or a position player, but almost always it's a pitcher) can be recalled as the 27th man for a doubleheader regardless of how many days he has been on optional assignment, but then he must be sent back down again the next day. 

     

    That's why the Cubs had to wait as long as they did to send Jose Cuas down and recall Keegan Thompson. Thompson needed to spend the first 15 days of the MLB regular season on optional assignment before he could be recalled (and he spent EXACTLY the first 15 days of the MLB regular season on optional assignment before he was recalled). 

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Indeed they do TJW!

    For the record I’m not in favor of solely building a team through paying big to free agents. But I’m also of the mind that when you develop really good players, get them signed to extensions that buy out a couple years of free agency, including with team options. And supplement the home grown players with free agent splashes or using excess prospects to trade for stars under team control for a few years. Sort of what Atlanta does, basically. Everyone talks about the dodgers but I feel that Atlanta is the peak organization at the current moment.

    That said, the constant roster churn is very Rays- ish. What they do is incredible, but it’s extremely hard to do which is why they’re the only ones frequently successful that employ that strategy. I definitely do not want to see a large market team like ours follow that model closely. But I don’t think free agent frenzies is always the answer. It’s really only the Dodgers that play in that realm. I could see an argument for the Mets too. The Yankees don’t really operate like that anymore since the elder Steinbrenner passed. Though I would say the reigning champions built a good deal of that team through free agent spending.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    The issue is the Cubs are 11-7 and have been on the road for 12 of those 18.  We should be at least 13-5, maybe 14-4. Jed isn't feeling any pressure to play anyone he doesn't see fit.
    But Canario on the bench, Morel not at 3B for Madrigal and Wisdom in RF wasn't what I thought would happen in this series.
    I was hoping for Morel at 3B, Canario in RF, Wisdom at DH and Madrigal as a pinch hitter or late replacement.
    Maybe Madrigal starts 1 game against the three LHSP for Miami.
    I'm thinking Canario goes back to Iowa on Sunday night for Mastrobuoni after the Miami LHers are gone.
    Canario needs ABs in Iowa and not bench time in MLB.
    With Seiya out for a while Wisdom is safe unless his SOs are just overwhelmingly bad.

    My real issue with the lineup isn't Madrigal. I'm not a fan, but I've given up on that one.
    It's Tauchman getting a large number of ABs as the de factor DH and everyday player.
    I didn't realize that was going to be the case.
    We need a better LH DH. PCA or ONKC need to force the issue in about a month.
    But, even if they do so, Jed doesn't have to change anything if the Cubs stay a few over .500!!!

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Totally depends on the team and the player involved. If your team’s philosophy is to pay huge dollars to bet on the future performance of past stars in order to win championships then, yes, all of the factors you mentioned are important.

    If on the other hand, if the team’s primary focus is to identify and develop future stars in an effort to win a championship, and you’re a young player looking to establish yourself as a star, that’s a fit too. Otherwise your buried within your own organization.

    Your comment about bringing up Canario for the purposes of sitting him illustrates perfectly the dangers of rewarding a non-performing, highly paid player over a hungry young prospect, like Canario, who is perpetually without a roster spot except as an insurance call up, but too good to trade. Totally disincentivizing the performance of the prospect and likely diminishing it.

    Sticking it to your prospects and providing lousy baseball to your fans, the consumers and source of revenue for your sport, solely so that the next free agent gamble finds your team to be a comfortable landing spot even if he sucks? I suppose  that makes sense to some teams but it’s definitely not the way I want to see my team run.

    Once again, DJL, our differences in philosophy emerge!

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    That’s just kinda how it works though, for every team. No team plays their best guys all the time. No team is comprising of their best 26 even removing injuries.

    When baseball became a business, like REALLY a business, it became important to keep some of the vets happy, which in turn keeps agents happy and keeps the team with a good reputation among players and agents. No one wants to play for a team that has a bad reputation in the same way no one wants to work for a company that has a bad rep.

    Don’t get me wrong, I hate it too. But there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

    On that topic, I find it silly the Cubs brought up Canario to sit as much as he has. He’s going to get Velazquez’d, and it’s a shame.

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