Bruce's latest article

[USSoccer]

I would get together this year and do it with some of the guys who are going, but I can't get my hands on a pass.

 

I am a huge Cubs fan who spends an inordinate amount of time and a good chunk of change every year to see them play on TV, as well as in person, in Chicago and several road cities (but to be fair, when I see them in NY it's free 95% of the time - and better seats).

 

But I have never once had any interest whatsoever in going to the convention.

 

It seems to me to be a celebration of 100 years of failure (or at least the past 40-50 of those years of failure) with no real information coming from the team or serious discussion on what can be done to improve the team. It's a giant PR event.

 

Oh, don't get me wrong. I love the Cubs (like we all do). I'd have to love them to be willing to put up with the verbal thrashing I get on occasion from my new wife for the time spent watching them, and then on this site following them.

 

I would only go to that convention to ask a tough question, or be part of a group of tough questions. I want to hear answers to questions that absolutely baffle me. I want accountability. I have no use for autographs, or any of that other junk. I want a winner, and won't celebrate a century of losing.

 

I'd bet any tough question will be given a bs answer. I wouldn't doubt if they've gone through a run- through of every possible question and what response should be given. After all, it's hard for me to believe that even with a tough weekend of questions those two bullheaded men would change their philosophies.

 

That's fine, though. At least I'd know for sure that someone called them out for something in a public forum, and maybe it would create some thought.

[Magnetic Curses]

Here's a question that I would ask, someone give me their best Jim Hendry answer.

 

"Jim, the Cubs were the best hitting team in the NL last season but were 9th in runs scored, do you think that this fact is in any way attributable to the team being dead last in the league in walks taken? If so, why did you not focus more of your attention on improving the team's plate discipline this offseason?

[goonys evil twin]

Here's a question that I would ask, someone give me their best Jim Hendry answer.

 

"Jim, the Cubs were the best hitting team in the NL last season but were 9th in runs scored, do you think that this fact is in any way attributable to the team being dead last in the league in walks taken? If so, why did you not focus more of your attention on improving the team's plate discipline this offseason?

 

We feel that it was largely a factor of timely hitting, we just weren't executing in key situations. Walks are nice, but they are not something you go up there looking to do. You have to be aggressive, we preach being aggressive at the plate and if you look at last year's world series you'll see two teams that got there with situational hitting and aggressive at bats, not a lot of walks. As far as plate discipline, we feel that the acquisition of one of the premier leadoff hitters in the game will go a long way toward fixing whatever problem there may have been in that area.

[USSoccer]

Here's a question that I would ask, someone give me their best Jim Hendry answer.

 

"Jim, the Cubs were the best hitting team in the NL last season but were 9th in runs scored, do you think that this fact is in any way attributable to the team being dead last in the league in walks taken? If so, why did you not focus more of your attention on improving the team's plate discipline this offseason?

 

 

Well, you know, we look at the kind of player Juan Pierre is, and we needed a solid lead off hitter to set the table for Derrek and Aramis, and we addressed that in a real way. We also think that Jacque gives us a real good player, solid fundamentally, who can run, hit the other way and drive in runs. So we think those two guys are going to really improve our offense.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Here's a question that I would ask, someone give me their best Jim Hendry answer.

 

"Jim, the Cubs were the best hitting team in the NL last season but were 9th in runs scored, do you think that this fact is in any way attributable to the team being dead last in the league in walks taken? If so, why did you not focus more of your attention on improving the team's plate discipline this offseason?

 

My guess is a brief reiteration of the Pierre deal and a segue into how the defense is improved.

[SeldomSeen]

Here's a question that I would ask, someone give me their best Jim Hendry answer.

 

"Jim, the Cubs were the best hitting team in the NL last season but were 9th in runs scored, do you think that this fact is in any way attributable to the team being dead last in the league in walks taken? If so, why did you not focus more of your attention on improving the team's plate discipline this offseason?

 

Obviously, we feel that it was largely a factor of timely hitting, we just weren't executing in key situations. Walks are nice, but they are not something you go up there looking to do. You have to be aggressive, we preach being aggressive at the plate and if you look at last year's world series you'll see two teams that got there with situational hitting and aggressive at bats, not a lot of walks. As far as plate discipline, we feel that the acquisition of one of the premier leadoff hitters in the game will go a long way toward fixing whatever problem there may have been in that area.

Better.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Here's a question that I would ask, someone give me their best Jim Hendry answer.

 

"Jim, the Cubs were the best hitting team in the NL last season but were 9th in runs scored, do you think that this fact is in any way attributable to the team being dead last in the league in walks taken? If so, why did you not focus more of your attention on improving the team's plate discipline this offseason?

 

"Well, actually, we weren't the best hitting team in the NL last year, but thats ok because we really love guys who can run and catch the ball. Obviously, this team is built around defense."

[Magnetic Curses]

Here's a question that I would ask, someone give me their best Jim Hendry answer.

 

"Jim, the Cubs were the best hitting team in the NL last season but were 9th in runs scored, do you think that this fact is in any way attributable to the team being dead last in the league in walks taken? If so, why did you not focus more of your attention on improving the team's plate discipline this offseason?

 

We feel that it was largely a factor of timely hitting, we just weren't executing in key situations. Walks are nice, but they are not something you go up there looking to do. You have to be aggressive, we preach being aggressive at the plate and if you look at last year's world series you'll see two teams that got there with situational hitting and aggressive at bats, not a lot of walks. As far as plate discipline, we feel that the acquisition of one of the premier leadoff hitters in the game will go a long way toward fixing whatever problem there may have been in that area.

 

bravo, we have a winner!

[CubfaninCA]

Question: Why was Kerry Wood allowed to pitch in relief after you decided last season that he needed shoulder surgery?

 

Expected answer: We followed the advice of Dr. Tim Kremchek, who told us Kerry would suffer no further damage by pitching out of the bullpen.

 

This is where you'd need a follow-up.

 

Okay, so he said you couldn't do more damage, but given the likelihood that Wood will not be ready for opening day, would you not have been better off having him get the surgery a month earlier and starting his rehab earlier? And even though the doctor said he wouldn't suffer anymore damager, wouldn't common sense tell you that a pitching injury could be made worse by pitching? And given your terrible track record of having pitchers stay healthy, and get back to healthy after injuries, don't you think that taking the cautious approach with this one, would have been the wise approach?

 

Common sense vs. Medical School & years of medical experience. Hmm

 

Answer: Why does a $100 million team give up with 50 games to go. Wood pitched quite well out of the pen.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Question: Why was Kerry Wood allowed to pitch in relief after you decided last season that he needed shoulder surgery?

 

Expected answer: We followed the advice of Dr. Tim Kremchek, who told us Kerry would suffer no further damage by pitching out of the bullpen.

 

This is where you'd need a follow-up.

 

Okay, so he said you couldn't do more damage, but given the likelihood that Wood will not be ready for opening day, would you not have been better off having him get the surgery a month earlier and starting his rehab earlier? And even though the doctor said he wouldn't suffer anymore damager, wouldn't common sense tell you that a pitching injury could be made worse by pitching? And given your terrible track record of having pitchers stay healthy, and get back to healthy after injuries, don't you think that taking the cautious approach with this one, would have been the wise approach?

 

Common sense vs. Medical School & years of medical experience. Hmm

 

Answer: Why does a $100 million team give up with 50 games to go. Wood pitched quite well out of the pen.

 

He pitched 12 innings out of the pen before he had to go under the knife. The Cubs were 5 games out of the WC and behind 6 other teams when he started pitching in relief.

[SouthSideRyan]

Dusty, why was Jose Macias, a player that the organization has deemed not worthy of a roster spot this season put in a crucial defensive position last year and placed as a tablesetter in the lineup?

[CubfaninCA]

Question: Why was Kerry Wood allowed to pitch in relief after you decided last season that he needed shoulder surgery?

 

Expected answer: We followed the advice of Dr. Tim Kremchek, who told us Kerry would suffer no further damage by pitching out of the bullpen.

 

This is where you'd need a follow-up.

 

Okay, so he said you couldn't do more damage, but given the likelihood that Wood will not be ready for opening day, would you not have been better off having him get the surgery a month earlier and starting his rehab earlier? And even though the doctor said he wouldn't suffer anymore damager, wouldn't common sense tell you that a pitching injury could be made worse by pitching? And given your terrible track record of having pitchers stay healthy, and get back to healthy after injuries, don't you think that taking the cautious approach with this one, would have been the wise approach?

 

Common sense vs. Medical School & years of medical experience. Hmm

 

Answer: Why does a $100 million team give up with 50 games to go. Wood pitched quite well out of the pen.

 

He pitched 12 innings out of the pen before he had to go under the knife. The Cubs were 5 games out of the WC and behind 6 other teams when he started pitching in relief.

 

How many teams have came back from 5 down w/ 50some to go?

 

The problem w/ all this wishful thinking is that Wood didn't want to be shutdown. Considering he's one of the top talents on the team who has been w/ the club for about the longest time, if not longest, aaaand they were in the wildcard hunt, it was best to let him pitch....

[UK1679666180]

Tom House mentions that pitching (even with the best mechanics) is a tearing down process, that's all I need to know.

 

Now, combine an injured shoulder w/bad mechanics and an upcoming surgery and it becomes a bad decision to delay surgery for more pitching.

 

The results have only confirmed that it was a bad decision. Wood didn't have any impact out of the pen, only to shut down later that month, and he might not be ready once the season starts.

[CubfaninCA]

Tom House mentions that pitching (even with the best mechanics) is a tearing down process, that's all I need to know.

 

Now, combine an injured shoulder w/bad mechanics and an upcoming surgery and it becomes a bad decision to delay surgery for more pitching.

 

The results have only confirmed that it was a bad decision. Wood didn't have any impact out of the pen, only to shut down later that month, and he might not be ready once the season starts.

 

You think Kerry would have been ticked off if they shut him down w/ 50 too go?? Too bad Kerry has a heart.... I guess....

[stitchface]

Tom House mentions that pitching (even with the best mechanics) is a tearing down process, that's all I need to know.

 

Now, combine an injured shoulder w/bad mechanics and an upcoming surgery and it becomes a bad decision to delay surgery for more pitching.

 

The results have only confirmed that it was a bad decision. Wood didn't have any impact out of the pen, only to shut down later that month, and he might not be ready once the season starts.

 

You think Kerry would have been ticked off if they shut him down w/ 50 too go?? Too bad Kerry has a heart.... I guess....

 

I think Kerry would have been fine.

[Jon]

I've seen players want to go back onto the football field with broken bones. That doesn't make it a good idea.

 

It doesn't really matter what Kerry wanted at the time. Hendry should have done what was best for Kerry and what was best for the team. And if Wood has to miss the month of April, how do you think that's going to effect his free agent value? It was in his best interest to have the surgery as soon as possible, as well.

Edited January 14, 2006 by Jon

[UK1679666180]

I hope Kerry would be mad. It doesn't equate to throwing him out there despite him being injured and little to be gained from it.

 

That's about as dumb as a manager going out to the mound late in an important ballgame and asking the pitcher if he's alright?

 

The pitcher could be stalling between each pitch and throwing everything high and still say he's alright.

[stitchface]

I hope Kerry would be mad. It doesn't equate to throwing him out there despite him being injured and little to be gained from it.

 

That's about as dumb as a manager going out to the mound late in an important ballgame and asking the pitcher if he's alright?

 

The pitcher could be stalling between each pitch and throwing everything high and still say he's alright.

 

you can bet zambrano would.

[UK1679666180]

I watched Maddux extend himself last year as well, despite being tired, he went beyond his normal outing.

 

It's human nature.

 

Z was dead tired when he pitched almost 140 pitches last year.

[sethuel1]

Tom House mentions that pitching (even with the best mechanics) is a tearing down process, that's all I need to know.

 

Now, combine an injured shoulder w/bad mechanics and an upcoming surgery and it becomes a bad decision to delay surgery for more pitching.

 

The results have only confirmed that it was a bad decision. Wood didn't have any impact out of the pen, only to shut down later that month, and he might not be ready once the season starts.

 

You think Kerry would have been ticked off if they shut him down w/ 50 too go?? Too bad Kerry has a heart.... I guess....

 

I had a baseball coach stop me from pitching in a teener league game once. I was throwing a one hitter and I'd gone 2 for 2 at the plate. However, on a pitcher coverage play at the plate two innings previously, I'd made a tag in an awkward position and come out shaking my hand. He watched my hand swell up for two innings and then decided to pull me out of the game. The next day when the swelling hadn't gone down I went to the orthopedic office and got x-rays. Sure enough, it was broken.

 

Two years later, I was doing plate coverage drills in practice and made the same awkward tag and felt the same pain. I told my coach that i'd probably broken my hand again. He told me to take BP. It didn't hurt all that much on the first swing, and the batting glove kept the swelling down, so i took bp and finished out practice. The next day i went to the orthopedic office and got x-rays. My hand was broken again in the same place.

 

Guess which coach I hold in higher regard.

Edited January 14, 2006 by sethuel1

[stitchface]

the second one because he made you a man? :D

[sethuel1]

the second one because he made you a man? :D

 

Nah, that was the hockey coach that made me keep playing when I broke my other hand. Baseball with a broken hand is relatively easy. Ice hockey with a broken hand is quite a bit more difficult and painful.