New Article: Don't Panic

[goonys evil twin]

Then I'll go ahead and have world series aspirations and you can keep comparing us to past teams. We are NOT, the 2004 Cubs. Can't see that, then you're blind.

 

No, they aren't the 2004 Cubs. But they are very similar. Week offense, with no patience, relying on pitching to carry them through.

 

True, but on paper that offense looked devastating. Walker, Sosa, Alou, Ramirez, Lee, Patterson (before he fell of the earth)....

 

But that's why they play the games.

 

That's true. That's why they play, so let these team play!! I wouldn't agree this team has no patience, this team has WAY more patience at the plate than 2004 Cubs.

 

Not really. They're already at the bottom for walks, and without Lee, will stay there all year.

 

Either way, there's no reason to call people blind for feeling this team is in deep trouble.

[reversethecurse]

Thanks BK, but I think I'll just go ahead panic.

[Fro]

Losing Lee is going to hurt but it's not impossible to overcome at all, particularly with how good the pen is and with Wood/Prior on the way back.

 

This team can still claw it's way to 4/5 runs a game... they're not gonna start getting shut out just because Lee's on the DL.

 

And when Jones goes on a hot streak, that'll be another good bat.

 

The schedule is pretty easy after this Cards series, too (Marlins and Pirates at home). As long as we don't get sweeped this weekend we're in good shape until Wood comes back

[BigSlick]

Excellent read, and very well based in reality and stats.

 

I spent much of last night pontificating to my friends about the Cubs still-alive playoff hopes, but mine was just about heart, drive, and passion, mostly of Matt Murton, the leader of our people in dark and troubled times.

 

ONLY MATT MURTON CAN SAVE US NOW. Bat him 3rd. He is our only hope.

 

Why doesn't Dusty bat Cedeno higher up the lineup? He's doing fantastic.

[ZiggyTaxi]

Prior and Wood will be very good WHEN they are able to pitch.

 

Maybe :)

 

Maddux looks to be primed for a good season.

 

Based on what, three starts? :D

 

Every single spot in the Cubs rotation should easily be better than Backe,

 

Based on what, three starts? :lol:

 

And Lidge is possibly the best Closer in the NL, but Dempster was better, in the closer's role, last season.

 

OK, you lost ALL credibility there.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Your overuse of smilies as a means to supplement your argument, in a mocking fashion, has made sure that you have not only lost all credibility in this argument, but as a poster here.

 

 

 

:D :) :( :o :shock: :? 8) :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Soul]

6. Maybe you haven't heard, but since Wood and Prior went down there have been at least hints and at most target dates for when both would be coming back. I don't know how I'm throwing "whoever I want in the mix". That doesn't even make sense.

 

I would say that we don't know if Prior and Wood are going to be back at full strength. During Spring Training, the initial reports said nothing was wrong with Prior, then he would only miss a few days, then he would miss a couple starts, then he's out til the middle of May. Frankly I don't know what to think of our pitchers and when they are actually going to return. I wouldn't be surprised at all to have Wood come back only to go back on the DL within a month. To rely on him is one of the worst things you can do. Prior is another thing. As somebody else pointed out, Prior has had some freak injuries. But hints and target dates aren't sure things.

 

Pretty much the inescapable reality. But I've said my piece. Raw wants to be optimistic. Fine. I wish I could be too. But that little thing called reality just won't get out of the way :wink:

[Soul]

Seriously, are you just saying stuff to disagree now?

 

I'm trying to introduce you and others on this board to the reality of where we are at as a ballclub. But it's useless.

 

OK, you win. We would have won it all in '05 with this years club!! We'll win it all even without Lee!! Whoohoo!! Go Cubbies :?

[NCCubFan]

OK, you win. We would have won it all in '05 with this years club!! We'll win it all even without Lee!! Whoohoo!! Go Cubbies :?

I don't think anybody's saying that the Cubs will be World Champions without Lee. They're saying that the Cubs could tread water and remain close without Lee, then make their move after Lee returns. And I think people are saying that it's REALISTIC to think that they could still win this year, not that it's DEFINITELY going to happen.