Steve Stone on The Score

[Blueheart05]

Stone just made a special call into the "Me Show" to discuss the DLee situation. FWIW, this is the first time I've heard Stone, in recent history, make statements about the Cubs that didn't sound like he was a disgrunted former employee.

 

As expected, he talked about how big of a loss the injury is to the team but he also said that he believes this year's team will have enough to contend as long as they continue to pitch well and don't hurt themselves with errors. He spoke glowingly about the "phenomenal" bullpen and how the Cubs will win most close games. He also mentioned that others (ARam and Barrett spefically) will have to step up and there will be a benefit to having TWalk in the lineup, and playing

1B, consistently (and that he wouldn't be surprised if Dusty has a different lineup for everyday of the week because alot of the success will be setting the lineup for specific pitchers). He also seemed encouraged that Woody would be returning soon.

 

Surprisingly, Paul Sullivan was on earlier and even he didn't overreact and say that the "season is over."

[Soul]

Wait until Sully & Stone realize how many errors Lee has been saving Ramirez. You'll be hearing a different tune, trust me.

[Blueheart05]

Wait until Sully & Stone realize how many errors Lee has been saving Ramirez. You'll be hearing a different tune, trust me.

 

Stone mentioned that as well. That's just apart of the game. This situation is far from ideal but it's not something that can't be managed. The Cubs could be just fine especially if their starting rotation gets more solid.

[Andy]

I have no illusions about this. I can't believe Stone and Sullivan do but I don't. Without Lee, there's no way the Cubs play any better than .500 baseball until mid-July, and that's if Ramirez steps it up, Jacque starts tearing the ball up, Z gets his head back on straight, and some role players have career years.

[Jake17]

Wait until Sully & Stone realize how many errors Lee has been saving Ramirez. You'll be hearing a different tune, trust me.

 

Lee's is a great 1B, but it's not like he's the only player on the roster who can scoop an errant throw. Sure a couple more might get past someone else, but it's not like every bad thow is going to get by now that Lee is gone.

 

In the early goin it seems like the Cubs have been playing with a lot of desire, if they can maintain their intensity and focus, they can weather losing Lee. With or without Lee, it was going to be pitching and defense that help the Cubs win the majority of the games they win.

 

Lee going down just makes needing a healthy Wood and Prior that much more important.

[Soul]

Wait until Sully & Stone realize how many errors Lee has been saving Ramirez. You'll be hearing a different tune, trust me.

 

Stone mentioned that as well. That's just apart of the game. This situation is far from ideal but it's not something that can't be managed. The Cubs could be just fine especially if their starting rotation gets more solid.

 

So Stoney said the Cubs will be fine as long as they don't commit errors, but then went on to say Ramirez throwing a bunch of balls away is just part of the game?

 

Excuse me, but that's stark raving madness. He must have lost all sense of reality. Maybe Stoney has been hitting the bottle a little more these days.

Edited April 21, 2006 by Soul

[USSoccer]

Wait until Sully & Stone realize how many errors Lee has been saving Ramirez. You'll be hearing a different tune, trust me.

 

Lee's is a great 1B, but it's not like he's the only player on the roster who can scoop an errant throw. Sure a couple more might get past someone else, but it's not like every bad thow is going to get by now that Lee is gone.

 

In the early goin it seems like the Cubs have been playing with a lot of desire, if they can maintain their intensity and focus, they can weather losing Lee. With or without Lee, it was going to be pitching and defense that help the Cubs win the majority of the games they win.

 

Lee going down just makes needing a healthy Wood and Prior that much more important.

 

 

Plus, a LOT of Lee's defensive value doesn't lie in his ability to pick throws out of the dirt, but rather play the position and allow the 2B to cheat in the hole a little bit.

 

Lots of 1B can dig a bad throw out. Not many have the lateral movement and quickness Lee does.

[soccer10k]

I have no illusions about this. I can't believe Stone and Sullivan do but I don't. Without Lee, there's no way the Cubs play any better than .500 baseball until mid-July, and that's if Ramirez steps it up, Jacque starts tearing the ball up, Z gets his head back on straight, and some role players have career years.

 

I couldn't agree more. The Cubs aren't going to be within sniffing distance of first place when Lee gets back. It's going to take and Astros or A's esque second half run to make the playoffs this year. And even that might not be enough.

[Soul]

Wait until Sully & Stone realize how many errors Lee has been saving Ramirez. You'll be hearing a different tune, trust me.

 

Lee's is a great 1B, but it's not like he's the only player on the roster who can scoop an errant throw. Sure a couple more might get past someone else, but it's not like every bad thow is going to get by now that Lee is gone.

 

In the early goin it seems like the Cubs have been playing with a lot of desire, if they can maintain their intensity and focus, they can weather losing Lee. With or without Lee, it was going to be pitching and defense that help the Cubs win the majority of the games they win.

 

Lee going down just makes needing a healthy Wood and Prior that much more important.

 

 

Plus, a LOT of Lee's defensive value doesn't lie in his ability to pick throws out of the dirt, but rather play the position and allow the 2B to cheat in the hole a little bit.

 

Lots of 1B can dig a bad throw out. Not many have the lateral movement and quickness Lee does.

 

Well we can't have it both ways, can we?

 

Either Wood, Prior and Lee matter, or Hendry was a fool to pay them all that cash.

 

This team might play decent ball for awhile without them, but eventually it's going to catch up to us and we will start dropping games.

[USSoccer]

Wait until Sully & Stone realize how many errors Lee has been saving Ramirez. You'll be hearing a different tune, trust me.

 

Lee's is a great 1B, but it's not like he's the only player on the roster who can scoop an errant throw. Sure a couple more might get past someone else, but it's not like every bad thow is going to get by now that Lee is gone.

 

In the early goin it seems like the Cubs have been playing with a lot of desire, if they can maintain their intensity and focus, they can weather losing Lee. With or without Lee, it was going to be pitching and defense that help the Cubs win the majority of the games they win.

 

Lee going down just makes needing a healthy Wood and Prior that much more important.

 

 

Plus, a LOT of Lee's defensive value doesn't lie in his ability to pick throws out of the dirt, but rather play the position and allow the 2B to cheat in the hole a little bit.

 

Lots of 1B can dig a bad throw out. Not many have the lateral movement and quickness Lee does.

 

Well we can't have it both ways, can we?

 

Either Wood, Prior and Lee matter, or Hendry was a fool to pay them all that cash.

 

This team might play decent ball for awhile without them, but eventually it's going to catch up to us and we will start dropping games.

 

I think that in a best case scenario Wood comes back no later than May 5th, and Prior a couple weeks after that, and our pitching is good enough to keep us within 5 or so games of 1st.

 

It helps that we play FLA, AZ and SD a lot in May. Plus, the NL outside of the Mets suck, so it's not like there are other teams that can run away with it on us.

[Blueheart05]

I disagree. The competition isn't that tough in the NL and this team still should be able to score 3 to 4 runs a game. Obviously, Aramis will have to start hitting but there are other useful hitters in the lineup who can contribute offensively. There will be a reduction of power over the entire period Lee is out but I still think they can score runs. With the exception of 2 or 3 games, homeruns haven't been the Cubs MO. There's no doubt that they'll have a lot more close games (than blowouts).

[UMFan83]

There are several factors aiding the Cubs, many that have been addressed:

 

1) This Cubs team, despite notable exceptions can put the ball into play, and refrain from striking out a bunch of times

2) If Eyre is ok, the Bullpen is pretty shut down, meaning that A) Starters won't have to labor as much, and B) If the Cubs can get a lead, they can feel confident that they don't need the extra offense. Sure you won't see as many 13-2 games, but you will see several 4-3 games in the Cubs favor

3) The rookies Murton and Cedeno have more then stepped up so far this year. While its not out of the realm that they will regress, so far they have showed no signs of that. Heck, Cedeno even drew 2 walks yesterday

4) The NL is weak, even if the Cubs play slighty under .500 with Lee gone, and the Cardinals play 10 games over .500, the NL Central will still be in reach if the pitchers and Lee are healthy for July-September

 

Bottom line: I'm not saying the Cubs are going to win for sure, no one really knows how much of a loss Lee is to the team. Most people would argue that hes the single most important individual piece on the team. But the team can survive if he can come back in 2-3 months

[anemic offense]

I have no illusions about this. I can't believe Stone and Sullivan do but I don't. Without Lee, there's no way the Cubs play any better than .500 baseball until mid-July, and that's if Ramirez steps it up, Jacque starts tearing the ball up, Z gets his head back on straight, and some role players have career years.

 

I think they can. This team is MUCH better than last years and only figures to get better once guys get off the DL (as long as players like Lee aren't taking their place).

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not predicting the Cubs are going to be fantastic, but I don't think it's out of the question. The biggest key may be whether or not Hairston gets the majority of the starts, and if Cedeno/Aram can make decent throws to first. In addition, Aramis also has to start hitting as he has the last 2 years, instead of what has occurred in these first few weeks. Granted, it's going to be a lot tougher to stay above water but I don't think its impossible.

 

I don't know about the rest of you guys but I don't quite get the same "oh we're f***ed" feeling every time this team is down, or every time our bullpen trots on the field. There's just something about this team which makes them appear more resiliant than in years past. Who knows? I may be completely off the mark here, but we should have a pretty good idea of this team's post-Lee capabilites after the next couple of weeks.

[anemic offense]

There are several factors aiding the Cubs, many that have been addressed:

 

1) This Cubs team, despite notable exceptions can put the ball into play, and refrain from striking out a bunch of times2) If Eyre is ok, the Bullpen is pretty shut down, meaning that A) Starters won't have to labor as much, and B) If the Cubs can get a lead, they can feel confident that they don't need the extra offense. Sure you won't see as many 13-2 games, but you will see several 4-3 games in the Cubs favor

3) The rookies Murton and Cedeno have more then stepped up so far this year. While its not out of the realm that they will regress, so far they have showed no signs of that. Heck, Cedeno even drew 2 walks yesterday

4) The NL is weak, even if the Cubs play slighty under .500 with Lee gone, and the Cardinals play 10 games over .500, the NL Central will still be in reach if the pitchers and Lee are healthy for July-September

 

Bottom line: I'm not saying the Cubs are going to win for sure, no one really knows how much of a loss Lee is to the team. Most people would argue that hes the single most important individual piece on the team. But the team can survive if he can come back in 2-3 months

 

As long as Saiko (spelling?) isn't on the mound. :P

[badger1679666666]

I disagree. The competition isn't that tough in the NL and this team still should be able to score 3 to 4 runs a game. Obviously, Aramis will have to start hitting but there are other useful hitters in the lineup who can contribute offensively. There will be a reduction of power over the entire period Lee is out but I still think they can score runs. With the exception of 2 or 3 games, homeruns haven't been the Cubs MO. There's no doubt that they'll have a lot more close games (than blowouts).

 

Man I wish I drank the koolaid that you drink.

[Andy]

I disagree. The competition isn't that tough in the NL and this team still should be able to score 3 to 4 runs a game. Obviously, Aramis will have to start hitting but there are other useful hitters in the lineup who can contribute offensively. There will be a reduction of power over the entire period Lee is out but I still think they can score runs. With the exception of 2 or 3 games, homeruns haven't been the Cubs MO. There's no doubt that they'll have a lot more close games (than blowouts).

 

Man I wish I drank the koolaid that you drink.

Seconded. I'd like to be optimistic, but we've had two seasons in a row completely ruined by injuries and I see no reason why that is going to change now, especially since the players getting hurt are supposedly less injury-prone now.

[cubfan1955]

Lee is out. Pagan is out. Ramirez and Jones have already missed time. Eyre is injured. Miller, Wood and Prior are all on the DL. Ramirez is one tweaked muscle away from joining DLee on the DL. How does that Cub lineup look with both Aram and DLee not in it?

 

Everyone should keep watching though because it isn't everyday you get to witness a trainwreck like the one you're going to get to see shortly. It's going to get ugly very quick...

 

On the plus side we will get a boffo draft pick in June 2007. :twisted:

[RyCubsFan]

Lee is out. Pagan is out. Ramirez and Jones have already missed time. Eyre is injured. Miller, Wood and Prior are all on the DL. Ramirez is one tweaked muscle away from joining DLee on the DL. How does that Cub lineup look with both Aram and DLee not in it?

 

Everyone should keep watching though because it isn't everyday you get to witness a trainwreck like the one you're going to get to see shortly. It's going to get ugly very quick...

 

On the plus side we will get a boffo draft pick in June 2007. :twisted:

 

What's the cubs record? Last I checked, it was 9-5.

[Cubfanintheknow]

I disagree. The competition isn't that tough in the NL and this team still should be able to score 3 to 4 runs a game. Obviously, Aramis will have to start hitting but there are other useful hitters in the lineup who can contribute offensively. There will be a reduction of power over the entire period Lee is out but I still think they can score runs. With the exception of 2 or 3 games, homeruns haven't been the Cubs MO. There's no doubt that they'll have a lot more close games (than blowouts).

 

Man I wish I drank the koolaid that you drink.

 

It's not a question of the kool-aid. Keep in mind what UMFan83 posted. No one's going to run away with the NL Central. Playing .500 baseball while Lee is out is going to be difficult, but not impossible, to do while Lee is out. But I think that's all it will take to keep the Cubs within reach of the division lead by the ASB. Lee will return around that time and from there, anything can happen.

 

The Cubs didn't have much wiggle room with Lee in the lineup. And they have even less now. But the team has played pretty well with a patchwork starting rotation. I think they're capable of stepping up and staying afloat while Lee is out.

[USSoccer]

Lee is out. Pagan is out. Ramirez and Jones have already missed time. Eyre is injured. Miller, Wood and Prior are all on the DL. Ramirez is one tweaked muscle away from joining DLee on the DL. How does that Cub lineup look with both Aram and DLee not in it?

 

Everyone should keep watching though because it isn't everyday you get to witness a trainwreck like the one you're going to get to see shortly. It's going to get ugly very quick...

 

On the plus side we will get a boffo draft pick in June 2007. :twisted:

 

Again, look at the schedule for the next 45 days. It's a pretty soft one. It gets much tougher in June and July, but asking the Cubs to stay in the NL Central race until June isn't all that unrealistic. Factor in Wood coming back within the next 2 weeks, and you've plenty of cause for short term optimism.

[WrigleyinEngland]

Ok i've woken up to the news you guys heard last night and i'm pretty pissed as i'm sure you are however........

 

I'm tired of this muddle through approach Hendry has when adversity strikes. Every time a player is hurt they are either un-replaceable or it's the wrong time of year to trade. Why can't we shift Twalk across and talk to the nationals about Vidro or Soriano?, why can't hendry at least look at teams like the diamondbacks who have a surplus in the IF combined with prospects. I would even ask the O's about Tejada again, would they take Murton, Hill, Williams package? you could then move Jones to LF and play Pie in RF with Cedeno moving to 2B. Can Mora play 1B? he is in dispute with the O's over his contract. None of these scenarios may work out but at least investigate the possibilities.

 

Get well soon D-Lee we need you........

[Wild_Cubs04]

Lee is out. Pagan is out. Ramirez and Jones have already missed time. Eyre is injured. Miller, Wood and Prior are all on the DL. Ramirez is one tweaked muscle away from joining DLee on the DL. How does that Cub lineup look with both Aram and DLee not in it?

 

Everyone should keep watching though because it isn't everyday you get to witness a trainwreck like the one you're going to get to see shortly. It's going to get ugly very quick...

 

On the plus side we will get a boffo draft pick in June 2007. :twisted:

 

What's the cubs record? Last I checked, it was 9-5.

 

Thank you, I cant believe all the B&M'ing going on. Yes DLee is our star....but he is far from the only one on this team. No one has a clue what is going to happen untill he gets back. Could we blow like most people here seem to think? Of course. Could other guys surpass their past numbers and actually play well? Of course. No one knows for sure.

 

In any case, get well soon DLee.

[biittner77]

Ok i've woken up to the news you guys heard last night and i'm pretty pissed as i'm sure you are however........

 

I'm tired of this muddle through approach Hendry has when adversity strikes. Every time a player is hurt they are either un-replaceable or it's the wrong time of year to trade. Why can't we shift Twalk across and talk to the nationals about Vidro or Soriano?, why can't hendry at least look at teams like the diamondbacks who have a surplus in the IF combined with prospects. I would even ask the O's about Tejada again, would they take Murton, Hill, Williams package? you could then move Jones to LF and play Pie in RF with Cedeno moving to 2B. Can Mora play 1B? he is in dispute with the O's over his contract. None of these scenarios may work out but at least investigate the possibilities.

 

Get well soon D-Lee we need you........

 

In defense of Hendry, this early in the season the list of sellers is very small. Teams are still finding out what they have which makes trades much harder. That being said I'm sure Hendry will be burning up the phone lines to find another bat but he can't really say that publicly. He has to show support for the players that are already here. Also, he has to be careful not to get fans hopes up too much for a trade that might never happen. In short, he said what any GM would have said.

 

If available, Mora would be a great acquisition. He could play 1st though he might be better at 2nd with Walker at 1st. When Lee gets back he could platoon with Jones as well as spell Ramirez and Murton.

 

The only problem is that I'm not sure the O's have anyone else that can play 3rd.

[Soul]

Lee is out. Pagan is out. Ramirez and Jones have already missed time. Eyre is injured. Miller, Wood and Prior are all on the DL. Ramirez is one tweaked muscle away from joining DLee on the DL. How does that Cub lineup look with both Aram and DLee not in it?

 

Everyone should keep watching though because it isn't everyday you get to witness a trainwreck like the one you're going to get to see shortly. It's going to get ugly very quick...

 

On the plus side we will get a boffo draft pick in June 2007. :twisted:

 

What's the cubs record? Last I checked, it was 9-5.

 

Thank you, I cant believe all the B&M'ing going on. Yes DLee is our star....but he is far from the only one on this team. No one has a clue what is going to happen untill he gets back. Could we blow like most people here seem to think? Of course. Could other guys surpass their past numbers and actually play well? Of course. No one knows for sure.

 

In any case, get well soon DLee.

 

Really? Who else is a star on this team? The closest we have is Zambrano, but face it---he has yet to reach his potential. He's still a developing star, not a full-blown one like Lee. Ramirez is no star. Stars don't take 50-60 games off because they can't keep their hammys healthy.

 

Lee was our *ONLY* bona-fide superstar.

 

This was a 3rd place team with Derek Lee. Without him? *shudders*

[cl smooth]

like another poster said, no team in their right mind would do a trade like this so early in the season. the cubs will use a minor leaguer and use the bench to fill lee's role and see what happens. i'm giving this entire situation about a month before i start worrying. does it suck? yeah, but i'm not going to get all up in arms about it until i see how the entire cubs team handles the situation. now more than ever does aramis ramirez need to step up and take a leadership role for this team. be "the man," so to speak in derrek's absense. he has the offensive skills, that's for sure, and that's what most of us are concerned about. have a 3-4-5 of walker, ramirez and barrett and the cubs should be alright until lee gets back. barring any goofy setbacks like falling out of a bunkbed or getting his hand caught in a toilet, wood should be back in 2-3 weeks and prior not too long after that. the next few weeks should be an good indication on if and how the cubs will respond to this situation.

 

and with that i say GO CUBS.