Steve Stone on The Score

[Backtobanks]

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.

 

The Cubs are 9-5 after 14 games. If they can play .500 for the next 46 games, their record will be 32-28 which will certainly keep them "in the race" at that point. There are a lot of "ifs" about the lineup, but with Wood, Prior, and Miller coming back soon I don't think .500 ball is out of the question.

[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:

 

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.

 

The Cubs are 9-5 after 14 games. If they can play .500 for the next 46 games, their record will be 32-28 which will certainly keep them "in the race" at that point. There are a lot of "ifs" about the lineup, but with Wood, Prior, and Miller coming back soon I don't think .500 ball is out of the question.

 

Are they though? You might be jumping the gun a little bit there.

[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).

 

Man I wish I drank the koolaid that you drink.

 

It's not koolaid. I just don't think the world is about to end...

[Blueheart05]

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:

 

 

You always have the option of not watching the "trainwreck."

[WrigleyinEngland]

I agree looking at the positives we could play around 500 ball. BTW i don't think a team would be out of there mind to trade at this point, if this happens 3 weeks ago we could of taken a chance on Carlos Pena. ST is another time people apparently don't trade according to Hendry yet the reds came out of that Arroyo deal ok didn't they??

[Soul]

I agree looking at the positives we could play around 500 ball. BTW i don't think a team would be out of there mind to trade at this point, if this happens 3 weeks ago we could of taken a chance on Carlos Pena. ST is another time people apparently don't trade according to Hendry yet the reds came out of that Arroyo deal ok didn't they??

 

Think the Stros and Cards will play .500 ball too though? It's not just what we do, it's what our opponents do as well. Last time I checked 3rd place is an automatic trip to the golf course in October.

[Blueheart05]

I agree looking at the positives we could play around 500 ball. BTW i don't think a team would be out of there mind to trade at this point, if this happens 3 weeks ago we could of taken a chance on Carlos Pena. ST is another time people apparently don't trade according to Hendry yet the reds came out of that Arroyo deal ok didn't they??

 

The Arroyo deal benefitted both sides. Right now, every GM knows the Cubs plight and and deal would be made at a tremendous cost. Other teams are set at this point of the year.

[Backtobanks]

I agree looking at the positives we could play around 500 ball. BTW i don't think a team would be out of there mind to trade at this point, if this happens 3 weeks ago we could of taken a chance on Carlos Pena. ST is another time people apparently don't trade according to Hendry yet the reds came out of that Arroyo deal ok didn't they??

 

Think the Stros and Cards will play .500 ball too though? It's not just what we do, it's what our opponents do as well. Last time I checked 3rd place is an automatic trip to the golf course in October.

 

The Astros and Cards may not play .500 for the next 46 games, but they probably won't play .700 ball either. In any case, I still think 32-28 after 60 games would keep us "in the race". At that point, we could possibly be looking at the return of Lee, the full time services of Wood, Prior, and Miller, and the payroll and roster flexability to make a big deal at midseason.

[WrigleyinEngland]

Teams may well be set but you can always explore situations. The O's don't want to pay Mora top whack could he not be available? What about looking to another position to fill the gap. Would the Marlins accept Pie, Murton and Hill for Cabrera?? just wish our gm would think a little outside the box.

[goonys evil twin]

I agree looking at the positives we could play around 500 ball. BTW i don't think a team would be out of there mind to trade at this point, if this happens 3 weeks ago we could of taken a chance on Carlos Pena. ST is another time people apparently don't trade according to Hendry yet the reds came out of that Arroyo deal ok didn't they??

 

The Arroyo deal benefitted both sides. Right now, every GM knows the Cubs plight and and deal would be made at a tremendous cost. Other teams are set at this point of the year.

 

Other teams are not set. They have the perception of being in less of a bind than the Cubs, but they aren't set. They will all be willing to make moves. The Yankees are still desperate for both starting and relief pitching. All the teams in the west need help. Every year we hear the Cubs talk about how nobody else wants to make deals early, and every year we see other teams trade when the Cubs supposedly can't find a partner. Hendry can't panic and give up a lot out of desperation, but he can certainly take the next two weeks to start talking to teams about players that can both help now at first base and contribute if/when Lee returns.

[goonys evil twin]

The O's don't want to pay Mora top whack

 

Crazy british slang.

[WrigleyinEngland]

What about Tony Clark would he be any better than mabry? He doesn't seem to be getting the ABs with the D-Backs.

[Blueheart05]

I agree looking at the positives we could play around 500 ball. BTW i don't think a team would be out of there mind to trade at this point, if this happens 3 weeks ago we could of taken a chance on Carlos Pena. ST is another time people apparently don't trade according to Hendry yet the reds came out of that Arroyo deal ok didn't they??

 

The Arroyo deal benefitted both sides. Right now, every GM knows the Cubs plight and and deal would be made at a tremendous cost. Other teams are set at this point of the year.

 

Other teams are not set. They have the perception of being in less of a bind than the Cubs, but they aren't set. They will all be willing to make moves. The Yankees are still desperate for both starting and relief pitching. All the teams in the west need help. Every year we hear the Cubs talk about how nobody else wants to make deals early, and every year we see other teams trade when the Cubs supposedly can't find a partner. Hendry can't panic and give up a lot out of desperation, but he can certainly take the next two weeks to start talking to teams about players that can both help now at first base and contribute if/when Lee returns.

 

Teams aren't in a position to trade an impact player at the beginning of the season; that move is reserved for those who are out of the playoff race at the end of the year (and the teams that have no chance of being in the race from the start) Even the worst teams; Tampa, KC, etc, would want a mint for a quality player. The Cubs will solve their problem in house.

[NCCubFan]

What about Tony Clark would he be any better than mabry? He doesn't seem to be getting the ABs with the D-Backs.

He signed a very inexpensive contract with the Dbacks (I believe two years at only $1 million per year). At that price I'd be surprised if they don't keep him even if only as insurance against their own injury problems. They'd know that they could suffer key injuries just like anybody else, and at the cost I'd think they'd keep Clark.

[srbin84]

What about Tony Clark would he be any better than mabry? He doesn't seem to be getting the ABs with the D-Backs.

He signed a very inexpensive contract with the Dbacks (I believe two years at only $1 million per year). At that price I'd be surprised if they don't keep him even if only as insurance against their own injury problems. They'd know that they could suffer key injuries just like anybody else, and at the cost I'd think they'd keep Clark.

 

If that's the case, I think we need to offer them something mildly enticing to get it done because Clark seems like the perfect option. Maybe Marmol or Pignatiello and Theriot?

[mg420]

What about Tony Clark would he be any better than mabry? He doesn't seem to be getting the ABs with the D-Backs.

He signed a very inexpensive contract with the Dbacks (I believe two years at only $1 million per year). At that price I'd be surprised if they don't keep him even if only as insurance against their own injury problems. They'd know that they could suffer key injuries just like anybody else, and at the cost I'd think they'd keep Clark.

 

If that's the case, I think we need to offer them something mildly enticing to get it done because Clark seems like the perfect option. Maybe Marmol or Pignatiello and Theriot?

 

i doubt marmol will be traded after the start he has gotten off to (especially not for clark).

[Laura]

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."

 

That's a much more optimistic report than Stone had yesterday morning before the full extent of Lee's injuries was known.

 

He also said yesterday morning that he believed Wood would be back soon and throwing better than ever. The 'better' being due to Wood's revamped mechanics.

[Banedon]

He also said yesterday morning that he believed Wood would be back soon and throwing better than ever. The 'better' being due to Wood's revamped mechanics.

 

Somehow I don't think Stoney saying a few nice things are gonna have him and Wood going out for beers after games or anything though.... :P

[srbin84]

I'm skeptical that Wood all of the sudden completely changed his mechanics, but I think we will see a big season from Kerry. All reports are that he is healthy as ever, he's had a lot of time to rehab and doesn't even have to make 30 starts now. He's in a contract year, has a big option too, I think we'll see something similar to the 2001 edition of Wood.

[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."

 

That's a much more optimistic report than Stone had yesterday morning before the full extent of Lee's injuries was known.

 

He also said yesterday morning that he believed Wood would be back soon and throwing better than ever. The 'better' being due to Wood's revamped mechanics.

 

I was surprised by his take on things but his analysis made sense to me.

[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.

 

It's not koolaid. I just don't think the world is about to end...

 

I don't think the world is gonna end either.

[Laura]

He also said yesterday morning that he believed Wood would be back soon and throwing better than ever. The 'better' being due to Wood's revamped mechanics.

 

Somehow I don't think Stoney saying a few nice things are gonna have him and Wood going out for beers after games or anything though.... :P

 

He also said something along the lines of "nobody with the Cubs organization is going to admit that his mechanics have been changed, but they definitely have been."

 

So it doesn't sound like time has completely healed the wounds yet (though he did obviously have good things to say about Wood).

[katway]

What about Tony Clark would he be any better than mabry? He doesn't seem to be getting the ABs with the D-Backs.

He signed a very inexpensive contract with the Dbacks (I believe two years at only $1 million per year). At that price I'd be surprised if they don't keep him even if only as insurance against their own injury problems. They'd know that they could suffer key injuries just like anybody else, and at the cost I'd think they'd keep Clark.

 

If that's the case, I think we need to offer them something mildly enticing to get it done because Clark seems like the perfect option. Maybe Marmol or Pignatiello and Theriot?

 

If Hendry makes a move for a first baseman, it will be for a guy that can play another position and thereby still have value once D. Lee returns. Clark is not capable of playing another position.

[srbin84]

What about Tony Clark would he be any better than mabry? He doesn't seem to be getting the ABs with the D-Backs.

He signed a very inexpensive contract with the Dbacks (I believe two years at only $1 million per year). At that price I'd be surprised if they don't keep him even if only as insurance against their own injury problems. They'd know that they could suffer key injuries just like anybody else, and at the cost I'd think they'd keep Clark.

 

If that's the case, I think we need to offer them something mildly enticing to get it done because Clark seems like the perfect option. Maybe Marmol or Pignatiello and Theriot?

 

If Hendry makes a move for a first baseman, it will be for a guy that can play another position and thereby still have value once D. Lee returns. Clark is not capable of playing another position.

 

But he makes less than some of our backups now, it wouldn't matter if he jjust came off the bench after Lee came back, and he would arguably be the best bat off the bench in the division.

[biittner77]

I may be the only person that believes this but I think Stone likes Kerry Wood and his harsh comments are out of frustration for what Stone sees as a lack of development in Wood.

 

As a teacher I see students every day that consistently underperform and it's very frustrating. At some point it becomes very tempting to challenge them to do better by criticism or even sarcasm. That approach runs the risk of making you look like a jerk but if it works they'll be the better for it in the long run.