Realistic Thread

[treebird]

also known as the thread where we can talk about the cubs and not be yelled at for considering the possibility that the Cubs may lose games due to poor play in the future

[sunnydoo]

i think that a lot of the problem right now is the realistic fact that the Reds, Cards, Brewers, and Astros are all playing really well right now. The pressure that is being exerted by Cub fans is because there are 3 teams playing well over .600 in our own division.

 

The perceived threat is that they may run off and leave us. That is what is driving this notion to win. Whether or not this can continue is a matter of opinion, but with the East and West so weak this year, it may be a realistic possibility.

 

I can tell you the way things are going that 2 teams are going to qualify for the playoffs from this division- i just hope that we have enough to take out the Astros or Cards, and that the Reds and Brewers will fade per usual because of weak pitching and defense.

[ToupeeOnFire]

If they can hang around .500 by the time Lee gets back, I'll be happy. I'm not holding out hope that Prior and Wood will be the saviors of this team.

[LoneStarCubFan]

The Reds, Brewers and Astros are not a threat. Realistically either Chicago or St. Louis will win the division. Focus on the Cardinals. The other three will take care of themselves.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

also known as the thread where we can talk about the cubs and not be yelled at for considering the possibility that the Cubs may lose games due to poor play in the future

doesn't this board have enough pessimistic threads?

[treebird]

also known as the thread where we can talk about the cubs and not be yelled at for considering the possibility that the Cubs may lose games due to poor play in the future

doesn't this board have enough pessimistic threads?

 

go post in the optimistic thread

[TrueBlueCubFan]

also known as the thread where we can talk about the cubs and not be yelled at for considering the possibility that the Cubs may lose games due to poor play in the future

doesn't this board have enough pessimistic threads?

 

go post in the optimistic thread

I just looked at one post in that thread & it had a "Mabry suks" in it. There is no such thing as optimism in this forum. Just another Cubs.com Edited April 26, 2006 by TrueBlueCubFan

[Geech]

there is no such thing in this forum.

 

Then the solution is clear, isn't it?

[sethuel1]

there is no such thing in this forum.

 

Then the solution is clear, isn't it?

Continue trolling the realistic thread?

[Geech]

That's not quite what I had in mind.

[sethuel1]

That's not quite what I had in mind.

was I close?

[Geech]

Not really, no.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/cubsfan_05/optimism.jpg

[sethuel1]

Not really, no.

 

but you know that what I suggested is actually what's going to happen, right?

[Geech]

Yeah, I know.

[USSoccer]

The prevailing thought I have thru 20 games thus far is that Hendry is wise not to have extended Pierre yet. Despite overpaying for him, he shouldn't compound that error by signing him long term. He's really not very effective at getting on base, nor can he throw anyone out from CF. I'm sure he'll heat up a little, but I'm having doubts he'll get on base at anything close to a .350 clip.

[goonys evil twin]

The prevailing thought I have thru 20 games thus far is that Hendry is wise not to have extended Pierre yet. Despite overpaying for him, he shouldn't compound that error by signing him long term. He's really not very effective at getting on base, nor can he throw anyone out from CF. I'm sure he'll heat up a little, but I'm having doubts he'll get on base at anything close to a .350 clip.

 

My thoughts are they are about a game or two above where I was thinking they'd be, or maybe it was hoping they'd be. I'm hoping they can stay above .500 with Lee out, and get another bat within the next month or so. The bench was weak to start, now it's devastatingly bad. I'm looking forward to the slow and deliberate return of some of the starting pitchers. Hopefully Lee can come back at full strength, and if it's ahead of schedule, all the better. And yeah, Pierre's contract shouldn't even be a topic this season.

[sethuel1]

The prevailing thought I have thru 20 games thus far is that Hendry is wise not to have extended Pierre yet. Despite overpaying for him, he shouldn't compound that error by signing him long term. He's really not very effective at getting on base, nor can he throw anyone out from CF. I'm sure he'll heat up a little, but I'm having doubts he'll get on base at anything close to a .350 clip.

 

Agreed. thank God Pierre overpriced himself, because if he hadn't we probably would have signed him.

[USSoccer]

The prevailing thought I have thru 20 games thus far is that Hendry is wise not to have extended Pierre yet. Despite overpaying for him, he shouldn't compound that error by signing him long term. He's really not very effective at getting on base, nor can he throw anyone out from CF. I'm sure he'll heat up a little, but I'm having doubts he'll get on base at anything close to a .350 clip.

 

My thoughts are they are about a game or two above where I was thinking they'd be, or maybe it was hoping they'd be. I'm hoping they can stay above .500 with Lee out, and get another bat within the next month or so. The bench was weak to start, now it's devastatingly bad. I'm looking forward to the slow and deliberate return of some of the starting pitchers. Hopefully Lee can come back at full strength, and if it's ahead of schedule, all the better. And yeah, Pierre's contract shouldn't even be a topic this season.

 

My thoughts on the overall picture are that I am fairly encouraged by Baker's lineups thus far, and the performance of Murton & Cedeno. I think that if Wood and Prior get back within the next 6 weeks, we can hold on until Lee gets back or a deal can be made.

 

The key is going to be whether or not the staff as constructed can keep us afloat until Wood and Prior come back, and if the offense can muster enough without Lee to win games. I think the former can happen, and I'm conflicted on the latter.

 

I'd like to see our bench changed. Bynum is completely, utterly useless, even by useless Cub bench player standards. Get rid of him, and maybe get rid of Hairston or Perez, and upgrade that, and that would help a bit.

[rocket]

the cubs are just as likely to fall from grace from their ultra hot start as the reds are.

[AI]

Realistically, I think the Cubs should be pretty happy to be at .600 with no Prior, no Wood, and Lee missing 30% of the games. This topped by the fact that we have had some utterly craptacular performances from Rusch and Williams. Not to mention the fact that Z hasn't notched a win (though he certainly seems to be rounding into form). We are also hitting well with runners in scoring position and seem to be drawing some walks.

 

Now, we have also managed to accomplish this record with Pierre and Jones stinking it up, among other issues, like a brutal bench. Also, we haven't played the world's best teams (though 4-2 vs. St. Louis is nice).

 

We are going to need Prior and Wood to help cross the bridge to getting Derrek Lee back. The sunshine pumpers and the nervous nellies both need to chill a little. If this team can stay at .500/.550 until we get all the men back, we'll be in it. The division won't stay this strong.

[Andy]

the cubs are just as likely to fall from grace from their ultra hot start as the reds are.

Past Reds hot starts seem to indicate otherwise, although I do see your point. We're exceedingly lucky to be 12-8 right now.

[RynoRules]

the cubs are just as likely to fall from grace from their ultra hot start as the reds are.

Past Reds hot starts seem to indicate otherwise, although I do see your point. We're exceedingly lucky to be 12-8 right now.

 

I disagree. We have more pitching depth and a much better bullpen than the Reds. The Reds have a better overall lineup. I think our pitching is more valuable than their hitting.

[badger1679666666]

the cubs are just as likely to fall from grace from their ultra hot start as the reds are.

 

I disagree 100%. We have much stronger pitching and a MUCH better bullpen. Offense hits slumps

[XZero771679666304]

the cubs are just as likely to fall from grace from their ultra hot start as the reds are.

Past Reds hot starts seem to indicate otherwise, although I do see your point. We're exceedingly lucky to be 12-8 right now.

 

I disagree. We have more pitching depth and a much better bullpen than the Reds. The Reds have a better overall lineup. I think our pitching is more valuable than their hitting.

 

Agreed. The Reds have an awsome offense, but when that pitching goes, it's gonna go big time. There was a reason many were predicting the Reds to finish dead last before the season started. The Reds basement is a lot lower than the Cubs'.