Ramirez is the main problem.

[oldstyle81]

Hendry should be blamed for signing the mediocre three mentioned parenthetically above. RAMIREZ, and only Ramirez, should be blamed for his inability to do much of anything right now.

 

Right. That's why many here complain about Jones, Pierre, and Perez. They're mediocre players. They'll probably do better than they're doing right now, but they'll still be mediocre players who are getting paid a lot of money.

 

Jones, Pierre, Perez, and Rusch make more than $15 million combined. That's more than the entire Florida roster. It's enough to pick up a top tier free agent.

 

Okay, so we blame Ramirez for his slow start. So what? Do you think he's playing poorly on purpose? He started slow last year and ended up with a great season.

 

It's fair to blame Ramirez for his struggles, but it's not fair to blame him for the team's struggles. Cubs management, ownership, and coaching gets credit for that.

 

 

Its not like the top of the order is getting in scoring position anyways.

 

39% of his plate appearances this year have been with runners in scoring position

51% of his plate appearances this year have been with runners on.

 

it is fair to blame Aramis in part for some of the Cubs failure. the people in front of him are doing their jobs for the most part. he is failing. find me a successful team with the cleanup hitter doing as poorly, and you found yourself a team with really good pitching.

 

 

as with all things, whats the number since DLee left. im guessing its a much smaller number since DLee was hitting over 300 and infront

[cheapseats]

the excuse of "slow starter" people keep giving Aramis has got to stop. there's been a couple seasons where April was one of his best months.

 

he's pull happy and trying to hit everything out of the park. it would not surprise me if he's been coached to do that, because the Cubs have turned many good, natural all-field hitters into pull happy freaks, but he needs to make the adjustment and return to driving outside pitches to rightfield right fricken now.

 

Cubs OBP

#1 .292

#2 .370

#3 .409

 

Aramis RBI - 10

 

PATHETIC! he's killing us.

 

I disagree that pointing out other slow starts is an excuse. I like Aramis, and I root for him, but if I thought he was going to continue his poor hitting, I'd be happy to see him replaced. There's good reason to believe he won't continue playing poorly.

 

As for being pull-happy, if he really is adversely affecting his game by trying to pull too many pitches, then you have every right to criticize his performance. I think it's stupid to jump on a player who's slumping unless they're obviously doing something wrong that could be corrected. For example, Sammy in 2004 was standing a zip code away from the plate and couldn't reach outside pitches. He deserved criticism when he slumped.

 

All of Aramis's hits at Wrigley this year have been to the left side of the field. If Aramis needs to hit the ball to the opposite field to get himself going, then I'm all for it. However, while he does have extra base power to all fields, the vast majority of his homers at Wrigley are to left field. I love Matt Murton - I'm excited everytime I see one of his atbats - but I don't want Aramis to try to be Matt.

[goonys evil twin]

Okay, so we blame Ramirez for his slow start. So what? Do you think he's playing poorly on purpose? He started slow last year and ended up with a great season.

 

It's fair to blame Ramirez for his struggles, but it's not fair to blame him for the team's struggles. Cubs management, ownership, and coaching gets credit for that.

 

1. If the excuse is that "Ramirez isn't doing this on purpose," then doesn't that apply to everyone, including Baker, Hendry, and all the standard whipping boys? Trying hard shouldn't be an excuse for anyone.

 

2. Of course Ramirez shouldn't be blamed for the team's struggles. But he also shouldn't get a pass now because he's done well in previous seasons. This team needs him now, and he's not getting the job done.

 

I completely agree with your first statement. As for the 2nd.....

 

I think a guy who has consistently produced does deserve a pass for a bad month. I don't believe in the "he has to step up right now or else he's letting everybody down" philosophy. Trying to step up usually just means pressing, which leads to bad results.

 

I have no problem admitting Aramis was bad last month and they need him to get better. But a guy who usually produces and is his age gets the bulk of the season to play before I start "blaming" him for anything.

[Caryatid]

I think a guy who has consistently produced does deserve a pass for a bad month. I don't believe in the "he has to step up right now or else he's letting everybody down" philosophy. Trying to step up usually just means pressing, which leads to bad results.

 

I have no problem admitting Aramis was bad last month and they need him to get better. But a guy who usually produces and is his age gets the bulk of the season to play before I start "blaming" him for anything.

 

If a guy who has consistently produced has a bad month and therefore shouldn't be blamed, can any player, then, truly be blamed for anything? For example, Perez has been bad this month. But in his career he has always been bad. He is playing to expectations, and therefore cannot be blamed. Ramirez, on the other hand, has played much better than this for the bulk of his career, and, as this is just a bad month, he cannot be blamed either.

 

So is the end result of this that the only people that can ever be included in the blame for a bad season are the GM and manager?

[Andy]

The 2001 Sammy Sosa had a team like this and they won 88 games.

 

If the current 2006 team continued on, they'd probably win 75 or less.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it'd be nice if Aramis could put the team on his back and carry us for a while.

 

It's kind of unfair to ask Aramis to put up Sammy's 2001 numbers.

For a whole season, yes, but Aramis has shown that he can have a two-week hot streak or two over the course of a season, and it'd be nice if he had one now.

[goonys evil twin]

So is the end result of this that the only people that can ever be included in the blame for a bad season are the GM and manager?

 

I would say players who have bad seasons, in relation to expectations, can be blamed. But if guys play to expectations, it's the GM and managers fault when they fail. And if a good player has a bad month, I'll give him some slack.

 

Also, when players routinely make outs swinging at garbage, I still blame them, somewhat, for not fixing that problem. If a player routinely grounds into DPs with the same pathetic slap it to 2nd swing, I blame him.

 

But when I complain about sucky players for sucking, it's implied that I blame their presence on the roster or in the lineup or on the mound for the troubles. Most of my hostility is directed at management for poor planning.

[goonys evil twin]

The 2001 Sammy Sosa had a team like this and they won 88 games.

 

If the current 2006 team continued on, they'd probably win 75 or less.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it'd be nice if Aramis could put the team on his back and carry us for a while.

 

It's kind of unfair to ask Aramis to put up Sammy's 2001 numbers.

For a whole season, yes, but Aramis has shown that he can have a two-week hot streak or two over the course of a season, and it'd be nice if he had one now.

 

It'd be nice, but it's just not realistic in baseball to ask guys to carry a team, especially not at the drop of a hat.

[CubfaninCA]

Yep, Aramis is a major problem right now. His lack of offense hurts a lot, the the relative decline from what you might expect him to produce and what he is producing is much more significant than every other player. He needs to step up.

 

 

Of course, the difference is, his past gives you more hope that he'll improve soon, so despite being the most shocking decline from expectations, he doesn't bring many worries from fans who know he'll get over it.

 

Many of the other non-producers were pretty much expected to be non-producers, so that just pisses people off.

 

true, but w/ lee out, it's a really bad time for Ramirez to be so far below past numbers. sure doesn't help that pierre's having his worse season ever too.

[Caryatid]

Also, when players routinely make outs swinging at garbage, I still blame them, somewhat, for not fixing that problem. If a player routinely grounds into DPs with the same pathetic slap it to 2nd swing, I blame him.

 

Isn't that simply a product of him not having the talent to alter his approach and be effective? The fact that we see him do the same thing over and over tells me that he probably sees it, too, but can't do anything to change it.

 

By claiming that the problem can be "fixed," you seem to be implying that, with the right mental changes, he can somehow become a good player when in fact, if he's not talented enough, all the attempts to change may not do any good whatsoever. And thus, it falls back on the manager/GM.

[erik316wttn]

I can handle Aram being in a slump. It happens to everyone. He'll snap out of it sooner or later.

 

The thing I have a problem with is when he loafs on the bases. It breeds a lazy attitude, and it spreads to other people.

 

Lack of hustle is really my biggest pet peeve at any time, IMO. If it was up to me, my players would run hard all the time, or I'd find someone else who would. Even if it's the most routine ground ball you've ever hit in your life, you should be sprinting down to first base.

[goonys evil twin]

Also, when players routinely make outs swinging at garbage, I still blame them, somewhat, for not fixing that problem. If a player routinely grounds into DPs with the same pathetic slap it to 2nd swing, I blame him.

 

Isn't that simply a product of him not having the talent to alter his approach and be effective? The fact that we see him do the same thing over and over tells me that he probably sees it, too, but can't do anything to change it.

 

I doubt it. It doesn't take talent to not slap a grounder to 2nd to GIDP. It doesn't take talent to not swing at the first pitch a foot out of the zone.

[goonys evil twin]

I can handle Aram being in a slump. It happens to everyone. He'll snap out of it sooner or later.

 

The thing I have a problem with is when he loafs on the bases. It breeds a lazy attitude, and it spreads to other people.

 

Lack of hustle is really my biggest pet peeve at any time, IMO. If it was up to me, my players would run hard all the time, or I'd find someone else who would. Even if it's the most routine ground ball you've ever hit in your life, you should be sprinting down to first base.

 

Admittedly I haven't see him run much this year, since he's never even getting on base. But from the sounds of the game the other day, and the couple I have see recently, he is running hard. He's just slow.

[CubfaninCA]

I think a guy who has consistently produced does deserve a pass for a bad month. I don't believe in the "he has to step up right now or else he's letting everybody down" philosophy. Trying to step up usually just means pressing, which leads to bad results.

 

I have no problem admitting Aramis was bad last month and they need him to get better. But a guy who usually produces and is his age gets the bulk of the season to play before I start "blaming" him for anything.

 

If a guy who has consistently produced has a bad month and therefore shouldn't be blamed, can any player, then, truly be blamed for anything? For example, Perez has been bad this month. But in his career he has always been bad. He is playing to expectations, and therefore cannot be blamed. Ramirez, on the other hand, has played much better than this for the bulk of his career, and, as this is just a bad month, he cannot be blamed either.

 

So is the end result of this that the only people that can ever be included in the blame for a bad season are the GM and manager?

 

I think a finger has to be pointed at ownership considering nearly $15 million of payroll (wood & prio) could be on the shelf all season. The Cubs could be playing with $79 million of payroll, which places them 14th in spending. This is the 3rd biggest market. cmon! at least go over $100 million. Ownership should have increased payroll like they did last year when they had to eat Sosa's last year.

[erik316wttn]

I can handle Aram being in a slump. It happens to everyone. He'll snap out of it sooner or later.

 

The thing I have a problem with is when he loafs on the bases. It breeds a lazy attitude, and it spreads to other people.

 

Lack of hustle is really my biggest pet peeve at any time, IMO. If it was up to me, my players would run hard all the time, or I'd find someone else who would. Even if it's the most routine ground ball you've ever hit in your life, you should be sprinting down to first base.

 

Admittedly I haven't see him run much this year, since he's never even getting on base. But from the sounds of the game the other day, and the couple I have see recently, he is running hard. He's just slow.

 

I thought he loafed sometime last week. I could be wrong, though.

[Caryatid]

I doubt it. It doesn't take talent to not slap a grounder to 2nd to GIDP. It doesn't take talent to not swing at the first pitch a foot out of the zone.

 

Then why aren't I in the major leagues? Dang...should have thought about that when I was in school.

 

I think it takes unbelievable talent to be a good hitter, and that's why there are so few. If not "slapping a grounder to second" takes so little talent, then why does anyone ever do it?

 

If a guy isn't good, I doubt he can simply will himself to be a good hitter. Conversely, if a guy has proven to be a good hitter and isn't doing the job, then I'm MORE likely to criticize him because he has the ability to do the job, and is simply not making the necessary adjustments to do well.

[Soul]

So is the end result of this that the only people that can ever be included in the blame for a bad season are the GM and manager?

 

I would say players who have bad seasons, in relation to expectations, can be blamed. But if guys play to expectations, it's the GM and managers fault when they fail. And if a good player has a bad month, I'll give him some slack.

 

Also, when players routinely make outs swinging at garbage, I still blame them, somewhat, for not fixing that problem. If a player routinely grounds into DPs with the same pathetic slap it to 2nd swing, I blame him.

 

But when I complain about sucky players for sucking, it's implied that I blame their presence on the roster or in the lineup or on the mound for the troubles. Most of my hostility is directed at management for poor planning.

 

I just blame everyone. It's much easier that way.

 

 

 

.....and you save alot of money on steno pads and pencils :P

[NorthsideAvenger]

So is the end result of this that the only people that can ever be included in the blame for a bad season are the GM and manager?

 

I would say players who have bad seasons, in relation to expectations, can be blamed. But if guys play to expectations, it's the GM and managers fault when they fail. And if a good player has a bad month, I'll give him some slack.

 

Also, when players routinely make outs swinging at garbage, I still blame them, somewhat, for not fixing that problem. If a player routinely grounds into DPs with the same pathetic slap it to 2nd swing, I blame him.

 

But when I complain about sucky players for sucking, it's implied that I blame their presence on the roster or in the lineup or on the mound for the troubles. Most of my hostility is directed at management for poor planning.

 

I just blame everyone. It's much easier that way.

 

 

 

.....and you save alot of money on steno pads and pencils :P

 

Even tho he wrote it as a joke, but Soul has the correct notion. Don't blame one or two players., blame the WHOLE FRIGGIN' TEAM. It took the majority of the team--excluding a few players who have played very well---to be this crappy, naturally this team should get the blame., not just one or two.

[CubfaninCA]

So is the end result of this that the only people that can ever be included in the blame for a bad season are the GM and manager?

 

I would say players who have bad seasons, in relation to expectations, can be blamed. But if guys play to expectations, it's the GM and managers fault when they fail. And if a good player has a bad month, I'll give him some slack.

 

Also, when players routinely make outs swinging at garbage, I still blame them, somewhat, for not fixing that problem. If a player routinely grounds into DPs with the same pathetic slap it to 2nd swing, I blame him.

 

But when I complain about sucky players for sucking, it's implied that I blame their presence on the roster or in the lineup or on the mound for the troubles. Most of my hostility is directed at management for poor planning.

 

I just blame everyone. It's much easier that way.

 

 

 

.....and you save alot of money on steno pads and pencils :P

 

Even tho he wrote it as a joke, but Soul has the correct notion. Don't blame one or two players., blame the WHOLE FRIGGIN' TEAM. It took the majority of the team--excluding a few players who have played very well---to be this crappy, naturally this team should get the blame., not just one or two.

 

i can't blame lee, walker, cedeno, murton, barrett, maddux, marshall, guzman, howry, eyre, dempster, novoa, williamson or jones.

 

14-12 isn't crappy either.

[frostwyrm]

Admittedly I haven't see him run much this year, since he's never even getting on base. But from the sounds of the game the other day, and the couple I have see recently, he is running hard. He's just slow.

A couple of days ago he hit a fly ball for a double. He trotted towards 1st and watched the ball until it fell, then he sped up and barely made it to 2nd. The annoying thing is that it obviously wasn't going to be a routine catch for the outfielder, yet Aram loafed until he saw the ball drop. I think he got used to loafing on the basepaths last year due to injury, now it's a habit and he does it even when he's healthy.

[goonys evil twin]

Admittedly I haven't see him run much this year, since he's never even getting on base. But from the sounds of the game the other day, and the couple I have see recently, he is running hard. He's just slow.

A couple of days ago he hit a fly ball for a double. He trotted towards 1st and watched the ball until it fell, then he sped up and barely made it to 2nd. The annoying thing is that it obviously wasn't going to be a routine catch for the outfielder, yet Aram loafed until he saw the ball drop. I think he got used to loafing on the basepaths last year due to injury, now it's a habit and he does it even when he's healthy.

 

I saw him not run out of the box, thinking it was foul, then sprinting. He's just slow. There's a difference.

[frostwyrm]

Admittedly I haven't see him run much this year, since he's never even getting on base. But from the sounds of the game the other day, and the couple I have see recently, he is running hard. He's just slow.

A couple of days ago he hit a fly ball for a double. He trotted towards 1st and watched the ball until it fell, then he sped up and barely made it to 2nd. The annoying thing is that it obviously wasn't going to be a routine catch for the outfielder, yet Aram loafed until he saw the ball drop. I think he got used to loafing on the basepaths last year due to injury, now it's a habit and he does it even when he's healthy.

 

I saw him not run out of the box, thinking it was foul, then sprinting. He's just slow. There's a difference.

If the fairness of an airborne ball is in question you have to run out the play, otherwise you're a loafer. Aram waited until the ball hit the turf before he ran.

[Guest]

My thoughts on Aramis' troubles:

 

http://www.northsidebaseball.com/Articles/ArticleText.php?ArticleID=117

[Jon]

My thoughts on Aramis' troubles:

 

http://www.northsidebaseball.com/Articles/ArticleText.php?ArticleID=117

Good article.

 

One thing I have noticed is that he seems to make more weaker outs with runners on as of late, but his contact overall certainly hasn't been that bad.

[oldstyle81]

even if Aram got hot, it would be a matter of innings before they pitched around him making him a non factor

 

with this team, having men on base isint that threatening to other teams

[dalgreen]

The main problem with this team is that if you go back to some threads prior to spring training, you'll notice a lot of us said, "Everything will have to go right for this to be a great season." Well, it hasn't. As usual, we've been without Wood and Prior for a significant amount of time, Rusch has been the Glendon Rusch of old, some guy who looks like Zambrano and walks like Zambrano isn't pitching like Zambrano. And, lastly, Lee being out. So, I think Ramirez is just a small amount of the problem. Even if Ramirez was performing well, instead of losing games by eight and ten runs, we'd be losing by five or six.