Hey Aram, Thome's hustle won a game today

[frostwyrm]

Yes, I admit I was watching the Sox today, and I saw something that made me sick as a Cub's fan. 8th inning, game tied 2-2, Thome hits a fly to shallow center field, looked like an easy catch. Royals CF Kerry Robinson charged in at a bad angle, then realized his mistake and tried to change direction, stumbling in the process. Falling forward like a clumsy drunk he still almost caught the ball but it glanced off the end of his glove. Thome, who had hustled all the while the ball was airborne, ended up with a standup double. Robinson was obviously embarrassed by the play and it should've been an error. Joe Crede then singled Thome in for the go-ahead run and Jenks saved the 1 run lead. What impressed me was that a big slow power hitter like Thome ran hard on a play that looked like an easy out, and consequently scored the winning run because he had hustled himself into scoring position. I am going to remember that play every time I see a Cub loafing on the basepaths.

 

I'm looking at you, Aram!

[Omar]

Well... I dont think this is a day to attack Aram... And the time he didnt hustle when he was supposed to, the Cubs had a talk with him. And please, we got you the first time you bashed him.

[sunnydoo]

I think he was referring to ARams stare down last nite. That was ridiculous. Hit the ball and run. Dont just stand there and show up the pitcher.

 

If i were the Fathers, Mr ARam would have gotten buzzed on his next AB.

[frostwyrm]

I think he was referring to ARams stare down last nite. That was ridiculous. Hit the ball and run. Dont just stand there and show up the pitcher.

 

If i were the Fathers, Mr ARam would have gotten buzzed on his next AB.

 

A couple days ago Aram hit a fly ball that he watched all the way into the turf before he actually started running and subsequently he had to slide into 2nd instead of trotting in standing up. It wasn't a routine catch either. In stark contrast, Thome ran hard today on a ball that looked like an easy out. This stuff really bugs me.

[SouthSideRyan]

I think it's important to note that on fly balls to Kerry Robinson, it's just assumed it will drop in awkwardly.

[frostwyrm]

I think it's important to note that on fly balls to Kerry Robinson, it's just assumed it will drop in awkwardly.

Mmm, I see. I'm not familiar with Robinson's work but he looked pretty klutzy on that one play today.

[Geech]

Rammy's leg muscles are stuck in place with bubblegum. I don't mind that he never hustles.

[srbin84]

I can't believe the negativity being directed at Aramis. Yeah, he didn't come up through our minor league system, but he's done so much for this team. He's had a slow start, so what. Show the guy a little loyalty.

[J.R.]

Who's Jim Thome?

[sherwood921]

I can't believe the negativity being directed at Aramis. Yeah, he didn't come up through our minor league system, but he's done so much for this team. He's had a slow start, so what. Show the guy a little loyalty.

 

I don't think there is anything wrong with asking a major league baseball to hustle.

[CubfaninCA]

thome would have brought home a title in 2003.

[abuck1220]

thome would have brought home a title in 2003.

 

get.. over.. it..

[TruffleShuffle]

thome would have brought home a title in 2003.

 

get.. over.. it..

 

:lol:

[srbin84]

I can't believe the negativity being directed at Aramis. Yeah, he didn't come up through our minor league system, but he's done so much for this team. He's had a slow start, so what. Show the guy a little loyalty.

 

I don't think there is anything wrong with asking a major league baseball to hustle.

 

It's a general post on the Aram bashing I have observed lately, but I doubt people would be complaining about his hustle or calling him a lazy bum if he had a .900 OPS or above.

[Chris]

I can't believe the negativity being directed at Aramis. Yeah, he didn't come up through our minor league system, but he's done so much for this team. He's had a slow start, so what. Show the guy a little loyalty.

 

:-s

[CubfaninCA]

COULD HAVE TRADED CHOI FOR A RF. GOD HENDRY'S STUPID!!!!!

 

:D

[oldstyle81]

I think he was referring to ARams stare down last nite. That was ridiculous. Hit the ball and run. Dont just stand there and show up the pitcher.

 

If i were the Fathers, Mr ARam would have gotten buzzed on his next AB.

 

who cares? at least he is actually hitting the ball now unlike everyone else on this team

 

first its he cant hit the ball and then after this weekend where he hits the ball its something else. There is far worse things this team has to worry about than Aram hitting the ball and not running out a double. some of those things include, Juan Pierre grounding out to the pitcher, Jock Strap not running bases, missing cut offs, the bull pen with the exception of Dempster, howry and eyre

 

You people would be saying oh he is injury prone if he did hustle and hurt his groin again

[sunnydoo]

who cares?

 

I care for one. First of all, you are right- it is nice to see that he is at least hitting his weight now (.220). But ARam is still not their yet. And until he can play 140+ games regularly and consistently and put up solid stats, I wont be sold.

 

When you spend $11 million on a player you have certain expectations. One of those expectations is a respect for the game and the players. It is a traveshamockery not to run out a ground ball or to sit and admire your work at home plate. It shows up the other team, the other player, and makes you look extremely lazy. It is one of the truest reasons why i hate Bonds, Manny Ramirez, and others. They refuse to even run out ground balls. But what happens if that ball didnt carry last nite? You would have a long single with a team that desperately needed runs. Just not the kind of veteran leadership i look for.

 

And if his groin is that bad and ginger, then we dont need him and need to find a replacement. Otherwise he needs to run things out and play the game the way it is meant to be played.

[IWU_CUBS_FAN]

If anyone needs a stern talking to about his hustle I believe it is worthless Freddie Bynum. that man is lazy

[USSoccer]

It looks like the 2006 season's whipping boy is set. 2004 it was Sosa, 2005 it was Corey, and now Aramis is going to get bashed for something that doesn't prevent the team from winning.

 

Aramis is a very good player who got off to a slow start. There's no reason to go bashing him for not "playing the game the way it was meant to be played". Unless he's out there with a cricket bat and a football helmet, he is playing the game the way it was meant to be played.

 

Crticism about "hustle" and "heart" are impossible to prove or disprove. I'm sure Aramis cares and tries as hard as the next guy on the team. It's ridiculous to single him out and take out frustration about the team's play on him. I'd note that I have seen him hustle out infield hits this season that I've not seen him do in the previous 2.5 seasons with us. Additionally, complaining about him staring at a home run is hilarious. I shudder to think what would happen if baseball players, after home runs, starting reacting like soccer players when they score goals.

 

Keep in mind a lot of players look like they "don't hustle" when the team is losing and the player is pressing.

[Chocolate Milk]

It looks like the 2006 season's whipping boy is set. 2004 it was Sosa, 2005 it was Corey, and now Aramis is going to get bashed for something that doesn't prevent the team from winning.

 

Aramis is a very good player who got off to a slow start. There's no reason to go bashing him for not "playing the game the way it was meant to be played". Unless he's out there with a cricket bat and a football helmet, he is playing the game the way it was meant to be played.

 

Crticism about "hustle" and "heart" are impossible to prove or disprove. I'm sure Aramis cares and tries as hard as the next guy on the team. It's ridiculous to single him out and take out frustration about the team's play on him. I'd note that I have seen him hustle out infield hits this season that I've not seen him do in the previous 2.5 seasons with us. Additionally, complaining about him staring at a home run is hilarious. I shudder to think what would happen if baseball players, after home runs, starting reacting like soccer players when they score goals.

 

Keep in mind a lot of players look like they "don't hustle" when the team is losing and the player is pressing.

 

Well said.

[Wild_Cubs04]

If anyone needs a stern talking to about his hustle I believe it is worthless Freddie Bynum. that man is lazy

 

Thank you

[CubinNY]

I saw the Thome play too, and he wasn't hustling at all. He hit the ball so freaking high he just jogged to second. It also didn't hurt that the KC centerfielder was sprawlled out on the ground either.

[bobbyd20]

I like Ramirez both his effort leaves a lot to be desired at times. If his groin really is that ginger, then he needs to get in better shape. Either way, effort isn't something that should be a sometimes thing. I don't care if your Aramis Ramirez or Barry Bonds. Hustle the four or five times you are expected to run hard per day.

[sonofsamiam]

IIRC, didn't Aramis score what turned out to the deciding run in a game where he came in from 2nd on a shallow base hit to center, sliding around and under the catcher's tag?

 

Looked like a good hustle play to me. (Plus, a VERY fundamentally sound, and aware, slide.)

 

He does take too much time looking at the ball's trajectory after it's hit, though, but it's still a minor quibble. I'd rather criticize the players on the team that are, y'know, bad.