The Moral Of The Story (A Post Today's Game Thread)

[Wheelimus]

That kid Angel Guzman went 5.1 innings only gave up a run. The pen held it.

 

We scored 3 runs.

 

AND WE LOST.

 

The moral of the story? We must be cursed. In more ways than one. Because we had the freaking idiot with the 7 plus ERA start the damn game!

 

This, folks, this is what people are talking about when they say that the management of this team cost us a win. You knew that Rusch was going to stink. You didn't know that about Angel. Angel has not had 286 games of (mostly) sucking to let us know he's going to be bad.

 

So why on earth was Angel Guzman not the starter?

 

The Cubs organization has to look at this game and think "we chose to lose this one." Seriously, you robbed poor Hank of the only game this year where he's going to go 3 for 4 and hit a homer.

 

Pathetic. There has to be change and there has to be change now. The organizational philosophy that starts Glendon Rusch and sees more in Bynum than Murton just because Fred can slug it better than you'd think he could just has to go.

 

Until then, I'll root for the individuals to succeed, but I'm not sure I can root for the current management to succeed. Not until they show me I should put that kind of faith in them.

[otis89]

The moral of the story? We must be cursed. In more ways than one.

 

Yes, sir. We are cursed. We are cursed by stupidity.

[NCCubFan]

The moral of the story is simply that a start by Rusch is a guaranteed, automatic loss. By starting Rusch, the Cubs' mismanagement in effect forfeited the game before it even started.

[dalgreen]

I have to somewhat disagree. Although Rusch should never start another game in a Cub uniform, you can't say that Guzman would've performed the same way if he knew he was going to start. By the way, what other start by Guzman gave you the idea that he'd be able to do what he did today? He did a great job today, but I can't say he would've done the exact same thing had he been given the start. Len and Bob alluded to this, as well. I almost equate it to the sixth man in basketball. Many sixth men are just better coming off the bench than starting. I don't know if it's a mental thing or what. Guzman could get the next start and crap it up or pitch well. But I think it's unfair to say that we would've won had Guzman started.

[Wheelimus]

You know, if Hendry wants to make a bold move...get rid of Pierre for whatever we can get, and put Bynum in center.

 

That way Murton can play, and they can get this look or whatever at Everyday Freddie. Maybe they see something I'm missing. I just see a speedy guy who can pull the ball but can't hit.

[sweetpeteman]

The moral of the story is simply that a start by Rusch is a guaranteed, automatic loss. By starting Rusch, the Cubs' mismanagement in effect forfeited the game before it even started.

 

Estes part two, except that Estes atleast pitched well every now and then...

[Wheelimus]

Kind of like how Estes won that key start at the very end of the year in '03. Of course, we didn't have our stupid hats on back then, we didn't give him two years because he "saved us" and didn't suck one time...

[badger1679666666]

2 years $6 million my friends, 2 years $6 million.

 

Does hendry know how stupid he is?

[goonys evil twin]

I have to somewhat disagree. Although Rusch should never start another game in a Cub uniform, you can't say that Guzman would've performed the same way if he knew he was going to start. By the way, what other start by Guzman gave you the idea that he'd be able to do what he did today?

 

The point is you don't know. Guzman gives you the opportunity for success. You don't know if he will, but he can. Rusch on the other hand is almost a guaranteed suck game. You aren't disagreeing with him, you are stating the same thing he said:

 

"This, folks, this is what people are talking about when they say that the management of this team cost us a win. You knew that Rusch was going to stink. You didn't know that about Angel. Angel has not had 286 games of (mostly) sucking to let us know he's going to be bad. "

 

 

Nobody thinks Angel is a guaranteed great outing. But he's showed promise before, so this should not be a surprise.

[Wheelimus]

It's just nuts. We paid $6 mil for the bastard and are getting nothing. Demote his butt to Iowa, nobody is going to grab him. Let them put him on a treadmill everyday and try to get someting out of him.

[dalgreen]

I would also buy into it, if we had scored more than three runs. Some how some way I think we'd found some way to blow another game with only three runs.

[RegulusBlue]

The simple fact is that management will never look at themselves with any blame ever. This team is undermanned, mismanaged, and many other negative adjectives, but the biggest problem is that there is no owner. At no time will the Trib ever feel like its letting the fans down and putting on a joke of a show, because the buck doesn't stop with anyone.

 

There is no one man or small group of men to blame that we can see because they hide like cowards behind the company name. Its just the Trib that takes the hit, and counts money regardless of the team's performance. Invisible suits refuse to fix front office problems, and all we see is the wool pulled tightly over our eyes.

 

Because of this lack of leadership and accountability at the top, there is no one policing the front office. No one demands results, no one questions moves and makes strong personnel decisions. The authority of this baseball team is split between a man who is only out to make money, the worst and most damaging manager in baseball history, and a proud man who can't admit he's wrong. Hendry can't live with admitting fault by firing Dusty, so he will circle the drain with his boy eventually.

 

This current setup is in danger of making it very clear to baseball fans exactly what we've suspected for a long time. The Cubs are dangerously close to becoming a business rather than a baseball team, which is a step in the wrong direction for an organization to win dollars and not games. People aren't business fans. I can't remember the last time forty thousand fans showed up to cheer for Dillards Department Stores.

 

If the Cubs become a business rather than a team, the White Sox, Brewers, and Cardinals will be waiting with a good roster and winning spirit. I for one will have to buy new hats if Dusty gets extended, because I will not root for the Chicago Cubs Bank and Trust.

[Wheelimus]

Obviously it's all hypothetical, whether the change in pitcher would have also changed various other factors and still allowed us to lose. That's a curse folks.

 

But still, you want to give yourself the best chance to win. Angel Guzman would have given them a better chance to win. Hell, starting Roberto Novoa or Will Ohman, while not a good idea, technically would have given you a better chance to win than Rusch.

 

Shoot, know who else would have given us a better chance to win this game? Les Walrond. Jae Kuk Ryu. Rich Hill. Jerome Williams. Pretty much every starter at Iowa, lol. Heck, I'd even go down to Tennessee before I give the ball to Rusch.

[dalgreen]

The simple fact is that management will never look at themselves with any blame ever. This team is undermanned, mismanaged, and many other negative adjectives, but the biggest problem is that there is no owner. At no time will the Trib ever feel like its letting the fans down and putting on a joke of a show, because the buck doesn't stop with anyone.

 

There is no one man or small group of men to blame that we can see because they hide like cowards behind the company name. Its just the Trib that takes the hit, and counts money regardless of the team's performance. Invisible suits refuse to fix front office problems, and all we see is the wool pulled tightly over our eyes.

 

Because of this lack of leadership and accountability at the top, there is no one policing the front office. No one demands results, no one questions moves and makes strong personnel decisions. The authority of this baseball team is split between a man who is only out to make money, the worst and most damaging manager in baseball history, and a proud man who can't admit he's wrong. Hendry can't live with admitting fault by firing Dusty, so he will circle the drain with his boy eventually.

 

This current setup is in danger of making it very clear to baseball fans exactly what we've suspected for a long time. The Cubs are dangerously close to becoming a business rather than a baseball team, which is a step in the wrong direction for an organization to win dollars and not games. People aren't business fans. I can't remember the last time forty thousand fans showed up to cheer for Dillards Department Stores.

 

If the Cubs become a business rather than a team, the White Sox, Brewers, and Cardinals will be waiting with a good roster and winning spirit. I for one will have to buy new hats if Dusty gets extended, because I will not root for the Chicago Cubs Bank and Trust.

 

I think a lot of people would agree with you. But the fact is the Tribune Co. is a business with many stockholders neither Cub fans nor baseball fans. They just care about what the Tribune Co. as a whole does. You are right, there is no accountability but that's our (fans) faults. We are so in love with Wrigley that we will allow just about any product to be placed on the field. As long as we come 40,000 strong I don't think Dennis FitzSimmons and Tribune stockholders will be too upset at the product on the field. I don't think that Hendry is held accountable and I don't think Baker is held accountable, but at least he gets to hear the boos. Hendry doesn't get to hear boos directed at him too often. As long as 40,000 people show up at Wrigley, I don't know if accountability will be an issue. By the way, my prediction is Baker's extension will be announced either the same day as Prior's return or the same day as Lee's return.

[YearofDaCubs]

 

Because of this lack of leadership and accountability at the top, there is no one policing the front office. No one demands results, no one questions moves and makes strong personnel decisions. The authority of this baseball team is split between a man who is only out to make money, the worst and most damaging manager in baseball history, and a proud man who can't admit he's wrong. Hendry can't live with admitting fault by firing Dusty, so he will circle the drain with his boy eventually.

 

This is funny but true. You are right though, Hendry will share a fate similar to Dick Jauron when he decided not to fire Schoop when everybody was calling for it.

[cubweiser03]

To me Hendry is the one looking like the fool. Sure Dusty trotted him out there but up to today Guzman really hasnt done anything other than had a blue chip on his shoulder. Dusty was visibily pissed at Rusch's last outing and only let him go 1.2. Really how many pitchers get pulled after only (i say only because worse has happened to other pitchers many times) 4 runs. My opinion, and i may be a fool, (wont be the first or last time) is Rusch wont start again because Dusty has finally had enough of him, especially with Guzman finally doing well today.

 

Hendry needs to step up to the plate, admit he has egg on his face and DFA this guy. DFA him when Prior returns. Again i think Dusty is done with him so Hendry needs to man up.

 

Guzman. I didnt see him pitch but the 8ks and 3 hits in 5.1 is pretty impressive. The Tigers aint no slouchers at the plate.

 

Has the real Angel Guzman stood up??? Thats what im leaving this game with. Oh and can someone really suck this bad as Rusch? Man... its HARD to suck this bad.

[Derwood]

I wouldn't say the Trib is 100% about the bottom line. If that was the case, I don't think we'd see a $95 million payroll. A pure money-making business would lower payroll until it started seeing negative consequences on attendance and merchandise sales.

[SoonerCubFan]

I have to somewhat disagree. Although Rusch should never start another game in a Cub uniform, you can't say that Guzman would've performed the same way if he knew he was going to start. By the way, what other start by Guzman gave you the idea that he'd be able to do what he did today? He did a great job today, but I can't say he would've done the exact same thing had he been given the start. Len and Bob alluded to this, as well. I almost equate it to the sixth man in basketball. Many sixth men are just better coming off the bench than starting. I don't know if it's a mental thing or what. Guzman could get the next start and crap it up or pitch well. But I think it's unfair to say that we would've won had Guzman started.

 

I actually equate this to the "play Murton vs. platton with Bynum" issue, only I think this is 10 times worse. Starting pitchers have a much more direct affect than an OF, and I personally think Guzman has more upside than even Murton, although the last point is arguable. Their is zero upside to starting Rusch on any level.

 

Sure, we'll never know about this game's outcome (who care at this point??), but under no circumstances should Rusch be starting games with the young talented SPs we have waiting for their auditions.

[A New Era]

I have to somewhat disagree. Although Rusch should never start another game in a Cub uniform, you can't say that Guzman would've performed the same way if he knew he was going to start. By the way, what other start by Guzman gave you the idea that he'd be able to do what he did today? He did a great job today, but I can't say he would've done the exact same thing had he been given the start. Len and Bob alluded to this, as well. I almost equate it to the sixth man in basketball. Many sixth men are just better coming off the bench than starting. I don't know if it's a mental thing or what. Guzman could get the next start and crap it up or pitch well. But I think it's unfair to say that we would've won had Guzman started.

 

I actually equate this to the "play Murton vs. platton with Bynum" issue, only I think this is 10 times worse. Starting pitchers have a much more direct affect than an OF, and I personally think Guzman has more upside than even Murton, although the last point is arguable. Their is zero upside to starting Rusch on any level.

 

Sure, we'll never know about this game's outcome (who care at this point??), but under no circumstances should Rusch be starting games with the young talented SPs we have waiting for their auditions.

 

Exactly. Might as well start guzman or hill every 5 days and see if one of them can finally get over their bump and start pitching well. Both of them could be good starting pitchers and Rusch has taken far to many games away from them getting ML starts under their belt. Start them now, when it doesn't matter. This is the type of season where you give your up and comers some experience. Any doofus can see that. Cept Hendry and Baker I suppose. .

[NewUserName]

I agree that the Cubs do not have any leadership to point a finger at the top and that is a lot of the problem.

 

Another thing that the Cubs have done for years is kid themselves into thinking they are contenders and put faith into really bad options because they have more experience. I dont like Dusty but this way of thinking has been around here for long before Dusty got here. I am pretty sure in 2002 They had a choice to start a 2-7 Jason Bere with a ERA in the 6s or a 1-8 Juan Cruz with a ERA in the mid 3s. Somehow they came to the conclusion that Bere gave them a better chance to win now!!! The stupidest thing was they werent even contending, they just thought they were. Cruz was never they same and well we know what kind of career Bere has had here. They have been making these decisions for years. In a year like 2003 I could understand it a little because they were actually contending.

 

That is why they really need to just understand that they are out of it and start accessing who they have to build around. I am pretty sure that it doesnt take a rocket scientist to realize that Rusch, Perez, Mabry, Nevin, Maddux, Womack, Blanco and Pierre are not going to be around when this team is contending again. I really think it is time to clean ALL of these guys out and see what we can get for them(I know it probably wont be much) and start letting guys like Guzman, Hill, Wuertz, Theriot, Restovich and maybe even Pie start taking their lumps and learn how to play at the Major League level when the season is already lost. Lets see if these guys are worth keeping or we need to look to other players to fill their roles. At least then we could get something accomplished this season. My guess is you will see most of those "Proven Veterens" playing for the Cubs in Sept though. While the youngsters waste time on the bech watching losers lose.

[BigbadB]

Dusty was visibily pissed at Rusch's last outing and only let him go 1.2. Really how many pitchers get pulled after only (i say only because worse has happened to other pitchers many times) 4 runs.

 

Did you see the game? Everyone was hitting Rusch. He was fooling no one. The mistake was starting him at all. And 1.2 innings was way too long to leave him in.

 

Other than that, I agree with a lot of what you say.

[PepperBrooks]

Generally speaking I think Dusty realized that Glendon was unlikely to beat the best team in baseball. However, because we didn't feel it was appropriate to start Marmol on 4 days rest, we decided to let Rusch extend Tigers BP until about 2:07pm CDT.

 

Prior should (who knows anymore) be coming back soon. With Rich Hill, Jerome Williams, Angel Guzman, Kerry Wood and Sean Marshall all on the Cubs 40 man roster, I don't see how Hendry can possibly justify keeping Glendon Rusch in Chicago. We can at throw a 7.80 ERA pitcher with upside can't we?

[Backtobanks]

I have to somewhat disagree. Although Rusch should never start another game in a Cub uniform, you can't say that Guzman would've performed the same way if he knew he was going to start. By the way, what other start by Guzman gave you the idea that he'd be able to do what he did today?

 

The point is you don't know. Guzman gives you the opportunity for success. You don't know if he will, but he can. Rusch on the other hand is almost a guaranteed suck game. You aren't disagreeing with him, you are stating the same thing he said:

 

"This, folks, this is what people are talking about when they say that the management of this team cost us a win. You knew that Rusch was going to stink. You didn't know that about Angel. Angel has not had 286 games of (mostly) sucking to let us know he's going to be bad. "

 

 

Nobody thinks Angel is a guaranteed great outing. But he's showed promise before, so this should not be a surprise.

 

Nothing in life is guaranteed, but some things about the Cubs are. Rusch starting and Neifi starting and batting 2nd are guaranteed disasters.

[FloridaCubbie]

Because we had the freaking idiot with the 7 plus ERA start the damn game!

 

Rusch isn't an idiot, he's just an awful pitcher.

If you're looking for an Idiot, then the guy who keeps sending him out there would qualify.

[Fro]

Some guy in the bleachers had a huge sign he held up when Rusch got yanked that everyone was going nuts for.

 

It said

 

"A FAILURE TO PLAN (Picture of Hendry looking inept)

IS A PLAN FOR FAILURE (Picture of Dusty looking clueless w/ toothpick)"