The drive toward 0.500 (ear mark Aug 2nd)

[NewUserName]

I do agree that this team is bad. Probably not as bad as they were in May but not nearly as good as they were in April. Sadly I think they will be better for the rest of the season for a variety of reasons. This is not saying that they will make a run at the Wild Card(except in their own diluted minds). After Lee comes back and Prior starts pitching at an average level, they will be better. However still not good. What really scares me is some improvement will be justification for a Dusty extention, which will be followed by a 120,000 fan 3 game weekend series

[BigbadB]

The importance of OBP does slap them in the face everyday.

 

For the month of April, the Cubs had a batting average more than 20 points higher than their opponents (.256 to .235). The Cubs had 19 more hits than their opponents that month. The opponents scored more runs than the Cubs. (112 to 109).

 

For the month of May, the Cubs batting average slipped to .248. However, the opponents AVG was only .249. The Cubs had more hits in the month of May than their opponents (243 to 240). The Cubs were outscored in the month of May 151 to 93. That's almost a 60 run difference.

 

So far in June, the Cubs are actually hitting the ball pretty well. For the month, they have a .282 AVG. The opponents have a .280 AVG. The Cubs have had 4 more hits than their opponents, but have been outscored 91 to 77.

 

If you go through the entire 2005 season month by month, you'll see the same pattern. That pattern is where this organization falls flat on their face. The refusal to acknowledge the importance of a walk.

 

As a team, they have drawn a base on balls 166 times this year. They are on pace to draw less than 350 for a full season. I wonder what the record is for least amount of walks in an entire season? That has to be right there among the worst walk rates in history.

 

Meanwhile, the opponents are walking AND scoring runs when they play the Cubs. They've walked 294 times already. They are on pace to walk over 600 times, and may just double the Cubs output and walk closer to 700 times for the year.

 

No, it's not "just" about the walk. The Cubs are being outslugged as well. But, not at the significant rate that opponents get on base and score runs on the whole. Many walks turn into runs. Ask our pitching staff.

 

It's honestly smacking them in the face everyday, yet they pretend that it is not a problem. The only way to fix this problem is to get rid of those people who fail to recognize it as a problem.

 

How well would Dale Earnhardt Jr. do in a NASCAR race if he pulled a couple of spark plugs out of his engine before the race? That's what Dusty has done with this offense. And just to exaggerate his stupidity, he bats one of the worst offenders at the very top of the line up, assuring he makes even more outs with those extra at bats. Utter stupidity.

[Soul]

The importance of OBP does slap them in the face everyday.

 

For the month of April, the Cubs had a batting average more than 20 points higher than their opponents (.256 to .235). The Cubs had 19 more hits than their opponents that month. The opponents scored more runs than the Cubs. (112 to 109).

 

For the month of May, the Cubs batting average slipped to .248. However, the opponents AVG was only .249. The Cubs had more hits in the month of May than their opponents (243 to 240). The Cubs were outscored in the month of May 151 to 93. That's almost a 60 run difference.

 

So far in June, the Cubs are actually hitting the ball pretty well. For the month, they have a .282 AVG. The opponents have a .280 AVG. The Cubs have had 4 more hits than their opponents, but have been outscored 91 to 77.

 

If you go through the entire 2005 season month by month, you'll see the same pattern. That pattern is where this organization falls flat on their face. The refusal to acknowledge the importance of a walk.

 

As a team, they have drawn a base on balls 166 times this year. They are on pace to draw less than 350 for a full season. I wonder what the record is for least amount of walks in an entire season? That has to be right there among the worst walk rates in history.

 

Meanwhile, the opponents are walking AND scoring runs when they play the Cubs. They've walked 294 times already. They are on pace to walk over 600 times, and may just double the Cubs output and walk closer to 700 times for the year.

 

No, it's not "just" about the walk. The Cubs are being outslugged as well. But, not at the significant rate that opponents get on base and score runs on the whole. Many walks turn into runs. Ask our pitching staff.

 

It's honestly smacking them in the face everyday, yet they pretend that it is not a problem. The only way to fix this problem is to get rid of those people who fail to recognize it as a problem.

 

How well would Dale Earnhardt Jr. do in a NASCAR race if he pulled a couple of spark plugs out of his engine before the race? That's what Dusty has done with this offense. And just to exaggerate his stupidity, he bats one of the worst offenders at the very top of the line up, assuring he makes even more outs with those extra at bats. Utter stupidity.

 

 

....and the record-setting DP pace too. IMO that has to be tied to lack of patience at the plate in some way/shape/form. When you have runners on base, the opposing pitcher's in trouble----you want to make sure that pitcher can hang himself if possible. Not the Cubs. That's when we swing at everything even more than usual.

[Scott G. F.]

The importance of OBP does slap them in the face everyday.

 

For the month of April, the Cubs had a batting average more than 20 points higher than their opponents (.256 to .235). The Cubs had 19 more hits than their opponents that month. The opponents scored more runs than the Cubs. (112 to 109).

 

For the month of May, the Cubs batting average slipped to .248. However, the opponents AVG was only .249. The Cubs had more hits in the month of May than their opponents (243 to 240). The Cubs were outscored in the month of May 151 to 93. That's almost a 60 run difference.

 

So far in June, the Cubs are actually hitting the ball pretty well. For the month, they have a .282 AVG. The opponents have a .280 AVG. The Cubs have had 4 more hits than their opponents, but have been outscored 91 to 77.

 

If you go through the entire 2005 season month by month, you'll see the same pattern. That pattern is where this organization falls flat on their face. The refusal to acknowledge the importance of a walk.

 

As a team, they have drawn a base on balls 166 times this year. They are on pace to draw less than 350 for a full season. I wonder what the record is for least amount of walks in an entire season? That has to be right there among the worst walk rates in history.

 

Meanwhile, the opponents are walking AND scoring runs when they play the Cubs. They've walked 294 times already. They are on pace to walk over 600 times, and may just double the Cubs output and walk closer to 700 times for the year.

 

No, it's not "just" about the walk. The Cubs are being outslugged as well. But, not at the significant rate that opponents get on base and score runs on the whole. Many walks turn into runs. Ask our pitching staff.

 

It's honestly smacking them in the face everyday, yet they pretend that it is not a problem. The only way to fix this problem is to get rid of those people who fail to recognize it as a problem.

 

How well would Dale Earnhardt Jr. do in a NASCAR race if he pulled a couple of spark plugs out of his engine before the race? That's what Dusty has done with this offense. And just to exaggerate his stupidity, he bats one of the worst offenders at the very top of the line up, assuring he makes even more outs with those extra at bats. Utter stupidity.

 

 

Then facter in RISP and GIDP and you have the 2006 Cubs offense in a nut shell.

 

We can fix that just a little tweaking is all.

 

What about starting pitching how many "quality starts" have the Cubs starters had compared to winning the game. I bet its in good agreement.

 

So it's pretty obvious to us here at NSBB so what's the deal with the Cubs orgainization?

 

I just don't think we're getting the breaks dude!! (...kidding)

[BigbadB]

The 1980 Cubs had these numbers:

 

.251 AVG/ .309 OBP/ .365 SLG

 

The 2006 Cubs have these numbers so far:

 

.259 AVG/ .311 OBP/ .394 SLG

 

The 1980 Cubs scored 614 runs on their way to a 68-94 season.

The 2006 Cubs will be lucky to score 614 runs and they maybe lucky to win 68 games.

 

Oh, here are the names of that great 1980 Cub team:

 

Tim Blackwell, Bill Buckner, Mike Tyson, Mike Vail, Scot Thompson, Lenny Randle, Ivan DeJesus and Jerry Martin.

[BigbadB]

Then facter in RISP and GIDP and you have the 2006 Cubs offense in a nut shell.

 

We can fix that just a little tweaking is all.

 

Agreed. Timely hitting and GIDP factor into the overall picture. Considering how many GIDP's the Cubs have with how few actual baserunners they have than other teams, I wouldn't doubt that it's a record setting pace.

 

I have no idea why this organization continues to ignore this problem. They must not want to own up to their mistakes and look bad. The funny thing is, they are looking bad by sitting there and doing nothing.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

The sentiments behind this thread resonates the same faulty logic that Hendry and Dusty keep spouting out and is primarily the reason the team is in such a funk. It's always about injuries, or bad luck, or some mythical we're not hitting with RISP....or some crap like that.

 

This team is faultily constructed. It isn't capable of running off the number of wins needed to get back to .500. For that reason, those who constructed it must go.

[Scott G. F.]

I have no idea why this organization continues to ignore this problem. They must not want to own up to their mistakes and look bad. The funny thing is, they are looking bad by sitting there and doing nothing.

 

That's the part that kills me. Hendry took a chance and lost and lost bad, much like the Cubs have this year, but he's still hoping the horse that died in the shoot will suddenly jump up and win the race after the race is already half over. It's insain. But most Cubs fans are just a little crazy, but wer're not paid to fix the team, we're just fans of the Cubs symbol, just fans.

 

15 games under. I hope they still sweep the Indians.

[thedaymen]

The basic premise of this thread is wrong.

 

The Cubs aren't going to go on a pro-longed two month slug fest and beat every team out there. It just isn't going to happen.

 

What might (1 in 20 chance) happen is the Cubs with Lee and the real Mark Prior might run off a 10 game winning streak at some point.

[RynoRules]

Was the author of this thread really saying he thinks the Cubs are capable of a historic run such as the one he described as necessay to get to .500? I thought he was being semi-sarcastic.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Was the author of this thread really saying he thinks the Cubs are capable of a historic run such as the one he described as necessay to get to .500? I thought he was being semi-sarcastic.

 

Considering he has started threads exactly like this after wins in every stage of the season, I don't think that's the case.

[BigbadB]

He's just trying to stay optimistic. There's nothing wrong with that.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

He's just trying to stay optimistic. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

I can relate. I expect to win the Powerball every Wednesday and Saturday. The Cubs chances of getting to 500 are about the same as my odds of winning that jackpot.

 

In fact, my odds may be a little better.

[beowulf28]

Their not gonna drive toward anything except more suckage. Thinking this team has even a remote possibility of winning all their series the rest of the wa is like expecting satan to give you a passionate kiss.

 

I guess it depends on what shade of lipstick satan is wearing. I have read enough to know that satan is passionate and not the horned, red skinned demon looking thing with a forked tounge and tail.

 

One good looking win last night. It's step number one to the drive toward .500.

 

Last night was the same old song and dance. Nothing is being changed. Great, everybody made contact last night. A team of NSBBers could hit well against ineffective pitching occasionally. Heck, Cubs opponents have been doing it all year, and last night was no exception.

 

The team also only drew 2 walks last night. Until they start showing some patience at the plate and taking some freebies, this team won't amount to squat.

 

Their approach is horrible. With their poor SLG and AVG, they should be doing anything and everything they can to improve their OBP. They should be doing everything they can to knock pitchers out of games earlier with high pitch counts.

 

About the bolded paragraph: Bingo!

[beowulf28]

The sentiments behind this thread resonates the same faulty logic that Hendry and Dusty keep spouting out and is primarily the reason the team is in such a funk. It's always about injuries, or bad luck, or some mythical we're not hitting with RISP....or some crap like that.

 

This team is faultily constructed. It isn't capable of running off the number of wins needed to get back to .500. For that reason, those who constructed it must go.

 

You are correct, sir! The problem is, those who must make them go, must go as well. C'mon, Trib! Sell our Cubbies to Mark Cuban! :D

[Scott G. F.]

He's just trying to stay optimistic. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

I can relate. I expect to win the Powerball every Wednesday and Saturday. The Cubs chances of getting to 500 are about the same as my odds of winning that jackpot.

 

In fact, my odds may be a little better.

 

I started this thread to point out the date that .500 could be achieved if just winning the up coming series, not every game for 16 games. Right now if we win tomorrow we win the Cleveland series on the way to Minnisota. Just a series win after series win will get us there by Aug 2nd.

It's not likely but possible. Just saying.

[RynoRules]

He's just trying to stay optimistic. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

Absolutely not. Its a good thing. I wish I felt the same. I am usually one of the last hold outs, but I can't bear it this time.

[Soul]

He's just trying to stay optimistic. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

I can relate. I expect to win the Powerball every Wednesday and Saturday. The Cubs chances of getting to 500 are about the same as my odds of winning that jackpot.

 

In fact, my odds may be a little better.

 

I started this thread to point out the date that .500 could be achieved if just winning the up coming series, not every game for 16 games. Right now if we win tomorrow we win the Cleveland series on the way to Minnisota. Just a series win after series win will get us there by Aug 2nd.

It's not likely but possible. Just saying.

 

I hear ya.

 

I'm reserving my optimism more for next season at this point though. Kinda waiting to see if there will be any kind of shakeup in the management of this club, and also waiting to see if Hendry can do anything positive at the deadline.

 

Right now I'm not sure how positive it would really be to get back to .500. It doesn't accomplish anything for this year, and it greatly increases the chance Baker will be back----which to me isn't all that great a proposition.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

He's just trying to stay optimistic. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

I can relate. I expect to win the Powerball every Wednesday and Saturday. The Cubs chances of getting to 500 are about the same as my odds of winning that jackpot.

 

In fact, my odds may be a little better.

 

I started this thread to point out the date that .500 could be achieved if just winning the up coming series, not every game for 16 games. Right now if we win tomorrow we win the Cleveland series on the way to Minnisota. Just a series win after series win will get us there by Aug 2nd.

It's not likely but possible. Just saying.

 

I hear ya.

 

I'm reserving my optimism more for next season at this point though. Kinda waiting to see if there will be any kind of shakeup in the management of this club, and also waiting to see if Hendry can do anything positive at the deadline.

 

Right now I'm not sure how positive it would really be to get back to .500. It doesn't accomplish anything for this year, and it greatly increases the chance Baker will be back----which to me isn't all that great a proposition.

 

Me too. I'm saving all my optimism for November-March, when I'll be saying the Cubs can win the division.

[goonys evil twin]

Me too. I'm saving all my optimism for November-March, when I'll be saying the Cubs can win the division.

 

I'm saving mine for September 10.

[Bergy92]

The importance of OBP does slap them in the face everyday.

 

For the month of April, the Cubs had a batting average more than 20 points higher than their opponents (.256 to .235). The Cubs had 19 more hits than their opponents that month. The opponents scored more runs than the Cubs. (112 to 109).

 

For the month of May, the Cubs batting average slipped to .248. However, the opponents AVG was only .249. The Cubs had more hits in the month of May than their opponents (243 to 240). The Cubs were outscored in the month of May 151 to 93. That's almost a 60 run difference.

 

So far in June, the Cubs are actually hitting the ball pretty well. For the month, they have a .282 AVG. The opponents have a .280 AVG. The Cubs have had 4 more hits than their opponents, but have been outscored 91 to 77.

 

If you go through the entire 2005 season month by month, you'll see the same pattern. That pattern is where this organization falls flat on their face. The refusal to acknowledge the importance of a walk.

 

As a team, they have drawn a base on balls 166 times this year. They are on pace to draw less than 350 for a full season. I wonder what the record is for least amount of walks in an entire season? That has to be right there among the worst walk rates in history.

 

Meanwhile, the opponents are walking AND scoring runs when they play the Cubs. They've walked 294 times already. They are on pace to walk over 600 times, and may just double the Cubs output and walk closer to 700 times for the year.

 

No, it's not "just" about the walk. The Cubs are being outslugged as well. But, not at the significant rate that opponents get on base and score runs on the whole. Many walks turn into runs. Ask our pitching staff.

 

It's honestly smacking them in the face everyday, yet they pretend that it is not a problem. The only way to fix this problem is to get rid of those people who fail to recognize it as a problem.

 

How well would Dale Earnhardt Jr. do in a NASCAR race if he pulled a couple of spark plugs out of his engine before the race? That's what Dusty has done with this offense. And just to exaggerate his stupidity, he bats one of the worst offenders at the very top of the line up, assuring he makes even more outs with those extra at bats. Utter stupidity.

 

well said - that hurts! Why cannot the organization understand this?????

[sethuel1]

I will earmark August 2nd. I will earmark it because it's the day after August 1st, which is the 10th anniversary of 70's night at Wrigley Field. I still need to find an outfit, by the way.

[neely crenshaw]

i will say right now that we will be closer to .300 than to .500 on august 2nd!

[Scott G. F.]

i will say right now that we will be closer to .300 than to .500 on august 2nd!

 

No way!

 

My guess is 0.500 (+/- 0.050) (Yes engineering variance)

[Caryatid]

i will say right now that we will be closer to .300 than to .500 on august 2nd!

 

No way!

 

My guess is 0.500 (+/- 0.050) (Yes engineering variance)

 

Wait-are you actually saying they're going to be .500 by August 2?