Buster Olney Chat on ESPN.COM today:

[C.C.]

Mark (dallas): What are the chances Joe Girardi is coaching the Cubs next year?

 

SportsNation Buster Olney: (2:34 PM ET ) Mark: I defer to fellow writers Phil Rogers of the Tribune and Chris De Luca of the Sun-Times, who both wrote over the weekend that the Cubs have little or even no interest in prying Girardi from Florida.

 

 

Drew (FL): Buster, I appreciate your unbiased reporting and have made the blog a commonplace in my daily readings. As a Cubs fan, this season has been as painful as they've come, wondering if you could give me your take on a little publicized situation in Chicago with LF and Matt Murton. People claim he cant be the LF of the future because he doesnt hit for enough power, but he's the only player on the team that takes walks and his lack of power wouldnt be so overblown if not for the terrible bats in the MI. I want him to play and be the LF for the next 10 years, but can he be?

 

SportsNation Buster Olney: (2:26 PM ET ) Drew: This is what I'd do if I were the Cubs -- commit to playing him everyday in left field the rest of the season, and then make a decision. When I watch Murton hit, he makes me think of kevin Youkilis a little, in that he's a right-handed hitter who can draw some walks, but he doesn't have the same extended at-bats as Youkilis does, and as you say, he doesn't hit for as much power... He's only got 12 at-bats in the NO. 2 slot this year -- I'd hit him there the rest of the way, to see how that works... Got nothing to lose, at this point.

[Soriano12]

I see one problem for his suggestion regarding Murton...it makes WAY TOO MUCH sense.

 

Why would the Cubs ever use logic?

[CuseCubFan69]

I know a lot of posters didn't want Baker fired because it wouldn't make a difference but is it possible that a new manager would have tried to put Murton in the 2 slot? I can't imagine for the life of me that an another manager would make the same exact horrible moves Baker makes day in and day out.

[soccer10k]

Thank you Buster Olney for pointing out what a lot of people here having been saying the whole year.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Mark (dallas): What are the chances Joe Girardi is coaching the Cubs next year?

 

SportsNation Buster Olney: (2:34 PM ET ) Mark: I defer to fellow writers Phil Rogers of the Tribune and Chris De Luca of the Sun-Times, who both wrote over the weekend that the Cubs have little or even no interest in prying Girardi from Florida.

 

 

Drew (FL): Buster, I appreciate your unbiased reporting and have made the blog a commonplace in my daily readings. As a Cubs fan, this season has been as painful as they've come, wondering if you could give me your take on a little publicized situation in Chicago with LF and Matt Murton. People claim he cant be the LF of the future because he doesnt hit for enough power, but he's the only player on the team that takes walks and his lack of power wouldnt be so overblown if not for the terrible bats in the MI. I want him to play and be the LF for the next 10 years, but can he be?

 

SportsNation Buster Olney: (2:26 PM ET ) Drew: This is what I'd do if I were the Cubs -- commit to playing him everyday in left field the rest of the season, and then make a decision. When I watch Murton hit, he makes me think of kevin Youkilis a little, in that he's a right-handed hitter who can draw some walks, but he doesn't have the same extended at-bats as Youkilis does, and as you say, he doesn't hit for as much power... He's only got 12 at-bats in the NO. 2 slot this year -- I'd hit him there the rest of the way, to see how that works... Got nothing to lose, at this point.

 

I thought the #2 spot is where you put your inferior middle infiedler who can't hit, at.

[Abe Frohman]

I don't think it has been discussed too much, but why not lead off Ryan Theriot next year? I am not down on Juan Pierre, but that would free up a lot more money to get a BIG hitter, which the Cubs could surely use.

 

Theriot has proven over the course of his professional and collegiate career that he understands the OB% thing. He was a leadoff hitter for the LSU Tigers, and I am sure that he would at least be effective as he is a good baserunner and takes a lot of walks.

 

Cedeno will never be a top of the order hitter, and could still play some shortstop.

 

Just a thought worth discussing, not that it would make a difference what I think.

[C.C.]

I don't think it has been discussed too much, but why not lead off Ryan Theriot next year? I am not down on Juan Pierre, but that would free up a lot more money to get a BIG hitter, which the Cubs could surely use.

 

Theriot has proven over the course of his professional and collegiate career that he understands the OB% thing. He was a leadoff hitter for the LSU Tigers, and I am sure that he would at least be effective as he is a good baserunner and takes a lot of walks.

 

Cedeno will never be a top of the order hitter, and could still play some shortstop.

 

Just a thought worth discussing, not that it would make a difference what I think.

 

We haven't seen enough of him to give him the leadoff spot next year. Just because he's had a couple of nice games doesn't mean he's the answer.

[Sammy Sofa]

That's not a bad idea...him 1st and Murton hitting 2nd. But who do you pick up as an impact bat for the Cubs next year and where do you put them?

 

Man...I wish Dusty would have tried Walker leadoff and Murton 2nd.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Theriot hitting leadoff would be a bad thing. First of all, Fontenot is better, so even if it was a necessity because we had spent big on other upgrades he isn't the best option. Secondly, either of them in a spot where it's an absolute necessity that they get on base consistently is a poor gamble considering how poor the rest of the offense is.

[biittner77]

When thinking of the characteristics ideal to a #2 hitter they would be:

 

gets on base a lot

 

good handler of the bat (smart, uses whole field)

 

decent-good speed

 

power is a plus but not a necessity

 

ability to steal bases is a plus but not required

 

By that criteria Murton should be batting 2nd. So why isn't he?

 

Dusty's rule #4: A players position determines where he bats

 

CF= leadoff

2nd= 2nd

corner infield/ corner outfield 3-6

SS=7th

C= 8th

[shawndgoldman]

Dusty's rule #4: A players position determines where he bats

 

I'd change that slightly:

 

A player's best tool determines where he bats:

 

1-2 speed

3-6 power

7-8 leftover crap, with better contact hitter batting 8 and better power hitter batting 7

 

Either way, Dusty's lineup construction is a joke. The fact that its rarely complained about anymore isn't a sign his lineups have improved, its only a sign of how little they matter these days.

[Abe Frohman]

Theriot hitting leadoff would be a bad thing. First of all, Fontenot is better, so even if it was a necessity because we had spent big on other upgrades he isn't the best option. Secondly, either of them in a spot where it's an absolute necessity that they get on base consistently is a poor gamble considering how poor the rest of the offense is.

 

Fontenot, in my opinion, is not a leadoff type. He has a lot more pop than Theriot, and tends to get a little "homer happy." Theriot and Fontenot are both pretty good prospects, which means we will never know their potential with Dusty Baker running the team.

 

Good point, however, on the state of the Cub offense. I am thinking 2007, when hopefully the Cubs can land Carlos Lee, or someone of that calibre. I think the Cubs could still deal Ronny Cedeno and get back some of the pitching prospects they lost for Pierre. The Marlins have a rich pitching crop - and Miguel Cabrera (free agent after this season, right?). They also have a great prospect in Sean West (6'8 lefty with good control and a 95+ fastball), though I am not sure they will let him go despite their plethora of good arms. Time for the Cubs to start utilizing the farm a little, instead of dumping it for nothing.

 

I was disgusted to once again see Neifi Perez in the 2-hole tonight, despite his success against the Astros. Would have been nice to see Theriot get a little consistant action.

Edited August 15, 2006 by Abe Frohman

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Theriot hitting leadoff would be a bad thing. First of all, Fontenot is better, so even if it was a necessity because we had spent big on other upgrades he isn't the best option. Secondly, either of them in a spot where it's an absolute necessity that they get on base consistently is a poor gamble considering how poor the rest of the offense is.

 

Fontenot, in my opinion, is not a leadoff type. He has a lot more pop than Theriot, and tends to get a little "homer happy." Theriot and Fontenot are both pretty good prospects, which means we will never know their potential with Dusty Baker running the team.

 

I was disgusted to once again see Neifi Perez in the 2-hole tonight, despite his success against the Astros. Would have been nice to see Theriot get a little consistant action.

 

Fontenot also gets on base at a better clip, which is why he's better for any role in the lineup. That said, neither are great prospects considering their age and other shortcomings(Theriot's complete lack of power, Fontenot's defensive shortfalls/inflexibility), ideally they should be bench players on a good team.

[Abe Frohman]

Theriot hitting leadoff would be a bad thing. First of all, Fontenot is better, so even if it was a necessity because we had spent big on other upgrades he isn't the best option. Secondly, either of them in a spot where it's an absolute necessity that they get on base consistently is a poor gamble considering how poor the rest of the offense is.

 

Fontenot, in my opinion, is not a leadoff type. He has a lot more pop than Theriot, and tends to get a little "homer happy." Theriot and Fontenot are both pretty good prospects, which means we will never know their potential with Dusty Baker running the team.

 

I was disgusted to once again see Neifi Perez in the 2-hole tonight, despite his success against the Astros. Would have been nice to see Theriot get a little consistant action.

 

Fontenot also gets on base at a better clip, which is why he's better for any role in the lineup. That said, neither are great prospects considering their age and other shortcomings(Theriot's complete lack of power, Fontenot's defensive shortfalls/inflexibility), ideally they should be bench players on a good team.

 

Fontenot probably is a better overall prospect, and he does get on base at a better clip, but he strikes out a lot for a would-be leadoff man. He has good power for a guy his size - but I just don't think he is the leadoff type. The Cubs need a leadoff hitter in 2007 (assuming they do not sign Pierre - who will cost them $5-10 million a year), and could stand to give Theriot a consistant shot at 2nd Base the rest of the way in 06.

 

I just think that Theriot is a better fit than Fontenot for what the Cubs need. He can play SS and 2B, and most likely would be an average or better leadoff man.

[CuseCubFan69]

What are Fontenots numbers at Iowa? Doesn't he also bat left handed? I just don't understand this organization. Send Perez to a team for a bag of balls and call this kid up and let him, Theriot and Cedeno battle it out for a month and a half. Every Perez at bat just wastes another oppurtunity for Theriot and Fontenot, this is just plan crazy.

[jkrapfl]

Theriot hitting leadoff would be a bad thing. First of all, Fontenot is better, so even if it was a necessity because we had spent big on other upgrades he isn't the best option. Secondly, either of them in a spot where it's an absolute necessity that they get on base consistently is a poor gamble considering how poor the rest of the offense is.

 

Fontenot, in my opinion, is not a leadoff type. He has a lot more pop than Theriot, and tends to get a little "homer happy." Theriot and Fontenot are both pretty good prospects, which means we will never know their potential with Dusty Baker running the team.

 

I was disgusted to once again see Neifi Perez in the 2-hole tonight, despite his success against the Astros. Would have been nice to see Theriot get a little consistant action.

 

Fontenot also gets on base at a better clip, which is why he's better for any role in the lineup. That said, neither are great prospects considering their age and other shortcomings(Theriot's complete lack of power, Fontenot's defensive shortfalls/inflexibility), ideally they should be bench players on a good team.

 

Fontenot probably is a better overall prospect, and he does get on base at a better clip, but he strikes out a lot for a would-be leadoff man. He has good power for a guy his size - but I just don't think he is the leadoff type. The Cubs need a leadoff hitter in 2007 (assuming they do not sign Pierre - who will cost them $5-10 million a year), and could stand to give Theriot a consistant shot at 2nd Base the rest of the way in 06.

 

I just think that Theriot is a better fit than Fontenot for what the Cubs need. He can play SS and 2B, and most likely would be an average or better leadoff man.

 

Why does it really matter how many times a leadoff man strikes out as long as he's getting on base consistently?

[Warpticon]

Theriot hitting leadoff would be a bad thing. First of all, Fontenot is better, so even if it was a necessity because we had spent big on other upgrades he isn't the best option. Secondly, either of them in a spot where it's an absolute necessity that they get on base consistently is a poor gamble considering how poor the rest of the offense is.

 

Fontenot, in my opinion, is not a leadoff type. He has a lot more pop than Theriot, and tends to get a little "homer happy." Theriot and Fontenot are both pretty good prospects, which means we will never know their potential with Dusty Baker running the team.

 

I was disgusted to once again see Neifi Perez in the 2-hole tonight, despite his success against the Astros. Would have been nice to see Theriot get a little consistant action.

 

Fontenot also gets on base at a better clip, which is why he's better for any role in the lineup. That said, neither are great prospects considering their age and other shortcomings(Theriot's complete lack of power, Fontenot's defensive shortfalls/inflexibility), ideally they should be bench players on a good team.

 

Fontenot probably is a better overall prospect, and he does get on base at a better clip, but he strikes out a lot for a would-be leadoff man. He has good power for a guy his size - but I just don't think he is the leadoff type. The Cubs need a leadoff hitter in 2007 (assuming they do not sign Pierre - who will cost them $5-10 million a year), and could stand to give Theriot a consistant shot at 2nd Base the rest of the way in 06.

 

I just think that Theriot is a better fit than Fontenot for what the Cubs need. He can play SS and 2B, and most likely would be an average or better leadoff man.

 

It always puzzles me when someone makes this claim, and it ahppens all the time. You may not agree that strikeouts are the same as any other out in all situations, but when there's nobody on (which happens more with leadoff hitters than anywhere else in the lineup), it is undeniably, indisputably no difference at all. Look at actual production rather than strikeout rate. If he gets on base, he's doing his job.

[NCCubFan]

What are Fontenots numbers at Iowa? Doesn't he also bat left handed?

Here are his stats. He does bat left handed.

[CuseCubFan69]

What are Fontenots numbers at Iowa? Doesn't he also bat left handed?

Here are his stats. He does bat left handed.

 

Thanks NCCF! Those are pretty decent numbers and if you platoon Theriot and Fontenout at second what would it hurt other than Bakers misplaced pride and manlove for Neifi?

[hardcorecubfan]

I know a lot of posters didn't want Baker fired because it wouldn't make a difference but is it possible that a new manager would have tried to put Murton in the 2 slot? I can't imagine for the life of me that an another manager would make the same exact horrible moves Baker makes day in and day out.

 

# 2 slot is reserved for Nefei.

[CuseCubFan69]

I know a lot of posters didn't want Baker fired because it wouldn't make a difference but is it possible that a new manager would have tried to put Murton in the 2 slot? I can't imagine for the life of me that an another manager would make the same exact horrible moves Baker makes day in and day out.

 

# 2 slot is reserved for Nefei.

 

It's like a "date night" between these two. No matter how well someone is hitting Dusty will always stick to his date night with Neifi.

 

Another thing, I always thought that Theriot was a decent defensive player, so what is the problem here by not playing him? Plus, if you use Dusty logic he doesn't have the book on him yet.

[USSoccer]

I know a lot of posters didn't want Baker fired because it wouldn't make a difference but is it possible that a new manager would have tried to put Murton in the 2 slot? I can't imagine for the life of me that an another manager would make the same exact horrible moves Baker makes day in and day out.

 

# 2 slot is reserved for Nefei.

 

It's like a "date night" between these two. No matter how well someone is hitting Dusty will always stick to his date night with Neifi.

 

Another thing, I always thought that Theriot was a decent defensive player, so what is the problem here by not playing him? Plus, if you use Dusty logic he doesn't have the book on him yet.

 

The day we traded for Izturis was the day that it became a lock that Theriot would be lucky to start once a week. They want to use Ronny at 2B, they are addicted to Neifi, and Izturis is going to play most of the time at SS. That leaves Theriot the odd man out.

 

If Ryan Theriot is in the organizations plans for next season, they needed to DFA Neifi or refrain from aquiring another middle IF so he can get more than 6 AB's a week.

[CuseCubFan69]

I know a lot of posters didn't want Baker fired because it wouldn't make a difference but is it possible that a new manager would have tried to put Murton in the 2 slot? I can't imagine for the life of me that an another manager would make the same exact horrible moves Baker makes day in and day out.

 

# 2 slot is reserved for Nefei.

 

It's like a "date night" between these two. No matter how well someone is hitting Dusty will always stick to his date night with Neifi.

 

Another thing, I always thought that Theriot was a decent defensive player, so what is the problem here by not playing him? Plus, if you use Dusty logic he doesn't have the book on him yet.

 

The day we traded for Izturis was the day that it became a lock that Theriot would be lucky to start once a week. They want to use Ronny at 2B, they are addicted to Neifi, and Izturis is going to play most of the time at SS. That leaves Theriot the odd man out.

 

If Ryan Theriot is in the organizations plans for next season, they needed to DFA Neifi or refrain from aquiring another middle IF so he can get more than 6 AB's a week.

 

I agree. Can't Theriot play SS too?

[Andy]

I know a lot of posters didn't want Baker fired because it wouldn't make a difference but is it possible that a new manager would have tried to put Murton in the 2 slot? I can't imagine for the life of me that an another manager would make the same exact horrible moves Baker makes day in and day out.

 

# 2 slot is reserved for Nefei.

 

It's like a "date night" between these two. No matter how well someone is hitting Dusty will always stick to his date night with Neifi.

 

Another thing, I always thought that Theriot was a decent defensive player, so what is the problem here by not playing him? Plus, if you use Dusty logic he doesn't have the book on him yet.

 

The day we traded for Izturis was the day that it became a lock that Theriot would be lucky to start once a week. They want to use Ronny at 2B, they are addicted to Neifi, and Izturis is going to play most of the time at SS. That leaves Theriot the odd man out.

 

If Ryan Theriot is in the organizations plans for next season, they needed to DFA Neifi or refrain from aquiring another middle IF so he can get more than 6 AB's a week.

I agree. Can't Theriot play SS too?

Yes, Len has mentioned that he can. Not that it matters to Dusty.

[CuseCubFan69]

I know a lot of posters didn't want Baker fired because it wouldn't make a difference but is it possible that a new manager would have tried to put Murton in the 2 slot? I can't imagine for the life of me that an another manager would make the same exact horrible moves Baker makes day in and day out.

 

# 2 slot is reserved for Nefei.

 

It's like a "date night" between these two. No matter how well someone is hitting Dusty will always stick to his date night with Neifi.

 

Another thing, I always thought that Theriot was a decent defensive player, so what is the problem here by not playing him? Plus, if you use Dusty logic he doesn't have the book on him yet.

 

The day we traded for Izturis was the day that it became a lock that Theriot would be lucky to start once a week. They want to use Ronny at 2B, they are addicted to Neifi, and Izturis is going to play most of the time at SS. That leaves Theriot the odd man out.

 

If Ryan Theriot is in the organizations plans for next season, they needed to DFA Neifi or refrain from aquiring another middle IF so he can get more than 6 AB's a week.

I agree. Can't Theriot play SS too?

Yes, Len has mentioned that he can. Not that it matters to Dusty.

 

Well Len would know more than Dusty about these things.