Piniella's Press Conference: Noon CT - Discussion & Reac

[ManCrushOnNomar]

Is it just me, but I think it might be fun to watch a team of 8 midgets who walk all the time. I'm worried about how the midgets perform on defense though.

 

Jim Hendry has decided he likes fast slap-hitting midgets that catch the ball.

 

Do they all get along, though?

 

Yes. They will all ride to field in the same car.

 

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/tovalondner/midgets.jpg

Car full of midget!

 

Who is driving? Oh my god, Bear is driving, how can that be?!?

http://www.shipbrook.com/karen/blog/images/smbear.jpg

[jmajew]

Here's a question: Will Lou's ability to speak fluent Spanish have any effect on the Aramis contract situation? I know it is a small part of what he does but I could see certain ballplayers liking that.

 

All in all I think Lou did a pretty good job today. He said all the right things. However, he did get asked a single question about how he handles pitchers. I don't know if that is a good sign or not.

[TruffleShuffle]

Didnt the Cubs live and die by the long ball in 04? Didnt work. Only chance they had to win was win the wind was blowing out. Waiting on the 3-run homer is not smart.

 

Worked a hell of a lot better than the disgrace that was the Cubs' offense in 2006.

[ConstableRabbit]

I'm pretty sure Steve Lyons would've been fired earlier if he said "midgets" on air..

 

They prefer "little people"*

 

 

*edit: I guess Dr. Cub beat me to it

[CuseCubFan69]

First of all, does anyone have Dusty's first press conference when he was hired? I'm curious on what he said.

 

I'm curious on what techniques Lou will use his in game strategy. As for his make things happen I don't have a problem with it. I have a problem with running yourself out of innings but making something happen when the big hitters are struggling is a good thing....scratch out a run or two when you can.

 

As for Levins question, he sounds like a bored little man with a grudge. If Lou can get the Cubs to use proper fundamentals and hold them responsible when they don't, I'll be thrilled.

[wXw]

In Dusty we busty.

In Niella we Faila?

 

I was against it from day one, but I'm a cub fan, so I owe it to the guy to give him a shot. It's not like we we're tearing it up before him.

Edited October 17, 2006 by wXw

[TruffleShuffle]

I'm trying to be positive. Lou did a very good job with Seattle and also with the Reds. The D-Rays are... well, the D-Rays. Most importantly, Dusty Baker and Andy MacPhail are no longer with the organization, and those really are two of the major three players in the mess the Cubs have become.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'm trying to be positive. Lou did a very good job with Seattle and also with the Reds. The D-Rays are... well, the D-Rays. Most importantly, Dusty Baker and Andy MacPhail are no longer with the organization, and those really are two of the major three players in the mess the Cubs have become.

 

Well Joe Morgan says it's the Cubs so they belong with Tampa more than they do with Seattle or the Reds. Joe knows all.

[A New Era]

I'm trying to be positive. Lou did a very good job with Seattle and also with the Reds. The D-Rays are... well, the D-Rays. Most importantly, Dusty Baker and Andy MacPhail are no longer with the organization, and those really are two of the major three players in the mess the Cubs have become.

 

Well Joe Morgan says it's the Cubs so they belong with Tampa more than they do with Seattle or the Reds. Joe knows all.

 

Where does he live again? ::[expletive] gun::. .

[Andy]

So no mention on how he handles starters?

Unbelievably, not a single question at the press conference.

[CuseCubFan69]

So no mention on how he handles starters?

Unbelievably, not a single question at the press conference.

 

They probably bought into the bad luck theory.

[Balsa]

Doesn't sound like he's keeping any coaches.

 

Interview is positive, but I'm still doubtful.

[E.J.]

Doesn't sound like he's keeping any coaches.

 

Interview is positive, but I'm still doubtful.

 

Did you miss the part where Rothschild got a 2-year deal?

[questionmarkgrace]

Here's a question: Will Lou's ability to speak fluent Spanish have any effect on the Aramis contract situation? I know it is a small part of what he does but I could see certain ballplayers liking that.

 

Even more so that should help with guys like marmol, mateo, reyes, and eventually pie. Sometime just hearing something in your own language can help especially for the young guys.

[questionmarkgrace]

Piniella will be on WGN Radio Sports Central tonight. The show runs from 7-9pm; they didn't give a specific time.

 

did he come on yet? because I started listening around 8:00pm

[Laura]

Piniella will be on WGN Radio Sports Central tonight. The show runs from 7-9pm; they didn't give a specific time.

 

did he come on yet? because I started listening around 8:00pm

 

Hendry was on right at the beginning. You can download or listen to his interview here, it's the hendry_10172006.mp3 file. It's about 11.5 minutes long.

 

Piniella was actually on his way to meet Hendry for dinner and was 'stuck in traffic.' He's now supposed to be on tomorrow night.

[Laura]

I cannot believe the complete disrespect in this thread shown to those who are vertically challenged. It was horrific enough when Lou said it, but to be repeated over and over (and done in addition to quoting Lou) is just mind boggling in this day and age. I am completely baffled that I am the first person to mention this atrocity. After Mr. Lyons comments that he was terminated for, so many were up in arms. I say now, where is the love for those who are vertically challenged? Do they not also deserve equal treatment? Will Lou be thrown in jail? Does Lou have violent thoughts and/or animosity towards those who are not tall? If he would so callously use the term in the middle of a press conference with everyone watching; how does he act towards height challenged people when no one is watching? This is disturbing, very troubling indeed.

 

I know how troubled you were.

 

So you'll be pleased to know that Lou apologized for the midget comment.

 

MLB.com[/url]"] Piniella said being in the broadcast booth last season has taught him a lesson, although he flubbed it on Tuesday. During his introductory news conference, Piniella was asked how he would improve the Cubs' on-base percentage.

 

"My philosophy is to get eight midgets up there who walk all the time," he said.

 

Later, Piniella apologized for the comment, saying he didn't mean to offend anyone and the reference was linked to 3-foot-7-inch Eddie Gaedel, who drew a walk in his only career plate appearance for the St. Louis Browns in 1951.

 

"You've got to be careful up there," Piniella said. "You've got to be careful with what you say. It's a very sensitive world."

[Balsa]

At least he still has his wallet.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I still thought he meant he wanted eight David Ecksteins.

[A New Era]

I still thought he meant he wanted eight David Ecksteins.

 

Keep telling yourself that. 8 David Ecksteins would never stand up to 8 Eddie Gaedels.

[NCCubFan]

I'll need to see results before I'm totally convince he's the right choice, but after reading his comments I'm feeling better about it.

[CubFanPhilly]

Number of visits to the mound before Lou and Z's first head butt?

 

I'm declaring the over/under is three. Or, if sooner, Z's first HR of the season.

[soapy]

I hope he means what he said here

 

But he did note the importance of on-base percentage and said his hitting coach would work with hitters to raise the Cubs’ walk total from a paltry 395 this year, which was last in the league.

 

Piniella said he values statistical analysis in general.

 

“I like numbers; I love numbers,” he said. “I look at all the reports. I think the game of baseball is a percentage game. The more I can keep percentages on our team’s side, the more successful the team will be.

 

“Do I use my gut from time to time? Yeah, obviously. But if it’s gut or numbers, you give me the numbers 90 percent of the time, and that’s the end of that.”

 

What I'm taking from that is that he'll try to put his team in the best position to succeed, based on the numbers. That's all I ask (well, that and to take care of the SP).

[YearofDaCubs]

Piniella wasn't my first choice and neither was Girardi but maybe Piniella won't be as bad as I first thought he would be. Time will tell and to be honest I'm more concerned about who the Cubs sign or trade for.

[Balsa]

I hope he means what he said here

 

But he did note the importance of on-base percentage and said his hitting coach would work with hitters to raise the Cubs’ walk total from a paltry 395 this year, which was last in the league.

 

Piniella said he values statistical analysis in general.

 

“I like numbers; I love numbers,” he said. “I look at all the reports. I think the game of baseball is a percentage game. The more I can keep percentages on our team’s side, the more successful the team will be.

 

“Do I use my gut from time to time? Yeah, obviously. But if it’s gut or numbers, you give me the numbers 90 percent of the time, and that’s the end of that.”

 

What I'm taking from that is that he'll try to put his team in the best position to succeed, based on the numbers. That's all I ask (well, that and to take care of the SP).

 

WOW. If that's true, I that raises my opinion of him to "great choice".