4/25 Brewers (Sheets) @ Cubs (Lilly) 1:20 PM WGN/WGN720

[soapy]

Lineups

 

Brewers

Weeks, 2B

Hardy, SS

Fielder, 1B

Hall, CF

Estrada, C

Mench, LF

Hart, RF

Graffanino, 3B

Sheets, P

 

Cubs

Theriot, SS

Floyd, LF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Barrett, C

Jones, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Pie, CF

Lilly, P

 

CubColtPacer, you got some 'splainin to do.

 

right-handed pitcher. From what has been said, normally Soriano and Pie would be in there and Jones would get the start and not Floyd. Today, they get a chance to both be together. When Jones/Murton/Floyd share one OF spot, it will likely be Jones against right-handers and Murton against left-handers, with the only chance for Floyd to start is days like this where Soriano or Pie sit. That's what I was saying before-and btw, I'm not in complete agreement with it-I want Floyd to get some starts, but I want Murton to play more than he has.

When are you going to run out of excuses for this? It's always going to be something, just like with Dusty.

[jersey cubs fan]

There isn't a single team in baseball that has a lower OPS than the Cubs 3 OF have.

 

 

In all seriousness, they have to option Murton back to AAA. Get him playing every day again and racking up a 900+ OPS, to either be ready when they finally clear some room on the roster for him, or increase his trade value. You probably won't be able to get much for a guy that you are willingly sitting for Jones and Floyd right now.

[VanceJergins]

Lineups

 

Brewers

Weeks, 2B

Hardy, SS

Fielder, 1B

Hall, CF

Estrada, C

Mench, LF

Hart, RF

Graffanino, 3B

Sheets, P

 

Cubs

Theriot, SS

Floyd, LF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Barrett, C

Jones, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Pie, CF

Lilly, P

 

CubColtPacer, you got some 'splainin to do.

 

right-handed pitcher. From what has been said, normally Soriano and Pie would be in there and Jones would get the start and not Floyd. Today, they get a chance to both be together. When Jones/Murton/Floyd share one OF spot, it will likely be Jones against right-handers and Murton against left-handers, with the only chance for Floyd to start is days like this where Soriano or Pie sit. That's what I was saying before-and btw, I'm not in complete agreement with it-I want Floyd to get some starts, but I want Murton to play more than he has.

 

I would argue that the evidence pointing to Murton being 3rd in the pecking order is starting to mount. Thus far, you're grasping at straws, my man.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Greetings from beautiful Valdosta, GA !! (see Vance, I'm moving again)

 

 

If you could have only been that direction a week ago!

[CubColtPacer]

Lineups

 

Brewers

Weeks, 2B

Hardy, SS

Fielder, 1B

Hall, CF

Estrada, C

Mench, LF

Hart, RF

Graffanino, 3B

Sheets, P

 

Cubs

Theriot, SS

Floyd, LF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Barrett, C

Jones, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Pie, CF

Lilly, P

 

CubColtPacer, you got some 'splainin to do.

 

right-handed pitcher. From what has been said, normally Soriano and Pie would be in there and Jones would get the start and not Floyd. Today, they get a chance to both be together. When Jones/Murton/Floyd share one OF spot, it will likely be Jones against right-handers and Murton against left-handers, with the only chance for Floyd to start is days like this where Soriano or Pie sit. That's what I was saying before-and btw, I'm not in complete agreement with it-I want Floyd to get some starts, but I want Murton to play more than he has.

When are you going to run out of excuses for this? It's always going to be something, just like with Dusty.

 

It's not an excuse-it is what's happening. I don't like it-I think Floyd is playing too much. That's the reason though he's playing-it's a right-handed pitcher, and against a right-hander it's Jones who gets to start first, then Floyd, then Murton. I'm simply saying that Floyd's not usually going to get to start anymore because Jones is blocking him against RHP, while Murton is the one who gets to play against LHP.

[VanceJergins]

Lineups

 

Brewers

Weeks, 2B

Hardy, SS

Fielder, 1B

Hall, CF

Estrada, C

Mench, LF

Hart, RF

Graffanino, 3B

Sheets, P

 

Cubs

Theriot, SS

Floyd, LF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Barrett, C

Jones, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Pie, CF

Lilly, P

 

CubColtPacer, you got some 'splainin to do.

 

right-handed pitcher. From what has been said, normally Soriano and Pie would be in there and Jones would get the start and not Floyd. Today, they get a chance to both be together. When Jones/Murton/Floyd share one OF spot, it will likely be Jones against right-handers and Murton against left-handers, with the only chance for Floyd to start is days like this where Soriano or Pie sit. That's what I was saying before-and btw, I'm not in complete agreement with it-I want Floyd to get some starts, but I want Murton to play more than he has.

When are you going to run out of excuses for this? It's always going to be something, just like with Dusty.

 

It's not an excuse-it is what's happening. I don't like it-I think Floyd is playing too much. That's the reason though he's playing-it's a right-handed pitcher, and against a right-hander it's Jones who gets to start first, then Floyd, then Murton. I'm simply saying that Floyd's not usually going to get to start anymore because Jones is blocking him against RHP, while Murton is the one who gets to play against LHP.

 

I bet $5 that the next time the Cubs face a leftie, Murton doesn't start and Lou busts out his, "you have to have a leftie in there to make the pitcher throw both sides of the plate" routine. The only way Lou doesn't suck as much as Dusty right now is that he hasn't abused the starters.

[Derwood]

for those of you hoping for a rainout, there seems to be a window of no rain from about 2:30 to 6

[windycityfan]

Folks,

 

While it stinks Floyd and Jones keep getting troted out there every time out, this by all means underscores the biggest issue this team faces is being addressed - a true black hole in the lineup.

 

Moving Theriot to SS and batting leadoff (heck, unless he goes 0-for-6, 5Ks and 3 errors) is the biggest management change on the Northside since Dusty Baker was in 'charge'.

 

I can survive another week of Jones and Floyd in the OF as long as I don't ever see Izturis on the field ever again.

 

I'll drink to this.

[CubColtPacer]

 

right-handed pitcher. From what has been said, normally Soriano and Pie would be in there and Jones would get the start and not Floyd. Today, they get a chance to both be together. When Jones/Murton/Floyd share one OF spot, it will likely be Jones against right-handers and Murton against left-handers, with the only chance for Floyd to start is days like this where Soriano or Pie sit. That's what I was saying before-and btw, I'm not in complete agreement with it-I want Floyd to get some starts, but I want Murton to play more than he has.

When are you going to run out of excuses for this? It's always going to be something, just like with Dusty.

 

It's not an excuse-it is what's happening. I don't like it-I think Floyd is playing too much. That's the reason though he's playing-it's a right-handed pitcher, and against a right-hander it's Jones who gets to start first, then Floyd, then Murton. I'm simply saying that Floyd's not usually going to get to start anymore because Jones is blocking him against RHP, while Murton is the one who gets to play against LHP.

 

I bet $5 that the next time the Cubs face a leftie, Murton doesn't start and Lou busts out his, "you have to have a leftie in there to make the pitcher throw both sides of the plate" routine. The only way Lou doesn't suck as much as Dusty right now is that he hasn't abused the starters.

 

If he does do that-believe me, you'll see me ranting about him pretty bad. So far he hasn't shown any evidence of that-in fact, he's taken great pains to make sure that both Jones and Floyd are not playing against left-handers even if he has to give Theriot or DeRosa out there. So if Floyd or Jones play against a left-hander over Murton, I'll be very, very upset.

[Soriano12]

Folks,

 

While it stinks Floyd and Jones keep getting troted out there every time out, this by all means underscores the biggest issue this team faces is being addressed - a true black hole in the lineup.

 

Moving Theriot to SS and batting leadoff (heck, unless he goes 0-for-6, 5Ks and 3 errors) is the biggest management change on the Northside since Dusty Baker was in 'charge'.

 

I can survive another week of Jones and Floyd in the OF as long as I don't ever see Izturis on the field ever again.

 

I'll drink to this.

 

It is a start.

[soapy]

 

It's not an excuse-it is what's happening. I don't like it-I think Floyd is playing too much. That's the reason though he's playing-it's a right-handed pitcher, and against a right-hander it's Jones who gets to start first, then Floyd, then Murton. I'm simply saying that Floyd's not usually going to get to start anymore because Jones is blocking him against RHP, while Murton is the one who gets to play against LHP.

 

You've been saying that for weeks. I'm sorry to call you out because I know you're not advocating it, but I'm just sick of reading people's excuses. There is no rational explination for keeping Murton on the bench at this point. None. It's all just lame excuses.

 

First it was Murton is stuggling. Then it was riding the hot hand. Then it was Murton is the emergency catcher. Then it was playing the matchup. Now it's Murton can't play against RHP, but don't worry........Floyd isn't going to play anymore. This is just an anomoly.

[soapy]

Folks,

 

While it stinks Floyd and Jones keep getting troted out there every time out, this by all means underscores the biggest issue this team faces is being addressed - a true black hole in the lineup.

 

Moving Theriot to SS and batting leadoff (heck, unless he goes 0-for-6, 5Ks and 3 errors) is the biggest management change on the Northside since Dusty Baker was in 'charge'.

 

I can survive another week of Jones and Floyd in the OF as long as I don't ever see Izturis on the field ever again.

 

I'll drink to this.

 

It is a start.

 

that's the kind of reasoning that leads to people getting excited about back to back winning seasons. correcting one mistake does not excuse another.

[abuck1220]

murton getting the ol' rich hill treatment. pretty soon he'll get sent to AAA, then he'll come back and have a good last two months of the season (for the fifth place cubs). then he'll put up a .300/20/90 year next year and hendry can pat himself on the back for bringing him along at just the right pace.

 

it is great news that theriot is at ss though. bout time.

[Lockes Eye Scar]

I cry for Murton.

 

Yay for Theriot though.

[jersey cubs fan]

murton getting the ol' rich hill treatment. pretty soon he'll get sent to AAA, then he'll come back and have a good last two months of the season (for the fifth place cubs). then he'll put up a .300/20/90 year next year and hendry can pat himself on the back for bringing him along at just the right pace.

 

If he's really only going to play against LHP, then AAA is the best option.

[Vinestal]

Young players do not improve by being played sparingly off the bench. If your not going to use Murton, send him down where he can play on a regular basis so he can be sharp if you ever do want to play him.

[Chocolate Milk]

Maddux for Izturis. What a waste.

[CubColtPacer]

 

It's not an excuse-it is what's happening. I don't like it-I think Floyd is playing too much. That's the reason though he's playing-it's a right-handed pitcher, and against a right-hander it's Jones who gets to start first, then Floyd, then Murton. I'm simply saying that Floyd's not usually going to get to start anymore because Jones is blocking him against RHP, while Murton is the one who gets to play against LHP.

 

You've been saying that for weeks. I'm sorry to call you out because I know you're not advocating it, but I'm just sick of reading people's excuses. There is no rational explination for keeping Murton on the bench at this point. None. It's all just lame excuses.

 

First it was Murton is stuggling. Then it was riding the hot hand. Then it was Murton is the emergency catcher. Then it was playing the matchup. Now it's Murton can't play against RHP, but don't worry........Floyd isn't going to play anymore. This is just an anomoly.

 

I would agree-although I would argue the situation changed. I didn't expect that Pie would come up this quick, plant himself in center, Sori move to left, Jones not traded, and now Jones/Floyd/Murton playing one position basically. Murton was getting some starts against RHP with just Floyd (and I still think would have had more starts over the course of the season), but now with Jones he's not going to be able to prove himself there. Until Jones is traded, I doubt we really ever see Murton against RHP-because on the days that Jones moves positions, Floyd will get his occasional start.

 

So at this point-I'd really like to see Jones traded. Not because he is terrible or doesn't have value or anything like that, but because there are 3 OF's who are trying to play one position, and at least one of them needs more playing time then they are getting. Something needs to be done to fix that jam in RF.

[IWU_CUBS_FAN]

Lou, I appreciate you putting THE RIOT at shortstop finally, but Matt Murton deserves better than this...i mean if you're gonna put floyd in the two hole why not murton...i mean its not like floyd is hitting a lot of HRs to justify it...floyd=preston wilson when he bats in the two hole

 

Nuts and Bolts, Nuts and Bolts, Murton's gettin screwed

[Fro]

Murton won't be sent down because it's "Win or BUST" for Hendry this year, especially with the coming sale of the team.

[soapy]

murton getting the ol' rich hill treatment. pretty soon he'll get sent to AAA, then he'll come back and have a good last two months of the season (for the fifth place cubs). then he'll put up a .300/20/90 year next year and hendry can pat himself on the back for bringing him along at just the right pace.

 

If he's really only going to play against LHP, then AAA is the best option.

I'm really just shocked (I don't know why) that anyone would consider only playing Murton against LHP with this roster. Shocked. I shouldn't be surprised (and to some extent, I'm not) but it's absurd.

[YearofDaCubs]

Maddux for Izturis. What a waste.

Very stupid trade actually. I wonder if Hendry even evaluated Izturis before the trade happened to be honest. Honestly, their GM probably said look he's a former god glove allstart and we're willing to give him to you. Hendry heard that and made the trade. I didn't expect us to get much for Maddux to be honest but I also didn't expect to get a player worse than Neifi with a terrible contract either. Hendry is terrible as always.

[YearofDaCubs]

 

It's not an excuse-it is what's happening. I don't like it-I think Floyd is playing too much. That's the reason though he's playing-it's a right-handed pitcher, and against a right-hander it's Jones who gets to start first, then Floyd, then Murton. I'm simply saying that Floyd's not usually going to get to start anymore because Jones is blocking him against RHP, while Murton is the one who gets to play against LHP.

 

You've been saying that for weeks. I'm sorry to call you out because I know you're not advocating it, but I'm just sick of reading people's excuses. There is no rational explination for keeping Murton on the bench at this point. None. It's all just lame excuses.

 

First it was Murton is stuggling. Then it was riding the hot hand. Then it was Murton is the emergency catcher. Then it was playing the matchup. Now it's Murton can't play against RHP, but don't worry........Floyd isn't going to play anymore. This is just an anomoly.

 

I would agree-although I would argue the situation changed. I didn't expect that Pie would come up this quick, plant himself in center, Sori move to left, Jones not traded, and now Jones/Floyd/Murton playing one position basically. Murton was getting some starts against RHP with just Floyd (and I still think would have had more starts over the course of the season), but now with Jones he's not going to be able to prove himself there. Until Jones is traded, I doubt we really ever see Murton against RHP-because on the days that Jones moves positions, Floyd will get his occasional start.

 

So at this point-I'd really like to see Jones traded. Not because he is terrible or doesn't have value or anything like that, but because there are 3 OF's who are trying to play one position, and at least one of them needs more playing time then they are getting. Something needs to be done to fix that jam in RF.

Floyd never should have been signed. The best thing for us to do is move Soriano to right, leave Murton at LF and Jones in CF. If you want Pie up here then trade Jones. Leave Floyd as bench player.

[C.C.]

Lou, I appreciate you putting THE RIOT at shortstop finally, but Matt Murton deserves better than this...i mean if you're gonna put floyd in the two hole why not murton...i mean its not like floyd is hitting a lot of HRs to justify it...floyd=preston wilson when he bats in the two hole

 

Nuts and Bolts, Nuts and Bolts, Murton's gettin screwed

 

What I don't get is it seemed Lou was grooming Murton for that number 2 slot all Spring long. Who'd Murton piss off?

[windycityfan]

If he's really only going to play against LHP, then AAA is the best option.

 

It's a matter of days before Floyd and/or Jones play themselves out of the lineup - a la Izturis.

 

Weep not for Murton.