Rapada called up, Murton sent down

[NCCubFan]

What needs to happen is give JJ to anyone that will take him, let Murton start every day and make Floyd a reserve (spot starting). Sending Murton down to AAA doesn't fix our problem b/c you still have to get rid of JJ and Floyd (or convince Floyd to be a bench player) in order to bring Murton back up.

They don't have to "convince" Floyd to be a bench player, they need to TELL him that. Floyd doesn't make playing time decisions; Lou does.

[Tracer Bullet]

What needs to happen is give JJ to anyone that will take him, let Murton start every day and make Floyd a reserve (spot starting). Sending Murton down to AAA doesn't fix our problem b/c you still have to get rid of JJ and Floyd (or convince Floyd to be a bench player) in order to bring Murton back up.

They don't have to "convince" Floyd to be a bench player, they need to TELL him that. Floyd doesn't make playing time decisions; Lou does.

 

Well, Lou needs to start making better ones. For all his talk, the vets get a lot of playing time.

[Tracer Bullet]

Figure out the RF problem? What do you think they're going to do? They're going to play JJ until someone, anyone, takes him in a trade, and then they're going to play Floyd. That doesn't really solve the problem. Neither of them should be starting.

 

And by worse, I mean you take away a 25-year-old with the ability to put up a .365 OBP and .800 OPS and replace him with a has been and a terrible player. In the short term, it might be fine. But Murton, if given regular ABs and just put in LF (Soriano in RF is the obvious step here, at least give it a try) could easily have improved. He's 25 frickin years old. Was last year a fluke? Maybe. But that's the kind of year that most teams would love to have from a guy that's basically a rookie and it's the kind of year that would earn you the right to lose your spot the next year.

 

So instead of letting Murton face ML hitters and see if he couldn't improve as he hits his peak, we beat down his confidence, shake him around, make him a platoon player, move him to RF so the fans can boo him whenever he misplays a ball, and then send him to triple A so that Jacque Jones and Cliff Floyd can get more ABs.

 

That's making a team worse.

 

The RF problem was created last year when for some stupid reason Hendry felt Jones was worth $5 million a year when the market was saying otherwise. I no longer hate Jones simply because he's just doing what many of us thought he'd do when Hendry decided he saw a superstar when the rest of us saw Jones as just mediocre. I would suck at the major league level but I'd sign a $15 million contract too if Hendry offered it to me. So I blame the managers and Hendry more for playing him than Jones for sucking which is what we knew he would do when signed.

 

Murton should be sent down since he seems to be pressing when at Wrigley, and it's not due to lack of playing time because his numbers should be more similar whether on the road or at home if it were due to lack of playing time. He is really not any better this year than last year and I think has regressed in some areas. Hopefully, he'll go to Des Moines and work on what he needs to work on and come back to help the Cubs.

 

Again - that doesn't solve the RF problem. If he goes back to AAA and tears it up for a few weeks, unless Jones is traded, we'll still have 4 corner OFs. Even if Jones is traded, we'll have 3 LFs. Sending Murton down doesn't solve anything. It's just the easiest way for Hendry to get rid of one of his several corner OFs.

[soccer10k]

Murton should have been getting PT over Jones a long time ago. Murton should be in LF and Soriano in RF a long time ago. And why bring up Rapada the LOOGY?

 

Yes, this.

 

I don't understand everyone saying "thankfully - finally he can go to AAA and get ABs." What? The guy earned the right to start over hacks like Floyd and Jones last year. He's 25 and just hitting his peak. He shouldn't have to go to AAA to get ABs. He should have been in LF from day 1, put him in the 2-hole, and go to work.

 

right but the cubs have proven that they won't do that, so the next best thing is for him to go down to iowa and actually play. In a perfect world, the Cubs would have competent management and this wouldn't be an issue, but given that Hendry/Piniella are morons, Murton to Iowa is the best-case scenario.

 

I completely agree. The options here don't (realistically) include Murton playing everyday at the ML level. Unfortunately, that just isn't happening. So it's better for Murton to play every day at the AAA level then it is for him to sit on the bench and occasionally play and occasionally pinch hit at the ML level.

[NCCubFan]

What needs to happen is give JJ to anyone that will take him, let Murton start every day and make Floyd a reserve (spot starting). Sending Murton down to AAA doesn't fix our problem b/c you still have to get rid of JJ and Floyd (or convince Floyd to be a bench player) in order to bring Murton back up.

They don't have to "convince" Floyd to be a bench player, they need to TELL him that. Floyd doesn't make playing time decisions; Lou does.

 

Well, Lou needs to start making better ones. For all his talk, the vets get a lot of playing time.

That I agree with. He needs to make decisions based on who will give the team the best chance of winning, not based on promises that may have been given to players. It needs to be understood that any such promises are based on the assumption that the players actually earn their continued playing time.

[fromthestretch]

gotta love it... cubs take a guy who put up a .365 OBP and an OPS over 800 in essentially his rookie year and make him a platoon player, tearing down his confidence. This Floyd signing was and will continue to be a complete disaster.

 

It's a wonder the Cubs haven't developed dozens of fantastic prospects using this method.

 

We have a good, young LF - let's acquire 2 LFs in the off season! Can never have too many LFs.

 

Well, it's a good thing they're not trying to turn EPatt into a left fielder.

 

 

Oh, wait...they are.

[soapy]

This blows.

 

I'm biased by my love for Murton, but I really loathe the way he's been used by Lou. It's really a shame. I understand that sending him down at this point may be the best for him, but it should never have come to this. They've basically eliminated the one guy from their team that can bring them a solid OBP (exactly what they need the most) at little cost. That's how you take a $100 million team into the fecal league standings.

 

Inexcusable. If Floyd's options vest, my head is going to explode. Just get rid of Jones already and go with a Murton/Floyd combo.

 

I was glad to see Murton's reaction in the press. Something along the lines of "Two months of sporadic at-bats does not define a player."

[YearofDaCubs]

This blows.

 

I'm biased by my love for Murton, but I really loathe the way he's been used by Lou. It's really a shame. I understand that sending him down at this point may be the best for him, but it should never have come to this. They've basically eliminated the one guy from their team that can bring them a solid OBP (exactly what they need the most) at little cost. That's how you take a $100 million team into the fecal league standings.

 

Inexcusable. If Floyd's options vest, my head is going to explode. Just get rid of Jones already and go with a Murton/Floyd combo.

 

I was glad to see Murton's reaction in the press. Something along the lines of "Two months of sporadic at-bats does not define a player."

Lou was saying the right things during spring training, and although he isn't Baker-bad with his love for veterans he's close to it. A good manager would not allow Jones or Izturis in the lineup, period. Both of them bring absolutely zero to this team.

[Soriano12]

Why not just DFA the JockStrap and bring up Rapada?

 

Morons.

[soapy]

This blows.

 

I'm biased by my love for Murton, but I really loathe the way he's been used by Lou. It's really a shame. I understand that sending him down at this point may be the best for him, but it should never have come to this. They've basically eliminated the one guy from their team that can bring them a solid OBP (exactly what they need the most) at little cost. That's how you take a $100 million team into the fecal league standings.

 

Inexcusable. If Floyd's options vest, my head is going to explode. Just get rid of Jones already and go with a Murton/Floyd combo.

 

I was glad to see Murton's reaction in the press. Something along the lines of "Two months of sporadic at-bats does not define a player."

Lou was saying the right things during spring training, and although he isn't Baker-bad with his love for veterans he's close to it. A good manager would not allow Jones or Izturis in the lineup, period. Both of them bring absolutely zero to this team.

 

Unfortunately, I get the impression this is more the norm for managers than the exception. Especially ex-players.

[jmajew]

This blows.

 

I'm biased by my love for Murton, but I really loathe the way he's been used by Lou. It's really a shame. I understand that sending him down at this point may be the best for him, but it should never have come to this. They've basically eliminated the one guy from their team that can bring them a solid OBP (exactly what they need the most) at little cost. That's how you take a $100 million team into the fecal league standings.

 

Inexcusable. If Floyd's options vest, my head is going to explode. Just get rid of Jones already and go with a Murton/Floyd combo.

 

I was glad to see Murton's reaction in the press. Something along the lines of "Two months of sporadic at-bats does not define a player."

Lou was saying the right things during spring training, and although he isn't Baker-bad with his love for veterans he's close to it. A good manager would not allow Jones or Izturis in the lineup, period. Both of them bring absolutely zero to this team.

 

Unfortunately, I get the impression this is more the norm for managers than the exception. Especially ex-players.

 

I think the problem isn't neccesarrily with Lou. I think it more has to do with Hendry's unwillingness just to cut these players. If Hendyr isn't going to cut them you have to play them in order for them to have any value on the trade market. Jones is the biggest problem right now because he is actually taking up playing time that Murton deserves.

 

Seeing as this is Izturis last year on his contract, I don't see the difference between not playing him more than once a week or cutting him. Will still cost the team the same amount of cash.

[killthegoat06]

Here you go, everyone who wanted Murton sent down. Problem is, our bench is now the best in the league (Hill, Izzy, Jones, Pagan) as well as being only 4 players.

 

If management can't trust Eyre, why is he wasting a roster spot??

[jersey cubs fan]

 

If management can't trust Eyre, why is he wasting a roster spot??

 

That is the big question. They can't go long with Eyre on the roster and a manager who is unwilling to throw him in anything resembling a close game.

[killthegoat06]

 

If management can't trust Eyre, why is he wasting a roster spot??

 

That is the big question. They can't go long with Eyre on the roster and a manager who is unwilling to throw him in anything resembling a close game.

Especially with 4 bench players (if jones and izzy can be counted as whole players).

[CubinNY]

Damn, I hate the Cubs

[NomarSammy]

See--that is ifunny, the quote kind of ticked me off. Seemed like he made excuses for his very average play. I think something along the lines of I have not played real well this year offensively or DEFENSIVELY and there is really no excuse for that but I am excited to go down there and get some at bats to get myself straighten out.

 

I have just been real disappointed in "everyone's golden boy" around here. I know I am in the minority--I hope it can go down and come back better like Pie did!

 

This blows.

 

I'm biased by my love for Murton, but I really loathe the way he's been used by Lou. It's really a shame. I understand that sending him down at this point may be the best for him, but it should never have come to this. They've basically eliminated the one guy from their team that can bring them a solid OBP (exactly what they need the most) at little cost. That's how you take a $100 million team into the fecal league standings.

 

Inexcusable. If Floyd's options vest, my head is going to explode. Just get rid of Jones already and go with a Murton/Floyd combo.

 

I was glad to see Murton's reaction in the press. Something along the lines of "Two months of sporadic at-bats does not define a player."

[CubinNY]

See--that is ifunny, the quote kind of ticked me off. Seemed like he made excuses for his very average play. I think something along the lines of I have not played real well this year offensively or DEFENSIVELY and there is really no excuse for that but I am excited to go down there and get some at bats to get myself straighten out.

 

I have just been real disappointed in "everyone's golden boy" around here. I know I am in the minority--I hope it can go down and come back better like Pie did!

 

This blows.

 

I'm biased by my love for Murton, but I really loathe the way he's been used by Lou. It's really a shame. I understand that sending him down at this point may be the best for him, but it should never have come to this. They've basically eliminated the one guy from their team that can bring them a solid OBP (exactly what they need the most) at little cost. That's how you take a $100 million team into the fecal league standings.

 

Inexcusable. If Floyd's options vest, my head is going to explode. Just get rid of Jones already and go with a Murton/Floyd combo.

 

I was glad to see Murton's reaction in the press. Something along the lines of "Two months of sporadic at-bats does not define a player."

 

An excuse is an explaination that has no validity. What Murton said was the truth.

[soapy]

See--that is ifunny, the quote kind of ticked me off. Seemed like he made excuses for his very average play. I think something along the lines of I have not played real well this year offensively or DEFENSIVELY and there is really no excuse for that but I am excited to go down there and get some at bats to get myself straighten out.

 

I have just been real disappointed in "everyone's golden boy" around here. I know I am in the minority--I hope it can go down and come back better like Pie did!

 

This blows.

 

I'm biased by my love for Murton, but I really loathe the way he's been used by Lou. It's really a shame. I understand that sending him down at this point may be the best for him, but it should never have come to this. They've basically eliminated the one guy from their team that can bring them a solid OBP (exactly what they need the most) at little cost. That's how you take a $100 million team into the fecal league standings.

 

Inexcusable. If Floyd's options vest, my head is going to explode. Just get rid of Jones already and go with a Murton/Floyd combo.

 

I was glad to see Murton's reaction in the press. Something along the lines of "Two months of sporadic at-bats does not define a player."

 

I didn't see it as an excuse at all. He basically said he knows he's better than he's played (and better than Lou thinks) and he's going to prove it. The Cubs have (IMO) basically ignored his very productive 2005 and 2006 and given him a demotion he doesn't deserve (after denying him the playing time he deserved and, possibly, contributing to his struggles). Would this happen to someone of Jones' status? Floyd's? Of course not. They're "proven" and will/would be given every oppurtunity to break out of a slump. Look no further than Jones for exhibit A. And Murton has been as good as Jones the last two seasons. Hell, believe it or not he's been better than Jones this year.

Edited June 14, 2007 by soapy

[JeffH]

It would be nice if Murton could figure out how to ELEVATE THE BALL!

[Amazing_Grace]

 

If management can't trust Eyre, why is he wasting a roster spot??

 

That is the big question. They can't go long with Eyre on the roster and a manager who is unwilling to throw him in anything resembling a close game.

 

Why don't they just option him to Iowa. He won't be picked up off waivers at his salary and I really doubt anybody is going to sign him to anything other than a ML minimum contract and put him on their AAA team till he stops playing horrible. He'd probably be foolish to refuse the assignment as he'd stand a real chance of being out of baseball for good. I wonder if Lou and Jim are feuding over this. I get the sense there's one or two guys Lou would like off the team and Jim isn't accomodating him.

[Tracer Bullet]

See--that is ifunny, the quote kind of ticked me off. Seemed like he made excuses for his very average play. I think something along the lines of I have not played real well this year offensively or DEFENSIVELY and there is really no excuse for that but I am excited to go down there and get some at bats to get myself straighten out.

 

I have just been real disappointed in "everyone's golden boy" around here. I know I am in the minority--I hope it can go down and come back better like Pie did!

 

This blows.

 

I'm biased by my love for Murton, but I really loathe the way he's been used by Lou. It's really a shame. I understand that sending him down at this point may be the best for him, but it should never have come to this. They've basically eliminated the one guy from their team that can bring them a solid OBP (exactly what they need the most) at little cost. That's how you take a $100 million team into the fecal league standings.

 

Inexcusable. If Floyd's options vest, my head is going to explode. Just get rid of Jones already and go with a Murton/Floyd combo.

 

I was glad to see Murton's reaction in the press. Something along the lines of "Two months of sporadic at-bats does not define a player."

 

You wanted him to say he was excited to go to AAA? Are you serious?

[Tracer Bullet]

Here's Murton's quote (from Bruce's article). And I like it.

 

“For me, it’s a chance to go out there and get consistent at-bats, to get back in the batter’s box and start to do some of the things I’m capable of doing,” said Murton, who hit .297 with 13 homers and a .365 OBP last year. “For me, 100 broken-up at-bats over two months will surely not define a player.”

 

One thing Murton and manager Lou Piniella appear to disagree on is Murton’s batting stance.

 

“For whatever reason, he changed his stance over the winter,” Piniella said. “I suggested to him that he go to what he did last year, and it was successful. It was just a suggestion.”

 

Murton countered: “It definitely did not have an effect. You can say what you want about mechanics, about hitting, about swinging. I’m always under the belief that no matter how good you are, you can always continue to get better. My swing has not changed. My approach has not changed. Any player that you look at through baseball, they make adjustments from day to day. Over the winter, I continued to work and continued to make adjustments.”

[USSoccer]

Here's Murton's quote (from Bruce's article). And I like it.

 

“For me, it’s a chance to go out there and get consistent at-bats, to get back in the batter’s box and start to do some of the things I’m capable of doing,” said Murton, who hit .297 with 13 homers and a .365 OBP last year. “For me, 100 broken-up at-bats over two months will surely not define a player.”

 

One thing Murton and manager Lou Piniella appear to disagree on is Murton’s batting stance.

 

“For whatever reason, he changed his stance over the winter,” Piniella said. “I suggested to him that he go to what he did last year, and it was successful. It was just a suggestion.”

 

Murton countered: “It definitely did not have an effect. You can say what you want about mechanics, about hitting, about swinging. I’m always under the belief that no matter how good you are, you can always continue to get better. My swing has not changed. My approach has not changed. Any player that you look at through baseball, they make adjustments from day to day. Over the winter, I continued to work and continued to make adjustments.”

 

I'm really beginning to believe that there is much more to the "half the team hates Lou" thing than is being reported.

 

Nothing is ever his fault. It's always "So and so needs to change his stance" or "get some players in here that can do ". I have not heard Lou say "You know, I screwed up putting Eyre in a 1 run game in the 8th", or "Maybe I shouldn't have Will Ohman face right handers".

[Tracer Bullet]

Here's Murton's quote (from Bruce's article). And I like it.

 

“For me, it’s a chance to go out there and get consistent at-bats, to get back in the batter’s box and start to do some of the things I’m capable of doing,” said Murton, who hit .297 with 13 homers and a .365 OBP last year. “For me, 100 broken-up at-bats over two months will surely not define a player.”

 

One thing Murton and manager Lou Piniella appear to disagree on is Murton’s batting stance.

 

“For whatever reason, he changed his stance over the winter,” Piniella said. “I suggested to him that he go to what he did last year, and it was successful. It was just a suggestion.”

 

Murton countered: “It definitely did not have an effect. You can say what you want about mechanics, about hitting, about swinging. I’m always under the belief that no matter how good you are, you can always continue to get better. My swing has not changed. My approach has not changed. Any player that you look at through baseball, they make adjustments from day to day. Over the winter, I continued to work and continued to make adjustments.”

 

I'm really beginning to believe that there is much more to the "half the team hates Lou" thing than is being reported.

 

One paper commented that Murton "bristled" at the idea that Lou thinks he changed his stance. Not sure if that shows displeasure with Lou, or the situation (or Hendry, for creating the situation). But it wouldn't surprise me if Murton wasn't Lou's biggest fan. Another paper had him quoted as saying "I definitely don't believe that 100 at-bats dictates what a player is capable of doing, especially after what they've done previously" - which sounds like frustration at getting no credit for what he did last year.

[cubfan1955]

The Fox broadcasters on a Saturday game a few weeks ago made mention of his wide open stance this year, sort of the way Bagwell hit so I do think he changed his stance. I don't remember his stance being that open last year. I wonder if that isn't some of the cause of his power outage this year.