Just My Gut

[HoopsCubs]

Normally, I don't like to under-estimate or over-estimate any one game or any one series over another. Obviously, the one series left with Milwaukee is going to be big - August 28-30 at Wrigley.

 

But my gut tells me that the most important series is going to be the 4 games at Wrigley September 3-6 against the Dodgers. I think this series will decide who gets the inside track to the post-season.

 

Long way to go, lots can happen, but I have circled those 4 games as critical.

[Guest]

that sounds more like logic than a gut feeling. what will decide the cubs post-season is whether or not they can dominate the weak teams in their division. The west and east will beat each other up. also whether they can land another SP, lefty reliever, and/or power hitting corner outfielder.

[otis89]

that sounds more like logic than a gut feeling. what will decide the cubs post-season is whether or not they can dominate the weak teams in their division. The west and east will beat each other up. also whether they can land another SP, lefty reliever, and/or power hitting corner outfielder.

 

What do we need another SP for? Every single one has done his job.

[bukie]

I still can't believe the Cubs don't have any more road games against contenders, outside of Arizona.

[shnsajax]

that sounds more like logic than a gut feeling. what will decide the cubs post-season is whether or not they can dominate the weak teams in their division. The west and east will beat each other up. also whether they can land another SP, lefty reliever, and/or power hitting corner outfielder.

 

What do we need another SP for? Every single one has done his job.

 

Looking into a Playoff Rotation are you comfortable with anyone we have as our #3 starter. Zambrano is great, Lilly is solid, but after that I am little uncertain. Hill could easily run away with it with a solid August and September, but right now its anyone guess.

[dew1679666265]

that sounds more like logic than a gut feeling. what will decide the cubs post-season is whether or not they can dominate the weak teams in their division. The west and east will beat each other up. also whether they can land another SP, lefty reliever, and/or power hitting corner outfielder.

 

What do we need another SP for? Every single one has done his job.

 

Looking into a Playoff Rotation are you comfortable with anyone we have as our #3 starter. Zambrano is great, Lilly is solid, but after that I am little uncertain. Hill could easily run away with it with a solid August and September, but right now its anyone guess.

 

I wouldn't pay a lot for another reliever unless the Reds demand Marshall in the Griffey or Dunn trades. Otherwise I'm fine with a Z, Lilly, Hill for the top three and then if Hill shows any sign of struggling, you've got Marquis and Marshall available in the pen. I'd say any of those three would be dependable for three innings or so.

 

If we got a starter handed to us on a silver platter, though, I'd definitely be very interested. :D

[Guest]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

[Derwood]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

[weis21]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

[radarluv1]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

 

how many teams have their 5 starter locked up for 3 years/21 mil

[Derwood]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

 

how many teams have their 5 starter locked up for 3 years/21 mil

 

the Yankees? Red Sox?

[weis21]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

 

how many teams have their 5 starter locked up for 3 years/21 mil

 

it's sad to say but that will be the norm really soon for a fifth starter. Contracts are getting really out of control. e.g. Meche 11M per year

[jyoung55]

that sounds more like logic than a gut feeling. what will decide the cubs post-season is whether or not they can dominate the weak teams in their division. The west and east will beat each other up. also whether they can land another SP, lefty reliever, and/or power hitting corner outfielder.

 

What do we need another SP for? Every single one has done his job.

 

Looking into a Playoff Rotation are you comfortable with anyone we have as our #3 starter. Zambrano is great, Lilly is solid, but after that I am little uncertain. Hill could easily run away with it with a solid August and September, but right now its anyone guess.

 

I wouldn't pay a lot for another reliever unless the Reds demand Marshall in the Griffey or Dunn trades. Otherwise I'm fine with a Z, Lilly, Hill for the top three and then if Hill shows any sign of struggling, you've got Marquis and Marshall available in the pen. I'd say any of those three would be dependable for three innings or so.

 

If we got a starter handed to us on a silver platter, though, I'd definitely be very interested. :D

 

Won't happen... doesn't look like any good ones are going to be available. Mike Maroth just might be one of the best SP's dealt this year.

 

What we have is better than what's going to be better.

[Derwood]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

 

how many teams have their 5 starter locked up for 3 years/21 mil

 

it's sad to say but that will be the norm really soon for a fifth starter. Contracts are getting really out of control. e.g. Meche 11M per year

 

a little much, yes, despite his career best 127 ERA+ so far

[CubsNSkers07]

If we went after another pitcher to you think Erik Bedard would come up at all. 8-4 with a 3.22 ERA probably 9-4 after tonight. Just got his no hitter broken up after 5 2/3 innings on a solo shot by mark ellis.

[Coach C]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

 

how many teams have their 5 starter locked up for 3 years/21 mil

 

it's sad to say but that will be the norm really soon for a fifth starter. Contracts are getting really out of control. e.g. Meche 11M per year

 

Problem is, Meche has earned his 11M for this year, without a doubt.

[Guest]

again, if you don't start the season so poorly, that's probably ok. the cubs need a better 5 starter at this point. especially in that 2-4 are not exactly dominant every time out.

[Derwood]

that sounds more like logic than a gut feeling. what will decide the cubs post-season is whether or not they can dominate the weak teams in their division. The west and east will beat each other up. also whether they can land another SP, lefty reliever, and/or power hitting corner outfielder.

 

What do we need another SP for? Every single one has done his job.

 

Looking into a Playoff Rotation are you comfortable with anyone we have as our #3 starter. Zambrano is great, Lilly is solid, but after that I am little uncertain. Hill could easily run away with it with a solid August and September, but right now its anyone guess.

 

I wouldn't pay a lot for another reliever unless the Reds demand Marshall in the Griffey or Dunn trades. Otherwise I'm fine with a Z, Lilly, Hill for the top three and then if Hill shows any sign of struggling, you've got Marquis and Marshall available in the pen. I'd say any of those three would be dependable for three innings or so.

 

If we got a starter handed to us on a silver platter, though, I'd definitely be very interested. :D

 

Won't happen... doesn't look like any good ones are going to be available. Mike Maroth just might be one of the best SP's dealt this year.

 

What we have is better than what's going to be better.

 

that would be the mike maroth who is 0-3, 8.17 ERA with a 57 ERA+ and 1.81 WHIP for St. Louis

[Derwood]

If we went after another pitcher to you think Erik Bedard would come up at all. 8-4 with a 3.22 ERA probably 9-4 after tonight. Just got his no hitter broken up after 5 2/3 innings on a solo shot by mark ellis.

 

angelos would ask for zambrano, pie and ramirez to start

[Guest]

If we went after another pitcher to you think Erik Bedard would come up at all. 8-4 with a 3.22 ERA probably 9-4 after tonight. Just got his no hitter broken up after 5 2/3 innings on a solo shot by mark ellis.

 

angelos would ask for zambrano, pie and ramirez to start

 

shutting down the A's is like, well, shutting down the diamondbacks with the wind howling in.

[weis21]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

 

how many teams have their 5 starter locked up for 3 years/21 mil

 

it's sad to say but that will be the norm really soon for a fifth starter. Contracts are getting really out of control. e.g. Meche 11M per year

 

Problem is, Meche has earned his 11M for this year, without a doubt.

 

Meche earned his 11M (v. 7M Marquis salary), but Marquis hasn't?

 

Meche: ERA: 3.69 WHIP: 1.32

Marquis: ERA: 3.92 WHIP: 1.27

 

I won't mention Wins and Losses because they aren't really relevant.

[dew1679666265]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

 

how many teams have their 5 starter locked up for 3 years/21 mil

 

Not sure about full contracts, but just this year here are some fifth pitchers being paid around the average of Marquis' contract:

 

Red Sox - Matt Clement, $9.5 million

Indians - Jake Westbrook, $6.1 million

Mariners - Jeff Weaver, $8.325 million

 

Oddly, ESPN has Marquis' salary this year at $4.75 million. Some of the fifth pitchers making around that much:

 

Yankees - Kei Igawa, $4 million

Cardinals - Kip Wells, $4 million

Red Sox - Tim Wakefield, $4 million (the reason I listed the Red Sox twice is because I'm not sure if Wakefield or Clement was the fifth starter - Clement is on the DL)

[dew1679666265]

that sounds more like logic than a gut feeling. what will decide the cubs post-season is whether or not they can dominate the weak teams in their division. The west and east will beat each other up. also whether they can land another SP, lefty reliever, and/or power hitting corner outfielder.

 

What do we need another SP for? Every single one has done his job.

 

Looking into a Playoff Rotation are you comfortable with anyone we have as our #3 starter. Zambrano is great, Lilly is solid, but after that I am little uncertain. Hill could easily run away with it with a solid August and September, but right now its anyone guess.

 

I wouldn't pay a lot for another reliever unless the Reds demand Marshall in the Griffey or Dunn trades. Otherwise I'm fine with a Z, Lilly, Hill for the top three and then if Hill shows any sign of struggling, you've got Marquis and Marshall available in the pen. I'd say any of those three would be dependable for three innings or so.

 

If we got a starter handed to us on a silver platter, though, I'd definitely be very interested. :D

 

Won't happen... doesn't look like any good ones are going to be available. Mike Maroth just might be one of the best SP's dealt this year.

 

What we have is better than what's going to be better.

 

Yeah, I haven't heard of any really good starters available. I'm happy enough with the starters we have right now. So long as the offense keeps performing like it's capable, the pitchers won't have to be dominant every time out. Hopefully they'll at least be able to pick up the offense in low scoring games though.

[weis21]

that sounds more like logic than a gut feeling. what will decide the cubs post-season is whether or not they can dominate the weak teams in their division. The west and east will beat each other up. also whether they can land another SP, lefty reliever, and/or power hitting corner outfielder.

 

What do we need another SP for? Every single one has done his job.

 

Looking into a Playoff Rotation are you comfortable with anyone we have as our #3 starter. Zambrano is great, Lilly is solid, but after that I am little uncertain. Hill could easily run away with it with a solid August and September, but right now its anyone guess.

 

I wouldn't pay a lot for another reliever unless the Reds demand Marshall in the Griffey or Dunn trades. Otherwise I'm fine with a Z, Lilly, Hill for the top three and then if Hill shows any sign of struggling, you've got Marquis and Marshall available in the pen. I'd say any of those three would be dependable for three innings or so.

 

If we got a starter handed to us on a silver platter, though, I'd definitely be very interested. :D

 

Won't happen... doesn't look like any good ones are going to be available. Mike Maroth just might be one of the best SP's dealt this year.

 

What we have is better than what's going to be better.

 

Yeah, I haven't heard of any really good starters available. I'm happy enough with the starters we have right now. So long as the offense keeps performing like it's capable, the pitchers won't have to be dominant every time out. Hopefully they'll at least be able to pick up the offense in low scoring games though.

 

Good starters available? scouts have been following contreras and trachsel around for the last two weeks. theres your market ladies and gentleman! I remember thinking steve trachsel was terrible when i was 15, ten years ago.

[Coach C]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493

 

This is not doing your job. If the Cubs hadn't dug themselves a hole, they might be able to afford a fifth starter that is good every fifth or sixth time out. As it is, they need to be dominant the rest of the way and Marquis is not good enough in my mind. Combine that with Marshall and I don't have a ton of confidence in this rotation top to bottom.

 

to be fair, his ERA is under 4.00 again after today, but yeah, he's not exactly a world champion 3rd starter

 

Well to be even more fair, he's never been asked to be a No. 3 starter. He's been a pretty good number 5 guy IMO. Some days he gets rocked, some days he's OK, some days like today he's really good. Take a look at most teams fifth starter, not too many have an ERA under 4. Again, I'm not betting anything on any of his starts, but for a fifth starter he's been pretty good.

 

how many teams have their 5 starter locked up for 3 years/21 mil

 

it's sad to say but that will be the norm really soon for a fifth starter. Contracts are getting really out of control. e.g. Meche 11M per year

 

Problem is, Meche has earned his 11M for this year, without a doubt.

 

Meche earned his 11M (v. 7M Marquis salary), but Marquis hasn't?

 

Meche: ERA: 3.69 WHIP: 1.32

Marquis: ERA: 3.92 WHIP: 1.27

 

I won't mention Wins and Losses because they aren't really relevant.

 

The thing is though, Royals fans don't really give a you know what about ERA's and WHIP as of this point. They are happy that they have a decent pitcher for a change, unlike the jokers that the Royals sent out last year.

 

And I wasn't even mentioning Wins and Losses, not becuase they aren't really relevant, but also that Meche couldn't even get any run support from the Royals offense, especially before July. Meche has had the third-worst run support in the American League. But let's break down that support (or lack thereof) another way. You've heard of quality starts, right? (That's the stat that measures how many times a pitcher gives his team a chance to win a game.)

 

Anyone who's actually watched the Royals knows Gil has performed as a $11 million man. And you gotta keep in mind that the Royals are a small-market team, and to get that kind of production from that money is pretty good.