Bruce Levine reports: Eric Patterson will be recalled

[jjgman21]

Murton is the right handed version of Ben Grieve and Lou hated Grieve in Tampa. Not his style of ballplayer.

 

you have got to be kidding me, that's just about the worst comparison i have ever heard, unless you just want to talk about white outfielders.

 

why is this such a terrible comparison?

[Backtobanks]

Anyway, I'm not convinced that Murton is in Lou's doghouse. Lou has given him another chance just by recalling him (and sending out Jake Fox). I'm willing to bet that Matt will get an opportunity to play soon. He's going to have to take advantage of it because the limited number of remaining games, coupled with Lou's desire to play the hot hand, will be working against anyone not named Lee or Ramirez.

 

If Murt cant even get in the game after losing a starting OF and over a left handed 2nd baseman, then I think its safe to assume Murton isnt going to be seeing a lot of playing time.

 

I still don't understand playing and calling up infielders (Derosa & Patterson) to play the OF while regular outfielders (Murton & Pie) don't play or get called up. I guess we'll have to wait and see since most of what Lou has done this year has worked out pretty well.

[jaxxradio]

I never said Pie was in Lou's "doghouse" (geez, what are you people Jay Mariotti schooled?? lol).. he isn't being called up because he hasn't proven that he can hit at this level. I think the desision is a bad one because you need someone to play solid defense, especially at that position. Here is what my lineup would be if I were Lou:

 

Lee-1B

De Rosa-2B against RHP, Fontenot-2B against LHP

Theriot-SS

Ramirez-3B

Floyd-LF against righties, De Rosa-LF against LHP

Pie-CF

Murton-RF

Kendall-C

[98navigator]

Anyway, I'm not convinced that Murton is in Lou's doghouse. Lou has given him another chance just by recalling him (and sending out Jake Fox). I'm willing to bet that Matt will get an opportunity to play soon. He's going to have to take advantage of it because the limited number of remaining games, coupled with Lou's desire to play the hot hand, will be working against anyone not named Lee or Ramirez.

 

If Murt cant even get in the game after losing a starting OF and over a left handed 2nd baseman, then I think its safe to assume Murton isnt going to be seeing a lot of playing time.

 

Nothing is safe to say; I don't think Lou liked Matt's numbers against Glavine. You are letting your desire to see Murton play blind you from the reality that Lou has been forgiving with other players. Bottom line: Matt is going to have to earn playing time so when he gets into a game he will need to perform.

 

Again, this isn't about Murton it's about the team winning. If other players are able to outperform him he should sit. We may see DeRo taking a lot of the RF playing time and there's no way Murton deserves to play over DeRosa. Also, if a LH bat is needed in the lineup he's going to sit (unless he gets hot at the plate).

[98navigator]

I don't understand why anyone is surprised by this move. Lou is consistent with his managerial style. He is someone who doesn't tolerate failure and in Lou's mind..

 

A) Murton failed him when he droped two fly balls in April

B) Pie failed him because he couldn't hit good enough to stay in the show when given two chances this season

 

You GOTTA love a manager that doesn't give another chance to let someone "wrong a right" (note the sarcasm).

 

This isn't entirely true. Lou has given Cedeno a second chance and he's allowing Eyre and Jones the opportunity to play; one could argue that he was forced to do so by the contracts of the last two but that didn't stop him from burying JJ (and Cesar) for long stretches a few months ago.

 

On the subject of Pie, this team can't afford to allow him to hit .200. There are 52 games left in this season and Lou isn't a AAA manager. Overall, Lou has done a fine job this season and while I like Murton, I'm not going to lobby for him over any other player. I don't care who plays just as long as they are productive. It's not like Murton was hitting the cover off the ball at any point this season for the Cubs (and his defense was a problem--and it had very little to do with playing RF for the first time because he failed to make routine plays on balls that should have been in the glove).

 

Hell, we're talking about the same manager who thought Theriot wasn't a ML SS earlier in the year. Yet, he allowed Theriot to play enough to win the job fulltime.

 

When? The only players under Lou who have been given 2nd chances are proven veterans like Jones and Eyre.

 

What? Do you really think Cedeno would have been recalled if Lou didn't want him on the 25 man roster? He would have told Hendry "no way." I think being recalled after a failed attempt to stay here earlier in the year qualifies as a second chance. The Cubs could have kept Izturis to fill the bench role. Instead, they moved him and made room for their own guys.

 

I think you are confusing Lou with Dusty. Lou is going to play whomever will hit the ball without regard for tenure.

 

Him being recalled, and him given a 2nd chance are different. He is "here" but its not like hes been given a chance to play.

 

Its pretty obvious Lou likes Theriot because of his "grittyness" and "spark" You cant compare his situation to that of Murton, or Pie.

 

 

Cedeno is Theriot's backup! By definition, he's only going to get limited time. Again, if Lou didn't have confidence in Ronny he would have recommended that the Cubs keep Izturis for the bench (which, at the very least would be a Dusty move. Although, it's more likely that Theriot would have remained Izturis' backup under Dusty).

 

Cedeno can also play 2nd, and Fontenot keeps being put there even against lefties. Cedeno has not been given a 2nd chance by being recalled.

 

The only reason Fontenot has started against some lefties is because Lou likes to stick a LH bat in the lineup against them. Ronny is Riot's backup. He would be the third option at 2B behind DeRo and Fontenot... Lately, DeRo was getting the 2B starts but that may change with Sori out because he may need to play OF.

 

The last 2 games are the only ones recently against a lefty that Lou has stuck a LH bat in the lineup. He has consistently went with an all righty lineup vs leftys.

 

Look back further. I recall Fontenot starting against some tough LHPs last month. He has 44 ABs versus lefties.

[TruffleShuffle]

ohmigodohmigodohmigod

[E.J.]

ohmigodohmigodohmigod

 

I was waiting for you to chime in on this thread. :D

[Keener98]

I don't understand why anyone is surprised by this move. Lou is consistent with his managerial style. He is someone who doesn't tolerate failure and in Lou's mind..

 

A) Murton failed him when he droped two fly balls in April

B) Pie failed him because he couldn't hit good enough to stay in the show when given two chances this season

 

You GOTTA love a manager that doesn't give another chance to let someone "wrong a right" (note the sarcasm).

 

This isn't entirely true. Lou has given Cedeno a second chance and he's allowing Eyre and Jones the opportunity to play; one could argue that he was forced to do so by the contracts of the last two but that didn't stop him from burying JJ (and Cesar) for long stretches a few months ago.

 

On the subject of Pie, this team can't afford to allow him to hit .200. There are 52 games left in this season and Lou isn't a AAA manager. Overall, Lou has done a fine job this season and while I like Murton, I'm not going to lobby for him over any other player. I don't care who plays just as long as they are productive. It's not like Murton was hitting the cover off the ball at any point this season for the Cubs (and his defense was a problem--and it had very little to do with playing RF for the first time because he failed to make routine plays on balls that should have been in the glove).

 

Hell, we're talking about the same manager who thought Theriot wasn't a ML SS earlier in the year. Yet, he allowed Theriot to play enough to win the job fulltime.

 

When? The only players under Lou who have been given 2nd chances are proven veterans like Jones and Eyre.

 

What? Do you really think Cedeno would have been recalled if Lou didn't want him on the 25 man roster? He would have told Hendry "no way." I think being recalled after a failed attempt to stay here earlier in the year qualifies as a second chance. The Cubs could have kept Izturis to fill the bench role. Instead, they moved him and made room for their own guys.

 

I think you are confusing Lou with Dusty. Lou is going to play whomever will hit the ball without regard for tenure.

 

Him being recalled, and him given a 2nd chance are different. He is "here" but its not like hes been given a chance to play.

 

Its pretty obvious Lou likes Theriot because of his "grittyness" and "spark" You cant compare his situation to that of Murton, or Pie.

 

 

Cedeno is Theriot's backup! By definition, he's only going to get limited time. Again, if Lou didn't have confidence in Ronny he would have recommended that the Cubs keep Izturis for the bench (which, at the very least would be a Dusty move. Although, it's more likely that Theriot would have remained Izturis' backup under Dusty).

 

Cedeno can also play 2nd, and Fontenot keeps being put there even against lefties. Cedeno has not been given a 2nd chance by being recalled.

 

The only reason Fontenot has started against some lefties is because Lou likes to stick a LH bat in the lineup against them. Ronny is Riot's backup. He would be the third option at 2B behind DeRo and Fontenot... Lately, DeRo was getting the 2B starts but that may change with Sori out because he may need to play OF.

 

The last 2 games are the only ones recently against a lefty that Lou has stuck a LH bat in the lineup. He has consistently went with an all righty lineup vs leftys.

 

Look back further. I recall Fontenot starting against some tough LHPs last month. He has 44 ABs versus lefties.

 

Those starts came when Lee was suspended, or DeRo was out with his minor injurys.

[TheDude]

I don't understand why anyone is surprised by this move. Lou is consistent with his managerial style. He is someone who doesn't tolerate failure and in Lou's mind..

 

A) Murton failed him when he droped two fly balls in April

B) Pie failed him because he couldn't hit good enough to stay in the show when given two chances this season

 

You GOTTA love a manager that doesn't give another chance to let someone "wrong a right" (note the sarcasm).

Thank you for laugh. That's the most absurd thing I've read today.

[98navigator]

FWIW, Steve Stone seems to think that EPatt will play CF.

[inari]

FWIW, Steve Stone seems to think that EPatt will play CF.

 

Sigh. That's just not smart decision making.

[98navigator]

I don't understand why anyone is surprised by this move. Lou is consistent with his managerial style. He is someone who doesn't tolerate failure and in Lou's mind..

 

A) Murton failed him when he droped two fly balls in April

B) Pie failed him because he couldn't hit good enough to stay in the show when given two chances this season

 

You GOTTA love a manager that doesn't give another chance to let someone "wrong a right" (note the sarcasm).

 

This isn't entirely true. Lou has given Cedeno a second chance and he's allowing Eyre and Jones the opportunity to play; one could argue that he was forced to do so by the contracts of the last two but that didn't stop him from burying JJ (and Cesar) for long stretches a few months ago.

 

On the subject of Pie, this team can't afford to allow him to hit .200. There are 52 games left in this season and Lou isn't a AAA manager. Overall, Lou has done a fine job this season and while I like Murton, I'm not going to lobby for him over any other player. I don't care who plays just as long as they are productive. It's not like Murton was hitting the cover off the ball at any point this season for the Cubs (and his defense was a problem--and it had very little to do with playing RF for the first time because he failed to make routine plays on balls that should have been in the glove).

 

Hell, we're talking about the same manager who thought Theriot wasn't a ML SS earlier in the year. Yet, he allowed Theriot to play enough to win the job fulltime.

 

When? The only players under Lou who have been given 2nd chances are proven veterans like Jones and Eyre.

 

What? Do you really think Cedeno would have been recalled if Lou didn't want him on the 25 man roster? He would have told Hendry "no way." I think being recalled after a failed attempt to stay here earlier in the year qualifies as a second chance. The Cubs could have kept Izturis to fill the bench role. Instead, they moved him and made room for their own guys.

 

I think you are confusing Lou with Dusty. Lou is going to play whomever will hit the ball without regard for tenure.

 

Him being recalled, and him given a 2nd chance are different. He is "here" but its not like hes been given a chance to play.

 

Its pretty obvious Lou likes Theriot because of his "grittyness" and "spark" You cant compare his situation to that of Murton, or Pie.

 

 

Cedeno is Theriot's backup! By definition, he's only going to get limited time. Again, if Lou didn't have confidence in Ronny he would have recommended that the Cubs keep Izturis for the bench (which, at the very least would be a Dusty move. Although, it's more likely that Theriot would have remained Izturis' backup under Dusty).

 

Cedeno can also play 2nd, and Fontenot keeps being put there even against lefties. Cedeno has not been given a 2nd chance by being recalled.

 

The only reason Fontenot has started against some lefties is because Lou likes to stick a LH bat in the lineup against them. Ronny is Riot's backup. He would be the third option at 2B behind DeRo and Fontenot... Lately, DeRo was getting the 2B starts but that may change with Sori out because he may need to play OF.

 

The last 2 games are the only ones recently against a lefty that Lou has stuck a LH bat in the lineup. He has consistently went with an all righty lineup vs leftys.

 

Look back further. I recall Fontenot starting against some tough LHPs last month. He has 44 ABs versus lefties.

 

Those starts came when Lee was suspended, or DeRo was out with his minor injurys.

 

That doesn't really matter. I'm just saying he played because Lou wanted a lefty in the lineup. IIRC, he was the only LHB in a few of those starts.

[Keener98]

FWIW, Steve Stone seems to think that EPatt will play CF.

 

So that probably means he will play 2nd. So Im guessing EPatt in CF, with Floyd in right, and Jones in left, just another way to keep Murton from starting

[jaxxradio]

A second baseman playing centerfield?? I like E-Pat and I think he can do well in the majors, but not in the outfield. Anyone who thinks that a career 2B/IF who has played only a handful of minor league games in the outfield is suddenly going to provide the Cubs solid defense at a premium defensive position is out of their flippin' mind.

 

This is a bad decision. Pie needs to be up playing in center regardless of his lack of hitting. That outfield as it stands is a disaster waiting to happen defensively.

 

Dude, what I said might be absured to you.. but the Murton part is the absolute truth "dude"

[98navigator]

FWIW, Steve Stone seems to think that EPatt will play CF.

 

Sigh. That's just not smart decision making.

 

That's just his opinion. Besides, it might work well. He isn't the greatest 2B either... Lou is willing to sacrifice some defense if the player can hit so if EPatt hits he'll play somewhere.

[Jon]

Raisin, I swear when I leave this game.. I am going to write a book on some of the things that goes on behind the scenes in this game.

Let the publisher know you've got plenty of pre-orders.

 

I'm glad that Pie isn't the one being called up to sit. Obviously I'd rather have EPatt playing at Iowa than sitting on the bench in the majors, but this might be the lesser of two evils.

[Keener98]

FWIW, Steve Stone seems to think that EPatt will play CF.

 

Sigh. That's just not smart decision making.

 

That's just his opinion. Besides, it might work well. He isn't the greatest 2B either... Lou is willing to sacrifice some defense if the player can hit so if EPatt hits he'll play somewhere.

 

 

I fail to see where it makes sense to call up a 2nd basemen who hasnt seen major league pitching at all, and play him in CF, over your top prospect who may have made the adjustments needed and plays top notch D.

[Rob]

Raisin, I swear when I leave this game.. I am going to write a book on some of the things that goes on behind the scenes in this game.

Let the publisher know you've got plenty of pre-orders.

 

Yeah, really. I'd buy a copy of that book.

[oldcubsfan]

Murton is the right handed version of Ben Grieve and Lou hated Grieve in Tampa. Not his style of ballplayer.

 

My goodness, that's an awful comparison.

 

Why? they are the same type of player-passive, non run producing for a production position and mediocre defensively. You may like that type, but Lou doesn't. I'm not saying either opinion is right or wrong, but they are very similiar.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Murton is the right handed version of Ben Grieve and Lou hated Grieve in Tampa. Not his style of ballplayer.

 

My goodness, that's an awful comparison.

 

Why? they are the same type of player-passive, non run producing for a production position and mediocre defensively. You may like that type, but Lou doesn't. I'm not saying either opinion is right or wrong, but they are very similiar.

 

That's so vague it's not even worth making a comparison, even if you include the cliched terms used(what is passive?).

[Derwood]

maybe when Soriano comes back we can keep Patterson in CF and DeRosa in RF to have the "all second basemen outfield" ©

[98navigator]

FWIW, Steve Stone seems to think that EPatt will play CF.

 

Sigh. That's just not smart decision making.

 

That's just his opinion. Besides, it might work well. He isn't the greatest 2B either... Lou is willing to sacrifice some defense if the player can hit so if EPatt hits he'll play somewhere.

 

 

I fail to see where it makes sense to call up a 2nd basemen who hasnt seen major league pitching at all, and play him in CF, over your top prospect who may have made the adjustments needed and plays top notch D.

 

Obviously, they got a more favorable report about Patterson. Anyway, Stone doesn't know if he'll play CF it was his opinion.

[Derwood]

FWIW, Steve Stone seems to think that EPatt will play CF.

 

Sigh. That's just not smart decision making.

 

That's just his opinion. Besides, it might work well. He isn't the greatest 2B either... Lou is willing to sacrifice some defense if the player can hit so if EPatt hits he'll play somewhere.

 

 

I fail to see where it makes sense to call up a 2nd basemen who hasnt seen major league pitching at all, and play him in CF, over your top prospect who may have made the adjustments needed and plays top notch D.

 

Obviously, they got a more favorable report about Patterson. Anyway, Stone doesn't know if he'll play CF it was his opinion.

 

it doesn't make sense otherwise. Which 2B would you rather have in the OF: DeRosa or Patterson?

[98navigator]

FWIW, Steve Stone seems to think that EPatt will play CF.

 

Sigh. That's just not smart decision making.

 

That's just his opinion. Besides, it might work well. He isn't the greatest 2B either... Lou is willing to sacrifice some defense if the player can hit so if EPatt hits he'll play somewhere.

 

 

I fail to see where it makes sense to call up a 2nd basemen who hasnt seen major league pitching at all, and play him in CF, over your top prospect who may have made the adjustments needed and plays top notch D.

 

Obviously, they got a more favorable report about Patterson. Anyway, Stone doesn't know if he'll play CF it was his opinion.

 

it doesn't make sense otherwise. Which 2B would you rather have in the OF: DeRosa or Patterson?

 

The difference is DeRo can play RF and they can choose to stick Patterson in LF or CF. Honestly, it was inevitable that EPatt be moved from 2B with the signing of DeRosa. There's nothing wrong with letting him play OF (even if it's just LF for a short period). EPatt is not a whiz at 2B and that is an important defensive position as well (and the reason why Sori was moved to the OF).

[jjgman21]

Murton is the right handed version of Ben Grieve and Lou hated Grieve in Tampa. Not his style of ballplayer.

 

My goodness, that's an awful comparison.

 

Why? they are the same type of player-passive, non run producing for a production position and mediocre defensively. You may like that type, but Lou doesn't. I'm not saying either opinion is right or wrong, but they are very similiar.

 

That's so vague it's not even worth making a comparison, even if you include the cliched terms used(what is passive?).

 

vague comparisons are better than no comparisons, which is what you have given. Grieve, after a similar amount of PAs as Murton currently has, had slightly better walk rate and slightly better power (albeit at a younger age). Murton has a little more speed and defensive ability. the comparison might not be exact, but their skill sets and short comings are very similar.

 

and even if they weren't, outright statements without explanation, argument or analysis like the two you have made in this discussion suck.