Food for thought

[rawaction]

Marquis is a guy that I think could do well in the playoffs, if he sees a team just once. If his sinker is on, he can be good. Only the Phillies seem to be a tough lineup for him on the surface due to their best hitter all being able to swing from the leftside, thus low ball hitters. Plus, Marquis may have something to prove after being left off the Cards playoff roster last year.

 

Honestly, I don't have much faith in Hill at this point. He hasn't been very good in September. He hasn't been that great in the 2nd half either.

[Soul]

Marquis is a guy that I think could do well in the playoffs, if he sees a team just once. If his sinker is on, he can be good. Only the Phillies seem to be a tough lineup for him on the surface due to their best hitter all being able to swing from the leftside, thus low ball hitters. Plus, Marquis may have something to prove after being left off the Cards playoff roster last year.

 

Honestly, I don't have much faith in Hill at this point. He hasn't been very good in September. He hasn't been that great in the 2nd half either.

 

He's been down, yeah. Sucks to see it too. I was hoping he wouldn't fade.

[cheapseats]

 

Who starts in CF against a LHP?

 

Jones, who I would start vs. Lh'ers even with Monroe on the roster.

 

Why did we trade for Monroe again?

[Soul]

 

Who starts in CF against a LHP?

 

Jones, who I would start vs. Lh'ers even with Monroe on the roster.

 

Why did we trade for Monroe again?

 

So he could hit one homer that didn't factor into the final W/L in the first Marlins game.

 

Oh, and for the entertainment value of watching him fidget nervously in center field because he's being played out of position.

[fromthestretch]

Marquis is a guy that I think could do well in the playoffs, if he sees a team just once. If his sinker is on, he can be good. Only the Phillies seem to be a tough lineup for him on the surface due to their best hitter all being able to swing from the leftside, thus low ball hitters. Plus, Marquis may have something to prove after being left off the Cards playoff roster last year.

 

Honestly, I don't have much faith in Hill at this point. He hasn't been very good in September. He hasn't been that great in the 2nd half either.

 

Marquis

Sept.: 32.2 IP, 5.23 ERA, 1.44 WHIP

2nd Half: 85.2 IP, 5.36 ERA, 1.49 WHIP

 

Hill

Sept.: 27.2 IP, 6.18 ERA, 1.48 WHIP

2nd Half: 85.0 IP, 4.34 ERA, 1.32 WHIP

 

Hill's been much better in the 2nd half than Marquis but worse in Sept. I'd still take Hill over Marquis, but you have to wonder if the innings are catching up with him this season.

 

As you mentioned, the Phillies seem to be the toughest lineup. I'm not sure I'd want Marquis facing Howard or Utley...or Rollins for that matter.

[inari]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster. Edited September 28, 2007 by inari

[jersey cubs fan]

The upsetting part of this is that Marshall was basically handed the fifth starter slot and couldn't hold it down. "Decent" would have been good enough. Now Hendry had to go out and trade for Trachsel who is just about as bad as Marshall if not worse, and who won't even make the postseason roster. I was really pulling for Marshall during last offseason and most of this season but his struggles really screwed this team.

 

Marshall more than held his own as the 5th starter.

 

 

I actually don't mind Marquis in the playoffs. He's obviously capable of giving you a very good performance. He's capable of blowing up as well. But imagine the boost the team would get if they actually got one of his good starts. It's easy to see when Marquis doesn't have it, and in those games, Lou has to pull him quickly and go with Marshall/Hart.

 

Wood is needed in the pen, where his 4-5 innings during a series would probably be of more value than 4-5 innings in one start.

[jersey cubs fan]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster.

 

Lou loved his work in last year's postseason though. It all depends on whether Lou thinks he's seen enough. He keeps putting him out there which tells you Lou thinks Monroe is ready to help.

[Soul]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster.

 

Lou loved his work in last year's postseason though. It all depends on whether Lou thinks he's seen enough. He keeps putting him out there which tells you Lou thinks Monroe is ready to help.

 

In short, the grit is about to kick in.

[Guest]

My 25 man roster would be...

 

Soto

Kendall

 

Lee

Ward

 

Derosa

Fontenot

 

Theriot

Cedeno

 

Ramirez

 

Soriano

Jones

Floyd

Murton

Pie

 

Zambrano

Lilly

Hill

Marquis

 

Hart

Wuertz

Eyre

Wood

Howry

Marmol

Dempster

 

That's what I'd have.

[AlwaysaCub]

Why does Wuertz get a spot? He's 5th on the righty depth chart out of the pen, behind Marmol, Dempster, Wood, and Wuertz. I don't see the need for 5 righty relievers.

 

Also, consider that he has one pitch (slider), and it isn't even the best version of that pitch in our own bullpen (marmol).

[Transmogrified Tiger]

 

Honestly I think I would take Ohman over Hart. There might be a situation in the playoffs where we need a loogy. I think the only time Hart pitches would be garbage time. Just my gut feeling on that.

 

I also think Monroe is going instead of either Fontenot or Cedeno.

 

Well, that would be Lou's fault for using Hart incorrectly then. He's clearly shown he can be thrown into a close game. Ohman has shown the opposite. I too would love another LH pitcher, but you gotta take the best 25, and Ohman's not among them.

 

it's limited duty, but Hart's OPSA for lefties is 0.071

 

Lefties touched him up pretty good at Tennessee and Iowa this year.

[Warren Brusstar]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster.

 

Lou loved his work in last year's postseason though. It all depends on whether Lou thinks he's seen enough. He keeps putting him out there which tells you Lou thinks Monroe is ready to help.

 

In my view, he's still the best option in CF against a LHP. That says far more about the lack of any other credible option than it does about him, of course. I don't care how bad he's been in his limited sample with the Cubs; Jacque Jones should never, ever start against a LHP. Ever.

 

(And for those of you ready to interject Pie into the conversation:

 

v. LHP in the majors - .111/.158/.111

v. LHP at Iowa - .190/.250/.286

 

He's not a credible option either)

 

It's probably too late to consider DeRosa as the CF v. LHP, but I wouldn't mind that. Cedeno and Theriot could play 2B and SS.

Edited September 28, 2007 by Warren Brusstar

[UK1679666180]

Why does Wuertz get a spot? He's 5th on the righty depth chart out of the pen, behind Marmol, Dempster, Wood, and Wuertz. I don't see the need for 5 righty relievers.

 

Also, consider that he has one pitch (slider), and it isn't even the best version of that pitch in our own bullpen (marmol).

 

And use Ohman? Ohman doesn't have the stuff or control to be counted on. Wuertz has been more effective vs. LH'ers this year compared to Ohman.

 

If there was a better LH'ed option, I'd have no problem. I don't think it would be wise to switch Marshall's routine to reliever and expect him to do well especially in that situation.

[UK1679666180]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster.

 

Lou loved his work in last year's postseason though. It all depends on whether Lou thinks he's seen enough. He keeps putting him out there which tells you Lou thinks Monroe is ready to help.

 

In my view, he's still the best option in CF against a LHP. That says far more about the lack of any other credible option than it does about him, of course. I don't care how bad he's been in his limited sample with the Cubs; Jacque Jones should never, ever start against a LHP. Ever.

 

(And for those of you ready to interject Pie into the conversation:

 

v. LHP in the majors - .111/.158/.111

v. LHP at Iowa - .190/.250/.286

 

He's not a credible option either)

 

It's probably too late to consider DeRosa as the CF v. LHP, but I wouldn't mind that. Cedeno and Theriot could play 2B and SS.

 

Jones has changed his approach against LH'ers this year, it appears to be working too. He's more willing to hit the outside sliders from Lh'ers to LF and not be so pull happy.

 

His numbers have been good vs. them this year and Monroe has been bad all year and worse since coming to the Cubs.

Edited September 28, 2007 by UK

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster.

 

Lou loved his work in last year's postseason though. It all depends on whether Lou thinks he's seen enough. He keeps putting him out there which tells you Lou thinks Monroe is ready to help.

 

In my view, he's still the best option in CF against a LHP. That says far more about the lack of any other credible option than it does about him, of course. I don't care how bad he's been in his limited sample with the Cubs; Jacque Jones should never, ever start against a LHP. Ever.

 

(And for those of you ready to interject Pie into the conversation:

 

v. LHP in the majors - .111/.158/.111

v. LHP at Iowa - .190/.250/.286

 

He's not a credible option either)

 

It's probably too late to consider DeRosa as the CF v. LHP, but I wouldn't mind that. Cedeno and Theriot could play 2B and SS.

 

So who do you dump from the roster to get Monroe on there? Pie? Cedeno? Fontenot?

[Warren Brusstar]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster.

 

Lou loved his work in last year's postseason though. It all depends on whether Lou thinks he's seen enough. He keeps putting him out there which tells you Lou thinks Monroe is ready to help.

 

In my view, he's still the best option in CF against a LHP. That says far more about the lack of any other credible option than it does about him, of course. I don't care how bad he's been in his limited sample with the Cubs; Jacque Jones should never, ever start against a LHP. Ever.

 

(And for those of you ready to interject Pie into the conversation:

 

v. LHP in the majors - .111/.158/.111

v. LHP at Iowa - .190/.250/.286

 

He's not a credible option either)

 

It's probably too late to consider DeRosa as the CF v. LHP, but I wouldn't mind that. Cedeno and Theriot could play 2B and SS.

 

So who do you dump from the roster to get Monroe on there? Pie? Cedeno? Fontenot?

 

I'd go with 10 pitchers. There's absolutely no reason to have more than that with all of the days off in the postseason. But if Piniella were to insist that he have 11, I'd leave Fontenot off the roster. He's not a starter against LH or RH, he can only handle one position defensively (which Cedeno can also handle), and he's not our first left-handed bat off the bench. In short, there's nothing he contributes that can't fully be provided by other options. He's entirely superfluous.

[jersey cubs fan]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster.

 

Lou loved his work in last year's postseason though. It all depends on whether Lou thinks he's seen enough. He keeps putting him out there which tells you Lou thinks Monroe is ready to help.

 

In my view, he's still the best option in CF against a LHP. That says far more about the lack of any other credible option than it does about him, of course. I don't care how bad he's been in his limited sample with the Cubs; Jacque Jones should never, ever start against a LHP. Ever.

 

(And for those of you ready to interject Pie into the conversation:

 

v. LHP in the majors - .111/.158/.111

v. LHP at Iowa - .190/.250/.286

 

He's not a credible option either)

 

It's probably too late to consider DeRosa as the CF v. LHP, but I wouldn't mind that. Cedeno and Theriot could play 2B and SS.

 

Jones has changed his approach against LH'ers this year, it appears to be working too. He's more willing to hit the outside sliders from Lh'ers to LF and not be so pull happy.

 

His numbers have been good vs. them this year and Monroe has been bad all year and worse since coming to the Cubs.

 

I wouldn't go as far as saying the numbers are good, but they are better. I doubt Monroe is going to be any better.

[Warren Brusstar]

I disagree, I don't think Monroe has a spot on the playoff roster.

 

Lou loved his work in last year's postseason though. It all depends on whether Lou thinks he's seen enough. He keeps putting him out there which tells you Lou thinks Monroe is ready to help.

 

In my view, he's still the best option in CF against a LHP. That says far more about the lack of any other credible option than it does about him, of course. I don't care how bad he's been in his limited sample with the Cubs; Jacque Jones should never, ever start against a LHP. Ever.

 

(And for those of you ready to interject Pie into the conversation:

 

v. LHP in the majors - .111/.158/.111

v. LHP at Iowa - .190/.250/.286

 

He's not a credible option either)

 

It's probably too late to consider DeRosa as the CF v. LHP, but I wouldn't mind that. Cedeno and Theriot could play 2B and SS.

 

Jones has changed his approach against LH'ers this year, it appears to be working too. He's more willing to hit the outside sliders from Lh'ers to LF and not be so pull happy.

 

His numbers have been good vs. them this year and Monroe has been bad all year and worse since coming to the Cubs.

 

I wouldn't go as far as saying the numbers are good, but they are better. I doubt Monroe is going to be any better.

 

Monroe was very good against LHP before coming to the Cubs. He's been bad since coming over but I certainly have more faith in his ability to produce offensively against LHP than Jones.

[Soul]

I actually don't mind Marquis in the playoffs. He's obviously capable of giving you a very good performance. He's capable of blowing up as well. But imagine the boost the team would get if they actually got one of his good starts. It's easy to see when Marquis doesn't have it, and in those games, Lou has to pull him quickly and go with Marshall/Hart.

 

Really? I think it's a sure bet he'd implode. I agree though, it probably would happen to Hill too unfortunately.

 

As for pulling him for Marshall/Hart -- I think the question is when would that happen, before he gives up the 3 run homer or after? Because this week the change didn't come until it was too late.

[anabiono]

truthfully

 

say these cubs make it...if, if, if

 

something usually happens to pitchers in the playoffs

 

agree or not...our top 4 starters have been pretty solid all year long, everyone is going to have struggles...

 

if, if, if this team makes it and they HAVE THE DESIRE to achieve greatness

 

i have a very good feeling that everyone will contribute to the best of their ability and beyond

 

we don't know how they are going to play in the playoffs until they get there

 

if, if, if they get in...i have the utmost faith in Z, Lilly, Marquis, and Hill to get the job done and get it done is outstanding fashion

[CubmanPi]

... But if Piniella were to insist that he have 11, I'd leave Fontenot off the roster. He's not a starter against LH or RH, he can only handle one position defensively (which Cedeno can also handle), and he's not our first left-handed bat off the bench. In short, there's nothing he contributes that can't fully be provided by other options. He's entirely superfluous.

Agree 100%

[Soul]

... But if Piniella were to insist that he have 11, I'd leave Fontenot off the roster. He's not a starter against LH or RH, he can only handle one position defensively (which Cedeno can also handle), and he's not our first left-handed bat off the bench. In short, there's nothing he contributes that can't fully be provided by other options. He's entirely superfluous.

Agree 100%

 

That and he's stunk to high heaven in the 2nd half. He gives us nothing. Monroe provides more value, and some people don't want him around.

[anabiono]

... But if Piniella were to insist that he have 11, I'd leave Fontenot off the roster. He's not a starter against LH or RH, he can only handle one position defensively (which Cedeno can also handle), and he's not our first left-handed bat off the bench. In short, there's nothing he contributes that can't fully be provided by other options. He's entirely superfluous.

Agree 100%

 

That and he's stunk to high heaven in the 2nd half. He gives us nothing. Monroe provides more value, and some people don't want him around.

 

i like monroe and his big shiny diamonds