The run to October: What do you want done in the 2nd half?

[David]

I'm trying to figure out a way to word this so I'm not accused of wishing for a Cubs player to fail, but... I have a feeling we would've been better off if Edmonds had simply remained at his level of suckage rather than shown this recent revival. It's been pointed out in another thread that a couple weeks (til the trading deadline) isn't enough time to force Hendry to make a move for CF if Edmonds were to start sucking again. I think his recent play is a mirage...I truly hope I am wrong. I just don't feel comfortable counting on him & RJ for the stretch run & playoffs. Yes, I do know the rest of the lineup is solid so it can probably w/stand CF being mediocre. I'd just like to minimize our exposure as much as possible. That's all I'm saying...

 

If that goes back to being a strict platoon when Soriano gets back, it should be fine. Edmonds may not OPS .900 against RHP all year, but he should be good for .750+, which is adequate enough. RJ is a fairly productive hitter against lefties.

 

I agree but what worries me is how well Sori will come back from his injury. If he's back and doing his thing what you wrote is fine but if he isn't, what the Cubs have now imo won't win it all. More production is needed out of left and DeRosa/Johnson/Ward don't do it for me.

 

 

The truth is, the chance of the best team going into the playoffs winning the World Series is only marginally better than the worst playoff team's chances.

 

I only bring this up because it is a huge pet peeve of mine when anyone plays the "they won't have enough to win it all" card. If you're in the playoffs, you have enough to win it all. It's not romantic, it's not what everyone wants to hear, but it's pretty much the truth.

[otis89]

I'm trying to figure out a way to word this so I'm not accused of wishing for a Cubs player to fail, but... I have a feeling we would've been better off if Edmonds had simply remained at his level of suckage rather than shown this recent revival. It's been pointed out in another thread that a couple weeks (til the trading deadline) isn't enough time to force Hendry to make a move for CF if Edmonds were to start sucking again. I think his recent play is a mirage...I truly hope I am wrong. I just don't feel comfortable counting on him & RJ for the stretch run & playoffs. Yes, I do know the rest of the lineup is solid so it can probably w/stand CF being mediocre. I'd just like to minimize our exposure as much as possible. That's all I'm saying...

 

If that goes back to being a strict platoon when Soriano gets back, it should be fine. Edmonds may not OPS .900 against RHP all year, but he should be good for .750+, which is adequate enough. RJ is a fairly productive hitter against lefties.

 

I agree but what worries me is how well Sori will come back from his injury. If he's back and doing his thing what you wrote is fine but if he isn't, what the Cubs have now imo won't win it all. More production is needed out of left and DeRosa/Johnson/Ward don't do it for me.

 

 

The truth is, the chance of the best team going into the playoffs winning the World Series is only marginally better than the worst playoff team's chances.

 

I only bring this up because it is a huge pet peeve of mine when anyone plays the "they won't have enough to win it all" card. If you're in the playoffs, you have enough to win it all. It's not romantic, it's not what everyone wants to hear, but it's pretty much the truth.

 

For proof, see: 2006 Cardinals.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'm trying to figure out a way to word this so I'm not accused of wishing for a Cubs player to fail, but... I have a feeling we would've been better off if Edmonds had simply remained at his level of suckage rather than shown this recent revival. It's been pointed out in another thread that a couple weeks (til the trading deadline) isn't enough time to force Hendry to make a move for CF if Edmonds were to start sucking again. I think his recent play is a mirage...I truly hope I am wrong. I just don't feel comfortable counting on him & RJ for the stretch run & playoffs. Yes, I do know the rest of the lineup is solid so it can probably w/stand CF being mediocre. I'd just like to minimize our exposure as much as possible. That's all I'm saying...

 

If that goes back to being a strict platoon when Soriano gets back, it should be fine. Edmonds may not OPS .900 against RHP all year, but he should be good for .750+, which is adequate enough. RJ is a fairly productive hitter against lefties.

 

I agree but what worries me is how well Sori will come back from his injury. If he's back and doing his thing what you wrote is fine but if he isn't, what the Cubs have now imo won't win it all. More production is needed out of left and DeRosa/Johnson/Ward don't do it for me.

 

 

The truth is, the chance of the best team going into the playoffs winning the World Series is only marginally better than the worst playoff team's chances.

 

I only bring this up because it is a huge pet peeve of mine when anyone plays the "they won't have enough to win it all" card. If you're in the playoffs, you have enough to win it all. It's not romantic, it's not what everyone wants to hear, but it's pretty much the truth.

 

No doubt the team playing the best during the playoffs wins at least 4 of 7 takes it but if Sori isn't at 100% I think it'll hurt there chances unless the pitchers are lights out.

 

Also, the best team record wise during the regular season may not be the best team due to trades or other transactions during the season.

[CyHawk_Cub]

I'm trying to figure out a way to word this so I'm not accused of wishing for a Cubs player to fail, but... I have a feeling we would've been better off if Edmonds had simply remained at his level of suckage rather than shown this recent revival. It's been pointed out in another thread that a couple weeks (til the trading deadline) isn't enough time to force Hendry to make a move for CF if Edmonds were to start sucking again. I think his recent play is a mirage...I truly hope I am wrong. I just don't feel comfortable counting on him & RJ for the stretch run & playoffs. Yes, I do know the rest of the lineup is solid so it can probably w/stand CF being mediocre. I'd just like to minimize our exposure as much as possible. That's all I'm saying...

 

If that goes back to being a strict platoon when Soriano gets back, it should be fine. Edmonds may not OPS .900 against RHP all year, but he should be good for .750+, which is adequate enough. RJ is a fairly productive hitter against lefties.

 

I agree but what worries me is how well Sori will come back from his injury. If he's back and doing his thing what you wrote is fine but if he isn't, what the Cubs have now imo won't win it all. More production is needed out of left and DeRosa/Johnson/Ward don't do it for me.

 

 

The truth is, the chance of the best team going into the playoffs winning the World Series is only marginally better than the worst playoff team's chances.

 

I only bring this up because it is a huge pet peeve of mine when anyone plays the "they won't have enough to win it all" card. If you're in the playoffs, you have enough to win it all. It's not romantic, it's not what everyone wants to hear, but it's pretty much the truth.

 

Of course you're right...that can't be refuted, I think. BUT, I'd rather the probability of success were enhanced by having better players if possible....

[BigSlick]

I'm trying to figure out a way to word this so I'm not accused of wishing for a Cubs player to fail, but... I have a feeling we would've been better off if Edmonds had simply remained at his level of suckage rather than shown this recent revival. It's been pointed out in another thread that a couple weeks (til the trading deadline) isn't enough time to force Hendry to make a move for CF if Edmonds were to start sucking again. I think his recent play is a mirage...I truly hope I am wrong. I just don't feel comfortable counting on him & RJ for the stretch run & playoffs. Yes, I do know the rest of the lineup is solid so it can probably w/stand CF being mediocre. I'd just like to minimize our exposure as much as possible. That's all I'm saying...

 

If that goes back to being a strict platoon when Soriano gets back, it should be fine. Edmonds may not OPS .900 against RHP all year, but he should be good for .750+, which is adequate enough. RJ is a fairly productive hitter against lefties.

 

I agree but what worries me is how well Sori will come back from his injury. If he's back and doing his thing what you wrote is fine but if he isn't, what the Cubs have now imo won't win it all. More production is needed out of left and DeRosa/Johnson/Ward don't do it for me.

 

 

The truth is, the chance of the best team going into the playoffs winning the World Series is only marginally better than the worst playoff team's chances.

 

I only bring this up because it is a huge pet peeve of mine when anyone plays the "they won't have enough to win it all" card. If you're in the playoffs, you have enough to win it all. It's not romantic, it's not what everyone wants to hear, but it's pretty much the truth.

 

There are a few things you can do to improve your chances...having a very strong top 3 starters, a very good back end of the bullpen (uh oh, was looking good at the beginning now...who knows), good defense ( :( )....

[Jehrico]

I'm trying to figure out a way to word this so I'm not accused of wishing for a Cubs player to fail, but... I have a feeling we would've been better off if Edmonds had simply remained at his level of suckage rather than shown this recent revival. It's been pointed out in another thread that a couple weeks (til the trading deadline) isn't enough time to force Hendry to make a move for CF if Edmonds were to start sucking again. I think his recent play is a mirage...I truly hope I am wrong. I just don't feel comfortable counting on him & RJ for the stretch run & playoffs. Yes, I do know the rest of the lineup is solid so it can probably w/stand CF being mediocre. I'd just like to minimize our exposure as much as possible. That's all I'm saying...

 

If that goes back to being a strict platoon when Soriano gets back, it should be fine. Edmonds may not OPS .900 against RHP all year, but he should be good for .750+, which is adequate enough. RJ is a fairly productive hitter against lefties.

 

I agree but what worries me is how well Sori will come back from his injury. If he's back and doing his thing what you wrote is fine but if he isn't, what the Cubs have now imo won't win it all. More production is needed out of left and DeRosa/Johnson/Ward don't do it for me.

 

 

The truth is, the chance of the best team going into the playoffs winning the World Series is only marginally better than the worst playoff team's chances.

 

I only bring this up because it is a huge pet peeve of mine when anyone plays the "they won't have enough to win it all" card. If you're in the playoffs, you have enough to win it all. It's not romantic, it's not what everyone wants to hear, but it's pretty much the truth.

 

For proof, see: 2006 Cardinals.

Inferior teams catching lighting in a bottle or hitting on all gears at the right time is something that you can't control. The only thing a GM can do is stack the deck as far in his favor as he possibly can then hope for the best.

[twothousandfive]

There are a few things you can do to improve your chances...having a very strong top 3 starters, a very good back end of the bullpen (uh oh, was looking good at the beginning now...who knows), good defense ( :( )...

 

For good defense, does that mean Soriano is DH at the AL ballpark? If it's a LH pitcher, Johnson would play CF, they need someone for LF, and late in the game Edmonds would come in to CF, Johnson would move to LF, Soriano doesn't have to be lifted.

 

Who is that RF to start the game? It can't be DeRosa -- is it Jason Dubois, who is mashing in Iowa?