04/28 Cubs (Dempster) @ D'Backs (Enright) 08:40 CT WGN

[Little Slide Rooter]

Cubs have the worst run differential in the NL and the second worst in the majors.

 

this team is going places.

 

the same place things go when I flush my toilet.

[UMFan83]

Hey guys, I missed the game tonight while watching the draft, how'd it go?

 

http://www.epicrageguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/epic-rage-guy.jpg

 

Only lost 4-2 after the 1st inning.

[CubmanPi]

I thought Dempster was supposed to start tonight instead of Coleman.

 

Oh wait...

I was at a friend's place watching the draft. When I changed the channel and saw 7-0 bot1 with Berg on the mound, I went through a pretty similar thought process. #-o

[Little Slide Rooter]

I never understand why people bring the idea of the Cubs selling early. They're not going to trade anyone major until near the deadline unless a great deal is dumped in their laps, and that's if they sell at all. This division is, for better or for worse, crappy enough that Cashner and Wells coming back and being decent that they could technically be competitive long enough that the front office refuses to "quit" by selling.

 

 

You are probably correct, but I really don't see a scenario where this team scores a ton of runs consistently. I do believe that their pitching will improve, and I sure hope they can correct the defencive lapses. That offence though, is going to have its struggles unless they add a big bat in the middle of the lineup.

 

Eh, Pena's not likely to stay this cold. Even as bad/unlucky as he was last year he still hit for plenty of power. Sure, there's a chance that he has some lingering issue from last year given that his last month was by far his worst, but hopefully he'll likely rebound. If he does then the Cubs have a decent heart of the order to work with between him, Aramis and Soto what guys like Baker, Barney, Castro and Fukudome have shown they can do to get on base. But then you have the issue of Quade, who seems to be convinced that none of those 3 can or should hit #3.

 

While Id prefer that the Cubs get it together and get in this thing, if we do fall out of it by June/July, we could really cash in with Ramirez, Fukudome, and Wood, as well as Pena if he can remember how to hit. We could maybe even get a fringe prospect or 2 for Grabow. Especially Ramirez, as there is a decent amount of contender who could use a 3rd baseman, and a potential shut down reliever like Woody is always in demand.

[Sammy Sofa]

I never understand why people bring the idea of the Cubs selling early. They're not going to trade anyone major until near the deadline unless a great deal is dumped in their laps, and that's if they sell at all. This division is, for better or for worse, crappy enough that Cashner and Wells coming back and being decent that they could technically be competitive long enough that the front office refuses to "quit" by selling.

 

 

You are probably correct, but I really don't see a scenario where this team scores a ton of runs consistently. I do believe that their pitching will improve, and I sure hope they can correct the defencive lapses. That offence though, is going to have its struggles unless they add a big bat in the middle of the lineup.

 

Eh, Pena's not likely to stay this cold. Even as bad/unlucky as he was last year he still hit for plenty of power. Sure, there's a chance that he has some lingering issue from last year given that his last month was by far his worst, but hopefully he'll likely rebound. If he does then the Cubs have a decent heart of the order to work with between him, Aramis and Soto what guys like Baker, Barney, Castro and Fukudome have shown they can do to get on base. But then you have the issue of Quade, who seems to be convinced that none of those 3 can or should hit #3.

 

While Id prefer that the Cubs get it together and get in this thing, if we do fall out of it by June/July, we could really cash in with Ramirez, Fukudome, and Wood, as well as Pena if he can remember how to hit. We could maybe even get a fringe prospect or 2 for Grabow. Especially Ramirez, as there is a decent amount of contender who could use a 3rd baseman, and a potential shut down reliever like Woody is always in demand.

 

I agree. My point is I think that the Cubs will rebound enough and the division is crappy enough that the front office won't sell. That's been their M.O., and I think with numbers down as much as they are in baseball they'll be afraid to project the image that they've thrown in the towel unless they're just hopelessly out of it really, really early. While I think guys like Fukudome and Pena would be moved if that was the case, I'd be surprised if a front office as historically timid as the Cubs moves a fan favorite like Wood even during a season that bad (especially with this latest signing seemingly being hinged on the idea of him retiring as a Cub, so you might as well stop fantasizing now), and I doubt (and actually kinda hope) they don't move Ramirez and and I think they'll exercise his option next year to back up whoever they go for as their big #3 signing.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I never understand why people bring the idea of the Cubs selling early. They're not going to trade anyone major until near the deadline unless a great deal is dumped in their laps, and that's if they sell at all. This division is, for better or for worse, crappy enough that Cashner and Wells coming back and being decent that they could technically be competitive long enough that the front office refuses to "quit" by selling.

 

 

You are probably correct, but I really don't see a scenario where this team scores a ton of runs consistently. I do believe that their pitching will improve, and I sure hope they can correct the defencive lapses. That offence though, is going to have its struggles unless they add a big bat in the middle of the lineup.

 

Eh, Pena's not likely to stay this cold. Even as bad/unlucky as he was last year he still hit for plenty of power. Sure, there's a chance that he has some lingering issue from last year given that his last month was by far his worst, but hopefully he'll likely rebound. If he does then the Cubs have a decent heart of the order to work with between him, Aramis and Soto what guys like Baker, Barney, Castro and Fukudome have shown they can do to get on base. But then you have the issue of Quade, who seems to be convinced that none of those 3 can or should hit #3.

 

While Id prefer that the Cubs get it together and get in this thing, if we do fall out of it by June/July, we could really cash in with Ramirez, Fukudome, and Wood, as well as Pena if he can remember how to hit. We could maybe even get a fringe prospect or 2 for Grabow. Especially Ramirez, as there is a decent amount of contender who could use a 3rd baseman, and a potential shut down reliever like Woody is always in demand.

 

I agree. My point is I think that the Cubs will rebound enough and the division is crappy enough that the front office won't sell. That's been their M.O., and I think with numbers down as much as they are in baseball they'll be afraid to project the image that they've thrown in the towel unless they're just hopelessly out of it really, really early. While I think guys like Fukudome and Pena would be moved if that was the case, I'd be surprised if a front office as historically timid as the Cubs moves a fan favorite like Wood even during a season that bad (especially with this latest signing seemingly being hinged on the idea of him retiring as a Cub, so you might as well stop fantasizing now), and I doubt (and actually kinda hope) they don't move Ramirez and and I think they'll exercise his option next year to back up whoever they go for as their big #3 signing.

 

I could see it, but the question is will he? Remember, its a mutual option, and hes going to be turning 33 in June, so if he has a good season, this could be his last chance to secure another 3-4 year deal. Then again, if we do sign Pujols and Fielder, depending on how much he really loves the Cubs, he could excersise it just to see if the Cubs can make it happen in '12. But if he does come back for another go, is the money coming off the books for Fukudome, Bradley/Silva, and Grabow going to be enough for Fielder or Pujols? Do we have players do for big raises next year like Soto, Garza, Wells etc?

[Sammy Sofa]

I could see it, but the question is will he? Remember, its a mutual option, and hes going to be turning 33 in June, so if he has a good season, this could be his last chance to secure another 3-4 year deal.

 

Where are you seeing that it's a mutual option? BR has these details:

 

2012 34 Chicago Cubs *$16,000,000 $16M Team Option, $2M Buyout Option becomes guaranteed if player wins one MVP from 2007-2011, places 2nd or 3rd in MVP twice from 2007-2011

 

Then again, if we do sign Pujols and Fielder, depending on how much he really loves the Cubs, he could excersise it just to see if the Cubs can make it happen in '12. But if he does come back for another go, is the money coming off the books for Fukudome, Bradley/Silva, and Grabow going to be enough for Fielder or Pujols?

 

Yes, they'll have enough money.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I could see it, but the question is will he? Remember, its a mutual option, and hes going to be turning 33 in June, so if he has a good season, this could be his last chance to secure another 3-4 year deal.

 

Where are you seeing that it's a mutual option? BR has these details:

 

2012 34 Chicago Cubs *$16,000,000 $16M Team Option, $2M Buyout Option becomes guaranteed if player wins one MVP from 2007-2011, places 2nd or 3rd in MVP twice from 2007-2011

 

Huh, I could have sworn it was a mutual. If we do have enough money of Aramis and one of Prince or Pujols, I would strongly recomend picking up the option, especially considering there really arent any decent 3B options in the FA market, and I cant see Josh Vitters being ready to take over, so the options would probably come down to Jeff Baker, Blake DeWitt, and Marquez Smith. Also, as of now, Colvin is pretty much playing Marlon Byrd off the potential trade block, so the 2012 opening day lineup could be

 

Castro SS

Brett Jackson CF

Pujols/Prince 1B

Aramis 3B

Soto C

Soriano LF

Byrd RF

Barney 2B

P.

 

I dont know about you, but I think I like it.

 

or perhaps

 

Brett

Barney

Prince/Pujols

Aramis

Castro

Soto

Soriano

Byrd

[Sammy Sofa]

Byrd being traded isn't hinged on Colvin panning out. They could (and I hope they do) opt to trade him if Jackson has a great 2011.

[CubColtPacer]

Byrd being traded isn't hinged on Colvin panning out. They could (and I hope they do) opt to trade him if Jackson has a great 2011.

 

Who's going to play RF in that scenario?

[Sammy Sofa]

Byrd being traded isn't hinged on Colvin panning out. They could (and I hope they do) opt to trade him if Jackson has a great 2011.

 

Who's going to play RF in that scenario?

 

The ghost of a really good RFer.

[Sammy Sofa]

Wow, I had no idea Byrd was only making $3 million next year.

[CubColtPacer]

Wow, I had no idea Byrd was only making $3 million next year.

 

He's not. He made 3 million last year. He makes 6.5 million next year.

 

If the Cubs want both Pujols and Ramirez, they'll probably have to trade Byrd and go with both Jackson and Colvin in the OF. That depends on how they would backload the contract for Pujols though.

[Sammy Sofa]

Wow, I had no idea Byrd was only making $3 million next year.

 

He's not. He made 3 million last year. He makes 6.5 million next year.

 

If the Cubs want both Pujols and Ramirez, they'll probably have to trade Byrd and go with both Jackson and Colvin in the OF. That depends on how they would backload the contract for Pujols though.

 

Aw, crap, I read that wrong. Should have known it was too good to be true.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Wow, I had no idea Byrd was only making $3 million next year.

 

He's not. He made 3 million last year. He makes 6.5 million next year.

 

If the Cubs want both Pujols and Ramirez, they'll probably have to trade Byrd and go with both Jackson and Colvin in the OF. That depends on how they would backload the contract for Pujols though.

 

Aw, crap, I read that wrong. Should have known it was too good to be true.

 

If we did go with Colvin, and Im not ready to give up on him, I would like to have a solid righty backup, even if it is Reed Johnson. Theres the Iowa slug monsters, or perhaps Rebel Ridling can leap frog those guys. Ridling also can play 1B, although I dont know how well, but if we sign Fielder or Pujols, that will be irrelavant.

[javy knows my name]

Wow, I had no idea Byrd was only making $3 million next year.

 

He's not. He made 3 million last year. He makes 6.5 million next year.

 

If the Cubs want both Pujols and Ramirez, they'll probably have to trade Byrd and go with both Jackson and Colvin in the OF. That depends on how they would backload the contract for Pujols though.

 

Aw, crap, I read that wrong. Should have known it was too good to be true.

 

If we did go with Colvin, and Im not ready to give up on him, I would like to have a solid righty backup, even if it is Reed Johnson. Theres the Iowa slug monsters, or perhaps Rebel Ridling can leap frog those guys. Ridling also can play 1B, although I dont know how well, but if we sign Fielder or Pujols, that will be irrelavant.

 

I though Ridling was only playing 1B. I was not aware he was getting time in the OF.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I though Ridling was only playing 1B. I was not aware he was getting time in the OF.

 

I think hes been getting time in the OF as well this year, not quite sure. Either way, I think we should start looking at him as a legit prospect, as he is seeing the same pitching as Jackson, Flaherty, and Vitters. Also, in a minor league thread, someone mentioned that hes "not a complete disaster in the OF." I just read the box scores, and dont always pay attention to the positions.

[erik316wttn]

Something is very wrong with Demp, I think. I'd DL him with "dead arm" or some other crap and see if you can get him right again.

[Sammy Sofa]

They can't really afford to DL him with Cashner and Wells still out. As bad as Demp has been, who are they going to plug in there that's really going to give the team that much of a shot to compete when he's scheduled to start? Doug Davis might suck less, but he's still likely to really suck. Is there any chance they'd bring up Jackson?

[SouthSideRyan]

Jackson should replace Russell for his next start.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Jackson should replace Russell for his next start.

 

Rumor has it, there a chance he will.

[erik316wttn]

They can't really afford to DL him with Cashner and Wells still out. As bad as Demp has been, who are they going to plug in there that's really going to give the team that much of a shot to compete when he's scheduled to start? Doug Davis might suck less, but he's still likely to really suck. Is there any chance they'd bring up Jackson?

 

Well I don't think anyone could be a hell of a lot worse for 3-4 starts.

[GvilleCub]

i say we unban gvillecub to unload on dempster for this performance.

 

I’m banned. Wow. I didn’t know. Someone forgot to send me the memo. Who’s slacking? :)

 

I haven’t posted about Dumpster because it isn’t necessary. Who needs to dump on Dumpster when he handles the task so well on his own?

 

Dumpster: You know him. You love him. (Blaster he ain’t though!). Corollary: You wanted him. You have him. Ouch.

 

Go Starlin! Work on that fielding! Wake me when Hendry and Dempster have been DFA. You may now return to your 2011 Chicago Cubs…

[Little Slide Rooter]

I just checked the box score to learn that 1 of the Cubs 2 runs was a Koyie Hill solo shot. Good to see he made his 1 home run of the year count. Since it was in the 7th, ill assume it was off the D Backs equivalent of Justin Berg.

[CubColtPacer]

I just checked the box score to learn that 1 of the Cubs 2 runs was a Koyie Hill solo shot. Good to see he made his 1 home run of the year count. Since it was in the 7th, ill assume it was off the D Backs equivalent of Justin Berg.

 

It was in the 3rd off Enright. The run in the 7th was a Reed Johnson sacrifice fly also off Enright.