"You really have to be thankful we have Neifi."

[thedaymen]

What's all this about Neifi's defense being great? I don't even think its above average. Sure, compared to Nomar he looks like The Wizard, but I certainly wouldn't compare him to any top defensive ss's in the league, and I'm not sure I would even think he's better then Cedeno would be.

 

Here's just the reality with this Cubs team: They are a terrible defensive team. Walker is bad. The left side of the infield is bad. Barrett is below average, and the outfield, well, it depends on what day of the weak it is, but at best, its average (Lawton, Patterson, Nitz).

 

Should the Cubs bring back Neifi? No. And that's not a shot at Dusty. Neifi has done better then we could expect him to based on his career norms. The problem most of us have with him is our manager has him confused with AROD. Since Dusty is the super-duper bestest manager ever and we have to keep him; I hope we don't bring back the players whom his delusions overhype in only his eyes.

 

That being said, I would be stunned if Neifi isn't brought back. Dusty and Hendry are bosom buddies it seems, and one doesn't break their buddy's play station or take away his favorite toys.

[abuck1220]

While mentioning Cedeno as the shortstop of the future (who knows when ?), he also continued to show the love for Neifi Perez:

 

Youth served? If Nomar Garciaparra goes on the disabled list, the Cubs likely will recall shortstop Ronny Cedeno from Class AAA Iowa.

 

That doesn’t mean Cedeno will get a lot of playing time, as Dusty Baker reaffirmed his allegiance to backup Neifi Perez.

 

“It depends on where we are,” Baker said. “It depends on where we are in this race here. He (Cedeno) is most likely the shortstop of the future. I got a pretty good idea what he can do. I like the young man.

 

“As of right now, it’s hard to take Neifi out the way he’s playing. You got to reward the guys who busted their butts for you. That’s how it is, man.”

 

That's not how it is. That's ridiculous.

 

I'm happy with Neifi's performance as a backup and if I were assured that he'd be a backup in 2006, I think he'd be a good player to have back. Unfortunately, he will play everyday on a Dusty Baker team where there is no marquee player. He will never backup Cedeno.

 

psst...dusty...the cubs are out of the wild card race.

 

i'm glad i checked this thread, or i may have gone my whole life w/o seeing neifi perez compared to jeff francoeur. :shock: