BP dissects a Dusty ruined year

[genghiskhan]

I don't think Dusty Baker is that much of a manager. But I tend to agree with the poster upthread that the Cubs simply weren't that talented. Remember, in their moment of glory in 2003, the Cubs won only 88 games, and last year they won 89. And most people would probably agree that this Cubs team was not as good as the 2003-04 Cubs. The pitchers were brittle. The shortstop was brittle. Sosa and Alou weren't adequately replaced--and even with Sammy's rapid decline, his PRODUCTION from 2003-04 wasn't replaced. The Cubs were a badly flawed team who were pumped up in the preseason expectations game, partly by the natural optimism of a rabidly loyal fanbase and partly by a sports media that was still in love with the potential of Prior and Wood.

 

The Cubs aren't a playoff contender, and barring some major changes, they won't be next year either.

[hardcorecubfan]

How much of:

 

 

 

2) Patterson's struggles can be related to Dusty trying to turn him into something he's not

 

.

 

Please elaborate Tim? did they not want him to bunt and use his speed?

or drive the ball rather than lift it? didn't dusty and the staff encourage him not to take the pitches over his head? (ie: Shwon Dunston like)

 

Not being sarcastic just need clarification

 

I have always thought CP was over-rated, possibly could have done him good to go to college and mature mentally/socially first, get with a good college coach down here at TX or ASU

[Holy Cow]

How much of:

 

 

 

2) Patterson's struggles can be related to Dusty trying to turn him into something he's not

 

.

 

Please elaborate Tim? did they not want him to bunt and use his speed?

or drive the ball rather than lift it? didn't dusty and the staff encourage him not to take the pitches over his head? (ie: Shwon Dunston like)

 

Not being sarcastic just need clarification

 

I have always thought CP was over-rated, possibly could have done him good to go to college and mature mentally/socially first, get with a good college coach down here at TX or ASU

 

Dusty batted CPatt leadoff and in fact did the opposite of encouraging him to drive the ball. They tried to turn him into a slap hitter who puts the ball on the ground and runs. And I don't see any reason to believe his problems stem from immaturity - try bad pitch recognition and a lack of patience.

[YearofDaCubs]

Seriously, I cant blame Dusty for Patterson's struggles. The guy just doesnt get it. I hope he's gone.