CubinNY

Those splits are complete out of control. I wonder if any other player has divergent splits like that?

1

That is neither cute or funny and completely wrong.

That's the only pitch of the game I saw, when it was replayed on Sports Center. That was a devastating pitch. Too bad half the time it won't be called a strike for Zambrano due to his wildness. If it was called on Bonds, who has the strikezone of a midget at the plate, then Z will consistently get it called. I don't think so. Strike zone is a big issue for Zambrano. In a perfect world, I think he has quite a few less walks given strike zone tightness. But when a pitcher is wild to the tune of 4-5 walks per game, umpires generally don't give that guy the close call as often as someone with good command. Fewer walks and border calls go hand in hand. Maddux benefitted for years on an extended zone, which was built on a reputation of minimal walks. It's not uncommon for fans to constantly complain about their teams' pitchers getting squeezed, particularly in a loss. Perhaps it's just my perception, but the complaints about getting squeezed occur more frequently with Zambrano than any other Cubs pitcher. Unconscious movement and a reputation for lack of command will inflate the perception even more. So honestly, I am surprised he got he call, and am generally surprised he gets any close calls right now. I think that is a load of garbage. The umpires don't care who is at the plate or on the mound. I think they do their best to call a consistent strike zone, but they are human. The questteck numbers they have been keeping for the past couple of years bear that out.

It's just, you know. You're just funny, it's... funny, the way you tell the story and everything.

To me it is not a big deal one way or the other. He might help the pathetic bench though. But the guy is 39. I predict he won't help much.

He chose to go to Tampa. And he wasn't any better in Seattle than Dusty was in San Fran (and both men won because of the ability to pencil in all time greats every day - and neither reached the promised land despite all that talent). Everybody likes to talk about how smart it is to change the makeup of the team by changing the personality of the manager, but what proof do you have that it works? Philly was a moderately talented team that struggled under Francona, who was considered a soft excuse making players managers. So they brought in Bowa and still struggled. A lot of people just assume that ranting and raving and intensity will equal great success, I disagree. Larry Bowa brought alot of fire but not much people skill. He was why over the top. Lou Piniella isn't a raving loon. Nither is Davie Johnson. But do you think for one minute that Sammy Sosa would have considered leaving early if either those guy's were managing? I think we all know the answer. Dusty must go and be replaced by someone that holds his players accountable!! If you don't think Sammy was held accountable for his actions then I really don't know what to say.

How has it been proven? In the standings. What standings? When?

That's part of the reason they brought in Dusty after Don Baylor (& Bruce Kimm). They figured Dusty wouldn't have arguements with players via the media. Well, that's not the kind of reason I was talking about. In all sports, the philosophy of following coddling managers with disciplinarians has been proven to be a successful one. Data please. The Cubs don't need a disciplinarian, they need a guy who can fillout a lineup card, manage a pitching staff, and properly handle a 25 man roster.

Ron give the player of the game award to JJ. Well deserved. And he predicts two in a row.

Z seems to be back on track. he has to get the walks lowered though.

What amazes me is how many times this has to be shown to be true. And people still talk about manufacturing runs. If that is your manufacturing process you won't long stay in business.

Who is this Riot of which you mention. I know they have a Ryan Theriot to carry toothpicks and give rub downs.

I really hope not. I cannot see the game to judge his body language. If his mechanics are still good and he is not overthrowning I might leave him in. Z is strong like horse.

How many Cub fans use to leave after Sammy's last AB? It's just the way people behave.

I'll take A Alex. Why is Dusty pulling Jones???

Those beers have so many adjunct ingrediants (corn, rice, and cereal grains) they have to describe the taste with adjectives that don't apply becuase they have no real taste at all. It's just water that gets you loopy. Beer should ONLY have the following Water Barley malt hops (and lot's of em) Yeast Anything else is not really beer, in the strict defenition.

3 outs make an inning. It goes by thirds That's my point. If it goes by thirds it should be 5.3, 5.7, 6.0 5.1 means five innings and one out 5.2 = five ful and two outs there is on 5.3 because that equals 6

3 outs make an inning. It goes by thirds

I thought Cain was supposed to be a young stud? For those in the know, is he still held in high regard?

Repent now, sinners.

Maybe the brain fart in the outfield has fired him up. In any event, we are ALL HAPPY HE IS HITTING. just had to put that in there so everyone knows we are all truebluecubsfans.

Aramis is swinging much better lately. Captian Obvious says, "And the Cubs really need him to get hot, now more than ever."

If it were a Cub pitcher it would have brained him.

Regression to the mean. He has nowhere to go but up.