CubinNY

Exactly. And distraction does not always translate to tangible results. And from what we know, more often then not it does not translate to anything. What we have is conventional wisdome based on a logical belief but nothing that supports that it is so. For a guy to even make it to the majors he would have to be able to handle such situations with some level of success. A good baserunner will lul the pitcher into to thinking he is not going almost making him more comfortable. It is much easier to steal with a normal stretch then a slide step.kl;j

It is physically impossible to demonstrate something does not exist. One can only demonstrate that something exists. Convential wisdom often gets people in trouble. So the earth's still flat? Different question. A theory can be proved or disproved by logical analysis of collected evidence, but non-existence of any particular thing can never be proved because for us mere mortals the collected evidence will always be incomplete, since it would require an encompassing knowledge of all things presently contained in the universe to state authoritatively that something does not exist. Non-ominiscient beings can never have more than a subset of the evidence required to prove non-existence. Different question? No, that was a non sequiter. No one can disprove the earth is flat. They can only prove that it is flat, and that is impossible. If it is impossible to prove it is flat the earth must be something else. It is fun to believe in ghosts, UFOs, and "intangibles" like the fast guy on the basepaths bugs the pitcher. But at some point most people grow up. Then again some people never do. LOL. What field teaches this idea? Science. I understand if you've never heard of it.

That was probably the worst final 12 minutes played by any team in Division I basketball this season, with the exception of the other 5 times Tech has done the exact same thing. 5 points in the last 12 minutes ? 7 ACC loses when leading at the half ? Brutal. You guys are having a tough year. Are you still happy with that coach from Siena? I am. It's tough to replace 88% of your offense and the top 6 players in minutes/game. No team in Division I has seen more minutes played by Freshman and Sophomores than Georgia Tech. I thought they'd be further along at this point with the level of talent on the roster, but I underestimated again, the importance of leadership at the point*. Look no further than the 9 losses by less than eight points this season --- 7 of those in ACC play. The reason Tech played for the Title two years ago was purely based on who handled the ball. This year, it's not happening. Tech is going to be a lot better next year adding two of the top players at their position, particularly Crittendon at the point. I think next year they will be a tournament caliber team without question. The following year they could be poised for the deep run. *see Wake Forest as well after Chris Paul's departure (2-10 in the ACC with basically everyone returning but Paul) You sure? I figure KU, UNC, and Memphis State give them a run for their $ in that stat. You're kidding....Memphis St is that young? Wow. They are know referred to as "the university of Memphis" as I was told repeatedly on my recent trip there. Calipari is a very good coach, but I wonder how long before the NCAA looks into things?

From the standpoint of a scientist, I would love to see this type of thing tried for at least 50 or so games. However, I cannot imagine any baseball team would ever do such a thing. When the Red Sox tried the closer by committee thing they half-way implemented James theory and they got results that I would typically expect with a half-way implementation. The next thing you know the neaderthals were bumping into one another in their proclimations that baseball isn't played on paper. In reality, a bad experiment is a bad experiment and the results support no such conclusions. I cannot see the "you got to have speed at the top of the order" Cubs hitting Pierre anywhere but 1st. In additon, I would expect at least a little complaining from the players unless the effects in terms of wins was immediate.

It is physically impossible to demonstrate something does not exist. One can only demonstrate that something exists. Convential wisdom often gets people in trouble. So the earth's still flat? Different question. A theory can be proved or disproved by logical analysis of collected evidence, but non-existence of any particular thing can never be proved because for us mere mortals the collected evidence will always be incomplete, since it would require an encompassing knowledge of all things presently contained in the universe to state authoritatively that something does not exist. Non-ominiscient beings can never have more than a subset of the evidence required to prove non-existence. Different question? No, that was a non sequiter. No one can disprove the earth is flat. They can only prove that it is flat, and that is impossible. If it is impossible to prove it is flat the earth must be something else. It is fun to believe in ghosts, UFOs, and "intangibles" like the fast guy on the basepaths bugs the pitcher. But at some point most people grow up. Then again some people never do.

It is physically impossible to demonstrate something does not exist. One can only demonstrate that something exists. Convential wisdom often gets people in trouble.

Thanks O_O! Isn't he a bit old for Daytona?

The war in Iraq has no parellel in American history. Period. Viet Nam was a jungle war fought by and funded by comunists. World War II was a declared war fought all over the world However there are minor aspects that are common to both VN and wWII. Much like VN, Iraq is a vanity piece thought up by neo-fascists long before 9/11. The WTC was just a pretext. the war in viet nam was a thought piece based on the "domino effect" with the Gulf of Tonken as the pretext. Now Iraq is devolving into a civil war with similarities to VN but not remotely the same.

The PTBL in the VanBuren trade

He's a "mere 6 or 7 hitter" only because Dusty is likely to put him there (or lower). He could hit 2nd, and outproduce Pierre, or hit 7th and outproduce Pierre. Either way, he's better. And when you consider the Cubs at least have Pie in the minors who could be a decent CF to replace Pierre, while they have no corner OF depth, the whole "value" thing could go further in Murton's direction. I recall you preferring Murton as the 4th outfielder. Has Murton's stock went up in your opinion or do you just really dislike Pierre?? I won't answer for Goony, but Murton is a fourth outfielder for a team that has competent outfielders. He would be a 4th outfielder on the Mets for example. Pierre is a one trick pony. If his BABIP isn't high his speed will add little value becuase he doesn't walk. Aside from "proven closer" I have a hard time thinking of a more overvalued faux-position then leadoff man.

Actually, IIRC we were significantly better in close games last year than in 2004(when we had a better record). They were very good in those situations in 2003 too. Rob Neyer wrote an article for ESPN.com about Dusty's record and the 1 run game record being a terrible predictor stat from year to year. I replied to him in defense of Dusty and he sent me back a nice email.

No kidding. If it wasn't a civil war before the bombing of the golden mosque it surely is looking that way now. American soliders will be caught in the middle. Train those Iraqi troops and get out quick before anymore soliders have to die, that is my solution.

Not saying the guy's had an epiphany or anything, but it beats most of the things that come out of his mouth. Between that and him saying that Walk's the front runner for 2B, I don't mind what I'm hearing from him so far this spring. Dusty must have seen the light while fishing for striped bass or dropping one of his girlfriends. Or maybe it was the heat that got to him, oh he is immune to the heat, I forgot. In all seriousness, I don't think Dusty is stupid, he is just old school. With the right type of players he does well.

Ditto. We all appreciate what you are doing whether we agree with the policy or not. Stay safe.

Unfortunately, I agree. Walker is a deadman walking, no pun intended. What is worse, I envision him being traded for a minor league filler or washed up bench player "who knows how to play the game the right way" and is a "good clubhouse guy". retch!

No that is not how it "should be". What if Neifi is on a hot streak for three weeks in meaningless games in March and Walker or even worse, Cedeno struggle? There are ten years that support that Walker is the better player over either Neifi or Hairston. A few dozen at-bats in meaningless games in March don't make a difference. With very few exception Spring Training is not a time to win jobs.

The guy is growing on me. Also Aramis may skip the WBC. Woo whoo! http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-060221cubsbits,1,1267322.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/cubs.asp Great pop cultural reference Bruce! I just hope Demp can find the plate more often then not

In terms of the history of the game. Is he the best shortstop to ever play? Will moving to 3rd affect his status? Is he among the best of all time at any position?

My hope is that he isn't in a Cub uniform on April 1.

You forgot the part where he was hulked up on flaxseed oil those two seasons. Goodbye in advance, Barry, and thanks for not ruining the most hallowed of all baseball records. Thanks also for charging the mound on Prior when he dared throw somewhere near your 10 pounds of body armor. Hulked up on flax seed oil or not, the mere fact that he has hit so well and with so much power makes him the best player of our lifetime. he is up there with Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, and Mays on the Mount Rushmore of Baseball. One of the things that most people don't or won't understand is his bat speed. He has always had incredible bat speed. I've never see a guy wait as long as he does and still hit the ball with authority. People can say whatever the want about him, but he is the best pure hitter I've ever seen. Sometimes it is hard to seperate the person from the baseball player. Yeah it's hard. Hitler was a very effective leader, should he win any awards? Barry Bonds (the person) doesn't deserve any kind of reward. JMHO. Comparing Bonds to Hitler is awesome. Just awesome!

You forgot the part where he was hulked up on flaxseed oil those two seasons. Goodbye in advance, Barry, and thanks for not ruining the most hallowed of all baseball records. Thanks also for charging the mound on Prior when he dared throw somewhere near your 10 pounds of body armor. Hulked up on flax seed oil or not, the mere fact that he has hit so well and with so much power makes him the best player of our lifetime. he is up there with Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, and Mays on the Mount Rushmore of Baseball. One of the things that most people don't or won't understand is his bat speed. He has always had incredible bat speed. I've never see a guy wait as long as he does and still hit the ball with authority. People can say whatever the want about him, but he is the best pure hitter I've ever seen. Sometimes it is hard to seperate the person from the baseball player.

I have paid for the MLB.TV subscription for 2 years. For last year I got both the radio broadcast and TV broadcasts. Unless the radically upgrade the feeds I would not buy MLB.TV. The picture is choppy and unless you have a really powerfull computer it will freeze or go black and you will have to reload. In addition, sometimes you will get the other team's broadcasters and they can be brutal. I am talking to you Joe Buck and Al Hirbosky. I don't know what the service is like in Pakistan so if I were I would get the radio package. I have not had any trouble with it at all and you get to listen to Pat and Ron every game as an added bonus.

If this is a dreadful outfield, then what would you call last year's? Dreadfuler?

I have to get XM