snoodmonger

Robinson, Chlamers, and Rush are a prety solid three-headed monster. Chalmers in particular is a menace on both ends of the court. If there's one thing to say about this KU squad, they're never dull to watch. I've never seen a more bipolar team. Look great one -second, look completely inept five mnutes later. a 13 point lead with two-minutes left is still nerve-wracking. Still, I'm really starting to like them. And I'm looking forward to the rematches w/ KSU and MU. I've been telling some KU fans at work that this year kind of reminds me of Bill Self's first year at Illinois when he had a young team. They stunk for the first three and a half months of the season and finished last in the Big Ten, but won their last few regular season Big Ten games and as the bottom seed made it all the way to the Big Ten championship game only to get blown out by the eventual national champs Michigan State. I said all of that to say this, KU will be fine this year. I heard that Micah Downs left school because he missed his girlfriend back home. I know he wasn't getting a lot of playing time, but knowing Bill Self from Illinois I bet he wasn't doing anything in practice. That's really the only time you get in his dog house. I think you're right. Self repeatedly said, "We need Micah to play his way into the rotation." Apparently he didn't. Personally, I think Downs was upset about it. And for a person to give up that easily--after only one semester--doesn't say much about the kid's fortitude. There are lots of other rumors, though, so I'm not sure what to believe. Whatever it is, hopefully he'll get it all worked out at Gonzaga, because if he gets his head on straight, he could be a great player.

The Cubs pen had an ERA of 4.24 last year, tied for 9th in the NL. A 4.00 ERA would've put them alone in 8th last year, between San Fran's 3.98 and Pittsburgh's 4.06. Another interesting note. Aside from the two big pitcher's parks(Washington and SD), the bullpens with the best ERA's pitched the fewest innings. That's not suprising, considering when you have a lot of IP from your pen, it's usually because your starters stink, and middle relief isn't ever good. Which begs the question, if you want to improve bullpen performance, are you better off improving the amount of innings your starters are able to go(whether it's via new players, lack of injuries, new training methods or philosphical approaches) or getting new relievers(especially given the wild variation in relief performances)? I think it's all about starting pitching. You need to make sure you have a staff that is going to consistently go at least 6 IP. You have to avoid middle relief. Middle relievers are almost always the worst players on your team-they are almost all failed starters and innings eaters. If you have SP's who blow up, or aren't durable enough to go 6-7 IP, you have to use the middle relievers or overextend your setup men, which catches up to you by the summer. Given that relievers are so up and down, it seems to be the smart way to build a staff would be to get durable, low BB SP's with solid WHIP and K/9 numbers. Spend money on that, and you can go cheap in the bullpen and get away with it. You can hide your middle relief and save them for mopup type outings, and fully and most effectively use your setup guys and specialists in situations that most favor you, based on matchups, which will also boost bullpen performance. I agree. The best thing you can do for a pen is have starters that last 6+. If you have that, you can skate with a top-notch closer, a good set-up guy, and an effective LOOGY. (Like that Wetteland/Rivera tandem in 1996)

I expect Lee to hit above .300 this year again. Not much--.315-.320 at the most, but I'd be surprised if he dropped down to .298.

Robinson, Chlamers, and Rush are a prety solid three-headed monster. Chalmers in particular is a menace on both ends of the court. If there's one thing to say about this KU squad, they're never dull to watch. I've never seen a more bipolar team. Look great one -second, look completely inept five mnutes later. a 13 point lead with two-minutes left is still nerve-wracking. Still, I'm really starting to like them. And I'm looking forward to the rematches w/ KSU and MU.

Leaving at half was one of the best moves I ever made. I'm curious to see how long Alden will stay with Snyder. I'll say the same thing I said when Snyder was hired..... how many wannabe top tier programs hire a guy who has never been a head coach at any level? Any truth to the rumor that Snyder is dating Paige Laurie? I heard that before I left St. Louis. Well, KU hired Roy Williams w/ no head coaching exp, but your point stands. It probably makes sense to get a "proven" guy (Dusty alert) if you can. I have a very good source that says the Rick Majerus rumors weren't that far-fetched.

No, he writes for Maxim online. Even lamer. Our offseason did suck, though. I'm not as down on our offseason as most people. We did improve the bullpen, no doubt about it. If Baker is smart enough (big if, I know, I know...) to not start Neifi and he gives RonnyC his atbats, the IF will be improved, and (sadly enough), the OF will be better too (only because it was sooo bad to begin with). Defense all around should be improved. I like the flier on Wade Miller. He's like a second Kerry Wood. If we can have either one healthy at any given time (other than maybe the first month), we're in good shape with the rotation. The bench is the only area where I don't think we improved. However, I don't give Hendry high marks, even though we improved in most areas. He had sooo many pieces fall into place at the right time to have a really big offseason as far as resources and the roster goes, there's no excuse for failing to bring in at least one major impact player that would have upgraded the offense. He squandered his big opportunity to have the killer offseason that he could have had. Improved in most areas, but failed to live up to potential. I personally give him a C or a C+ for the offseason. I generally agree. the thing is, to be a real contender (not the kind that needs to catch all the breaks), we needed a B+ offseason, and that was eminently doable. But to me, the worst part of the offseason wasn't the guys we signed. It was the amounts/lengths of contracts we doled out. In particular, Rusch and Jones stand out w/ regards to absurd contract length. I can't remember the details of Neifi's contract other than it being offensive on a financial, emotional, and spiritual level. Finally, I think we overpaid in prspects for JPierre, especially considering the other, cheaper potential alternatives we could have gone after. So while we did improve some aspects of the team, we didn't do it in a particularly shrewd way, and we've signed on to some contracts that could prove to be burdensome in the future. Fortunately, our pitching and the regression of the Stros and Cards make this division winnable. Of course, I could just as easily see us slide down to 4th or 5th in the Central.

No, he writes for Maxim online. Even lamer. Our offseason did suck, though.

I hope Rose wasn't banking too hard on winning. :wink:: :lol: Touche. Yeah I guess you guys will have more money to spend now that you don't have to pay Micah's graduation present. :roll: Dude, no offense, but sometimes your hostility is very tiresome. Sorry, I was just joking. No worries. Besides, since when do we graduate our basketball players?

I hope Rose wasn't banking too hard on winning. :wink:: :lol: Touche. Yeah I guess you guys will have more money to spend now that you don't have to pay Micah's graduation present. :roll: Dude, no offense, but sometimes your hostility is very tiresome.

Finally, some rational thought.

I hope Rose wasn't banking too hard on winning. :wink:: :lol: Touche.

I just watched the game (i've been working a ton and had it taped). How can you call that a clean block? Moody got hammered. Not that it mattered. I can't believe we gave that game away. Self cost us that one. You tell your kids explicitly, "Don't shoot until ten seconds are left in the clock." But were just jacking it up. Unbelievable. We should be undefeated in conference. Instead we're 2-2 with losses to our two biggest rivals. We've got our work cut out for us if we want to make the tourney now. self's not a great in-game coach. he'll do something with those recruits, though, provided that they stay for a couple years. and moody DID get hammered. you'd think a 3-4 time academic all-american could develop some type of consistent and repeatable free-throw shooting form. it's not that hard. Ok try and follow me with this. If Self keeps all of those kids there with Collins, I think he might be able to win it all. That said I don't see it happening. I think Rush goes pro after this year. But if he doesn't, he comes back at the 3. That pretty much assures that Downs is gone. But, Collins is his 1. Robinson will be a junior and will have to play. In a lot of ways Chalmers is his best player. All three of those guys are gonna play. So if Rush stays I guess Wright becomes his 5, if he can beat out the three MCDAAs KU has in Giles, Kaun, and Jackson. What a mess. Why did Bill recruit all of those kids at the same position in the same year? I will never be able to figure that out. First--Kaun, DJ, and Giles weren't McD's. As for a rotation next year. I'm not sure what Rush will do. 2 weeks ago, I thought he was gone. Now, I'm not sure. He's been real hit or miss. So he might stay, and if he does, there will still be plenty of room for Downs. We could have a 9-man rotation as follows. 1. Robinson/Collins 2. Chalmers 3. Rush/Downs 4. Jackson/Wright 5. Kaun/Giles If Rush goes, which is still the more likely scenario, this would be the rotation, w/ Wright playing 3/4: 1. Robinson/Collins 2. Chalmers 3. Downs/Wright 4. Jackson/Wright 5. Kaun/Giles Case, Morningstar, and Stewart would probably fight for the last spot. Either way, I don't see any scenario where Wright plays the 5, and I think we also have to expect Collins to be eased into the game. As for why Self recruits so many players, that's simple. One, many of the players he recruits can play multiple positions. (Collins, Chalmers, Robinson can all play 1 and 2. Downs, Rush, and Wright are not locked into any one position.) Two, recruiting isn't an exact science. Sometimes a guy flames out or transfers or goes pro or sucks. If you put all your eggs in that basket, you're screwed if he flops. If you have multiple guys who can fill in, you've covered yourself and your team better. It's simple recruiting, and most of the premier programs do it. NOT ANY MORE!!! Downs just left KU. http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13700764.htm That is 7 in 2 and 1/2 years. I guess now Bill can go after Rose as he has another scholly open. I told ya three guys that good at one position in one class is just plain ignorant. I hope you guys weren't banking too hard on Rose. :wink:

I just watched the game (i've been working a ton and had it taped). How can you call that a clean block? Moody got hammered. Not that it mattered. I can't believe we gave that game away. Self cost us that one. You tell your kids explicitly, "Don't shoot until ten seconds are left in the clock." But were just jacking it up. Unbelievable. We should be undefeated in conference. Instead we're 2-2 with losses to our two biggest rivals. We've got our work cut out for us if we want to make the tourney now. self's not a great in-game coach. he'll do something with those recruits, though, provided that they stay for a couple years. and moody DID get hammered. you'd think a 3-4 time academic all-american could develop some type of consistent and repeatable free-throw shooting form. it's not that hard. Ok try and follow me with this. If Self keeps all of those kids there with Collins, I think he might be able to win it all. That said I don't see it happening. I think Rush goes pro after this year. But if he doesn't, he comes back at the 3. That pretty much assures that Downs is gone. But, Collins is his 1. Robinson will be a junior and will have to play. In a lot of ways Chalmers is his best player. All three of those guys are gonna play. So if Rush stays I guess Wright becomes his 5, if he can beat out the three MCDAAs KU has in Giles, Kaun, and Jackson. What a mess. Why did Bill recruit all of those kids at the same position in the same year? I will never be able to figure that out. First--Kaun, DJ, and Giles weren't McD's. As for a rotation next year. I'm not sure what Rush will do. 2 weeks ago, I thought he was gone. Now, I'm not sure. He's been real hit or miss. So he might stay, and if he does, there will still be plenty of room for Downs. We could have a 9-man rotation as follows. 1. Robinson/Collins 2. Chalmers 3. Rush/Downs 4. Jackson/Wright 5. Kaun/Giles If Rush goes, which is still the more likely scenario, this would be the rotation, w/ Wright playing 3/4: 1. Robinson/Collins 2. Chalmers 3. Downs/Wright 4. Jackson/Wright 5. Kaun/Giles Case, Morningstar, and Stewart would probably fight for the last spot. Either way, I don't see any scenario where Wright plays the 5, and I think we also have to expect Collins to be eased into the game. As for why Self recruits so many players, that's simple. One, many of the players he recruits can play multiple positions. (Collins, Chalmers, Robinson can all play 1 and 2. Downs, Rush, and Wright are not locked into any one position.) Two, recruiting isn't an exact science. Sometimes a guy flames out or transfers or goes pro or sucks. If you put all your eggs in that basket, you're screwed if he flops. If you have multiple guys who can fill in, you've covered yourself and your team better. It's simple recruiting, and most of the premier programs do it.

Remember when we had Grace and Dave Magadan at the corner positions? Talk about no pop. I thank Grace for his years of service, but I get irritated every time he opens his mouth. He's a terrible announcer, too. He tries so hard to be folksy.

I just watched the game (i've been working a ton and had it taped). How can you call that a clean block? Moody got hammered. Not that it mattered. I can't believe we gave that game away. Self cost us that one. You tell your kids explicitly, "Don't shoot until ten seconds are left in the clock." But were just jacking it up. Unbelievable. We should be undefeated in conference. Instead we're 2-2 with losses to our two biggest rivals. We've got our work cut out for us if we want to make the tourney now. self's not a great in-game coach. he'll do something with those recruits, though, provided that they stay for a couple years. and moody DID get hammered. you'd think a 3-4 time academic all-american could develop some type of consistent and repeatable free-throw shooting form. it's not that hard. Yeah, choke city. But really, we shouldn't have been in that position anyway. Kudos to Mizzou for never giving up and taking advantage, though. They were very poised.

I just watched the game (i've been working a ton and had it taped). How can you call that a clean block? Moody got hammered. Not that it mattered. I can't believe we gave that game away. Self cost us that one. You tell your kids explicitly, "Don't shoot until ten seconds are left in the clock." But were just jacking it up. Unbelievable. We should be undefeated in conference. Instead we're 2-2 with losses to our two biggest rivals. We've got our work cut out for us if we want to make the tourney now.

The Cubs aren't that lucky. There is a decided lack of magic baseball pixie dust on the North side lately, true. If by "lately" you mean roughly 100 years, then I agree.

That was a BAD call, but a GREAT DAY today when I get to see Mizzou lose and KSU beat the Chickens!!!!!!!!! Once every twelve years....

That's exactly what he said. Dusty said that Wood proved that he can pitch out of the Bullpen and if he HAD to work out of the bullpen, he could. It was a hypothetical, "what if" question. Baker never said Wood will come out of the pen. so this is another NSBB overreaction? Good to hear that though I will continue to expect the worst. Yeah, what exactly was said? Now I'm confused.

By default, I think Badgers are the clear favorite right now. They're 4-0 and have a favorable schedule. However - I think its still a bit too early to be discussing favorites. They still need to win big games on the road, and this upcoming OSU game will be telling. If Krabbenhoft, Landry & Stiemsma continue to develop over the Big Ten season, this young Badger team can be REALLY good. Nice handle, Sweeptheleg. Are you a NWstern student?

How disappointed are KU fans w/Self? I'm not really disappointed at all...yet. As young as this team is, I expect them to be off and on. The lack of upperclassmen talent is more Roy's fault than anything. He had a bad habit of recruiting every other year, and the result is no juinoir or seniors of impact whatsoever. It's kind of put Self behinf the 8-ball, IMO. As for last year, I think Self could have done a much better job of creating a more unified team, but I'll give the guy a pass for one early tourney exit. Lord knows ROy had his share with far more talented teams. Today's game made me wonder if Rush really is NBA ready, though. He was pretty ineffective.

KU just lost to K-State. If it were on the road, I wouldn't be that concerned, but it was a home game. Ugh.

What really freaks me out--after making Sammy and (to a lesser degree) Corey untradeable via smear campaigns, I'm concerned that's the Cubs organization's best attempt at driving up Walker's trade value.

Huff's statistical decline doesn't bother you at all, or do think last year was an anomaly? Or do you think his weaknesses would be less evident in a platoon role?

When you name your arena after a snotty rich chick who cheated in college, that's the name you get forever. We can reassign it, our students voted in the newspaper to make the new classroom building the Paige Laurie Morals & Ethics Center. Did we really? I didn't see that. Dammit. Not really, but I think in the poll it narrowly beat out some option involving the Hulk or something. Went way over my head I think that's the inscription on the University of Missouri seal. :wink: