RynoRules

Just so Coach realizes the gravity of that, I will point out that the highest ops on the Cubs' active roster is Michael Barrett's .886, followed by Glendon Rusch, and Todd Walker respectively. But yeah. The Cubs don't need Dunn. He strikes out too much and sucks in the field right? Well no. Actually he is an average defender (OMG I know you've seen some errors but it is possible that in games you don't see that he plays well) and gets on base 40% of the time. In case you were wondering, the Cubs active leader is Todd Walker who gets on 37% of the time. I'd gladly give up your first born to have Adam Dunne on the Cubs.

Sensitivity isn't something commonly associated with pro athletes. Good for them.

Again, I completely disagree, but that's how it goes.

I assume that he didn't just say it in the paper. I assume that what he said "to the paper" was a paraphrase of what he told his team. If you think that there's zero chance of players taking something like that seriously, then why even have a manager? If your players respect you, I do believe they'll listen, and maybe even (gasp!) "try harder". It's a dangerous assumption to make. Many coaches berate players in private while not bashing them publicly. And besides, think about what the criticism is. It's not basketball or football where increased hustle makes an extraordinary difference. Increased concentration and commitment almost always make a difference. The Cubs concentration sucks, and has for years. That's why you see so many crappy outs on the basepaths and dumb plays in the field. The players are to blame, yes, but the majority of the blame goes to Dusty, IMO. EDIT: And how the heck do you know that increased hustle doesn't make a difference in baseball? That's nonsense. I don't buy that a coach ripping the team in platitudes is the difference between them losing a series and then going on a winning streak. And calling out a team in that nature is just as likely to make players press as it is to increase concentration and commitment. You can't hustle your way into hitting a line drive, or making a good throw to first. Again, I completely disagree. I think holding people accountable has an effect. It may not be as tangible as stats, but there is an effect. We've been down this road far too many times on this bd., but just b/c modern man hasn't figured out a way to measure something does not mean that it does not exist. I think you would admit that you and many others here tend to discard that which cannot be measured through stats. I disagree with that approach. Its provincial.

How about last year's WS champs? Guillen called those guys out about once a week (and still does). It doesn't mean that it works in every situation. However, I think it would be a good thing for this Cubs team in light of their problems, which include bonehead baserunning mistakes and the like.

In. Then again I have been in for about 26 years.

I assume that he didn't just say it in the paper. I assume that what he said "to the paper" was a paraphrase of what he told his team. If you think that there's zero chance of players taking something like that seriously, then why even have a manager? If your players respect you, I do believe they'll listen, and maybe even (gasp!) "try harder". It's a dangerous assumption to make. Many coaches berate players in private while not bashing them publicly. And besides, think about what the criticism is. It's not basketball or football where increased hustle makes an extraordinary difference. Increased concentration and commitment almost always make a difference. The Cubs concentration sucks, and has for years. That's why you see so many crappy outs on the basepaths and dumb plays in the field. The players are to blame, yes, but the majority of the blame goes to Dusty, IMO. EDIT: And how the heck do you know that increased hustle doesn't make a difference in baseball? That's nonsense.

That's a total oversimplification of the effect a guy like Leyland can have on a team. I know you don't believe in motivation and that holding people accountable has any effect, but I think you are wrong. In almost every professional environment - be it baseball or a law office - when people know that results are expected and b.s. not tolerated, a tangible change occurs. The Tigers, IMO, are no exception. I for one love what Leyland did.

Not a terrible idea, but largely dependent on who that other "prospect" is and whether Prior is healthy.

I don't have a big problem with either. Just wish Joe Girardi were available.

I saw him talking with Pierre, but I caught it apparantly toward the end of the conversation, maybe on a replay. It didn't look like a chewing out, from what I saw. May be I saw it as a chewing b/c Dusty never says anything to his guys in public (sans visits to the mound). I felt surprised that eh would let a convo be captured on camera so easily. I think that's why Comcast felt like they should show it. And maybe that's why Dusty decided to have the conversation front and center with nothing between them and the camera. That's interesting. If you are correct, it lends credence to the notion that his job is on the line - he feels as though he has to show management that he is attempting to control the situation. He's failing of course, but still. I'd love to see Dusty throw a Bruce Kimm or Lee Elia-like tirade in the dugout, replete with foul language and the chucking of several dangerous projectiles. Then again, I'd just settle for a Lou Brown-like tongue lashing: "Nice catch, Hayes. Don't ever *bleeping* do it again." Or "C'mon, Dorn, get in front of it! Don't give me that ole bull****!"

IIRC, he already expressed his confidence in Dusty this week (or late last). Anyone have the quote?

Words were exchanged, I'm guessing, regarding the airmail throw in the 1st that allowed Cameron to move to 2nd. I caught only the tail end, so I don't know for sure if he was "chewing". That makes sense. Thanks.

I saw him talking with Pierre, but I caught it apparantly toward the end of the conversation, maybe on a replay. It didn't look like a chewing out, from what I saw. May be I saw it as a chewing b/c Dusty never says anything to his guys in public (sans visits to the mound). I felt surprised that eh would let a convo be captured on camera so easily. I think that's why Comcast felt like they should show it.

I go to bed relatively early (between 9:30 and 10:00) at night because I get up early to workout, so I may have imagined the following: Did I see Dusty chewing Pierre after the first inning last night, or I am making that up?

I cannot believe we are even comparing Minaya with Schuerholz. Schuerholz is a HOFer. He is largely responsible for one of the greates runs in history, and has been succesful through at least three different economic climates in baseball without a large pocketbook. Minaya is an interesting guy and apparently a good GM, but lets allow him to win a few before we place him next to Schuerholz (or even Cashman).

That is incorrect. Levine and at least one other source indicated that the Cubs are waiting until the season ends to see where everything is. The original stories said he would get an extension in ST. That has changed.

Let's see: Walker Neifi Hairston Bynum The Riot Cedeno (if needed) Am I missing anyone? I'm glad we've got that base covered now. Barrett has future 2B written all over him.

I think so. Shouldn't the ball be the same in every park? A sort of equalizer?

I guess you can "replace" Hoops if it comes true. Has anyone seen or heard anything from Hoops since January?

Agree that Bynum is worthless, but would also note that Restovich has looked clueless when I have seen him up there.

Minaya should plan to move to a country without extradition if he even speaks of trading Wright.

Note: Bruce's post count going way up recently. Don't know if this is a good sign or not. :)

I'd trade Pie plus Hill and Aardsma for Cabrera. Come to think of it, I'd trade more than that.

How about re-signing Burnitz for 1 year instead of Jones for 3? I think there was a lot of talk about Austin Kearns being available before the season. burnitz wouldn't make us any better this year. You're right about that. But, his 1 year contract wouldn't be holding the Cubs back from being better a year from now. Jones for 3 years was just a horrible decision. That's so true that I can barely stand it. Three years!!!!!