Bergy92

Hawpe's doesn't hit LHP very well, so Sosa would be a good choice to platoon in RF. Heck, I'd rather have Sosa platooning in RF with Jacque than see Jacque face Andy Pettite, Mark Mulder, and the good young lefties in Pittsburgh. that's not going to happen

What does that mean? I apologize if this was unclear....the point being that if our only hope of winning is to hit the home run, then it might be a long year (however it might be a long year nonetheless). I guess I am confused, and apparently disoriented in thinking this. This team (outside of Lee and Aram) is really a different path than the Cubs have tried to go in the past, at least it seems that way to me. Gone are the days of the big HR hitting LF & RF. Gone are the days of simply sitting back and not making things happen on the basepaths. And yes, the White Sox did hit more HR than the Cubs last year, sorry for that mistake - but only 6 more. The Cubs were still 7th in baseball. By the way, we were 20th in runs - that seems like sort of a discrepancy. We only scored when we hit HR's http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?statType=batting&group=9&seasonType=2&type=type1&sort=homeRuns&split=0&season=2005 The point is, if you think the Cubs are going to hit 194 HR this year, we are probably kidding ourselves. If that happens, then the opponents are hitting just as many, for that means the wind is really blowing out... Now, I know that I might be rambling now - but if the hopes of Pierre might help us, just note this stat. We were next to last in MLB (29th) in runs from our leadoff guy - The Marlins were 11th.

2003 Marlins: 15th in MLB with 333 OBP. Pierre had 65 steals, but he was also caught 20 times. They had 150 SBs as a team. 2005 Sox: They were 24th in baseball last year with a 322 OBP. Podsednik had 59 steals, caught 23 times. Aside from him, they really didn't have a whole lot of speed. I really wish that I had time to get into this now (at work and going into a meeting) - thanks for the stats. I do not agree though that speed is only calculated in stolen bases. Not even sure is there is another category. My entire point of saying what I said is that the Cubs in the past have relied on the home run. Now they are planning on relying on 'small ball' (for lack of a better term). And speed certainly does have influence in that - the manufacturing of runs. Something that the Cubs traditionally at least in the recent past have not been good at. That being said, I hope they are going to try and manufacture runs, because if we go into games hoping to hit the 3-run homer to win, we are in BIG TROUBLE...you must agree with that... :?:

That's a true statement. This team is different. Baker may even excel at managing a team like this. But another question is: do teams like this win? There aren't many examples that did. Marlins '03 - White Sox '05...just a couple that come to mind.

I don't think we'll have to worry about Dusty managing a team based on speed and getting on base unless he gets fired and goes somewhere else because this ain't one of those teams. oh, come on - I suppose that we can argue about getting on base, I will give that to you (although, Pierre will be better than Patterson), but speed for certain than last year. Cedano is faster than Nomar. Murton is faster than Hollandsworth/Dubois. JJ is faster than Burnitz. And Pierre is even faster than Patterson. So while we might argue over OBP, you cannot argue over speed. How do you use that speed the few times that we are on base.

you know what's interesting to me - is that this year's Cubs roster is completely different from any other team. We have always been the team that waited for the 3-run homer to help us win games. In games that we did not homer, we were horrible. But this year, we have a different approach. But here is the kicker for me - can Baker manage a team like this? I do not remember, but has he ever managed a team based on speed and getting on base and not based on power? I know everyone's personal feelings toward Baker here on NSBB, franckly, I feel the same way. The question is not do we think he can do it, but will he? Will he do more hit/runs? Will he encourage aggressiveness and walks? You see, it is one thing to arrange a team around a certain characteristic, but another to actually use it. The verdict is certainly out.... As the the Pierre comments - look no further than to DLEE in '05 as to the need for a true leadoff guy. I would be willing to bet that Lee will have more RBI's this year than last and not because he up's his hitting. But simply because people will hopefully be on base for him.

vance, I guess that ball has been devalued, huh?

yes, they will be in camp as I think that Hendry will find no takers for Walker. Either of them are light years in front of Neifi - I would love Walker in the 2 spot or further down. The one thing that I really like about JHJ is the fire - he reminds me of a kid playing out there with lots of energy. I forget when, but I remember him making a diving catch in center last year and then jumped up and pumped his fist. Stuff like that is contagious. He brings energy. Whether he starts at 2nd or not, I hope he gets lots of time to fill in - whether that is at 2nd or other positions...

And he should be......

let me be the first to say...welcome!

great post - and as you might think, I do agree. He got closer this year. I am afraid next year with some bigger names coming on the ballot that he will be a bit forgotten. But then hopefully keep getting closer. BTW - it did make me think - Big Mac comes on the ballot next year, how would he compare in those categories with Dawson? I know more HR & RBI's but what about the others? That would be interesing, I just do not have the time to look at it right now...

I do think that you are right, Hoops, as far as having Hairston in the lineup. As I have thought about it more - if Walker is gone, I would much rather have Hairston playing than Neifi. I think it makes you a better team. One main reason is that Neifi is much stronger coming off the bench than Jerry would be. I think that most people here would acknowledge Neifi is a good role player for us. He will be valuable if used rightly (I know, I know....).

I know that some of you have acknowledged this, but why is it that some people would not consider Murton in the 2nd spot? He has some speed, hustles, good plate discipline, and shown some signs of some pop. Plus, he seems to be able to put the ball in play - great for a little hit and run. The only thing I can think of is that there is hope that the signs of pop will grow and he might be more valuable down in the order. I know we only have a small sample to take from, but it seems he would be a great table setter with Pierre for Lee & Ramiriz. Just some thoughts. Pierre Murton Lee Ramiriz Walker Barrett Jones Cedano

that's funny....

I remember when MacPhail turned down a Patterson for Vlad, Vidro and Wilkerson deal many years ago. :wink: It's a good thing other teams overrate Cub prospects too or they wouldn't have Lee or Ramirez. Imagine how bad the Cubs would be if they didn't make those trades? What? There had to be more to that deal from the Cubs side of things, lots more. I just hope that five years from now we are not trying to trade Pie for a minor leaguer when we could get alot from him now... I was just kidding Bergy! I am curious on what MacPhail was offered for Patterson though. ok, my heart has now slowed down. Since I do not know what he was offered either, I was curious. Anyone know what we really were offered for him? What was that other thread going on about bad contract moves, I think in the baseball discussions forum. This might end up being one of the bad moves for the Cubs...

what do we know about the credibility of Rosenthal? It seems to me that he is always making these things up or something? Obviously he has a large outlet, which means he has been something in the past, but these large reports are simply confusing... :?:

I remember when MacPhail turned down a Patterson for Vlad, Vidro and Wilkerson deal many years ago. :wink: It's a good thing other teams overrate Cub prospects too or they wouldn't have Lee or Ramirez. Imagine how bad the Cubs would be if they didn't make those trades? What? There had to be more to that deal from the Cubs side of things, lots more. I just hope that five years from now we are not trying to trade Pie for a minor leaguer when we could get alot from him now...

how about asking this question... Is it too early to start saying 'next year is our year.?'

I would love to get the answer to all of these... geeez, when you write them out like that, it makes me even more depressed going into this season. All I can think is they are hoping for 'catching lightning in a bottle again' or something - for we have had no plan. Oh, I'm sorry, we do have Pierre (at great cost).

Draft pick by round 2000 - 1st - 7 overall 2001 - 2nd - 58 overall 2002 - 13th - 374 overall 2003 - 24th - 711 overall 2004 - 36th - 1089 overall I cannot find anything that says he signed. that is simply brutal. I would like to get that guy in a room for a little poker...

How do you strike out with just 2 pitches - I suppose if anyone can, ours could... 24) No freak injuries

Not sure if you guys have read the article yet or not... http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=rogers_phil&id=2274444 I certainly hope he gets in. I remember those days as a kid watching him on WGN and just knew that he could turn the wind around for a homer. What a fun player to watch and good role model. Anyways, here's hoping he gets in. btw, does anyone know how close he has been in the past?

even if we could "shoot the moon", how do you figure Soriano in the mix?

Maybe I should take suggestions from you, the guy who runs the site which currently looks like this? ... His site should mean nothing to you. Actually, what should mean something to you is that he criticized your grammar. Interesting though, he did use a fragment at the end of his critique. "Needs a lot of work" is not a sentence. So maybe he should double check his post before he criticizes someone for doing what he does. Therefore, take what you can from the other critiques, but ignore those who simply have nothing to say. :D First off, you must have me confused with someonelse, as I do not run a website. Secondly there is a big difference in critiquing ones grammar on a message board compared to a term paper that is going to be handed in to be graded. Like I said I wasn't trying to denigrate him it was more a critique of how little grammar is taught in school anymore. Critique the grammar in my posts if you would like, I have been out of school for close to 15 years and do not do a lot of writing in my field, I do not claim to be perfect nor do I proofread everyone of my posts. You asked for opinions/critique I gave it to you. Take it or leave it you don't have to try and personally attack me. general criticism without suggestions on how to correct problems wasnt solicited and really doesnt do anything except possibly falsely bolster the critics ego by tearing down others, just seems kinda mean spirited. Saber was looking for help with his ROUGH DRAFT, seeking outside proof readers is actually quite intelligent and industrious, i think the point is, if you have nothing constructive to add then why open your trap? maybe if you are so disgusted with the education system, you could start a thread in "rants." no need to bust on a kid who is actually putting forth the extra effort to see that his assignment is as good as he can make it before he turns it in. well put...

I do not know about you guys, but I am really tired of all this back and forth. JH should just simply leave it alone and not buy into the games the O's are playing. I am tired of logging on every morning to see what else is happening and who else is changing their minds. The deal is on the table. No, it was a rumor and never really offered. Wait, it is still there. Oh, come on. I am tired of caring too much.