Sammy Sofa

I'd flip Lilly and Z.

Big difference between SS and RF. Theriot's SS or 2B production is acceptable in a lineup that has big production elsewhere, and has some compensation production at another non-traditional offensive spot. Burnitz's hustle in RF didn't mask his production shortage. Why do people keep responding to my original point like Theriot has matched Burnitz's offensive output or projects to even come close to matching Burnitz's offensive output? Ryan has had his bright spots, but his career up until this point and his age is likely indicative of his offense being well below his high points. I can live with him as a backup utility guy, but to want him hitting any higher than 7th or 8th or on a regular basis simply because he's cheap and has been decent for short periods in a very small sample size strikes me as not being good for the team at all in the long run. And no, I'm not trying to argue that Burnitz was the right RFer for this team, but I think straight up comparing his output with the bat to Theriot's definitely weighs in Burnitz's favor.

I thought I heard that Maddux actually suggested that Marquis work with Larry.

Exactly. If Phil Rizzuto is HOF-material, I mean, come ON...

I'd imagine many of the Theriot-lovers were weeping for days when Burnitz was traded. Man, that guy hustled his heart out and he was mediocre as all get-out.

If we're talking about just to test Ronny in light of Riot's slump then I'm on the same boat. That's pretty optimistic to call it a "slump."

It's fitting that as the Dugout goes off into the sunset, Thome has one of his last blazes of glory. Like others here, I can't stand the Sox but Thome is and always has been a good guy. A genuinely great hitter, and this was a pretty amazing 500th home run. Very cool to win it with a walkoff and hit that milestone with the same HR.

The problem is, if you take this kind of argument to its logical extreme, you can pretty much make the following arguments: 1) You can't argue that A-Rod playing SS on this team would give this team any more wins than it has. 2) You can't argue that Neifi playing SS on this team would give this team any more losses than it has. In terms of probability, no, we can't say with absolute 100% certainty that Soto would have been given this team more wins than Hill/Bowen/Kendall/Blanco. There's always a possibility that Soto would perform as well as or worse than that quartet. However, given Soto's production in the majors and AAA, I think there's an incredibly good chance the Cubs' offensive production would have increased with Soto behind the dish as opposed to the four catchers mentioned above. With better offensive production, this team would have more wins. First of all, it's moot to toss out two extremes a la ARod or Neifi when talking about Soto. Secondly, talking about Soto's better offensive production as if it all by itself it would have ensure more wins is also a stretch. Look, you'll find few people that don't think he can't seriously help the Cubs from here on out...but arguing for his playing time based on past what if's ultimately proves nothing and is impossible to be used to justify playing him now.

I just wonder how much LR has helped these guys? I don't think it's fair to lump Lilly in with Marquis in terms of possible reversion. Sure, Theodore is having a stellar year above his norm, but over his career he has looked much, much, MUCH better than Marquis. Lilly also had the added burden of starting the AL East the last few years, a situation that's going tinflate the numbers of almost any starting pitcher.

Agreed. What, 14 guys starnded on the bases? That crap won't fly against better teams.

20 baserunners. 4 runs.

Well, at least they're not gonna strand any more runners this inning. Jerks.

Pull Marquis, please. The Cubs cannot score anything else today.

Typical Cobs.

Murton, you pansy. You won't do anything here. Just get out and go sit down. Double-reverse-quadruple-super-jinx.

Time for a Rama-lama-ding-dong.

Me likee DeRosa batting #2. No more Theriot there, please.

Brewers up 2-0 in the bottom of the 3rd.

Uh-oh, no more Mulder. Cubs's scoring is done for the day.

Oh, Cedeno, you lovable scamp.

GEOVANY SOTO.

Shoulda been Craig's 2nd double. No soup for you, HGH.

Now Cubs, remember...3 runs doesn't mean the game is over. Keep scoring.

Oh, sniz-ap! Delicious crow! Nicely done, Matty.

Uh-oh, guys on base. Murton is doomed.