soonercub

He bats right handed.

Nobody is guaranteed squat that is why you play the game.

I think one of the reasons Pie has had so much success at the minor league level is that they don't really pitch to scouting reports. And if they do, minor league pitchers miss location a lot more than major league pitchers. The book on Pie is work him in with fastballs to set up breaking pitches. He has a habit of diving into the ball. It seemed like when he did get a hit it was a broken bat bleeder over the 2nd basemans head or a flare over the 3rd basemans head. He hasn't master the ability to keep the hands inside the ball. If he does hit the inside pitch hard it is always foul. I hope they are working on the inside pitch with him. I sure hope there is a game plan.

Say no to Tejada! When the Mitchell report comes out I wouldn't doubt seeing his name in there. He is past is prime and more suited for 3rd base not shortstop.

That would be a huge step back!!! Come on Cuban, win that damn bid!!

Usually with teams that make the playoffs you have to have certain players have career years. I don't think anyone on the Cubs had a career year, buy I think a couple had below average years in some aspects. Soriano, Ramirez, Jones and Lee all had below their normal power numbers. Soriano had below his normal year in steals. Lilly had a better year in wins, but he is a weaker division then what he pitched against in the past. Look at Phili and Colorado, they were paced by Holiday and Rollins whom both had the best years of their career. They both might be able to reproduce it, but you never know. I really have no great explanation on how Arizona accomplished what it did. They could get scary good in the next couple of years! We will have to see what kinda pitching they can put together. The Brewers infield is great and should be good for a while, I doubt Hardy has a year like this again. Braun and Fielder are for real. They have question marks with the depth and health of their rotation and bullpen. Remember they traded some great arms in the Linebrink deal. Their outfield in not that great and their defense is terrible. The Cubs would compete for the Central again by not doing anything over the winter, but to progress in the playoffs they need a #2 starter and a run producer in right field.

I heard that Vitters was going to take batting practice with the Cubs before Friday's game. Does anyone have any video? Did anyone get to see this and how did he do?

How bout Pena for the PTBNL and that player is Pagan?

I definately would like to see Z move up in the order next time out!

Why such the love fest with Murton? He is a nice player, but nothing special. Hell DeRosa plays a lot better right field then Murton and I would rather have DeRosa at the plate with the game on the line than Murton! Unless there is a lefty on the mound I would rather have Fontenot at the plate as well. If a lefty was on the hill, I bet we would have seen Murton in right and DeRosa at second. Murton is only hitting 237 against right handers this year and Fontenot is hitting 346. For all the stat guys that is an easy call!

The Cubs need to improve their right handed hitting and Dye is a free agent at the end of the year. Cubs would not be adding any additional salary for new owners. It would not take a top prospect to pull the deal off. Not my first choice, but I doubt Junior will be available as he approaches 600 HR and I have to bet Hendry has to work within future financial parameters.

Jones, Bowen and some cash for LoDuca. A win-win for both teams.

I watched a couple of his spring training appearances and I was really impressed with the movement he was getting on the sinker. At this point he is more of a thrower than a pitcher and with his football mentality he could have a good future as a closer. Also, in the bullpen he only needs to develop 2 good pitches, especially if he can throw in the mid to upper 90's as reported. Overall, probably the best move for him and the organization. His numbers don't look good to date this year, but you don't know if they were making him throw his secondary pitches more to help with their development.

Big Z's defense attorney "Ladies and gentlemen for the last 31/2 season Mr. Zambrano has had to pitch to one Michael Barrett." The defense presents some footage of Mr. Barrett's defense. (Cue the Barrett blooper real) After, watching and eating their large bucket of popcorn and their large soda's the jury finds Mr. Zambrano innocent on the grounds of temporary insanity. The jury is escorted from the court house and are driven away in a van by a blonde driver wearing a Sox hat. He had an incredible resemblance to A.J.

Nice handler of the bat, keep the barrel above the hands!!

Maybe we passed the bad mojo virus to the Sox!!

Me likey this Pagan dude!!

That was strike freaking 3!!!

While no GM is perfect, I like most of the moves Jim has made to acquire talent. Building a bench is like catching lighting in a bottle. There are reasons that the players aren't starters to begin with. I can't put to much blame of 04 on Jim. He had the pieces in place after 03 and aquired Nomar and Matt in a nice deal. 2005 was injury filled. 2006 was the one I put on Jim, but at least he was proactive in preparing for 2007. So far Lilly has been real nice and he wanted Meche for the right money, but came up short and rebounded with what appears to be an improved Jason Marquis. I would have liked to see what kinda run we would have made at Beltran and Furcal if MacPhail wasn't over his head.